Burgundy Lionnois Forrest Bresse Beaujolois and Gex Monsieur Esaiah Bayly Pastor of the Church of Lion and Daniel de Piotay Pastor of the Church of Gex together with John de Jaucourt Lord of Villarnoul Elder of the Church of Avalon and Master Claudius Cotereau Elder of the Church of Dijon and Counsellor in the Parliament of Burgundy For the Province of Normandy Mr. John Gueroult Pastor of the Church of D'Indebeuf and John Boudrier Lord de la Buissonniere Pastor of the Church of Alencon and Samuel de L'Escherpiere Lord de la Riviere Pastor of the Church of Rouan together with Nicholas Le Febvre Elder of the Church of Caen with their Letters of Commission The Synod of the said Province and the Colloquies of the Higher Normandy were all censured for leaving the Nomination of their Deputies unto the Colloquy and for not sending an equal number of Pastors and Elders according to the Canons of our Discipline however the four fore-mentioned Deputies were admitted For the Province of Brittany Master Rene de Losse Lord de la Touche Pastor of the Church of Blain and Master Peter de la Place Pastor of the Church of Sion together with Lewes d'Avangour Lord of Bois de Cargrois Elder of the Church of Nantes and Elias de Goulaines Lord de Loudoniere Elder in the Church of Vielle Vigne There came also with Letters of Commission from the Countrey of Bearn Master Isaac Balldraind Pastor of the Church of l'Escar and principal of the Colledge of the same place craving admission and priviledge of Voting in this Assembly which was granted him But the said Churches were exhorted for the future to join an Elder in Commission with that Pastor whom they shall depute unto our National Synods Master James Capel called otherwise du Tilloy Pastor of the Church of Sedan and the Lord Peter de Bury Elder of the same presented themselves as Deputies from the Churches of the Sovereignty of Sedan in this Assembly but were not admitted as representing a particular Province because they were Members of the Colloquy of Champagne yet it was granted them to assist in this Assembly when as matters concerning Doctrine and Discipline in general were debated and that they might in their turn propound what did particularly concern their Churches and University Prayers being ended and the Assembly proceeding to the choice of their Moderator Assessor and Scribe there came into the Synod the Deputies of the Commonalty and City of Rochell demanding to be admitted and to give their Vote in that Election as constituting a Province together with the other Provinces of the Kingdom especially when as any Affairs not relating to the Doctrine or Discipline of the Churches but for our common preservation should be treated This caused a very great debate and at last it being judged that this Assembly was purely Ecclesiastical and it being utterly uncertain whether any matters of another nature might be handled in it it was finally determined that the Moderator Assessor and Scribe should not be chosen but by such persons as were purely Ecclesiastical However those Deputies were admitted into the Synod and had their priviledge of Voting in it according to the Decree at Chastelleraut in case other matters fell under consideration Monsieur Beraut was Elected Moderator and Monsieur Merlin Assessor and to Gather and Record the Acts of this Synod Monsieur Rivet and Roy. In the Letters of Deputation that Clause of Approbation and Submission unto the Decrees of the Synod in no wise to be left out In reading the Letters of Deputation it was observed that those of certain Provinces wanted that clause which promised Approbation and Submission unto the Decrees and Resolutions of the Synod Whereupon they were all admonished In no wise for the future to omit it as being very necessary for the ratifying the Decrees of these Assemblies and of this our Brethren of Bearn are particularly to be informed Whereas the Pastors and Elders of divers Churches not deputed unto this Synod were yet very importunate to be admitted to the seeing and hearing of all matters transacted in it This Assembly considering that their number did daily and excessively increase which might at last cause confusion and other evil consequences in case every one should be indifferently received it was resolved that entrance should not be granted to any other besides the Deputies unless when as the General matters of Doctrine and Discipline should be debated And this Order shall hold good for the future nor shall they be suffered to be present at these debates who have no business calling them unto these Synods unless they produce a Certificate of Leave had from their Churches together with the time limited for their tarrying No Appeals shall be consider'd till the 7th day after the meeting and sitting of the Synod For as much as divers persons at the opening of the Synods are very importunate and thereby disturb the Order of Affairs pressing impatiently the dispatch of their own particular concerns because of the Expences they are inforc'd to make by a long Attendance Notice shall be given to the Churches that for time coming no Appeals shall be medled withal till the seventh day after the sitting of the Synod that so the parties concerned in them may not be over-hasty and that they may have fit time for their Appearance The Answers of his Highness the Prince Elector Palatine return'd unto the Letters of the Synod of Gap by which he had been intreated to endeavour the Uniting of the Protestant Churches being read as also those others from the Ecclesiastical Senate of the Palatinate from the University of Heidelberg from the Provincial Synods of Holland and Zeland from the County of Hannaw and the Classis of Lauzanna Morges Iverdon from the Canton of Bearn and Church of Geneva This Assembly having found evident Testimonials in them of their sincere affection to the seeking and procuring the Common Good How the Lutherans may be re-united see the Synod of Vitré part mat 27. and of Gap Gen. matt 11. and in special an intire Approbation of the Confession of Faith owned and received in the Churches of this Kingdom doth render most hearty thanks unto God for vouchsafing us so great a benefit well-hoping that by their persisting in it the Lord will be pleased graciously to touch the Hearts of them who as yet dissent from us and disagree with us to imbrace it also And all persons are exhorted to be mighty Wrestlers with God in humble and ardent Prayers that it may be effected The Letters also of Monsieur Regnault Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux were read who was charged with those of the Synod of Gap when he went into Germany about his own private Affairs to be delivered unto those to whom they had been directed And because that such a Negotiation was not a little Incommodious to him and that upon his return he was summon'd personally and at his own charges
shall be written unto die Provincial Synod of the Isle of France that they summon these aforesaid Gentlemen before the Colloquy of Beauvoisin and remonstrate to them their Offences but to deal gently and sweetly with them And in case upon their appearance they should reject their Admonitions they shall be proceeded against as Rebels and Schismaticks according to the Canons of our Discipline Art XIII As to the business of Cozin's before-mentioned Monsieur de Saule shall be intreated by the Assembly to answer our English Brethren and to send them Cozin's Book and the Remarks which have been made upon it Art XIV Monsieu de Beze is ordered to answer in the Name of this Synod the Letters of our Brethren of Zurich and to acquaint them with our Synodical Decrees Art XV. The Province of Berry is charged to call the next National Synod two Years hence or before in case of necessity CHAP. VIII The Vagrants styling themselves Ministers but deposed 1. BEauguyot 2. Arbaud 3. John Garambois alias Baremboin 4. Denis Lambert 5. Simon Savin or Savineau calling himself Monsieur De la Marchâ— 6. Monsieur Peter Granade going also by other Names as Sacalay Mercure Salcadry or Secudry All these before-mentioned Articles were Decreed and Verified in the National Synod of the Deputies from all the Provinces of this Kingdom at Nismes May 8. 1572. Signed in the Original John de la Place Moderator THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE IX National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At St. Foy the Great in the Province of Perigord the 2d Day of February and ended the 14th day of the same Month in the Year of our Lord 1578. being the 4th Year of the Reign of Henry the Third King of France and of Poland THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Synodical Officers chosen The Duke of Bouillon sits in it representing the King of Navarre Chap. II. General Matters Care of the Religions Education of the Youth Of Catechising Publicly Pennance No Church-Officers who have Popish Wives Of Attestations Chap. III. An Act for a National Fast About Common-Prayers Ministers Expences to Synods and Colloquies Of God-mothers Chap. IV. Several Cases of Conscience as about Marrying the Aunt of a dead Wife and a very strange Case about Marriage Holding the Temporalities of Benefices Fashions and Habits Ministers way not together with their Ministery Practice Physick c. Chap. V. An Act for calling the next National Synod Canon about Beneficed Persons Chap. VI. A Commission given to several Divines to assist at a Treaty of Vnion between all the Reformed Churches in Europe Chap. VII The Prince of Conde brings the first Appeal unto the National Synods Chap. VIII Discipline exercised upon a scandalous Minister Ap. 5.8.9 Censure upon an ungrateful Church-Ap 10. Fregeville censured Chap. IX A Roll of Ministers provided for and disposed unto Vacant Churches Remarks upon Monsieur Merlin the Moderator THE Synod of St. Foy 1578 Synod IX SYNOD IX Of the Ninth National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at St. Foy the Great in Perigord on the 21st day of February and ended the 14th day of the same Month in the Year of our Lord 1578. being the 4th Year of the Reign of Henry the Third King of France and of Poland CHAP. I. Art I. AFter Prayers made by the Pastor of that Church Master Peter Merlin Minister of the Word of God and Pastor of the Church gathered in the House of the Right Honourable Guy Earl of Laval was by general Suffrages chosen Moderator and Mr. Francois Oyseau Minister of the Church of Nantes and Mr. William de la Jaille Minister of the Church of Saujon were chosen Scribes of the Synod Art II. There was present and voted in it the most Noble and Illustrious Lord Henry de la Tour afterward Duke of Bouillon and Mareschal of France Viscount of Turenne Earl of Montfort Baron of Mountague c. representing as Lieutenant-General His Majesty the King of Navarre in the Province of Guyenne Art III. There fate also in this Synod the Judges Magistrates and Consuls of the said City of St. Foy CHAP. II. General MATTERS I. NO Province shall claim any Primacy or Preheminence over another II. The Deputies of every Province are charged to adâ—ise and press their respective Provinces to look carefully to the Education of their Youth and to see to it that Schools of Learning be erected and Scholastick Exercises as Propositions and Declamations be performed that so their Youth may be trained up and prepared for the Service of God and of his Church in the holy Ministery III. Synods and Colloquies shall proceed against ungrateful Persons to their Ministers by all consures according to the 27th Article of our Discipline under the Title of Ministers IV. Colloquies and Synods shall use their best and utmost diligence that the Tenth Article in the Chapter of Ministers be most punctually observed concerning Forsakers of their Ministery who upon slight and trivial Grounds do abandon it and their Churches For the Widows and Orphans of Ministers see the Synod of Vertueil General Matters 22. V. The Provincial Synods shall keep a Memorial of the Widows and Children of deceased Ministers especially of those who died in their Churches Service that so they may be relieved and maintenance may be given them out of the common Stock of the Churches in their respective Provinces according as their necessities shall require VI. The Synod of Upper Languedoc shall ordain two or three of their Assembly and such as they esteem best fitting for that Service to answer the publick Writings of our Adversaries and in their Replies and Refutations they shall deport themselves according to the Canons of our Discipline in that case provided with all Gravity Piety Civility and Moderation Concerning publick and private Catechisings VII Churches shall be admonished more frequently to practice Catechisings and Ministers shall Catechise by short plain and familiar Questions and Answers accommodating themselves to the Weakness and Capacity of their People without Enlargements or handling of common Places And such Churches as have not used this Ordinance of Catechising are hereby exhorted to take it up Yea and all Ministers shall be obliged to Catechise their several Flocks at least once or twice a Year and shall exhort their Youth to submit themselves unto it conscientiously And as for their Method in preaching and handling the Scriptures the said Ministers shall be exhorted not to dwell long upon a Text but to expound and treat of as many in their Ministery as they can fleeing all Ostentation and long Digressions and heaping up of parallel Places and Quotations nor ought they to propound divers Sences and Expositions nor to alledge unless very rarely and prudently any passages of the Fathers nor shall they cite prophane Authors and Stories that so the Scriptures may be left in their full and sovereign Authority In publick Penance the
Earl of Laval and Vitré and M. Mathurin L' Hommeau Lord of Gravier Minister in the Church of Rennes and William le Moine Elder in the Church of Vitré For Orleans and Berry M. William Sauvage Minister of the Church of Mer upon the Loire and Christopher Elder of the Church at Chastelnaudun 6. For Anjou Tourain Le Main Vandomois Loudunois and the lower Perche John Malesousse and De la Durelleric Ministers of Chasteau-Gontier René Pineau Minister in the Church of Craon in Anjou and Mathurin Peju Elder of the Church at Augers 7. For the upper and neither Poictou M. Nicholas Gorré Minister of Flontenay le Conte and Peter Guittaud Elder in the Church of Chastel-heraud 8. For Xaintonge Aunix the City and Government of Rochel Andrew de Mazieres called also Peter de la Place Minister at Thoire in Aunix aforesaid and Hierom Faureau Elder in the Church of Rochel 9. For Augoumois M. Guy du Pou Minister of Vertueil without an Elder 10. The Deputies of Gascogny Perigort and Limousin were absent but excused themselves by Letters because they wanted timely Notice of the sitting of the Synod and there was no Money gathered to defray the charge of their Journey 11. The higher and lower Vivaretz and Vellay were absent without excuse 12. For the lower Languedoc Nismes Montpellier Vsez Basques Beziars and Givaudan inclusively M. John de Grores Minister of Nismes and Andrew D'Alguillonnet Elder of the same Church 13. For the higher Languedoc And Guienne M. John Gardesi Minister of St. Antonin ill Quercy and M. Amand le Gros Elder in the Church of Castres M. Gardesi was a severe Nathan to Henry the Fourth 14. For Bourbonnois and lower Auvergne Lyonnois Forest La Marche and and Beaujolois there were no Deputies they being absent nor did they send any excuse 15. The Deputies of Provence were indeed absent but sent their Reasons for it which were not accepted 16. The Deputies of Burgundy were absent and inexcusable 17. The Deputies of Dolphiny and Orange were absent but excused themselves by their Letters 18. There appeared also and sate and voted in this Synod the Deputies of the Churches in the Low Countries who brought with them their Letters of Commission viz. Michael Forest Minister of the French Church at Machlin and Doctor Joannes Boulins Minister of the Church of Gant and John Charan Minister of the Church of Bruges 19. After Invocation of the Name of God M. Peter Merlin Minister of the Gospel and Pastor of the Church at Vitré and Laval was chosen Moderator and Master Matthew Virel Minister in the Church of Marchais in Beauvoisis Assessor and M. Renatus Pineau Minister in the Church of Craon and Mr. Jerome Faureau Elder in the Church of Rochel were appointed Scribes unto the Synod to Collect and Register all its Acts. CHAP. II. Canons made and decreed in the National Synod held at Vitré in Brittany at the Castle of the Lord De la Vall on Monday the 16th Day of May in the Year of our Lord One thousand five hundred eighty and three Monsieur Merlin being President and Monsieur Pineau Scribe General MATTERS The means of uniting our Churches with those of the Nitherlands I. OUR Brethren of the Low Countries having requested that some good course might be taken and means used that the Deputies of their Churches might for time to come be present at our National Synods and ours at theirs This Assembly doth now ordain That as often as the Synods of the said Low Countries shall be convened two Provinces of this Kingdom shall be obliged to send their Deputies to wit two Ministers and one Elder who shall be expresly named by those two Provinces in every National Synod and their Charges born by all the Provinces of this Kingdom and for this present approaching Synod of the Low Countries the Provinces of the Isle of France and Normandy are appointed to send the Deputies II. And whereas the Brethren their Deputies have tendred unto this Synod the Confession of Faith and Body of Church-Discipline owned and embraced by the said Churches of the Low Countries this Assembly having humbly and heartily blessed God for that sweet Union and Agreement both in Doctrine and Discipline between the Churches of this Kingdom and of that Republick did judge meet to subscribe them both and it did also request those our Brethren their Deputies reciprocally to subscribe our Confession of Faith and Body of Church-Discipline which in obedience to the Commission given them by their Principals they did accordingly thereby testifying that mutual harmony and concord in the Doctrine and Discipline of all the Churches in both Nations III. Moreover this Assembly having to its great grief understood the miserable Condition of the greater part of the Churches in the Low Countries how that they be exceedingly pester'd with divers Sects and Heresies as of David George Anabaptists Libertines and other Errors contrary to the purity of God's Word and against which they cannot use those Remedies that are most desired And yet on the other hand this Synod did exceedingly rejoyce at the glad Tidings of their care and diligence in opposing and refuting those Anti-scriptural Heresies subversive of Divine Doctrine Order and Discipline and it did most earnestly intreat them to persevere in the confutation and condemnation of them as it would also on its part cordially joyn with them in so doing and would give as it doth now give an unquestionable proof thereof by subscribing unto their Confession of Faith and Church-Dilcipline As a Pledge of their Union the Churches of both Nation shall communicate to one another their Ministers IV. And forasmuch as this holy Union and Concord established between the Churches of France and those of the Low Countries seems necessarily to demand their mutual Loves and Assistance This Assembly doth judge meet that the Churches of both the Nations shall lend and borrow their Ministers reciprocally according as their respective Necessities shall require V. That all Contentions may be avoided this Assembly doth ordain That every one shall be assessed in that Church of which he is a Member towards all Charges ordinary and extraordinary without any respect had to the distinction of Provinces A Man may not marry another Woman his Wife being yet alive thô leprous VI. A Case was propounded Whether a Man might lawfully marry another Woman his Wife being alive but infected with Leprosie This Synod judgeth according to the Rule given us by our Lord Jesus That no Man may marry another Woman his Wife as yet living unless she were an Adulteress And therefore he that demands this License to re-marry must give himself to Prayer and Fasting and contain himself during his Wife's Life and he must conscientiously give all possible assistance and relief unto her necessities VII The observation of the 33d Article of the 5th Chapter of the Discipline shall be carefully recommended to all the Churches in every Province That Article begins
Emendations Chap. IV. General Matters One chosen in every Province to answer the Adversaries of the Truth 1. Care taken about Poor Schollars destined to the Ministry 2. The last Translation of the Bible to be used 3. Mr. Calvin's Catechism to be used in the Churches 4. No particular Set-Form of Prayer necessary to Ordination 5. The Complaints of Pastor and People one against another not to be regarded 7 8. Ministers must be resident on their Churches 10. Apocrypha not to be read in the Churches 11. Deacons may put the Poor's Stock out to Interest 12. A Canon about publishing of Apoâ—â—ates Naâ—es 14. Prayers for the King 's Contâ—eâ—sioâ—â— 15. Madam's Perseverance congratulated by the Synod 16. A Case of Conscience about Publick Penance 17. No Consistory shall be compelled to witness in Criminal Matters before the Judge 18. No alteration shall be made in the Liturgy 19. The Provinces to bring in their Quota's to which they were assessed for the Assemblies of â—â—aâ—tes and Sâ— Foy â—2 The 〈◊〉 of Maâ—tes to be sâ—orâ— â—3 Advice about Circular Letters 24. Ministers not coming to Colloquies and Synods censured 26. Infants tho' brought late unto the Church yet to be baptized 28. Vnscriptural Names may be given in Baptism 31. The Revenue of a Sine Curâ to be given to Pious Vses 32. Elders communicate with the Pastors 34. Children may marry if they have the Magistrates thô they have not their Parents Consent 35. The Case of Nicodemites 36. The Rise and Remedy of Marriage-Impotency 38. Publick Notaries to sanctifie the Lord's Day 41. A Case about taking Leases from Popish Landlords 43. The Case of Patronage 44. Painting and Naked Breasts'censured 45. The Names of all Church-Members to be Registred 46. A Case about Proposans diverting from the Ministry 48. The Ministers nominated for a general publick Disputation 49. Canon about deposed Ministers 50. Holy-days 51. Orders about Mr. Daneau and De Serre's Works 51 52. About Moneys collected 53. Case of publick Penance 55. Chap. V. Of Appeals A full Year of Vacation granted to Monsieur Beraud 5. Chap. VI. Particular Matters The Isle of France censured for proposing a politick Vnion with the Romanists 4. Two Delinquent Ministers censured 6. Corneille an Heretical Minister deposed 12. The Ministry interdicted by this Synod in the whole Colloquy of Rovargne 14. The Case of Duellers 16. Chap. 7. The Roll of Vagrants and deposed Ministers An Act for calling the two next National Synods THE Synod of Montauban 1594. Synod XIII SYNOD XIII Acts of the National Synod held at Montauban the Fifteenth Day of June in the Year of our Lord One thousand five hundred ninety and four in the Fifth Year of the Reign of Henry IV. King of France and Navarre Master Michael Berault chosen Moderator Master John Baptiste Rotan Assessor Scribes Master John Gardesy and James Thomas CHAP. I Of the DEPVTIES High Languedoc and Guyenne THere appeared for the Higher Languedoc and the Higher Guyenne Master Michael Berault Minister of the Church of Montauban and Master John Gardesy Minister in the Church of St. Antonin and Master Bernard Lovis Minister of Lectoure and Master Anthony D'Arroles Elder of the Church of Figedo James Thomas Elder of the Church of Montauban and John Bertrand Elder in the Church of Renel and Lauragais Xaintonge Aunis and Augoumois For Xaintonges Aulnis Augoulmois Master John Baptiste Rotan Pastor and Doctor in the Church of Rochel Master German Chauvetan Lord of Beauvais Minister in the Church of St. Martin's in the Isle of Reé chosen extraordinarily by the Colloquy of Aunis and approved by the Synod and Elijah Festineau Elder in the Church of St. John D'Angely Lower Guyenne For Lower Guyenne Gascony Perigord and Limousin Master James Lamqert Minister of St. Foy and Amanien de Beaupuy Elder in the Church of Toneins Poictou and Brittany For Poictou Master Francis Lóyseau Minister of Thouars and the Lord De la Cheuratiere Elder in the Church of Lusson who also by Procuration appeared for the Province of Brittany Berry Orleans Dunois and Nivernois For Berry Orleans Dunois and Nivernois Master John Berger Minister of Chasteaudun without an Elder for which they excused themselves and their Excuses were admitted though they were exhorted to come better assisted next Lower Languedoc For Lower Languedoc Master William Andrew de Villette Minister of Vallerague and John Chalais Elder in the Church of Nismes Anjou Touraine Maine and Vendomois For Anjou Touraine Le Maine Vendosmois M Felix du Tronchay Minister of Beaufort in Valeé and Monsieur Peter Coigneé de la Plante Elder of the Church in Saumur For Provence there appeared no one Provence And the exiled Members of the Churches there which had refug'd themselves in the Lower Languedoc excusing themselves by the Deputies of that Province 1594. Synod XIII the Synod resolved that Letters of Consolation from it should be written to them Forasmuch as the Deputies of Vivaretz and Vellay were absent and without excuse on their part Vivaretz and Vellay the Synod ordained Censures against them as also that they be advertised by the same hand to send their Messengers unto the General Assembly convened at St. Foy Notwithstanding their Excuses Dauphiné the Deputies of Dolphiny shall be most severely censured because of their absence as also of the Isle of France Those of Normandy did not appear Normandy but only excused their absence by Letters for which they shall be grievously censured Lyonnois and Auvergne Those of Lyonnois and Lower Auvergne did earnestly crave excuse by their Letters and their Excuses were received and approved The Deputies of Burgundy being absent Burgundy and no Letters of Excuse on their behalf shall be severely censured After Prayers Master Michael Berault was chosen Moderator and Master John Baptist Rotan Assessor and Mr. John Gardesy and James Thomas Scribes to Collect and Register the Acts of this Synod It was also decreed That the Lord's Supper should be celebrated in this Church before the breaking up of the Synod to testifie our Union in Doctrine and Church-Discipline CHAR II. OBSERVATIONS made upon reading the Confession of Faith of our Churches 1. THE Printers shall be informed that instead of Invincible they do place Invisible in the first Article because the Text of Scripture from whence 't is quoted doth require it 2. In the 18th Article the word peaceably shall be changed into that of Peaceable according to the Original and because the Adjective is more full and significant than the Adverb 3. In the 24th Article instead of this That there is there shall be altered according to the Original these words Whereby Men are turn'd out of the true way of calling on God 4. The word Vnity in the 26th Article shall be left out and that of Vnion placed in its stead as better explaining the Antithesis which is Those that keep themselves secret and worship God alone by
and diligently perused by it they were found to contain divers erroneous Points of Doctrine contrary to the analogy of Faith yea and contrary to the point of Justisication Whereupon the said de L'Escale was interrogated Whether he would receive Instruction in those Points which are contrary to the Confession of Faith of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom but he answered in the Negative and that he would not submit himself to the Judgment of this Synod nor be instructed by it but boldly demanded that we would either approve or reject his Theses And although our Brother Mr Rotan who was first deputed to confer with him before the Lord du Plessis Governour of this City and two Elders of the Church had non-plust and silenced him so that he knew not what to answer yet nevertheless he did obstinately persist in his Errors and Self-conceitedness Whereupon this Assembty having remonstrated to him his gross spiritual Pride and wicked pernicious Errors doth now ordain That this Act shall be inserted into the Articles of the present Synod that so the Reformed Churches of France may be cautioned against his false Doctrine which hath been condemned by the Churches of Suitzerland and Intelligence of this shall be given unto Monsieur Beza in Geneva and to the French Church of Basil II. The Deputies of the Isle of France and Normandy declaring That they had only prosecuted the Verification of the Edict in 1577 for themselves this Assembly was satisfied therewith III. Whereas Monsieur de Serres hath informed this Synod See Synod of Montauban G. M. art 52. concerning the Printing of his Harmony and how impossible it is for him to transcribe three Copies as he was ordered by the last National Synod held at Montauban This Assembly hath therefore thought fitting that this present Work be Printed either at Geneva or Rochel or any other place where they may be conveniently communicated unto the Pastors deputed by the Synod of that Province in which it shall be printed IV. The Censure denounced in the second Article of the National Synod of Montauban against Monsieur Bargemont shall be revoked See the Synod of Montaub Appeals art 2. and struck off the File because he hath given satisfaction unto his Province V. The Fact of Monsieur de Croix heretofore Minister in the Church of Perigneux shall be examined by the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny VI. Monsieur de * * * Two other Copies call him Villenave Vielbancque complaining by Letters unto this Assembly that he was deposed from the Ministry by the Colloquy of Berry who were impowered to it by Authority of the last National Synod held at Montauban and requiring that a Committee might be appointed to hear what he had to say in his own defence a Vote passed that his Cause should be dismissed over to the Provincial Synod of Gascoigny VII The French Church in London by their Letters to this Synod earnestly requested That Monsieur de la Fontaine might be continued among them and the said Minister moved also by his own Letters to the same purpose Whereupon Monsieur D'Orival Deputy from the Province of Orleans intreated That in case Monsieur de la Fontaine were yielded up unto the Walloon Church of London that then Monsieur du Moulin might be given during life unto the Church of Orleans and his Mission to it ratified by the Authority of this Assembly The Deputy of the Isle of France also did consent that on those Terms Monsieur du Moulin should be perpetually affixed to the Church of Orleans This Assembly decreeth That Monsieur de la Fontaine may remain in the Service of the Church of London always that Right reserved which our Churches of France have unto him and that Monsieur du Moulin be given for ever unto the Church of Orleans VIII Our Brethren Pastors in the Church of Metz excusing themselves for not sending a Deputy unto this Synod by reason of their present Circumstances and craving Advice about the dissoluteness of Habits Monsieur de Serres is ordered from this Assembly to write unto them That they do their endeavour to come unto the Synods of this Kingdom and that they conform themselves unto that Article of the Discipline concerning Habits without any the least difficulty And this self-same Order shall serve also for the Provinces of Gascogny and Orleans which demanded a larger liberty as to that Article IX Letters were read from the Pastors of Sedan excusing their inability of deputing one from their Body unto this Synod and craving Advice about the Marriages of such as were lately received into Fellowship with our Churches whether their Nuptials might be solemnly blessed in our Assemblies before they had communicated at the Lord's Table and claiming Monsieur Capel Lord of Tilloy and some others as their own Ministers requesting also that they might be assisted by a Collection in this their extream necessity After mature deliberation it was resolved That they should conform exactly as to their first demand unto the Articles of our Discipline without any the least repugnancy and for the Second they were dismissed over to the Synod of Champagne and for the Third we will endeavour to gratifie their desires and the Provinces shall be exhorted liberally to contribute to them and the Monies of the said Collection shall be remitted unto Monsieur de Menilles and de la Gourmandiere Elders in the Church of Paris X. The Lord du Plessis Governour of this City desiring that the Lords going into the Army might be exhorted to take with them a Minister demanding also from this Assembly that Monsieur de la Noue might be provided of a Pastor by our Authority It was resolved That the Lords now going and those who are already gone into the Army should be advised so to do and Letters shall be written unto the Church of Sedan that they would be pleased to lend one of their Pastors unto Monsieur de la Noue who may be sit for such an Employment and in case of failure herein on their part then the Colloquies of the Isle of France shall endeavour to get him one XII Monsieur Manthois according to the desire of Monsieur de la Banseric is granted unto the Church of Pont-dorson XII The Lord Baron of Courtomer demanding by Monsieur de la Banseric a Pastor for his Church of Courtomer the Church of Paris was appointed to use all possible means to procure him one XIII Master Gabriel Raoul formerly a Minister requesting by his Letters to be restored unto his Office this Assembly judgeth That the Deposition of the saiâ— Raoul ought to be continued whereof Notice shall be given him by Monsieur de St. Hilary De Sâ—â—res was suspected to be an Accommodater with the Papists but prevented by Death XIV Monsieur de Serres complaining of that Order past against him in the last National Synod of Montauban This Assembly having with much patience for a long time together
D'Espoir a Copy of his Churches Petition that so he may return them an Answer within two Months time by the way of Paris and the Province of Higher Languedoc are charged in their next Synod to know of the said D'Espoir whether the matters contained in that said Petition be true or not and if true they shall enjoyn him out of hand to perform one of those Conditions proposed by the said Church in their Petition and the Province shall give an Account of the whole Affair to the next National Synod XXXI The Decree of the National Synod of Montauban shall be observed in that matter concerning Monsieur Berault Minister of the Gospel and the Deputies of Lower Languedoc are to acquiesce in it XXXII The Deputies of the Province of Poictou requesting That the Church of Luneré in Normandy might be exhorted to pay Monsieur Vatblè who was formerly their Minister his Arrerages owing to him This Synod hath given in charge to the Deputies of Normandy that pursuant to the Memoirs deposited in their hands by the said Vatblé they endeavour to procure him all satisfaction possible XXXIII The Memoirs of Limoges presented by the Deputies of Gascony are sent back again unto the Assembly of Loudun And the Case propounded in those Papers about Marriages contracted with a party of contrary Religion is fully determined by our Discipline which forbids the Blessing of those Marriages in our Churches where one of the Persons refuseth to quit its Idolatry CHAP. VII The Catalogue of the Deposed THE Deposed were Monsieur * * * Cahier was wheedled off from the Reformed Religion with the never-performed Promises of being made an Abbot He was deposed for writing two Books in which he asserted the Necessity and Lawfulness of Publick Stews and Brothel-Houses and that Fornication and Adultery were not forbidden in the Seventh Commandment but only the Sin of Onan 2. For Magick which he had practised This Wretch had one Vertue he never loved nor was beloved by the Jesuites He was once favoured but after slighted and neglected by the Sorbonists A most slovenly nasty Fellow in his Apparel and way of Living Peter Cahier of the Isle of France Vielbancque in Languedoc Peter le Roy otherwise Boilem in Normandy Godfrey de Vaux in Dolphiny and John Cornille The Provinces shall be advised to beware of a certain pernicious Heretick called Anthony de L'Escale who roves up and down scattering his Errors both by Writings and Discourses The Province of Lower Languedoc is charged to convene the next National Synod in the City of Montpellier the First of May in the Year 1598. The Acts were thus Signed by Dominick de Losse Moderator of the Synod Vincent chosen to Collect the Acts of the said Synod The End of the Synod of Saumur THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE XV. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At Montpellier the 26th of May in the Year of our Lord 1598. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Names of Deputies Synodical Officers chosen A Decree that every Province should choose four Deputies who in case of sickness of the first Deputies might supply their places in the National Synod An Exception for the Deputy of Provence Chap. II. Observations upon the Confession Advertisement unto Printers Chap. III. Observations upon the Discipline Distinction between the inability and Ingratitude of a People to their Minister 4. Case of the Emeriti and their Widows 5. Certificates given to the Poor 9. A Case of Conscience moved by the Church of Castres 11. National Synods to be Triennial 12. No Funeral Doles 13. Marriage-Promises to be made either by words de futuro or de praesenti 15. A Case about one who married the Widow of him who in his first Marriage had married his Sister 16. A Case about Certificates to be married in another Church for fear of Witchcraft 17. Widows not to marry till Seven Months after their Husbands death 18. The Marriage of Madam the King's Sister 19. A Case about Incest 20. Whether a Man convicted and condemned by the Civil Magistrate for a Capital Crime which yet he stiffly denieth may be admitted to the Lord's Table 21. A Case about purchasing Lands to keep up the Popish Worship 23. A Case about Advocates and Proctors 24. About Printers 25. And Lotteries 28. Penance for Harlots 30. Chap. IV. Appeals Judgment in Points of Doctrine appropriate unto the Ministry 4. Chap. V. General Matters A Committee of Ministers to revise the Copies of the Discipline Reconcilers of both Religions to be rejected 2. The Liturgy not to be altered Mr. Beza's Scripture Songs to be sung in the Churches 3. Censure of Books Apparatus ad fidem Catholicam Avis pour la Paix de L'Eglise Elenchus Novae Doctrinae 4. A Case sent by a Soveraign Prince unto the Synod for resolution 5. Another Case depending on it 6. Another about Wounds 7. Another about Marriage-Promises 8. Monsieur Chamier's Advice to the Synod when he brought the Edict of Nants unto it 14. A distribution of the King's Money given the Churches 16. Ministers abroad cited home unto the Kingdom by the National Synod 17. Chap. VI. Particular Matters Letters to the Dutch Churches Monsieur Berand to answer Perron and Monsieur de Montigni Cahier 3. Franc a deposed Minister petitioning to be restored is rejected 6. Ministers for Madam 7. Cassegrain's Answer to Perron slighted by the Synod 10. Peyrol not duly qualified for the Ministry 11. Poor Ministers 14 15 16. Complaint of the Town of Aubenas 23. Ministers in one Church quarrelling are both removed 26. The Court of Castres hath the Thanks of the Synod 31. Chap. VII Private Acts. Chap. VIII Extracts from the Acts of the mixt Assembly of Chastel-heraut An Act for calling the next National Synod THE Synod of Montpellier 1598. Synod XV. SYNOD XV. Acts and Articles of the National Synod held at Montpellier the Six and Twentieth Day of May in the Year of our Lord One Thousand five hundred ninety and eight CHAP. I. Deputies and Officers of the Synod Monsieur Berault was chosen President Monsieur De Montigny Assessor And Scribes Monsieur De Macifer and Monsieur Cartau There assembled at it the Pastors and Elders whose Names are underwritten FOR the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne Monsieur Francis de Lauberan Lord of Montigny Minister in the Church of Paris and Moyses Cartau Elder of the said Church For Orleans Berry Blezou and Dunois Master Michael le Noir Minister of Chastillon on Loire and Esaias Fleureau Elder in the Church of Orleans For Dolphiny and the Principality of Orange Master Andrew Caille Minister of Grenoble and Master William Vallier Minister of Die and Master Sebastian Julian Minister of Aurange and Master Felix Elder in the Church of Montlimart For Normandy and Brittany Master William Claud Picheron Minister at Ponteau de Mer without an Elder For the Higher Languedoc and the
provide a Church for him XXVI This Assembly upon hearing the Difference risen betwixt Monsieur Jarey and Voisin Ministers of Millaud hath ordained for the Peace of that Church That neither of those Ministers shall continue in it longer than till the meeting of the next National Synod and Monsieur Brunier and Monsieur Gasques are intreated to take their Turns in serving the said Church and Monsieur Brunier is to hasten thither as soon as possible he can farther that an exchange shall be made of the Person of Monsieur Voisin with that of Monsieur Remirat Minister of the Church of St. Afrique and Monsieur Jarey hath leave given him to joyn himself unto the Churches of Pamiers or Merueir at his own election until the next Provincial Synod XXVII This Synod revising the Decree of the National Synod of Montauban in which Monsieur Balarand was by their Gift appropriated to the Church of Castrees as also that Article of the National Synod of Saumur ordaining the said Ballarand to return unto his Church of Aymett and the Deputies of both those Churches having been heard on behalf of their Principals and considering the great importance of that of Castres do ordain That the said Monsieur Ballarand shall remain appropriated Pastor unto the Church of Castres which yet is obliged according to Agreements between them to re-imburse the said Church of Aymett the Sum of One hundred Crowns expended by them in their procuring of another Minister XXVIII A Petition was presented by the Church of Castres praying That Monsieur Rotan might be granted them for their Pastor This Assembly hath ordained That he shall remain with the Church of Castres until the next Provincial Synod who may as they think fit dispose of him respect being first had to the health of the said Master Rotan so as will most contribute to the edification of God's Church XXIX The Church of Castres desiring that Monsieur * * * In another Copy it is de Sossias in athâ—r Somaltuâ— Souls might be given them they were sent back to their next Provincial Synod XXX Monsieur Julian is ordered to recover out of the hands of the Heirs of Monsieur de Serres deceased all his Manuscript Memoirs that they may be produced and perused by the next Provincial Synod XXXI The Advocate-General of the Chamber of Castres having saluted and assured this Assembly in the Name of the said Chamber professing our Religion of their faithful and sincere desires to maintain the Rights of our Churches Thanks was given him and by him to that honourable Court represented by him and they were desired not to Complement with us but in good earnest to pursue that end for which they were established and for which each of them respectively were recommended by the Churches XXXII License is granted to the Churches of Cormis and St. John of Bruel to incorporate themselves with the Colloquy of Vigan because it lieth so very convenient for them XXXIII The Synod having heard the Deputles of the Church of Loudun and Pamiers concerning the Call of Monsieur Frogets determines that of Right he doth belong unto the Church of Loudun which however must pay unto that of Pamiers fifty Crowns disbursed by them in Books for the said Froget and they are also ordered to defray his Charges in coming unto this Assembly XXXIV This Synod not having at present a Pastor sufficiently qualified for the Church of Bourdeaux and considering the great consequenee of its Establishment ordaineth That the Colloquies of Albrett Higher Agenois and Perigord shall each of then in course for four Months supply that Church and Monsieur * * * Renault Renault is to begin the Exercise there XXXV Letters shall be written to my Lord the Ambassador of England and to Monsieur de la Fontaine Minister of the French Church in London to inform them of those injurious Writings publisht against our Churches by Sutcliffe and Saravia and they be desired to apply themselves to the Queen that such Writings may not be printed XXXVI This Synod intreateth both the Provinces of Languedoc to bear the Charges of a Criminal Process depending in the Chamber of Castres about the Oppressions exercised upon the Arnolds by the Seneschal of Ville Franche in Rouergue XXXVII The Church of Nions in Dolphiny petitioning for a Pastor Monsieur du Jay alias du Gasleur was granted to them till the sitting of the next Provincial Synod of Vivaretz CHAP. VII Of Private ACTS I. GOvernours are exhorted to improve their Interest that the Edict be not executed in their Jurisdictions till such time as it hath been first executed in those places possessed by them of the contrary Religion II. The Churches of Languedoc are required to oppose those Novelties introduced at the Interment of their Dead and in particular this that Maids be carried to their Graves by Maids wearing Garlands of Flowers III. And it being their Duty who govern the Church by all lawful means to procure the benefit and advantage of their Poor this Assembly ordaineth That whenas there shall be any considerable Sum of Moneys belonging to the Poor in the Deacons hands they may warrantably put it out to Interest that so in case of great necessity the Poor may receive the more and greater Relief and Comfort CHAP. VIII An Extract of the Acts of the General Mixt Assembly of the Churches of France held at Chastel-heraut and approved by their National Synod held at Montpellier the 26th Day of May 1598 and the Days following Rules for such as bring the King's Orders granted for any Command or Government in the Cautionary Towns given us for our Security THE Provincial Assemblies which shall be called upon the Return of the Deputies now at Chastel-heraut shall out of every Colloquy name some able and faithful Persons of the Nobility and Cities who yet shall be changed or confirmed by every Provincial Synod or General Assembly if need be to be present at Colloquies whenas an Attestation shall be desired by a Gentleman who hath gotten His Majesty's Grant of any Government or Place of Trust And in case the Person having the Grant be a Member of that Colloquy in which the vacant place lieth the said Colloquy meeting together for signing the said Attestation shall invite all those who were named by the Provincial Synod or Assembly that they may joyntly consult whether they ought to give it or inform His Majesty to the contrary If the time of sitting for the General Assembly be near the said Colloquy shall defer till they have first had their Judgment about the said Attestation And in case the Person who hath the Grant be of another Colloquy than that of the vacant place the Person who is charged to convocate the Colloquy whereunto the Grantee belongeth shall take some sufficient time to inform the Assembly or Province in which the vacant place lieth but at their Charges of the Quality Family Religion and Morals of
him who hath the Grant and in case the said Assembly shall meet it shall give Notice thereof unto the Colloquy wherein the Vacancy is and also inform the said Colloquy of the vacant place and place of abode of him that hath the said Grant And when they give their Attestation they shall cause the Union of Mantes to be signed by him who brings the King's Grant for the vacant Government according as it hath been ordained in all such Cases The Form of Attestation agreed upon in the General Assembly to be given by Colloquies or Synods unto them whom His Majesty shall recommend unto vacant Governments in our Cautionary Towns WE Ministers and Elders met together in Colloquy in the Province of N. do certifie unto His Majesty That Monsieur N. de N. applied himself unto us desiring our Attestation of his sincere Profession of the Reformed Religion he being chosen by His Majesty unto the Command of such a Place N. lately vacant by the Death of N. We therefore do attest and certifie That the said Monsieur N. doth actually profess the Reformed Religion communicates with us in the Sacraments living Religiously as a Man fearing God and discharging the Duties of his said Profession with a good Conscience For which reasons we give him this our Certificate by these Presents which we hope will be of use and advantage to him according to his desire Dated c. The Province of Normandy is graced with the Priviledge of calling the next National Synod which shall be held within Three Years in the beginning of June And the succeeding National Synod shall be held in the Province of Dolphiny These Acts and Articles were thus subscribed De Montigny Assessor Moyses Cartaut Scribe The End of the Synod of Montpellier THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE XVI National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At Gergeau the 9th Day of May in the Year of our Lord 1601. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. The Deputies of the Provinces We Officers of the Synod Chap. II. 3. Observations on the Confession of Faith Chap. III. Observations on the Discipline The fifth Penny of the Poors Money to be laid by for our Proposans 18. Rules for Disputes with our Adversaries 23. The Churches of Sedan incorporated with the Synod of the Isle of France 31. The Discipline approved and sworn Chap. IV. Appeals Affairs of Monsieur D'amours a very eminent Minister 1 2 3. Severity of Discipline upon Monsieur Gerard a Minister 22. A censured Minister restored 24. The Case of Farmers of Tythes 29. Chap. V. General Matters No recompence to them who write without the Authority of the National Synod 1. Attestation from their Churches when they remove their Law-suit s into the Courts of the Edict 2. Vnordained Preachers not allowed 4. The Sacramental Elements to be given by the Pastor only 7. The Court of Madarn to be supplied with able Ministers 10. Letters to the Professors of Leyden 14. Four Books to be perused Elenchus Novae Doctrinae Apparatus ad Fidem Catholicum Avis pour la paix de L'Eglise and Veu par le Roy. Chap. VI. Particular Matters A Case of Conscience Whether Lords of Benefices may repair the Fabricks of the Popish Temples in which Mass is said 11. The Names of Romish Ecclesiasticks who were inverted to be conserved 12. Advice given unto the Consuls of Montpellier 20. An answer to Monsieur Casaubon 21. A Letter to the Lord du Plessis 23. Care taken of a worthy Minister 25. An Answer to the Dukes of Bouillon and Tremouille 27. A Case about an Incestuous Marriage 28. Passages between the King and the Synod 31 32. The Synod ordereth Letters to the King about Geneva 36. Schools and Colledges to be erected 37. A Dividend of Moneys 40. Palot Receiver-General of the Churches Money dodgeth with them 42. Chap. VII The Roll of Vagrants and Deposed Ministers An Act for calling the next National Synod Palot sends 3000 Crowns to the Synod 1601. Synod XVI THE Synod of Gergeau SYNOD XVI Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Gergeau the Ninth Day of May in the Year of our Lord One Thousand six hundred and one CHAP. I. Of the DEPVTIES Monsieur Pacard was chosen Moderator Monsieur Lieuin Lord of Beaulieu Assessor Monsieur Chamier and Scribes Monsieur Mercier Scribes There assembled in it the Pastors and Elders hereafter named FOR the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne Monsieur Antony de la Fay Minister and Pastor of the Church of Paris Monsieur John Lieuin Lord of Beaulieu Minister of the Church of Auverne in Vexin le Francois and Monsieur Josia Mercier Lord of Bordes Elder of the Church of Paris and Peter de * * * Alias De Naudet Neuelet Lord of Doscher Elder in the Church of Vitry For the Province of Orleans Berry Blefoiis and Nivernois Monsieur Adam D'Orival Minister of the Church of Sancerre and Joachim Du Moulin Minister of Orleans together with Monsieur Samuel de Chambaran Elder of the Church of Romorantin and Claudius Mesland Elder of the Church at Orleans For the Province of Normandy Monsieur Rene Bouchard Pastor of the Church of Rouau and John Eude Pastor of Bayeux together with Monsieur James du Hamel Lord of Parke Elder of Alencon and William de Maintu Elder of Boislebecque For the Province of Brittany at present united with that of Normandy there came the Tenth of May Monsieur John Parent Pastor of the Church of Vitre For the Province of Dolphiny and Principality of Orange Monsieur Daniel Chamier Pastor of Mountlimart and John Perryn Pastor of St. Bonnet with Monsieur Mark D'Vre Elder of Courtaison and Francis de la Combe Elder of St. Marcelin For the Province of Lower Languedoc Monsieur John Gigard Pastor of Montpellier and Simeon Codur Pastor of Vsez together with Monsieur Isaac Chairon Elder of Nismes For Lower Guyenne Monsieur John Nodon Lord of Montbaron Pastor of Issejac and Jeremiah Bauconis Pastor of Tonius with Monsieur Christopher Forton Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux For Poictou Monsieur James Clemeneau Pastor of Poictiers and Andrew Rivet Pastor of Touars with Monsieur Isaac Vettors Elder of the Church of Poictiers For the Higher and Lower Vivaretz Monsieur John Valeton Pastor of Privas and Daniel Mison Elder of Salenac For Xaintonge Augoumois and Aunix Master George Pacard Pastor of Rochefoucald and Monsieur Laurence Polette Pastor of Ironsac with Monsieur Peter Bernard Lord of Janserac Elder of the Church of Cognac For Anjou Touraine and Mayne c. Master Francis Greliere Lord of Macifer Pastor of Saumur and M. Abel Bede Pastor of Loudun together with Monsieur John Doucher Elder of the Church of Anger 's For Provence Master Peter Chalier Pastor of Seines and Monsieur Honore Brignoles Elder of Brignoles For Burgundy Forest Beaujolois c. Master Peter Colinet Pastor of Paray le Moyneau and Anthony
Brocard Elder of the Church of Dijon and President of the Exchecquer in that Parliament and Province And for Lyonnois Monsieur Levis Turquet Elder of the Church at Lyon For the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne there came the Tenth Day of May Master Michael Beraud Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Master John Gardesy Pastor of Villemur with Monsieur John de Lupe Lord of Maraval Elder of the Church of Puy Caskay and Henry le Renier Lieutenant particular in the Seneschalsee of Armagnac and Elder of the Church of Lectoure Moreover there appeared for Sedan Master Eusebius Gantois Minister of the Church of Sedan and Anthony Drelincourt Elder of the said Church Prayers being ended Master George Pacard Pastor of Rochefoucauld was chosen President of the Synod and Master John Lieuin Lord of Beaulieu Assessor he was Pastor of the Church of Auverne and Master Daniel Chamier Pastor of Monlimard and Josiah Mercier Lord of Bordes Elder of the Church of Paris were by common Suffrages chosen Scribes CHAP. II. Observations on Reading the Confession of our Faith I. ON reading the Confession of Faith the Title of the Epistle to the Hebrews was noted to have been changed in the last Impressions of the Geneva Bibles wherefore Letters were ordered to be written unto our Brethren of Geneva about it and about several Annotations affixed on the Sacred Text in those Bibles II. The Confession of Faith being read the Pastors and Elders did all unanimously protest to live and die in the said Confession and that it is the Doctrine taught in the Churches of their Provinces III. Monsieur Chamier propounded That the Jesuits and other Doctors of the Romish Religion having charged our Doctrine especially among the People with divers Calumnies it were convenient to justifie it from those Slanders by printing an Apology together with this Confession as hath been done in England and Germany It was decreed That whoso of our Brethren would undertake it should bring it with them unto the next National Synod CHAP. III. Observations made on Reading of our Discipline I. BEginning with the first Article after those words Of their Doctrine shall be added And if they be fit to teach II. Instead of those words in the third Article During the times of their Ignorance shall be put The times past III. The fourth Article shall be couched in these words A Minister of the Gospel shall be chosen by the Colloquy or if it may be by the Provincial Synod and in Times of Persecution or other great Calamity by two or three Ministers together with the Consistory IV. In the same Article instead of these words The said Election shall be suspended shall be placed The said Reception shall be delayed V. And that Article shall be thus concluded As also the Pastor shall not be imposed upon a Church against his will VI. After these words in the fifth Article To another Church there shall be put For to be employed in the Holy Ministry and a little lower these shall be subjoyned And also they shall examine them if ever c. VII There shall be this addition made unto the beginning of the Eighth Article The Ceremony of Imposing Hands in Ordination and receiving Ministers shall be always observed VIII Provincial Synods Colloquies and Consistories are all charged to see that the 12th Article in every part and tittle of it be most punctually observed and there shall be this clause added to it Nor shall their Doctrine be handled in the manner of Scholastick Disputation and they shall carefully avoid an intermixture of Languages and also Consistories Colloquies and Provincial Synods shall see to it that in the ordinary course of their Ministry they beginning with a Text or Portion of Scripture shall not break off till they have finished the whole Paragraph IX After these words in the 18th Article Physick shall be added in both places Nor the Civil Law and in the end of that Article Whereunto Provincial Synods Colloquies and Consistories shall bear a most vigilant and careful eye yea and may suspend them from the Ministry X. After these words in the 43d Article Great and small these also shall be added Of whatsoever rank or degree they are XI The word As shall be left out in those words of the 44th Article As those who being convicted of Heresie XII These words shall be razed out of the 4th Article Even such as enjoy Ecclesiastical Revenues XIII Touching the execution of that clause of that aforesaid Article it was decreed That Ministers should inform their Churches that the Fifth Penny of all Moneys collected for the Poor is to be laid by for the maintenance of our Proposans XIV This addition shall be made to the end of the Fifth Article In which the Pastors shall be present both as Judges and Orderers of the said Propositions XV. Richer Churches and great Lords shall be intreated to erect Libraries for the benefit of their Ministers and Proposans XVI This addition shall be made to the fifth Article of the third Chapter According to the appointed Form XVII After the word Ordinary in the sixth Article these shall be added By the Schollars that are Proposans XVIII There shall be this addition to the first Article of the fourth Chapter And according to what had been decreed and ordained by the Consistory XIX The word Punishment shall be changed into that of Censure in the end of the fifteenth Article of the fifth Chapter XX. these words shall be struck out of the sixteenth Article And in case of Appeal that said Appeal shall be notified unto the Church without mention made of the Person or declaration of the Censure ordained by the Consistory XXI This addition shall be affixed to the end of the twentieth Article Althô he had been punished by the Magistrate XXII This also shall be inserted into the thirty first Article For administring of Marriage and the Sacraments XXIII This following Order shall be the fourth Article of the sixth Chapter Disputes about Religion with our Adversaries shall be so managed on our part that we be not the first Aggressors and in case it be a Verbal Disputation they shall only stand to the decision of the Sacred Scriptures which is our Rule and not to the Writings of the Fathers who are no competent Judges in Points of Doctrine nor shall they undertake any regular Dispute without Articles of Agreement first mutually given and subscribed nor shall they enter upon any publick Disputations without advising previously with their Consistories and a certain number of Ministers who shall be thereunto chosen by the Colloquies and Provincial Synods nor shall they enter on a general Conference or Dispute without the consent of all the Churches assembled in a National Synod And in case any Ministers do otherwise they shall be denounced Deserters of and Apostates from the Vnion of our Churches XXIV This following addition shall be counted the sixth Article of the seventh Chapter And a
the Church du Pont de Vele from the Synod of Burgundy this Assembly found that Monsieur Cassegrain belonged to the Church of Dijon but considering the great importance of the said Church du Pont de Vele the said Cassegrain shall serve them four Months within which term that said Church is to provide itself of a Pastor and Monsieur Manessier is dismissed over to the Province who shall take care of him XX. Master Claudius Joubert appealing from the Order of the Synod of Burgundy this Assembly ratifieth the Order of that Synod and leaves the Churches at liberty to have Publick Prayers and Sermons on the Romish Holy-days if it like ' em XXI The Church of Romorantin having appealed from the Synod of Orleans and Berry it was ordained That Monsieur Chartier should be continued in the said Church provided they did fully satisfie him all Arrears of Salary for his past Labours among them within four Months but if that time be laps'd he shall be given away from them unto the Church of Aubusson XXII Monsieur Girard formerly Minister of Mauvoisin and the Consistory of Montauban appealed from the Synod of Higher Languedoc now although upon a strict enquiry made into the Crimes whereof the said Girard was accused by that Synod it does not appear unto this Assembly that he was guilty of them yet because that there is too great reason that their Sentence past upon him should be confirmed we do order That he be suspended from the Ministry and we do also ratifie the Censure given by the Colloquy of Puy Casquay against him and whereas those of Montauban did suffer and encourage him to preach among them since his Suspension they have thereby incurred Censures themselves And this Assembly doth further ordain That the said Girard shall be removed from Montauban nor shall he preach at Mauvoisin upon pain of being deposed And till such time as the Church of Mauvoisin can be provided of a Pastor those of Montauban are hereby charged to take care for their constant supply and to assist and help them till the next Meeting of their Provincial Synod Since this Decree the National Synod gave way that the Province of Higher Languedoc should present the said Girard unto the Church of Cageac and Quercy XXIII Upon the Appeal of Monsieur du Faur Governor of Gergeau from the Synod of Orleans and Berry this Assembly ordaineth That Monsieur du Moulin shall personally reside with his Church in the City of Orleans But forasmuch as those of Orleans have been so very much assisted in their Needs by the Church of Gergeau therefore the Moneys granted by His Majesty and which in the Dividend should have been conferr'd upon the Church of Orleans shall for time coming be employed towards the maintenance of the Minister of Gergeau until some further course be taken in it by the next National Synod XXIV This Assembly having considered the Appeal of Monsieur de Bargemont judgeth That he did well deserve a very sharp Censure but no Suspension and therefore the Colloquy of Aunix is reproved by us and the said De Bargemont shall be restored unto his Ministry and the approaching Synod of Xaintonge is required to assign him unto some vacant Congregation XXV The Differences between the Colloquies of Xaintonge and that of Aunix are left to the decision of the next Synod of Poictou XXVI The Church of Rochel having appealed from the Synod of Xaintonge Letters shall be written to them in the Name of this Assembly to intreat them that sith for the present they do not want the Ministry of Monsieur Petit and that he is employed elsewhere in the Province that they would be pleased to yield up their Right and Interest in him unto the Church of Barbezieux and forgive the Moneys they had disburs'd about his maintenance for which great favours both the Church of Barbezieux and Monsieur Petit shall make them their most thankful Acknowledgments XXVII This Assembly ratifies the Acts of the Synod of Xaintonge in the business of Monsieur Rossignot XXVIII The Differences between the Synods of Xaintonge and Poictou about the Churches of Montignac Marillac and Villefagnan is dismissed over to the Churches of Loudun and Saumur to be finally decided by them XXIX This Assembly judging of the Appeal of the Lower Guyenne decreeth That the Farmers of Church-Tythes provided they meddle not with any thing of Idolatry ought not to be debarr'd from Communion at the Lord's Table and the said Synod is reproved for going beyond the bounds of our Discipline in that case CHAP. V. Of General MATTERS I. IT was resolved That those who had been appointed by the National Synod to answer the Writings of our Adversaries should be re-imburst all Charges they were at in Printing their Works But such as were appointed by a particular Province unto such a Task that Province shall take care to defray their Expences And therefore in pursuance of this Order the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne are required to give satisfaction unto Monsieur Sonis for his Costs and Trouble in Printing his Books against Spend. II. Whereas divers Abuses be committed in giving Attestations for the removing of Law-Suits from Inferiour Courts to the Courts of the Edict all the Faithful are enjoyned to take out Attestations if possible they can from their own Churches and the Pastors of Churches in which the Courts of the Edict be established are hereby forbidden to give any Attestations unto Strangers unless they be such as are personally known to them or their Elders III. Ministers and Elders shall not count that they be appealed from unless such Appeals had been allowed of by the whole Consistory IV. We judge it an unfitting Practice to be introduc'd into our Churches however it be common among some other Forreign Churches of Christ to send out Proposans into Country Villages there to preach whole Months upon Tryal before Ordination V. Whenas Imposition of Hands is given Ministers at their Ordination they shall be no more sent for one Year only unto a Church but that Order prescribed by our Discipline shall for the future be most strictly observed VI. Ministers and Churches are left in full liberty whether they will or not appoint that the Pastors assist in Person at Betrothings and Marriage-Promises VII It is decreed by this Assembly That the Bread and Cup in the Holy Eucharist shall be distributed by none but the Ministers and Elders who shall with their own hands put them into the respective hands of every individual Communicant VIII Provincial Synods are ordered to take an especial care that the Widows and Orphans of poor Ministers deceased in the Service of their Provinces be provided for IX Altho' the Faithful may be ill reported of yet in case they be not by the Consistory suspended from the Lord's Table they shall be admitted Sureties for Infants at Baptism X. The Letters of her Royal Highness the Dutchess of Bar and only Sister of
seal and testify their great love and care for him and for his better subsistence the Deputies of the Provinces of Orleans and Berry having informed us of his deplorable condition It doth ordain that over and above the two Portions assigned him from the Kings Money in the late dividend at Gergeau two other Portions shall be added towards his relief by the Province of Berry The favourable Opinion of the Book of the Eucharist writ by the Lord du Plessis 17. The Pastors and Professors in the Church of Geneva having read according to the desire of the late Synod at Gergeau the book of the Lord du Plessis upon the Eucharist and given a very honourable testimony to it This National Synod doth render unto his Lordship their hearty thanks for his great zeal and affection to the truth of God and for his worthy labours in the defence thereof and orders that it be printed out of hand believing that the Lord will give his blessing to it 18. The difference between the Provinces of Vivaretz and of both the Languedoc's concerning Moneys assessed by these latter upon that of Vivaretz shall be finally determined and to this purpose the Decree made in the late Synod of Gergeau is now ratified because the Brethren of Vivaretz have brought nothing against it but what had been answered over and over And this Article shall be in full force as to those 3000 Crowns which had been raised by those Provinces before the Synod of Gergeau 19. Master Gabriel Raoul presented himself personally before this Synod humbly desiring his re-admission into the sacred Ministry from which he had been deposed by the Provincial Synod of the Lower Guyenne held at * * * Nismes Aymet which Sentence was ratified by the Ministers assembled at St. Foy with the Authority of the National Synod of Montauban in the year 1594. After that the said Raoul had been patiently and for a long time heard speaking what he could in his own defence and that the Acts of the said Synod of Aymet had been reviewed as those also of the Pastors assembled at St. Foy declaring the enormous crimes whereof the said Raoul was guilty and after reading the Certificates of several Colloquies Churches and Godly persons unanimously proclaiming him a person utterly unworthy of Imployment in the Gospel-Ministry as also that Act of the National Synod of Saumur confirming his deposal This Assembly ratified those Judicial Sentences past upon him by the foregoing Synods and declared the said Raoul utterly unworthy of ever being re-admitted into the sacred Ministry and farther adviseth him to humble himself deeply before the Lord in a most bitter Repentance for his hainous offences and for time to come to live Holily and Christianly in a private and secular life and to betake himself to the practice of Physick in some Church of Christ In the mean while all the Papers relating to his deposal and the Certificates given him by several of his Friends Ministers of the Gospel shall be deposited with the Church of St. Foy to be forth-coming upon all occasions And whereas he begged an Attestation from this Assembly we declare that none other can or shall be given him than what is expressed in the very words of this Act. And the Province whereunto he shall retire for Habitation and Imployment is required to take notice what use and benefit he shall make of the good Counsels that have been here given him and what his after Conversation is and accordingly to give in their Opinion whether he be fit or no to be received as a private Member into Communion with our Churches CHAP. V. Of Appeals 1. THE Church of Xaintes appealed from the Judgment past against them by the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge about Monsieur Primrose ho was given by that Synod for Pastor unto the Church of Bourdeaux Messieurs Renaud Minister of the Church of Bourdeaux and Roy Elder in the Church of Xaintes having been both heard Monsieur Roy declared that the â—hurch whom he represented would desist from their Appeal provided the â—hurch of Bourdeaux would secure them another Minister or that the Province would do it or that they might be assisted for a time with one of the Ministers of Rochell This Assembly doth confirm the Call of Monsieur Primrose unto the Church of Bourdeaux yet reprehends the carriage both of Monsieur Primrose and that Church of Bourdeaux in his Call and ordaineth that the said Church do perform their promise engaged to the Provine of Xaintonge of giving them a Proposan meet to be imployed in the Ministry And the said Province is enjoyned to take speedy care that the Church of Xaintes be supplied with an able Pastor besides him who at present laboureth among them because of the great importance of that Church 2. The Inhabitants of Elbaeuf appealing from the Decree of the Synod of Normandy which had incorporated them with the â—hurâ—h of Beauroger This Assembly giveth leave unto those Inhabitants of Elbaeuf to joyn themselves unto the Church of Quevilly provided that they continue their Contributions to the Church of Beauroger lest thaâ— by their departure from it they should cause its dissolution 3. The Church of Poictiers appealed from that Decree of the Synod of Poictou which would have reinstated Monsieur de la Dugnie in his Office of Elder This Assembly judgeth that the said Church did well in making their Appeal from that Synodical Ordinance and that Provincial Synod shal be censured for giving Judgment that the said de la Dugnie notwithstanding these offences whereof he was guilty and which were owned in the very Judicial Decree of that Synod should be restored 4. The Elders of the Colloquy of Nismes appealing from the Decree of the Synod of Lower Languedoc by which an hundred and sixty Livâ—rs of the Moneys granted us from â—he King's Bounty had been assigned over unto Monsieur de Falgueroles in consideration of his many and great Employments this their Appeal was rejected and made null and the Decree of the said Synod ratified and confirmed 5. Monsieur Sohnius appealed from the Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc which had ordered that because the said Sohnius was not ordinary Pastor in the Church of Montauban therefore he should not participate in the Moneys granted us by his Majesty This Assembly censuring the Province of Higher Languedoc for derogating from the Ordinance of Gergeau by which four Pastors were assigned unto the Church of Montauban it doth ratifie and confirm that Ordinance before mentioned at Gergeau and declares that the said Master Sohnius ought to receive his share in the said Moneys equally with the other Pastors which are in actual service 6. Monsieur Berauld appealed from the Decree of the Province of Higher Languedoc which would in the distribution of his Majesties Royal Bounty that in all Colloquies and Synods the number of Pastors and Elders should be equal This Assembly judgeth that the said Master
Berauld had sufficient cause for his Exception against it and to appeal from them unto this Synod and therefore the Antient Order established in our Synods and Colloquies shall be observed according to the Discipline without any other particular Regulation concerning it that so all suspicion and occasion of differences in our Churches by such an innovation may be cut off and prevented And all Ministers are advised in such cases to manifest their Self-denial and how far they be estranged from Covetousness and that they do prefer the publick before their own private benefit and advantage 7. Monsieur Berauld appealing from the Decree of the Consistory of Montauban confirmed by the Synod of Higher Languedoc importing that Ministers had no power to call into the Consistory the Ministers of other Churches to consult together with them about Church-affairs without the previous advice and consent of the Consistory This Appeal is rejected and made void and this National Synod ratifieth the Decree of the Provincial Synod of the Higher Languedoc in what concerns Ordinary Consistories However it intends not by this act to abridge Ministers of their priviledge when they be desired to give some private advice consulting with such of their Brethren as they shall judge fit to call into the Consistory 8. Monsieur Paul de la Ville appealed from the Synod of Vivaretz for decreeing an Excommunication against him unless he did immediately withdraw his Son from out of the Jesuits Colledge in Tournon This Assembly approving the just severity of the Synod of Vivaretz against the said de la Ville doth expresly forbid him ever to send his Son back to Tournon and in case of his obedience unto this our Order that then he be restored unto his Office of Elder in the Church and that all censures denounc't against him shall cease and be disannulled 9. Master Lawrence Brunier and Mr. Simeon Codur formerly Ministers in the Church of Usez Appealed from the Sentence of the Synod of Lower Languedoc whereby the said Master Simeon Codur for the facts specified in the Decree of that Synod was suspended from the Sacred Ministry for the term of a full year which being expired he might officiate as Pastor in some other Church of any other Province by attestation and discharge had and obtained from that Synod And the said Master Lawrence Brunier is suspended the Sacred Ministry for three months time after which the Colloquy of Nismes is to provide a Church for him but out of the Colloquy of Usez Which appeal both the said Ministers Mr. Lawrence Brunier and Simeon Codur had once retracted and revoked but yet since have took up and again revived it Farther also there presented themselves as Parties to this Appeal the Lady Margarita de Brahier and Susanna de Sallette Wife of the said Master Lawrence Brunier complaining that the said Synod of Lower Languedoc had not took any the least care for the reparation of her honour wronged as she pretends by the said Codur This Assembly having read the acts of the said Synod of Lower Languedoc and the proceedings of Brunier and Codur one against the other and the accusations of the said Lady against Codur and having examin'd the said Codur upon all those Articles whereof he was accused by the said Mr. Lawrence Brunier and his Wife who pressed them home upon his Conscience as also that the said Codur did apply himself to both their Consciences charging them to give glory unto God by a free full and sincere confession of the Truth This Assembly did in the first place judge the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc worthy to be censured for their tumultuous and disorderly departure from the place of their meeting and for proceeding in this affair contrary to the Discipline and for producing before us Acts which were never signed by the Moderator and Scribe of their Synod as in course they should have been and for getting those subscriptions out of their Synodical Sessions And as for the said Codur although he cannot be fully and plainly convicted in every particular of the matters laid unto his charge yet nevertheless this Assembly judgeth that there is cause enough for confirming as it now doth confirm in every point and article the sentence of the said Synod of Lower Languedoc concerning the suspension of the said Codur from the Ministry and the excluding him from the Province of Lower Languedoc as also it doth confirm the suspension of Mr. Lawrence Brunier for three Months because of that excessive animosity manifested by him in his prosecution of the said Codur however it restores the said Brunier unto the Colloquy of Usez to be imployed by them immediately if they think meet But because of the great divisions which are in the Town of Usez the said Brunier shall not exercise his Ministry in it unless the next National Synod shall otherwise determine for him who may restore him if they please unto the Town and Church of Usez on their petition for him And that the honour of Mrs. Susan de Sallette Wife of the said Brunier may be repaired which was damnified by imprudent words uttered against her by the said Codur the said Codur is injoined to acknowledge his offence and the scandal given by him here before this whole Assembly and shall ask pardon of the said Brunier and shall further declare that he believeth the said Gentlewoman to be a person of great vertue and honour and that he is sorry to have spoken any thing prejudicial to it and that he hath scandalized the Church of God by it All which the said Codur shall not only protest in this Assembly but also in the Consistory of Usez where he shall give the same satisfaction unto the said Mistress Susan de Sallette begging her pardon in the presence of the Elders and Deacons of that Church and of the Lady Marguarita Brahier if she please to be there and of ten or twelve other persons such as the said Brunier and his Wife will choose And hereupon all Prosecutions at Law before the Magistrates both of the one and other side whether directly or indirectly had or done shall immediately and eternally cease And if either of them contradict this decree he is hereby declared totally deposed from the Holy Ministry And the said Master Lawrence Brunier and Simeon Codur acquiesced in this Ordinance and the said Codur having made his acknowledgment in the form prescribed him unto the said Master Lawrence Brunier and his Wife they were reconciled together and like loving Brethren did mutually give each other their hands And that Peace may be made in the Church of Usez this Assembly orders Messieurs Renaud Esperien Sohnius and Gigord to visit that Church and to dispose their minds unto it And that no new Controversies may hereafter arise upon the score of the Writings and Proceedings relating to this business they shall be all lodg'd in the hands of Monsieur Chamier 10. An Appeal was brought by the
a Professorship in the Universities determined 6. Pecuniary matters may be determined by another Province 8. two Deputies shall be sent and no more from contending Churches 12. Such at Marry Popish Wives shall bear no Office in the Churches 13. Two Canons about Monkes 15 16. The Baptism of Midwives null 18. Three cases about Marriage 19 20 21. Orders about Scholars Pensioners 24 Elenchus novae Doctrinae supprest 25. Professors of Divinity shall finish their course in three years 31. Cases about accused persons 37 39. Chap. VI. Of Accompts A Dividend of 135000 Crowns among the Churches and Universities and General Deputies Chap. VII Other Accompts of Moneys to be paid by the Lord of Candal Chap. VIII Memorials and Instructions given to the Lords General Deputies Chap. IX Appeals Two divided Churches healed 1 2. The Appeal of a Deposed Minister rejected 15. A great contention composed 19. Chap. X. Particular matters 3. Non resident Pastors ordered to their Churches 1 2. A great contention composed 6. Monsieur Primrose Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux recalled into Scotland 9. Dissentions in a Church made up 19. A case of Witchcraft 21. A case about a Donative 22. Moneys of two Churches for the Exiles of Salluces 23 24. A case about a Childs Baptism 35. The Insolency of a Capuchin Fryer 37. A poor Minister relieved 39. Censures taken off from a Church and Minister 43. A Petition to the King 52. Chap. XI Particular matters relating to the Isle of France Chap. XII The Roll of Deposed Ministers Chap. XIII Orders about Legacies Chap. XIV Political Acts the King's Letter to the National Synod 4. Chap. XV. The Lord of Candals Accompt The Third Synod of ROCHELL SYNOD XVIII 1607. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Kingdom of France held at Rochell the first day of March and continued till the two and twentieth day of April in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and seven CHAP. I Names of the Deputies and Synodical Officers Monsieur Beraut chosen Moderator Monsieur Merlin Assessor Scribes Monsieur Andrew Rivet and Monsieur Roy. THERE appeared in it as Deputies from their several Provinces the Pastors and Elders hereafter named For the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois Monsieur George Pacard Minister in the Church of Rochefoucaud Master James Merlin one of the Pastors of the Church of Rochel Monsieur Arthur de Partenay Lord of Genouille Elder in the Church of Tonney-boutonne and Mr. Daniel le Roy Elder in the Church of Xaintes with Letters from the said Province Mr. Gigord was a man of most singular Piety holy in his Life happy in his Death He died full of Peace and Joy in Believing ravished with the consolations of Gods Spirit For the Province of Lower Languedoc Master Christopher de Barjac Lord of Gasques Pastor of the Church of Vigan and Master John Gigord Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montpellier and Tristram de Brueis Lord of St. Chappe Elder in the Church of Nismes and Stephen du Vergier Ordinary President in the Chamber of Accounts of Languedoc Elder in the Church of Montpellier with Letters of Commission from their Province For the Province of Orleans Berry Blesois and Nivernois Master Joachim du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Orleans and Master Nicholas Vignier Pastor of the Church of Blois together with the Lords Daniel de St. Quintin Baron of Bellet Elder in the Church of St. Amand and Michael de Launay Lord de Filaines Elder in the Church of Blois Mr. Joachim du Moulin was the godly Father of that excellent man of God Mr. Peter du Monlin impowered with authority from their Province For the Province of the Isle of France Picardy Champagne Brie and the Land of Chartres Master Francis de Lauberan Lord of Montigny Pastor of the Church of Paris and Master Tobias Yoland Pastor of the Church of Vitry le Francois and Paul de Charites Lord of Plessis Chennelle Elder of the Church of Chartres commissioned by Letters from their Province For the Province of Lower Guienne Perigord and Limousin Mr. Paul Baduel Minister of the Church of Castillon Mr. Gilbert Primrose Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux together with John du Puis Lord of Cazett Elder of the Church of Castillon and Mr. Stephen Manial Elder of the Church of Bourdeaux For the Province of Anjou Touraine and the Maine Monsieur Abel Bede Pastor of the Church of Loudun and Master Peter Solomeau Pastor of the Church of Vandosme together with James Ridouett Esquire Lord of Sanzay Elder of the Church of Bauge and Bartholomew de Bruges Elder of the Church of Loudon For the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne Master Michael Beraud Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montauban Daniel Raphin Pastor of the Church of Realmont John de Periott Elder of the Church of Montauban and Peter Philippin Elder in the Church of St. Antonine For the Higher and Lower Vivaretz and Velay Monsieur John Valeton Pastor of the Church of Privas and Master Christopher Gammon Elder of the Church of Nonnay bringing with them Letters of excuse for not having sent the number of Deputies prescribed by the Canons of former Synods which were in no wise admitted and therefore the said Province was censured However their Deputies were received for this time This Assembly declaring it should not be made a president for future neglects as also that if in time coming they did not send the full number of four Deputies they should have no power of Voting and this in pursuance of what had been decreed in the National Synod of Gap For Provence Monsieur Daniel Chanforan Pastor of the Church de la Coste and Peter Texier Elder of the Church of Lormarin with Letters of excuse for not having sent the number above-mentioned which because of the paucity of Ministers in their Province was for this time only received And they were enjoined for the future to send four Deputies or to incorporate themselves with some other Province For the Province of Higher and Lower Poictou Master James Clemencean Minister and Pastor of the Church of Poictiers and Andrew Rivett Pastor of the Church of Touars together with Samuel Mauclerc Lord of Marconny Elder of the Church of Poire and Belleville and Monsieur Joseph des Fontaines Elder of the Church of Mesle Mr. Perriâ— writ the History of the Albingezses He dedicated the Second Part to the Duke of Candale Eldest Son of the Duke of Espernon who became a Protestant For the Province of Dolphiny Mr. John Paul Perrinâ— Pastor of the Church of Nians and John Vulson Lord de la Columbiere Pastor of the Church de la Mure together with Charles de Veze Lord of Coucy Elder of the Church de Dieu le fit and Lord of the said place and Francois de la Combe Elder of the Church of St. Marcellin For the Province of
directly repugnant unto our Discipline to call only the Deputies of the Colloquies and the said Province was censured for that irregular practice and the Higher Normandy is forbidden to Congregate and pack up into one their two Colloquies as they have done heretofore 11. The Church of Cormes and that of St. John du Brueil petitioning to be incorporated with the Colloquy of Rovergue and separated from that of Sauve This Assembly having heard Monsieur Gasques speaking on behalf of the Lower Languedoc that they did not oppose it their Petition was granted them provided that the Synod of Higher Guyenne would carefully inspect and watch over them 12. The Church of Foix and Tarascon complained of their utter inability to maintain a Pastor by reason of the excessive poverty of the Inhabitants of those places This Assembly did therefore add two Portions more out of the Kings Money to that which they already had and intreated Monsieur de Montigny to perswade Monsieur du Mattellet to accept of the Pastoral Charge of that Church and to assist and incourage him in it 13. The Petition of the Church of Bourg Argentall was granted and they shall be henceforward incorporated with the Church of Bonlieu in Vivaretz but on that condition mentioned in the Act of the Provincial Synod of Burgundy that when as by the good providence of God they may be inabled to maintain a Pastor of themselves that then they shall be returned back unto the said Province The Deputies of the Lower Guyenne petitioning that the Decree of their Provincial Synod might be confirmed that all their Churches might be obliged to put the moneys Collected by them for the poor Exiles of the Marquisate of Salluces into the hands of Monsieur Bernardin Elder in the Church of Thonneins that he might be reimbursed the four hundred Crowns lent by him upon his Majesties Grant of that sum unto the Deputies assembled at Chastechelaud and who had already paid it in to the Brethren of the said Marquisate This Assembly hath confirmed and doth now by this present Act ratifie and confirm that Decree aforesaid and it shall be accordingly executed and performed but so that every Church shall be taxed according to its ability and the said Collection thus assessed shall be levied according to the said Rate and Tax 15. Madam la Faye being fallen blind is recommended to the Charity of the Church of Bourdeaux which is intreated to continue their wonted Relief and Assistance to her 16. Monsieur Haulier Pastor of the Church du Mas d' Assier is injoyned to ride unto Vivaretz and in obedience to the Synodical Decree made at Gap to Account with the Church of Annonay and to give them full satisfaction within six months time all delays and excuses being set by 17. Monsieur Baldran Deputy for the Churches of Bearn petitioned that Monsieur Esperian the younger Minister of St. Foy might be restored unto their Province and to serve in one of their Churches The Elder of the Church of St. Foy was heard who produced a Letter written by the Father of the said Monsieur Esperian declaring that his Son if he pleased might continue where he was This Assembly did not approve that the said Esperian should be any wise obliged unto the Churches of Bearn to the hindrance of his abode at St. Foy and this was so determined by the National Synod of Gap and is now ratified by this present Synod And the said Esperian by our authority is now fixed and appropriated to the Church of St. Foy yet with this restriction that in case of great and indispensible necessities he may assist the Churches of Bearn as a Pastor as they also shall in like manner assist ours by vertue of that holy Ordinance of Communion betwixt the Churches of our Lord Jesus 18. Monsieur Durdes Pastor of the Church of Pamiers did by his Son acquaint this Synod of that great Affliction God had laid upon him in depriving him of his Eye-sight together with very many domestick troubles befallen him partly by Persecutions in former times and grievous Sicknesses and that the Church of Pamiers is not of sufficient ability to maintain another Minister Wherefore the Province of Higher Languedoc is enjoyned to deal kindly with him in their Dividends of his Majesties Liberalities and to provide for him under his pressing necessities 19. That all Dissensions arising in the Church of Xaintes about Church-Offices may be prevented for the future this Assembly doth judge fit that as soon as the said Church shall be provided of a Pastor one third of their Consistory shall be changed and another third at the years end and the residue the year following and the Election of the two thirds who are to continue and enter into Office shall be made by majority of Votes of the said Consistory and those who have a mind to be discharged shall enjoy their Liberty And this Canon was made for the said Church at the request of the Province of Xaintonge and to be perpetuated in the said Church but without any prejudice in the least unto other Churches 20. Our Brethren in the Baylywick of Gex shall subscribe the Church-Discipline yet with this Restriction that they shall not be obliged unto some particular Canons which shall be excepted by name in their subscribed Copies and this because of their present estate and circumstances 21. The Deputies of Poictou craved resolution unto this Case Some persons lately married were tied up from Conjugal performances by Witchcraft and thereupon separated one from the other and the Wife was since married unto another Man and afterward her first Husband unto another Woman May these persons be admitted to the Peace and Communion of the Church This Assembly remits the Judgment of the matter of fact unto their Provincial Synod which is ordered particularly to examine all circumstances 22. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved this Case whether a Colloquy might refuse payment of a Donative given by the Provincial Synod unto the Widdow of a deceased Minister upon this pretence that the said Widdow died before the time of paying the said Donative became due and whether her death may cause a Revocation of that Relief from the indigent Heirs of the said poor deceased Widdow This Assembly resolves in the negative and censureth that Colloquy for making a needless stir and opposition 23. The Church of Rochell having collected eight hundred Livers for our Exiled Brethren of the Marquisate of Salluces this sum of Moneys was ordered to be paid in to the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny which was done accordingly and the said Province shall bring in their Account how they distribute it unto the next National Synod 24. The Church of Bourdeaux delivered unto the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny four hundred Livers collected in it for our Exiled Brethren of the Marquisate of Salluces and the said Province is to bring in their Account how they have distributed it unto the next National Synod 25.
Paris And the two Writings prepared upon the aforesaid Memoirs presented to and answered before his Majesties Council together with the Letters Patents for the executing of those Answers with which Writings to wit Memoirs of Castelheraud Letters of Exemption and the Original of the answered Writings Monsieur de Mirande was intrusted to whom those who may need them shall apply themselves And the said Monsieur de Crois was acquitted and discharged of all those Writings and he farther engaged to put into the hands of the said Monsieur de Mirande the other Writings which remain at Paris and particularly those concerning our Affairs with Monsieur Palott of all which upon his delivery of them he shall be discharged These Acts were subscribed by Beraud Moderator Merlin Assessor Scribes Andrew Rivett and Roy The End of the Third Synod of Rochel THE Acts Decisions and Decrees OF THE XIXth National Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held in the Town of St. Maixant in the Province of Poictou In the Year of our Lord 1609. The Contents of the Synod of St. Maixant 1609. The 19th Synod Cap. 1. DEputies to the Synod The Provinces of Dolphiny and Vivaretz censured Deputy of Sedan excluded Synodical Officers chosen A Canon about Pastors not deputed Cap. 2. Observations on the Confession approved and sworn Cap. 3. Observations on the Discipline A Canon for receiving proposans into the Ministry 2 3 4. Ministers not to study Chymistry 6. A Case about Baptizing of sick Children Notes on the 20th Article of the 14th Chapter 12. the Discipline sworn Cap. 4. Observations on the National Synod of Rochel Of Monks quitting their Convents 4. Monsieur Chamier commended 6. Mitigation of a Canon in favour of the Children of poor Ministers 8. Monsieur Vignier commended for his Theatre of Antichrist 9. Cap. 5. Of Appeals A deposed Minister never to be restored 1 13. A Deputy and no Deputy 5. the case of Monsieur le Blanc Minister of Lions 8. The Widdow of a deceased Minister shall be paid her Annuity from the day of his death 12. A difference between two Ministers composed 20. Three Churches to be visited 23. Divisions in the Church of Orleans cemented 27. A scandalous Minister censured 28. Cap. 6. General matters A Case of Conscience 4. Canon about briguing for Deputations unto Synods 5. A deposed Minister most severely censured 7. An Order for maimed Souldiers having the Cross on their back 10. Of Attestations 11. Act for a National Fast. 12. A subtle and crafty Schismatick to be carefully watched 14. A Case about Baptism administred by a deposed Minister whether valid 16. What to do when Marriage-banes are forbidden 17. A Pocket-Bible designed for the Press 18. Whether a Minister may press a person to discover a secret crime unto the Magistrate 20. Ministers appointed to study some particular Controversies in the several Provinces Cap. 7. Of Universities The Universities of Montauban Nismes and Montpellier censured 1 2. The Duke of Sully's Colledge of Boisbelle 8. Cap. 8. Particular Orders Letters unto the Judges in the mixt Court of Castres 5. A poor Minister relieved 8. the Seignory of Geneva can pretend no right to the Natives of their City Ministers in France 11. Complaints against the Ministers of Mants and Fontainbleau 23. Copies of the Acts of the National Synods not to be communicated 26. A Controversie moved by de Royer and terminated by this Synod 35. Cap. 9. An Order for calling the next National Synod Cap. 10. The Roll of deposed Ministers Cap. 11. Moneys divided among the Churches Cap. 12. A Catalogue of the Churches having portions out of the King's Money Cap. 13. Account of the Dividend for the three first Quarters Cap. 14. Account of Moneys given upon particular occasions THE Synod of St. Maixant In the Name of God! CHAP. I. The Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Kingdom of France held at St. Maixant the 25th of May and divers days following in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and nine wherein presented themselves as Deputies from all the Provinces the Pastors and Elders who are hereafter named to wit FOR Provence Provence Monsieur Peter Chalier Pastor of the Church of Seynise and Bartholomew Recener Pastor of the Church or Merindol together with Elias de Glandevez younger Son of the House of Puymichell Lord of St. Ajon Elder of the Church in Puymichell and Peter Texier Elder of the Church of Lormarin or Rouangis For the Province of Dolphiny Dolphiny Master John Vulson Lord de la Columbiere Pastor of the Church de la Mure and John Felix Pastor of the Church of Grenoble together with Charles Martyn Lord of Champoleon Elder of the Church of Champoleon and Francois de la Combe Elder of the Church of St. Marcelin chosen in the last Synod of their Province and the said Lord de Champoleon not appearing Monsieur Jacob Videl Elder of the Church of Brianson presented himself who was chosen in the preceding Synod but was not informed of the alteration made in its last Sessions Whereupon this Assembly judged the said Province worthy of Censure for not having acquainted the said Videl with their change And there having been given an honourable Testimony unto the said Videl by the Deputies of the Province he was admitted to give his deliberative Vote until the coming of the aforementioned Lord de Champoleon after which he may return to his own home but the expences of his jourrley shall be defrayed by the Province Yet at his intreaty the Synod gave him his choice either to tarry or depart Vivaretz and Vellay For the Province of Vivaretz and Vellay Monsieur Daniel Richard Pastor of the Church of Choillar and John du Roure Elder of the Church of Aubenas who Reporting the excuses mentioned also in the Letters of their Province for their repeated failure in the number of their Deputies they not sending four the Synod did not at all approve of them but upon promise made by them in the name of their Province to perform their duty in time to come they were on this condition admitted for this time though censure was past upon the Province and accordingly executed on them the said Deputies that for the three first days of Session they should be deprived of their deliberative Votes in it Lower Languedoc For the Province of Lower Languedoc Monsieur Jeremy Ferrier Pastor of the Church of Nismes and Monsieur John Chauve Pastor of the Church of Sommiers together with William Girard Lord of Moussac Elder of the Church of Nismes and John James du Crois Lord de la Combe Elder of the Church of Mompellier For the Province of Lower Guyenne â—erigort and Limousin Monsieur Jeremy Bauconis Pastor of the Church of Tonneins and Isaac Sylvius Pastor of the Church of Clerac together with John de Vertueil Lord of Mallerett Elder in the Church of Burdeaux and Jacob des Mais
and Universities Cap. 15. Roll of Vagrants and Apostates Cap. 16. Lord of Candal's Accounts Cap. 17. A Dividend of Moneys among the Provinces Cap. 18. A Dividend of Moneys among the Universities and General Deputies THE Synod of PRIVAS 1612. The 20th Synod In the Name of God Acts of the National Synod held at Privas in Vivaretz in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and twelve begun the 14th of May and continued for several days after even until Wednesday the fourth of July CHAP. I. Of the Deputies to the Synod There appeared as Deputies FOR the Province of Vivaretz Master John de la Faye Vivaretz Pastor of the Church of Aubenas Mr. Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Annonay Paul de Chambaud Lord of St. Quintin Elder of the Church at St. Fortunate and Isaac Gautier Advocate Elder of the Church of Annonay For the Churches of the Principality of Bearn Mr. John d'Abadie Bearn Pastor of the Church of Nay and Mr. Raymond Thoulouze Pastor of the Church of St. Gladie and the Lord David de Brassalay Elder of the Church of Maslay and Master David de Saliens Lord of Hairdultant Advocate for the King in Navarre Elder of the Church of Baigter or Baiglé For Provence Monsieur James de la Planche Provence Pastor of the Church of Lormarin and Mr. Peter Huron Pastor of the Church of Riez Peter de Villeneufve Lord of Espinouze Elder in the Church of Riez and John Feurandy Elder of the Church of Manosque For Dolphiny Mr. Daniel Chamier Pastor of the Church of Montlimard Dolphiny and Mr. John Paul Perrin Pastor of the Church of Nions and Mr. John Julian Advocate Elder in the Church of Grenoble and Francis de la Combe Elder in the Church of St. Marcellin For Burgundy Mr. David du Piotay Pastor of the Church of Gex Burgundy and Mr. Anthony le Blanc Pastor of the Church of Lyons Mr. Job Bonnett Advocate Elder in the Church of Chaalons and Humbert Perreau Advocate Elder in the Church of Bussy For Berry Orleans Blesois Dunois and Nivernois Berry Mr. Stephen de Montsanglard Pastor of the Church of Corbigny lez St. Leonard and Mr. Simeon Jurieu Pastor of the Church of Chastillion upon Loir and Jerom Groslott Lord de l'Isle Elder in the Church of Orleans and Elias du Bois Lord of Seinerreves Elder in the Church of Chasleaudun Lower Languedoc For the Lower Languedoc Mr. Andrew de la Faye Pastor of the Church of St. Germain and Mr. Peter Rossel Pastor of the Church of Bedarieux and Peter de Malmont Advocate Elder in the Church of Nismes and John Breny Lord of Hommes-Sargues Elder in the Church of Albiez Higher Languedoc For the Upper Languedoc Mr. Bernard de Sonis Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the University of Montauban and Mr. Hector Joly Pastor of the same Church and Levy de Barjac Lord of Biraul Elder in the Church of Brueil and James du Croix Advocate Elder in the Church of Castres For the Lower Guyenne Mr. Moyses Ricotier Pastor of the Church of Clerac and Mr. Moyses Ferrand Pastor of the Church de la Parade and John de Verteil Lord of Maleret Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux and Stephen Maniald Advocate Lower Guyenne Xaintonge Elder also of the same Church For the Province of Xaintonge Aulnix and Augoulmois Mr. Paul Bonnet Pastor in the Church of Saujon and Mr. Samuel Petit Pastor of the Church of Xaintes and Samuel de Campet Baron of Saujon Elder in the Church of Saujon and Elias de Glatignon Advocate Elder in the Church of Angoulesme For Poictou Poictou Mr. Isaac de Camille Pastor of the Church of Cobe and Mr. George Tompson Pastor of the Church de la Chastaignoraye and Moyses Suzannes Lord de la Forest Breduliere Elder in the Church of Marevil and Peter de Cognac Advocate Elder in the Church of Fontenay For Anjou Anjou Tourain le Mayne c. Mr. Peter Perillan Pastor of the Church de l'Isle Bouchard and Mr. John Vigner Pastor of the Church of Mans and James de Laufernat Lord of Villiers Elder in the Church of Audenay and Daniel Fevron Advocate Elder in the Church of Loudun For Brittany Brittany Mr. John Parant Lord of Preau Pastor of the Church of Vitré and Mr. Bertrand d' Avignon Lord of Souvigné Pastor of the Church of Rennes and Stephen le Maistre Lord de la Reignelaye Elder in the Church de la Roche-Bernard and Gaspard Ezille Lord of Coign Doctor of Physick Elder in the Church of de la Moussay For Normandy Normandy Mr. Moyses Cartaud Pastor in the Church of Dieppe Mr. John Bonvier Lord de la Fresnaye Pastor in the Church of Caen and John de Bradefer Lord de la Maneville Elder in the Church of Fontaine Grougny and Paul du Vivier Elder in the Church of Bajeux but absent by reason of his sickness which excuse was accepted The Isle of France For the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne Mr. Peter du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Paris and Mr. John Carre Pastor of the Church Despense and Anthony de Cormons Lord of Villeneufve Elder in the Church of Sezanne and Elias Biggott Advocate Elder in the Church of Paris Deputy General The second day after the opening of this Synod there came also unto it James de Jacourt Lord of Rouvray Deputy General for the Reformed Churches of France residing with their Majesties who had his priviledge of Voting in this Assembly After Prayers offered up to God the whole Assembly elected Mr. Daniel Chamier Moderator and Mr. du Moulin Assessor and the Sieurs de Monsanglard and Maniald Scribes CHAP. II. Orders about the Election of Moderator and Deputies A Deputy censured for bringing his Election 1. LEST in chusing the Moderator any one should give his vote who had by undue ways and crafty designs gotten his Deputation unto these National Synods it was unanimously resolved by this whole Assembly that the first thing which shall be done in it before ever the Moderator be chosen shall be the reading of the Letters of Commission granted by the Provinces unto their Deputies to represent and act for them and the Pastors of that place in which the Synod shall be Assembled shall administer the Oath unto the respective Deputies who shall swear by the Eternal God that they have not themselves in their own persons nor do they know that any other for them or that any of their Colleagues hath Craftily or by any undue means and under-hand dealings procured his or their Deputations 2. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved that before we passed unto any other business Inquiry might be made whether any of the Provincial Deputies since their Election had not Committed such Acts as merited Exclusion from this Assembly The motion was accepted and order Given for the Examen that the unworthy
received for the said City Which accordingly he promised to see done and performed 18. The Deputies of Dolphiny complaining that the Sieur Scoffier had not obeyed the Decree of the Synod of Privas St. Maixant p. m. 21. Privas p. m. 34. in paying the Moneys which he owed them this Synod voted that ninety Livers should be detained out of the Moneys beloning to the Province of Berry in which the said Scoffier serves as a Minister in the hands of the Lord du Candal and delivered unto the Province of Dolphiny yet leaving the Province of Berry at Liberty to take what course they thought good to recover the said sum from Monsieur Scoffier 19. The Deputies of Dolphiny complaining that the Sieur Jarry had received thirty Livers from the Church of Castel-Dolphin upon promise that he should come and serve them which yet he hath not done nor restored to them the said Moneys Order was given to the Synod of Sevennes that they injoin him to make them satisfaction and that they consult what censure to inflict upon him 20. Bertrand Auger or Faugier who was put upon the File of the Deposed Ministers by the National Synod of St. Maixant having cleared himself of the Crimes laid unto his charge was restored unto the exercise of his Ministry by the Synod of Dolphiny whose Deputies now demanding that his name might be razed out of that black Kalander this Assembly did accordingly grant it to them 21. A judgment of the Province of Normandy about some Money-matter being put in execution Privas p. m. 25. which was remanded thither by the Synod of Privas this Assembly ordained that the Province of Brittany should pay two thirds of the charges expended by the Sieur Trizonius who was commissionated in that affair by the Province of Anjou and the Moneys for the said charges shall be kept by the Lord du Candal in his hands out of the Moneys appertaining to the Province of Brittany unless their Deputies would rather compound and make present satisfaction 22. Complaint being made by the higher Generality of Normandy that the general charges for the whole Province were divided by equal portions between the Lower and Higher Normandy although there was a very great inequality both of Churches and Colloquies betwixt them this Assembly ordaineth for the future that the said Charges shall be divided into five parts whereof the Lower Normandy shall pay three and the Higher the other two 23. The Synod of the Isle of France complained of the Church of Paris for not paying in as the other Churches of that Province have done and still do the fifth penny of their Charity-Moneys This Assembly having heard the Sieur Bigot and seen the Acts of the Provincial Synod and the Accounts of the said Church approveth of the administration of their Charities and ordereth that the said Church shall continue in the same estate as it was heretofore only that their Deputies shall bring in to their Provincial Synod an account how they dispose of their fifth penny 24. The difference betwixt the Church of Orleans and their Provincial Synod about Claudius Garnier a Dominican Fryar converted unto the Protestant Reformed Religion is turned over to the Province of Anjou to put a final period thereunto by the authority of this Assembly 25. The Province of Lower Languedoc having referred unto this Assembly the separation of the Churches de la Bastide Viras Vignas and Bessars from the Church of Barjac that they might be incorporated with the Province of Vivaretz After hearing the Deputies of both Provinces and perusal of the Judgment given by the Synod of Lower Languedoc the aforesaid Churches were all adjudged unto the Province of Vivaretz excepting only that those of the Quarter of Bessars and only they are left to their own choice whether to continue Members of the Church of Barjac or to follow those other Churches See before Appeal 38. 26. The expences of Monsieur Raffin in his journey to this Assembly for defending that Appeal brought by the Colloquy of Albigeois shall be re-imburst him by the Provinces of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne out of the portions allotted to the said Colloquy 27. The difference between the Colloquy of Albigeois and the Synod of Higher Languedoc and Gyuenne about the distribution of their respective portions is dismissed over to the Synod of Lower Guyenne who have full power to put a final period to it by the authority of this Assembly 28. The Province of Lower Languedoc desiring to be discharged by this Assembly from paying those summs for which they stood indebted unto the Synod of Privas because that the Apostate Ferrier who had their Moneys and whom they had impleaded for them hath removed his cause by way of Appeal unto the Council It was ordained that the Decree of Privas should not in the least be changed And yet notwithstanding that these Petitioners should be holpen in their just prosecution of the said Ferrier at Law by all the Churches 29. This Assembly approving the labours of Mr. Andrew Rivet Pastor of the Church of Thouars and particularly those learned Works of his published against the Adversaries of the Truth gave him their thanks for them and as a testimony of that love and honour they bear him do give him the summ of six hundred Livers out of the common stock of all the Churches 30. The Synod of Poictou having proposed that there might be a new division and increase of Colloquies in the said Province after hearing the arguments pro and con this Assembly ordained that the Colloquies should abide in number and form as they have ever been untill now 31. The Sieur Chabot petitioned by Letters unto this Assembly that the publick Preaching of Gods Holy Word together with the administration of the Sacraments and all other exercises of our Holy Reformed Religion might be again restored unto the Church of Mussidan It was ordained that Messieurs d' Anglade and Esperien Ministers of St. Foy do visit that Church and Preach at Mussidan and dispose the dissenting parties to a reconciliation till the meeting of their next Provincial Synod 32. The Province of Higher Languedoc is exhorted to consider the distresses of the Church of Aiguesmortes and to assist it with a supernumerary portion equal unto any of those other portions given by them unto Pastors and to be paid out of that stock of Moneys which will be allotted them in the general Dividend 33. And the said Province is intreated to give unto Master Andrew Chanforan the Son of Monsieur Chanforan Pastor of the Church of Poussyn the first place that falls vacant for any Proposan Privas p. m. 19. 34. The Deputies in this Synod are charged when they return unto their respective Provinces to recommend unto them the continuance of their Charity towards the poor Refugees of the Marquisate of Salluces a great many of them still groaning under very pressing wants 2. Vitré obs 8. upon this Synod 35. According
I have the will I swear unto you that my own mouth should have verified unto you what I now write that I am more than any man in the World of Montpellier April 26. 1614. Your Reverences The most Humble and the most Affectionate to do you service Chastillon The Letter of the Mareschall Duke of Bouillon to the National Synod of Tonneins Sirs I Delayed writing to you because I was in hopes to have sent my Letters by one of the Pastors of his Highness the Prince Elector Palatine who should have past through this City in his way unto your Synod and have delivered those of his Highness to you But that little time he had for so long a Journey and the little safety that now is on the High-ways having kept him at home they were directed to me that I may send them as I now do unto you and I shall take this occasion to confirm you in those assurances I have given you of my intire affection and service for the Weal Preservation and Increase of our Churches upon whose account you are now Assembled and that I desire to keep up with them a good Union and Correspondence 'T is to my very great regret that there have been some little differences between Monsieur du Moulin and Monsieur Tilenus one of the Professors in my University to the suppressing of which I have done all that lay in my power In so much that all those bitter reflections are allayed and quasht and I dare promise that from your prudence and the interposal of his Majesty of great Britain who writes to you by Mr. Hume Pastor of the Church of Duras and by the mediation of the Elector Palatin whose Letters this bearer from me delivers to you you will meet with some proper Expedient for their final determination so that those two great personages considerable for their Profession and merits may employ the gifts which God hath bestowed upon them more unto the Churches profit for the future And I will be Surety for the Sieur Tilenus that he shall pay the greatest deference unto your good Counsels and on my part I shall contribute all that you can expect from me to so good a work whereof I earnestly attend the happy Issue through your wise and prudent direction I shall detain you no longer but with the offer of my prayers unto God Almighty that he would please to guide and influence your Spirits and Councils that their result may be glory to his great Name and happiness unto his Church From Sedan May 3. 1614. A Postscript with his own hand Sirs ALtho I am well assured that your Intentions are all leading to a good Reunion both in Civil and Church-affairs yet will I not forbear quickening you hereunto and the rather because Satan and his Engines are now more than every at work marvellously busied and employed to divide us having found in this degenerate age more debauched persons and greater debaucheries than in times past Wherefore I protest unto you that in what concerns my self in particular that I shall freely discharge my duty and services according to what shall be resolved on in your Common and United Counsels and seek for my self none other benefit and advantage than to live and die in the fear of God Your most humbly to do you service Henry de la Tour. CHAP. XX. The Excommunication of Monsieur Jeremy Ferrier sometimes Pastor and Professor in the Church and Vniversity of Nismes denounced in the Church of Nismes upon the 14th of July 1613 being the Lords Day Extracted out of a little Book Intituled The Troubles happened in the City of Nismes in Languedoc July 15. 1613. and Printed the same year MAster Jeremy Ferrier formerly Minister of the Word of God having been judged by the National Synod yet hath not in the least owned and acknowledged God's singular Mercy and Benignity to him nor the Gentleness and Clemency of his Judges He hath took no notice of his great and hainous offences though God saw them the Church observed them and the World cried out of them Some days after Sentence had past upon him he made semblance as if he acquiesced in it requesting to be provided of another Church His Judges had respect unto his demand and provided for him very much unto his conveniency But the close and issue hath evidently demonstrated that what he did was all in Hypocrisie was nothing else but fraud and mockery Instead of humbling himself he waxed more fierce and fiery he kicked against the pricks he hardened his heart against the voice of God speaking to him He hath multiplied and increast his sins seeking Sanctuaries for his Rebellion from the World and protection by it in his Enter-prizes following the train and lure of his own lusts and loving this present World he would rather be a slave to the Mammon of Unrighteousness than to serve God and his Church and betaking himself to wicked and unworthy courses he hath refused to be reformed and hateth Discipline and Correction scorning and trampling under foot all Church-Order He hath most licentiously inveighed against and satyrically lampoon'd the Ecclesiastical Assemblies he hath let flie the worst of Calumnies against the Servants of God generally and particularly in publick and private by word of mouth by Pen and Writing He threw himself wittingly and wilfully upon temptations and into the snares of the Devil he became his own Seducer and like tile Devil endeavoured to seduce others He hath by his ungodly comportments scandalized those that are without and such as are within he hath attempted to mischief the Church of God for which the Lord Jesus hath shed his most precious Blood He did most solemnly engage unto the Church of Paris yea he swore it with as great seriousness as possible that he would never take upon him nor aspire unto any other Calling than that of the Sacred Ministry unless the Colloquy of Lionnois should discharge him by taking from him all possible means of subsistence Before which nevertheless when he was called he refused to appear and would not be judged of God nor by the Men of God He hath cast himself into a contumacious and audacious Rebellion into the most injurious and excessive Insolencies he hath published himself guilty of a notorious and horrible Perjury totally deserting the Sacred Ministry having rejected all the Summons and Invitations unto Repentance made him for a whole year together by divers Church-Assemblies in divers places and at divers times by many most excellent Servants of God who cordially and industriously laboured after his Conversion and Reformation He hath despised the long-suffering patience and forbearance of God and of the Church and never heeded those publick Admonitions which according to the Discipline were used to reclaim him and bring him back again unto his duty But he persists obstinately in his sins in his Disobediencies and Rebellions and hardens hardens himself in his Impenitency insomuch that we must speak it
though not without tears and groans that he hath lost his priviledge and right of Burgesship in the City and Family of God For these Causes we the Pastors and Elders of the Reformed Churches in the Lower Languedoc Deputies of this Province having charge and care of the Colloquy of Lionnois and authorized thereunto by the National Synod we denounce the said Master Jeremy Ferrier to be a scandalous man a person incorrigible impenitent and ungovernable and as such having first invocated the holy Name of the Living and True God and in the Name and Power of our Lord Jesus Christ by the conduct of the Holy Ghost and with Authority from the Church we have cast and do now cast and throw him out of the Society of the Faithful that he may be delivered up unto Satan declaring that he ought not to be reckoned reputed nor numbered as a Member of our Lord Jesus Christ nor of his Church but that he be counted and esteemed as a Publican and Heathen as a Prophane person and contemptuous despiser of God exhorting all the Faithful and enjoyning them in the Name of our Lord and Master no more to hold any conversation with this Son of Belial but to estrange themselves and be separated from him waiting that if in any wise this Judgment and Separation serving for the destruction of his Flesh may contribute to the Salvation of his Soul and strike into his Conscience a terrour of that great and dreadful day in which the Lord will come with thousands of his Saints to execute Judgment upon the ungodly and to convince the wicked of all their impieties sinful designs and abominable works enterprised by them against his Church Cursed be he that doth the Work of the Lord negligently Amen! If any one love not the Lord Jesus Christ Let him be Anathema Maranatha Amen! Come Lord Jesus Christ Even so come quickly Amen! This dreadful Sentence was denounced against the said Ferrier in the Church of Nismes on the Lords Day July the 14th 1613. by Monsieur Brunier Minister of the Word of God in the Reformed Church of the City of Usez Examined and Compared with the Printed Copy Acts Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXII NATIONAL SYNOD OF THE Reformed Churches OF FRANCE HELD The second time at Vitré in the Province of Brittaine This Synod was opened on Thursday May the 18th and ended on the 18th of June following being the Lord's Day 1617. The CONTENTS of the Second Synod of Vitré Chap. I. DEputies unto the Synod Moderator and Scribes Chap. II. Rules about Spectators in the Synod 2. Promise of Submission to the National Synod 1. The Pastor and two Elders of that Church in which the National Synod is held may sit in it 4. An Address unto the King 5. Oath of Vnion 6. Chap. III. The Confession of Faith sworn Chap. IV. Observations on the Discipline 19. Canon of the first Chapter of the Discipline explain'd 3. Proposans shall not be admitted into Consistories 4. Advice upon the 16. Canon of the fifth Chapter of the Discipline 5. Form of Excommunication prudential 6. The Case of Elders violating the 28 Canon in the fifth Chapter of the Discipline 8. Remarkable Providences to be collected 9. Synodical Officers must be chosen by a low voice 10. The 14 15. Canons in the last Chapter of the Discipline most strictly to be observed 14. A Case about Duels 15. The Discipline approv'd and sworn 16. Chap. V. Reflections upon the Synod of Tonneins A Complaint of the Isle of France against the Province of Anjou 1. Censure taken off from a delinquent Province 6. Du Moulin and Tilenus reconciled 7. A Petition for the Exiled Protestants of Saluces 8. Chap. VI. Of Appeals The Provincial Colledge of Xaintonge setled at Rochefoucauld 2. A Case of Monsieur Beauchamp Pastor to the D. of Rohan 3. Discipline exercised upon a delinquent Minister 9. Samuel du Frenay Student in Divinity dealt withal by the Synod about his Heterodoxies 19. An Appeal of the Church of Maringues 30. Divisions in the Church of Aymargues how composed Chap. VII A Speech unto the King Chap. VIII General matters No Attestations to be given unto the Moors banished out of Spain 3. Abuse about the Baptism of Moors 4. The poorer Churches to be relieved 6. Whether a Patron may sell his right of Presentation 7. Care about Converted Monks 8 19 22. Foolish Sports suppressed 9. A Pastor may not leave his Church at pleasure 12. Of Catechising 13. The Impressions of the Bible to be more correct 14. Complaints against the Inhabitants of Saumur for griping poor Scholars at Pension in their Houses 17. Censures against them who get Prohibitions against their Consistories 20. Ministers not to meddle with State-affairs in their Pulpits 21. The Synods care about Printing of Monsieur Chamier's Panstratia 23 24. The Assembly at Rochel 25 26 27. The doleful estate of the Church of Auverne 28. Chap. IX The Kings Letter to the Synod G. M. 29. Sermons may be Preached on Holy-Days G. M. 31. A Committee of Divines Ordered to the Synod of Dort G. M. 34. No National Fast injoined by this Assembly and why G. M. 35. Reasons why the Province of Bearn did not call the National Synod G. M. 36. The Church of Sancerre persecuted 37. Canon against Non-Residence reinforced G. M. 38. Deputies relieved G. M. 39. Palot how to be prosecuted 42. Chap. X. Partiular matters A Petition unto the Prince of Orange 3. Monsieur Imbert Minister in the Church of Orleans 6. Complaints against Monsieur Perrery a Minister 8. Against Monsieur Richer another Minister 9. A Silenced Minister restored 12. A Ladies Legacy unto the Church of Essars 14. Oppressions of the Churches in the Colloquy of Foix. 15. Complaints against a Minister rejected 19. The Case of Monsieur D' Anglade 20. A Bookseller of Geneva complaineth against a Minister in Bearn 23. The progress of the Gospel at Langres 25. Ingagements of Monsieur Guerin 28. The Works of Monsieur Sohnis Ordered to be Printed 36. The Case of Huberus 31. And of Solera 32. Chap. XI Dividend of Monies among the Churches Chap. XII Of Vniversities and Colledges Chap. XIII Roll of Apostates and deposed Ministers Chap. XIV Lord of Candal's Accounts Chap. XV. Dividend of Monies among the Provinces THE Second SYNOD of VITRE 1617. The 22d Synod SYNOD XXII 1617. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the second National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held in the City of Vitré in the Province of Brittaine the eighteenth day of May and for several days following in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and seventeen The Synod broke up on Sunday the eighteenth of June CHAP. I. Names of Deputies Election of Synodical Officers 1. PRayers having been first offered up unto God as usual at the opening of all Synodical Meetings The next thing in order dispatched was Reading the Letters of Commission tendered by the Deputies that so an exact
a Scandalous Person from the Lords Table The Provinces of Berry and Sevennes remonstrating that many and great inconveniencies might fall out by the Execution of such an Ordinance This Assembly Decreed That although for good and just causes the Pastor had been excepted against yet the Elders only by themselves might not proceed to suspend any Person from the Lords Table without the Presence and Approbation of a Neighbour Pastor 3. On that Article concerning Monsieur de Beauchamp 2. Vitre Appeal 2. which injoyned the Province of Britain to give him satisfaction for his Pension due unto him for his Four Years Service Minister in the House of the Lord Duke of Rohan and the rather because the said Province had for that whole time received the Portion of the said Monsieur Boauchamp out of the Monies given us by His Majesties liberality And the Letter of the said Minister were read in which he complained of the Injustice of the said Province and requested that a particular Church of Anjou might be appointed by the Authority of this National Synod to adjudge unto him the Summ of Eight Hundred Ninety and Eight Livres Ten Sous and Nine Deniers which are Owing him and be detained in the hands of Monsieur Boitereul Receiver of the said Province of Britain This Assembly decreeth that Monsieur de Beauchamp and Monsieur de Pestere for the Province the Deputies of Britain declaring that all Writings concerning this Affair are lodged with him shall appear before the Consistory of Saumur on the First day of April next that so their Accounts being Audited the Consistory of the said Church of Saumur may by the Authority of this Assembly finally determine this Matter And in the mean while the said Summ of Eight Hundred Ninety and Eight Livres Ten Sous and Nine Deniers shall be stopt in the Hands of the said Receiver of the Province of Britain to be restored unto the said Monsieur de Beauchamp in case it be found due unto him 2. Vitre gâ— m. 6 Below of Univers 12. 4. Whereas the Provinces had been Exhorted by the Synod of Vitre to consult by what means our Universities might be provided of Professors in Divinity This Assembly having heard the Opinion of sundry Provinces here tendered by their Deputies decreed That for this purpose there should be chosen out a certain number of Pastors in the Actual Service of these Reformed Churches without burdening our selves with a new Fund or choosing Scholars who by reason of their sew years and inexperience are less fit to govern the Youth in our Universities 5. Monsieur Boucherau having been heard about those complaints made in the Synod of Vitre concerning the Excessive Rates paid by our Students at Saumur for their Lodging and Diet This Assembly was fully satisfied of the groundlessness of those complaints 2. Vitre g.m. 17. 2 Vitre g. m. 21. 6. That Canon forbidding Ministers to preach their own private Sentiments on State Affairs being read and Report made unto this Synod that several Ministers had acted contrary to it in the last political Assembly held at Loudun This National Synod desirous to stifle all Seeds of Division forbore looking into what is past but for the future it did straitly forbid all Ministers to treat of State-Matters in their Sermons or Pulpit Discourses on pain of being suspended the Holy Ministry because the only Subject of their Sermons and publick Preaching should be the Holy Word of God and the venting of State-Matters by them exposeth the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus unto contempt and the Provinces shall take special care that an Account hereof be given by their Deputies when they return from the General Politick Assembly as also of what may be foisted in of this nature into their Writings and Printed Works 7. These words as much as may be shall be razed out of that Canon which had enjoyned the Churches to sing full parts of Psalms 2. Vitre g. m. 31. and so conform themselves into that Antient Custom in use with us ever since the Reformation 8. The last Synod of Vitre had injoyned sundry Ministers of the higher Languedoc residing in the City of Montauban 2. Vitre g. m. 38. and not in their own Churches to depart thence and to live actually they and their Families in those places where they be fixed Pastors and that within Three Moneths after Notice given them of this Decree and in case of disobedience it was expresly declared to them that they should be suspended yea and they were then denounced to be Suspended from the Holy Ministry But now the Letters and Excuses of the Sieurs Richard Pastor of the Church of Muzac and Islemade of Benoist Pastor of Albai and Realville and of du Mas Pastor of Verlai dwelling at Montauban being read and the Provincial Deputyes of higher Languedoc having been heard speak about them This Assembly besides their Suspension judgeth those Ministers to be guilty of open Rebellion against our Order and Church-Discipline and to have despised very many of our National Synods and to have abandoned their Flocks and therefore it declareth them to be Usurpers of the Sacred Ministry and farther it doth very severely censure that Province of higher Languedoc for suffering such great Disorders so long a time unpunished and the Consistory of the Church of Montauban for permitting them to preach after the Declaration made of their Suspension at Vitre and farther confirming the aforesaid Sentence it declareth the said Benoist and Richard to be suspended the Holy Ministry for Three Moneths to Commence from that very day when as this present Act shall be signified to them and if in case within Three Moneths time they do not obey the Canons of our National Synods and reside personally among their People they are from this very instant deposed And as for the Sieur du Mas this Assembly doth as yet grant him one Moneth more after that this Decree shall be notified to him and in case he be not then Obedient and reside on his Church he is declared suspended from the Holy Ministry which said Suspension shall continue upon him till he do conform and the Portions or Moneys arising from His Majesties Bounty that might accrew unto them as unto other conformable Ministers shall be detained by the Lord du Candal in his own hands until such time as they have intirely satisfied this present Synod and this its Ordinance But notwithstanding all that 's imported in this Censure Monsieur Gardesy is Excepted he having a lawful Excuse for his Abode at Montauban by reason of his great Age and for his laudable Travels undertook and sustained by him for the Service of Gods Church in the Flower and Vigour of his Youth And this present Act shall be Sinned and Authenticated by the Manual Subscriptions of the Moderator Assessor and both the Scribes of this Synod and shall be read and signisied both in the Consistory of the Church of Montauban
new against this unworthy Fellow CHAP. XXIV Discipline Exercised upon a Vitious Minister 53. WHereas James Jolly sometimes Pastor of the Church of Milhaud appealed from a Sentence past against him by the Synod of Higher Languedoc which had deposed him from the Holy Ministry Upon hearing the Deputies of that Province and the said Jolly himself who having been divers times summon'd to clear himself of the Crimes laid unto his charge though to no purpose for he could never do it The Synod ratified the Sentence past against him in every article and particular and because the qualities of his Crimes proved upon him are very hainous and atrocious as tempting and solliciting of Women to Adultery abominable and profane Speeches professed resolves and purposes to Apostatize from the True Religion and Blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus perswading and enticing like the Devils other Ministers of Christ to joyn with him in his Revolt and Apostacy from all which horrible and scandalous Accusations he was bound in Honour and Conscience to purge himself and had he been innocent or had he but the least spark of Grace or one grain of the fear of God been lest in him he would have done it Moreover the said Jolly having discoursed with a great deal of impudence hardness and ungodliness in the very presence of the Synod and betook himself unto business utterly inconsistent with the Sacred Calling of a Minister for which had he none other guilt upon him he would have merited a Deposal from that Honourable Office The Synod seized with a just horror at his impenitency and aggravating the Sentence of his Provincial Synod denounceth the said Jolly utterly unworthy and altogether uncapable of any imployment in the Sacred Ministry of the Gospel deposeth him and doth now from this Instant declare him to be deposed from the Ministerial Function and for ever uncapable of being restored to it and depriveth him of all Communion in the Sacraments unto which he shall not be admitted 'till we have had a very long proof and some years Tryal and Experience of his Repentance and Reformation and that he have publickly and penitently acknowledged those great and hainous scandals he hath given unto the Church of God and in case he persist in his Rebellions then the Consistories and Colloquies being assembled together shall deliver him over unto the Devil by that dreadful Sentence of Excommunication 54. The Overseers of the Poor in the Church of Anduze appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc and the Lord Aldebert Judge of Sauve complained against the Sieur John Bony Pastor of the Church of St. John of Cardonengue Master Cailou was heard speak in behalf of the Church of Anduze and Mr. Aldebert the younger opened the reasons of their Appeal and Mr. Bony together with the Provincial Deputies Apologized for themselves against thorn The Council having accurately considered all the Accusations and Matters of Offence included in those proceedings judgeth that Mr. Bony deserveth a very heavy Censure for notorious Avarice and dishonest Gain the guilt of which is apparent and visible upon him for that he disposed of the Goods of Pernette Andouyne to his own and his Childrens profit contrary to the Will and Testament she had once made in favour of the poor Members of the Church of Anduze Moreover the Council declareth that the said Master Bony cannot with a good Conscience detain and appropriate unto his own use the Goods aforesaid but ought immediately to restore them and to this purpose he was exhorted to choose Arbitrators as the said Overseers of the Poor would also to compose the differences between them and to agree upon the terms of restitution And it was farther intimated to him that in case the Execution of this Decree were in the least hindred or delayed by him the said Bony that the next Colloquy of Nismes was Authorized to proceed against him and to Depose him from the Ministry And forasmuch as he hath exprest his Repentance with grief and shame for his Sin and promised the Synod to give full satisfaction as before and for that he hath patiently and penitently borne the Suspension from his Office inflicted on him some Moneths ago The Synod doth restore him to the Exercise of his Ministry And whereas Monsieur Aldebert before-mentioned had been suspended from the Lords Table that Censure together with his being taxed for a Calumniator are both ordered to be taken off from him but he shall be first publickly reproved in the Person of his Son for that excessive Passion manifested by him in his Accusations Prosecutions and bitter Expressions in his Letters all which exasperated the Province of Higher Languedoc against him and were the true meritorious causes why he was so severely judged by them And both of those Gentlemen Bony and Aldebert are exhorted to a mutual reconciliation and forgetfulness of what is past and particularly the said Aldebert is advised to demean himself for the future with more Candor and Charity towards the said Bony And in case there should happen any new matter of Accusation against him that he do prosecute him according to the Forms and Canons of our Church Discipline Moreover Master Melucis and Berle Pastors and Witnesses to the aforesaid Testament shall be examined by their next Provincial Synod about their hand in this matter that so they may be dealt withal according to their demerits And whereas Monsieur de Surville another Minister could have given in a material Evidence against the said Bony but was sworn to Secrecy he also shall be called to an account and Justice shall be done upon him CHAP. XXV GENERAL MATTERS These poor Churches prayed for and rejoyced at the birth of the greatest Scourge and Plague that ever was upon them 1 WHereas all Pastors and Heads of Families and Members of our Churches ought dayly to implore the Throne of Grace for all Spiritual and Temporal Benedictions to be poured down upon the Person of His Majesty Our Dread Soveraign and for the Glory of His Crown the Peace and Prosperity of His Kingdom and Government they be all Exhorted in their Publick and Private Prayers importunately to beg of God that he would be graciously pleased to bless the Kings Majesty with Children of his own Body and to this purpose all the faithful shall with one accord joyn together in Common Prayers and Supplications that the Lord would hear and Answer the Requests of his poor Children who live under the Sh dow of his Anointed that the Scepter may be strengthned in his hand his House established from Generation to Generation and that over and above those Divine Graces and Favours which he hath already vouchsafed to him he may after a long and happy Life be honoured in succeeding Ages with the Glorious Title of Father of Kings as he is now with that of Father of his People 2. The Synod considering that through the Soveraign Mercy of God inclining His Majesties heart by
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
of an hundred and fifty Livers and the Scholar named Martill having been examined in the last Synod of Bearn and found meet and qualified to serve the Church of God in the Sacred Ministry shall receive for his yearly Portion sixty Livers and the Sum of seventy five Livers shall be paid in to the said Mr. Guillemin in Consideration of his Sickness only by the Lord of Candall this Synod not being able to charge it self with the reimbursment of his Expences because it judgeth it an unreasonable thing that Pastors should take long Journies upon none other Errand than to present their Petitions unto the National Synods which might as well if not been better done by inserting them into the Memoirs of the Deputies of those Provinces of which they be Members 42. The Complaint of Stephen du Mas against Mr. Scoffier Pastor in the Church of Lunell is dismissed over to the Consistory of Montpellier which having heard both Parties shall within one Month after the signification of this present Act by that Consistory judg of the pretended Right of the said du Mas by Authority from this Assembly 43. This Assembly ratifying the Decree of the National Synod of Castres concerning Mr. Bicheteau Pastor in the Church of Vrillac and Prosessor of the Hebrew Tongue in the University of Montauban judgeth concerning his Demands notified by his Letters as also by his Son declaring them by word of Mouth that they are not of their nature which ought to be tendred unto the National Synods yet in Consideration of his great Necessities and Losses it was resolved that he should have a Token of this Assembly's Affection and Charity which should be given him whenas the Monies appertaining to the Churches came to be divided 44. The Letters of Dr. Andrew Rivet Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the famous University of Leyden being read a Decree past That in the Answer which should be returned unto him he should be intreated to continue his Care and Kindness to the Weal of our Churches And whereas the laid Reverend Professor is upon the point of being settled in the House of his Excellency the Prince of Orange and his Lordship the Lord Commissioner having remonstrated that he could not be there established without his Majesty's Licence the Lord of Champvernon his Brother is intreated to give him notice thereof 45. The Reverend Pastors of Xaintonge and the Lower Guyenne who were appointed to examine the Works of Monsieur Blondell having made an honourable Report of them this Assembly commended the said Monsieur Blondell for his great Labour Care and Exactness in so painful and important a Subject and exhorts him continually to employ those excellent Gifts and Talents which God hath so abundantly bestowed upon him in clearing up the History of the five first Centuries And whereas the last Synod of Castres had promised to bear the Charges of the Impression this Synod doth now assure him that he shall be fully satisfied in this Particular And that the after-Writings of the said Mr. Blondell may be strictly perused and examined the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France is commissionated to do it and to give their Licence and Approbation that so they may be printed 46. Upon hearing the Report of those Commissioners who were appointed to audit the Receivers Accompts of the Monies collected by his Majesty's Permission the 7th of February 1626 for relieving the Necessities of the Cities of Rochel Montauban and Castres they declared that they had seen and examined that of Monsieur d'Huysseau for the Provinces of the Isle of France Normandy Berry Anjou Poitou Brittain and Xaintonge and his Receipt amounted to the Sum of sixty nine thousand seven hundred and thirteen Livers nineteen Sous and six Deniers and the Disbursment to sixty eight thousand six hundred and thirteen Livers five Sous and eight Deniers so that there remains in the hands of the said Monsieur d' Huysseau eleven hundred and forty Livers thirteen Sous and nine Deniers The Assembly approving the said Audit orders that Monsieur d' Huysseau do pay in the said Debt unto the Lord of Candall who shall divide it between the Churches of Montauban Castres and Rochel proportionably to what they have already received and may hereafter receive according as it was regulated in the National Synod of Castres in doing of which he shall be sufficiently acquitted and discharged of the Monies so received and disbursed by him as he also is now thanked for his great Care Pains and Diligence in his management and execution of the said Office of Receiver And it was farther voted that all his Acquittances sent unto the Churches shall be restored to him if possible it can be done but if it cannot be they are then declared Null and Void 47. Report being made unto this Assembly by those Reverend Divines who were commanded to peruse divers parts of that Treatise upon the Eucharist made by Mr. Faucheur and how exceeding profitable this most Elaborate Work would be unto the Publick by reason of its deep and curious Learning the most worthy Author received the Thanks of the Synod for his singular Diligence and Zeal for God's Glory and Affection to the edifying of God's Church And Messieurs de Croy and Gigord Pastors of the Churches of Beziers and Montpellier are ordered to revise it that as soon as it hath past their Examination and Approbation it may be immediately printed at the Costs of the Churches according to the Intention of the National Synod of Castres 48. Mr. Charron Deputy from the Church of Bergerac related the Causes which obstructed the restitution of their Colledg Whereupon this Synod voted a Continuance of that same Supply which had been formerly granted them for its Support by the last National Synod of Castres and exhorted them to use their best and utmost Endeavours that it may be restored betwixt this and the next National Synod And in case they can effect it sooner the Provincial Synod of Lower Guyenne is ordered to acquaint the Lord of Candall with it who shall pay in unto them the Monies granted by the Churches for the Maintenance of the said Colledg proportionably to what he shall receive from the Monies of his Majesty's Liberality The Synod likewise ordaineth that till the said Colledg be restored the four hundred Livers attributed to the Province of Lower Guyenne for its Colledg and applied by the last National Synod to that of Nerac shall be paid out of the same Fund according to the Intention of the said Synod 49. The Synod of Burgundy is ordered to examine the Accompts of Mr. Gros who was commissionated to receive the Collection granted by his Majesty for the Cities of Rochel Montauban and Castres that so upon the closing of them they may send the residue of the Monies in his Hands unto the Lord of Candall who according to the Sum shall divide it among those Churches in the same manner as he did that of
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
by the said Lady then the Deputies of the Churches of St. Aignan and Mans shall go unto the City of Alanson to agree with that Church about the Proposan on whom the said Pension is to be conferred And in case of Disagreement between those Churches aforesaid about this Election in which those of St. Aignan and Mans shall have but one Vote the Election shall be done alternatively to wit the first time by the Church of Alanson which shall have the preheminency but the time the Churches of St. Aignan and Mans conjoyntly shall take place before that of Alanson and thus consecutively one after another And in this choice and nomination those aforesaid Churches shall see that the Will of the said Lady of La Harangere be faithfully observed who expresly ordered that the Children born in lawful Marriage of the Sieurs Bourdieu de Bloic de Portevize and du Hamel being Proposans and destinated to the Holy Ministry should be preferr'd before all others whether those Children born or to be born were descended from their Sons or Daughters Nor may any Proposan chosen to receive the said Pension injoy it any longer than the term of Four Years And when as the said Proposan shall be found fit and qualified for the Ministry and be admitted thereinto the Church of Alanson shall have the first choice to retain him in their Service and next the Church of St. Aignan and lastly the Church of Mans and in case neither of these Three should pitch upon him for their Minister he shall then be assigned unto one of the nearest Churches Moreover this Assembly doth for certain Reasons Ordain that the said Sieur L'arpent shall receive the said Pension for Four Years commencing from the Day of his Election which Term being expired they shall proceed unto a new Election according to the Canon aforesaid And this Assembly hath discharged and doth now discharge the said Church of Mans of all Demands Claims and Pretensions whatsoever that might be brought against it upon the account of those Sums which either Mr. Vignier the Father or his Son have received for that Pension during several Years excepting only what the said Churches may demand of the Heirs of the said Mr. Vignier And in case there should be any difference between the Churches of St. Aignan and Mans about those Elections which they are bound to make they shall be composed and terminated by the Synod of Anjou And the said Sieur de L'Arpent and all other Proposans receiving the said Pension shall be bound to give Security that in case through their default or neglect they do not attain to be Ministers of the Gospel or that they change their purpose and divert to some other Studies and Employment they make Restitution of the Monies they have thus received and this agreeable to the Canons of our National Synods 12. This Assembly having heard Mr. Le Croix du Val Deputy from the Heads of Families in the Church of Alanson who declared that he was sent by them to oppose a Proposition set on foot by some particular Members of the said Church and to be tendred unto this Assembly about changing of their Consistory and its ancient Order and that being come unto this City he met with the like Proposition made to their Provincial Synod of Normandy held in the Year 1655 and the Assembly having perused the Memoirs of the Deputies of that Province had remitted the whole affair unto the Synod of that Province Yet nevertheless having waited to see if any one should move about this matter and observing that none had done it he that he might discharge the Trust committed to him did tender unto this Assembly according to his Duty the Letters and Memoirs with which he was charged and opened before this Assembly the cause of his Deputation and the Arguments they had against any such Alteration and he did in behalf of those Heads of Families Petition and doth now again Petition that the Deputies of the said Province may declare whether they be ordered to set on Foot that new Proposition and whether they intend to speak of it who answered that they had no such design because that Affair had been remanded back unto their Provincial Synod The Assembly hath dismissed over the Letters Memoirs and the Act now presented by the said Sieur de la Croix du Val Deputed by the Heads of Families in the Church of Alanson together with the Cognizance and Judgment of this Affair unto the Provincial Synod of Normandy according as was before decreed 13. The Assembly being informed of the great Disorders in the Church of Sauvetat by reason of the difference between the Sieur de Carbon and the Inhabitants of that Town who compose the Church in that place Letters were voted to be written unto the Lord Duke of La Force to intreat his Grace that he would be pleased by his Prudence and Authority to terminate those unhappy Dissentions which menace that poor Church with no less than its utter Ruin and Destruction 14. The Assembly having received honourable Testimonials from divers parts of the singular worth of Monsieur Charles Pastor of the Church of Gap and taking into consideration his numerous Family great Deserts and low Estate in the World and the Inabilities of his Church doth highly applaud his Zeal Pains Care Diligence and Perseverance in his Masters Service having served the Lord and his Churches most faithfully for many years and eminently in this Church wherefore that he may have a competent Maintenance to supply his Necessities this Assembly judgeth him every way worthy of the Cares and Respects of his Province and of his own Congregation which is commended for the Tokens of their Love and Affection to him for his own and his Subsistence And whereas the said Church did agree and bargain at first with him to pay him during his Life the yearly Sum of Three Hundred Livres only they are now most earnestly intreated to extend their Charity and Thankfulness unto him and to augment his Maintenance by raising it up unto Four Hundred Livres a Year for his Life 15. The Province of Vivaretz received the praise of this Assembly for their fervent kindness to Monsieur Chenat formerly Pastor of the Church at La Gorce but now employed in the Service of that of Charenton and it is most earnestly exhorted to continue the yearly Sum of 150 Livres to him for the comfortable Subsistence of this good Servant of Jesus Christ whose Labours and Travels have been very great in the Work of the Lord. 16. The Memoirs and Letters of Monsieur Gabet Pastor of the Church at Osselon having been read and examined in this Assembly his Affair was dismissed over to the Province of Dolphiny which was commended for their Charity and Support extended to him and the said Province was intreated to continue their Cares for the Comfort and Repose of this poor Minister and to hear him in those matters which he shall
assigned upon some particular Tenement Rent or Revenue the whole shall be administred by the Deacons or other persons commissionated and ordained thereunto by the Churches through whose hands the Minister shall receive his Pension that so all suspicion of covetousness may be removed and lest by such worldly cares he should be diverted from the weightier Duties of his Calling CAN. XLIV That Church in whose Service a Minister dieth shall take care of his Widow and Orphans and if the Church cannot do it through want of ability the Province shall maintain them CAN. XLV Ministers shall be subject unto Censures CAN. XLVI The Duty of Ministers is to govern both themselves and their Flocks and all their Members small and great of whatsoever quality and degree according to the Word of God and the Church-Discipline But it belongeth properly unto the Magistrate to oversee all Orders and Degrees of Men yea and Ministers also and to take heed that they walk uprightly in their calling wherefore if they offend the Magistrate shall admonish them of their Duty and that power is ascribed to him by our Church-Discipline in Consistories Colloquies and Synods unless their Offences be punishable by Law the knowledge of which appertaineth unto the Civil Magistrate CAN. XLVII If Ministers should teach evil Doctrine and after sufficient admonition given them do not desist they shall be deposed Item Such as reject those holy Counsels made them out of God's Word by their Consistories Item Such also as are of Scandalous Lives and those who shall be convicted of Heresy Schism Rebellion against the Discipline of the Church and open Blasphemies deserving punishment by the Civil Magistrate Simony all Bribery by gifts briguings and underhand dealings to get into another Mans place desertion of their Flocks without lawful leave and just occasion falshood perjury whoredom theft drunkenness battery meriting punishment by the Laws Usuries scandalous Plays and others forbidden by the Laws Dances and such like dissolutions Crimes branded with Infamy and which in any other Person would merit Exclusion from the Church and all persons uncapable of discharging the duties of their Calling CAN. XLVIII These shall not be deposed who by reason of Sickness old Age or any other such infirmities are rendred uncapable of discharging the Duties of their Ministry in which case their honour shall be conserved them and they shall be recommended unto their Churches for maintenance and other Ministers shall be provided to perform the duties of their Calling CAN. XLIX Scandalous Crimes punishable by the Civil Magistrate such as Murder High-Treason and other Vices redounding to the great dishonour and scandal of the Church do deserve that the Minister guilty of them should be deposed although he had committed them not only before his Ordination but also before his Conversion And this shall be the rather done lest the Continuance of such a Wretch in the Ministry should draw greater scandal upon than edifying unto the Church Of which all Synods shall take Cognisance CAN. L. In Case a Minister be convicted of enormous and notorious Crimes he shall be deposed out of hand by the Consistory they inviting unto that action their Colloquy or through default thereof two or three disinteressed Ministers And if the Delinquent Minister should complain of the Accusation and Calumny the business shall be reported unto the Provincial Synod If he hath Preached Heretical Doctrine contrary to the Scriptures he shall be suspended by the Consistory Colloquy or two or three Ministers invited thereunto as before till the final decision of his Case by the Provincial Synod and all Sentences of Suspension for what cause or account soever shall stand good and be of force notwithstanding his Appeal until the definitive Judgment of the next Synod N.B. That Parenthesis in this Canon is not to be found in the four last Editions of the Discipline but yet it is in two others that I have both Printed since the last National Synod CAN. LI. Unless necessity so require it the Causes of a Ministers Deposal shall not be published unto the People of which those who were his Judges and decreed his Deposal shall take cognisance CAN. LII The National Synods shall be informed by the Provinces of all Deposed Ministers that they may not be by them admitted into the Ministry any more CAN. LIII Ministers Deposed for Crimes deserving Capital punishment or bearing mark of Infamy shall never be restored unto their Office whatever satisfactions may be given by them But as for slighter faults upon Confession of them they may be restored by the Provincial Synod but with this condition to serve in another Province and not in their own CAN. LIV. Vagrants that is to say such as having no Call do thrust themselves into the Ministry shall be restrained And whatever Ordinance shall be Decreed and Executed about the Interdiction of any Persons from the Ministry shall be of equal vertue with the Acts of the National Synod and as if it had been done by it CAN. LV. They who have been once denounced Vagrants Apostates Hereticks and Schismaticks shall be denounced such in all the Churches that so they may be aware of them And a List of these Wretches names shall be brought from the several Provincial Synods to be hung up in the National CAN. LVI Such as by the judgment of a National Synod have been once inrolled among the Vagrants shall never be razed out of that black Catalogue but by the authority of another CAN. LVII Such as intrude into the Ministry in those places and Provinces where the pure worship of God is already established shall be severely admonished to desist and in case of their obstinate persisting in this their intrusion they shall be declared Schismaticks and their Followers also if after the like admonitions given they do not leave them CHAP. II. Of Schools CANON I. THE Churches shall do their utmost endeavour to erect Schools and to take care of the instruction of their Youth CAN. II. Regents and Masters of Schools shall subscribe the Confession of Faith and Church-Discipline and the Towns and Churches shall nor admit any one into this Office without the consent of the Consistory of that place CAN. III. Doctors and Professors in Divinity shall be chosen by the Synod of that Province in which our Universities do lie and they shall be Examined not only in Lectures made by them upon the authentick Edition of the Greek and Hebrew Texts of the Old and New Testament which shall be given them but also by a disputation of one or more days as upon advice taken shall be judged best and being found Persons of sufficient abilities if they are not Pastors the right hand of Fellowship shall be given them they having first promised that they will with all faithfulness and diligence discharge their duty and handle the holy Scriptures with all purity according to the Analogy of Faith and the Confession of our Churches Chap. II. Of Schooh which
to several Goldsmiths in the City of Sedan for which the Civil Magistrate inflicted corporal Punishment upon him in the said City all which he could not but acknowledge and confess to be true before this Assembly For these Causes the said Bonniot or Bouquier is deposed from the Sacred Ministery as a Person uncapable and utterly unworthy of it and shall be continued on the Roll of Vagrants and shall do publick Penance in the said Church of San Bouchard However because of his deep Poverty and great and numerous Family of Children we do License him to keep School and to instruct Youth but with this Proviso that the Ministers of the Places where he shall live do watch over him and his Deportments with a very strict and careful Eye VI. An Appeal was brought by Monsieur De la Jaille and the Church of Saujon who complained of the Wrongs done them by the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge held at Saujon which had adjudged him Pastor unto the said Church of Saujon without obliging it to defray his Expences in coming to it This Assembly ordereth that the Colloquy or Synod of that Province shall censure the said Church and Monsieur Royan the Minister for their pragmatical intermeddling in a Business not appertaining to them VII Monsieur Boucquet shall write unto the Colloquy of Aunix that Monsieur Baron may be returned unto the Church of La Guerche in the Province of Anjon there to exercise his Ministery in Obedience to the Call given him VIII The Synod of the Isle of France shall make an exact Enquiry into the Life Writings and Conversation of Monsieur Gibbon sometime Minister of Deippe that Judgment may pass upon him accordingly IX Forasmuch as Mr. Bernard Giraud hath been divers times recalled by his Church of Marceoill in Poictou and by the Synod of Poictou he shall be censured for his disobedience to this Summons and also for that he quitted his Church at first and this according to the Canons of our Discipline And the Colloquy of Annix shall in like manner be censured for admitting him among them without any testimonial Letters of Dismission For which cause this Assembly will remove the said Giraud elsewhere X. This Assembly will take special care of Monsieur Christian for his Subsistance But in the mean while the Church of Poictiers shall be severely censured for their default of Duty baseness and ingratitude to this Reverend Man of God who was one of their first and most ancient Pastors and who laid the very Foundations of their flourshing Church And the said Church shall be summon'd to the next Synod and injoyned to give him full Contentment and Satisfaction and to pay him all Arrerages owing to him for time past and to relieve him now in his old Age. XI The Province of Anjou shall be obliged to provide for the Safety of Monsieur Daniel a Minister of the Gospel who was formerly sent unto them and is now remanded back unto them by this present Assembly and that Church which shall call him unto their Service shall reimburse him those Expences he was at during the last Persecution XII Monsieur Daniel shall exercise his Ministery in the House and Court of his Excellency the Prince of Conde but only for some Months in the Year which being expired he may be redemanded by his own Church and Province And the Church of Bergerac shall likewise lend Monsieur de Borda their Minister unto the said Prince for four Months more of the same Year And this shall hold till such time as some other course be taken And Monsieur Martin shall be the ordinary Minister of his Excellency's House and Family XIII Monsieur de Malescot who was the first Minister of the Church of Montagu in the County of Perche shall be summoned by the Province of Poictou unto which he doth belong to return unto the said Province according to the Canons of our Discipline however without any prejudice unto the said Church of Montagu and the said Province of Poictou is ordered to receive those Informations of the Province of the Isle of France concerning the Deportments of the said Malescot his Writing and his Way and Manner of Preaching XIV The Brethren of the French Church of London in the Kingdom of England sent Letters unto this Assembly petitioning that Messieurs de Villiers Minister of the Church of Rouan and de la Fontayne Ministers of the Church of Orleans might be given to them for their Pastors Their Request was granted and these worthy Ministers of the Gospel were lent unto the said Church till such time as their own dissipated Flocks might be recollected and then they should return and be restored unto their former Churches respectively XV. On sight and perusal of the Writings of Mr. Anthony Fregeville of the Town Realmont this Assembly judgeth them utterly unworthy of any Answer because they are stufft with Errors Lyes and Calumnies and farther the Sentence past upon him by the Provincial Synod was ratified and whereas he was only suspended from the Lord's Table it is now ordered that his said Suspension shall be publickly notified unto the whole Church And in case he continue to sow and spread abroad his Errors and Follies either by Word or Writing he shall be cut off from the Body of the Church by the Sword of Excommunication as a notorious Disturber of the Repose and Union of the Church XVI Monsieur Giraud is sent unto the Town of Mas in Agenois to exercise his Ministery in the Church of Calonges which is now annexed to that of Mas according to the Letters and Request of my Lady of Calonges and of the said Church of Mas in Agenois CHAP. IX The Roll of MINISTERS provided for and disposed by this present SYNOD I. MOnsieur Christian is sent unto the Town of Sancerre in the Viscounty of Turenne 2. Monsieur Quesnel unto Lectoure 3. Monsieur Chaffepied to St Foy yet his Church may recall him at the Years end 4. Monsieur de la Valle at Abbeville in Agenois 5. Monsieur Giraud to the Town of Mas in Agenois 6. Monsieur Du Puy to Le Laigne and Bas de Fon with their Annexes 7. Monsieur Anisse to St. Aulaye ¶ This present National Synod was finished the fourteenth Day of February in the Year of our Lord 1578. Thus Signed in the Original Peter Merlin Moderator Francis L'Oyseau Scribe William de la Jaille Scribe Mr. Merlin the Moderator of this Synod was Minister in the Family of that famous Nobleman the Lord De Coligni High Admiral of France who miraculously escaped with his Life in that horrible Massacre at Paris on St. Bartholomew's Day 1572. He leapt out of a Window and hid himself in an Haylofft where an Hen came and lay an Egg by him three days successively with which he was sustained till the Lord opened a Door for him to get out of this bloody City He was afterward Minister of the Church of Vitre He
Prosecutions to cease against Monsieur de la Garime and Monsieur de la Grange for having deposed Master Gaspar Olaxa who was ejected by Authority of the Colloquy of Albigeois and the Provincial Synod held at Montaban And in case our Advice concerning the said de la Garime and la Grange be not entirely observed this National Synod doth declare That those of the Church of Castres on whom it was incumbent to effect it shall be censured even with suspension from the Lord's Table and farther that they be utterly unworthy of ever enjoying the Ministry of their Pastor Monsieur Balarand and the Colloquy of Albigeois are ordered from us to meet in any other place than the City of Castres and to see to it that this our present Decree be effectually observed and that the said Monsieur Balarand be transferr'd from the City of Castres and to see to it that this our present Decree be effectually observed and that the said Monsieur Balarand be transferr'd from the City of Castres to serve in some other Church elsewhere VI. The Province of Higher Guyenne having complained of the wicked Conversations and scandalous Lives of Master Gravel and Vieux Banque it was decreed That the Ministers of Upper Quercy shall summon the said Graver and Vieuxbanque to appear without delay in two Months time personally in this City of Montauban where the Minister of the Upper Quercy producing sufficient Evidence that they had summon'd the said Graver and Vieuxbanque to appear together with the Information of the Crimes charged on them which if clearly proved on them the Ministers of this City and Colloquy by the Authority of this National Synod shall suspend or depose them as they see cause from the Ministry and in case of their non-appearance they shall be immediately suspended and this their Suspension published in the Churches VII The Province of Tourain Anjou and Main craving Advice how to dispose of Monsieur Le Bloy Minister of St. Aignan this Synod doth ordain That the said Le Bloy shall continue in the said Church provided that within six Months the said Church do give him full satisfaction in paying him the Salary they had promised him and in cause of failure therein he shall be consigned unto the Church of Preuilly according to the Order of the Provincial Synod of Touraine VIII Whereas the Church of * * * Two other Copies read Bracquâ—t Bourinquet doth inform us That their Pastor Monsieur De la Finer is removed from them by the Pastors of the Province commissionated by this present Synod to inspect that Affair who have thereby left them totally destitute without a Minister this Assembly doth ordain That the said Sieur de la Finer shall abide with his Church exercising all the Duties of his Office until such time as they be provided of another and the Colloquy of Lower Quercy shall take that Task upon them and the said Sieur de la Finer shall be presently paid all his Arrears and that said Church of Bourinquet shall supply all his Wants for the future and in case of non-performance on their part then the said Sieur de la Finer shall be free and fully discharged from them IX This Assembly at the Request of the Deputies of Lower Languedoc doth think meet That our Brother Monsieur Boulet do stand related unto Condoignac and Vergessers but with this Condition that he exercise his Ministry in his former Church until such time as they be provided of another X. At the desire of the Magistrates of the City and Church of Rochel as also of the whole Province of Xaintonge this Assembly ordaineth That Letters be sent forthwith to the Syndics and Church of Geneva earnestly intreating that the Seignory and Consistory of that famous Church and City would be pleased to give up their Right in our honoured Brother Monsieur Rotan for the Service of the Church of Rochel because of his singular usefulness and fruitful Labours in that Church and his great serviceableness in that Province yea and to all the Reformed Churches of France Yet Rotan was afterward deeply suspected for prevaricating in Religion XI Complaints being made by the Province of Xaintonge against Master Esperient and Cahier this Assembly orders That the Province of Xaintonge do inform the Synod of Bearn about the said Esperient because he belongs to it that he may give satisfaction to them and that the Sieur Cahier shall be written to in the Name of this Assembly that he personally appear before the Synod of Xaintonge which is impower'd with full Authority by this present Synod to hear and judge of the whole Fact XII The Province of Lower Languedoc demanding Advice about Mr. John Corneille it is decreed That the Province shall be sharply reproved for their so long suffering and sparing the said Corneille in his Errors and wicked Actions and in particular the Magistrates and other Persons in the Church of Orange who prosecuted so vigorously his Restoration unto the Ministry For which cause this Synod confirmeth the Deposition of the said Corneille and ordains that he be silenced for ever and that the Magistrate and Consistory of Orange be reproved for permitting him to pray publickly during his Suspension as also we give warning that it is dangerous to employ him in the teaching of Youth XIII Sharp and Comminatory Letters shall be written unto the Colloquy of Auvergne and to Monsieur De Montcassin that if they do not satisfie and reimburse Monsieur Lambert his Expences in getting the King's Orders for the maintenance of the afore-mentioned Ministers this Synod on their refusal will proceed against them as Delinquents and particularly against Monsieur Montcassin because he became bound for the Payment of that Money as appears by the very Act of the Provincial Synod held in this City of Montauban in the Year 1593 And in case they do not give satisfaction before the breaking up of this Assembly Process shall be issued out against them as we have written them XIV Forasmuch as in the conclusion of this Synod the Colloquy of Higher Rouargue have returned no Answer to it theâ—efore in pursuance of the Resolution before taken it is decreed That Monsieur de Villette and Chalais when they return into their Province of Lower Languedoc shall interdict the Exercise of the Ministry in all the Churches of that Colloquy and particularly Monsieur de Montcassin shall be suspended and silenced for not performing his Promise XV. Mr. William Benet acquainting this Assembly That he had discharged his Duty in educating his Son Mark Antony in good Learning in order to his being employed in the Ministry of the Gospel to his great comfort and yet without his privity and consent his said Son had accepted of a Call unto the Church of Marvejoles in the Province of Lower Languedoc After hearing what could be alledged for themselves by the Deputies of that Province as also the Plea of the said Mark Antony for himself
that he only accepted of that Call for a time and with this express condition That his Father were contented with it this Assembly doth assign the said Mark Antony unto the Church of Villemure in the Colloquy of Lower Quercy to serve them as their own peculiar Pastor yet on these Terms that he shall assist the said Church of Maruejoles by the space of three Months during which time the Colloquy of Givaudan and the Province of Lower Languedoc shall use their best endeavour to provide another Pastor for the Church of Maruejoles which Church also is ordered to satisfie the said Mark Antony Bennet within six Weeks of his Return all his Arrerages and the whole Stipend of the Quarter now current and in case of failure herein by them the said Bennet is left in full liberty to leave them immediately and to betake himself to the Service of his own Church of Villemure he advising with his Colloquy and they approving it according to the Discipline XVI Divers Provinces having consulted this Assembly what course they should take with those who challenge and with those who accept the Challenge to fight a Duel as also how to deal with the challenged who killing their adverse Party have since obtained His Majesties Pardon or have been afterward legally justified and discharged the Synod made this Decree That every such Person should be suspended the Lord's Table and this their Suspension shall be out of hand published to the Congregation and before ever they be re-admitted to the Churches Peace and Communion they shall undergo Publick Penance for those their Offences XVII The Consuls and Elders in the Church of Montauban petitioned this Assembly that during Monsieur Berault's absence their Church might be supplied for that Year by Monsieur De la Nove Minister of Beaufort in Anjou Answer was given them that according to our Discipline it could not be done 'till such time as both the Church and Province to which he stood related had been first acquainted with it And therefore they should send Letters unto that Church and Province and to the Lady Vaux and to the Lord Du Plessis intreating them because of the great importance of the Church of Montauban that they would be pleased either to grant or at least to lend their Pastor Monsieur De Nove unto the Church of Montauban during Monsieur Beraud's absence And till that the Synod of Anjou have gratified the said Petitioners the Colloquy of Lower Quercy shall take care that the said Church of Montauban be not left destitute without a Pastor but that they do from time to time send able Ministers unto them CHAP. VII The Roll of the Vagrants Deserters and Deposed Ministers 1. THE Vagrants are Isaac and Moyses Bouchars who wander up and down sowing false Doctrines they were of Poitiers the Elder of them is a little dapper Fellow red Face and Beard roaving Eye the younger is much of the same stature but blackish Beard pale and sad and roaving Eyes as his Brother 2. Costa or La Costa of Bearn who preacheth here and there without any Ordination He is a Fellow of low Stature a black Beard a swarthy Countenance a notorious Lyer Impudent and a Thief 3. Commission is given to Master Villette and Master Chalais Deputies of Lower Languedoc to make speedy enquiry about Monsieur Du Croix late Minister of Perigueux who hath forsook his Ministry for the Practice of Physick Vincentius Cordatus being sixty Years of Age a tall lubberly Fellow The DEPOSED 4. In the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne Master Bernard Vaissy for preaching false Doctrine 5. Master Gaspar Olaxa a Spaniard for raising Troubles and Seditions in the Church of Castres 6. Master Peter Beaupoil otherwise going by the Name of Dumont or Damont 7. Master James Caza of Normandy Master Gabriel Roul otherwise La Sales De Coucher in Rouargue A Schism having fallen out in the Church of Saint Foy upon the score of the said Roul the Ministers of this Synod who are to meet in the Assembly of St. Foy are impower'd with full Authority from it 1594. Synod XIII to hear and judge fully and finally of that business Because of the Necessities and Dispersions of the Churches on the other side of Loire the Province of Anjou is appointed to call the next National Synod unto the City of Saumur in the Month of May two Years hence And forasmuch as the Province of Lower Languedoc to whom by Order of the last Synod held at Vitré it belonged to convocate this next ensuing Synod hath parted with its Right in favour to and for the benefit of that Province these things considered the next Synod shall be intreated to appoint that the National Synod which shall succeed it may be assembled and held within the Bounds of the Lower Languedoc Given at Montauban the 28th of June in the Year of our Lord 1594. The Original Acts of this Synod are kept in the Archives of the City Rochel and are thus signed Beraud Moderator Gardesy and Scribes of the Synod Rotan Scribes of the Synod The End of the Synod of Montauban THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE XIV National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At Saumur the 15th Day of June in the Year of our Lord 1596. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Deputies Names An observation past on Monsieur Rotan a Deputy Moderator and Scribes chosen The Lords Supper to be celebrated June 16. Chap. II. Observations and Approbation of the Confession Chap. III. 26. Observations upon the Discipline Provinces to take care of Proposans 4. Colledges and Vniversities to be erected 5. Crimes which may expose Penitents to Publick Infamy or Death not to be confessed by them in their Publick Penance 8. Pastors to be sent alternatively unto Synods 11. Ministers not deputed unto Synods shall have no Votes 13. Gypfies Children may be baptized 15. Baptism must be administred in a Church 16. Two Names unto a Child indifferent 17. Marriage Promises de futuro indissolvable 18. The Discipline approved and sworn Chap. IV. General Matters A Caveat against a Scot who would reconcile both Religions 1. Latin Disputations better for Vniversities than Colloquies 3. Church-Members Names to be Registred 11. Ministers may preach on Holy-days 13. Duellers 14. The Vnion betwixt the Churches of France and the Netherlands to be maintained 15. None admitted to the Lord's Table living among the Papists without a Certificate from the Elders 16. The King and Constable's Letters to the Synod 18. Frauds of a Geneva Book-seller 19. A Case about Ministers being Deputies unto Politick Assemblies 20. Whether Contracts of Marriage should be seen before Publication of Banes 21. Idolatry to be abjured before Persons be admitted to Communion with us 22. The Local Magistrates of the Reformed Religion may assist at Colloquies and Synods 23. May a Protestant Judge swear a Papist upon his crucifix 24. Hautyn to print the Bible 25.
Such as marry within the Degrees prohibited by God's Word shall not be admitted to the Lord's Table 26. The Revelation not to be expounded without leave from the Colloquy or Synod 27. Such as marry their Children to Papists shall be suspended 28. Cousin-Germans may marry 32. Ministers to be in the Armies 33. Vmpires among Protestants to compose Differences 35. Chap. V. Of Appeals The Case of Monsieur D'Amours a Minister 3. Ou Puy an Erroneous Minister deposed restored again unto his Office 6. Chap. VI. Of Particular Matters De L'Escale an Heretick censured 1. A censured Minister restored 4. The Case of two deposed Ministers revised 5 6. Letters from the Synod to the Church of Metz 8. Letters from Sedan unto the Synod 9. The Petition of a deposed Minister for his Restoration rejected 13. Letters from the Countess of Laval to the Synod 18. Letters from the Synod to the Duke De la Force and Parliament of Pau 19. Cahier to be declared publickly an Apostate Minister 21. M. De Lessars a poor Minister freed from a Bond of Ten Crowns 22. Monsieur De L'Espine Emeritus 23. A deposed Minister not restored 25. A penitent deposed Minister restored 26. Olaxa a deposed Minister how to be dealt with 28. The Case of Monsieur D'Espoir a Minister 30. Chap. VII Roll of Deposed Ministers A Remark upon Cahier the Apostate THE Synod of Saumur 1596. Synod XIV SYNOD XIV Acts of the National Synod held at SAUMUR the Fifth Day of June in the Year of our Lord One Thousand five hundred ninety and six CHAP. I. Of the DEPVTIES Monsieur De la Touche chosen President Monsieur Pacard Assessor And Messieurs Vincent and Chalmot Scribes At this Synod there appeared these Pastors and Elders hereafter named FOR Brittany Master Peter Merlin Minister of the Church and Family of the Lady of Laval and Monsieur de Landauran Elder of the said Church Mr. Rotan was born at Geneva Minister first at Rochel and then at Castres and there he died For the Higher Languedoc and the Higher Guyenne Master John Baptista Rotan sub-delegated by Monsieur Balarand who was deputed by the Provincial Synod held at Figeac in May last 1596. But because of his Sickness he could not be present in the Assembly and the said Monsieur Rotan was accepted in that Quality but with this Proviso That it should not be made a Precedent and the Provinces are charged to acquaint their respective Deputies with it that they ought not to delegate another in their slead I cannot pass by Monsieur Rotan without a Remark which may be read at large in Monsieur D' Aubigny's Histoire Univers liv 4. cap. 11. liv 5. cap. 2. He and one Marlas who afterward revolted with de Serres Cayer the Apostates and de Vaux Ministers finding no Gains nor Preferments to be had in the Reformed Churches of France projected for their own Advancement the Re-union of the two Religions Protestant and Popish they communicate their Design to the Lord of Sansy who afterward turn'd Papist to du Fay Grand-son of the Chancellor L' Hospital to Benoist Parson of St. Eustache to Perron Bishop of Eureux to Dr. Chauveau and to Berangé a Dominiean Fryar and to the Arch-Bishop of Bourges Rotan got himself deputed with some others to the King at Mantes in the Year 1595 and there promised that in a Publick Dispute he would subtilly betray the Cause of the Reformed unto the Romanists But when it come to the push whether it were that out of vanity he would not yield or through remorse of Conscience he drew back and feigned himself sick Monsieur Beraud Pastor of the Church of Montauban entred the Lists in his stead and stoutly maintained the Truth against the Adversaries about the sufficiency of the Scriptures Monsieur de Vaux who was brought off with three Bills one of Two thousand five hundred Crowns and the other two of lesser Sums falls into terror and horror of mind hath no rest night nor day and under this great anguish discovers the whole Plot for their Prevarication unto several Persons of Note and Quality but with dreadful Cries and Groans yet withal assureth them that God will have mercy upon his poor Soul notwithstanding the greatness of his sin for he should die very suddenly which he did the next Lord's Day For having preached to his Congregation and supped with some Friends he took a solemn leave of them and leading his Wife into his Bed-Chamber he pronounced this Stave of the Fifty first Psalm Lo also Lord thou lovest Truth within Within the Heart within the Soul sincerity Therefore to me so gracious thou hast been To make me know thy inward Wisdom's verity And immediately died in the very place Monsieur D' Aubigni relateth how that he unbosom'd himself unto him with many sighs and having confessed his heinous Offence he delivered to him the three Bills which after his Death he gave back again unto his Heirs For Poitou Master Dominick de Losse Lord de la Touche Minister of the Church of Mouchant and St. Fulgent Master Francis L'Oystau Minister of the Church and Family of the Lord Duke la Tremouille and Mons de Fontaines Elder of the said Church Their Temple in which they worshipped God was at Melle For the Lower Guyenne Monsieur de St. Hilary Minister of the Church of Nerac without an Elder Monsieur de Chastelet was excused upon the account of his sickness and the Provinces shall be informed that in case of sickness they ought to substitute another as also to depute unto these Synods one or two Elders For Orleans Berry c. Master John Vian Minister of the Church of Angeau Master Adam D' Orival Minister of the Church of Sancerre and Master Giles d' Albert Junior Citizen of Blois deputed by the said Province For Dolphiny Provence and the Principality of Orange Master Daniel Chamier Minister of the Church of Montlimart Master John de Serres Minister of the Church of Aurenges and there was joyned with him Monsieur Hulson an Elder of that Church but thô he was chosen by the said Province yet he was not present at this Synod For Lower Languedoc Master Laurence Brunier Minister of the Church of Vsez and Theodorick de Combez Baron of Fons Elder of that Church For Normandy Master Giles Gautier Lord of la Bansenie Minister of the Church of Caen and Master Robert du Perron Elder in the Church of Rouan For Lyonnois Forest and Beaujolois Master Lewis Tourquet Elder in the Church of Lyons For Anjou Touraine c. Master Felix du Tronchay Lord of la Noue Minister in the Church of Beaufort Master Francis Greliere Lord of Macefer Minister in the Church of Saumur and Master Briant Niotte and Master Peter Coignet Lord of la Plante Elders in the said Church of Sanmur For Xaintonge Augoulmois and Aunix Master George Pacart Minister of Rochefoucald and Monsieur Chalmot Elder in the Church of
Rochel The Provinces of Higher and Lower Vivaretz and their Synod shall be censured for neglecting to send their Deputies unto this Assembly and Masters Brunier and Chamier are appointed to declare in their next Synodical Meeting this very Censure by word of mouth unto them Bourbonnois Auvergne and the Province of Burgundy having at present but one constituted Church in it are excused for this time and Monsieur de Serres is ordered to write unto the scattered Churches of those Dukedoms that they rally and re-unite again together and encourage the Faithful which are among them to re-assemble Monsieur de la Touche was chosen by common Suffrages Moderator and Monsieur Pacart Assessor and Master Vincent and Chalmot Scribes to Collect and Register the Acts of this Synod The Assembly ordered That the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper should be celebrated in this Church on the Lord's Day June the 16th of this present Year 1596. CHAP. II. Observations upon the Confession of Faith THE Confession of Faith was Read Approved and Sworn to by all the Deputies of this present Synod Once again the Printers shall be required to put the word Vnion instead of that of Vnity in the 26th Article As also Synod of Montauban Observat upon the Confess art 4. 〈◊〉 6. That in the close of the Eight and thirtieth Article these words of Institution in the Lord's Supper Take eat and drink ye all of it shall be added according as it had been decreed by the last National Synod of Montauban CHAP. III. Observations upon the Church-Discipline The Discipline of our Church was read and all the Deputies approved it and sware to see it carefully observed I. THE Provinces are advised to see that the Sixth Eleventh and Twelfth Articles of the first Chapter especially the Twelfth be punctually observed according to the Decree of the Synod of Montauban II. The One and twentieth Article in the Second Chapter beginning with these words Forasmuch as shall be wholly removed from the Body of our Discipline III. The First Article in the Third Chapter of Elders shall be strictly observed And the word Especially in the Sixth Article of this same Chapter shall remain IV. The Provinces are exhorted to maintain as great a number of Proposans as possibly they can and Princes Lords Gentlemen Corporations and such as to whom God hath given fair Estates in the World and especially such as enjoy Impropriations are bound in Conscience to employ a considerable part of their Revenues in so pious a work V. In reading the Chapter of Schools it was decreed That the Provinces should be advised to do their utmost that a Colledge be erected in each of them and that by them all joyntly at least two Academies the places of the Colledges and Academies shall be named by the Provinces And the present Synod judgeth this City of Saumur a most convenient place for a Colledge and whenever God shall bless us with ability for an Academy also and entreateth the Lord du Plessis Governour of this place to continue the Tokens of his good-will and kindness to this Noble and most Godly Design which he hath so much affected and the Deputies of this Assembly are intreated to excite their respective Provinces to promote it vigorously VI. The 8th Article in the Chapter of Elders and Deacons shall remain as it is leaving the Consistories at liberty to make what changes they in their prudence may judge to be most expedient VII The 8th Article in the Chapter of Consistories recommending the reading of the Discipline shall be better observed VIII On the 22d Article of the same Chapter it was decreed That in Publick Confessions made by Penitents before the whole Church those Crimes which would expose them unto Death or brand them with Infamy shall not be specified IX The Provinces are advised to see that the last Article of the same Chapter be most exactly observed X. The Fifth and Last Article of the Sixth Chapter The Provincial Deputies of Guyenne Xaintonge and Normandy craved That this Article might be moderated because of its very great rigour Whereupon it was advised that after those words Continued and maintained there shall be these added And in case any Churches or particular Persons refuse to contribute to the defraying of their Expences who are to meet in those Ecclesiastical Assemblies they shall be severely censur'd as Deserters of that holy Vnion which ought to be upheld among us for our mutual preservation And Ministers neglecting this Ordinance shall be liable unto the sharpest Censures XI On reading the first Article of the Eighth Chapter those Churches which have divers Pastors are advised to send as many of them as they can alternatively unto their Provincial Synods XII The Second Article of the same Chapter shall be most strictly observed In the last Article of the said Chapter the Deputy of Champagne declared unto the Synod That the Church of Chaloons is the only one in that Province Wherefore it was decreed That the Church of Chaloons for the present shall be annexed unto the Isle of France and there being left in the Province of Brittany none other than the Church of Vitré that also shall be joyned unto Normandy XIII The Deputy of Higher Languedoc demanding That other Ministers present in our National Synods though not deputed might have their Votes in Consultations unless in those Matters wherein they were personally concerned it was decreed that the third Article of this eighth Chapter should not be changed in the least tittle XIV The fifth Article of the tenth Chapter The Deputy of Normandy read the Memoirs of the Colloquy of Constantine moving that Exhortations might be permitted at the Interring of the Dead The Synod past this Decree That there should be nothing innovated in that Article XV. On reading the fifth Article of the eleventh Chapter about baptizing of Gypsies Children it was decreed That the said Article should remain in its full force only with the addition of these words That the Surety do bind himself to maintain and educate the said Child in the fear of God XVI It was decreed That the sixth Article of the same Chapter shall abide unaltered to wit That no Baptisms shall be performed but in those places and at those hours when and where the Churches do ordinarily meet together for God's Publick Worship However in Churches where there is no Sermon this Sacrament may be administred according to their conveniency but yet not without some kind of Exhortation And in case a Parent should through infirmity urge the baptizing of his Child before Sermon the Pastors shall advise what will make most for the edification of the People and inform the Parent of it And where Churches have their Meetings only on the Lord's Day they are exhorted also to appoint some other Day of the Week for Publick Christenings On the eighth Article of the same Chapter Parents shall be advised to choose such Sureties for their Children as are Persons
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
having perused several Letters written from some particular Persons in the Presidial Court of Justice and Sheriffs of the City of Rochel demanding the restitution of Monsieur de Rotan to them it decreeth That there shall be no Notice at all taken of them because that none of the Magistrates as the Mayor or Common Council have signed them and that the Differences about this Affair may be supprest Messieurs de Moutier and Chesneau are commanded to go unto that City and by the most powerful and cogent Arguments to perswade them unto Peace and to return them all Letters and Papers that have been written on both sides that they may be cancelled and torn in pieces IX Letters shall be written unto Monsieur Covett who is now at Basil intreating him to accept of the Pastoral Office in the Church of Rochel X. Letters shall be sent to Monsieur Cassegrain informing him That his Writing to the Bishop Perron was unadvised and to little purpose done with too much Complement Vanity and Flattery that however we require him to answer Cahier the Apostate which Answer he shall first communicate before it be printed unto the Synod of Dolphiny and he is farther intreated to incorporate himself with that Synod XI This Assembly having heard Monsieur Peirol declareth That he is not yet sufficiently qualified for the Sacred Ministry and exhorts him to a more careful reading and study of the Holy Scriptures and other Writings of God's faithful Servants which have been published in this last Age and Orders are given unto the Colloquies of that Province wherein he dwells to consider of a proper time for his Employment in the Service of God's Church XII Master John Seillade is dismissed unto the Colloquy of Agenois or Synod of Lower Guyenne to take care about his Call and Ordination XIII Messieurs Tollosain and Villemur are dismissed unto their respective Colloquies who shall consider how and where to employ them in the Ministry as soon as they be fitted for it XIV Monsieur Roussel Pastor of the Church in Mazamett requesting That some other Person of the Province may be substituted in his place because of his great Age and Weakness this Assembly judgeth That his Petition is most just and reasonable and Orders therefore are given unto the Synod of Lower Languedoc to endeavour an Exchange for him provided always this be done by the consent of his Church and of the Synod of Higher Languedoc XV. Monsieur Falquet declaring his mean and low Condition attested also by the Deputies of Dolphiny this Assembly hath thereupon judged his Petition but just and reasonable and exhorts the Churches of Dolphiny Provence and Lower Languedoc to assist him in his present Necessities because he hath faithfully discharged his Ministerial Office in the Churches of Christ XVI Monsieur Caille complaining of the little care taken by the Church of Grenoble for his Maintenance and considering the Decree of his Provincial Synod in his favour setting him at liberty from that ungrateful People if within three Months they do not fully satisfie him all Arrears of Wages due unto him from them this Assembly decreeth That Letters shall be dispatcht unto that Church and to the Lord D'Esdigueres particularly intreating both his Lordship and the Church to provide accordingly for him and in default hereof the Provincial Synod shall assign him unto some other Church XVII Letters also shall be written unto the said Duke D'Esdiguiers about the 17000 Crowns which the Province of Lower Languedoc had sent unto Guyenne to be laid up in stock for the maintenance of their Proposans there being no reason at all for his appropriating that Sum of Moneys unto his own private profit whatever he may pretend of a Grant from the King for his so doing which was dedicated unto so good and pious Uses and the forementioned Monsieur Caille shall second the said Letters by word of mouth remonstrating unto his Grace the Duty incumbent on him in Honour and Conscience to restore and see it fixed according to its primitive design and intendment and in case he refuse to hearken unto reason we farther ordain That he be sued at Law for it before the Syndic in the Chamber of Castres and in like manner all others shall be prosecuted also who having received the Churches Moneys do not yield up their Accounts for it XVIII This Assembly having heard Monsieur Julian and Monsieur the President of Orange doth earnestly exhort and beseech them to do their utmost endeavours that the Church of Orange may be kept in peace and unity and Orders are given to Messieurs de Montigny Picheron and le Noir to pass over to them and to dispose Monsieur de Blaconis and the Inhabitants of that City to it XIX The Colloquies and Province of Lower Languedoc shall contribute towards the Charges which the Church of Bedarrieux have expended in managing the common Affairs of our Religion XX. Monsieur Berault shall write Letters from this Synod unto the Colloquy of Sauveterre in Bearn intreating their consent that Monsieur du Prat may be continued in bis Ministry in the Church of the Isle of Jourdain and this Assembly decreeth That the said du Prat shall remain with the said Church of the Isle of Jourdain XXI A Petition was read from the Church of Blois praying That Monsieur de la Noue might be given them absolutely and without Conditions This Assembly having heard the Deputy of Anjou decreeth That he shall belong unto that Province as also that he shall be only lent unto the Church of Blois for six Months to begin from the first of June next during which time they shall do their endeavour to procure Monsieur Bede who is now at Heidelburg for their Pastor and this Assembly will joyn with them by writing in their own Name unto him to effect it XXII The Church of Pamiers craving Counsel in this Case A Man would espouse the Cousin-German of his deceased Wife This Assembly advised them to have recourse unto the King for a License XXIII The Inhabitants of the Town of Aubenas complaining That they were not comprehended in the number of those Garrisons which were assigned for our security This Synod doth ordain That Letters shall be written unto His Majesty humbly intreating him That He would give out His Royal Mandate to continue it in its present Condition that so they may be Partakers of the common Repose and Tranquility of the Kingdom XXIV Assistance shall be given unto the Churches of Provence now destitute of Pastors by the Provinces of Lower Languedoc and Dolphiny until such time as they can be provided XXV The Proceedings against Monsieur Vaissy having been revised and the Articles of the Provincial Synod relating to his Deposition from the Ministry and a most accurate enquiry being made into his Conversation since his Deposal this Assembly hath restored and doth restore him unto his Office in the Ministry and the Colloquy of Vigan is enjoyned to
served them as this was ever the sence and judgment of the said Synod of Xaintonge II. Whereas both the Church of Paris and Lions do lay claim unto the said Monsieur D'amours as theirs and engaged to them This Assembly having heard the said D'amours open the whole Affair and weighed the Arguments on both sides doth find that he is not obliged either to the one or other but is at full liberty to accept of any Church presented to him by the Synod III. And forasmuch as the Church of Chastelheraut have presented their Petition That the said Monsieur D'amours should be setled among them after hearing what was urged to the contrary by the Church of St. John and the declaration of the said Sieur D'amours leaving himself wholly to the disposal of this Assembly it is decreed That the said Sieur D'amours shall be given unto the Church of Chastelheraut IV. The Consistory of Havre de Grace appealing from an Order of the Synod of Normandy which had ordained our Brother Monsieur * * * Another Copy calls him Maâ—â— Dinnis de la Mathennie Pastor of Cricquetot to be their sole Pastor he having served them faithfully in the Ministry ever since he first gathered their Church and and that the two Churches should be united into one and their Pastors Joynt-Pastors and that the Churches should make but one common Purse for their maintenance And the demand of those of Cricquetot being heard urging that the said Monsieur de la Mathennie was first of all sent unto them and that they always had and would continue to him his Stipend It was voted That the said Monsieur de Mathennie should continue with the Church of Cricquetot and those of the Havre have six Months time given them to provide themselves of another Pastor during which time the said de la Mathennie shall remain as he hath done in the Town of Honsleur and shall serve both the Churches and as to the Annexation of the Church of Beauvillier it shall be determined by the Colloquy of Caux and the Church of Hauvre is exhorted according to their Duty to pay double Honour unto the said Monsieur de la Mathennie as they have done heretofore V. The Appeal of Master Michael Mercier from the Synod of the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne was rejected because he appeared not in Person to prosecute it in this Assembly and that Order of the Church of Paris ratified by their Provincial Synod concerning the Exercise of Religion in the place ordained by His Majesty is approved also and confirmed by the Consent and Authority of this present National Synod VI. The Sentence past by the Synod of Lower Guyenne against Messieurs Chauveton and Baduel is ratified and because of the great importance of that Affair we do further decree That he of the two who shall first endeavour his Restoration unto the Church of Bergerac shall be totally deposed from the Ministry VII The Appeal of the Church of Nerac about the concern of Monsieur John Renaut is declared null and the Sentence of the Synod of Lower Guyenne confirmed and how the said Monsieur Renaut shall be for time coming disposed of is left wholly to the Wisdom of that Synod But since that the said Renaut was yielded up entirely unto the Church of Nerac VIII The Appeal of the Church of Chaume from the Synod of Poictou was not admitted because the matter in debate between them is of the nature of those things which ought to be determined in their own Province IX The Appeal of the Colloquy of Poictiers from that Order of the Synod of Poictou is good and valid and it is decreed That Monsieur Menestoier Pastor of the Church of Sancay Monstreuill Bonninll and L' Artillier shall incorporate himself with the Colloquy of Poictiers X. Monsieur de la Millie reappealing from an Order of the Synod of Poictou who had setled Monsieur Favre in the Pastoral Charge of the Church of Vigean this Assembly approveth that Order and the Province is exhorted to take care that the Church of the said de Melliere be provided for as soon as possible XI That Judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc from which the Church of Macilargues and de Nager had appealed is confirmed And Letters shall be dispatched unto the said Synod requesting them out of hand to provide an able Minister for the Church of Macilargues XII An Appeal was brought by the Church of Nismes from a Judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc which had given Monsieur Terond to the Church of St. Martyn whereupon this Assembly decreed That in case the Church of Nismes did not send the said Monsieur Terond unto his own Colloquy within the space of one Year that then he should be wholly setled in the Church of St. Martyn nor shall that Church be provided of any other Minister for a full Year unless the said Monsieur Terond be recalled back again in which case all his Charges shall be defrayed by those of Nismes XIII The Church of Nismes appealed from the Synod of Dolphiny because they refused to grant them Monsieur Chamier though carnestly desired by them to be Professor of Divinity in their University This Assembly is of Opinion That the said Sieur Chamier cannot be removed from the Church of Montlimard without the express consent of his Church and Province XIV The Appeal of the Elders in the Church of Chastillon upon the Loire from the Censures of the Synod of Orleans and Berry is rejected and they shall be again censured by Letters from this Assembly more sharply XV. That Order of the Synod of Dolphiny concerning Monsieur Felix from which the Church of Niort hath appealed is confirmed XVI The Church of Cognac appealed from an Order of the Synod of Xaintonge about Monsieur de la Nusse The Assembly examining the matter finds that of Right the said de la Nusse belongs to the Church of Cognac but because of the Covenants between them it decrees That the said Sieur de la Nusse shall at the sole Charges of the Church of Nerac come and serve one Year in the Church of Coignac during which time those of Nerac shall endeavour to procure for the Church of Coignac such a Minister as shall be approved by the Colloquy of Augoumois and in case of their non-observing this Order Monsieur la Nusse shall be wholly appropriated to the Church of Coignac XVII Monsieur Bourguignon appealing from the Synod of the Isle of France enjoyning his return unto his own Province this Assembly considering the great Services done by him unto the Church of God and his manifold Losses have and do adjudge him absolutely unto the Church of Mets. XVIII The Father of Monsieur Olivier appealing from the Synod of Higher Languedoc it was ordered That the said Olivier shall be setled in the Church of Lectoure and Letters shall be written unto the Father to this purpose XIX Upon the Appeal of
Brittany Orleans and Berry For Orleans and Berry Monsieur Nicholas Vignier Minister of the Church of Blois and Samuel de Chambaran Minister of the Church of Baugency Lorges and Marchenoir Tourain Anjou Maine For Touraine Anjou and the Maine Monsieur John Eleury Minister of the Church of Bougay and Peter de la Primaudaye Lord de la Bareé Elder of the Church of Chasteau du Loir For the upper and nether Poictou Monsieur John Bonnavet Minister of the Church of Lusson Poictou and John Chauffepied Minister of the Church of Niort and René de Lumont Lord of Fiefbrun Elder in the Church of Sansay Xaintonge Aunix c. For Xaintonge Aunix c. Monsieur Samuel L'Hommeau Minister in the Church of Rochell and Arthur de Partenay Lord of Genouillé and Querray Elder in the Church of Tonné Boutonné and Daniel Roy Elder in the Church of Xaintes Gascony Perigord and Limousin For Gascony Perigord and Limousin Monsieur Antony Renaud Minister of Bourdeaux Peter Esperian Minister of the Church at St. Foy James du Brueil Lord de la Garde Elder of Tonneins and Peter du Bazats Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux For Vivaretz and Vellay For the upper and nether Vivaretz and Vellay Monsieur Peter Labat Minister in the Church of Vabon la Gorce and Salvais John de la Faye Minister of the Church D'Aubenac and James Oliver Elder in the Church of Villeneufve de Berg. For the Lower Languedoc Monsieur Jeremiah Ferrier Minister and Professor of Divinity in the Church of Nismes Isaiah Bailly Minister in the Church of St. Martin d' Anduze and John de Barjac Lord of Gasque Elder in the Church of St. Martin Lower Languedoc and John d' Aguerre Elder in the Church of Sauve Higher Languedoc and higher Guyenne For the Higher Languedoc and Guyenne Monsieur Bernard Sónis Minister and Professor of Divinity in the Church of Montaubon John Josion Minister in the Church of Castres and the Lord Du Bovry Governor of the Isle of Jourdan and Elder of the Church there and Daniel de Belujon Elder of the Church in Villemure Burgundy Lyonnois c. For Burgundy Lyonnois c. Monsieur Peter Collinet Minister of the Church of Parrey Samuel de Trucis Elder of the Church of Bourg in Bresse and Job James Bonnet Elder in the Church of Chaalons upon Saone For Provence Provence Monsieur Anthony the Croase Minister of the Church in Cabiers and Peter de Villineufve Lord d' Espineuse Elder of the Church Dolphiny and the Principality of Orange For Dolphiny and the Principality of Orange Monsieur Claude Perron Minister in the Church of Pragelet Daniel Chamier Minister of the Church of â—ontlimart and Jacob Archmart Elder of the same and Jacob Videl Elder in the Church of Brianson For Normandy there was no Deputy but Monsieur du Moulin was entrusted with their Memoirs by the Brethren of that Province The Lords of St. Germain and des Bordes General Deputies for our Churches at Court and Mr. Joseph des Fountaines commissionated by Monsieur Palott to give in his Accounts of the King's Moneys granted our Churches were personally present in this Synod The Lords of St. Germain and des Bordes appeared in their Quality of General Deputies according to the Office conferred upon them by the General Assembly of St. Foy and Mr. Joseph des Fontaines was deputed by the same Assembly of St. Foy and to audit the Accounts of Monsieur Palott Prayers being ended Monsieur Chamier was chosen Moderator and Monsieur Ferrier Assessor and the Sieurs Vignier and Roy Scribes The Provinces which have not sent their full number of Pastors and Elders ordained by our Discipline are excused for this time but for the future they shall all oâ— them conform unto the Canon of the Synod of Montpellier otherwise they shall forfeit their right of Sitting and Voting in our National Synods The Powers given before Publick Notaries unto the Deputies of Brittany and attested by secular persons is tolerated for the present but that Province is required to abstain from them for time to come and are ordered to get their Letters of Commission signed by the Moderator and Scribes of their Provincial Synod Monsieur * * * In another Copy he is written Givoult Gueran Minister of the Church of Dindeveuf Deputed by the Province oâ— Normandy excused his absence from this Synod which was accepted but that Province shall be censured by Letters from us for their neglect in not sending other Deputies CHAP. II. Observations upon the Confession of Faith 1. THE Province charged to call our National Synod is charged also to bring with it the Original Confession of Faith which shall to this purpose be subscribed by this Assembly and sent unto that Province 2. The Synod reading over the Confession of Faith and explaining the 18th 20th and 22d Articles of the said Confession concerning our Justification before God expresseth its detestation of those Errors which are now-a-days broached to the contrary and in particular their Errors who deny the Imputation of Christ's Active and Passive Obedience by which he hath most perfectly fulfilled the whole Law unto us for Righteousness Our Righteousness by the Imputation of Christs active and passive Obedience And therefore Provincial Synods Colloquies and Consistories shall have a careful Eye on those persons who be tainted with that Error be they Ministers or private Christians and by the Authority of this Assembly shall silence them and in case of a wilful stubborn persistency in their Errors to depose them if they have a Pastoral Charge in the Church from the Ministry And Letters shall be writ unto Master Piscator to intreat him not to trouble the Churches with his new-fangled Opinions as also from this Assembly to the Universities of England Scotland Leyden Geneva Heydelberg Basil and * * * In another Copy Ziguen Herborne in which Piscator is Professor requesting them to joyn with us also in this Censure And in case the said Piscator shall pertinaciously adhere unto his Opinions Master Sohnius and Ferrier are to prepare an Answer to his Books and that it be ready against the Meeting of the next National Synod And this Article shall be read and in all points most exactly observed by the Provincial Synods 3. The Provinces are exhorted seriously to debate in their Synods how to word the five and twentieth Article of our Confession and to bring with them their maturest thoughts about it unto the next National Synod because in expressing our Faith about the Catholick Church mentioned in the Creed we have nothing in our Confession concerning the Church Militant and Visible As also they are intreated to consider whether it would not be fit to subjoyn ths word Pure unto those of the True Church which is in the nine and twentieth Article The Call of our first Pastors and Reformers was
University of Montauban appealed because the last Synod held at Pamiers refused to admit of Monsieur Gardesie unto the Professors place of the Greek Tongue This Assembly decreeth that the Synod or both the Colloquies which shall judge about the Proposans of the Church of Montauban shall also take cognisance of this Affair And in case they do grant the said Gardesie unto that University and he consent unto it that then they do dispose of one of the said Proposans or of some other person whom they believe will best edifie the Church of Mauvoisin unto its service in the Pastoral work 22. The Appeal of the Common Council of the City of Montauban on behalf of the Counsellors in their Colloquy is dismissed over to the next Political Assembly of the Province 23. The Sieurs des Baconis Sylvius and de Malleret in their journey unto Montauban about the affairs of that Church are ordered to visit the Churches of Meusac Islemade and St. Leophary and to take knowledge of their Estate and Proverty that so they may testifie unto the approaching Synod of the Higher Guyenne whether the Sieurs Richaud and Bicheteau can be maintained by them and whether they be able to incourage them in their personal residence among them according to the Decree of the National Synod of Rochel 24. Whereas Monsieur Beraud appealed from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne for their continuing the Sieurs Richaud and Bicheteau in the Curatorship of the University of Montauban since the Decree of the last National Synod and for their approving of that custom of precedency among the Elders according to their Seniority in Office This Assembly expounding the Canon of the aforesaid Synod of Rochel declareth that it never intended to set up any ordinary Curators excepting those that be upon the place and it only gave leave unto the Consistories and University Counsels to call in upon extraordinary occasions such persons as they judged best able to advise and assist them and therefore can in no wise approve of this Intendency ordained by the Provincial Synod And as for the other point it cannot allow the Provincial Synods to make orders about precedency and condemns the said Province for so doing and farther it does appoint all Consistories to use their prudence in preventing of those disorders and confusions which may fall out on such punctilio's and to take care that every one have that respect paid him which is due unto him 25. The appeal of the Sieurs Rafin Perrot and Phillipy about their expences unto the last National Synod is sent back unto the Neighbour Province with full power to determine finally therein according to the Canon of the same Synod concerning Pecuniary matters 26. The Sieur Beraud brought in an Appeal of the Colloquy of Armagnas which complained of the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne that meerly out of conformity to their Neighbours would send their Deputies to the Synods of Lower Languedoc and Guyenne This Assembly approving the resolution of the said Synod Censures the Colloquy for their opposition and makes null and void their Appeal 27. Master Claudius Maillard Doctor of Physick and heretofore Elder in the Church of Orleans appealed from the judgment of his Provincial Synod held at Gien by which the said Maillard was censured together with his book written by him against his own Pastor Monsieur du Moulin and because it had ordained that his Censure should be published in the Church before the whole Congregation the said Maillard pleading that neither his Book nor Person ought to have been censured but only that formality of his having caused it to be printed and farther that the Censure past upon Mr. du Moulin by the same Synod ought also to have been published in the Congregation Upon perusal of that aforesaid Printed discourse and published by the said Maillard and sent by him subscribed with his own hand unto this Assembly and the several acts produced by him proving his assertions And Monsieur du Moulin being heard apologizing for himself and his demand of License to depart from the said Church and Province both which he had long ere this have quitted had it not been that he expected the sitting of this Assembly and the Deputies of the said Church being heard earnestly requesting his return unto them The Acts also of the Colloquy held at Baugency being perused which condemned the Consistory of Orleans for not deposing of Esaiah Fleureau from his Office and for not publishing his suspension from the Lords Table notwithstanding his Appeal and finally the act of the Synod before-mentioned together with what was done about its execution by the Deputies sent from the Synod After mature deliberation of all these things this Assembly judged that the said Maillard had do reason at all to Appeal from the sentence of the Synod considering the greatness of his fault which is again condemned both in substance and circumstance and ordaineth that he shall call in all his Books dispersed abroad and suppress them and judgeth that the said Colloquy ought in no wise to have hindred the Appeal of the said Fleureau And as for the said Sieur du Moulin This Assembly approveth the judgment of the Synod and the proceedings of the Pastors delegated for its execution but cannot allow of the departure of the said du Moulin since the denunciation of the said Sentence And it ordaineth that the said du Moulin shall be restored unto the Church of Orleans which is injoined to love honour and maintain him And that an effectual reconciliation may be wrought among them Messieurs Ferrier Chauve de Montdenis and Basnage Ministers together with the Lord of Fiefbrun an Elder and the other Elders Deputed with the aforesaid Elders unto this National Synod are commissioned by it to transport themselves unto the Church of Orleans and there by Authority of this Assembly to ordain whatsoever may be judged expedient for the mollifying of those Hearts and abating of those heats and reconciling of the divided parties and the happy re-establishment of the Ministry of the said Sieur du Moulin in that Church and to inflict such Censures as are meet upon the Refractory and Contumacious Members which shall oppose and hinder this pacification 28. The Provincial Synod of Poictou dismissed over unto this Assembly the last Censure of Master Fiacre Picard sometime Minister in the Church of Chastelheraut who being convicted in the said Synod of several notorious Crimes was suspended until now from his Office and commanded to appear in person before this Assembly The Deputies of the Province gave an account of the Synods judgment past upon him produced the Accusations brought in against him and the several proofs and Evidences of them together with his Letters and Confessions After which the said Picard was called in and heard speak in his own defence some things he owned and others he denied whereupon this Assembly confirmeth the judgment past upon
Monsieur Benoist presented the Letters of Monsieur d'Islemade which were recommended to the Lord of Mirande our General Deputy as also the Affair of the Sieur Piloty propounded by the Deputies of Lower Languedoc 30. Whereas the Widdow of Monsieur Quinson deceased complaineth of the Colloquy of Gex for not paying her the Arrears due unto her of her Annuity this Complaint is dismissed over to the Province of Burgundy who shall by their Judicial Sentence put a full and final period to it 31. The Church of Gien Situated upon the Loire being destitute of a Pastor and addressing themselves unto this Assembly petitioned by their Letters and by Monsieur Alix their Deputy that by our Authority they might be provided We Considering the necessities and importance of the said Church Monsieur Francis l' Oyseau now free of I ingagements is granted to them for their ordinary Minister who also accepted of the Charge and was sent unto that Church who were required to take care for his Comfortable Subsistence as being a most faithful and eminent Servant of Christ and one that hath industriously and painfully discharged his Ministry in Sundry and divers places for many years together as appeareth by those honourable Testimonials lying by him and given him from those Churches 32. The Church of Poictiers complaining of the Loan of Monsieur Clemenceau their Pastor for one month unto the Church of Chastelheraut that they could not in the least spare him This Assembly considering their necessities doth nominate in his stead the Sieur de la Roche Crese Pastor of the Church of Cuirey 33. The Deputies of Berry complained in the name of their two Colloquies against that of Orleans about an agreement made by the Church of Orleans and others with the Sieur Fluereau This business was dismissed over to the Province of Burgundy by whose Judicial Sentence a full and final period shall be put unto it 34. The Churches of Vitray in Brittany and of Lassay in the Maine being at variance about the Ministry of Monsieur Conseil sometimes Pastor in the Church of Puylaurens in Lauragais This Assembly having heard the Deputies of both Provinces and what was urged on either hand as argument for them doth censure the said Conseil for his actings in both those Churches as also that Church of Lassay for their secret dealings with him to gain him wholly to themselves yet nevertheless judging that the Church of Vitre had no just title to the said Conseil by vertue of his private promise past unto them the Province of Higher Languedoc having transferred him unto that of Anjou he shall therefore continue Minister in the said Province and be consigned to the Church of Lassay 35. Master James Royer sent Letters and a book unto this Assembly treating of that controversy first started by him in the Church of Geneva and afterwards continued in that of Metz. The Letters of the Pastors of Geneva relating to this matter being read and those also of the Consistory of Metz craving advice from us about that custom of their Elders giving the Cup in the Sacrament unto the Communicants and reciting the words of Institution at their delivery of it from the eleventh Chapter of the first of Corinthians This Synod having already determined what should be done herein by an express Canon inserted into our Discipline in which nothing shall be changed for whatever Difficulties may arise about the delivery of the Cup It cannot by any means approve of the actings of the said Royer nor at all of publishing the said book nor the great passion discovered in his Letters And therefore Ordaineth that Letters be written unto the Church of Metz that by them he be exhorted to follow the things that make for Christian peace and love and we counsel and advise the said Church in answer to their Request that forasmuch as Pastors in Populous Churches cannot without excessive toyling themselves deliver the Cup to every individual Member Communicating at the Lords Table they may use the help of their Eldership but withal they shall injoyn them silence and the Pastors only shall speak when these Sacred Elements are distributed that so it may be generally and manifestly known that the adminstration of the Sacraments is wholly appropriated to the Pastoral office 36. To put an end to the difference between the Sieurs Durdez and de Beaune this Assembly being very well satisfied that the said Durdez is indebted for those summs of Moneys mentioned in his Letters intreateth the said de Beaune to rest contented with one hundred Livers out of one of those portions allotted to the said Durdez CHAP. IX An Order for Calling the next National Synod ORDER is given to the Province of Vivaretz to Assemble the next National Synod and that within two years immediately after the month of May next and it 's left to the prudence of the said Province to chuse the place and to give notice of that day wherein the Synod shall be opened CHAP. X. The Roll of Deposed Ministers THeophilus Bluett and James de l'Obell who were formerly deposed their Deposals is new confirmed without any hope of Restauration and their names were inserted in the National Synod of Rochel at the end of General Matters Henry Dindault whose Deposition was confirmed in the Appeals before-mentioned in this Synod he is about five and twenty or six and twenty years old low of Stature Chess-nut coloured hair pale and meager low visag'd Bertrand Faugier deposed in Dolphiny sometimes Minister in the Church of Vienna is of mean stature black hair beginning to be gray fat and corpulent aged about five and fifty having a very long and large beard and a little short-sighted James Vidouse deposed in the Lower Guyenne about five and thirty years old low of stature Chess-nut coloured hair long and large beard pale and often winking with his eyes One called Senerac or Serverat or Sajerac born at Castres in Albigeois formerly Minister in the Church of Lombert in the same Colloquy is revolted from the Truth of the Gospel unto the Idolatrous Church of Rome he is a fellow short and thick black hair'd he had a full beard but is now shaven wrinkling always his forehead about thirty five years old Vagrants John Rostolon Native of Bearne calling himself a Proposan pretty tall of stature meagre small eyes the hair of his eye-brows very thick not separated black hair little or no beard about four and twenty years old CHAP. XI Moneys divided among the Churches 1. THE Moneys gathered for the Poor of the Marquisate of Saluces were deposited in the hands of Monsieur Videl at the General Assembly of Gergeau by the Sieur Chaussepied from the Province of Poictou amounting to the sum of fourteen hundred four and forty Livers eight Sous and six Deniers and are now in the hands of the Deputies of the Province of Dolphiny By the Province of Orleans and Berry one thousand nine hundred Livers By the Province of Brittany seven
clause seems to favour that Opinion of the necessity of Baptism And the remaining part of the said Article shall be in force until the next National Synod and in this Interval the Provinces are charged to Study the point diligently and to come prepared with the judgments of their respective Consistories Colloquies and Provincial Synods and to send them in writing confirmed by solid Arguments that so after mature consideration had of the whole the Case may be finally decided by plurality of Votes gathered from the several Deputies of that Synod And that this may be the more easily effected Monsieur Sonis du Moulin le Faucheur and la Faye are nominated to put in writing the reasons both of the one side and other which have been here urged and a Copy of them shall be carried hence together with the Acts of this present Assembly unto their Provinces by the Deputies 8. The Deputies of Berry requesting that some course might be took to avoid the violating of that Canon made at St. Maixant Bearne which forbad all Professors in Divinity to intermeddle with Political Assemblies This Synod ordaineth that it be punctually observed and in case any of them do accept of such a Deputation whoever he be shall be punished with Suspension from his Professorship for the space of six months 9. Information being made of the great disorders in the Provincial Synods of Higher and Lower Languedoc of the tricks and subtle under-hand dealings fitter for Attorneys and Petty-Foggers than for such grave Assemblies commonly practised by them and of the contempt of Church-Discipline from whence have sprung up very many and grievous scandals This Synod doth most strictly enjoyn all Provincial Synods and most especially those now mentioned that for the future they do reform and conduct themselves better on pain of being dealt withal as violators of the Discipline and that in the severest manner and particularly it threatens the Moderators in those Meetings with Suspension from their Charges in case they connive at them and do not their utmost to redress these irregular and scandalous actions CHAP. VII Of Appeals 1. THE Church of Orange complaining by her Deputies that they were excluded from the Political Assembly held in Dolphiny This Assembly remands them unto the next General Political Assembly unto which they shall present their complaint if they judge meet 2. Master Gautier complained on behalf of the Church of Annonay that they had never been reimburst their Expences which they were necessitated to make in getting supplies during the absence of their Pastor Monsieur Faucheur who was deputed to the Assembly of Saumur This Synod ordereth the Province of Vivaretz to see the said Church of Annonay be paid an hundred Livers including in that sum the six and thirty already received by them 3. The Church of Armagnac appealed from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc held at Florac which had imposed on them the Sieur Thevond to be their Pastor against their consent And the said Mr. Thevond also appealed from the Synod of Montpellier for removing him against his will from Aigues-mortes This Assembly after hearing of all Parties and perusal of the Acts of both these Synods judgeth that the said Province hath very much transgrest the Discipline by lending the said Thevond unto the Church of Aigues-mortes and by restoring the said Pastor unto the Church of Armagnac and therefore ordaineth that the next Colloquy or Synod shall provide the said Thevond of another Church and that he be removed from that of Aigues-mortes or of Armagnac and the Church of Armagnac is sharply censured for her strange proceedings in obstructing the return of the Sieur Thevond to them as also Benezet Elder of that Church and his Companions who without any just cause given did prosecute the Expulsion of the said Thevond from among them Moreover we do very greatly condemn him the said Thevond for his pragmaticalness and unnecessary intermedlings with Civil Affairs as also for his unhandsome actings in the celebration of his Marriage that he might avoid the Tying of the Point a notorious Character of his Infidelity and Distrust of God deserving a Deposal from the Sacred Ministry and the Sieur Chambrun Pastor of Nismes who blessed that Marriage is liable unto the same censure But this Assembly contents it self with that softer Reprehension given him by the Colloquy hoping that it will redound unto his future benefit And in case he hath not as yet fully satisfied the Censure imposed on him by the said Colloquy he is ordered immediately to fulfil it on pain of being suspended from his Ministry 4. The Deputies of the Church of Aigues-mortes complained of that Article of the Assembly at Saumur which authorized the prosecution of Monsieur de Berticheres at the instigation of the Lords General Deputies and the said Deputies of Aigues-mortes remonstrated that the said Assembly was surprized for otherwise it had been impossible for the said de Berticheres to have been admitted into the said Church The Synod refused to take cognisance of this Affair it having been determined by the said Assembly of Saumur and because it conceived that a subsequent Assembly of the same nature could best judge of its own preceding Sentence and of whatsoever might be proposed with reference unto that subject and therefore remands the Plaintiffs thither but it charged our Lords the General Deputies at Court to give order that this Affair be remanded unto that Assembly there to be determined and in the mean while nothing shall be innovated or altered in that Article 5. Monsieur Benoist Pastor in the Church of Moutauban and de la Vialle Lieutenant Criminell in the same City appeared in this Assembly craving Remedies against those Dissentions which have arisen about the Ministry of the said Benoist in the said Church This Assembly deputed the Sieurs Perrin and Ferrand Pastors and de Mallerett Glatignan and Bonnett Elders to pass over unto Montauban and after hearing of the several Parties to find out some means of reconciling them and to contrive some expedient whereby their Differences may be composed and upon report of the whole matter by these Deputies the Synod declared that of right Monsieur Benoist belongs unto the Church of Montauban he having been adjudged as such by the National Synod of St. Maixant Yet nevertheless in regard of the present Disposition of that Church of Montauban it decrees the said Benoist to continue in his Ministry of the Churches of Realville and Albyas until the next Provincial Synod in which if the said Benoist be not demanded by the Church of Montauban by their general and unanimous Consent according to the Discipline the said Provincial Synod is enjoyned to provide the said Benoist of some other Church wherein he shall make his Residence and the whole shall be so managed as that the honour of his Ministry may be kept unblemished because he is not discharged from his Church for any fault committed
one kind the Adoration of the consecrated Host Prayer in an unknown Tongue by the Petitioner Errors of this last sort altho in themselves less yet do they most often occasion the greatest divisions and do most venemously exasperate mens Spirits and immediately engender Schism For if a man communicate at the Lords Table with an erroneous person in the doctrine of Predestination or about the Nature of Jesus Christ or who believes that the Body of our Lord is every where in all places at once altho this Error be very great yet may it not trouble him who is a Communicant with him But and if we communicate with one who giveth religious adoration unto the bread or pretends to sacrifice the Lord Jesus Christ such an action would scandalize us and must needs drive us from that Communion lest we should participate with him in his Idolatry or in a false Sacrifice Now we have this advantage together with the Lutheran Churches that all our differences are of the first kind and as for those external Ceremonies used and practised by them we have no such difference but what may be easily composed yea and that too with a wet Finger 18. It were fitting to lay before them on the Table the Concordat of the Polonish Churches made at Sendomir in the year 1570. and since revived in the Synod of Ulodislan in the year 1581. that so we may learn by their example to serve our selves of all things which may contribute unto this Union and are worthy of our imitation And possibly there may be found some Lutheran Churches who for peace sake would not insist upon their Ubiquity but frankly yield it up and part with it 19. The same Order should be observed in this second Assembly as in the first and the same difference paid unto his Majesty of great Britain and it should be opened with a fast and concluded with the celebration of the Holy Supper of our Lord at which both the Lutheran Ministers and ours should communicate together 20. It is very needful that some course should be taken to bring the several Churches and People to embrace and practise the Articles of this Union and that Soveraign Princes and Estates do promise to exert their Authority about it and that those words of Lutheran Calvinist and Sacramentarian Gustazus Adolphus K. of Swiâ—â—dland would have them styled the Evangelical Churches being wicked badges of distinction were utterly abolished and that our Churches should ever after be called the Christian Reformed Churches And all Invectives from the Pulpit or Press or Writings against the Brethren of either side shall be forbidden under the severest penalties And that the Catalogues of Books vended at Frankford maybe no more stuft with injurious Titles as formerly And the German Princes should at some certain days mutually agreed on send their Pastors unto the principal Churches of their Neighbour Princes and also admit and receive of their Ministers into theirs and so communicate together on some set and solemn day at the Lords Table 21. If it should please God to bless this Holy and Laudable Design with success which would be a Crown of Eternal Glory unto his Majesty of Great Britain and to the Princes joyned with him therein then would it be a convenient time to sollicit the Romish Church unto a Reconciliation which whether it may be really effected or is at all feasible seems as yet very doubtful because the Pope will admit of no Council nor Conference at which he may not preside But could this General Union of all Christians be once accomplished we should be then more considerable and Ministers might Preach with more authority and greater success than ever CHAP. XIX A Letter from His Majesty of Great Britain To Messieurs the Pastors and Elders Assembled in their National Synod at Tonneins in France Sirs HAving received intelligence that your Assembly would be held in Gascony the first of May in which some persons may be engaged to revive that Controversly about Justification and to urge the Consciences of others to assent against their own judgment unto matters not sufficiently Understood by them We thought good to send you Monsieur Hume one of our subjects and of your Pastors with this our present Letter to exhort you in our Name not to suffer the spirits of your Pastors and Professors to be imbittered one against another about distinctions more substile than profitable more curious than needful but that you would indeavour to Moderate those animosities which are grown up already to too great an heighth among several of your Ministers and that you would quench those sparkles of dissention which meeting with wood hay stubble and slight rather than substantial matters may inflame you into such aschism as will Consume you all unless you do timely prevent it and stifle it in the birth by committing to the fire those Books Papers and Manuscripts which serve only as fewel unto new Controversies rather than promote your Edifying and give occasion to the Enemies of Gods Church to advance themselves on your weaknesses and to be the more hardned in their Errors Particularly we intreat you to compose the difference risen up betwixt the Sieurs du Moulin and Tilenus if it should be brought unto your immediate Cognisance and discussion and not be removed out of the way by Arbitrators which we judge of the two to be the best and by arbitrating their fact you your selves will publish unto the World how great a value you have for the Gifts of God in both those personages That honour with which God hath invested us by exalting us unto the highest and most eminent place in his Church for the defence of the truth or duty to serve it in our regall dignity and to the utmost of our power and that particular desire we have to see a good Peace and Vnion to flourish among all Sincere Professors of the Christian Faith and our care for your preservation as being the first Churches which have rejected the yoke of Idolatry do induce us to deal so freely with you And we promise our self from your prudence that all matters shall be pacified and amicably composed among you as we have commanded Master Hume to press you more amply by word of mouth thereunto to whom you may give credence receiving him as our Messenger and as a persom well-known unto you and sufficiently commended by his own excellent good parts and a Lover of peace which above all things we recommend unto you and so we pray God to Bless your godly debates and consultations and to have you always in his holy keeping From our Palace this 15th Day of March,1614 Signed James R. The Synods Answer To the King of Great Britain Sire THAT Zeal with which it hath pleased God to inflame your Royal Spirit and that abundant care which your most Serene Majesty vouchsafeth to take of all the Christian Churches obligeth every good servant of God to pour out continual
not only alwayes exempted from all Defaults but also from the very Suspicion thereof and that all kind of Testimonials and Thankfulness is due and owing them for their Capacity Carefulness Diligence Integrity and Singular Love and Zeal unto the Weal and Happyness of our Churches nor cannot in the least be refused them Wherefore this present Order passed for their discharge shall be inserted into the Acts of this Synod that it may be carried into all the Provinces that so none may plead or pretend his Ignorance and Unacquaintedness with the intentions of this present and of the last immediately preceding Synod Monsieur Palot of St Antonine presented a Petition unto this Assembly on behalf of his Brother Palot that it would be pleased to cause all processes commenc't against him by the Lord Malat to cease and that Arbitrators might be chosen on both sides with full power to determine the differences betwixt him and the Churches of this Kingdom Letters also from the Lord Malat were read informing it of the great progress he had made in the Suit against him Whereupon the Synod finding the Complaints and Requests of the said Palot to be unreasonable and that from their former Experience they could only conclude them done on purpose to gain and spin out time and to elude if possible the Prosecutions already begun it voted Thanks to be given unto the Lord Malat for his care and pains and that he be intreated to continue his Travel and Diligence in this Affair and the like thanks were ordered unto Monsieur Arnault for his singular Affection to the Weal of our Churches and the Lord Commissioner Galland was also earnestly desired to befriend our Churches with his kind Assistance at Court and to speak for us unto the Kings Majesty that His Gracious Majesty would be pleased to ordain that Justice might be done us Letters were read from the Lords Marbaut de Massanes Bigot and de Launay Commissioners named by the last National Synod to treat on behalf of all our Churches with Persons capable of bringing the Sieur Palot to give us some reasonable satisfaction And also Monsieur Mestrezat another of those Commissioners made report of what had been done herein as weâ—l by himself as by those others joyned in Commission with him Whereupon all their Actions were ratified and approved In reading that Act of the Synod of Charenton containing His Majesties Answer unto the Sieurs Cottiby and du Bois Saint Martyn Deputed by the said Synod unto His Majesty in which hope was given unto the Churches that the Prohibition issued out against Monsieur du Moulin should be taken away and that he should be restored unto his Ministry in this Kingdom And a Letter to this self-same purpose from the Church of Paris also requesting our Intercession with His Majesty that he would be Graciously pleased to grant unto the Churches the injoyment of their hopes The Deputies of the Isle of France joyned with them in this their request Whereupon it was resolved that His Majesty should be most humbly petitioned to grant leave unto the said Monsieur du Moulin to return into France and to the Exercise of his Pastoral Office in his aforesaid Church and the said Monsieur du Moulin shall be required by Letters from this Synod to joyn vvith the Churches in their Petition for his return and re-settlement in France and that he shall address himself also by a particular Petition of his ovvn unto His Majesty that he may be restored unto his Charge vvherein by the Blessing of God he had such eminent success that so if it may be His Majesty by so many importunate Petitioners may be prevailed vvith to grant us our desires The Provincial Deputies of Lower Guyenne and Poictou being heard it was voted that the Churches of Rochechouart and Limoges should continue joyned unto the Province of Lower Guyenne as they have been heretofore notwithstanding that they were separated from it by a Decree of the last National Synod because they cannot subsist if they be divided nor can the Church of Limoges be united unto Poictou without too much enfeebling the Colloquy of Limousin Maister Peter Guillemin Pastor in the Church of La Bour presented his Petition unto this Assembly that the Summ of Three Hundred Livres granted the said Church by the former National Synods may be continued and that the Summ of Threescore Livres more might be bestowed upon them for the breeding of a young Scholar who may be hereafter capable of serving the said Church and to preach in their Language and that His Majesty may be petitioned that He would grant according to His Edicts Two Places more for Religious Worship unto the Faithful of the said Countrey of Labour It was voted that this Petition in all its Parts and Members should be fulfilled on this Condition that the Scholar to be maintained by them be presented unto the next Synod of Lower Guyenne and that the said Province of the Lower Guyenne do yield an accompt of the said Summ of Sixty Livres unto the next National Synod as also of the Three Hundred Livres granted unto the said Church of La Bour and the Pastor there shall be obliged for the future to assist in Person at the Provincial Synods of Lower Guyenne After the last Canon was voted This Assembly recollected that heretofore the National Synod of Tonneins had granted unto Monsieur Busthonoby Pastor of the Churches in Soules the Summ of Three Hundred Livres to defray the Charges of Printing some certain Books in the Biscayan Language and that since by a Decree of the Synod of Vitre the Province of Lower Guyenne was reimburst the said Summ which they had beforehand advanced to that purpose Whereupon Order was given unto the said Province to call in its next Synod the aforesaid Monsieur Busthonoby to an accompt how he did imploy and dispose of the said Moneys and to bring in that Accompt unto the next National Synod CHAP. XVIII No Minister to Depart the Kingdom without the Kings Leave THE Lord Commissioner declaring that it was His Majesties Will and Pleasure according to Law that none of our Pastors should depart the Kingdom without his Royal License and that in case any Foreign Princes or States desired that any of our Ministers might be either lent them for a time or given to them absolutely during Life that then the said Minister should according to our Laws first obtain His Majesties Licence for his departure The Council resigned it self and all the Ministers of our Churches most fully and freely as they have ever done unto the Laws of the Land This Synod inquiring into the causes obstructing the Execution of those particular Canons that the last National Synod had made for the better Government of the Province of Provence judged that the said Province did justly deserve a Censure in case it cannot vindicate and acquit it self from all impeachments of neglect herein And whereas the Sieurs Crubellier
fears that it will ever take with or go down in your Churches or Spirits and makes us believe that all these little Projects will be resolved into their first Principles of wind and smoak to the sole prejudice of the Vanity of the Undertakers Accept most Reverend and Honoured Brethren in good part these thoughts so freely Communicated to you from your Loyal Sister which owes you her All and can pay you but Little excepting the deep sorrows of her heart for the general Calamities of the Church and her continual Sighs and Cries unto Almighty God for the Peace thereof and that he would be pleased to return with his Majesty and Glory unto the many thousands of Israel and re-edifie his ruinated Zion and above all to continue his Grace Protection and Benediction upon you All with whom she is most intimately united and perfectly conjoin'd in the firmest and most antient bonds of an Holy Love which together with her most earnest Cares and devoutest Prayers she doth continually offer up unto the Divine Majesty for the Health and long Life of your Sovereign Lord the King for the prosperous success of his Affairs for the re-establishing of Peace and Tranquillity in his Kingdom in which both ye and we are so very much concerned and by means whereof we cannot but hope that our poor afflicted Brethren in Foreign Provinces may also through the Grace of God meet with Peace and Settlement May the good hand of the Almighty make your Assembly a blessed Instrument of your Peace Union and Perseverance in the Truth and fullfil all our Desires and Prayers for the Consolation of all his Churches and that you may be the first who shall enjoy the Fruit of your Labours by the Witness of God's Holy Spirit in your Hearts and the happy effects of your Holy and Prudent Debates and Counsels We conclude all with the tender of our most Humble Faithful and Cordial Services and Affections and of our most intire Union with you in Spirit which we most humbly beg of the Lord to Sanctifie and Consummate in its full and total Perfection in the Kingdom of his Glory Your most Humble and most Affectionate Brethren and Servants in the Lord the Pastors and Professors in the Church and University of Geneva and for them all From Geneva April 26. 1637. Diodati Tronchin Chabray Prevost and Pauleint CHAP. XXIX The Testimonials of divers Doctors and Universities unto the Treatise of Monsieur Rivett against the Books of the Sieurs Amyraud and Testard To the most Honoured and our most Excellent Colleague Andrew Rivett Professor of Divinity WE did read with singular delight your Remarks on the Writings of Monsieur Amyraud Pastor and Professor at Saumur which we had seen sometimes before and we have found them exactly agreeing both with the Holy Scripture in all Articles of Faith and in those wherein our National Synod of Dort had declared its Judgment and therefore we approve of your Writing as being very Learned and Moderate and count it Worthy of Praise from all Orthodox Divines and we doubt not in the least but that this your Labour will be most acceptable unto the now approaching National Synod of France and will be useful and serviceable for the suppressing and putting a period by due and proper ways unto these late Controversies which some certain Pastors affected and addicted unto Novelties have to their shame raised in the French Churches to the great Offence of very many Godly Persons From Leyden March 14. 1637. Your Reverences most Affectionate Colleagues Johannes Polyander Antonius Wallaeus Antonius Thysius and Jacobus Triglandius Extracts out of a Letter sent by Mr. John Bogerman to Mr. Andrew Rivett from Franequer Feb. 7. 1637. HAving thus concerted that Affair among our selves we now Write you our present Judgment which in this Paper is Transmitted to you begging of God with all our heart That he would bless your Holy Labours and behold in the Son of his Love your distressed Churches of France which have been hitherto as a Pure and Chaste Virgin and have kept inviolably their Oath of Fidelity unto the Truth but now-a-days begin to be troubled with impure Errors and of a very dangerous Heterodoxy My Colleagues could not read that French Book of the Professor Amyraud because they don't understand the French Tongue therefore did I most Faithfully make those Extracts which you see out of his Writings Our ears could not suffer with any Patience those Novelties of a double Predestination unto Salvation and of a certain general knowledge by the light of Nature of the Mercy of God to all Men and of another particular knowledge of the same Mercy unto particular persons of a double Decree of God without any knowledge of Christ The good Lord be merciful unto these Brethren and according to his infinite goodness grant that they may have but one and the same Mind and the same Language with all the Churches of Christ and may he ever watch over you to keep and preserve you for many long years yet to come to the Glory of his Great Name and the Edification of his Church To that most Excellent Person our most Dear Brother in Jesus Christ Master Rivett Greeting SIR HAving received your Writing together with the Books of this 21. of January we perused them very diligently and were grieved in our hearts that the Seeds of new troubles were sowen in your Churches of France Thus Satan who is always the same and like himself endeavours by vile Errours to obscure the Lustre of the Truth and continually discovers himself a most mortal Enemy of the Grace of God And Oh that our most Gracious God whose great Benignity towards us deserveth our everlasting Praises would deign to preserve your poor Churches of France from all their Enemies and from those woful troubles attending on them These Attacks of the Adversary are ill-boding signs of some sad Events which may betide them unless they be resisted with singular Prudence and an immovable Resolution in their first beginnings and that they be stifled in the Birth For what is it that Men are hammering out of this multitude of Errors but a certain new Arminianism Pelagianism and Socinianism That odd and ridiculous Opinion of Vorstius concerning the changeable Decrees is once again digged out of its Grave and brought upon the publick Theatre yea and that spurious Doctrine of the Jesuits condemned by the School-men themselves appears bare-faced before the World Alas How many points incompatible one with another are there to be found in Monsieur Testard his Book For his latter Theses subvert the former and so far are these Pamphlets from conciliating Peace that to the contrary we believe the Adversaries are more exasperated by them animated and strengthened to Combat with us and that Saying of Monsieur Beza may be justly applied to this Script He would have forged a Peace but he hath forged out Dissention Sir You are very well acquainted with the Man and therefore
the Church of Segonsac do give him full satisfaction for all his Arrerages within the prefixed Term of Six Months from the first of July next And if the Church of Coignac refuse their Consent unto this Condition then the said De Bargemont shall appertain solely to the Church of Segonsac And if it so fall out that the said Church of Segonsac be wanting unto their Duty and which is now re-inforced upon them 1594. Synod XIII the said de Bargemont shall be at liberty to be conferr'd on any other Church excepting that of Cognac IV. An Appeal being brought by Monsieur Cazaux and the Consistory of Mauvoisin from an Order made in the Provincial Synod of the Higher Guyenne After that Monsieur de Fontenailles and the Church of Castillon were heard this National Synod did confirm that Order of the Provincial Synod hold this present Year at Lectoure and in case the said Church of Castillon cannot throughly effect the purport of that Order then the said Sieur de Cazaux shall be at liberty to serve the Church of Mauvoisin V. Appeals being brought by Monsieur Beraut Minister of God's Holy Word of the one part and by Messieurs the Consuls and Elders of the Church of Montauban on the other part from an Order of the Synod of Higher Languedoc about the space of time granted unto the said Berault for attending his private domestick Concerns and the looking after his Estate lying at a distance from the City of Montauban This National Synod confirmeth that Order of the aforesaid Provincial Synod for the full term of One Year to be granted the said Monsieur Beraut for attending his necessary private Businesses which shall begin from the Day of his Departure And he is desired as a Testimony of his Respect and Love unto his Church to leave his Family in the said City or at least within the Province as also his Church is admonished to pay in unto him during his absence his Salary as a Token and Pledge of their great and unfeigned Respects unto their Pastor the said Monsieur Beraut and both the said Monsieur Beraut his Church and the Colloquy shall carefully and unanimously endeavour that his place be supplied and all the requisite Duties of his Pastoral Office be acceptably discharged by some other worthy Minister in his Church during that Year of his absence VI. An Appeal being brought by the Churches of Montauban and Venez for that by the Synod of Higher Languedoc held at Montauban and Lectoure Monsieur de Castlefranc Minister of the Gospel was consigned to the Church of Realmont and yet the Isle of France doth pretend a Right unto the said Monsieur de Chastlefranc This Synod declares That the Province of the Isle of France had nothing to do with the said Monsieur De Chastlefranc and whereas Monsieur de Chastlefranc doth also make his Appeal unto this Synod we decree That the Churches of Montredon and Venez have a Right to claim him as their own peculiar Minister nevertheless the said de Chastlefranc shall officiate in the Churches of Montredon Venez and Realmont conjointly at each of them six Months together during which time this Synod doth order that the Church of Realmont shall provide themselves of an able Pastor otherwise they shall be proceeded against by the sharpest Censures as is usually done in such Cases by their Colloquy And if it so fall out that the said Church of Realmont do need the Labours of the said Monsieur de Chastlefranc he is intreated to assist them as far as his strength will suffer him VII The Church of Monpellier having brought an Appeal from the Provincial Synods of Lower Languedoc who had dispos'd of Monsieur de Villette to the Church of Valleragne This Assembly doth confirm the Judgment of the said Provincial Synod and declareth That the said Church of Monpellier cannot of Right lay any Claim to the said Monsieur de Villette CHAP. VI. Particular MATTERS 1594. Synod XIII I. THE Deputies of the Province of Gascony Perigord and Limousin desiring that the Churches of Coudonnois and Landers might be joyned to the Provincial Synod of Agenois Perigord and Limousin and being opposed herein by the Remonstrances of the Deputies from the Province of Higher Guyenne and most especially by the Pastor of the Church of Lectoure Mr. Bernard Ennis in the name and behalf of the Colloquy of Armagnac After mature consultation it was resolved That the Synods of the Higher Guyenne and Gascogny should remain as they are in their present establishment not but that in time coming and in case necessity so require it there may be made an alteration and the Churches of Armagnac which are now divided from their Colloquy shall reader an Account unto the next National Synod of their separation from it till which they shall remain incorporated with it II. The Churches of Augoumois shall be joyned to the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge and Aunix for the perfecting a sixth Colloquy according to the equal division of those said Churches III. The Church of Bergerac shall be sharply censured by Letters from this Assembly for that by theirs to us they professed a Resolution not to subject themselves to the fourth Article of the tenth Chapter pf our Discipline IV. Those of the Isle of France shall be severely censured for proposing to this Assembly a politick Union with those of the Romish Gallican Church in defence of the Liberties of the Gallican Church against the Pope And Letters shall be dispatch'd unto those fore-mentioned Persons to acquaint them that their Proposition was judged utterly unworthy our consultation and they shall be farther censured for demanding competent Judges both of the one and other Religion to decide the Points in controversie between us as also for demanding that neither National nor Provincial Synods be conven'd unless on very great and weighty occasions and that very rarely 5. The Church of Aymet complaining That Monsieur Balarand their Pastor absented himself from them and was setled in the Church of Castres without any lawful dismission from them After that the Provincial Deputies of Gascony had been heard as also the said Monsieur Balarand and the Petition of the ancient Deputy from the City and Church of Castres and after reading the Act of Dismission given unto the said Balarand by those of the Church of Aymet subscribed by those self-same Persons who have now written to those of the City of Castres and yet some of them have since signed a Revocation of that Grant this Synod doth assign the said Monsieur Balarand unto the Church of Castres to be their ordinary Pastor but on these conditions First That the Church of Aymet be provided of an able Pastor within six Months or sooner it may be by the Colloquy of Perigord or Synod of Gascony at the sole Charges of the aforesaid Church of Castres according to the offers made by Monsieur Bassol their Deputy Secondly That the Judge of Castres do cause all