The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France

CHAP. XVII. General Laws for the Universities of the Reformed Churches of FRANCE.

1 IN every University there shall be a double Council, The one Ordinary, composed only of Pastors of the Churches, and Public Professors, and of the Principal of the College, and the President of this Council shall be the Rector. The other extraordinary, made up of the principal and most Eminent Church-Members to be chosen by the Guild-Hall of the Town; provided that these Electors be Persons professing the Protestant Reformed Religion, or else they shall be chosen out of the Consistories, in case they have not the Power and Privilege of the Civil Government in their hands; And the Pastors and Public Professors shall be all Members of this Extraordinary Council. Rut their President shall be freely chosen by them according to the Circumstances of Places and Persons.

2. The ordinary Council shall meet once a Week: The Extraordinary shall be assembled only when as Occurrences and Matters of great Importance are offered, or at the request of the Ordinary.

3. The Duty of the Extraordinary shall be to choose Professors, and Regents of Classes, to Suspend, and Depose them from their Office, or otherwise to censure them according to their Demerits, and especially those who having been frequently admonished to look diligently unto their Charge are found refractory, and rebel against the ordinary Council. And it shall be one part of the Office of the Extraordinary Council to dispose of the University-Moneys.

4. The Ordinary Council shall have a watchful Eye overall Public Professors, Regents, and Auditors, that everyone perform duly his bounden Duty.

5. The Rector shall be chosen from among the Pastors and Professors, excepting only the Principal, who can never attain that Honor, and the Rector shall continue in Office one year at least, yet the Ordinary Council of the University may choose him again, and prolong his time in the Rectoral Chair if they see good reason for it.

6. All the Members of the Ordinary Council, not one of them excepted shall be subject, yea, and the Rector also, and his Colleagues, unto the Censures which be generally given four times in the Year, before the Celebration of the Lord's Supper; as in the Consistories, and the Regents being assembled together with the Principal, who shall then be president, they shall all be subject unto this Canon.

7. These are called by us our Public Professors, the Professors of Divinity, of the Hebrew and Greek Tongues, of Philosophy, the Mathematics, Eloquence, and all others.

8. We shall need Two Professors at least in Divinity, one of which shall Expound the Holy Scripture, without expatiating into Common Places. The other shall read Common Places. If God do bless us with Ability we will have a Third, and then one of them shall Expound the Old Testament, and the other the New: And the Third shall handle Common Places, which he shall have finished at least in Three years time, with that brevity and solidity as becomes a Scholar. And that the Students may be the more profited, our Professors in Divinity shall dictate to them the general heads of their Lectures.

9. Doctors and Professors of Divinity shall be chosen by the Extraordinary Council of the University, and presented to the Provincial Synods there to be Examined, Admitted, and Confirmed, according to the Third Canon in the Second Chapter of our Church-Discipline.

10. Everyone of them shall read Four Lectures a Week, and shall exercise their Scholars in Propositions every Week, both in Latin and French, according to that Order, and upon those days, appointed by the Council of the University.

11. There shall be private Disputations in Divinity every Week, and public ones once a Moneth under every Professor.

12. All Students in Divinity shall be registered by the Rector, they having been first of all examined by the Ordinary University-Council, and bringing with them good and valid Testimonials of their Life and Conversation, and of their proficiency in Humanity and Philosophy; that so they may be turned back in case they have made no progress nor advancement in that preliminary Learning.

13. And all those aforesaid Students shall be bound to be personally present at all Theological Lectures, Propositions, and Disputations, as also to propose and maintain Thesis, and everyone of them shall dispute successively in his and their respective turns, and according to the Course and Order of their Matriculation: Excepting always the Fresh-men or new Comers, who may be excused from Propositions and Public Disputations for Six Moneths time, or one year, at the Discretion and Judgment of the Professors.

14. The Divinity Theses for Public Disputation shall be very brief, yet comprehending, if possible, a full common place: However without loading them with Objections, which may be offered in Dispute, nor with a long Scrol of Arguments, to confirm the Truth, for this would turn the Theses into Volumes.

15. The Student in Divinity that is to maintain a Thesis, before Disputation shall make a brief Supposition in Latin discovering the Design and Tendency of the Thesis, thereby to exercise his Style, and render himself the more useful and accomplished.

16. The Scholars shall pass a free and modest Censure upon every Proposition in that self same Language in which it was delivered, and in the absence of the Proposan first by the Students in Divinity, next by the Professors and Pastors, and the Pastors and Divinity Professors each of them in their turn shall be Moderators of this Censure.

17. These said Students in Divinity may choose from among themselves a Pretor and Six Assessors, who shall keep the Catalogue of their Colleagues Names and everyone in order give Notice of the time of his Exercises, and they may make by-Laws among themselves, which shall be ratified and approved by the University-Council, who also shall see to it, that everyone of them do according to this present Order exercise themselves in Disputations and Propositions, and neglect no means for their growth and increase in Wisdom and Learning for their after-serviceableness.

18. All Students in Divinity shall be examined once a year, those at least who receive Pensions from the Provinces or particular Churches, that so we may have a more faithful and just account of them, and thereby to quicken them the more unto their Studies, and to a better improvement of their time and parts.

CHAP. XVIII. A Dividend made among all the Provinces of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Livres given by His Majesty to the Reformed Churches of France, and to be received this Ensuing Year, 1621. And the Years following, until the sitting of the next National Synod, according unto which the Lord of Kandel shall make Payment of the said Summs, as was covenanted with him at the National Synod of GAP.

OUT of the Three first Quarters of the said Summ of Two Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Pound there must be distributed One Hundred Sixty Eight Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Livres in manner following.

CHAP. XIX. The Account of the Lord Kandel Receiver General of the Moneys given by the King unto the Reformed Churches of France, and the Dividend of the said Moneys as it was Ordered and Decreed in the National Synod of ALEZ, in the Moneths of October and November, of the Year 1620.

1 THE Sieurs Bouchereau Pastor, de la Begaudiere, Joly de Bedennes, Bernard and du Puy Elders having been Commissionated by this National Synod to Audit and Examine the Lord of Kandel 's Account, they made report, that the Lord du Kandel had charged himself Debtor for Receipt on his last Account to the last National Synod in the Summ of One and Thirty thousand, nine Hundred thirty and five Livres, fourteen Sous, and Seven Deniers.

2. Moreover, that he charged himself with the Summ of Fifty four thousand six hundred Livres for October Quarter in the Year 1616. And for Nine thousand six hundred Livres, being part of the two and twenty thousand five hundred Livres of the Augmentation Moneys granted us by His Majesty at the Treaty of Loudun.

3. Item, He chargeth himself with the Summ of One Hundred fourscore and five Livres, seven Sous, and two Deniers for the Arrears of Moneys which were left in his hand by the Synod of Vitre.

4. And that he had made Reprisal of Fifteen thousand four hundred ninety and eight Livres, seven Sous, and six Deniers out of the half Quarter of October in the Year 1615, and of twelve thousand one hundred and sixty Livres, sixteen Sous out of the October Quarter in the Year 1616, because he could never get the Bills paid, which had been given him, for that the Receivers General had been discharged.

5. He is found Debtor on the Remains of this Account the Summ of three thousand two hundred forty and five Livres, nineteen Sous, four Deniers, and saith that this Debt ariseth out of the three thousand Livres which the Synod of Vitre had ordained for printing the Learned Works of Reverend Chamier, and from one hundred fourscore and five Livres, seven Sous and two Deniers, which were on Account, and forborne in the Synod of Vitre under the Name of the Deputy of Saintonge; to whom they were never paid.

6. Which said Summ of three thousand two hundred forty and five Livres, nineteen Sous, nine Deniers, he will free and discharge himself as soon as demanded.

7. And whereas in the said Account given in at Vitre there was forborne the said Lord of Kandel the Summ of Sixty thousand five hundred and five Livres, fourteen Sous, one Denier, including in it the one hundred, fourscore and five Livres, seven Sous, and two Deniers, as above, now he bringeth in an Acquittance for the said Summ of Sixty thousand five hundred and five Livres, fourteen Sous and one Denier, therefore the forbearance and Debt of the said Account yielded at Vitre are most effectually paid off and discharged.

8. And the said Commissioners did justify that the said Lord of Kandel had charged himself with the Debt of Six hundred eighteen thousand seven hundred and fifty Livres, for which he hath given credit in the years 1617, 1618, and in the three first Quarters of the Year 1619: But upon Examination of his Account, we find that he hath paid in more than was due by ten Sous and six Deniers, whereof he shall be reimburst on the Debt.

9. But yet he holds by forbearance on Account the Summ of Four thousand twenty nine Livres seven Sous, and six Deniers under the Names of the Commissioners of Provence, the University of Sedan, and of the Sieurs du Bois and du Fresne, whose Acquittances he must produce at the next National Synod.

CHAP. XX. The Account of Moneys ordered by the National Synod of ALEZ to be paid by the Lord of Kandel out of the Summ of Three Thousand Two Hundred Forty and Five Livres, Nineteen Sous, Nine Deniers, for which he is indebted on his last Account brought in to that Synod.

8. The Province of the Isle of France, Normandy, Higher Languedoc and Anjou, demanding that the Privilege of Calling the next National Synod might be granted to them, this Assembly did bestow it upon the Isle of France. But the said Province is desired to consider well beforehand whether that the Deputies unto it may be safely and commodiously lodged; which if they cannot do, they shall give Notice thereof unto the Province of Higher Languedoc, who shall in that case have the Right of calling it devolv'd upon them. And as to the time of meeting for the said Synod it is designed in May next two years hence, unless any of the Provinces together with the Lord's General Deputies should think it needful either to hasten or defer it, whereof they shall give timely Notice unto the Isle of France, as also of those important Reasons for their so doing. But it shall not be held in the year 1623.

CHAP. XXI. The Catalogue of Apostates and Deposed MINISTERS.

CHAP. I. The Kings First Commissioner, Deputies, and Synodical Officers.

THE Lord Augustus Galland Counselor of the King in His Council of Estate, and Attorney-General of the Kingdom of Navarre was Commissionated by His Majesty to open this Synod by his Royal Authority, and to be present in all its Sessions, as shall be afterwards Declared.

There appeared as Deputies for the Province of Normandy, Mr. Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Charenton, John Maximilian de Baux Lord de L' Angle Pastor in the Church of Roan, John Lewis Mustel, Esq Lord of Boisroger, Elder in the Church of Ponteau de Mer, and James de la Loys Elder of the Church of St. l o.

As for the Province of Orleans and Berry Mr. Simon Jurieux Pastor of the Church of Chastillon on the Loir, James Imbert Durant Pastor of the Church of Orleans, Elijah du Bois, Esq Lord of Senelieres, Elder of the Church of Chasteaudun, and John du Four, Counselor to the King, and his Judge in the Sessions of Blois, and Elder of the Church there.

For the Province of Anjou Mr. John Vigneux Pastor of the Church of Mans, Isaac le Pelletier Pastor of the Church of Vandome, George Rabboteau Advocate and Elder in the Church of Pruilly, and Samuel Pruchieur Lord de la Mesnerie, and of the Waters and Forests in the Sheriffdom of Anjou, Elder of the Church of Bange.

For the Province of the Higher and Lower Poitou Mr. Isaac Caville Pastor of the Church of Cove, James Cottiby Pastor of the Church of Poitiers, Claudius Gourjault, Esq Lord of Venoars, Elder in the Church of • usignun, and Michael des Roulins Esq Lord of Bois St. Martyn, Elder in the Church of Mouschamp.

For the Province of Saintonge, Mr. William Rivett Lord of Chauvernown Pastor of the Church of Taillebourg, Theodore de • ignon Judge Assistant in the Town of Rochefoucaut, and Elder of the Church there, and John Thomas Judge of Mirambeau Elder of the Church there, as for Michael le Blanc Pastor of the Church of Rochell, and deputed at the same time together with the said Lord of Chauvernown he fell sick just as he came to Paris, and departed this Life on Wednesday the Thirteenth of this instant September, and was buried the next day in the Church-yard of Charenton aforesaid.

For the Province of the Lower Guyenne, Mr. John Alba Pastor of the Church of Tonneins, James Berdolin Pastor of the Church of Duras, Seigneron Buffoon formerly Lieutenant in the Seneschally of Castlejaloux, Elder of the Church there, and Mathias Capduroy, Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux, and Elder of that Church.

For the Province of Lower Languedoc Solomon Crubelier Pastor of the Church of Vauvert, and John Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Nismes, and Professor of Divinity in that University, James • esquet Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate, Elder in the Church of Montpellier, and 〈1 span left blank〉 du Mas Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate, Elder in the Church of Lunel, absent, never came unto the Synod.

For the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne, Mr. Peter Beraud Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church and University of Montauban, Peter Savoys Pastor of the Church of Castres, John Mauzy, the Kings Attorney in the Judicature of Ville • ongue Elder in the Church of Puylaurens, and James Herauldy Doctor of the Civil Law, and Advocate, Elder in the Church of Figeac.

For the Province of Burgundy Mr. Isaiah Bayly Pastor of the Church of • ions, James Clerk Pastor of the Church of Sessy, Peter de L' Oriol, Esq Lord of Zarlac Elder in the Church of Bourg, and Albert de Mars Esq Lord of Balenes Elder in the Church of Maringues absent, and did not come unto this Synod.

For the Province of Dauphiné, Mr. James de Chambrun Pastor of the Church of Orange, Adrian Chamier Pastor of the Church of Montlimart, Moses du Port Esq Captain and Constable of the Castle of Lamure Elder of the Church there, and Daniel Bois Advocate in the Parliament of Grenoble, and Elder of the Church in that City.

For the Province of Cévennes Mr. James Berlie Pastor of the Church of Quissac, Paul Paulett Pastor of the Church at Vazenobre. Andrew du Crois, Esq Lord of Vazenobre and Elder of the Church of St. German and Calbergue, and Anthony Despeces Doctor of the Civil Law, and Advocate Elder in the Church of Alez.

For the Province of the Isle of France, Mr. Samuel Durant, and Mr. John Mestrezat Pastors of the Church of Paris, Peter de Launay Counselor and Secretary to the King, Elder of the said Church, and James de Herouard, Esq Lord of • osseuse, Elder in the Church of Baillolett.

The Lord of Montmartyn Deputy General for the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom to His Majesty, took his Place, and sat personally in this Synod, according to the Canon of our Churches in this case provided.

Eight Days after the opening of the Synod there came and craved admission into it, The Sieurs Bertrand d' Avignon Lord of Souvigne Pastor of the Church of Rennes, and John de Gennes Lord of la Baste Elder in the Church of Vitre, Deputies for the Province of Britain, and being demanded the reasons of their delay, and late coming, they answered that it arose hence, that their Provincial Synod could not be held early enough, because that His Majesty having given Order to some particular Persons to send an Officer who might assist in Person in it, they put off his Nomination and Commission so long that they have lost all this time, which Excuses of theirs were accepted by the Assembly.

Twelve days after the Synod had sat there came into it Mr. John D' Isserotte Pastor of the Church of Moneings, Deputy for the Principality of Béarn, who declared that the Letters of Convocation unto this present Synod came not into their Province but very lately, so that they could not assemble their own Synod timely enough for the Deputies to meet at the opening of this Assembly, and that Mr. Samuel Campaigne Elder in the Church of Olleroon, who was deputed together with him, fell sick just as they were beginning their Journey, so that he had not time to acquaint the other Person with it, who was ordered in case of such an Accident to succeed him in this Office, and therefore he humbly requested this Synod to accept of these his Excuses, which it also did, and gave him his privilege of sitting and voteing in it. But forasmuch as in his Letters of Commission the clause of submission was couched in those very self-same terms, and under those conditions, wherewith the Deputies of the said Principality had been hitherto admitted into these Assemblies, and that the Synod of Alez had suffered those Conditions because of the juncture of Affairs then, and by provision only until this present Synod; therefore this Assembly doth ordain in pursuance of the limitations and restrictions made in the foregoing National Synods the Provinces shall have full liberty to require that the said Sieur D' Isserotte may not in some cases concerning the Churches of this Kingdom not be permitted either his deliberative or decisive Vote; and that before the breaking up of this Synod, he do produce the reasons why the Churches in the Principality of Bearne have so long deferred their full and entire subjection to the Discipline of the Churches in France, and of which this Assembly will consider and give judgment.

The Sixteenth day after the Synod had sat there came unto it for the Province of Vivaretz Mr. Joseph Villou Pastor of the Church of Chambon, Solomon Faure Pastor of the Church of Privas, Anthony Perrottin Advocate, Elder in the Church of Villeneusve de Berg, and John Faure Lord of Champlas Elder in the Church of Tournon near Privas who related, that through the delays and difficulties caused by the Governors and Officers of His Majesty their Provincial Synod could not meet but towards the end of August, which had exceedingly retarded and put back their Journey, so that they could not possibly come any sooner unto this Assembly. Their Excuses were admitted, and they were admonished for the future to keep exactly to the form prescribed by the former National Synods in their Letters of Deputation, and to bring in Writing the Names of those Persons, who being Commissionated, could not come hither unto this Synod.

The One and Twentieth day after the Synod had first met and sat there were Letters brought and read in full Assembly from the Province of Provence assembled in their Synod at Cabrieres on the Eight and Twentieth day of August last; By which they excuse themselves, and crave that they may be excused for not having sent any Deputies unto this Assembly: But all their Excuses were rejected, and the said Province was censured for their neglect of this their Duty, they being able, if they had, been willing to have Commissionated some from out of their Body unto this Synod; and they were farther censured for that their Letters were full of blots and razures, and that the clause of submission unto the Votes and Canons thereof was not couched in such full and Emphatical terms as the former National Synods had prescribed.

Prayers having been offered up unto God, and all the Letters of Deputation read and examined, The Reverend Mr. Durant, Pastor of the Church of Paris was nominated and chosen Moderator, Mr. Bayly Assessor, and Mr. Faucheur a Pastor, and Mr. Launay an Elder to be Scribes.

CHAP. II. The Kings Commissson to the Lord GALLAND.

AS soon as the Synodical Officers were chosen, the Lord Galland declared that by virtue of, and in Obedience to his Majesty's Letters Patents bearing Date the Seventeenth of April last, and verified in his Court of Parliament the Second of May following, by which His Majesty had ordained that in all Assemblies of his Subjects of the Reformed Religion whether Coloquies or Synods one of His Majesty's Officers being of the same Religion should assist in Person, and see that nothing should be propounded or handled but only such Affairs as were permitted by his Edicts, and that he should make report thereof unto His Majesty, He came now and sat in this Assembly, for that His Majesty had Commissionated him as his Deputy unto this present Assembly, as was evident by the Letters Patents of His said Majesty, subscribed by the Kings own Hand Lewis, and a little Lower, by His Majesty's Order, De L' Omeny, and Sealed with the Great Seal in yellow Wax, and Dated the Twenty Ninth of July last, which were produced and read, The Tenour whereof is as followeth.

Lewis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre, to our well-beloved and faithful Counselor in our Council of State and Privy Council, our Attorney General in our Realm of Navarre, Monsieur Augustus Galland, Greeting. We having Willed and Ordained by our Letters Patents bearing Date in the Moneth of April last, that our Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion might hold their Synodical Assemblies as formerly, and meet and treat about Matters of their Discipline, and that we would Commissionate one of our Officers of the same Religion to be present in those Assemblies, and to see that none other Matter should be Debated in them but what is according to our Edicts: Now forasmuch as in the Moneth of September next, there will be convened at Charenton an Assembly of the Deputies of the said Religion from out of all the Provinces of this our Kingdom: For these Causes we being well assured of your good affection unto our Service, and to the Repose and Peace of our Estate, we have Commissionated, and do by these presents Commissionate you to meet and be present with them in the said General Assembly, whether it sit at Charenton or be removed elsewhere by our permission, during the whole time of their Sessions, and carefully to take heed that nothing he Treated or Debated in it contrary to our Service, or prejudicial to the Public Peace. And in case any other thing shall be proposed or Debated than what concerns the Order and Discipline of the said P. Reformed Religion, you shall oppose and suppress it, and make those Remonstrances against it as be in such cases needful, and give us full and timely notice of the whole and of all and singular passages transacted in it. And because of that confidence we have of your Loyalty and Affection we have Commissionated and Deputed, and do Commissionate and Depute you for this very end and purpose to be present in all those Assemblies held by our Subjects of the said P. Reformed Religion by our Licence at the said Town of Charenton, without your having need of any other powers than what are now given you by these present Letters Patents, which you may communicate unto such Persons as you shall think fit, so that none of those our aforesaid Subjects may pretend ignorance, you having received full power from us. For such is our will and pleasure. Given at St. Germain in I aye, this Nine and Twentieth day of July, and in the Year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Three, and in the Fourteenth Year of Our Reign. Signed Louis, and a little lower, By His Majesty's Order.

CHAP. III. A great Debate about this Commission.

THE Letters Patents being read, The Lord of Montmartyn, Deputy General of the Churches unto His Majesty reported, that when as He and his Colleague the Lord Maniald were informed of His Majesty's Will as aforesaid, they did what lay in their power by reason and argument to dissuade His Majesty from passing this Declaration, But notwithstanding all that they did or could urge, His Majesty was not pleased in the least to heed or regard them, but caused this Declaration to be verified in his Court of Parliament. So that neither himself nor the Lord Maniald being able to do anything more, they left it unto this present Assembly to reiterate their Complaints unto His Majesty, and if they thought good, to tender their Petitions unto His Majesty about it. The Synod deliberating in presence of the Lord Augustus Galland about this Affair, and cousidering that by this Declaration of His Majesty, our Colloquies and Synods were most unjustly charged and condemned for having past beyond the Bounds and Limits of their most humble Duty which they have always deferred and paid unto His Majesty in all their Consultations and Debates, and moreover that the benefit of his Edicts was greatly retrenched, and those favorable Concessions which His Majesty had granted us were now as good as totally revoked, it is resolved, that a most solemn humble address should be presented to His Majesty, that he would be pleased to maintain our Churches in all their Liberties, which had been accorded to them, and which they had ever heretofore enjoyed, and two Pastors with two Elders were ordained to draw up the Form of the said Petition, and Address, and the Deputies of the Provinces, who have any Memoirs on this Subject, are commanded to communicate them. However this Synod being willing and desirous to give clear, full, and unquestionable Evidence or their Duty, Obedience and Loyalty unto His Majesty, they admitted the said Lord Augustus Galland among them, that he might be an Eye and Ear-Witness of the Integrity and Uprightness of their Proceedings and Deportments, assuring themselves that His Majesty having perused their most humble Petition and Address, and seeing and acknowledging the Sincerity and Loyalty of these Assemblies; he would be graciously pleased out of His Royal Goodness to reinstate us into our former Liberties and Privileges.

Everyone of the Deputies in this Assembly according to the Decrees of former Synods did Swear and make Oath that he had not brigued his Deputation to it neither directly nor indirectly, neither for himself nor for any other. And this Oath shall for the future he taken by all the Members of our National Synods.

CHAP. IV. Approbation of the Confession of Faith.

THE Confession of our Faith being read word by word, and most carefully attended to and considered in all its Points and Articles was unanimously approved by all the Deputies present in the Synod, who did all promise and swear that by the Grace of God they would live and die in this Faith, and that they would cause the said Oath to be taken in everyone of their Provinces, and that to the utmost of their power they would procure and endeavor its Observation.

The Confession of Faith being finished, This Assembly, that they might testify, as they were bound, their most sincere Respects and Duty unto His Majesty, did Depute the Sieur de Chambrun, and Mestrezat Pastors, and de Jurlatt and Rabbotteau, together with the Lord's our General Deputies unto His Majesty, to tender their most humble and thankful Acknowledgments, Submissions and Duties unto His Majesty, and in the Name of all the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom to make protestation of their most unviolable Fidelity, and perpetual Obedience, and unwearied faithful Service unto His Majesty.

CHAP. V. Observation on reading of the Discipline.

1 WHEN as the Fourth Canon of the Fourth Chapter was read several of the Provinces requested that some certain and proper means might be found out, whereby to prevent those Frauds which are usually committed in Attestations. The Synod judging it needless to make any Additions unto the said Canon, doth enjoin all Consistories and Pastors carefully to examine both those Attestations, and the Persons that bring them, that they may receive from their own Mouths a Testimony and Confession of their Religion, and an Evidence of their Knowledge and Understanding in it.

2. On the Sixteenth Canon of the Fifth Chapter, the Deputies of Poitou demanded, Whether such as having been Married after the Popish manner, or having so Married their Children, and being afterwards convinced of their Sin, and testifying their Repentance for it might be discharged from their Public Suspension. This Synod judging that this Censure is become almost indispensably necessary to retain them within the bounds of Duty, who are otherwise but too prone to lavish out into such like or worse Offences, doth ordain that the Canon be most strictly and exactly observed. And the rather, because that without such a suspension the Scandal given unto the Church of God cannot be sufficiently repaired.

3. On the Twelfth Canon of the Ninth Chapter, instead of those words, After which shall be celebrated the Lord's Supper, these only shall be inserted, and the Lord's Supper shall be celebrated. That so the time of its administration may be left wholly to the power of Synods.

4. In reading the Eleventh Canon of the Thirteenth Chapter of the Discipline, the Province of Saintonge moved whether a Man who had married his Wifes Niece might be admitted to Public Penance, and to the Peace and Fellowship of the Church. The Synod judging such a Conjunction, incestuous, declares, That as long as they continue to cohabit together as Man and Wife, the Man shall not be received neither to the one nor other.

5. On the Sixteenth Canon of the Thirteenth Chapter the Province of the Isle of France requested that hereafter in all Certificates to be given by our Consistories that the Banes of Marriage had been published in their Churches, it might be expressly inserted, that the said Banes were published in those Churches where the Parties contracted are either well-known, or else held their personal residence for the greatest part of their time. The Synod enjoineth all Pastors to express in such Certificates that the Parties contracted do usually reside in those Churches where their Banes aforesaid were published.

6. On the Fourteenth Canon of the Fourteenth Chapter, the Province of Dauphiné requesting, that after these words, In the Colleges of Priests, Monks, Jesuits and Nuns, there might be added, and other Popish School-Masters. The Synod ordains that nothing shall be added unto the said Canon, yet notwithstanding doth it forbid all Parents to take any Person into their Houses of a contrary Religion to instruct their Children. Moreover it leaveth it to the prudence of Consistories, Colloquies, and Provincial Synods to make such Canons as they judge will best suit with the Condition of the Churches under their Conduct and Direction.

7. The Canons of our Discipline having been read and seriously considered. All the Pastors and Elders Deputed unto this Assembly did for themselves, and for their respective Provinces with their hands lifted up to Heaven, swear that they would keep and observe it, and see to the best of their power that it should be kept and observed by all their Principals who had sent them.

8. Letters from the Pastors and Professors in the Church and University of Geneva were read in Answer unto those of the last National Synod, by which they assure us of their Unanimous consent and agreement with us not only in the Essentials of Religion, but also in outward Circumstantials and Ceremonies, and as an Evidence hereof, they have embraced that advice given them by the aforesaid Synod, ever at the Lord's Supper after the words of Institution, and Distribution of the Sacred Elements to add a word of Exhortation, and that whereas heretofore they had only used unleavened Bread in conformity to their Neighbor-Churches in the Canton of Bearne, now out of Love and Conformity to us and ours, they did and would for the future use Common Bread at this Holy Sacrament. And whereas their Elders had formerly assisted their Pastors in the Delivery and Distribution of the Calais, they had resolved that it should be done by the Pastors only. Adding over and above very many other kind expressions of their endearing Love, and fraternal Union with the Churches of this Kingdom. Upon which this Assembly resolved that an Answer should be returned them fully testifying our mutual Affection, and high and reciprocal Esteem and Honor for them.

CHAP. VI. Observations on reading the Acts of the National Synod of ALEZ.

1 WHereas in their Reflections on our Ecclesiastical Discipline the said Synod of Alez had enjoined all the Provinces to see that the Twelfth Canon in the First Chapter of the Discipline concerning Catechising should be strictly observed. This Assembly repeats the same injunction, and chargeth the Provincial Synods to make report unto the next National Synod whether this Canon hath been carefully observed or not.

2. And as the said National Synod of Alez, so doth this also Decree and Enioyn all Consistories to read that Canon made at Privas about Moderation in the habits of Pastors and their Families, and it doth enjoin all Colloquies and Synods to put forth their helping hand for its better observance, and to see that all Consistories do read it once a year in their Assemblies, and to make report hereof unto the next National Synod.

3. On that Canon of the same Synod enjoining Pastors to deliver the Cup as well as the Bread at the Lord's Table, Divers Provinces requesting that those words, As much as may be, which had been razed out by the Synod of Alez from the Ninth Canon of the Twelfth Chapter of our Discipline, might be again restored. This Assembly considering that the far greatest part of the Churches in this Kingdom do conform themselves unto that Canon of the said Synod, and that very many Churches both abroad and at home have since acquiesced in it, that also such an observation as this contributes more to the Dignity and Reverence of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and tends very much unto the Edification of the Communicants, therefore doth it enjoin all the Churches to observe most uniformly that Canon of the said Synod of Alez.

CHAP. VII. Reflections on their Observations passed upon the Acts of the Notional Synod of VITRE.

4 THat Canon prohibiting Ministers intermeddling with State-Matters in their Pulpits and Sermons, framed by the Synod of Vitre, and reinforced by that of Alez shall be read in their Consistories; and all Provincial Synods are expressly charged to see that it be put in Execution, and to bring good proof of their Obedience, Care and Diligence as to its observation unto the next National Synod.

5. On that Canon commanding Pastors to reside in their Churches, This Assembly decreed, that after the Twelfth Canon in the First Chapter of our Church-Discipline, there shall be this immediately inserted, All Ministers shall actually reside in their Churches on pain of being Deposed from their Ministerial Office.

CHAP. VIII. On the Chapter of APPEALS.

6 WHEN as that Canon was read concerning the Church of Ganges, and Monsieur Codur formerly Pastor of it: The Assembly understanding by the Provincial Deputies of Cévennes that the said Province could not in all this time provide a Church for the said Codur, It doth now decree that the said Province shall present him unto one between this and their next Synod, and in case of their neglect, the said Codur is enjoined to wait upon the Synod of Dauphiné, which is ordered by this Assembly to assign him a particular Church, where he may profitably employ himself in the Ministry, and not rust in Idleness.

7. The Canon concerning the Church of St. Laurence, and Monsieur Tuffan their late Pastor, suspended by the Synod of Alez, and whose Suspension was prolonged till the sitting of this Synod, but under this condition, that he might be restored unto his Ministerial Office if so be the calling of this National Synod had been deferred for any longer time. This Assembly being informed by the Deputies of Lower Languedoc, that the said Tuffan hath ever since his suspension demeaned himself with very much Humility and Modesty, and suffered very great hardships in the late troubles for which reasons he had been restored unto his Office in the last Synod held at Usez according as it had pleased the aforesaid Synod of Alez to concede it, had the said Province then and there received the News of the Calling of this Assembly. Wherefore this Assembly approving fully the Decree of the Synod at Usez, and confirming the said Tuffan again in his Ministry, doth overlook that Formality omitted by the said Synod, which should have tarried till the time prescribed by the Synod of Alez were totally expired, and farther it doth mitigate the rigor of the Canon of that Synod, and permits the Synod of Lower Languedoc to assign unto the said Tuffan a particular Church in the Colloquy of Nismes, or any one near unto it, but still with the consent of the said Colloquy.

CHAP. IX. On the Chapter of GENERAL MATTERS.

8 THAT Canon concerning Attestations given unto Proposans shall be read in Consistories, Colloquies, and in all University Councils, and the Provincial Synods shall so exert their Power that it be most strictly observed.

9. That Canon about Means and Maintenance for our Ministers, and the keeping up of the Holy Ministry shall be read in all Consistories, which are exhorted to procure its Execution and Observation as much as in them lieth.

10. On those words in the form of Excommunication, In the Name and by the Authority of our • ord Jesus, and by the Authority of the Pastors and Elders assembled in Colloquy, and of the Consistory of this Church. The Provinces of Anjou and Poitou demanded whether a particular Consistory might not proceed to Excommunication without the advice and consent of the Colloquy. This Synod judged according to our Church Discipline that Consistories might warrantably do it, provided there were no Appeal. Yet nevertheless because of the great importance of this Action the Consistories are exhorted to get it strengthened by and with the Approbation of the Colloquy, at least with the advice of the Neighbor-Pastors if it may be had.

11. The Province of Berry requesting that the said Form might be inserted into the Body of our Discipline, and that another Form might be drawn up to be joined with it for the Restauration of a Penitent Excommunicate. The Synod leaving it to the prudence of Ministers and Consistories to use such a Form in the Reception of Penitent Excommunicates as they shall judge most convenient for Places and Persons; ordaineth that the aforesaid Form of Excommunication shall be incorporated with our Discipline, and placed immediately after the Seventeenth Canon of the Fifth Chapter, and those words which before concluded it shall be razed out, viz. Using this or any other Form as shall be advised by the Consistory. Instead whereof shall be inserted these, My Brethren this is the Fourth time, &c.

CHAP. X. On the Chapter of PARTICULAR MATTERS.

12 ON that Canon about composing an History of the Albigenses, This Assembly having been well informed of the Learning and Abilities of the Sieur du Tilloy Pastor in the Church of Sedan, decreeth that he be entreated to write the said History, and the Provinces are exhorted to send him whatever Memoirs they have on this Subject.

13. On that Canon concerning Monsieur Pilotis, the Deputies of Cévennes requesting that he might be reimburst the losses which he had heretofore suffered in the Service of our Churches. This Assembly agreeing with the Synod of Alez hath answered, that the Moneys attributed unto the Churches cannot be diverted unto other uses.

14. That Canon condemning the Province of Higher Languedoc to make restitution of the Summ of Five Hundred Livres unto that of the Isle of France, the Province of Languedoc requesting that it might be discharged from paying the Two Hundred Livres which yet rest due: This Assembly judged, that it ought not to change a Tittle in the said Canon, and that the said Province should apply itself unto that of the Isle of France, to whose Charity they be recommended.

15. On the next Canon concerning Monsieur Richer, this Assembly having seen the Judgment of the Consistory of Saumur, Deputed to clear up his Accounts, doth confirm the said Judgment; yet nevertheless it entreateth the Province of the Isle of France to deal charitably with the said Richer, according to the Canon of the Synod of Alez, and the advice of the Consistory of Saumur.

16. The reading of particular Matters being over, it was observed that divers Provinces though they were ordered by the foregoing Synod to execute several Canons, yet had not brought with them any proof of their care and diligence in so doing. The Synod therefore ordained, that for the future the Provincial Deputies should produce the Acts of their Provincial Synods, and other needful Evidence of their having performed the Matters which were enjoined them.

CHAP. XI. On the Chapter of Colleges and Universities.

17 THE Synod of Anjou petitioned that the Fourth Canon concerning Professors of Divinity and the Hebrew Tongue who are Ministers to be reputed Pastors of that Church wherein the University is seated, might be explained. This Synod confirming the decree of Alez, declareth this to be the sense and meaning of it, That the Churches are not obliged to give them Wages, nor employ them in such frequent services as their ordinary Pastors, but leaveth it to die prudence and discretion of Consistories to agree with the said Professors about their work and maintenance as they shall judge most consonant to reason and equity.

18. In that Fifth Canon by which the Province of Higher Languedoc is censured, after those words, And for not having observed all the Formalities required by the Discipline in the reception of the said Monsieur Beraud into the Professors Chair of Divinity, shall be added these following, When as the said Sieur Beraud had submitted himself unto the most Rigorons Examen, even as the Deputies themselves of that very self-same Province had attested.

19. On the Eleventh Canon which had settled the College of the Province of Cévennes in the Town of Anduze by provision only, till the meeting of this present Synod. This Assembly ordaineth that since by their silence both that Province and the City of Alez do seem to consent unto it, things shall continue in that Estate in which they are at present.

20. Reading that Article about bringing in the Accompts of our Colleges and Universities, Monsieur Basnage and le Clerk Pastors, and Du Port and du Four Elders, were constituted a Committee to examine all such Accompts.

CHAP. XII. Observations on the Chapter of General Laws for our Universities.

21 THE Synod after Debate had of what Classic Authors should be read in Schools, doth order all Tutors and Regents of the Lower Classes on every Saturday to read unto their Scholars a Section of the greater Catechism either in French, Latin, or Greek according to their Capacities, and to cause them to get it by heart, and to give them a plain and familiar Exposition of it.

CHAP. XIII. Appeals unto this National Synod of CHARENTON.

1 WHereas the Church of Mesnil-Imbert appealeth from the Sentence of the Synod of Normandy, which had ordained that the said Church should be joined to that of Falaise: The Deputies of that Province being heard, they did declare that they had no notice nor intimation given them of this Appeal till this very moment, and Monsieur de Beaufiel Deputy for the said Church being heard, praying that they might be joined unto that of Orbec; This Synod enjoineth the Province of Normandy to procure the re-union of the Church of Mesnill-Imbert with that of Falaise, and in case that the said Church of Mesnill will not consent unto this re-union, then to conjoin them with that of Orbec. And the Province shall annex that of Falaise unto such a Church as will with the greatest ease and readiness admit of it, and in the mean while the said Churches shall be served by the Neighbor Ministers according to the Ordinance of their last Provincial Synod.

2. Monsieur Belon Pastor of the Church of Gevaudan in the Lower Guyenne appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Higher Languedoc, which had declared that the Church of Montauban should not give him any recompense for his labors among them during the time of his Retreat and Sojourning in it. The Synod ordaineth that the Judgment of the Province shall hold good.

3. An Elder of the Church at St. Savinian appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Saintonge, which had set Monsieur des Oullieres at liberty, so that he might join himself unto the Church of Tailleburg and contribute towards the Ministry there. This Synod for divers reasons doth reserve to itself the cognizance of this Matter, and reforms the said Sentence, and confirmeth that of the Colloquy of St. John d' Angely held at Jarnac the Two and Twentieth day of April last.

4. The Lord of Lodde, together with the Consistories of the Churches of Treviers and Collumbieres appealed from the Decrees of divers Colloquies and Synods held within the Province of Normandy, which had assigned the Pension given by the Lady of La Hay du Puy for the maintenance of a Proposan in Divinity unto the Son of Monsieur. Basnage, who had not as yet attained unto that Degree. The Synod being not in a capacity to judge of this Affair, because the Acts and Evidences necessary to be perused, before a judgment can be given on it, are not produced, hath left it to the Consistory of the Church of Paris finally to d •• erm • n • it within one Moneths space after the breaking up of this Synod. And the said Province is ordered to send that Act of the said Ladies gift, and the resolutions of the Colloquies and Synods thereupon thither unto that Church of Paris, that so they may judge of it by the Authority of this Synod. And whereas Monsieur Basnage declared that he would decline acceptance of the said gift, the Synod confirming the payments which have been already made, ordaineth that for the future no Money shall be paid without security for its restitution.

5. Monsieur Perreaud Pastor of the Church of Mascon appealed from two Decrees of the Colloquy of Lions, one of which concerned certain Charges expended by him in his Travells unto that Colloquy, and another which ordered him to return unto his Church within six Weeks. This Synod ordaineth that the said Perreaud be censured for troubling it with such trivial matters, and which might be ended in his own Province, and for that he hath not acquiesced in that other Ordinance of the said Colloquy so very just and equitable, as nothing more, and that he return home again unto his own Church without delay.

6. Another Appeal was brought by the same Perreaud from a Decree of the Synod of Gex, which had censured him for being absent Fourteen Moneths from his Church, and that there should also be deducted Seven Moneths Wages from out of his Stipend; and the Church of Mas • on also appealed from the same Decree demanding a greater abatement to be made of that Summ. This Synod confirming the former Censure of the Synod of Gex, doth reduce his payment unto Four Moneths Wages, and which shall be deducted out of the Salary paid him from the Kings Moneys, and his Church, according to that Order made by the Colloquy of Lions.

7. The Elders of the Church of H •• re de Grace Appealed from an Order of the Provincial Synod held at Dieppe about a certain Summ of Moneys. But this Assembly rejecting their Appeal, censured the said Elders for troubling them with such a slight matter, which might be easily determined in their own Province.

8. The Sieur de Gasques appealed on behalf of the Church of St. Martyn de Bobaux from the Synod of Cévennes held at Alez, which had given Monsieur d' Allegre away from them to be Pastor unto the Churches of Auvergne, without taking any care how they might be supplied. The Deputies of the said Province of Cévennes being demanded about this Affair, answered that what they had done in removing the Sieur D' Allegre was by and with the consent of the Elder of the said Church of St. Martyn, who also had dismissed him, though for what reasons he was discharged by them, they knew not. This Assembly orders the said Province to provide without delay a Pastor for that Church, and to restore Monsieur d' Allegre to it or to take some other speedy course that it be immediately and out of hand supplied: And for the future it commands the said Province never to consent that a Pastor be separated from his Church by their sole License, till they have been first of all fully informed and satisfied about the causes of the said dismission and separation.

9. The Consistory of Castres brought in an Appeal from the Decrees of the Colloquy of Albigeois, and the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc by which Monsieur de Combalasse Pastor of the Church of Vabres for words uttered by him in the late troubles, and which had caused a tumult in the said City, was censured by the said Colloquy, and farther obliged by the Synod to appear in Person before the Consistory of Castres, and to give satisfaction to it unto their Church, and to the Consuls of the said City. This Assembly considering that the Offence for which he is now questioned, is of their Nature which were ordered to be buried in Oblivion by the Peace, and Amnesty given us by His Majesty, doth think • it that the aforesaid Consistory should rest satisfied with the Decree of their Synod, it having been fully performed, and so should be no more at all mentioned.

10. The Sieur de L' Allen appealed from the Judicial Sentence of the Province of Saintonge, confirming that of the Consistory of Rochell, which had not only condemned him to abjure the Errors collected out of his Works and Writings, to which he had satisfied, but he was over and above obliged to make a public Recantation of them, and to do Penance for them before the whole Church there. Although this Assembly approveth the Acts and proceedings of the said Provincial Synod and Consistory of Rochell as done with great Prudence and Charity, yet nevertheless yearning with Bowels of compassion on the said Sieur de L' Allen, and considering these great and solemn protestations of Repentance made by him in this Assembly, and ratified by a new and particular, and voluntary Act of Abjuration subscribed with his own hand, we do ordain that he be received to the Peace and Communion of the Church, but on this condition, that he do not participate of the Lord Supper, till after two Moneths Trial and Experience had of his Obedience and Constancy, which time shall begin from that very day in which this present Act shall be published in the Church of Rochell, on the Lord's day immediately after Sermon by Monsieur Berauld Pastor and Professor of Divinity at Montauban, who is Deputed by this Assembly unto the Church of Rochell for this very end and purpose. And if the said Sieur de L' Allen shall ever hereafter relapse into his former Errors, and vent them either by Writing or Discourse, or any other manner or way whatsoever, this Synod doth ordain that he be then cast out of the Church by Excommunication.

11. The said Sieur d' Allen requested that the Paper in which was written the Retractation and Abjuration of his aforesaid Errors and that Act confirming and recording this his Abjuration made in this Synod might not be sent to Rochell, because he intended to quit that City, and live at Paris: This Assembly for divers reasons moving them thereunto ordaineth that the said Record shall be kept by the Consistory of the Church of Paris.

12. The Sieur de Richelieu Pastor of the Church of Plouer and St. Malo appealed from the Sentence of the Provincial Synod of Britain, which had ordered the Sieurs du Preau and de So • vigne Pastors, and the Sieurs de Conte an Elder to visit that Church, and to inquire into those Disorders committed in it, and to take some course for their removal, and that they may be prevented for the future. After that the Deputies of the said Province had been heard, and the said Monsieur de Richelieu also, and the Acts of the said Visitation by those Commissioners were read by him, and owned by them. This Assembly judged that the said Provincial Synod had very well and wisely acted in ordering of the Visitation, but yet nevertheless they should have took notice of matters of greater importance than are contained in their Report, and they should have waved the cognizance of such slight and trifling Accusations, which were never proved, nor should they have troubled this Assembly with such needless and unprofitable storys. Farther the Commissioners did not proceed uprightly in the execution of their Commission, because they did not mark and observe what might be said as well for and in behalf of the said Monsieur de Richelieu as against him, and for that they accepted and admitted of all kind of Evidence and Witnesses against him, though they were never so passionate and Parties in the case, and some also who were not legally to be admitted unto a Deposal against a Minister▪ And as for the said Sieur de Richelieu, This Assembly judgeth him worthy of a very grievous Censure for neglecting his Duty, and not keeping up Order and Discipline in his Church, for not holding Consistories, nor passing Censures as ought always of course to have been done and practiced before Communion days at the Lord's Table, and for leaving his Church before the time appointed, and without having demanded or obtained his License of departure in due form, and above all for expressing too much levity in his imaginations, and for giving too much way unto his passions, and for speaking disadvantagiously of other Persons, and insulting over the dead, whom he took for his Enemies, and who could not speak for themselves. And whereas this Assembly could not at present be fully and satisfactorily informed of the State of that Church of Plouer, the Colloquy of Constantine in the Province of Normandy is ordered to visit it by their Deputies, who are Authorized by this Assembly to provide for that Church as they shall judge meet, and to order all matters for its edification in Godliness; and if they see cause for it, they shall remove and discharge the said Sieur de Richelieu from his Ministry; and the Expences of these Deputies shall be defrayed by that Province of Britain.

13. The Church of Die, and the Sieurs Martinett and Huron appealed from two Judicial Sentences denounced in the Provincial Synod of Dauphiné against them, to wit, Monsieur Martinett complained for that the said Synod had ordained his removal from the said Church of Die, upon pretence of ease and quieting his Spirit, though he had been preferred unto that Church by some former Synods. And Monsieur Huron appealed for that the said Synod had forbidden him the Exercise of his Ministry within the Province of Dauphiné; whereunto he had retired in time of the late troubles. And the said Church appealed for that the said Synod had refused and rejected their endeavors to get Monsieur Huron for their Pastor. Whereupon the Provincial Deputies of Dauphiné were heard give in their Report of the causes and occasions moving their Synod to pronounce those Judgments, and the aforesaid Martinett and Huron were heard in their reciprocal Accusations and Apologies, and in like manner the Messengers of the said Church were heard speak for it, and the Acts relating to these Affairs were all produced and perused upon the whole. This Assembly doth ratify the Judgment of the said Province of Dauphiné, and dischargeth the said Monsieur Martinett from his Pastoral Office in the Church of Die purely for his ease comfort, provided always that the said Church do pay him, if they have not already done it all his Arrears due unto him from the very first day that he was set at liberty from them by the aforesaid Synod, and he is at full liberty to accept of any other Church. And as for the maintenance of the said Martinet since that time he was first of all discharged, and set free of serve the Church Beaumont, This Assembly exhorteth and entreateth the said Province out of Charity to pay him the one half of his Salary, And forasmuch as Monsieur Huron, has been convicted to have left his Church for little or no just cause, and to have brigued his Election into the Church of Die, and to have fomented the Divisions in it, betwixt the Church and Monsieur Martinett, in whose expulsion out of it he had the greatest hand and part, having consented to divers irregular Actings and Contentions; and adhered to the Rebellions of several Members of the said Church, to the contempt of its Consistory and of the Decrees of many Ecclesiastical Synods, and for that he kept Conventicles, private Meetings, Proclaimed Fasts, and Days of Prayers, and Writt Books contrary to the Analogy of Faith, and Form of Sound Words, and hath done many other things contrary to the Order and Discipline Established in the Church of God, and that honorable Calling of the Holy Ministry. This Synod aggravating the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Dauphiné suspends the said Huron from the Sacred Ministry for the space of Three Moneths, and sets him at liberty to be employed in some other Province than that of Dauphiné. And forasmuch as in their endeavors to get the said Huron to be their Minister, the Consistory and Pastors of the Church of Die have too much adhered to the unruly motions of some private Persons, and strangely supported their insolencies and proud irregular actings, This Assembly doth judge them also worthy of a very sharp censure, and exhorts them for the future to testify and express more Vigour and Zeal for the Discipline of our Churches, and to maintain it in theirs, and to see the Decrees and Canons of our National Synods put in Execution. And that all these Censures may be performed, the Sieurs Paulet and Berlie Pastors Deputies for the Province of Cévennes are appointed by this National Synod to pass over unto the said City of Die, as they return home unto their Province, and in the Consistory of that Church there to make denunciation of them.

14. The said Sieur Huron the next day came into this Synod, petitioning that his suspension might be taken off, and that some maintenance might be provided for him until such time as he were presented unto another Church. But the Synod confirmed his suspension, and ordered that some small matter should be allowed and given him for his present Relief.

15. The Church of Sauve and Monsieur Rossel Pastor of the Church of Montlimart appealed from a judgment of the Synod of Dauphiné, by which his Ministry was refused to that of Sauve, and confirmed in that of Montlimart, though the former did most earnestly re-demand him. After hearing the Deputy of the Church of Sauve and Monsieur Rossel speaking for it, as also Monsieur Chamier for the concern of the Church of Montlimard, and the Provincial Deputies of Dauphiné and Cévennes, This Synod ordains that Monsieur. Rossel shall be lent unto the Service of the Church of Sauve in the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments until the next National Synod, and enjoineth the Colloquy of Montlimart to take care that the said Rossel be then restored unto his Office again in that Church.

16. Monsieur de Gouvernet Lord of Mirabel appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Dauphiné concerning Monsieur Perrin Pastor of the Church of Serres. After that the Deputies of that Province had been heard. who reported that there was nothing to this purpose spoken of or handled in their Synod at Mure; This Assembly because of the absence of Monsieur Perrin, and their want of Acts needful to determine this Affair, hath given full Authority to the Province of Burgundy to judge therein, and the Province of Dauphiné is enjoined to send their Acts unto it, and to adjourn the Parties thither.

17. Monsieur Peyreille Pastor of the Church de la Cabarede appealed from a judgment of the Colloquy of Albigeois, and the Synod of Higher Languedoc, which had Deposed him from the Holy Ministry. The Letters of the said Peyreille directed unto this Assembly being read, and the Acts of all proceedings had against him by the Colloquy of Albigeois having been perused, and the Deputies of the Province of Higher Languedoc having spoken on behalf of their Synod; This Assembly did not only confirm the Sentence of the said Colloquy and Province, but doth farther aggravate it, by depriving the said Peyreille utterly of all hopes of ever being re-instated into the Sacred Ministry.

18. The Lord Broccard formerly president of the Exchequer at Dijon brought his Appeal from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Burgundy, but it was declared null; and the Consistory of Dijon is enjoined to proceed against him the said Broccard by all Church-Censures, in case he detain his Daughter from her Husband without his consent.

19. The Church of Croset brought its Appeal from a Judgment of the Synod of Burgundy, which ordained that the Churches of Cheury and Puilly should both equally and by turns enjoy the Ministry of their Pastor with that of Crosett. This Assembly remanded back again this Affair unto that Provincial Synod, which having congregated its Four Colloquies shall revise it over once more, and then pass a final Sentence on it.

20. The Church of Monoblett appealed from the judgment of the Province of Cévennes, because it had lent their Minister Monsieur de Merveils for Sixth Moneths unto the Church of St. Hippolyte. The Church also of St. Hippolyte brought an Appeal from the same Judgment. The Deputy of St. Hippolyte was heard petitioning that the Ministry of Monsieur Marvel might be confirmed to them during Life, and the Deputies of that Province were heard also, and the Letters from the said Churches were read audibly and distinctly, and a Canon of the National Synod of Tonneins, and several other Acts were all perused and considered; after which this Assembly altering the Judgment of the said Province, ordained that according to their request Monsieur Marvells be settled during Life in the Ministry of that Church of St. Hippolyte, and chargeth the said Province to get out of hand a supply for that of Monoblett.

21. The Consuls of the Town of Anduze appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Cévennes, importing that Monsieur Couront should continue his Ministry in the Church of Anduze, and the said Courant petitioned that he might be freed from their Service. The Deputy of that Church, and the Deputies of the Province having been heard, and Letters of the said Courant being read; this Synod discharged the said Courant from his Ministry in that Church, and ordereth the Province to present him unto some other Congregation, and farther the Deputies of Cévennes are charged as they return home to pass through Anduze, and to accord and pacify the Differences between their Consuls and Consistory. And whereas the Deputy of the said Town hath brought in a complaint against Monsieur Ollier another of its Pastors, This Assembly considering that their Complaints are about sorry Trides, and that they had not first carried them as they ought to their own Provincial Synod, doth ordain that Monsieur Ollier continue in his Ministry there until the sitting of the next Provincial Synod, who shall take care of this business.

22. Monsieur Tricot Pastor of the Church of Chasteau du Loire complained of the Consistory of the Church of Tours, for that being ordered by the Provincial Synod of Anjou in their Name and Authority to judge of a difference betwixt Monsieur du Verger an Elder in that Church and himself, they gave a respite of Hearing for Fifteen days unto the said du Verger, before which time this National Synod will be dissolved, and the Parties concerned deprived of all means for bringing in their Appeal, and having it here determined. This Assembly considering that the said du Verger is absent, dismisseth over the Affair to the Colloquy of Anjou with full power in two Moneths time after our breaking up, to judge finally thereof.

23. Monsieur Guerrin Pastor of the Church of Baugency brought in his Appeal from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Berry. This Assembly for certain reasons drawn from the special nature of the matter in question judgeth that it does not belong to the cognizance of our Ecclesiastical Assemblies, as it hath been also thus determined by the Provincial Synods. However we would not have it to be made a President.

24. The Church of Puylaurens appealed from a Judgment of the Synod of Higher Languedoc, by which Monsieur Garissoles Pastor of that Church was lent unto the Church of Montauban until the meeting of this National Synod, which yet was contrary to a Decree of the last National Synod held at Alez, which had only lent Monsieur de Garissoles unto that said Church for Six Moneths, with an express prohibition unto the said Church of Montauban not to detain him beyond that time. Monsieur du Bois Deputy for the Church of Montauban having been heard, and the Elder of the Church of Puylaurens, as also the Deputies of the Province, this Assembly corrected and condemned the Judgment of the said Synod of Higher Languedoc, for violating the Decree of the last National Synod of Alez: And yet considering the great necessity of the Church and University of Montauban, ordaineth that Monsieur de Garissoles shall remain in the Church of Puylaurens until the next Provincial Synod, which may then bestow him upon the Church and University of Montauban, provided that he yield his consent unto it, which that he may be induced to, Letters shall be written him from this Assembly to persuade and encourage him to accept thereof.

25. The Church of Montrevil Bonnein appealed from a Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Poitou for giving away Monsieur Delon their Pastor from them unto the Church of Montauban. After that the Deputies of the said Province had been heard, the Assembly confirmed Monsieur Delon in his Pastoral Office in the Church of Montauban upon the same terms and conditions as were expressed in that Decree of the Provincial Synod of Poitou.

26. The Church of Touars appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Poitou, which for some special reasons had remanded back unto the Colloquy of Higher Poitou their Petition about Monsieur de la Piltiere whom they desired to be their Pastor, and who is now Minister in the Church of Chastelheraut. After hearing the Deputy of that Church of Touars, and the Deputies of the Province, and the Letters of the Lord Duke, and Lady Dutchess of Tremouille, and of the Church of Chastelheraut, and those of Monsieur de la Piltiere, and the Memoirs sent by him tending to his being discharged from the Church of Chastelheraut, because of his indisposition. This Assembly valuing the Health of the said Sieur de la Piltiere, and for divers other considerations doth bestow him upon the Church of Touars, and whereas the Church of Chastelheraut pretends to have been at great Charges and Expences about the said Sieur de la Piltiere, the Judgment thereof is devolved over unto the Colloquy of Higher Poitou, which is enjoined to provide the Church of Chastelheraut of an able and worthy Minister, considering what an important Post it is.

27. The Church of Vassy appealed from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France for depriving them of Monsieur Juigne their Pastor, because he had for divers years together complained of their unkindness and unthankfulness unto him. The Church of Passavant, Mont, and Pressigny appealed from the Judgment of the same Synod, because it had deprived them for their manifest and notorious ingratitudes of their Pastor the Sier Babinett, and had given him unto the Church of Vassy. At the same time the Church of St. Quentin appealed and complained of Monsieur de Juigne, who having been presented to their Church for Pastor by the Synod aforesaid, and agreed with them, and also begun to exercise his Ministry among them, upon pretext of fetching his Goods and Books from Vassy returned thither, but never came back again unto them, and had left them quite destitute. After hearing the Deputies of the Church of Vassy, and St. Quintin, and the Deputies of the Province, and perusal of divers Letters written unto this Assembly by the Churches of Vassy, Passavant, Mont, Pressignay, and St. Quintin aforesaid, and by the said Monsieur de Juigne: This Synod acknowledging that the Province had but too great reasons for making those exchanges and removals, doth yet notwithstanding (because of the satisfactions and amends since made by them) ordain that the said Sieur de Juigne shall continue in the Church of Vassy, and the Sieur Babinett in the Church of Passavant, Mont and Pressigny, and that the Church of St. Quintin may be no longer vacant, This Assembly chargeth the Deputies of the Isle of France now present in it to write in their Authority unto the two nearest Ministers of the City of St. Quintin, that they ordain Monsieur Mestayer by imposition of hands unto the Ministry in that Church, and that he continue there until the sitting of the next Provincial Synod, which may either continue him in it, or supply the said Church some other way, and provide another Church, which shall be more to the advantage of the said Monsieur Mestayer. And farther this Assembly censureth those Churches of Vassy and Passavant for their disingenuity and ingratitude towards their Pastors, and the said Monsieur Juigne for his irresolution and unfixedness.

28. Monsieur Juigne some days after this censure came unto this Synod, and requested that the Note and Reproach of ingratitude fastened on his Church of Vassy, and of irresolution on himself might be removed, because that he was ever well pleased with his Church, and their not contributing to his maintenance came not from want of Will, but from their Poverty and Inability. This was granted, but the Censure past on him was ordered to hang still on the File.

29. The Lord of Aldebert Judge of Sauve appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Cévennes, which had ordained that though Monsieur Bony Pastor of the Church of St. Andrew's deserved to be suspended, yet he should only receive a sharp and public Reproof, and be continued in his Ministry.

After the Letters, of the said Aldebert and Bony were read, and the Sentence of the said Province of Cévennes, and those Acts produced when the Judgment was given, and the Deputies of that Province were heard, and Monsieur Rossel his Petition for the said Bony, how that because of his Absence the Business might be remanded back again unto the Province; This Assembly declareth that the said Province deserves a very severe censure for being so slow and remiss in its proceedings, and using an unjustifiable Indulgence and Lenity when it came to Judgment, and decreeth that the said Bony shall continue suspended from his Ministry from that very day, whereas this Synodical Sentence shall be signified to him, (which the Deputies of the said Province shall forthwith inform him of) until the next Sessions of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc, unto which the Parties aggrieved shall make their complaints: The Deputies of Cévennes being charged to summon them unto it, that so the said Synod by the Authority of this Assembly may examine, and judge, and aggravate the Sentence if need be. And that Province of Cévennes is ordered to proceed with rigor and vigor against all other Pastors, who have demeaned themselves ill in their Office, and to render an account thereof unto the next National Synod.

30. The Church of Nions appealed from a Judgment of the Synod of Dauphiné, importing that the said Church should not seek for itself a Pastor without the Province, and that Monsieur Bouvier should be their Minister for Six Moneths. The Acts needful to be known for the right understanding of this Case having been all read, and the Deputies of the Province being heard, This Assembly judged that at present there was no reason for that Church to seek a Pastor abroad out of the Province, and the said Province is enjoined to provide them a Minister fit for their Service.

31. The Lord of Puyredon Elder in the Church of Nismes appealed from the Sentence of his Consistory about Matters of Precedency, and the way of gathering the Votes and Suffrages in the said Consistory. This Synod judging this Affair not fit to be debated by it, hath dismissed it over to the Colloquy.

32. Whereas the Elder of the Church of Charenton, St. Mere, Vallognes, and le val de Serre appealed from the Sentence of the Provincial Synod of Normandy, which had provided for the safety and comfort of Monsieur Basnage their Pastor, that he should be removed from them, and placed elsewhere as he himself should approve of. This Appeal was declared null.

33. The Appeal of Monsieur Bicheteau Professor of the Hebrew Tongue at Montauban from the Judgment of the Synod of Higher Languedoc held at Montauban the Five and Twentieth day of April last, is declared null.

34. An Appeal of Monsieur De Mas Pastor in the Church of Campagne from the Higher Languedoc held at Montauban the Five and Twentieth day of April last is declared null.

35. The Appeal of Monsieur Perrier formerly Pastor in the Church of Paillac from the Judgment of the Synod of Burgundy which had Deposed him from the Sacred Ministry was declared null.

36. The Pastors and Elders of the Church of Issurtille appealed from the Judgment of the Province of Burgundy, for refusing them the grant of the half supernumerary Portion for the future, which was allowed them by the Synod of Alez. The Letters of the said Elders having been perused, and the Deputies of the Province heard, This Assembly confirms the past Payments, and ordains that for the future the supernumerary Portions granted unto the said Province shall be wholly at their own disposal.

37. Monsieur Le Pin Elder in the Church of Issurtille appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Burgundy held at Gex in this present year, but his Appeal was declared null and desert.

38. That Appeal of the Elders of Aubenas and Annonay from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Vivaretz, which had reunited the College parted before betwixt those Two Cities, and resettled it at Privas, was declared null and void.

CHAP. XIV. Of GENERAL MATTERS.

1 THE Sieurs de Chambrun and Mestrezat Ministers of the Gospel, de Jarlan and Rabboteau Elders, who together with our General Deputies had been commanded by this Synod to wait upon His Majesty, being now returned, made report, that they delivered unto the Lord Chancellor unto the Lord de la Vieuville, and to the Lord's Principal Secretaries of State the Letters of this Assembly, of whom they had a very gracious and kind Reception, and everyone of those Lord's assured them of the Kings sincere intentions to conserve the peace of the Kingdom, and particularly for His Subjects of the Reformed Religion, provided that they persisted in their Duty and Obedience, and farther they advised the Pastors and Elders of this Synod upon their return unto their respective Provinces, who had sent them, that they would deal effectually with them to continue in their due Obedience. After this they were introduced into His Majesty's Presence, who was then attended with My Lord Chancellor, and the other Lord's of the Privy Council, to whom they delivered the Letter of this Assembly, and assured His Majesty in the Name of this Assembly and of all the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom, whom they represented, of their Loyalty, Submission, and Obedience, whereunto they were obliged by their Birth, Religion, and Benefits conferred upon them by His Majesty. And farther, they returned their most humble thanks unto His Majesty for that Peace he was pleased to vouchsafe unto his Subjects of the Reformed Religion, and did with a most profound Humility petition His Majesty, that they might through his Royal Goodness and Justice evermore enjoy and possess it. Whereupon His Majesty did with his own Mouth give us this Answer, That if his Subjects of the Reformed Religion did carry themselves well, and lived in that Duty and Obedience which God and Nature required of them, he would continue to them the Privileges of his Edicts, and that My Lord Chancellor should tell us his mind more amply and at large.

After which My Lord Chancellor bespake them in these words, That His Majesty having been well informed of the Actions and Deportments of the Synod till now was exceedingly satisfied. But that His Majesty would discover unto them his mind upon two points, the first whereof concerned Foreign Pastors, That it was His Majesty's Will, That the Churches should not serve themselves in the Ministry of any other Persons than such as were born in the Kingdom, and were his Natural Subjects, for some private reasons which he needed not to tell them, but one of them was very evident, because his Natural Subjects, who are such by their Birth, would be more tied unto his Service than any Foreigners. The other related to the last Synod held at Alez, yet was it not in the least intended by His Majesty to impair or alter the Liberty of the Churches with reference to their Faith, or the Exercises of their Religion, either in Doctrine or Discipline; but it was very displeasing unto His Majesty that the National Council of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom held at Alez should oblige all Pastors by their Corporal Oath to approve a Doctrine defined in a Foreign State. And that though His Majesty giveth protection to the Religion, yet you must not mistake him, he intends it not for a Novel and Exotick Faith. When as his Lordship had finished his Discourse, The said Deputies did most humbly petition His Majesty graciously to hear them upon those two points, which His Majesty having favourably granted; They declared as to the first, That it was true, That now as for a long time ago the Churches of this Kingdom had made use of some Foreign Ministers, but that they ever had this honor to have kept themselves within the limits of all Duty and Service to His Majesty, and that during the War His Majesty had left unto the Churches their Pastors, without informing himself of their Country or Nation. But since His Majesty did us the favor as to acquaint us with his Will and Pleasure in a time or Peace, that we must have no Strangers to officiate in our Churches, it would be so far from preserving our Churches, that it would leave some of them destitute, and some others desolate, and allay very much of the taste and sweets of that {quod}eace we now enjoyed. Moreover that among those of the Church of Rome in this Kingdom there were a multitude of Ecclesiastics of other Nations, which enjoyed the most honorable and profitable Benefices and Dignities of the Gallican Church, wherefore His Majesty was most humbly petitioned, that he would be pleated not to make this severe distinction between his Subjects, so as to permit those of one Religion to use Strangers, and to deny it unto the other. And as for the Second Point, It was a truth, that the Synod of Dort, made up of the Deputies of divers Reformed Churches had decided some certain points of Doctrine, whereby to oppose the Errors which troubled the Churches of the Netherlands. But that this Decision did most harmoniously agree with the Confession of Faith in the Churches of this Kingdom, and which had been presented to His Majesty's Predecessors. So that the substance of the Doctrine asserted arid maintained by that Synod was not new, and that there was nothing novel in it, excepting its Formality and Application as a Fence and Boundary to keep out divers Errors that were then rising and breaking in upon us. So that His Most Excellent Majesty was most humbly entreated not to believe that his Subjects had any such design as to make him the Patron and Protector of a Novel and Foreign Doctrine. After that the Deputies had finished their Discourse, they were commanded to withdraw, that His Majesty might consider and deliberate about what had been said by them; and being a while after called in again, My Lord Chancellor told them as to the first head, that His Majesty having heard the Matters that were propounded by them, would not remove the Foreign Pastors from their Flocks in this Kingdom, who were now in Office, and at present actually employed: But it was his pleasure that for the future no more should be received. Whereupon His Majesty taking the words out of the Lord Chancellors Mouth, repeated it himself, I will not that one of them that is now in the Ministry of their Churches be turned out. Afterward My Lord Chancellor continuing his Discourse told them, That as for the second point that His Majesty left us wholly at liberty to judge of our Doctrine, and would not himself have the cognizance of it; but only gave us to understand, that no Man should be obliged to pin his Faith upon another's Sleeve, or to swear unto the Faith of a Stranger, but that everyone should believe as he would. Whereupon these Deputies judging and believing that this Answer did not m the least prejudice them nor our Churches, because no Person in the Reformed Churches swears unto another's Faith, after they had once again returned Thanks unto His Majesty for all His Favors, and protested afresh of their most humble Obedience and inviolable Affection to His Majesty's Service, they departed. And having before their return hither waited upon the Chancellor privately, and rendered him thanks, as also to the Lord's de Pisieux and d' Herbant for that Audience and very kind reception they had by their means from His Majesty, they were informed by them that His Majesty was very well pleased with them, and that he retained his Intentions of keeping the Peace, provided his Subjects of the Reformed Religion continued in their Obedience.

2. When as the Deputies had ended their Report the Lord Galland Commissioner and Deputy for the King in this Assembly related what was given▪ him in charge by His Majesty upon these two aforesaid points: This Synod yielding all Obedience to His Majesty's Will in what concerns the admission of Strangers for the future, doth yet resolve to take all opportunities of petitioning His Majesty that our Churches may enjoy the same liberty they ever had in this matter. And as for the second point concerning the Oath, The Synod declareth that the Intention of that of Alez was not in the least to wound His majesties Authority, of which they will be always most tender and solicitous, nor did that National Synod design to bring into this Kingdom any Foreign Customs, or Strange Doctrines, or New Opinions, but only to testify the Union of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom with those of the Low Countries in certain points of Doctrine, which have been in all times entertained and embraced by them, and for their substance are comprehended in our Confession of Faith, but upon which there fell out some Controversies in the Netherlands. However that they may give all possible contentment and satisfaction unto His Majesty, This present Synod considering that the City of Dort is a Dependance and Member of a Foreign Commonwealth, it doth ordain that the Reference had in the said Oath unto that City shall be taken away, nor shall it for the future be administered in the Churches and Universities of this Kingdom. And the said Oath shall be hereafter taken in that form as is expressed in the close of the Canons decreed in this present Synod, which by, its special Order were printed and inserted into these present Acts.

3. The Province of Normandy moved that a Canon might be ordained to oblige all Pastors to visit once a year the respect Families of their Churches, and to take notice of their progress in Piety, and to press them to it by the most quickening motives. Although this Synod doth not judge it necessary to make any New Canons on this occasion, yet nevertheless doth it exhort all Pastors and Consistories carefully to oversee the Flocks committed to their charge, according to the Rule of God's Word, and the Example of those Worthy Ministers who have been noted and renowned for their diligence and faithfulness in the House of God.

4. That same Province also requested that the Moneys given us by His Majesty's liberality might not for the future be distributed by the number of Pastors but of Churches. This National Synod as that of Privas before it, decreeth, That the former course and practice shall stand, and that the said Portions shall be distributed according to the number of our Ministers; but withal, it exhorteth the Provinces in their particular distribution of the said Moneys to have a special regard and compassion for the poor and weaker Churches.

5. The Province of Anjou petitioned the Synod, that some expedient might be found out for settling of a certain Maintenance upon our Universities. But there could not be at present anything done in it.

6. The Province of Lower Guyenne moved, whether it might not be expedient to add some Marginal Notes unto those Texts in our French Bibles, and to be published in the next Impression of the Holy Bible, which our Adversaries accuse us to have falsified and corrupted. This Assembly did not judge it needful, because our Translation of the Sacred Scriptures hath been sufficiently defended by our own Divines, as will appear to any one that will but take the pains to consult their Learned and Orthodox Writings upon this Subject.

7. The Province or Lower Languedoc demanding License for our Pastors to continue their receiving of Moneys belonging to the Colloquies: This Assembly did very sharply reprove and censure the said Province for acting contrary to that Canon made at Alex, and forbiddeth all Ministers so much as to intermeddle with that Receipt, and the Deputies of the said Province immediately upon their return home are charged to give notice of this present Ordinance unto them; and if any one of them for the future dare violate it, this Assembly declareth him from this very instant suspended the Sacred Ministry, which suspension shall continue upon him till the sitting of the next National Synod, before which he shall appear in Person to give an account of his Actions. And the Moderators of Colloquies and Synods are commanded to exert all their Power that this Canon be observed, or else they shall answer for it in their own private Capacities.

8. The Province of Burgundy moved, that for the future no Church nor Minister might be admitted to bring in any Proposal or Petition unto the National Synod but by the way of the Provincial Synods, and the Deputies of their Provinces. This Assembly accepted and approved of the motion, as agreeing with the Sentiments and Canons of former Synods, and made it into a Canon.

9. The Province of Dauphiné requesting of this Synod that some certain Persons might be selected to collect out of the Writings of the Fathers such passages as will be of use in that Controversy of Church-History. This Synod because there have been published a vast number of Books on this Subject, and a multitude of Collections already made by divers of our Orthodox Divines doth not judge it needful to employ any one particularly on such a Task: But yet withal it exhorts all them to whom God hath given those Abilities, that they would improve them so as to frame and compose a faithful Church-History, wherein we may have the rise, growth, and progress of all Controversies, and their confutation by the Sacred Scriptures for the greater Edification of God's Church.

10. The same Province demanded, Whether Consistories might compel an Advocate by Ecclesiastical Censures to depose against his Client such matters as had been secretly communicated to him. This Assembly considering that Advocates are entrusted with many Secrets, and obliged by the Duties of their Office and Calling to conceal Matters confided to them by their Clients, judgeth that no Consistories ought to urge them to it unless in cases of High Treason, or things of such great importance.

11. The Provincial Deputies Commissionated to our National Synods shall not be suffered to plead for any Church, or private Person who appeals from the Judgment of their Province. But it shall be lawful for them to bring with them the Memoirs and Instructions of the said Churches and particular Appellants, and tender them unto the National Synods, who may leave them in the hands of Commissioners to make report of them.

12. This Synod ratifying the Decrees of former Synods, forbiddeth all Colloquies and Provincial Synods to divert the Moneys given us by the King in any manner whatsoever from their primary use and intendment whereunto they were appointed; and ordaineth that they shall be only employed towards the maintenance of our Ministers, and the upholding of the Sacred Ministry, of the maintenance of our Universities, Colleges, Proposans, the Widows of Pastors, and they shall be expended in defraying the necessary Charges of our National Synods, according to the Will and Pleasure of His Majesty.

13. Monsieur d' Huisseau appearing in this Assembly as he and Monsieur Guydon had been ordered to give an account of their prosecuting Monsieur Palot, for the recovery of those great Summs of Money he was indebted unto the Churches. He declared that both himself and the said Monsieur Guidon now absent, since the last National Synod held at Alez (which they had acquainted with the process commencit by them against the said Palot,) could not make any great progress therein, because of the Wars which a little while after brake out, and for that the Commissioners appointed by the King to audit the said Palots Accounts were all out of the way. But yet notwithstanding they had not been altogether idle, nor lost their time: For though this Affair were exceedingly imbroyl'd, yet had they got such light into it, as would be very beneficial unto the Churches, and not only to some of them which were more particularly concerned above other, but would be very useful to the Exchequer itself, and to the said Monsieur Palot. That the difficulty formerly experiencit in getting Commissioners who might examine the Accompts of the said Palot, had made them conclude, that to bring this Affair to an happy period, it were best to carry and leave it with the Sedentary Judges, as those are, in the Sovereign Courts. And since the opening of this Synod the Lord Malat Secretary to His Majesty, a Man of great Probity, Capacity, and Intelligence, and very well known, did by a third Person make this offer, That in case he would give him a quarter of what Moneys might be gotten in from this Affair, he would undertake the prosecution of it without ever demanding anything else from the Churches for defraying his Costs and Expences. If therefore it would please this Synod to continue and prorogue for Six Moneths longer unto the said Lord's Guidon and d' Huysseau the faculties and powers granted and confirmed to them by the last Synod of Alez, and give them leave to associate with them the said Lord of Mallat, and to prosecute this Affair in such Courts and Jurisdictions as they should think good, on condition, that one quarter of what might be recovered, should be given them in lieu of all their Charges and Recompence, they hoped that within the term of Six Moneths the Churches should be well contented with their pains and undertakings, and reap the fruit and enjoy the benefit of them. And that an estimate might be made of their progress in this Law-Suit within that time, This Assembly is desired to Authorize the Synod of the Isle of France to take cognizance thereof, that so according to the success and profit had and obtained, they may either order it to be continued, or surceased. Moreover this Assembly is requested to charge the Lord's our General Deputies to come in and assist the said Lord's, Guidon, Mallat, and d' Huisseau upon such occasions as do occur, and when as they shall be desired by them. But the Synod thought it more convenient before they proceeded any farther to confer in the first place with the Sieur Palot, because we had now an easy opportunity for so doing, and therefore voted that the Seur Palot should be entreated to come unto this Assembly, which accordingly he did, and upon discourse he offered, that if this Assembly would be pleased to nominate a Committee of their own Members, he would very willingly confer with them about this Affair. Whereupon the Lord's of Montmartyn one of our General Deputies, Basnage a Pastor, Du Port, du Four, and de Launay Elders together with Monsieur d' Huisseau were appointed to confer with the said Palot, and see if they could bring him to put a fair and amicable end unto it. Who having discoursed with him, informed this Assembly that he was so far from compounding with the Churches, and refunding anything unto them of the great Summs demanded by us, that on the contrary he avowed they were very much indebted to him. The Synod hereupon Commissionated the Lord's, Durant and Mestrezat Pastors, Marbau, Massoners, Biggot and de L' Aunay Elders of the Church of Paris to act jointly together with the Lord's of Montmartyn and Manialt our General Deputies, or with any one of them in the absence of the other, and to resolve and conclude in the Name and behalf of our Churches whatsoever they should conceive meet in this Affair, and to treat and agree with one or more Solicitors, and to give full Powers unto him or them to prosecute it on such Articles and Conditions as in their Wisdoms would most contribute to the Weal, Benefit, and Advantage of our Churches. And to this purpose a special Letter of Attorney was Sealed to them, and Delivered by all the Provincial Deputies of the Churches in this Synod, but on this Condition, that he or they with whom they agreed should not demand nor pretend unto any Moneys of right from the said Churches for their Pains, Costs, Losses or Sallaries in the pursuit and solicitation of this Affair.

14. The Lord of Kandel came into this Assembly, and assured it of the continuance of his sincere Affections and Service unto the Churches, and did farther declare and notify with how much diligence and importunity he and the Lord's General Deputies for Five Moneths together in this present year had solicited both His Majesty, and the Lord's of his Council, that the Moneys granted by his Bounty unto the Churches might be assigned on some particular Tally for this year. That a long time was spent before he could find any success of his endeavors. But at last they would give him Orders and Assignations, which in truth he refused to accept, because he knew them to be naught and worth nothing. And that finally about the end of the last April they had given him others, which he was constrained to take, because he saw the Lord's of the Council fixed in their resolutions of giving him none other. That indeed these latter Assignations were a little better than the former, but it would be a very great while before any payment were made, that it would be at least Six or Eight Moneths before the first Summ would become due, that the whole Assembly knew they would not grant him any Order or Tally for the last year 1622, yea, and His Majesty had revoked his former grant of Moneys to the Churches for the year 1621, and employed them elsewhere to some other purposes: And as for the Arrears due unto us in the foregoing years, he had took all care possible, and used the utmost diligence to recover them, but with very little or no success, that he had brought in his Accompts, and prayed the Assembly to constitute a Committee to audit and close them. The Assembly having most heartily thanked the said Lord of Kandel for his singular care, respects and kindnesses upon all occasions expressed unto the Churches, and desired the continuance of his Love, did nominate Messieurs de Basnage and Le Clark Pastors, du Port and du Four Elders to peruse and examine his Accompts. And whereas a world of inconveniencies will befall our Churches by so long delay of paying in the Moneys granted us by His Majesty for this year now current, the Synod deputed the Sieurs de L' Angle, a Pastor, and du Port an Elder, and the Lord's of Montmartyn and Kandel to wait upon His Majesty, and on the behalf of this Assembly most humbly to beseech him to grant some other Assignations and Orders for the more speedy paying in of His Majesty's Great Bounty unto our Churches, and that as a Token of His Royal Goodness and Liberality he would be pleased to add some other Summs to us instead of those which have been taken from us in the last foregoing years, we having received not so much as one farthing or doibt for them.

15. A few days after the said Deputies being returned from the King, they made Report in this Assembly how Graciously they had been received by His Majesty, who assured them that in case his said Subjects of the Reformed Religion continued in their Duty and Obedience, he would always give them all possible content. And the same Expressions of kindness they received also from the Lord's of His most Honorable Privy Council, who ordered out of hand Forty Thousand Livres to be paid in unto them, they yielding up unto their Lordships the old Warrants for the like Summ; but as for what was requested about reimbursing us the years past by fixing those Summs due unto us on some other Tallies and Assignations, their Honors were pleased to say, There was no reason why they should promise it.

16. The Province of Anjou requested that the University of Saumur might not any longer be left destitute of Professors in Divinity, but that some speedy care and course might be taken to send Monsieur Cameron to be Professor of that faculty in it. The Lord Commissioner and Deputy for His Majesty unto this Synod, declared that it was the Will and Pleasure of His Majesty that those two Gentlemen, Mr. Gilbert Primrose, and Mr. John Cameron should not be preferred neither of them to any Public Office either of Pastors in the Churches or of Pastors and Professors in the Churches and Universities of this Kingdom, not because of their Birth as being Foreigners, but for some private Reasons of State, relating to his Service. And the said Lord of Galland presented us His Majesty's Letters Written and Signed with His Own Hand Louis, and a little lower de L' Omeny: Dated the Twenty Fifth day of this present Moneth. The Assembly understanding this to be His Majesty's pleasure, would not put it to the Vote, Whether they should be continued or not in their Ministry, but deputed the Sieurs Cottiby Minister of the Gospel, and du Bois, and St. Martyn Elders together with the Lord of Montmartyn General Deputy to carry unto His Majesty a Petition from this Assembly, wherein this Assembly did most humbly beseech His Majesty, that as he had lately with his own Mouth most graciously promised, so His Majesty would be pleased to give Order that all our Ministers might as fully enjoy the fruit and benefit of his promise.

CHAP. XV.

N. B. What picque the King of France had against Monsieur Cameron as I cannot tell, so I shall not write my guesses and conjectures about it, because they may be, and may not be true. Mr. Cameron, if he had designed, what afterwards some others attempted, a coalition of both the Religions, Protestant and Popish, yet certainly was no Papist, yea, far enough from their Doctrine and Worship. But he had angered the Jesuits not so much as his Reverend Colleague and Countryman. And this was the true reason, why Monsieur Primrose was necessitated to quit Bourdeaux and France, when as Cameron was permitted to tarry, and return to Bourdeaux, and was preferred unto the Professors Chair in Divinity afterwards at Montauban.

On Whitsunday in the year 1619. Father Arnoux the Jesuit preaching before the King, Queen, and Court of France in the Castle of Amboise, attempted a Task impossible, to whiten Blackamores, to wash or wipe his Church clean, and especially his own Order from an indelible blot, viz. That they held it lawful to kill Kings. This the Jesuit with a boldness and audaciousness, which is the proper Talent of their Society, would have some how or other evaded. He assures that Royal Auditory with the greatest confidence, that it was never the Doctrine of their Catholic Church, never believed by these good Fathers, that Subjects might lawfully rebel against their Sovereigns, yea that it doth anathematize all those who teach and preach that the Sacred Persons of Princes may be lawfully made away and murdered, yea, that the whole Society of Jesuits doth condemn, detest, and as much as hi them lieth doth anathematize all Advisers, Abettors, and Aiders of Rebels against their King upon any pretext, whatsoever. His Majesty and that whole illustrious Auditory were overjoyed at this free and liberal Declaration of the Jesuit, and quitted the Sermon, as they said very much edified: And His Majesty told it publicly that he had great reason to be pleased with the Fathers of the Society, and that Father Arnoux had in the Name, and stead of them all plainly and fully enough condemned the Book of Mariana. Monsieur Primrose was present at this Sermon, and fretted at the heart to hear an Impudent Jesuit abuse the good Nature of his King with such odious Equivocations, and to laugh in his Sleeve at the simplicity of his over credulous Auditors. Whereupon he entreated Monsieur de Modene, at that time a Person utterly unknown to him, to ask of Father Arnoux, Whether Friar James Clement that stabbed Henry the Third in the Bowels with a poisoned Knife, being a Prince Excommunicated by the Pope had killed his King? And suppose the Pope should Excommunicate His Majesty now reigning, and declare his Throne and Kingdom vacant, whether he would then own Louis XIII. for his King? And if at that time an Assassinate, as John Chastel, Peter Barriere, or Francis Ravaillac all Disciples of the Jesuits, should attempt upon His Majesty's Life, he would accurse and anathematize him as guilty of Treason in the last and highest degree, for daring to lift up his bloody hands against the Sacred Person of his King? The By-standers immediately comprehended the cheat and imposture of the Jesuit, and how they had been gull'd by him; for he could not make any Reply to the demand of this Protestant Minister Monsieur Primrose. But though he could not answer his Arguments, the Jesuit found out means and opportunity to cry him quitts, and to be revenged upon him. For 'twas be that solicited the Parliament of Bordeaux, and by his Interest got that Decree to pass in it, That no Stranger not born in the Kingdom should be a Minister in France. Monsieur Gilbert Primrose hereupon being outed of his Church passed into England, and was chosen Pastor of the French Church of London, in whose Service he continued till his Death. And where now succeeds him, though at some distance, in the same Pastoral Office his Reverend and Worthy Grandson. See this Relation, in page 75, and 76 of his Panegyrique a tres grand, & tres puissant Prince Charles Prince de Galles, 1624.

CHAP. XVI.

17 THE Lord of Galland required that for the future no Pastors might be deputed unto Political Assemblies, declaring it to be His Majesty's Pleasure, expressly notified in his Letters written unto this Synod. Whereupon it was unanimously voted, that His Majesty's Command should be absolutely obeyed; and as it was enjoined so His Majesty's Letter should be inserted into the Acts of this Synod, the tenor whereof is as followeth.

18. The Synod being informed that the Public Notary who received the Letters of Attorney given unto the Sieurs Durant, Mestrezat, Massocos, Biggot, and de L' Aunay had through inadvertency omitted the1 Revocation of the Letters of Attorney formerly granted by the preceding National Synods for the recovery of the Arrears owing to our Churches by Monsieur Palott, it hath declared, as it now doth and will again declare if need be, that all former Letters of Attorney granted unto any Persons whatsoever by the former National Synods, are revoked, and we do will that they be esteemed null, invalid, and of none effect.

19. The Assembly being desirous that the succeeding National Synods may have a particular knowledge of the number of Pastors employed in the Churches of this Kingdom, it doth ordain, that there shall be now written a Roll and Catalogue of the Names end Sirnames both of Ministers in Actual Service in every Province, and of their Churches, as also of Ministers discharged and Emeriti, and of all vacant Churches; which Catalogue shall be attached to the Original Acts of this Synod, and kept by that Province whose Privilege it will be to convocate the next National Synod: And this shall always be continued in all subsequent National Synods. And all the Provinces are enjoined to bring with them the Names and Surnames of every Minister in actual Service to whom a Dividend is allotted; and that this may be done the more carefully and effectually, they shall bring with them the Acts of their Provincial Synods subscribed and attested by the respective Moderators.

20. The Sieurs Cottiby Pastor, and du Bois St. Martyn an Elder, who were deputed unto His Majesty from this Assembly most humbly to petition His Majesty that Monsieur du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Paris might have His Majesty's Gracious Leave to return into this Kingdom, and be restored unto his Flock, and to the Exercise of his Ministry, and that the Sieurs Primrose und Cameron might also be restored unto the Church of Bourdeaux, and Church and University of Saumur, whereof they were Pastors and Professors; Those being now returned from Court, they reported, that His Majesty received them with His wonted Candor and Goodness, and having given them Audience, he did by the Lord Chancellor tell them that His Majesty had Graciously received their Message, but commanded him to acquaint them, that for divers good reasons (which if they were known to us, would very well satisfy us, His Majesty could not permit that the said Ministers, du Moulin, Primrose, and Cameron should live in His Kingdom; and that since from His Majesty's own Mouth and Writing, they understood his Will, it was his pleasure that they should make no Replies. However because of their most humble petition, His Majesty would permit those Ministers to reside within His Kingdom, but on this condition, That they should neither be employed in the Pastoral or Professors Office. But in time Matters might be better ordered to their contentment.

CHAP. XVII.

THE reason of the French Kings Indignation against Monsieur du Moulin, and for which he would never admit him to serve either in his Church of Paris, or in any other Church or University of this Kingdom, as it hath been related to me by some eminent Ministers of that Nation, was this, That when Louis the Thirteenth by the Advice of Cardinal Richelieu, his perpetual Coadjutor in all Affairs of State, (as he styled himself,) did first attempt the ruin of those poof Churches, Monsieur Du Moulin writ a Letter unto James the First King of Great Britain, (who had a value and kindness for this Learned Minister) in which he informed His Majesty, how that not only the Eyes of all the Reformed Churches of France were upon him for help in this the day of their Exigency and great distress, but the Eyes also of all other the Reformed and Protestant Churches in Europe. This Letter was delivered to the King; but as some credibly informed, dropt afterward into the hands of the Duke of Buckingham, who sent the very Original itself unto the French King. Upon the Receipt whereof, he immediately issues out Warrants to seize and apprehend Monsieur du Moulin; which were not executed with that speed and secrecy, but that Monsieur du Moulin had timely notice given him by some of his Friends at Court, to flee for his Life out of the Kings, Reach, and Dominions, which he did accordingly; and was sometime afterward called to be Pastor and Professor in the Church and University of Sedan, a little Principality, of which the Mareschal Duke of Bouillon was Sovereign: And here this Worthy Minister of Jesus Christ lived the rest of his days, dying in a good old Age, and full of days, in the Ninetieth Year of his Life, 1650.

The Works Published by him were these.

• 1. Petri Molinaei Elementa Logica, Lugduni Batavorum, 1596, 1603.
• 2. Meditatio in Psalmum 123. adversus Jacobum Perronium Episcopum Eburo nicensem.
• 3. De Peregrinatione & Altaribus.
• 4. De Monorchia Temporali Pontifieis Romani, Londini l614, in Octavo.
• 5. Narre de la Conference verbale & par Escrit tenue entre Monsieur du Moulin, & Monsieur Bayze, 1602, in Octavo.
• 6. Accroissement des Eaux de Siloam pour eteindre le feu de Purgatoire, & noyer les satisfactions humaines, & les Indulgences. A la Rochelle, 1604, in Octavo.
• 7. Defense de la Foye pour Jacques, 1. Roy de la Grande Bret • gne. A la Rochelle, 1604, in Octavo.
• 8. Trente deux demands proposees par le Pere Coton, avec les Solutions. Item Soixante & quatre demands proposees en contre-eschange, a la Rochelle, 1617, in Octavo.
• 9. Veritable Narre de la Conference entre les Sieurs du Moulin & Gontier, en Auvrill, 1609, in Octavo.
• 10. Theophile, ou de L' Amour Divin, a la Rochelle 1609. in Twelves.
• 11. Heraclite, ou de la Vanite & Misere de la Vie huma • ne, 1609, in Twelves.
• 12, * Apology pour la Sainte Cene du Seigneur contre la Presence Corporelle, & Transubstantiation, 1610, in Octavo.
• 13. * Accomplissement des Propheties. Livre auquel sont exposees les Propheties de L' Escriture Saint concernantes le Pontife Romain, et son Siege, a la Rochelle, 1612, in Octavo.
• 14. Action de graces du R. Pere Gontery a R. Viseur, pour avoir entrepris sa defense contre le Sieur du Moulin, & respondu a ses demands touchant L' Autiquite, 1612, in Octavo.
• 15. Le Saint Reveil Spirituel. a la Rochelle in Sixteens.
• 16. Defense de la Confession des Eglises Reformees de France, contre les Accusations du Sieur Arnauld. a Charenton 1617, in Octavo.
• 17. De la Toute Puissance de Dieu, & de sa Volonte. a la Rochelle, 1617, in Octavo.
• 18. Lettre a Messieurs de L' Eglise Romaine, a Saumur 1611, in Octavo.
• 19. Veritable Narre de la Conference entre les Sieurs du Moulin & de Raconis Professeur en Theology, a la Rochelle 1618, in Octavo.
• 20. * Bouclier de la Foy, ou defense de la Confession de Foy des Eglises Reformees du Royaume de France, contre les objections du Sieur Jean Arnoux, a Charenton, 1618. & a Sedan 1612, in Octavo, Translated into English, and printed in Quarto.
• 21. Conseil fidele, & Salutaire sur les Marriages entre persons de contraire Religion. a Charenton 1619. in Twelves and Octavo.
• 22. Lettre ecritts a un de son Troupeau, sur la Calamite present, 1621, in Octavo.
• 23. Response a quatre demands faites par un Gentilhome de Poitou. a Sedan 1623, in Octavo.
• 24. Sermon sur le ix. Chapitre de Daniel, verset premier jusques a neufieme. a Sedan 1623, in Sixteens.
• 25. Element de Logic. a Sedan 1628, in Octavo. a Paris 1624, in Twelves and Twentyfoure.
• 26. Elemens de la Philosophy morale, a Sedan 1624, in Twelves, and Twentyfours.
• 27. Du Combat Chrestien, ou des Afflictions, a Messieurs de L' Eglise Reformee de Paris. a Sedan 1622, in Twelves.
• 28. Refutation de la Replique du Cardinal du Perron, in Folio, and in Quarto.
• 29. Dialogues Rustiques, deux, Parties, in Octavo, and in Twelves.
• 30. Juge des Controverses, in Octavo, 2 Vol.
• 31. Hyperaspistes, seu defensor veritatis, in Octavo.
• 32. Anatome Arminianismi, in Quarto
• 33. Vates, in Octavo and Quarto.
• 34. Opera Philosophica, Logica, Moralia, Physica, in Octavo.
• 35. La Philosophy, Logic, morale, & Physique, in Octavo.
• 36. Esclaircissement de la Doctrine Salmurienne, in Octavo.
• 37. Lettres de Reconciliation, a Monsieur Amyraut, in Octavo.
• 38. Oppositions a la parole de Dieu.
• 39. Journal des Capucins, in Octavo.
• 40. Instruction pour Consoler les malades, in Octavo and Twelves.
• 41. Vocation des Pasteurs, in Octavo.
• 42. Nouvelles Brigues pour le Batiment de Babel, in Octavo.
• 43. Examen du Livre du R. L. Joseph de Morlais, Capucin, in Octavo.
• 44. Examen de la Doctrine de Messieurs Amyraut, & Testard, in Octavo.
• 45. Trois Sermons faits en presence des Capucins, in Octavo.
• 46. Dix decades des Sermons, in Eighteens
• 47. Testament d'une Mere a Son Enfant a Naitre, in Octavo.
• 48. Vies de Leon 1. & Gregoire, 1. in Octavo.
• 49. Prieres du Moulin, in Twelves.
• 50. Quatrains de Pibrac, Gr. Lát. & Fr. in Octavo.
• 51. Anatomia Missae, in Twelves.
• 52. L' Antibarbare, ou du Language inconnuo in Octavo & Twelves.
• 53. Iconomachus, in Twelves.
• 54. De Cognitione Dei, in Twentyfours.
• 55. Justification contre les Impostures de Limbourg, in Octavo.
• 56. Anatomy du Livre de Coeffettean, in Octavo.
• 57. Lettres a Monsieur Drelincourt, touchant le Sieur de Villeneuve, in Octavo.
• 58. De Poenitentia, in Octavo.
• 59. * Traite des Traditions Romans, in Octavo.
• 60. Theses Theologicae de Natura Ecclesiae, Sedani 1621, in Quarto.
• 61. De Ecclesiae Visibilis dignitate, Sedani 1622, in Quarto.
• 62. De notis verae Ecclesiae. Sedani 1622, in Quarto.
• 63. De Obedientia & Potestate, nec non de Voto Obedientiae Monastica. Sedani 1623, in Quarto.
• 64. Ode dediee a la Memoire de feu Monsieur le Duc de Bouillon, Prince Souverain de Sedan. a Sedan 1623, in Quarto.
• 65. Lettre a Monsieur de Balsac, 1633, in Octavo.
• 66. Response a la Lettre de Monsieur de Balsac 1633, in Octavo.
• 67. Lettre a Monsieur de la Milletierre. a Sedan 1635, in Octavo.
• 68. Seconde Lettre a Monsieur de la Milletierre, a Sedan, 1638, in Octavo.
• 69. Oratio de Laudibus Theology. Sedani 1629, in Sixteens.
• 70. * Anatomy de la Messe, ou est Monstre qu' elle est contraire a la parole de Dieu, a Sedan 1636, in Octavo.
• 71. Deuxieme party de L' Anatomy de la Messe en Francois & en Latin. a Sedan 1639, in Octavo.
• 72. * Le Capucin. Traite au quel est descrite L' Origin des Capucins, & leurs Vaeux, reigles, & Disciplines, Examinees. a Sedan 1641, in Octavo.
• 73. Meditation pour se preparer a la Sainte Cene, a Charenton 1643, in Twelves.
• 74. P. Molinaei & Mosis Amyraldi adversus Friderit. Spanheimium Libri Judicium, seu pro Dei Misericordia, & Sapientia, & Justitia Apologia. Roterodami 1649, in Octavo.
• 75. Exhortations faites a ses Enfans peu de temps avant Sa Mort. a Charenton 1658, in Octavo.

N. B. Those Books marked with the Asterismes are Translated and Printed in our English Tongue.

CHAP. XVIII. PARTICULAR MATTERS.

1 THE Province of Poitou requested that Monsieur Ferrand Pastor of the Church of St. Claud might be joined unto their Synod, because that the Churches of Champagne-Mouton, and Courcilles which are Dependencies of the said Province, do compose two thirds at least of his Auditory. But the Deputies of Saintonge opposed it, for that their Province had maintained the said Ferrand, and received him into the Sacred Ministry, and presented him unto the Church of St. Claud, and the two others did of their own accord annex themselves unto it. Letters from the Church of St. Claud were read, declaring that they could not be separated from the Province of Augoumois, but rather if there must be a separation that it might be from the Churches of Champagne-mouton and Courcilles, in case they demanded that Monsieur Ferrand should personally reside among them. This Assembly decreed that as long as those three Churches continued annexed each to other, they should be reckoned as Members of the Province of Saintonge; and when as that of Poitou could provide distinct Pastors for those of Champagne-mouton and Courcilles, or one for them both, they should then return back again unto the Province of Poitou; in which case the Ministry of God's Holy Word and Sacraments may be fixed in the Church of St. Claud, and the Province of Saintonge shall take care that they be supplied with an able Minister, and that he have a competency to maintain him.

2. In pursuance of the Judgment past by this Assembly on the Appeal brought by the Church of Mesnill Imbert, (the Province of Normandy requesting that some Provision might be made for Monsieur Bayeux designed Pastor to the Church of Falaise and Mesnill Imbert ) This Assembly leaveth it to the care of that Province to allow him what they shall think fit, and forbids that Province of Normandy to burden the Churches, as they have done, with Exhibitions unto Proposans, before they have a Call unto the Ministry.

3. The Province of Poitou requested that the Church of Rochechouart, which was formerly of their Synod, but is now of late joined unto the Province of Lower Guyenne, might be again conjoined with that of Poitou. The Deputies of Lower Guyenne being demanded their Opinion of it, replied, that they were never concerned in this Matter, nor would, unless that Monsieur Barthe Pastor of the Church of Limoges, and at present living at Rochechouart, should take up his constant Abode in their Province. Whereupon this Assembly decreed that the said Monsieur Barthe should retire unto his own Church, and that the said Church of Rochechouart should return again unto the Province of Poitou, which shall be obliged for the future to provide them of a Pastor.

4. Monsieur L' Oyseau a Pastor Emeritus may retire into his own Province of Poitou, where his Portion, shall be assigned him.

5. The Province of Lower Guyenne requested that the Higher Languedoc might be obliged to reimburse them those Portions, which they had received under the Names of Monsieur Perery, and Casaux, two Ministers now octually serving in the Churches of their Province. This Assembly considering the Condition of the Province of Higher Languedoc, and its singular care in getting a supply for those Churches which the aforesaid gieurs Perery and Casaux did of late serve, and that those Portions were assigned during their Abode in that Province, and that the Summs demanded are very small and inconsiderable, judgeth that there ought not any restitution to be made in this case.

6. The Province of Higher Languedoc petitioned that some certain Churches in the Colloquy of Nerac might be joined unto the Colloquy of Armagnac. The Deputies of Lower Guyenne, to which Nerac belonged, opposed this their request. Whereupon the Synod ordained that the Colloquy of Armagnac shall be Augmented and Corroborated by the Addition of some more Churches from out of other Colloquies in the Higher Languedoc, and leaveth the Execution of this Decree unto the care of the said Province.

7. Mr. Joly formerly Minister in the Church of Montauban, Deposed from his Office by Sentence of the National Synod of Alez, petitioned this Assembly that he might be restored unto the Ministry, because that the aforesaid Synod had not utterly deprived him of all hopes of restauration. That judicial Sentence at Alez being diligently revised and considered, and the Provincial Deputies of the Higher Languedoc heard, who declared that they had an Express Order from their Province to intercede for him with this Synod, and the Attestations of the Church and Consistory of Montauban, and of the Synod of Higher Languedoc being produced, and read, who certified of the Godly Conversation of the said Joly ever since his Deposal, and all requesting his Restauration; This Synod judgeth that he may be reinstated once more into his Ministerial Office; but yet nevertheless for a farther Proof and Trial of his Repentance and Conversion his re-establishment is deferred till the meeting of the next National Synod.

8. The Deputy of the Province of Bearne reported that their Circumstances were such at present as would not suffer them entirely to conform unto the Orders of our Churches in France, and therefore requested that they might be borne withal a little longer. This Synod thought good to forbear them till the sitting of the next National Synod.

9. Whereas the Province of Lower Guyenne demands that the Pastor of the Church of Labor to whom the National Synod of Alez had granted the Summ of Three Hundred Livres might be reckoned a Member of their Province, and sit in their Synod, and be accountable to them for his Ministry. This Assembly judged that Matters should be left in the same manner as now they be, and were heretofore until the meeting of the next National Synod, but on this condition that the Province of Bearne shall be accountable both for those Moneys, and the Service of that before-mentioned Pastor, and the Success of His Ministry in the said Land of La Bour.

10. The Province of the Isle of France demanded what course should be taken with professed Arminians, and such as spread abroad in Discourse their Dogmas and Tenants. This Synod decreeth that all Dogmatizers be prosecuted with Church-Censures, And as for such as are known Arminians, but do not disperse their Opinions, our Pastors and Consistories shall deal with them for Three Moneths time in order to reclaim them unto sound Doctrine: But in case they continue obstinate after that time, they shall be debarred Communion with us at the Lord's Table.

CHAP. XIX. An Expedient to preserve the CHURCH-PEACE.

11 THE Province of the Isle of France moved that, to preserve our Union, and prevent those Divisions which will otherwise creep in insensibly upon us, and that the sound Doctrine, which hath hitherto through the Grace of God been preached, may be always taught and kept up in our Churches, and never corrupted by the Invasion and Admission of those Errors condemned in the Synod of Alez, by the Curiosity and Contentious Humour of such as love to abound in their own sense, the Province of the Isle of France moved this Synod to advise of some Expedients, which might curb and bridle those unruly Spirits, who else would not be kept within the stated bounds of their Duty. This Assembly received the Motion very kindly, and approving it, decreed, that all Consistories, Colloquies, and Provincial Synods should carefully see to it, that the Canons of our Church-Discipline about Printing of Manuscripts be most strictly observed, and that before they be carried to the Press: they be most exactly perused, and approved by those Divines who are appointed by the Provincial Synod so to do, and that there be rendered an Account hereof unto the next National Synod. Moreover all Pastors, be it in their Writings, or in their Sermons are to keep themselves within the bounds of Christian simplicity, and to prune off from all their Discourses and Exhortations those needless Excrescencies of curious Questions, and to oppose such Persons as shall attempt to subvert the Truth delivered to us by our Teachers of Blessed Memory, whose Ministry the Lord so signally owned in the great Work of Reformation: And that they would so order all their Doctrines and Sermons as they might have a direct tendency to promote the Churches Peace, and the Edification of the Consciences of their Auditors.

12. Monsieur Bustonoby Pastor in the Churches of Mauleon, Sanquis, and Montori in the Land of Souls in Biscay complained that the two Portions granted him by the Synod of Vitre, had not been paid him free of all Charges ever since the year 1619, though it was so ordained by that Synod, and he therefore petitioned that what was behind due, might be paid unto him, moreover that two other free Portions might be granted towards the maintenance of another Minister in those Churches aforesaid, because he was not able alone by himself to perform all Pastoral Duties in them. The Deputies of the Principality of Bearne, and of the Lower Guyenne, were heard replying to him, and afterward the Synod ordained that the Portions assigned by the Synod of Vitre and Alez should be paid him in free accordingly, and that as long as he shall serve those Churches alone without a Fellow-helper in the Work of the Ministry, their payment shall be continued to him, and when as a Colleague shall be joined with him, there shall be another free Portion added for his Colleague also: And this Assembly intreats him to inquire and use his best endeavors to get an Assistant, and the Portion for the Assisting Pastor shall be kept in the Lord of Candals hands till such time as he be called and settled together with him in those Churches.

13. The Church of Montauban demanded that Monsieur Ollyer, who with the Consent and Order of the Colloquy of Usez, impowered thereunto by the National Synod of Alez, was lent unto them, might now be their fixed Pastor during Life. After that the Provincial Deputies of Cévennes and Lower Languedoc had been heard speak on this Affair, The Assembly ratified that Order of the Colloquy of Usez by its own Act and Authority.

14. Whereas his Grace the Lord Duke of Trimouille and the Church of Vitre demanded that Monsieur Blanchart Pastor of the Church of Condé upon Nereau in the Province of Normandy might be preferred unto the Church of Vitre. After hearing of the Provincial Deputies of Normandy, and reading the Decree of that Province, which enjoined the said Blanchart to return back unto his Cure, upon pain of being declared a Desertor of it; and the Deputies of Britain informing this Synod they had hot any Memoir or Command from their Province concerning this Matter: This Assembly decreed that a very severe and rigorous Censure shall be inflicted on the said Blanchart for contemning the Discipline of our Church, and that he shall return again unto the Church of Condé within two Moneths after the Dissolution of this Synod, or if not, that he shall be then suspended from the Ministerial Office.

15. Monsieur du Bois formerly Pastor in the Churches of I a Val and la Barre but set at liberty by the Provincial Synod of Anjou complained unto this Assembly, that whereas the Church of Fontaines and Crocy in the Province of Normandy had given him a Call to the Ministry among them, the Synod of that Province would not agree unto it, nor suffer him to be settled in that Church. This Assembly after hearing the Deputies of Normandy in this case, decreed, that the said Monsieur du Bois shall be received and fixed in the Pastoral Office of the said Church of • ontaines and Crocy until the next meeting of the Provincial Synod of Normandy.

16. Monsieur Joly petitioning this Assembly for some Relief for himself and poor Family until the sitting of the next National Synod, and that leave might be given him to aspire unto the Profession of the Hebrew Language in case there should be a vacancy. This Assembly granted him the letter, and because of his wants, and the distressed Condition of his Family, they do give him an Hundred and Fifty Livres, and for the future do continue unto him one free Portion under the same Name as it was granted him by the National Synod of Alez.

CHAP. XX.

17 MOnsieur de Courcelles formerly Pastor in the Church of Amiens, having refused to subscribe the Doctrine received in the Synod of Alez, did freely and of his own accord resign his Pastoral Charge into the hands of the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France, but now protesting in this Assembly that he had quite rejected those Arminian Dogmas, and that he did own and acquiesce entirely in the Doctrine received of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom, and humbly petitioned this Synod, that they would be pleased to restore him again unto his Charge, upon the promises he did now make of retaining the form of sound words. After that the Deputy of the Isle of France had related the proceedings of their last Synod upon the fact of Courcelles his quitting of his Place and Calling, he was again called in, and did plainly, and clearly, and with great earnestness avow and confess his consent unto the whole Doctrine taught and contained in those Canons decreed at the Synod of Alez, and in this also, holding and believing it to be the truth, and agreeing with the Word of God, and that he renounceth all Errors condemned in those aforesaid Canons; and that he believeth those said Canons in every Branch and Article of them, and was resolved to sign and defend them for the future to the utmost of his power during Life. The Assembly having received this his Declaration and Protestation restored him again unto his Ministerial Office, and remanded him back unto the Isle of France to be presented unto a Church, and in case he could not meet with one in that Province, then he might accept of a Call in any other. And for his Comfort he had License given him in the interim to preach in any Church for its Edisication, yea, and in the Church of Paris also, provided the Reverend Pastors of that Congregation, did invite him to it. Moreover this Assembly approved of all those former proceedings of the Province aforesaid in and about this business of Courcelles, as having been done and managed with singular prudence, Candor, and Charity: And it gives also unto the said Courcelles one Portion for his subsistence, until such time as he be provided of a Church.

18. Letters were tendered and read in this Assembly from the Lord's Curators and Professors in the famous University of Leyden, requesting that Monsieur Rivett, who had been lent unto the said University by a former National Synod for their Divinity Professor might be confirmed and continued to them during Life by the Authority of this also. The Letters of Monsieur Rivett writ unto this Assembly were in like manner perused; and his Brother the Lord of Chamvernown declared, that Doctor Rivett testified and expressed a continual Love and sincere Affection, as in Duty he was bound, unto his Native Country, and that Cordial desire he had always to serve it; but that he could not at present be removed from the University of Leyden, but to its very great damage and his own in particular, for which cause he entreated this Assembly to continue him for some few years more in the aforesaid University of Leyden. The Synod did hereupon grant him his request, and ordered his continuance there until the next National Synod, and that an answer should be written unto the Lord's Curators and Professors there accordingly. He lived there to his Death, which fell out in the year 1651. His Works are Printed in Three Folio's.

19. The Church of Alez petitioned that the Reverend Monsieur Chauve Minister of the Church of Sommieres, might be co • ferred upon them for their Pastor. After perusal of these Letters, those of Monsieur Chauve were also considered, who complained that his burden was too heavy for his Shoulders, and that he could not without assistance go through the necessary Duties of his Charge in either of those Churches. The Deputies also of Cévennes, and the Lower Languedoc, and Monsieur L' Espeisses for the Church of Alez were all heard; whereupon this Synod confirmed Monsieur Chauve in his Ministry of the Church of Sommiers and enjoineth the said Province to take care that he have help and comfort given him in his great labors.

20. The Church of Bourdeaux petitioned that Monsieur Alba Minister of the Church of Tonneins, and Ferrand Minister of La Parade, in the Province of Lower Guyenne might be bestowed on them for their Pastors. Another Petition also was presented from the Lord's President and Counselors in the Court of Agen, that they might be favor'd with the Ministry of the same Monsieur Alba. After perusal of several Letters from the Churches of Tonneins, La Parade, Bourdeaux, and Agen, and those of the Lord's President, and Counselors there, and hearing of Monsieur Coderois, Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux, and of Monsieur Alba, and of the Provincial Deputies of Guyenne; This Assembly presented Monsieur Ferrand unto the Church of Bourdeaux, and Monsieur Alba unto that of Agen until the next National Synod: And it does enjoin the Colloquy, and on their default, the Synod of that Province to make some speedy provision for the Church of La Parade, that they may be without delay supplied with a Pastor.

21. Relation was made by the Province of Vivaretz concerning some Miscarriages of Monsieur des Maretz heretofore Pastor in the Church of Valet. This Assembly not being able to judge of this Matter, because of his absence, hath dismissed the business unto the next Session of the Colloquy of Valentinois in Dauphiné, to take cognizance of it, and to examine Witnesses about it, and to give a final Judgment therein, by Authority from it, and ordaineth that the said des Maretz be cited to appear before them, and that the Deputies of the said Province shall carry those Evidences thither which they produced in this Assembly.

22. Monsieur Huron a Minister without Employment was presented to the Church of Mirembeau in the Province of Saintonge at the request of Monsieur Thomas Elder in the said Church, and this Assembly did also by way of Advance give him Sixty Livres.

23. Monsieur Morell Deputy from the Church of Die desired this Assembly that it would be pleased for the future to pay the Professors of that University their Stipends; and in case the Synod would be pleased to do it, they offered freely to relinquish their right which by contract with the Province of Dauphiné they had over the said University; or else that we would grant some greater Augmentation than heretofore towards the maintenance and keeping up of the said University. This Synod ordered that the Six Hundred Livres granted by the National Synod of Alez, should be continued unto that University.

24. The Province of Provence complained by Letters of Monsieur Huron sometime since Minister of the Church of Riez in the same Province that he had lying by him very many Papers belonging to them, and that he had not given an Account of his Deputation unto the last Synod of Alez, and finally that he stood indebted a considerable Summ of Money unto the said Province; and therefore they requested this Assembly to enjoin him the said Huron to come in Person unto their next Provincial Synod, and to give an Account of these Matters. After that Monsieur Huron was heard speak for himself, and the Provincial Deputies of Dauphiné, who produced the Memoirs of the Province of Provence, this Assembly did not judge the two first Articles complained of either reasonable or charitable, and declares him acquitted and absolved from them: And as for the third concerning the Summs of Money pretended to be owing by him, the Cognisance and Judgment thereof is devolved on the Consistory of Montpellier, unto which Monsieur Huron may send, or in Person deliver what he has to produce for his own Justification and Discharge.

25. The same Monsieur Huron complaining that the Province of Provence have not paid him one farthing of the Dividend he should have had of the Kings Moneys since the sitting of the last Synod at Alez: This Assembly counting this Affair not to belong to its cognizance, did remand it as that last immediately foregoing unto the Consistory of Montpellier.

26. The Widow of Monsieur Toussaint deceased, late Pastor of the Church of Luc in Provence complained, that notwithstanding all her earnest Sollicitations and Endeavors used by her with that Province she could never get a Denier of the Four Hundred Livres, nor of the Seventy and Five Livres, nor a Doit of the Arrearages ordained by the National Synod of Alez for the maintenance of her poor Orphans. This Assembly ordaineth the Lord of Kandel to pay the said Four Hundred Livres unto the said Mrs. Toussaincts out of the Moneys belonging to that Province, because of the security brought by her from Monsieur Galles her Father, Physician to the City of Orange; and as for the Arrears, and other Articles of her demands the Judgment of them is devolved upon the Colloquy of Baronniers in Dauphiné, which enjoined to put the Decree of Alez in Execution, and by Authority from this Assembly, to put a final period to this business.

27. The said Province of Provence having given in none Account of the Observation of those Canons which were made particularly for them in the Synod of Alez. This Assembly ordereth the Sieurs of Chambrun and Crubelier to go in Person unto the next Synod of the said Province, which shall bear their Charges, and that afterwards the Province of Dauphiné and Lower Languedoc shall send each of them one Pastor unto their following Synods to see those aforesaid Canons punctually observed by that Province of Provence. And these Three Provinces of Dauphiné and Lower Languedoc and Provence, shall each of them give an Account hereof unto the next National Synod. And once more the said Province of Provence is enjoined carefully to observe and keep those Canons, or else they shall lose and forfeit all part and interest in the Moneys of His Majesty's Bounty.

28. Monsieur Jasper Martin Pastor in the Church of Saliens complained that he was never paid one farthing of that Portion granted him by the Synod of Alez, and therefore petitions this Assembly to give him another until the meeting of the next National Synod. This Assembly orders that he be paid in this present year the Portion granted him in the year 1620. by that of Alez, and farther as an augmentation the Summ of One Hundred Livres more.

29. Monsieur du Val heretofore Pastor in the Church of Falaise in the Province of the Isle of France appeared personally in this Assembly petitioning to be restored unto the Ministry, and provided of a Church by its Authority. The Synod not being fully informed for what reasons the said Province had suspended him the Exercise of his Ministry hath remanded him b • ck again unto the said Province, which shall dispose of him according as they shall judge best for the Glory of God, and the Edification of his Church.

30. The Widow of Monsieur de Preau late Pastor in the Church of Vitre, in the Province of Britain petitioned this Assembly to allow her the same Pension they did others in her condition only till such time as she had finished her Law-Suit commencit against the Murderers of her Husband. This Synod not judging this Affair to belong unto its cognizance hath dismissed her over to that of the Province, and recommends it particularly unto them.

31. Monsieur Joly formerly Pastor of the Church of Hour and Baillolet petitioned this Assembly, that whereas the Colloquy of Beausse by Order of the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France had suspended him from the Ministry for Three Moneths time, because he had deserted those aforesaid Churches, we would be pleased to take his suspension off the File, and out of the Acts of the said Colloquy after that both the Lord of Sasseuse Elder in the said Church of Baillolet, and the Deputies of the Province had been heard: This Assembly approveth of the said suspension: Yet for divers Considerations doth ordain that it be razed out of those Acts.

32. The Province of Lower Guyenne complained that in the dividend of Moneys given us by the King, and to be received this very Year, the Synod had forgotten the Summ of Three Hundred Livres appointed by the National Synod of Alez for maintaining of a Minister in the Churches in the Land of La Bour in Biscay. This Synod entreateth the Lord of Kandel that out of the good Moneys which might accrue for the Wages of a Second Professor in the Universities of Saumur, Montauban, and Nismes, he would be pleased to pay unto the aforesaid Province of Lower Guyenne, the Summ of Three Hundred Livres yearly.

CHAP. XXI.

33 MOnsieur Cameron represented unto this Assembly, that although he had been sought after, and earnestly urged to accept of very advantageous Employments without the Kingdom, yet he would not at all close with any of them, because of his great Affection and Obligation unto the Churches of France: But His Majesty not approving that he should at present re-enter upon his Ministerial or Professoral Offices in Church or University, he was now destitute of Employment, and so without any convenient means for the maintaining of his Family, wherefore he entreated this Venerable Assembly to have respect unto him, and his desolate Condition. The Synod did hereupon order a Thousand Livres to be paid him, viz. Seven Hundred Livres for his Salary as Professor this present year, two hundred Livres for one Portion, and one hundred Livres more for defraying the Charges of his Travels. And the Lord of Kandel is desired to pay him the said Thousand Livres out of those Forty Thousand, which His Majesty hath been pleased now to bestow upon us in ready Money, and he shall deduct and abate Seven Hundred Livres out of those Moneys he should have paid in for this present year unto the University of Saumur, and Three-Hundred Livres out of the Remainders of the precedent years yet unpaid. Mr. Cameron was called afterward to be Professor of Divinity at Montauban, where he died in the year 1625, about 44, or 45 years of Age. His Works are his Myrothecium in Quarto, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Folio.

CHAP. XXII. Of UNIVERSITIES and COLLEDGES.

1 A Motion was made about reducing the Number of our Universities unto two, and this by several Provinces, that so they might be the better furnished with Professors. After it had been debated the Synod came to this Resolution, that for the present nothing should be either innovated or altered either as to Number or Place, but as they were so they should continue fixed at Saumur, Montauban. and Nismes.

2. Professors who have served in our Universities this present year 1623. shall be paid their Sallaries as heretofore.

3. This Assembly considering the Poverty of our Churches, and how necessary it is for us to be good Husbands of His Majesty's Liberality, ordaineth that for the future the Professors place in Greek shall be suppressed, as being superfluous and of small profit.

4. Whereas formerly the Office of Principal in our Universities was distinct from all other Offices, It shall be for the future suppressed, and the superintendency of the Principal over the College shall be conferred upon someone of the Professors or Pastors according as the University Council shall think fittest, and he shall also receive the Summ of One Hundred Livres yearly, and his Lodgings in the College.

5. No Wages shall be given in our Universities unto a Printer.

6. The Door-keeper and Bedell 's Office may be united in one, and he shall have but sixty Livres yearly.

7. To the University of Nismes shall be given for the future the Summ of Eighteen Hundred Livres, viz. for two Professors in Divinity each Seven hundred Livres, and to the Hebrew Professor four hundred only.

8. Monsieur Codur who is at present Professor of Hebrew in the University of Nismes shall have our hearty thanks for his great pains taken hitherto in his Office, and shall be preferred unto the Church of Bernix to be their Pastor, or to any other, as the Colloquy or Provincial Synod shall judge convenient. And besides the Portion appropriated unto that Church wherein he may officiate, there shall be continued to him that Portion granted him by this until the sitting of the next National Synod. And whereas Mr. Petit was formerly Professor of the Greek, he shall be henceforward Professor of the Hebrew Tongue in that University.

9. There shall be given to the University of Montauban the Summ of Three Thousand Four Hundred and Fifty Livres, To each of the two Professors in Divinity the Summ of Seven Hundred Livres, To each of the Two Professors in Philosophy Four Hundred Livres, Besides Eight Hundred and Fifty Livres more are ordered unto the said University until the next National Synod, and no longer; nor shall this be drawn in consequence, as a president for time to come.

10. For the University of Saumur there shall be delivered out the Summ of Four Thousand one Hundred Livres, viz. for two Professors in Divinity to each Seven Hundred Livres, for one Professor in Hebrew Four Hundred Livres, for two Professors in Philosophy to each of them Four Hundred Livres, for the Principal of the College One Hundred Livres, for the Regent of the first Classis Four Hundred Livres, for the Regent of the Second Three Hundred Livres, for the Regent of the Third Two Hundred and Fifty Livres, for him in the Fourth Two Hundred and Ten Livres, for him in the Fifth Nine Score Livres, and for the Bedell and Door-keeper Sixty Livres.

11. And forasmuch as in each of our Universities there is at present but one Professor in Divinity, This Assembly decreeth that the Summ of Two Thousand One Hundred Livres for the Three vacant Professions shall be detained in the hands of the Lord du Kandel from out of the Second and Third Quarters of the year 1624, to be distributed among those Professors who shall be established. And in case the said Offices should not be provided for, or someone of them should remain vacant, The said Lord du Kandel shall distribute that Summ detained in his hands among the Churches.

12. The Orders to be expedited for paying the Sallaries of our Professors and Regents shall be Given and Signed by the Rector and University Council, and shall have this clause expressly inserted in them that the said Regent and Professors were all of them in actual Service.

13. This Synod also desirous to make some Canon that may be observed about admission of Students in Theology, who are to be maintained by the Provinces, it doth therefore decree that for the future, the Provinces shall take special care in the choice of Scholars whose Exhibitions are to be paid them by the Colloquies, because they are hereafter to serve in the Sacred Ministry, above all looking to their Lives and Conversations, to their Capacities and Understandings, and to their Natural Gifts and Parts, and strictly to examine the Attestations of Consistories and Colleges, in which they have been conversant: And they shall not admit any into this number but such as have finished their Course in Philosophy, and who shall prove it by producing their Letters of Mastership in the Arts, or some other equivalent Testimonials, nor shall they receive any without good and valid securities for restitution of the Summs received in case of Apostasy, and diversion or promotion to another Calling, besides that of the Ministry. And that we may proceed in the said Choice with the more and greater Caution, and that Persons of mean hopes may not be nominated, the said Scholars shall not only be examined by the Colloquies who present them, but also by the Provincial Synod. And that they may be retained within the bounds of their Duty, the Colloquies or Provinces who send them unto the Universities to be their Seminary and Nurslings, shall inform the University-Councils, and the Council of the Schools of them, that they watch over them continually, and take a most especial and signal care of them above all others, and not to give them at any time leave to wander or travel abroad, or to remove elsewhere without having first consulted their Colloquies. And the Professors shall be obliged to examine them yearly twice at least, and give faithful notice unto their respective Colloquies of their Conversation and Studies, and Ministers Children shall be preferred above all others, caeteris paribus.

14. The Province of Anjou presented the Account of the University of Saumur for Three Quarters of the year, 1620. for the whole year 1621, and for Three quarters of the year 1623. But forasmuch as they did not bring with them any Acquittances or Evidences to justify the said Account. This Assembly being thereby disabled from examining and concluding it, hath dismissed it over to the Colloquy of Higher Poitou, which shall audit it, and give in an Account thereof unto the next National Synod. In the mean while whereas in the disbursement of the said Account there appears in divers Articles a Notorious diversion and Abuse and Alienation of the said Monies, This Assembly ordereth that the Summs employed in the said Account for the Printers Wages, the Tax imposed on some of the Regents, for a Gallery in the Temple, for repairing one of the Professors Lodgings shall be immediately razed out, and detained from the said Province of Anjou, saving always unto them a full power of re-demanding those Moneys from such as had ordered their disbursements, whosoever they were.

15. The Province of Orleans and Berry brought in the Account of their College settled at Chastillon upon the Loir for the years 1621, 1622, and until the 12th, of May 1623. which was allowed and approved. And the Province of the Isle of France may lend them Four Hundred Livres out of their College-Moneys, until such time as they can fix on a convenient place where to Erect it.

16. The Province of Poitou brought in the Account of the College of Niort for the years 1620, and 1621, and by a stop put on the said Account in the Province, the said College stood indebted the Summ of three hundred Livres, which were never distributed, because that College was suppressed by Order of His Majesty; for which three hundred Livres that Province must hereafter be accountable.

17. The Province of Lower Guyenne did not bring in any Account for the College of Bergerac since the Moneth of March 1620, because His Majesty had given express order, that they should not have a Penny paid them.

18. The Province of Saintonge brought in their Account for the College of Rochefoucault for the year 1620, which was not approved. And whereas the said Province complained that they received nothing for the years 1621, and 1622, though yet they maintained their College all that time. This Assembly ordaineth the said Province to tender unto the next National Synod an Account of their disbursements in those years, who shall give them something in consideration thereof.

19. The Province of Cévennes rendered no Account for the College settled at Anduze by the National Synod of Alez, because they never received a farthing token since its Erection. And whereas they now require to be reimbursed all their Costs and Expences ever since the Establishing of their College, This Assembly ordaineth them to bring in their Account unto the next National Synod, who will do for them as is meet.

20. The Province of Britain presented their Account for the College Erected at Vitre ever since the Synod of Alez unto this time, and makes Receipt both of Four Hundred Livres given it by that National Synod, as also of two hundred Livres more which the said Province was bound to furnish yearly towards the maintenance of the said College, and the said Account was approved and allowed.

21. The Province of Vivaretz