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

CHAP. I.

• • Monsieur Chamier was chosen President.
  • Monsieur Ferrier Assessor.
• Scribes.
  • Monsieur Vignier, and
  • Monsieur Roy

THERE appeared in it as Deputies for their respective Provinces, the Pastors and Elders, whose names are here under written.

• For the Isle of France, Picardy and Champagne, Monsieur Peter du Moulin Minister in the Church of Paris, and Gideon Petau Lord of the Mollette, Elder of the Church of Houdan.
• For Brittany Monsieur Francis L'Oyseau Minister of the Church of Nantes.
• For Orleans and Berry Monsieur Nicholas Vignier Minister of the Church of Blois, and Samuel de Chambaran Minister of the Church of Baugency, Lorges and Marchenoir.
• For Touraine, Anjou and the Maine, Monsieur John Eleury Minister of the Church of Bougay, and Peter de la Primaudaye Lord de la Baree Elder of the Church of Chasteau du Loir.
• For the upper and nether Poitou Monsieur John Bonnavet Minister of the Church of Lusson, and John Chauffepied Minister of the Church of Niort, and Rene de Lumont Lord of Fiefbrun Elder in the Church of Sansay.
• For Saintonge, Aunix, &c. Monsieur Samuel L'Hommeau Minister in the Church of Rochell, and Arthur de Partenay Lord of Genouille, and Querray Elder in the Church of Tonne Boutonne, and Daniel Roy Elder in the Church of Xaintes.
• For Gascony, Perigord and Limousin Monsieur Antony Renaud Minister of Bourdeaux, Peter Esperian Minister of the Church at St. Foy, James du Brueil Lord de la Garde Elder of Tonneins, and Peter du Bazats Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux.
• For the upper and nether Vivaretz and Vellay, Monsieur Peter Labat, Minister in the Church of Vabon, la Gorce and Salvais, John de la Faye Minister of the Church D'Aubenac, and James Oliver Elder in the Church of Villeneufve de Berg.
• For the Lower Languedoc, Monsieur Jeremiah Ferrier Minister and Professor of Divinity in the Church of Nismes, Isaiah Bailly Minister, in the Church of St. Martin, d' Anduze, and John de Barjac Lord of Gasque, Elder in the Church of St. Martin, and John d' Aguerre Elder in the Church of Sauve.
• For the Higher Languedoc and Guyenne, Monsieur Bernard Sónis Minister and Professor of Divinity in the Church of Montaubon; John Josion Minister in the Church of Castres, and the Lord Du Bovry Governor of the Isle of Jourdan, and Elder of the Church there, and Daniel de Belujon Elder of the Church in Villemure.
• For Burgundy Lyonnois, &c. Monsieur Peter Collinet, Minister of the Church of Parrey; Samuel de Trucis Elder of the Church of Bourg in Bresse, and Job James Bonnet Elder in the Church of Chaalons upon Saone.
• For Provence, Monsieur Anthony the Croase Minister of the Church in Cabiers; and Peter de Villineufve, Lord d' Espineuse, Elder of the Church.
• For Dauphiné, and the Principality of Orange Monsieur Claude Perron Minister, in the Church of Pragelet, Daniel Chamier Minister of the Church of • ontlimart; and Jacob Archmart Elder of the same, and Jacob Videl Elder in the Church of Brianson.
• For Normandy there was no Deputy, but Monsieur du Moulin was entrusted with their Memoirs by the Brethren of that Province.

The Lord's of St. Germain and des Bordes General Deputies for our Churches at Court, and Mr. Joseph des Fountaines commissionated by Monsieur Palott to give in his Accounts of the King's Moneys granted our Churches, were personally present in this Synod.

The Lord's of St. Germain and des Bordes appeared in their Quality of General Deputies, according to the Office conferred upon them by the General Assembly of St. Foy, and Mr. Joseph des Fontaines was deputed by the same Assembly of St. Foy, and to audit the Accounts of Monsieur Palott.

Prayers being ended, Monsieur Chamier was chosen Moderator, and Monsieur Ferrier Assessor, and the Sieurs Vignier and Roy Scribes.

The Provinces which have not sent their full number of Pastors and Elders ordained by our Discipline, are excused for this time, but for the future they shall all o • them conform unto the Canon of the Synod of Montpellier, otherwise they shall forfeit their right of Sitting and Voting in our National Synods.

The Powers given before Public Notaries unto the Deputies of Brittany, and attested by secular persons, is tolerated for the present; but that Province is required to abstain from them for time to come; and are ordered to get their Letters of Commission signed by the Moderator and Scribes of their Provincial Synod.

Monsieur Gueran Minister of the Church of Dindeveuf, Deputed by the Province o • Normandy, excused his absence from this Synod, which was accepted; but that Province shall be censured by Letters from us for their neglect in not sending other Deputies.

CHAP. II. Observations upon the Confession of Faith.

1. THE Province charged to call our National Synod is charged also to bring with it the Original Confession of Faith, which shall to this purpose be subscribed by this Assembly, and sent unto that Province.

2. The Synod reading over the Confession of Faith, and explaining the 18th, 20th, and 22d. Articles of the said Confession concerning our Justification before God, expresseth its detestation of those Errors which are now-a-days broached to the contrary, and in particular their Errors, who deny the Imputation of Christ's Active and Passive Obedience (by which he hath most perfectly fulfilled the whole Law) unto us for Righteousness. And therefore Provincial Synods, Colloquies and Consistories shall have a careful Eye on those persons who be tainted with that Error, be they Ministers or private Christians, and by the Authority of this Assembly shall silence them; and in case of a willful stubborn persistency in their Errors, to depose them, if they have a Pastoral Charge in the Church; from the Ministry. And Letters shall be writ unto Master Piscator to entreat him not to trouble the Churches with his new-fangled Opinions; as also from this Assembly to the Universities of England, Scotland, Leyden, Geneva, Heydelberg, Basil and Herborne (in which Piscator is Professor,) requesting them to join with us also in this Censure. And in case the said Piscator shall pertinaciously adhere unto his Opinions, Master Sohnius and Ferrier are to prepare an Answer to his Books, and that it be ready against the Meeting of the next National Synod. And this Article shall be read, and in all points most exactly observed by the Provincial Synods.

3. The Provinces are exhorted seriously to debate in their Synods how to word the five and twentieth Article of our Confession, and to bring with them their maturest thoughts about it unto the next National Synod, because in expressing our Faith about the Catholic Church, mentioned in the Creed, we have nothing in our Confession concerning the Church Militant and Visible. As also they are entreated to consider whether it would not be fit to subjoin ths word Pure unto those of the True Church, which is in the nine and twentieth Article.

4. The question being moved, whether in Treating of the Call of our first Pastors and Reformers, it were expedient that we should lay the stress of their Authority for Preaching and Reforming, upon that Call and Ordination, they had in the Church of Rome, or no. This Synod doth judge that we ought according to the one and thirtieth Article, to found it principally upon their extraordinary Vocation, whereby they were by an inward powerful impulse from God raised up and commanded to exercise their Ministry, rather than to charge it upon the sorry Relicks of a corrupted Call and Ordination in the Romish Church.

5. That Article treating of Antichrist, shall be the one and thirtieth in order in our Confession of Faith, and shall be thus worded. Whereas the Bishop of Rome hath erected for himself a temporal Monarchy in the Christian World, and Usurping a Sovereign Authority, and Lordship over all Churches and Pastors, doth exalt himself to that degree of Insolency, as to be called God, and will be adored, arrogating unto himself All Power in Heaven and in Earth, and to dispose of all Ecclesiastical matters, to define Articles of Faith, to authorise and expound at his pleasure the sacred Scriptures, and to buy and sell the Souls of men, to dispense with Vows, Oaths and Covenants, and to institute new Ordinances of Religious Worship.

And in the Civil State, he tramples underfoot all Lawful Authority of Magistrates, setting up and pulling down Kings, disposing of Kings and of their Kingdoms at his pleasure: We therefore believe and maintain that he is truly and properly The Antichrist, the Son of Perdition, predicted by the Holy Prophets, that great Whore clothed with Scarlet, sitting upon seven Mountains in that great City, which had dominion over the Kings of the Earth; and we hope and wait that the Lord according to his promise, and as he hath already begun will confound him by the Spirit of his Mouth, and destroy him finally by the brightness of his coming.

6. The word Superintendant in the two and thirtieth Article is not to be understood of any superiority of one Pastor above another, but only in general of such as have office and charge in the Church.

7. The words substance and nourish shall remain unchanged in the six and thirtieth Article, according as it hath been decreed by the Synods of Rochelle in the year 1571. and of Nismes in the year 1572.

8. The Confession of Faith being read was sworn and subscribed by all the Deputies in the names of their respective Provinces, and they did farther most solemnly engage by their promise never to depart from it, and protested that this was that very doctrine which was taught in all their Churches.

9. The Provinces are exhorted for the future at the opening of their Synods to read this Confession of Faith, and our Book of Discipline. And Monsieur Chamier is appointed to draw up an Apology for this our Confession, and to bring it with him unto the next National Assembly.

CHAP. III. Observations upon reading of the Discipline.

1. THE Province of the Isle of France shall be exhorted to be more careful in and about the Election and Ordination of their Pastors, and that Imposition of hands be given them not privately in a clandestine manner by a Consistory or Colloquy, but solemnly and publicly in the face of the whole Church; and that the fourth Article in the first Chapter of our Discipline, be more religiously observed by them and all the Provinces.

2. According to the Tenor of the seventh Article in the same chapter, it is Decreed that all the Churches shall observe one and the same form in Ordination of Pastors, by which the Person to be Ordained shall during that action, be humbly on his knees, and this ordination shall be administered on the Lord's day, or on some certain day of the week, in which there is held a solemn Assembly. And these evil customs practiced in some Churches, of suffering the Person ordained to get into the Pulpit, and of permitting another besides the Preacher to give Imposition of hands, are justly condemned by this Synod.

3. The eighth Article shall be most carefully observed, and to this purpose, there shall be deposited a Copy of our Confession and Discipline in every Provincial Synod, Colloquy and Consistory.

4. All Provincial Synods, Colloquies and Consistories are enjoined as they would avoid the greatest Censures, to have a strict Eye over such who act contrary to the eleventh Article of the first Chapter of our Discipline, and to suspend them from the Ministry, and they also shall be liable to the same censures who leaving the true and genuine fence of Scripture expounded by itself, do rather pitch upon the glosses of Fathers and Schoolmen, and launch out into Allegories, Larding their Sermons with Philosophical Discourses, quoting the Fathers, and bringing their Books with them into the Pulpit; and they also who in time of Lent, or on such noted seasons do choose the self same Texts with the Popish Preachers.

5. The twelfth Article of the same Chapter. The form of Catechising, according as now used in most of our Churches, shall not be changed. And whereas some choose a particular Text, and accommodate it to that particular section of the Catechism, they would treat of, we desire they would not alter our established Order, but conform themselves, as the rest do, unto it.

6. Upon the same twelfth Article, Ministers and Consistories are left to their own discretions, whether in those general Catechisings, which are usually had both publicly and privately before the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, they will further examine every individual person or not, and therein to consult what will most contribute to the Spiritual benefit of their Catechumens.

7. The third Article of the second Chapter shall be couched in these words. Provincial Synods, in which are our Universities, shall choose their own Doctors, Pastors, and Professors of Divinity, whose ability, shall be proved by public Lectures, on some special Text out of the Original Hebrew and Greek Bible, given to them for that purpose, and by disputations in one or two days following, as may be most advisable. And being approved, in case they were never in the Ministry, the right hand of fellowship shall be given them, they having first of all promised to discharge their Office with faithfulness and diligence, and to handle the sacred Scriptures with all sincerity according to the analogy of Faith, and the confession of our Churches, which shall be subscribed by them.

8. On the fourth Article of the second chapter. The fifth penny in all collections for the poor shall be laid up for the maintenance of Proposans. And this shall be an Universal order throughout the Provinces.

9. On the first Article of the third chapter. That custom observed in some Churches, of ordaining Elders by imposition of hands shall be abolished.

10. On the fourth Article of the fourth Chapter. The Provinces are required to see that this Article be punctually observed in every part and clause of it, and in case of transgression, Provincial Synods and Colloquies shall censure those Elders and Deacons exceeding sharply.

11. On the eight and twentieth Article of the fifth Chapter. These words, which conclude that article, Unless it be by the advice of the Consistory, shall be razed out.

12. The thirtieth Article of the fifth Chapter shall run in these words. When Crimes are privately confessed by Penitents unto their Ministers, that they may be holpen with their Counsel and Comfort, Ministers are forbidden to discover them unto Magistrates, lest the Ministry should thereby he blamed, and sinners hindered from Repentance, or making a free confession of their Offences. [And this shall be a standing Canon in all Crimes revealed to them, excepting those of High Treason.]

13 On the third Article of the seventh Chapter. The Brethren of Burgundy demanding, whether those Propositions made by Pastors in their Colloquies should be done in a Scholastic or Popular manner? This Assembly judgeth, that they ought rather to hold of the Schools, because the design and end for which they be instituted is, that Ministers should give a satisfactory proof of their usefulness, and proficiency in their Studies, and Ministerial labors among their people: So that their Doctrine ought to be well opened and proved, and a short application only made unto manners. As concerning those additions which are afterward subjoined by the Pastors, they shall be managed with all soberness, and in as much as may be to the edification of the whole Church. And this Article shall be exactly observed by all Colloquies.

14. Upon the fifteenth Article of the eighth chapter. The Brethren of Brittany shall consider whether they can provide a sufficient Number of Pastors to make up a Provincial Synod: And in case they cannot, care shall be taken in the next National Synod to incorporate them with some convenient Province.

15. The Church of Metz shall be entreated by Letters from this Assembly to send a Deputy unto someone of our Ecclesiastical Assemblies, and to join themselves unto one of the nearest Provincial Synods of this Kingdom.

16. A Declaration from the Churches of Nivernois, Bourbonnois & La Marche having been presented by the Brethren of Berry; it was ordained that those Churches should be Incorporated with the Synod of Berry.

17. The Pastors and Churches in the Bailiwick, of Gex are exhorted to conform themselves in all things unto the Discipline of our Churches, and that they may more easily be enur'd unto it, a decree passed in this Synod for their being Incorporated with the Province of Burgundy at present, and in the next National Synod farther care shall be had of them.

18. In the third Article of the ninth Chapter, these words. As much as may be shall be razed, and in the same Chapter the last clause of the seventh Article, after these words, The Provinces having, shall also be blotted out.

19. On the eleventh Article of the same Chapter. Monsieur l'Oyseau was charged to inquire whether the Acts and Papers of our National Synods were at Vitre or not. And Monsieur Ferrier was to make inquiry whether they were not in Languedoc, and to see that they be sent, unto that Province which is impowered to call the next National Synod, and in case they be not sent unto it, the said Province shall entreat those before-named Gentlemen Mr. l'Oyseau and Bayly that they would seek diligently for them.

20. The word Common after that of piety in the first Article of the tenth Chapter shall be razed out, and in the second Article of the same Chapter these words also, As much as may be. And the Churches are exhorted to a strict observation of it.

21. Upon the fourth Article. Some of the Brethren, because of divers inconveniencies which have already, and may hereafter happen through oppositions made against this Article, moved, that whereas the continuing of public solemn Prayers, which had been appointed in the times of trouble and calamity, drew with it a contemptuous neglect of Sermons, and of the Worshiping of God in their private houses, and a superstitious opinion of their present necessity now in times of peace: that therefore the Pastors of Churches should be advised to dispose their people by degrees to the observation of this Article, and the Consistories should wisely consider of what herein would most contribute unto edifying.

22. Upon the fifth Article of the same Chapter, the Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved this doubt, whether Pastors ought to attend at Funerals. This Assembly considering the condition of our Churches, and the manner of Burying, doth leave it wholly to their discretions.

23. The sixth Article of the eleventh Chapter shall hold good, according as it was formerly decreed by the National Synods of Poitiers and Saumur. And as for Preaching in the houses of Gentlemen when their Children are Baptized, Ministers shall Act therein prudentially, and in such a manner as will most promote the edification of their Churches. And as for that word Infirmity, 'tis not to be understood of the Infants, but of their Parents.

24. Instead of those words in the tenth Article of the same Chapter, It were well, these shall be inserted, It ought to be.

25. On the fifth Article of the twelfth Chapter. The Churches are required punctually to observe it.

26. On the fifth Article of the thirteenth Chapter. All kind of censures shall be inflicted upon the breakers of Marriage-promises, whether expressed in words de praesenti or de futuro.

27. On the six and twentieth Article of the same Chapter, to the word ratified which is in the close of that Article, there shall be this added, and blessed.

28. On the first Article of the fourteenth Chapter, after these words, Till he have first renounced there shall be added, publicly.

The Discipline being read, all the Deputies of the Provinces did swear unto its observation, and that they would seriously and sincerely endeavor that it should be religiously observed in their respective Provinces in all its Articles.

CHAP. IV. Observations made on reading the Acts of the Synod of Gergeau.

1. THE Town and Church of St. John d' Angely desiring that the Decree of the National Synod of Gergeau might be disannul'd, and that Monsieur d' Amours might be restored to them; This Assembly doth ratify that Decree of the aforesaid Synod, and ordaineth farther, that the said d' Amours shall remain with the Church of Chastelheraut, and chargeth the Province of Saintonge to provide out of hand another Pastor for the Church of St. John.

2. Monsieur de Bargemont petitioning by Letters, that the Censure inflicted on him by the Synod of Gergeau might be reversed, and razed out of the Acts of the said Synod. This Assembly replied, that they were very desirous that the said de Bergemont would clear up his Innocency, and justify himself fully before the World, and therefore did ordain him to produce the Evidences of his Innocency and Integrity, before the next Provincial Synod of Poitou, that it may be thence transmitted unto the next National Synod, and then all requisite care should be taken about the razing of the aforesaid Censure.

3. Upon the difference between the five Colloquies of Saintonge and that of Aunix, This Assembly judgeth, that it is but just and reasonable that the Colloquy of Aunix should bear a fourth part of the Charges of the Provinces of Saintonge, notwithstanding the determination of the Provincial Synod of Poitou to the contrary.

4. The appeal brought by the Church of Beaune and Vannes from the Decree of the Provincial Synod of Burgundy, past in favor of Monsieur Manissier, is made null and void, because the said Church appeared not to prosecute it.

5. That debate on behalf of Monsieur Claudius Jobart concerning Festivals, and which had been inserted among the appeals in the Synod of Gergeau, shall be transferred unto the head of particular matters in the said Synod, the aforesaid Jobart protesting that he never brought any appeal against the Province of Burgundy.

6. The Church of Orleans complaining that it was oppressed by a Decree of the Synod of Gergeau, which had adjudged unto the Church of Gergeau the Moneys granted by his Majesty, which belonged to it till the meeting of this present Assembly. This Assembly considering all circumstances, finds no reason to alter the Decree of the aforesaid Synod. And for time coming ordaineth that the Provincial Synod shall do in it as they think fit.

7. Upon the difference between the Synods of Poitou and Saintonge about the Churches of Montignac, Marsillac, and Villefagnon; The Churches of Montignac and Marsillac, are adjudged unto the Province of Poitou: and that of Villefagnon is left to its o • n choice to which of the Provinces it will be Incorporated; but being once Incorporated, the said Church shall not at its pleasure depart from it. And this their choice once made shall be notified unto the next Synod of both the Provinces. However the Province of Saintonge shall retain their right in the Minister of Marsillac.

8. Letters shall be written to the Pastors and Professors in the Church of Geneva, entreating them not to send our young Students in Divinity to Preach, and Administer the Sacraments in Country Villages before Ordination; principally the Students who are hereafter to be employed in the Churches of this Kingdom; because it's contrary to our Discipline, and to the Practice and Custom of the Primitive Church, and for that we feel already the inconveniences hereof.

9. If Deacons of the Church of Bearne in Switzerland should come into this Kingdom, and have not been first duly examined and ordained by imposition of hands, or have not had elsewhere any Pastoral charge, and should yet notwithstanding, as they have done in other places take upon them to exercise the Ministerial office, to Preach the Word, to administer the Sacraments, as the Mode of some Foreign Churches is so to do; they shall first subject themselves to a new examination here, and be received into the Ministry among us, in that very self same manner as Proposans are, who never were Ordained. And for other persons, who were duly examined, and to whom the right hand of Fellowship hath been given in Forreign Churches, and are now called to a Pastoral Charge in someone of our Churches in this Kingdom, they shall be admitted by the Provincial Synods according to the manner prescribed by our Discipline.

10. The Church of Paris shall be censured for not revising that Book styled Apparatus ad fidem Catholicam, not the others, as they were enjoined by the last Synod at Gergeau: And that Church which is charged to call the next National Synod, is now by this appointed to review and examine those books.

11. The differences fallen out between the Synods of Higher Languedoc, and Lower Guyenne concerning the Churches of Montagnac, Leyrac and some others, and which had been dismissed by the last Synod of Gergeau unto the Provincial Synod of Saintonge, and by that of Saintonge to the decision of this Assembly, shall be thus determined; Full power is again given unto the said Synod of Saintonge to perform that Article of the National Synod of Gergeau; and to this purpose the said Province of Saintonge shall take care that notice be given unto the said Provinces of the time and place of their next Synod.

12. In pursuance of that Decree of the national Synod of Gergeau: the Province of Normandy shall give full satisfaction unto Monsieur Vatable, for whom nothing at all hath been yet done.

13. The Article of the Synod of Gergeau being read, which ordered Letters to be written unto the Duke de Lesdiguieres about the 17000 Crowns, being Moneys of the Churches of Lower Languedoc: We have thought fit that both the Articles of the Synods of Monpellier and Gergeau, relating to this matter be razed out; Provided that the Deputies of Languedoc have first of all the sight and perusal of those Acquittances pretended to by his Lordship.

14. Whereas differences have sprung up between the two Provinces of the upper and neither Languedoc about the Churches of Cormes and St. John du Brueil. The Decree made in the Synod of Gergeau for their determination is now again confirmed by this present Assembly, and they be censured, who did not according to their duty put in execution the said Decree; And therefore the Deputies of both these Provinces shall give notice unto those Churches to appear in the Colloquies and Provincial Synods of the Nether Languedoc.

15. John Mussidan Bordaires presented his humble Petition unto this Synod, requesting that his name might be blotted out of the Catalogue of Vagrants, into which it was inserted by the last Synod of Gergeau, and that he might be permitted to make a Proposition from some text of the Holy Scripture, in order to his re-admission into the Ministry. This Assembly having received several relations from divers of our brethren concerning his insufficiency for so great and weighty a Calling, did advise him to lay by all hopes and thoughts of re-entering into this Sacred Office, because the Lord did not think him fitly qualified for it, nor would own or accept of his service in it: But that he might not be totally disheartened, the Province, whereunto he retires himself, is entreated to assist him with their Charities, and to employ him as a Schoolmaster in the teaching of youth.

16. The Synod willing to express their affectionate respects to Monsieur Berger, and intending as the former Synod of Gergeau to seal and testify their great love and care for him, and for his better subsistence (the Deputies of the Provinces of Orleans and Berry having informed us of his deplorable condition.) It doth ordain that over and above the two Portions assigned him from the Kings Money in the late dividend at Gergeau, two other Portions shall be added towards his relief by the Province of Berry.

17. The Pastors and Professors in the Church of Geneva having read, according to the desire of the late Synod at Gergeau, the book of the Lord du Plessis upon the Eucharist, and given a very honorable testimony to it: This National Synod doth render unto his Lordship their hearty thanks for his great zeal and affection to the truth of God, and for his worthy labors in the defense thereof, and orders that it be printed out of hand, believing that the Lord will give his blessing to it.

18. The difference between the Provinces of Vivaretz and of both the Languedoc 's concerning Moneys assessed by these latter upon that of Vivaretz shall be finally determined, and to this purpose the Decree made in the late Synod of Gergeau is now ratified, because the Brethren of Vivaretz have brought nothing against it, but what had been answered over and over. And this Article shall be in full force as to those 3000 Crowns which had been raised by those Provinces before the Synod of Gergeau.

19. Master Gabriel Raoul presented himself personally before this Synod, humbly desiring his re-admission into the sacred Ministry from which he had been deposed by the Provincial Synod of the Lower Guyenne held at Aymet, which Sentence was ratified by the Ministers assembled at St. Foy, with the Authority of the National Synod of Montauban in the year 1594. After that the said Raoul had been patiently and for a long time heard speaking what he could in his own defense, and that the Acts of the said Synod of Aymet had been reviewed, as those also of the Pastors assembled at St. Foy, declaring the enormous crimes whereof the said Raoul was guilty, and after reading the Certificates of several Colloquies, Churches and Godly persons, unanimously proclaiming him a person utterly unworthy of Employment in the Gospel-Ministry, as also that Act of the National Synod of Saumur confirming his deposal. This Assembly ratified those Judicial Sentences past upon him by the foregoing Synods, and declared the said Raoul utterly unworthy of ever being re-admitted into the sacred Ministry; and farther adviseth him to humble himself deeply before the Lord in a most bitter Repentance for his heinous offenses, and for time to come to live Holily and Christianly in a private and secular life, and to betake himself to the practice of Physic in some Church of Christ. In the mean while all the Papers relating to his deposal, and the Certificates given him by several of his Friends, Ministers of the Gospel, shall be deposited, with the Church of St. Foy, to be forthcoming upon all occasions. And whereas he begged an Attestation from this Assembly, we declare that none other can or shall be given him than what is expressed in the very words of this Act. And the Province whereunto he shall retire for Habitation and Employment, is required to take notice what use and benefit he shall make of the good Counsels that have been here given him, and what his after Conversation is, and accordingly to give in their Opinion whether he be fit or no to be received as a private Member into Communion with our Churches.

CHAP. V. Of Appeals.

1. THE Church of Xaintes appealed from the Judgment past against them by the Provincial Synod of Saintonge, about Monsieur Primrose, ho was given by that Synod for Pastor unto the Church of Bourdeaux, Messieurs Renaud Minister of the Church of Bourdeaux, and Roy Elder in the Church of Xaintes, having been both heard, Monsieur Roy declared, that the • hurch whom he represented would desist from their Appeal, provided the • hurch of Bourdeaux would secure them another Minister, or that the Province would do it, or that they might be assisted for a time with one of the Ministers of Rochell. This Assembly doth confirm the Call of Monsieur Primrose unto the Church of Bourdeaux, yet reprehends the carriage both of Monsieur Primrose, and that Church of Bourdeaux in his Call, and ordaineth that the said Church do perform their promise engaged to the Provine of Saintonge, of giving them a Proposan meet to be employed in the Ministry. And the said Province is enjoined to take speedy care that the Church of Xaintes be supplied with an able Pastor, besides him who at present laboreth among them, because of the great importance of that Church.

2. The Inhabitants of Elbaeuf appealing from the Decree of the Synod of Normandy, which had incorporated them with the • hur • h of Beauroger. This Assembly giveth leave unto those Inhabitants of Elbaeuf to join themselves unto the Church of Quevilly, provided that they continue their Contributions to the Church of Beauroger, lest tha • by their departure from it, they should cause its dissolution.

3. The Church of Poitiers appealed from that Decree of the Synod of Poitou, which would have reinstated Monsieur de la Dugnie in his Office of Elder. This Assembly judgeth that the said Church did well in making their Appeal from that Synodical Ordinance; and that Provincial Synod shall be censured for giving Judgment that the said de la Dugnie, notwithstanding these offenses whereof he was guilty, and which were owned in the very Judicial Decree of that Synod, should be restored.

4. The Elders of the Colloquy of Nismes appealing from the Decree of the Synod of Lower Languedoc, by which an hundred and sixty Liv • rs of the Moneys granted us from • he King's Bounty had been assigned over unto Monsieur de Falgueroles, in consideration of his many and great Employments; this their Appeal was rejected and made null; and the Decree of the said Synod ratified and confirmed.

5. Monsieur Sohnius appealed from the Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc, which had ordered, that because the said Sohnius was not ordinary Pastor in the Church of Montauban, therefore he should not participate in the Moneys granted us by his Majesty. This Assembly censuring the Province of Higher Languedoc for derogating from the Ordinance of Gergeau, by which four Pastors were assigned unto the Church of Montauban, it doth ratify and confirm that Ordinance before mentioned at Gergeau, and declares that the said Master Sohnius ought to receive his share in the said Moneys equally with the other Pastors which are in actual service.

6. Monsieur Berauld appealed from the Decree of the Province of Higher Languedoc, which would in the distribution of his Majesty's Royal Bounty, that in all Colloquies and Synods the number of Pastors and Elders should be equal. This Assembly judgeth that the said Master. Berauld had sufficient cause for his Exception against it, and to appeal from them unto this Synod, and therefore the Antient Order established in our Synods and Colloquies, shall be observed according to the Discipline, without any other particular Regulation concerning it, that so all suspicion and occasion of differences in our Churches by such an innovation may be cut off and prevented. And all Ministers are advised in such cases to manifest their Self-denial, and how far they be estranged from Covetousness, and that they do prefer the public before their own private benefit and advantage.

7. Monsieur Berauld appealing from the Decree of the Consistory of Montauban, confirmed by the Synod of Higher Languedoc, importing, that Ministers had no power to call into the Consistory the Ministers of other Churches to consult together with them about Church-affairs without the previous advice and consent of the Consistory. This Appeal is rejected and made void, and this National Synod ratifieth the Decree of the Provincial Synod of the Higher Languedoc in what concerns Ordinary Consistories: However it intends not by this act to abridge Ministers of their privilege (when they be desired to give some private advice) consulting with such of their Brethren as they shall judge fit to call into the Consistory.

8. Monsieur Paul de la Ville appealed from the Synod of Vivaretz, for decreeing an Excommunication against him, unless he did immediately withdraw his Son from out of the Jesuits College in Tournon: This Assembly approving the just severity of the Synod of Vivaretz against the said de la Ville, doth expressly forbid him ever to send his Son back to Tournon; and in case of his obedience unto this our Order, that then he be restored unto his Office of Elder in the Church, and that all censures denouncit against him shall cease and be disannulled.

9. Master Lawrence Brunier, and Mr. Simeon Codur formerly Ministers in the Church of Usez, Appealed from the Sentence of the Synod of Lower Languedoc, whereby the said Master Simeon Codur for the facts specified in the Decree of that Synod, was suspended from the Sacred Ministry for the term of a full year; which being expired, he might officiate as Pastor in some other Church of any other Province, by attestation and discharge had and obtained from that Synod: And the said Master Lawrence Brunier is suspended the Sacred Ministry for three months time, after which the Colloquy of Nismes is to provide a Church for him but out of the Colloquy of Usez. Which appeal both the said Ministers, Mr. Lawrence Brunier and Simeon Codur had once retracted and revoked, but yet since have took up, and again revived it. Farther also there presented themselves as Parties to this Appeal the Lady Margarita de Brahier, and Susanna de Sallette Wife of the said Master Lawrence Brunier, complaining that the said Synod of Lower Languedoc, had not took any the least care for the reparation of her honor, wronged as she pretends by the said Codur. This Assembly having read the acts of the said Synod of Lower Languedoc, and the proceedings of Brunier and Codur, one against the other, and the accusations of the said Lady against Codur, and having examined the said Codur upon all those Articles whereof he was accused by the said Mr. Lawrence Brunier and his Wife, who pressed them home upon his Conscience, as also that the said Codur did apply himself to both their Consciences, charging them to give glory unto God by a free, full and sincere confession of the Truth: This Assembly did in the first place judge the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc worthy to be censured for their tumultuous and disorderly departure from the place of their meeting, and for proceeding in this affair contrary to the Discipline, and for producing before us Acts, which were never signed by the Moderator and Scribe of their Synod, as in course they should have been, and for getting those subscriptions out of their Synodical Sessions. And as for the said Codur, although he cannot be fully and plainly convicted in every particular of the matters laid unto his charge, yet nevertheless this Assembly judgeth that there is cause enough for confirming, as it now doth confirm in every point and article the sentence of the said Synod of Lower Languedoc concerning the suspension of the said Codur from the Ministry, and the excluding him from the Province of Lower Languedoc: as also it doth confirm the suspension of Mr. Lawrence Brunier for three Months, because of that excessive animosity manifested by him in his prosecution of the said Codur; however it restores the said Brunier unto the Colloquy of Usez, to be employed by them immediately, if they think meet: But because of the great divisions which are in the Town of Usez, the said Brunier shall not exercise his Ministry in it, unless the next National Synod shall otherwise determine for him, who may restore him, if they please, unto the Town and Church of Usez, on their petition for him. And that the honor of Mrs. Susan de Sallette, Wife of the said Brunier, may be repaired, which was damnified by imprudent words uttered against her by the said Codur, the said Codur is enjoined to acknowledge his offense, and the scandal given by him, here before this whole Assembly, and shall ask pardon of the said Brunier, and shall further declare that he believeth the said Gentlewoman to be a person of great virtue and honor, and that he is sorry to have spoken anything prejudicial to it, and that he hath scandalized the Church of God by it. All which the said Codur shall not only protest in this Assembly, but also in the Consistory of Usez, where he shall give the same satisfaction unto the said Mistress Susan de Sallette, begging her pardon in the presence of the Elders and Deacons of that Church, and of the Lady Marguarita Brahier if she please to be there, and of ten or twelve other persons, such as the said Brunier and his Wife will choose. And hereupon all Prosecutions at Law before the Magistrates both of the one and other side, whether directly or indirectly had or done, shall immediately and eternally cease. And if either of them contradict this decree, he is hereby declared totally deposed from the Holy Ministry. And the said Master Lawrence Brunier and Simeon Codur acquiesced in this Ordinance, and the said Codur having made his acknowledgment, in the form prescribed him unto the said Master Lawrence Brunier and his Wife, they were reconciled together, and like loving Brethren did mutually give each other their hands. And that Peace may be made in the Church of Usez, this Assembly orders Messieurs Renaud, Esperien, Sohnius and Gigord to visit that Church, and to dispose their minds unto it. And that no new Controversies may hereafter arise upon the score of the Writings and Proceedings relating to this business, they shall be all lodged in the hands of Monsieur Chamier.

10. An Appeal was brought by the Church of Puylaurens and Monsieur Voysin the Minister, from a Decree of the Synod of higher Languedoc, ordaining the said Voysin to return unto the Colloquy of higher Quercy, and to serve the Churches of St. Clere, Blenac and Calvinett. This Assembly rejecteth and maketh void this Appeal, and confirms the Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc, but on this condition, that those Churches last-mentioned do fully satisfy within three months the Church of Puylaurens all those expenses they have laid out upon the said Voysin.

11. The Colloquy of Albigeois appealed from the Synod of Higher Languedoc, because they had now adjudged the Church of Mazamet and St. Amand, which formerly belonged to the Colloquy of Albigeois, unto the Colloquy of Lauragais, This Assembly leaveth the Churches to their full Liberty, and to choose that Colloquy which lieth most commodiously for them. And in consequence hereof the Church of Mazamet joined itself unto the Colloquy of Lauragais, according to their desire and choice. And in the next National or Provincial Synod the Church of St. Amand shall declare into which Colloquy of these two, it will be Incorporated.

12. Monsieur de Clermont and the Church of Pringey appealed from the Synod of Anjou and Touraine, which had adjudged Monsieur le Bloy to the Church of Angers, notwithstanding the right Monsieur de Clermont pretended to have in the said le Bloy, who had been Educated for the Ministry at his sole charges. This Assembly, because of the importunity of the Church of Angers, hath confirmed the Call given by them unto the, said le Bloy, but on this condition, that the Church of Pringey shall be provided of Monsieur Douchet, who is now in England, immediately upon his return, or of some other able Pastor, by the Church of Angers.

13. The Church of Montlimard appealed from the Synod of Dauphiné about the Erecting of a College in the Town of Die. This Assembly ordereth the Provincial Synod of Dauphiné to put a final period unto this Controversy.

14. The Churches in the Principality of Orange brought their Appeal against the Province of Dauphiné, for three portions of the King's money, to be attributed unto the Churches of the said Principality, as it had been decreed in the Synod of Gergeau. This Assembly doth Ordain, that according to the Dividend made at Gergeau, the Churches in the Principality of Orange shall receive three portions of the moneys assigned unto the Province of Dauphiné, and that without allowance of any charges, unless what had been expended in the recovery of them. And this Order shall be of force unto this day; but for the future, they shall be provided for by that new distribution, which shall be made in this Assembly.

15. The Elders of the Churches of Lue, Tarbies and Brignoles appealed from the Colloquy and Synod of Provence, which had ordained that the moneys laid out upon Monsieur Baptist Beliste, should be redemanded from those said Churches, it having been disbursed wholly and solely for his particular Maintenance This Assembly judgeth that it's most agreeable to found reason that the charges of Journeys should be born by the whole Province, and come out of the public purse; but as for such Expences as were done for expediting and forwarding of particular business relating unto those particular Churches, they ought in Conscience and Justice to be defrayed by those Churches.

15. The Appeal brought by Joseph Pallott, from the Decree of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc, is dismissed over to the decision of that Province, which is hereby fully impowered to determine finally of it.

CHAP. VI. Of General Matters.

1. THE Petition tendered by our Brethren of the Marquisate of Saluces Exiled for the Gospel's sake from their Houses and Inheritance was read, and 'twas judged reasonable, that the Churches of the said Marquisate should be preserved and confirmed in their Union and Communion of Faith and Discipline which they have ever had with the Churches of this Kingdom. And therefore the King's Majesty shall be most humbly entreated to recommend them to the Duke of Savoy, that the Liberty granted them by his Edicts may be continued and confirmed to them. And Letters also to this purpose shall be written from this Assembly unto the Duke of Savoy, and to the Duke de les Diguieres, and the Churches of the Valleys shall be exhorted to join themselves into a stricter Bond of Union, as they have done in times of former troubles, one with the other.

2. All Pastors shall be obliged to a personal Residence in their Churches, and who so live at a distance from them, shall within three months time at the farthest, after notice given them to this purpose, retire unto them, on pain of being suspended from their Ministry. And the Deputies shall immediately upon their return, acquaint their respective Provinces with this Decree; that so the Provincial Synods may put to their helping hand for its better observation.

3. For as much as divers Ministers not deputed unto this National Synod, do carry themselves with very little reverence or respect unto it; that such inconveniencies for the future may be avoided, it is ordained, That if any Pastors not delegated by their Provinces unto these National Assemblies, do notwithstanding appear in them, they shall have no place of sitting, nor be admitted into them, unless it be when matters of a most general and public concern as to Doctrine and Discipline are treated and debated, and then also for no longer time than those Assemblies shall judge meet and fit.

4. The Pastors and Professors in the Church of Geneva complained of our Bibles printed at Rochell. This Assembly having revised the Decree of the Synod of Saumur, by which the privilege of Printing those Bibles was granted unto Monsieur Hautin deceased; And for as much as the said Impression is very much advanced, and that from all parts our Ears are filled with great complaints of the scarcity and dearness of those Bibles printed at Geneva, and of the bad Paper, and worse Letter used by them in their last Edition in Quarto: It was advised to dispatch Letters to our Brethren of Geneva, desiring them not to take it amiss, that we continued the Printing of our Bibles at Rochell, according to the unanimous desire of all the Churches in this Kingdom; and in the mean while our Printers at Rochell shall be exhorted to hasten their said Impression, and to vend it at as low a price as possibly they can: and Monsieur l'Hommeau is requested to add a good Index to it.

5. Divers Pastors and Members of several Churches remonstrated in this Assembly, how they had been troubled and prosecuted for calling the Pope Antichrist in their private and public discourses. This Synod protesting that this was the common Faith and Confession of all our Churches, and of this present Synod, That the Pope is the Great Antichrist, and one of the principal causes of our separation and departure from the Church of Rome, and that this Confession was contained in, and extracted out of the holy Scriptures, that it had been sealed with the blood of a world of Martyrs. Therefore all the Faithful, be they Pastors or private Christians, are exhorted constantly to persist in the profession of it, and openly and boldly to confess it; yea and this very Article shall be inserted into the body of the Confession of our Faith, and the General Deputies of our Churches at Court are required to petition his Majesty, that none of his Officers in any Sovereign, or other Inferior Courts of Judicature may be suffered to infringe our Liberty of Conscience granted us by his Edicts, of making a free Confession of our Faith, and that none of them may trouble or vex us, as divers of them have done for this very matter. And who so are now prosecuted and molested on this account, or may be hereafter, they shall be supported and defended by the whole Body of the Churches in the best manner that can be, according to that firm Bond of Union, which is established among us. And Letters shall be written to our Lord's the Judges in the Mixt Courts, to exhort them vigorously to maintain this Article of our common Confession.

6. A general Case was proposed, Whether the Faithful might lawfully use in public Acts and Instruments before Magistrates, these words, Of the pretended Reformed Religion, especially if those Magistrates be of a contrary Religion to us. This Assembly thinks fit, that an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, entreating him, that we may not be forced to speak or act anything contrary to our Consciences; and in the mean while all the Faithful are exhorted to abstain from that word of Pretended, it being repugnant to our Faith, and to that sincere, and free, and open confession we are bound to make of it.

7. This Case was propounded by our Brethren of Saintonge, Whether a private person might appropriate unto himself a place of Burial, and erect upon Pillars or any other way a Monument unto himself, and whether the Lord's of the Manor, or other Gentlemen, may set up their Escutcheons in our Temples. As to what concerns our Churches, This Assembly ordaineth, That in matters of Sepulchers the ancient plainness and simplicity shall be retained, nor shall any private person appropriate any spot of ground unto himself in particular, because we express hereby our Communion as with the Saints in their Death, so in our hope and expectation of a blessed Resurrection; And the same plainness and modesty shall be observed in our Temples, leaving however unto Colloquies and Consistories to act on special occasions as they shall judge meet.

8. The Attestations granted unto Officers in the mixed Courts (where they be one half Protestants, and the other Papists) shall run in the same form with those given unto Governors, as it was expressed and inserted into the acts of the Synod of Montpellier in these terms

9. Messieurs Berron and Videl demanding that out of the Common stock of Moneys granted us by his Majesty there might be drawn the sum of Six thousand Crowns for the founding an University at Die: and whereas the Deputies of the Town of Die protested, that they sought not a penny of the said Moneys for themselves, only that other Churches having Academies they had none, and that the necessities of their Churches did require one. This Assembly, having considered the whole, judgeth that there cannot be granted unto the said Town of Die any farther sum than was at first demanded by their Deputies.

10. Our Brethren of the Church of Die requesting that Monsieur Chamier might be constituted by this Synod the Professor of Divinity in their intended Academy; This Assembly doth confirm that Article of the Synod of Gergeau, whereby it was ordained that Monsieur Chamier ought not without the express consent of the Churches of his Province be removed from his Church of Montlimart.

11. Our Brethren of Dauphiné desired that some means might be contrived for a Conference and Union with the Lutheran Churches in Germany, that so the Schism between us & them might be removed. This Assembly desirous to see the fruits of such a noble project, ordereth Letters to be dispatched to the Orthodox Universities of Germany, England, Scotland, Geneva, Basil, and Leyden, and to Messieurs des Gourdon and de Fontaines in London, entreating them to travel with us in the effecting of this Holy Union; and that Princes may be engaged to put forth their authority herein, that so we may all be more firmly united among ourselves in the Confession of one and the same Doctrine.

12. This Case was propounded. A Proposant, never called nor ordained unto the Ministry, takes upon him to baptize a Child. Is this baptism valid? This Synod judgeth that the scandal given unto the people be carefully taken away; And forasmuch as that baptism is of no force, the Child shall be brought into the Church of God by true Baptism, according to the decision of the Synod of Poitiers.

13. This Case was moved. Whether an Oath might be lawfully taken before the Magistrate, by laying the hands on, and kissing of the Bible. This Assembly judging that Ceremony to be of dangerous consequence, declareth that it ought not to be used; but that whoso are called out to swear, shall content themselves with the bare lifting up of their hands.

14. The Province of the higher Languedoc moved, whether disputations in Theology might be introduced among our Ministers in their Colloquies and Provincial Synods. This Assembly following the Decree of the Synod of Saumur dismisseth such disputes over unto the Schools, and judgeth their usage • angerous among Ministers.

15. That Order made by the Province of Anjou against a Lord, of misrule chosen by the Lawyers, is approved and confirmed by this National Synod.

16. If any of the Brethren have observed in the Writings of our Authors somewhat deserving censure, they be desired to inform the Provincial Synods of it, which are ordered to convene as soon as may be after the breaking up of this National Assembly.

17. Every Province shall be bound to maintain a certain number of Scholars, named to this purpose, out of the dividend of our Moneys granted us by his Majesty: which said Scholars shall be obliged to study either in the Universities of this Kingdom, or else where at the Order of the Province that maintains them. And the said Scholars shall not be admitted into the Ministry in their respective Provinces without producing good and sufficient Testimonials of their Learning and Godliness, signed by the Pastors and Professors of those Universities, wherein they have studied.

18. Messieurs Sohnis, Beraud, Gigort, Ferrier and Chamier, are appointed a Committee, to draw up a Body of Laws for the right ordering of our Schools and Universities, which shall be presented by them unto the next National Synod. And in the mean while that the order already set up in the University of Montaubon may be confirmed, the Pastors, who at the breaking up this Synod, shall return unto it, and others that live near it, shall pass over unto Montaubon, and exhort the Consuls in the name of this Assembly to put to their helping hand together with their Pastors and Professors, that it may be duly observed.

19. When as a Professors place in an University comes to be vacant it shall be lawful for the other Professors together with the Pastors and Consistory thereof to nominate another Person by way of Provision, who till the meeting of the Provincial Synod, may read Lectures, and perform the duties of that office.

20. That Article of the Assembly of St. Foy concerning Counselors resigning their places in the Mixt Courts shall be exactly observed by all the Provinces: because it contributes abundantly to the better conduct of all our Affairs.

21. This Assembly ordaineth that the sum of Nine Thousand Livers which had been assigned unto Monsieur de St. Germain out of the small income of the years 1602 and 1603. shall be entirely paid him by Monsieur Palot, if he hath not yet done it, although there had been but Six thousand Livers ordered him by the Assembly of Saint Foy. And that the sum of four thousand, five hundred Livers which was ordered by the said Assembly unto Monsieur Bordes, shall be also entirely paid him by the said Palot for everyone of those years, if it be not as yet done, although he was not mentioned in the Account of the year 1602. nor in that of the year 1603▪ and there had been ordered him only twelve hundred Livers. And the said sums shall be paid by the said Palot unto those two Gentlemen before any other moneys payable either to Ministers or Governors, without any allowance or defalcations made by the said Palot for Taxes or Values of Moneys; As also the sum of 2000 Livers a year, ordained unto Monsieur des Fontains for his pains taken in auditing the Accounts of the said Palot and which as Wages had been paid him by the said Monsieur Palot for both these years, 1602 and 1603. and shall be allowed unto the said Palot in the first place before all other moneys of the said Churches and Garrisons, all this notwithstanding any debates whatsoever formed to the contrary by the General Deputies, who hereafter may be ordained to reside near his Majesty, who also shall be paid their respective Compositions preferably to all others out of the Moneys of the said Churches.

22. Monsieur de St. Germain and Monsieur des Bordes General Deputies for our Churches at Court have the thanks of this Assembly for their faithfulness and diligence in the discharge of their Office, as also the like thanks is rendered to Monsieur des Fontains for his pains taken with Monsieur Palot in auditing his Accounts, according to the Commission given him by the Assembly of St. Foy.

23. Our Universities are advised to do their utmost endeavor in getting a public Library, and in particular, the King of Spain's Bible in many Languages Printed at Antwerp.

24. Our Universities shall bring in their Accounts together with all their Acquittances from the Synod of Montpellier unto the next National Synod. And because of the great importance of the University of Sedan, and its singular usefulness unto our Churches; This Assembly out of the Dividend of Moneys granted to our Universities, doth farther add over and above what was given it by the Synod of Gergeau the sum of three hundred Crowns more.

25. There having risen up great Differences about the Deputation of Monsieur Du Bourg unto the King, who was sent by the Provinces of the Higher and Lower Guyenne, and that of Higher Languedoc, of Normandy, the Isle of France, and the Church of Paris. These Provinces and that Church in particular are very sharply censured for acting contrary unto what had been determined in the Assembly of St. Foy, and thereby sowing the Seeds of division among us; and the said Du Bourg shall be admonished to look to it, that he bring no inconveniencies by his manner of proceedings upon our Churches and that such like troubles may be for the future prevented and avoided (because they be contrary to, and destructive of our Union,.) all the Provinces shall be warned that for the future they do not grant any authority unto any one single Church or Person to dispose of affairs, which may be of general concernment unto their Provinces, without having first communicated them unto them respective Provincial Synods, or Political Assemblies.

CHAP. VII. Of Particular Matters.

1. THe Province of Berry desired some course might be taken, first, with those Churches, who arrogating to themselves all the Moneys of his Majesty's bounty, did grant out of it but sorry, niggardly pensions; and secondly with those who complain of their grievances in the inequality of payments to which their Provinces were taxed; and lastly, about the assistance and relief which is to be Ministred unto Churches in their first rise and gathering. This Assembly, devolved the whole upon the prudence of that Province in which these cases might fall out, and to act according to the rule of Charity in and about them.

2. The same Province of Berry prayed that the Synod of Burgundy might be enjoined to censure Monsieur Textor by the authority of this Assembly for quitting the Church of Lorges, he not having obtained leave neither from his Church nor Province: As also for that he neglected to give notice of it unto this Assembly. The whole business was dismissed over to the next Synod of the Isle of France, there to be determined.

3. The complaint of the Colloquy of Niort against the other Colloquies of the Province of Poitou, about the third part of all expenses to be defrayed by that Province, is turned over to the judgment of the Synod of Saintonge.

4. The Church of Mauvaisin demanded that License might be given to Monsieur Girard to Preach occasionally among them. This Assembly confirming the decree of the Synod of Gergeau, doth expressly forbid the said Girard in any wise to Preach at Mauvaisin.

5. Monsieur Bourg complaining that Monsieur Forton and some of the Elders in the Church of Bourdeaux had in divers places slanderously reported of him that he intended to revolt from the profession of the true Religion; This Assembly not crediting such relations, and being persuaded that he will constantly and faithfully persevere in the profession of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, doth remit the cognizance of this affair unto the Consistory of the Church of Bourdeaux, which is ordered to look into it with more than ordinary care and diligence.

6. The Lord Viscount of Paulin and the Church of Compagnac desiring it, we grant that the said Church shall be conjoined with the Colloquy of Quercy.

7. The Churches of Dauphiny are charged to notify unto the other Provinces when it may be needful to assist the poor Fugitives banished the Marquisate of Saluces, and from the Valleys of Piedmont and Savoy.

8. The Provinces of Anjou, Poitou and Normandy shall by turns supply the Church of Rennes with a Pastor, until such time as it shall please God to give a fixed one unto them; and the Colloquy of Lower Poitou shall begin, Anjou next, and last of all Normandy.

9. The little book of Monsieur de la Vallee concerning a person possessed by the Devil shall be read and examined by the Synod of Saintonge, and if they judge sit, let it be imprinted.

10. The next Provincial Synod of Dauphiné is charged to moderate the Taxes laid upon the Church of Montlimar by the Colloquy of Die, the said Church complaining of its being over-rated.

11. For as much as the Pastors and Elders of the Church of Bergerac have petitioned that Monsieur Beraud the younger might be permitted to continue the exercise of his Ministry among them, and that Monsieur de Beraud his Father gives way unto it, as appears by letters under his own hand: This Assembly confirms the Call of the said Beraud the son unto the Ministry of the Church of Bergerac, for so long time as his Father can dispense with him, considering the great need he will have of him now in his declining years.

12. Monsieur Hesperian is confirmed in the Ministry of the Church of St. Foy, and Letters shall be sent unto his Father from this assembly, desiring his consent unto it.

13. This Synod approves that Order established in the Bailiwick of Gex, concerning their Supreme Consistory in Matrimonal Causes, and nothing therein shall be innovated.

14. The Churches of the Bailiwick of Gex shall have their share in the Moneys granted us by the King until the next National Synod, and in the mean while their Pastors shall dispose their people to contribute something towards the common charges of the Churches.

15. The Deputies of the Isle of France shall tender unto their next Provincial Synod the Letters and Memoirs of Monsieur du Perche sent by him unto this Assembly, that satisfaction may be given the said du Perche for what he pretends owing to him from their Province, and to this purpose notice shall be given him of the time and place of their meeting by the Church of Paris.

16. Letters were read from the Church of Vertueil whereupon this Assembly ordered, that immediately Letters should be written to the Lord's Commissioners for executing his Majesty's Edict in Dauphiné, recommending that Church unto them, that so it may be named the first Town of the Baylywicks of Dauphiné, as it was ordered at the Synod of Grenoble in the year 1602. and that the Town of Briancon might be reputed the second.

17. Letters from our Brethren in the Valley of Barcelona, craving advice how to govern themselves under their apprehensions of being deprived by the Duke of Savoy of their precious Liberty to profess the Gospel, and worship God according to his holy Will prescribed in the Scriptures. This Assembly desiring most sincerely their Consolation, doth earnestly exhort them to a stricter Union with the other Valleys of Piedmont, assuring them of all Offices of Christian Charity, in case they should be persecuted or banished, they being Members of our own Body, united with us in the same Doctrine and Discipline.

18. Letters from the Church of Issoire being read; this Assembly ordered the General Deputies at Court vigorously to endeavor that the exercise of our Religion might be established according to the Edict in the said Town of Issoire, and in other places of the lower Auvergne; and the Colloquies of St. Germain and Anduza in the lower Languedoc shall supply them with Ministers: And that this their Establishment may be the better and sooner effected, they shall have four Portions of the Moneys granted us by the Kings Majesty, out of that Sum appointed for the lower Languedoc. And in order hereunto the said Colloquies of St. Germain and Anduze shall assemble themselves within a Month after the breaking up of this Assembly to consult together about those Ministers who are to serve and shall be sent into the Lower Auvergne; and those Churches there shall in the mean while do their utmost endeavor to get themselves furnished with able Ministers. And the Province of Higher Languedoc shall have the same care and kindness for the assistance and relief of the Churches of the • igher Auvergne.

19. The poor, fallen Christians in the Marquisate of Saluces demanding Counsel what course they should take after this their great Offence: This Assembly ordered that Letters should be sent them to forsake those places, where they be constrained to participate in Idolatry, and to accompany their banished Brethren in bearing the Cross of Christ.

20. The Universities shall be once again exhorted to get for themselves if possible a public Library, and in it the great Bible of Antwerp.

21. The General Deputies of our Churches at Court are ordered by this Assembly to do their utmost for the repose and welfare of the distressed Valleys of Chasteau-Dauphin.

22. Monsieur Claudius Jobard Citizen and Inhabitant of Geneva complained against the Province of Burgundy, for wrong done in their public Synodical Acts at Ullim unto Master David Peaget Minister in the Bailiwick of Gex, when as by the Colloquy of Gex, who had inspected and examined that matter, the said Peaget was justified and absolved of the Crimes imputed to him, and that the Ministers of Geneva, and Doctor Polanus Professor of Divinity in the University of Basil had given laudable Attestations under their Hands of his Godly Life and Conversation. This Assembly considering the rashness of the Sentence denounced against the said Peaget, and that too in his absence by the Synod of Burgundy, orders that it be razed out of the Acts of their Synod, and that he be restored to his good Name with Honor.

23. Monsieur des Bordes shall take care of the Business relating to the City of St. Ambroise, and to write unto their Consuls for Advice in what manner he is to act for them.

24. The Synod of higher Languedoc is charged to prosecute Monsieur Hollyer, and see that he do appear in person at the Provincial Synod of Vivaretz, and demand leave both of his Church, and Province, from which he is departed without their Consent, contrary to the Discipline.

25. The Complaint of Monsieur Desparlay Vice-Seneschal of the higher Guyenne shall be presented unto His Majesty by our General Deputies: And in the mean while he is desired to quit his Law-suit begun with the Magistrates of the City of Lectoure.

26. Messieurs Sonis, Josion, Chauffepied, du Bourg, and de • la Garde are ordered to take the City of Orange in their way homeward, and to appease the troubles stirred up in that Church and City; and to assure them that upon our reading their Letters and those of Monsieur Blacon 's, this Assembly confirming the Union of that Church with the other Churches of this Kingdom, had charged their General Deputies to bestir themselves as the necessity of their Affairs did require, in their behalf, and that Letters to this purpose should be written unto His Majesty, mediating with him for their Indemnity, and future preservation.

27. The Church of Beaulne shall pay Monsieur Caille the Sum of 560 Livers, which it is indebted to him, and bound to satisfy him fully by Decree of the former Synod of Burgundy, held the last year; and that Synod shall see their Decree accomplished.

28. Monsieur de la Faye relating the extreme poverty of the Church of Aubenac, and their utter inability for these two last years past to maintain their Minister: This Assembly ordaineth, that the said Monsieur de la Faye shall receive an Hundred Crowns before any others out of the first Moneys that come in clearly unto the Province of Vivaretz, and are payable to it for this present year, and the remainder of those that are past. Because the said Province of Vivaretz hath received two Portions more than is due unto it upon the account of Ministers in actual service. And for time to come the said Monsieur de la Faye shall receive three Portions of those Moneys assigned unto that Province, and that preferably to all others, without any deductions for Costs, Taxes, or bad Moneys to be allowed by him. And to this purpose the Province of Vivaretz shall have two Portions given it over and above the number of Pastors actually employed in its service.

29. Monsieur Ganthois Minister and Deputy of the Church of Sedan complained of the Synod of the Isle of France, Picardy and Champagne, that whereas by a Decree of the National Synod of Gergeau they were allowed four Pastors, they had retrenched their number; and farther they remonstrated how greatly incommodious it was unto them by reason of excessive Charges, and tiresome long Journeys to be personally present at their Provincial Synods, which ordinarily were held at some place near Paris. This Assembly ordaineth that for time past both parties shall bring and give in their Accounts according to the Allotment for four Pastors made at Gergeau: and for time to come the said Church of Sedan shall remain incorporated with that Synod, as it had been by the Ordinance of Gergeau, but it shall be dispensed with all as to its presence in the said Provincial Synod, provided they attend on the meetings of the Colloquy of Champagne, and in case of Appeals from the said Colloquy, that they send these by the Deputies of the said Colloquy, who shall personally appear in the Provincial Synod. And the said Colloquy of Champagne is further enjoined to give unto the Church of Sedan its Dividend of the Moneys assigned that Colloquy by the Synod of Gergeau, and to act conformably to this our Order until the next National Synod.

30. That Book of Monsieur Ferrier Intituled 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 shall be revised by himself, and communicated to our Brethren the Pastors of Geneva, before it be reprinted the second time.

31. The Provinces are charged to collect the Memoirs of those Memorable Events which have fallen out these Fifty years last past, and to send them unto Monsieur d' Aubigny in Poitou, to be inserted by him in his History of this present Age.

32. The Province of the Isle of France complaining that Five Hundred Livers were drawn out of the whole Sum allotted them by the Dividend of Gergeau, and particularly assigned towards the Maintenance of two Ministers in their Province: This Assembly judging it a matter of dangerous consequence for any Ministers to be thus prefer'd above their Brethren, enjoineth the said Province of the Isle of France not in the least to regard it, and forbiddeth those Ministers on pain of the greatest Censures to draw out their Pensions by any other way, than what is usual and common to all the Churches. However for the encouragement and accommodation of those two aforesaid Ministers, Pastors in the Churches of Mantes and Fountain-bleau, two Portions more are ordained the Isle of France, over and above those adjudged to it for Ministers in actual service.

33. The Province of Vivaretz shall make a present Gift of an Hundred Livers unto the Province of Lower Languedoc, out of the 372 Livers which they pretend to be owing them by that of Vivaretz; and the Accompts of both these Provinces shall be audited in the next Provincial Synod of the Lower Languedoc; and in case those of Vivaretz refuse this condition they shall be bound to make a full payment of the said 372 Livers.

34. The Church of Lions petitioning for an able Pastor, fit to undergo so weighty and important a charge: This Assembly ordaineth that Monsieur Bailly do exercise his Ministry there until the next National Synod.

35. Because of the inability of the Church of Saumur to do it, therefore the remainder of Moneys due unto that Church out of the Sum allotted towards the Maintenance of their University, shall be employed in the purchase and building of a College meet for their Academical Exercises.

36. That the differences betwixt those of Provence and Dauphiné may be finally composed; this Assembly ordaineth that those of Dauphiné do bring in their Accounts, and pay unto the Provencals the seventh part of all those Moneys which the said Province of Dauphiné hath received for the years 98, 99, 1600. and the seventh part of the Assignations remaining as yet unpayed for those years, deducting only from the said Moneys the Sum of two hundred Livers, remaining in their Hands, and to be allowed them upon pretence of Charges.

37. A motion was made for providing the Church in the Court of Her Royal Highness His Majesty's Sister with an able Pastor; and Monsieur du Moulin Minister in the Church of Paris informing this Assembly that the Church of Metz hath assisted the said Church with two Ministers, who have each of them served his Quarter, and that he the said du Moulin is to serve the third and next Quarter, beginning the first of May, according as the Church of Paris had been enjoined; therefore, the Church of Rouan having three Ministers, and well able with much ease to undergo this task, it is Ordained that the said Monsieur du Moulin, and Monsieur de la Riviere Minister in the Church of Rouen shall in their turn serve the said Church, and that Monsieur de la Riviere shall begin with the next year 1604. and Monsieur du Moulin the year ensuing.

38. Our Brethren of Anjou demanded that Monsieur Renaud might be constituted Professor of Divinity in the University of Saumur. This Assembly grants it, provided that he and his Church of Bourdeaux do consent thereunto.

39. Differences having risen betwixt the Provinces of Dauphiné and Provence about Accounts of Moneys employed by the Deputies, who had met at the Synod of Saumur from both these Provinces; this Assembly most earnestly intreats them before their departure hence to compound the matter among themselves; and that it may be effected, Monsieur de Lhomeau and Monsieur de Grenoville are appointed to hear the differences, and to make report of the whole unto this Assembly; which being done by them, and heard by the whole Synod, that so a final period might be put unto these unhappy differences, which had been of too long a continuance, It was ordained, that those of Dauphiné should be accountable unto them of Provence, for the seventh part of those Sums actually received by them in the years 1598, 1599, and 1600. and for the seventh part of the Assignations, which are yet unpaid, only deducting from the whole the Sum of two Hundred Crowns remaining in their Hands, and to be allowed them in lieu of charges and all other pretensions whatsoever.

40. Considering the Importance of the University of Sedan, and the great Service it hath done, and still does unto a great part of our Churches, this Assembly ordaineth that in the Dividend of our Moneys granted us from • is Majesty's Bounty, there shall be an Addition of three Hundred Crowns more to those five Hundred assigned to it by the Synod of Gergeau.

41. The Provinces are desired to consider against the next National Synod, whether the Word Damnation, attributed unto our Lord, in the tenth Section of our Catechism may be retained or changed.

42. Monsieur des Fontaines left the Original Accounts of Monsieur Palot in the Hands of our General Deputies, who are charged to get them Copied out, and sent unto Rochell, together with other Papers to be preserved in the Archives there.

43. The Province of Saintonge is ordered to Convene the next National Synod in the City of Rochell in the Month of May, and in the year 1605. unless there should fall out some other General Assembly in the mean while.

44. The Assembly proceeding to a new Election of General Deputies for the Churches, according to the regulation made in the Assembly of St. Foy, among all that were recommended by the Deputies of the Provinces, It chose only these two, the Lord of St. Germain, and the Lord of Bordes, ordering that they be continued in this their Office, because of their good report, and general satisfaction given by them unto the Provinces and Churches in their former administration; who having accepted this Office, did Swear the Union prescribed at Mantes, and solemnly promise to employ themselves with all faithfulness to the utmost of their power in the discharge of the Duties thereof, according to their Commission given them at Saint Foy.

45. The Sum of five and forty Thousand Crowns coming in unto us this year from the Moneys of His Majesty's Bounty, after mature consideration had of the State of our Universities and Churches, they were distributed in manner following.

CHAP. VIII. A Dividend of the Sum of 45000 Crowns both for our Universities and Churches.

All the Provinces shall have for their respective Churches according to the Number of Ministers in actual Service, and of the Proposans they were obliged to maintain.

46. All the said Provinces shall bring unto the next National Synod the Accounts of their Administring of these Moneys, divided among them, for the use of their Pastors, and Unprovided Churches, and of the Proposans, whom they stand obliged to maintain, that so the sums granted, but not employed by them, may be restored unto the Synod.

47. Thanks shall be returned, and are now rendered unto the Lord's de St. Germain, & des Bordes, our General Deputies at Court, for their singular fidelity and diligence in the discharge of their Trust, as also unto Monsieur des Fontaines for his great pains in bringing Monsieur Palot to Audit his Accounts, according to the Commission given him by the Assembly of St. Foy.

CHAP. IX. Here follows the Account of what was granted to Monsieur Palot and to Monsieur du Kandel.

1. THIS Assembly grants unto Monsieur Palot, that he shall first choose his Assignations out of the years 1598, 1599 and 1600, that so he may be reimburst of the Moneys advanced by him in the years aforesaid, without advancing one upon the other, according as was ordained by the Commissioners.

2. This Assembly counts it unreasonable to give unto the said Palot any Interest for the Moneys said to be advanced by him, nor does it think fit to grant him that preference demanded by him for his confused and general advances, that so he should be reimbursed out of the first and best Moneys remaining due for the years 98, 99, 1600, 1601, 1602.

3. This Assembly restoreth unto the said Palot the sum of 1599 Crowns, paid by him in the year 99, by virtue of an Order from the Assembly of Samur, upon condition, that he reimburse himself out of the remaining Moneys of the years 98, 99, 1600, belonging to the Ministers and our Cautionary Towns, he deducting from it the portions of the Higher and Lower Guyenne, unless he would rather choose to recover it from the Parties themselves, as it was ordered by the Commissioners.

4. This Assembly cannot allow of, nor part with the 2000 Crowns paid unto the Deputies of the Assembly at Saumur, in the year 1601, for that half year in which they did no Survice, nor can they allow upon the years 1601, and 1602, and 1603, the sum of 1800 Crowns unto Monsieur de Parabelle, which had been ordered him out of the remainders of the years 98, 99, and 1600.

5. Nor can it grant at present unto the said Palot, out of the clear Incomes of the years 1601, and 1602, a restitution of those dividends, which have been razed out of his Accounts, because he keeps the last quarter still in his own hands to reimburse himself, nor in particular for those portions, whereof he once had the first payment granted him by this Assembly.

6. Yet notwithstanding that Order of Counsel regulating the Taxations of the said Palot at 1200 Crowns for the years 1601, 1602, and 1603. this Assembly doth think fit to give him for the years 1601, and 1602, a penny in the Liver for Moneys already and actually paid, provided that within six days after his being at Lions, he do pay the Arrears due unto our Churches, from the two first Quarters of the years 98, 99, 1600, 1601, and 1602, and to everyone of the Provinces their particular shares of the 4847 Crowns, owing by him upon the third Quarter of the year 1601, and of the 5528 Crowns, which he ought to pay upon the third Quarter of the year 1602, as also what he oweth us for reimbursing him a penny farthing in the Liver for the bad Moneys of former years, according as the Accounts shall be stated immediately betwixt all the Provinces, and Him the said Palot, in the presence of Monsieur des Fontaines; with this express condition, that if the said Palot do not at the time mentioned pay in at Lions the sums aforesaid, that then the Churches shall not be bound to allow him the penny in a Liver, but only two deniers and an half (which is not a full farthing in the Liver) according to the Order before-mentioned. And as for the remaining sums of the third and fourth Quarters of the years 1601, and 1602, the said Palot shall make payment of them according to the Covenants past betwixt him and this Assembly, not including in this Resolution either Provinces of the Higher Languedoc, or Lower Guyenne.

CHAP. X. An Account of the Dividend of One hundred and five and thirty thousand Crowns, given by His Majesty every year unto the Reformed Churches of France, according to which the Lord Isaac du Candall, and Monsieur de Visouze shall make payment of each particular sum at the time hereafter appointed for the year next coming, 1604, and this in pursuance of that Agreement made with the said Lord of Candall, and the Deputies Assembled in this present National Synod held at Gap in Dauphiné, before Monsieur Rostrain His Majesty's Public Notary.

And all these Sums shall be paid by the said Lord of Candall unto those Universities at the Terms prefixed, before any other payments whatsoever.

And what remains of the overplus of three quarters, shall be equally paid in to each of the Provinces, according to the Account before-appointed, by three equal portions, at the Terms prefixed, allowing him a Sous in the Liver.

What shall become due unto the Provinces of the Isle of France, Normandy, Orleans, Anjou, Poitou, Higher and Lower Guienne, shall be paid into the Consistories of Paris, Rouen, Orleans and Poitiers; and for the Higher Languedoc and Guienne unto Mr. J. Bardon; and what shall be due unto the Province of Burgundy, unto Mr. J. Le Gras Merchant, in the City of Lions.

And in case it should so fall out, that our Lord's the General Deputies should not receive either the whole, or part of their Assigned Stipend from the Lesser Account, according to agreement: It is now resolved, that what may be wanting to make it good, one half of it shall be taken out of the Total Sum of 135000. Livers, which were to be paid in unto the Provinces in the three Quarters, and shall be deducted from everyone of the Provinces; with the allowance of a Sous in the Liver unto the Lord of Kandel; and the other half shall be deducted out of the Moneys appointed by His Majesty for payment of the Garrisons; and to this purpose an Order shall be given unto the said Lord of Kandel, and our General Deputies shall be paid before all other persons.

And this same course shall be taken for all pay • ents in the year 1605. And this Rule shall be in force till the Meeting of the next National Synod.

CHAP. XI. A Roll and Catalogue of all the Reformed Churches of France, as well those which are actually supplied with Pastors, as of those which shall be before the Meeting of the next National Synod to be held at Rochell in the Year 1607. otherwise the Provinces will be enforced to make Restitution of those Moneys ordained for them out of the Stock given us by His Majesty's Royal Bounty. There was tackt unto this Roll the Names of those Pastors and Proposans who are to be maintained by the Provinces.

CHAP. XII. Remarks upon the Deputies of this Synod.

1. MR. Daniel Chamier, was the Son of a worthy Minister in Dauphiné, who, riding to a Provincial Synod, was drowned. His Son Daniel is, in common discourse among the French Ministers, styled the Great Chamier. A man of vast Learning, great Prudence, and indefatigable Industry; very dear unto, and highly esteemed by their National Synods, to which he was frequently deputed, chosen Scribe in that of Gergeau, and Moderator in two National Synods, of Gap and Privas. He was killed at the Siege of Montauban (where he was Pastor and Professor of Divinity ) with a Canon Bullet, having a C on it (being the Hundredth that was shot against the Town) upon the Lord's Day, the day, as he said, of his rest; and indeed, God took him into his Eternal rest, as he did Elijah, by Horses of Fire, and Chariots of Fire. He hath so Learnedly confuted the Papists in his Panstratiâ Catholica, that none among them ever undertook to Answer it. There be also printed his Epistolae Jesuiticae, and his Corpus Theology, and in French, La Confusion des disputes Papists. There is also an Answer of his to some Questions of Cotton the Jesuit. But of him more in my Icones.

2. Ferrier, who was Assessor in this Synod, was an Infamous Apostate; He Writ Hypotyposes Theologicae.

3. Monsieur Vignier, who was one of the Scribes, was the very Learned Son of a most Learned Father. His Theatre de l'Antichrist was a grievous tormenting Boyl unto the Papists. He Writ a Dissertation in Latin about the Venetians Excommunication by Paul V. against Cardinal Baronius. And Theses de Satisfactione Christi.