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

CHAP. I Names of the Deputies and Synodical Officers.

• • Monsieur Beraut chosen Moderator.
  • Monsieur Merlin Assessor.
• Scribes.
  • Monsieur Andrew Rivet and
  • Monsieur Roy. —

THERE appeared in it as Deputies from their several Provinces, the Pastors and Elders hereafter named.

For the Province of Saintonge, Aunix and Augoulmois, Monsieur George Pacard Minister in the Church of Rochefoucaud, Master James Merlin one of the Pastors of the Church of Rochelle, Monsieur Arthur de Partenay Lord of Genouille Elder in the Church of Tonney-boutonne, and Mr. Daniel le Roy Elder in the Church of Xaintes, with Letters from the said Province.

For the Province of Lower Languedoc, Master Christopher de Barjac Lord of Gasques Pastor of the Church of Vigan, and Master John Gigord Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montpellier, and Tristram de Brueis Lord of St. Chappe, Elder in the Church of Nismes, and Stephen du Vergier Ordinary President in the Chamber of Accounts of Languedoc, Elder in the Church of Montpellier, with Letters of Commission from their Province.

For the Province of Orleans, Berry, Blesois and Nivernois Master Joachim du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Orleans, and Master Nicholas Vignier Pastor of the Church of Blois, together with the Lord's Daniel de St. Quintin Baron of Bellet Elder in the Church of St. Amand, and Michael de Launay Lord de Filaines, Elder in the Church of Blois, impowered with authority from their Province.

For the Province of the Isle of France, Picardy, Champagne, Brie, and the Land of Chartres, Master Francis de Lauberan Lord of Montigny Pastor of the Church of Paris, and Master Tobias Yoland Pastor of the Church of Vitry le Francois, and Paul de Charites Lord of Plessis Chennelle, Elder of the Church of Chartres, commissioned by Letters from their Province.

For the Province of Lower Guienne, Perigord and Limousin Mr. Paul Baduel Minister of the Church of Castillon, Mr. Gilbert Primrose, Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux, together with John du Puis, Lord of Cazett, Elder of the Church of Castillon, and Mr. Stephen Manial, Elder of the Church of Bourdeaux.

For the Province of Anjou, Touraine and the Maine, Monsieur Abel Bede Pastor of the Church of Loudun, and Master Peter Solomeau Pastor of the Church of Vandosme, together with James Ridouett Esquire Lord of Sanzay, Elder of the Church of Bauge, and Bartholomew de Bruges Elder of the Church of Loudon.

For the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne, Master Michael Beraud Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montauban, Daniel Raphin Pastor of the Church of Realmont, John de Periott Elder of the Church of Montauban, and Peter Philippin Elder in the Church of St. Antonine.

For the Higher and Lower Vivaretz and Velay, Monsieur John Valeton Pastor of the Church of Privas, and Master Christopher Gammon, Elder of the Church of Nonnay, bringing with them Letters of excuse for not having sent the number of Deputies prescribed by the Canons of former Synods, which were in no wise admitted, and therefore the said Province was censured: However their Deputies were received for this time; This Assembly declaring it should not be made a president for future neglects, as also that if in time coming they did not send the full number of four Deputies, they should have no power of Voting, and this in pursuance of what had been decreed in the National Synod of Gap.

For Provence, Monsieur Daniel Chanforan Pastor of the Church de la Coste, and Peter Texier Elder of the Church of Lormarin, with Letters of excuse for not having sent the number above-mentioned, which, because of the paucity of Ministers in their Province, was for this time only received. And they were enjoined for the future to send four Deputies, or to incorporate themselves with some other Province.

For the Province of Higher and Lower Poitou, Master James Clemencean Minister and Pastor of the Church of Poitiers, and Andrew Rivett Pastor of the Church of Touars, together with Samuel Mauclerc Lord of Marconny Elder of the Church of Poire and Belleville, and Monsieur Joseph des Fontaines Elder of the Church of Mesle.

For the Province of Dauphiné, Mr. John Paul Perrin • Pastor of the Church of Nians, and John Vulson Lord de la Columbiere Pastor of the Church de la Mure, together with Charles de Veze Lord of Coucy, Elder of the Church de Dieu le fit, and Lord of the said place, and Francois de la Comb Elder of the Church of St. Marcellin.

For the Province of Burgundy, Lionnois, Forest, Bresse, Beaujolois and Gex, Monsieur Isaiah Bayly Pastor of the Church of Lion, and Daniel de Piotay Pastor of the Church of Gex, together with John de Jaucourt Lord of Villarnoul, Elder of the Church of Avalon, and Master Claudius Cotereau Elder of the Church of Dijon, and Counselor in the Parliament of Burgundy.

For the Province of Normandy, Mr. John Gueroult Pastor of the Church of D'Indebeuf, and John Boudrier Lord de la Buissonniere Pastor of the Church of Alencon, and Samuel de L'Escherpiere Lord de la Riviere Pastor of the Church of Rouan, together with Nicholas Le Febvre Elder of the Church of Caen, with their Letters of Commission. The Synod of the said Province, and the Colloquies of the Higher Normandy were all censured for leaving the Nomination of their Deputies unto the Colloquy, and for not sending an equal number of Pastors and Elders, according to the Canons of our Discipline; however the four fore-mentioned Deputies were admitted.

For the Province of Brittany, Master Rene de Loss, Lord de la Touche, Pastor of the Church of Blain, and Master Peter de la Place Pastor of the Church of Zion, together with Louis d'Avangour Lord of Bois de Cargrois, Elder of the Church of Nantes, and Elias de Goulaines Lord de Loudoniere Elder in the Church of Vielle Vigne.

There came also with Letters of Commission from the Country of Béarn Master Isaac Balldraind Pastor of the Church of l'Escar, and principal of the College of the same place, craving admission and privilege of Voting in this Assembly, which was granted him: But the said Churches were exhorted for the future to join an Elder in Commission with that Pastor, whom they shall depute unto our National Synods.

Master James Capel called otherwise du Tilloy Pastor of the Church of Sedan, and the Lord Peter de Bury Elder of the same, presented themselves as Deputies from the Churches of the Sovereignty of Sedan in this Assembly, but were not admitted as representing a particular Province, because they were Members of the Colloquy of Champagne, yet it was granted them to assist in this Assembly, when as matters concerning Doctrine and Discipline in general were debated, and that they might in their turn propound what did particularly concern their Churches and University.

Prayers being ended, and the Assembly proceeding to the choice of their Moderator, Assessor and Scribe, there came into the Synod the Deputies of the Commonalty and City of Rochell, demanding to be admitted, and to give their Vote in that Election, as constituting a Province together with the other Provinces of the Kingdom, especially when as any Affairs not relating to the Doctrine or Discipline of the Churches, but for our common preservation should be treated. This caused a very great debate, and at last it being judged that this Assembly was purely Ecclesiastical, and it being utterly uncertain whether any matters of another nature might be handled in it, it was finally determined, that the Moderator, Assessor and Scribe should not be chosen but by such persons as were purely Ecclesiastical. However those Deputies were admitted into the Synod, and had their privilege of Voting in it, according to the Decree at Chastelleraut, in case other matters fell under consideration.

Monsieur Beraut was Elected Moderator, and Monsieur Merlin Assessor, and to Gather and Record the Acts of this Synod, Monsieur Rivet and Roy.

In reading the Letters of Deputation, it was observed, that those of certain Provinces wanted that clause which promised Approbation and Submission unto the Decrees and Resolutions of the Synod: Whereupon they were all admonished In no wise for the future to omit it, as being very necessary for the ratifying the Decrees of these Assemblies, and of this our Brethren of Béarn are particularly to be informed.

Whereas the Pastors and Elders of divers Churches, not deputed unto this Synod, were yet very importunate to be admitted to the seeing and hearing of all matters transacted in it. This Assembly considering that their number did daily and excessively increase, which might at last cause confusion, and other evil consequences, in case everyone should be indifferently received; it was resolved that entrance should not be granted to any other besides the Deputies, unless when as the General matters of Doctrine and Discipline should be debated. And this Order shall hold good for the future; nor shall they be suffered to be present at these debates, who have no business calling them unto these Synods, unless they produce a Certificate of Leave had from their Churches, together with the time limited for their tarrying.

For as much as divers persons at the opening of the Synods are very importunate, and thereby disturb the Order of Affairs, pressing impatiently the dispatch of their own particular concerns, because of the Expences they are enforced to make by a long Attendance: Notice shall be given to the Churches, that for time coming, no Appeals shall be meddled withal till the seventh day after the sitting of the Synod; that so the parties concerned in them may not be over-hasty, and that they may have fit time for their Appearance.

The Answers of his Highness the Prince Elector Palatine returned unto the Letters of the Synod of Gap, by which he had been entreated to endeavor the Uniting of the Protestant Churches, being read, as also those others from the Ecclesiastical Senate of the Palatinate, from the University of Heidelburg, from the Provincial Synods of Holland and Zealand, from the County of Hannaw, and the Classis of Lauzanna, Morges, Iverdon, from the Canton of Béarn, and Church of Geneva: This Assembly (having found evident Testimonials in them of their sincere affection to the seeking and procuring the Common Good, and in special an entire Approbation of the Confession of Faith owned and received in the Churches of this Kingdom) doth render most hearty thanks unto God, for vouchsafing us so great a benefit, well-hoping, that by their persisting in it, the Lord will be pleased graciously to touch the Hearts of them, who as yet dissent from us, and disagree with us, to embrace it also. And all persons are exhorted to be mighty Wrestlers with God in humble and ardent Prayers that it may be effected.

The Letters also of Monsieur Regnault Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux were read, who was charged with those of the Synod of Gap, when he went into Germany about his own private Affairs, to be delivered unto those to whom they had been directed. And because that such a Negotiation was not a little Incommodious to him, and that upon his return, he was summoned personally, and at his own charges to appear at Court, and that he was at the Expence of printing the Confession of our Faith: This Assembly gives him the Sum of seventy Crowns, to reimburse his Charges, and thanketh him for his care and faithfulness in the delivery of those Letters, and for having communicated with Monsieur Piscator, and brought back with him his answers. But order is given unto the Synod of Lower Guyenne to examine him upon some certain points mentioned in the aforesaid answers, as for styling himself the Messenger or Ambassador of the Churches▪ and for submitting the Confession of Faith of the Churches of this Kingdom to the Censures of Forreign Universities; and in case these can be proved upon him, he shall be censured. And forasmuch as the Letters of Monsieur Piscator have been communicated to others before they were tendered to this Assembly, the said Synod shall make a strict inquiry into this matter, and know whether Monsieur Regnault were guilty of it or no.

CHAP. II. Observations on reading the Confession of Faith.

1. ON the tenth Article, in which it's said, that the whole offspring of Adam are infected with Original Sin, The Pastors of Lauzanna by their Letters request that our Lord Jesus Christ may be excepted. But it was not found needful to accord it to them, because that it's expressly mentioned in another Article of the same Confession, and for that in this place it is to be understood of other persons; as also for that the Scripture expresseth this in plain terms.

2. Whereas the Synod of Gap had charged the Provinces to consider in what terms the twenty fifth Article of the Confession of Faith should be couched, and to come prepared for it, unto the present Synod, and to judge whether any mention should be made of the Catholic Church, spoken of in the Apostles Creed, as also whether it would not be expedient to add the word pure to that of true Church in the twenty ninth Article, and that all in general should come ready to debate that Question of the Church: The Provinces having been heard speak by their Deputies, it was finally resolved by common unanimous consent that nothing should be added to, or taken from these Articles, and there should be no more discourse had about that point of the Church.

3. It was Decreed that nothing should be added unto the eighth Article of our confession, which treats of Justification, because it's couched in the very express words of Scripture, and in its own common phrase. Those Explications and Amplifications desired by some, may be received either from Doctors in our Universities or Pastors of our Churches.

4. Whereas Doctor John Piscator Professor in the University of Herborn by his Letters of answer to those sent him from the Synod of Gap, doth give us an account of his Doctrine in the point of Justification, as that it's only wrought out by Christ's Death and Passion, and not by his Life and Active Obedience: This Synod in no wise approving the dividing causes so nearly conjoined in this great effect of Divine Grace, and judging those arguments produced by him for the defense of his cause weak and invalid, doth order that all the Pastors in the respective Churches of this Kingdom do wholly conform themselves in their Teaching to that form of sound words which hath been hitherto taught among us, and is contained in the Holy Scriptures, to wit: That the whole Obedience of Christ both in his Life and Death is imputed to us for the full remission of our Sins, and acceptance unto Eternal Life; and in short that this being but one and the self-same Obedience is our entire and perfect Justification. And the Synod farther ordains that answer shall be made unto the Letters of the said Doctor Piscator, propounding to him this Holy Doctrine together with its principal foundations, yet without any vain jangling, and with that devotion as becomes the singular modesty expressed by him in his Letters to us, wherein there is not the least bitterness or provoking expression, leaving it unto God, who can when he pleaseth, reveal unto him the defects which are in the Doctrine of the said Piscator, as also to assure him that he hath exceedingly satisfied this Assembly in his Explications on that Topic of Repentance.

5. Letters were sent by Mr. Felix Huguet Minister of the Gospel, together with two Copies of a Book writ by him in Latin concerning Justification, which said book he had for some time past caused to be Printed at Geneva, without the knowledge of the Pastors of that City, or the Approbation of the Pastors of the Province of Dauphiné where he resides. Upon report made of it by several Brethren Pastors of Churches ordered to peruse the said Book, both as to its style and matter; The Synod judgeth the said Huguet to have incurred a most grievous censure; first for writing in the name of the Synod in a matter of General concern without any warrant from it for so doing, and secondly for giving a public answer to a Book which, was never published; and lastly for having Printed his Book contrary to the Canons of our Church-discipline: And therefore it ordaineth that the said Book be suppressed, and that thanks be returned to the Magistrates of Geneva for their preventing of its public sale, and to entreat them that for the future they would totally suppress it. And farther the Synod hath thought good, that in the Letter which shall be written unto Dr. Piscator, he shall be acquainted that Huguets Book was writ without the order, knowledge and consent of our Churches, and only attempted by him upon a private caprice of his own, without any public Warrant or Authority for so doing.

6. Whereas Monsieur Sohnis Pastor and Professor of the Church and University of Montauban, hath at the desire and in the name of this Assembly written Letters, and an Answer unto those of Piscator, which upon perusal are found very orthodox: It's ordered that thanks be returned unto the said Sohnius for his labor and diligence; but yet for peace and concord's sake, it's thought good to detain them by us for a while, and Monsieur Sohnis is entreated to suspend the publication of his Treatise about Justification for some short time, till we see what fruits the sweet and gentle procedures may produce, and the next National Synod shall then license it.

7. Monsieur Regnault Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux, having sent us the Copy of Letters written to him by the most Illustrious Lord John, Earl of Nassau, in which he expresseth his desire of maintaining the Peace and Union of the Church, and particularly promiseth to hinder the out-breaking of Piscator 's Notions, provided he be not provoked elsewhere by any others. This Assembly ordaineth, that Lettes shall in its name be written unto the said most Noble Lord, thanking him for his pious affection, and humbly entreating that Prince to continue his endeavors for effecting of that much-desired Union, and to take care that none of his Subjects do break out into bitter expressions, and to assure him on the behalf of our Churches in this Kingdom, that no person shall be suffered to exasperate Dr. Piscator by any public Writings; as also that if any one hath heretofore done it, he had no Commission for so doing from us, and it was disowned by this Synod, and that we shall take special care to prevent it for the future.

8. Our Printers shall be once again charged, according to the Decrees of the Synods of Montauban and Saumur to put the word Union, instead of Unity in the twenty sixth Article of our Confession. And all Pastors, in whose Churches there be Printing Houses are required to oversee the next impressions, that so it be done accordingly.

9. That Article concerning Antichrist inserted by the Synod of Gap into the body of our Confession, and making the thirty first having been in its order read, weighed and examined, was approved and allowed by general consent both as to its form and substance, for very true, and agreeing with Scripture-Prophesy, and which in these our days we see most clearly to be fulfilled. Whereupon it was resolved, that it should continue in its place, and that for time coming it should be imprinted in all Copies, which should come from the Press.

10. That word Superintendent in the thirty third Article shall abide, according as it was expounded by the Synod of Gap.

11. Whereas the Pastors and Classis of Lausanna, Morges, &c. do demonstrate in their Letters, that it would be fit to add unto the close of the thirty third Article after the word Appertaining this restriction, as far forth as they be grounded on the Word of God; This Assembly hath found it needless and superfluous, because that the foregoing words,

12. Whereas some have remonstrated that it were meet to express in the thirty sixth Article more clearly that Union which the faithful have one with another, and which is signified to us in the Lord's Supper; But this point having been debated, it was judged needless; for that the Conjunction of the head with the Members there mentioned did necessarily infer the mutual Union and Communion of the Members one with another.

13. The Consistories of Churches in which our Printers live, are charged for time to come to have a special care that our Printers do not forget those words of our Lord's Institution, Take, Eat, &c. And Drink, ye all, &c. according as was Decreed in the Synod of Saumur.

14. The Province of Higher Languedoc scrupling the word Lieutenant in the thirty ninth Article; This Assembly saw no reason for it, but that it might continue in it, as importing nothing contrary to what is signified by that word when attributed unto Magistrates by the Holy Scriptures, and equivalent to those words which the Word of God doth bestow upon them.

15. The Confession of Faith having been read over word by word, and in every Member, Article and Clause of it, it was unanimously approved and sworn to by all the Deputies present in the Synod, who promised and protested to live and die in this Faith, and particularly in what had been determined according to the Scriptures, That we be justified before God by the imputation of that obedience of our Lord Jesus, which he yielded unto God his Father in his Life and Death. Which said Protestation the Deputies of the Provinces will by the Authority of this Synod cause also to be taken by all the Pastors of their respective Provinces, which had sent them.

CHAP. III. Observations on the reading our Church-Discipline.

1. ON the Second Article of the first Chapter after these words of their Doctrine shall be added, approved at least by the space of two years since their Conversion, and confirmed by good Testimonials from those places in which they live.

2. On the fourth Article of the same Chapter, that alternative of two or three shall be removed, and there shall be mentioned three only.

3. No Church shall for the future undertake (whatever solicitations may be made it) to examine or ordain those Pastors, which are to serve out of this Kingdom, but herein they shall conform unto the Discipline, and the Decrees of former National Synods.

4. After these words in the fourth Article, which shall be advised, there shall be added, without being able during that all whole time to administer the Sacraments, that so, &c.

5. That Article of the Synod of Gap concerning the eleventh Canon of this first Chapter shall be most strictly observed; and that it may be better kept for the future, in all Consistorial, Classical and Synodical Censures, diligent inquiry shall be made into the Conversation, and Manner of Preaching used by every Pastor, and an Oath shall be imposed on the Examinant to speak the Truth to the best of his knowledge, and that they may the better answer to every point, they shall read unto them the said Article of the Discipline.

6. On reading the nineteenth Article, the Synod ordered Letters should be written unto the Lord's of this Kingdom, professing the Reformed Religion, that they be entreated when ever they are called from their Houses unto Court, or when ever they travel, that they would not fail to take their Pastors with them.

7. The Synod expounding the twenty eighth Article by these words (their Churches being heard) doth understand the Consistories and Chief of the people, and by these words, for certain considerations doth understand, whatever may fall out in general, and not particularly the proceeds of Censures.

8. On the thirty third Article, where speech is had about the consent of Pastors and Churches in case of Loan of Ministers without the Province; It is now decreed, that notwithstanding any Appeal to the contrary, a Colloquy may lend a Pastor for three Months, and the provincial Synod for six.

9. The means prescribed by the Synods of Gap and Gergeau to prevent their ingratitude who refuse maintenance unto their Pastors, are left to be used according to the discretion and charity of the respective Consistories.

10. These words shall close up the forty eighth Article, and all sentences of suspension for what cause soever shall stand good, notwithstanding any Appeal, until the final Judgment.

11. On the first Article of the third Chapter, That Custom introduced into some certain Churches, that Elders going out of Office do nominate their Successors, is reprehended, and it is decreed according to the Discipline, that they shall be chosen by the common Suffragies of the Consistories.

12. On the fourth Article of the fourth Chapter. Notice is given unto Provincial Synods, diligently to inquire who those Pastors and Elders be that give▪ Testimonials contrary to the form prescribed by our Discipline, that so they may be censured. And for time coming all Pastors giving Attestations unto Trades-men or others, who desire them upon none other account than to be acknowledged as Church-members, shall specify that they promised never to abuse them as Instruments for begging or wandering from one Church unto another, and in case they should so do, that then they be reputed null and void, and be torn in pieces.

13. Churches, whose Members are Prisoners in Paris or elsewhere upon the account of Religion, are exhorted to minister unto their Necessities by be relieved, their Charities and Alms-deeds.

14. This Sentence shall conclude the fourth Article of the fifth Chapter, however without being able to treat of Church-matters, but in those places where the Consistory doth ordinarily meet.

15. On the ninth Article, whole Consistories shall not be excepted against, nor one of the Pastors and Elders in case a Consistory judge the causes of that Exception invalid, notwithstanding the Appeal.

16. On the twentieth Article, such as have been married by a Popish Priest, shall not be dispensed from making public Acknowledgment of their sin by the Consistory, whatever their quality or condition may be.

17. To the seventh Article of the eighth Chapter, after these words, shall be chosen, these must be added, with a low voice.

18. Reading over the division of the Provinces, it was thought good that the greater, and which are furnished with a larger number of Pastors, should consult whether it were not commodious for them to be divided into two; and they are requested to come prepared with these Resolutions upon it unto the next National Synod.

19. On the third Article of the ninth Chapter, The Provinces are left at liberty to send their present Deputies unto the following National Synod, provided they judge it expedient.

20. The clause which was razed out of the seventh Article of the ninth Chapter by the Synod of Gap, to wit, The Provinces having been first informed by that which was charged to convocate the next Synod, shall be again inserted, but with this restriction in the end, if it may possibly be done.

21. On the third Article of the tenth Chapter, License is given unto particular Churches to celebrate a Fast, they first consulting with their Neighbor-Churches, and on great and urgent causes, for which they shall be accountable unto the Colloquies and Provincial Synods.

22. To the eleventh Article of the thirteenth Chapter, after these words, with the Niece, shall be added, and the Grand Niece.

23. To the fifteenth Article of the same Chapter after these words sufficient attestation, there shall be added, of Promises.

24. To the sixteenth Article of the fourteenth Chapter there shall be this addition made to close up that Article, And in case the matter be urgent, then unto the Universities or Neighbor Ministers.

The Church Discipline having been read and approved by all the Deputies, they swore unto its observation, and promised to see that it be carefully observed in their respective Churches, and to solicit their Provinces for its performance.

CHAP. IV. Observations on the National Synod of Gap.

1. THAT Exhortation given by the Synod of Gap for reading the Confession of Faith, and Book of Discipline in the Provincial Synods, is only to be understood thus, if it may conveniently be done.

2. This Assembly judgeth that it's no proper time at present to make an Apology for the Confession of our Churches.

3. In that Article of the same Synod treating of the 31th Article of the Confession of Faith, where it speaks of the Call of the first Pastors in our Reformed Churches, these words, And to teach, which are found in some certain Copies, shall be razed, and instead of simply, shall be inserted principally, and that last clause, And not unto the small remainders of their corrupted Call, shall be thus read, Rather than unto the small remains of their ordinary Call.

4. Our Brethren of Normandy shall out of hand conform to the other Churches in their reception of Elders and Deacons.

5. The Churches of the Bailiwick of Gex, shall be incorporated with the Provincial Synod of Burgundy.

6. In the Letter which shall be written to our Brethren of the Church of Geneva, they shall again be entreated not to send our Proposans to preach in their Villages, and to administer the Sacraments before they have been lawfully Ordained. They shall also be further entreated to take special care of our Students in Divinity; and when as they demand a Testimonial, to give them none but upon good and sufficient knowledge of their Lives, and as their diligence hath deserved, and most especially in case of Monks who have quitted their Monasteries, to whom this Assembly hath limited the term of two years before their reception into the Sacred Ministry, and our said brethren of Geneva shall be advised to detain those who are too forward. And farther 'tis thought good to pray them that they would endeavor with their Magistrates and People to conform themselves unto the other Churches of Christ in the use of Leavened Bread at the Lord's Supper, according to the example and received practice of their Neighbor Churches of Berne.

7. The word Damnation as 'tis qualified and explained in the tenth Sunday of our Catechism shall remain unchanged.

8. The Church of Sedan shall be joined, according to the Article of Gap, unto the Synod of the Isle of France, and to the Colloquy of Champagne, and shall be present by its Deputies at the said Colloquies and Synods: On which condition they shall receive the four portions, which had been assigned them by the Synod of Gergeau.

9. The Ministry of Monsieur Bailey, who was granted by the Synod of Gap unto the Church of Lions, having been exceeding fruitful unto this very day, and mightily edifying unto that Church; This Assembly ratifieth that Grant, and bestoweth him upon them for their ordinary Pastor; so that the Province of Lower Languedoc for the future shall not have any the least pretensions or right unto him.

10. This Synod judgeth the Universities of Montauban, Nismes, Montpellier and Sedan, worthy of severe censures, for not bringing or sending hither the Accounts of Moneys received for the maintenance or their Professors and Regents, according to the Decrees of Gap and Gergeau. And that for the future they may be more careful of the Moneys belonging to the University of Montauban, there shall be detained in the hands of the Receiver General five hundred Livers, and for the Universities of Nismes, Montpellier and Sedan, two hundred and fifty Livers for each of them, and with this farther penalty, that in case hereafter they shall be guilty of the like neglect, there shall be defaulked from their portions five hundred Crowns; But if upon auditing their accounts they be found just and faithful, then the detained sums shall be restored to them. Finally, the Provincial Synods are ordered to give in unto the National Synods a true report, as in Conscience they be bound to do, how the Professors and Regents in the several Universities of their respective Provinces do discharge the duties of their places, and to be very careful in the form of their Acquittances, and other evidences of their Integrity, and to send them all by the Deputies of their Province unto the National Synods.

11. Reading that Article of the Synod of Gap concerning censures to be inflicted on the breakers of Marriage-promises without just cause, divers difficulties in divers places having risen hereupon: This Assembly judgeth that neither private persons, nor Consistories have authority to dissolve such Promises, and therefore they shall be turned over to the Judgment and Lawful Decree of the Civil Magistrates, and those refractory persons who will not discharge their enjoined duty shall be pursued with all Church-censures.

CHAP. V. Of Particular Matters.

1. IT is ordained for time coming that particular Acts of Appeals, Censures, and things of the like nature, shall not be delivered, but unto the parties concerned in them.

2. This Assembly declareth that the Act of the Synod of Montpellier, not permitting any Certificate to be given them who through fear of Witchcraft would solemnize their Marriage in other Churches besides their own, shall remain in full force, as not being contrary to that of the Discipline, which concerneth attestations in the Chapter of Marriages.

3. For as much as the necessities of our poor Brethren of the Marquisate Saluces are exceeding great, they being banished and persecuted for the true Religion, as is evident by the Relations of their Deputies Charles Garnier and Constance Vivyan; This Assembly exhorts all the Churches in the Provinces of this Kingdom to assist them by extraordinary Alms; and 'tis left to the prudence of every Provincial Synod, to take that course for Collecting the Charities for them as they shall judge most proper and convenient to the state of their respective Churches. And whereas in divers Churches there have been Moneys already gathered for them, it is ordained, that in no wise those sums be diverted from their designed use, but be out of hand sent unto them; And that they may be reputed Natural French men, our Deputies which shall be sent unto Court, are expressly charged to procure the Declaration from his Majesty for their being naturalized.

4. Henceforward the Deputies of the Provinces shall bring with them unto the National Synods an exact Catalogue of the number of Churches, Ministers, and Proposans in their respective Provinces, together with an account of their particular Stipends, annually paid them by the Receiver of the Province, as also the Testimonials of the Universities concerning our young Students in them, if possibly it may be done.

5. Proposans may be admitted into the National Synod, when as general Matters of Doctrine and Discipline are debated, provided they bring with them good Testimonials. But as for other Persons, which are not Ecclesiastic, whatsoever their quality or condition may be, it hath been already judged inexpedient, because of divers ill Consequences, to grant them this privilege.

6. If in case of difference about the Call of Professors and Regents in our Universities, one of the contending parties should seek for relief and assistance anywhere else than in our Ecclesiastical Assemblies, he shall be prosecuted by all the Censures of the Church, and if he continue obstinate and rebellious, he shall then be Excommunicated; and if he be already seized of a Professorship, this Synod Decreeth, that no Wages shall be paid him, and declareth him a Person utterly uncapable of any Academical Office.

7. To prevent for the future that evil custom crept into the Churches, and which hath caused a great deal of trouble unto this Synod, by reading and examining an infinite number of Acts passed before secular Judges, which may finally bring in upon us that base Chicanery, so much practiced by crafty Lawyers, and utterly unworthy the Gravity of these Assemblies: Wherefore all such manner of proceedings are most expressly forbidden, and all persons are commanded to keep themselves to a native plainness and simplicity, as best suiting with Church affairs; on pain of having their papers and propositions rejected, who shall do otherwise.

8. In case a person complain of His being overcharged in pecuniary matters by the Provincial Synod, in which the Synod is a Party, he may demand a hearing before the next Provincial Synod, which shall have power to judge finally in that affair, without bringing such matters before the National Synods.

9. When as the public Fast shall be celebrated in the Churches of France, those of Béarn shall be acquainted with the time and causes of it, by the Province of Lower Guyenne; and those Churches shall be comprised in all matters relating to our Union, yea and in those Complaints and Petitions which shall be presented unto his Majesty by the means of our General Deputies.

10. Monsieur Baldran Deputy for Béarn, moved, that whereas the Churches of Soulle and Bigorre lying within the bounds of France, were yet notwithstanding unto this day annexed to the Churches of Béarn, and supported by them both with the grant of Pastors, and Moneys for their subsistence; wherefore he requested that they might be enrolled among those, who shared in the Moneys of his Majesty's bounty; and withal he left them to the sole disposal of the Churches of this Kingdom either to be Incorporated with them, or implanted into any other Synod besides that of Béarn, as they should conceive most expedient. This Assembly ordaineth that for the present two portions of the said moneys shall be assigned out of the Dividend of Lower Guyenne unto those two before mentioned Churches, and they have full power to declare in the first Provincial Synod of Béarn to which of the Provincial Synods of France they will adjoin themselves, consulting therein their own conveniency and edification, and shall produce their Memoirs concerning it before the next National Synod.

11. For as much as great contentions have arisen in the Churches because that their Ministers stipulated with them only for a certain term of time, and at their reception into the Pastoral Office among them did reserve unto themselves a pretended right and power of leaving them, when that term was expired: The Provinces are exhorted to keep inviolably the ninth Article in the first Chapter of our Church-discipline, and never to receive a Minister into that Sacred Office without consigning him to some particular flock, among whom he shall have his fixed residence.

12. In case of contentions falling out among Church-Members, or between two Churches for time to come they shall neither of them send more than two Deputies either to the National or Provincial Synods, nor shall a greater number, though they come, be admitted unto a hearing.

13. If one professing of the Reformed Marry a Woman of the Popish Religion, he shall not only not be admitted unto Offices in the Church which are purely Ecclesiastical, but be also excluded from those of another nature, such Syndics and Proctors, who have the management of the civil affairs of our Churches: and in case such an one be already invested with those charges, he shall be immediately and actually deposed.

14. Churches having Universities erected in them, their Pastors by the advice of the Academical Counsel may on extraordinary occasions read Lectures of Divinity, that so they may be qualified in case of necessity for the Professors Office in them.

15. Monks and Priests having once professed the Truth of the Gospel, and afterward with the Dog returned unto their vomit, though they should once again abjure the Popish Religion, and desire leave to preach a Probation-Sermon in order to their Reception into the Ministry, shall not in the least be admitted unto any Theological Exercise among us, till we have had ten years Trial of their Repentance; nor shall they, when that time also is expired, be admitted without the previous Advice of a National Synod.

16. Monks forsaking Popery shall not be received into Church-fellowship, till they be found well instructed in the grounds of the Reformed Religion; and they shall be sent back unto the Provinces whereof they are Natives, with Certificates attesting for what Employment they be best qualified.

17. Consistories may not deliver unto Parties their Bonds, though they be reconciled, and do demand them.

18. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved this Case, Whether persons having a long time professed the true Religion, and coming to understand they were baptized only by a Midwife, ought to be rebaptized: This Assembly judgeth that they ought to be publicly baptized in the Church of Christ, according to the Institution of our Lord by a Lawful Minister. Their former Baptism being wholly null and void, because done by one who had no Call unto that Office.

19. It was demanded what censure they deserved, who live in an Incestous Marriage, though they have the Pope's Dispensation? This Synod ordains that the 25th Article of the General Matters in that of Saumur, be punctually observed, and judgeth those persons unfit for Communion in our Churches, till such time as they be separated one from the other.

20. Women whose Husbands are absent from them, by reason of heinous crimes, cannot with a safe Conscience contract Marriage with any other as long as their Husbands be alive.

21. This Assembly concurring with the foregoing Synods of Lion and Vitre, declareth their Marriages Null and void, who had contracted them selves unto others, their parties yet living, although they were separated upon the account of Leprosy.

22. All Printers are admonished, that when they print our Form of Baptism, they take care to express that sentence of St. Paul, 1 Cor. 7.14. in its express and proper words, That the Children of Believers are holy.

23. No Attestations shall for the future be given unto Governors or Lieutenants of our Cautionary Towns, by that Colloquy wherein he or they reside, without calling in one or more Colloquies of that same Province, nor without hearing the Inhabitants of the Towns concerned, in case the Recommended Officers be Natives of the same Province. And this Rule shall be observed with respect unto those who demand Attestations to capacitate them for an Office in the Chambers, e. i. the Courts of the Edict.

24. Scholars, Students in Divinity, especially such as are maintained at the Charges of the Provinces, or of particular Churches, shall finish their course in the Universities of this Kingdom, in which we comprise those of Béarn, Sedan and Geneva; and they shall not be permitted to travel unto Forreign Universities without leave first granted them by their Provincial Synods, who shall prescribe them the place and time of their abode.

25. Monsieur Chamier having in writing given us an Account of that Book entitled, Elenchus Novae Doctrinae, we do order its suppression.

26. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc demanding whether something in the 52d Section of our Catechism might not be conveniently changed particularly in what relates to our Communion with Jesus Christ in the preaching of the Gospel, in Baptism and the Lord's Supper. This Assembly is of Opinion that nothing should be added or diminished, because the terms in which that Section is couched, do very plainly express the different degrees of Faith, by which we receive Christ.

27. The Province of Lower Guyenne desired, that that passage concerning Judas his being received into Communion by our Lord at his holy Table, in the last Section of the Catechism might be changed. This Assembly judging the Question problematical, and not a point of Faith, thought it inconvenient to make any alteration, because also the main Doctrine for which this Example was urged, is generally believed to be true, and on this all Ministers in their explications of it ought principally to insist.

28. The Province of Anjou having tendered their Accounts by the Lord de Bruges, one of their Deputies, of the Moneys assigned them by the Synod of Montpellier, for the Erection and Maintenance of an University in the City of Saumur, and received by them from the Sieurs Palot, and du Caudal, from the first grant of the said Moneys unto the last day of December last past: This Assembly commissionated Monsieur Vignier Minister of the Gospel, and Monsieur des Fontaines, Texier and le Fevrier Elders, to examine and close up those Accounts; which being done, and report made by them, it appeared that Monsieur Phillip Pinaut, Receiver of the said Moneys, stood indebted to them in the sum of 4292 Livers, 15 Sous, and 8 Deniers, upon the whole; which said Audit, and final Reckoning, is approved and ratified by this Synod; and it's further ordered, that the said sum of 4292 Livers, 15 Sous, and 8 Deniers, shall remain in the hands of the said Pinault, to be employed in the Maintenance of the said University, and about nothing else, as we shall hereafter take care for. And in so doing the said Receiver and Province shall be acquitted and discharged of the said Moneys. And the Originals of the Accounts aforesaid shall be kept in the Consistory of Rochell, and the Duplicates and Copies evidencing the whole, shall be lodged in the hands of the said Pinault, with the consent of the Deputies of that Province.

29. The Province of Saintonge moving whether it were not needful to make a complete Answer to the Works of Bellarmine: This Synod charged the Deputies of Dauphiné to entreat Monsieur Chamier to prosecute his worthy Labors, begun by him upon this Subject.

30. Every Province shall choose one particular Church in it, where the Original Acts of their Synods shall be conserved, that in case of necessity they may have recourse unto them.

31. The Professors of Divinity in the Universities of this Kingdom, shall be advised so to contrive their Lectures and Common-places, that they may be completely finished in three years time.

32. The Province of Orleans and Berry demanding that the time for Proposans, tendering themselves unto Synods and Colloquies with their Propositions might be fixed equally: This Assembly judged that it were best and most convenient to leave it as before unto the liberty and prudence of those Meetings.

33. Moreover at the request of the same Province it was ordained, That Churches which had Ability should be desired to Erect Libraries for the service of their Ministers.

34. Monsieur Perrin is entreated to finish his begun History of the True Estate of the Albigenses and Waldenses; and to help him in it, all persons having Memoirs by them, either of the Doctrine, Discipline, or Persecutions of those poor Saints of Christ, are charged to transmit them to him with all possible care and diligence.

35. Into whose hands there may fall a little Treatise about the dispossession of the Devil out of a Demoniac in Soreze, they are required to suppress it.

36. No Scholars for the future shall be received by the Provinces as Pensioners, and who be now maintained at the trivial Schools by the Moneys of his Majesty's bounty, till such times as they shall have finished their Studies of Humanity, and have begun their course of Philosophy, and shall give in good Security for repaying the sums received by them, and expended on them, in case that through their default they do not serve the Church in the Ministry of the Gospel.

37. This Case was propounded by the Deputies of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne, How they should deal with them, who being accused of Crimes, were absolved by the Magistrates, and yet afterward new evidence appeared against them, and the scandal continued. The Synod leaves it wholly to the prudence of Consistories, who shall comport themselves herein according to circumstances, and take special care that the Lives and Reputation of the Brethren be not exposed to needless dangers.

38. The Deputies of Normandy requiring that the proper Hebrew names of the Old Testament, according as they be printed in this last Edition of our Bibles, might be refined, and pronounced as in the former Antient Impressions. This Synod judgeth it more convenient that they remain as they are, and that nothing be changed by our Printers in any of their After-Impressions.

39. Monsieur Beraud propounded this Case, Whether an Elder of the Church accused of some enormous Crime, and justified by an Inferior Judge, and yet drawn by his adverse Party to a Superior Tribunal, may, whilst this Appeal stands in force against him, exercise his Office in the Church? The Synod judgeth that he ought to refrain until such time as he be finally acquitted and discharged by due course of Law.

40. The Provinces are exhorted to assist the poor Churches, especially in their distribution of his Majesty's Bounty conferred upon us.

41. The General Deputies are charged not only to manage the general Affairs of all our Churches, but the particular ones of every single Church, especially when as a difficulty is started about the Erection and Conservation of it, according to the Edict. And this Order shall bind the Provinces to seek out diligently a Legal Title for the Erection of our Churches, and to associate themselves with the Deputies in all Prosecutions at Law necessarily required, that so their Erection may be obtained and confirmed.

42. Whereas since the last Resolution taken by us concerning that Article Antichrist, and its insertion into the body of our Confession of Faith, and in consequence thereof its being printed, his Majesty hath notified unto us by our Deputies, as also by Monsieur de Montmartyn, that the publishing of this Article would exceedingly displease him: This Assembly ordaineth, That the Printing thereof shall be superseded, unless any Member of our Church be molested for it, or be brought before the Magistrate for his confession of it, or any Minister, for Preaching, Teaching, or Writing about it; and his Majesty shall be humbly entreated to interpose his Authority that no one be disquieted for the Impression which is already past, or for being possessed of any Copies, received from the Press.

43. The Deputies of Higher Languedoc craved the Advice of this Synod, what should be done in that case of Moneys received by their Deputies sent unto the Assembly of Chastelleraut, in the year 1605. and which had been given them to defray the Charges of their Journey and Abode there, by the Churches, and by his Majesty's Liberality. This Synod ordaineth, That the Receivers and Detainers of the said Moneys, not having given in their Accounts for them unto their respective Provinces, nor having received from them good and vallid Acquittances and Discharges, shall be bound to do it, and in case of defailure, they shall be prosecuted with all Church-censures, and other due courses of Law, if that the Provinces and Churches do so require it.

44. In reading the Synod of Gap about Censures inflicted on the Violators of Marriage-promises without just cause, several difficulties were related to have arisen in divers places upon this Subject. Wherefore this Synod decreeth, That neither private persons, nor Consistories have any Authority to dissolve such promises, but shall remand them back unto the Cognizance, Order and Legal Judgment of the Civil Magistrate; and in case any refuse obedience hereunto, they shall be prosecuted by all Church-censures.

45. Some moved, how expedient it would be that our Academies were regulated according to the number of our Provinces, and that the sums now demanded for augmentation of the Regents and Professors Sallaries, was too great, and particularly for that of Saumur. But this Synod not having time enough at present to debate this matter, doth require all the Provinces to consider of it against the meeting of the next National Synod. And that our weaker and poorer Churches may be more comfortably relieved and supplied: Those Churches who are better able to maintain a College without any assistance from others, or the public, are desired to bring in an Account of what can be done by them; That so we may make the best estimate we can, how to complete and perfect our Universities. And the Provinces next adjoining to our Universities, are requested to have a most careful eye over them, and to be responsable for them unto the next National Synod, and of the diligence or neglects of duty by its Officers and Professors. And till that time we do not judge meet to grant any augmentation to that of Saumur.

46. The Deputies of divers Provinces, moving that there might be particular Colleges erected in their respective Provinces for the educating of Youth in Humanity before they were sent unto our Universities: This Assembly granteth them their request, and that the eleven Provinces, which have no Academy, shall have each of them the sum of 100 Crowns for this very purpose. And these Provinces are charged to bring in an Account unto the next National Synod, how they have employed the said Moneys.

47. Monsieur Vignier is entreated to study well that controversy about the great Antichrist, and to bring in his work unto the next National Synod.

CHAP. VI.

An Account of the Dividend of one hundred, five and thirty thousand Livers, given by his Majesty every year unto the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom; Out of which great sum the Lord of Kandel and his Commissary Monsieur de Visouze shall make payment of these lesser sums here under mentioned in manner and form following, and at the times appointed, and this according to those Articles of Agreement made betwixt him and the Lord's General Deputies of our Churches in the National Synod of Gap. 1603.

To the L. L. General Deputies.

To the Lord's General Deputies officiating at Court for us, 1650 Livers, being one half of 3300 Livers which added to 10200 Livers, taken out of the lesser Account do make up 13500 Livers, which is their allotted yearly Sallery. The remaining moitay of the said 3300 Livers, the Lord of Kandel is to receive out of the Moneys ordered for the payment of our Garrisons and by him to be paid into the said L. L General Deputies.

To Ministers.
• To the Province of Provence there shall be paid in the sum of 2181 l. 12 s. for 17 Churches including in it 300 l. overpluss assigned to them.
• To the Province of Brittany the sum of 2403 l. for 19 Churches including in it 300 l. overpluss assigned to them.
• To the Province of Burgundy the sum of 4727 l. 4. s. for 40 Churches, including in it the sum of 300 l. overpluss.
• To the Province of Vivaretz the sum of 3399 l. 2 s. for 28 Churches, including in it also 300 l. overplus.
• To the Lower Guienne the sum of 8269 l. 4 s. for 72 Churches, including in it the like sum of 300 l.
• To the Lower Languedock the sum of 11842 l. 10 s. for 107 Churches.
• To the Province of Poitou the sum of 5613 l. for 48 Churches, taking in the 300 l. overpluss.
• To the Isle of France, Picardy, Champagne, and Beausse the sum of 7827 l. 10 s. for 68 Churches, including the 300 overpluss.
• To the Province of Saintonge the sum of 7937 l. 6 s. for 69 Churches, taking in the 300 l. overpluss.
• To the Province of Anjou for 29 Churches the sum of 3209 l. 16. s.
• To the province of Higher Languedoc, and Higher Guienne for 94 Churches, the sum of 10404 l. 10 s.
• To the Province of Orleans and Berry for 36 Churches the sum of 4284 l. 10 s. including the 300 l. over pluss.
• To the Province of Dauphiné the sum of 8933 l. 10 s. for 78 Churches taking in the 300 l. overpluss.
• To the Province of Normandy the sum of 6166 l. 6 s. for 53 Churches taking in the 300 l. overpluss.

And this whole sum shall be paid in by three equal portions unto the Universities, the Lord's General Deputies, and to the Receivers of the Provinces, at the time and manner following.

Viz. The portions of the Isle of France, Picardy, Brie, Champagne, Beausse, Normandy, Anjou, Orleans, Poitiers, Lower Guyenne, Higher Languedoc, and Higher Guienne, the Universities in the said Provinces being included into the hands of their Receivers, who shall be appointed by them; The first payment to be made the first of July next coming, the second on the second day of October following, and the third on the last of January in the year 1608. And for the Isle of France, Picardy, Brie and Champagne in the City of Paris, For Normandy in the City of Rouan. For Orleans and Berry at Orleans, for Poitou at Poitiers, for the Lower Guienne at Bourdeaux, for Higher Guienne and Higher Languedoc at Montauban, and for Anjou in the City of Tours, including in it the University of Saumur.

And the portions due unto the Provinces of Provence, Lower Languedoc, Brittany and Saintonge into the hands of the Receivers, who shall be appointed by them, at three equal payments, the first at the end of July, the second at the end of October, and the third at the end of February in the year 1608. viz. for Lower Languedoc and the Universities of Montpellier and Nismes in the City of Montpellier, for Britain at Nants, for Saintonge at Rochelle, for the Provinces of Burgundy and Dauphiné and Vivaretz in the City of Lions.

The two first payments shall be maid at the Fairs in August and Allhollantide of this present year, and the last upon twelfth day immediately after.

And the said Provinces shall be obliged to appoint and name in everyone of those before mentioned Cities, a particular House whereunto the said Lord of Kandel may come, and make payment of the said Moneys.

And whereas there will be wanting 33750 Livers to complete the last Quarter of the said sum of 135000 Livers, or whatsoever part of it he may receive shall be actually paid in by him the fifteenth day of August the next year unto everyone of the Provinces, defalking only one Sous in the Liver, and unto such persons as shall be constituted by the said Provinces, to receive it for them. And if anymore Moneys shall be recovered after the said fifteenth day of August the next year, he shall pay it in by Bills unto everyone of the Provinces, according to the Dividend, which shall be made by our General Deputies residing with his Majesty, provided they will accept of it.

And this order for the Dividend shall hold good not only for this present year 1607. but also for the year ensuing, 1608. yea and till the holding of the next National Synod.

Dividend.

There shall be sixty and nine portions paid into the Province of Saintonge for 54 • Pastors in actual service, six Proposans, and nine Churches destitute of Ministers.

There shall be 107 portions paid into the Province of Lower Languedoc for 90 Pastors. 5. Churches vacant, six Proposans, and one Minister Emeritus by reason of his age: only five of these portions must go to the Lower Auverg • e.

There shall be 36 portions paid into the Province of Orleans and Berry for 21 Pastors, 9 vacant Churches, and six Proposans.

There shall be 68 portions paid into the Province of the Isle of France for 48 Pastors, seven vacant Churches, two Ministers Emeriti by reason of age; and five of those portions are supernumerary.

There shall 72 portions be paid into the Province or Lower Guienne, the Churches of Soullais, and Bigorre, for 62 Pastors in actual service, four vacant Churches, five Proposans, and one portion granted as an Honorarium to Monsieur Baduel.

There shall be 29 portions paid into the Province of Anjou for 19 Pastors in actual service, for six vacant Churches, three Proposans and one Minister Emeritus by reason of his age.

There shall be paid ninety and four portions into the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guienne for seventy Pastors in actual service, six vacant Churches, seven Proposans, four Pastors Emeriti, thirteen of these portions were super-numerary, and four of them for the Higher Auvergne.

There shall be paid in forty eight portions to the Province of Poitou for thirty nine Pastors in actual service, for five Churches vacant, three Proposans, and one Pastor Emeritus.

There shall be paid in thirty eight portions to the Province of Vivaretz for eighteen Pastors in actual service, five Churches vacant, three Proposans, and two portions added as an Honorarium to Monsieur de la Faye Pastor of the Church of Aubenas.

There shall be paid in seventeen portions to the Province of Provence for seven Pastors in actual service, seven Churches vacant, and three Proposans.

There shall be paid in seventy eight portions to the Province of Dauphiné for sixty one Pastors in actual service, seven Churches vacant, eight Proposans, and two Ministers Emeriti.

There shall be paid in forty portions to the Province of Burgundy, Gex, and Lionnois for twenty nine Pastors in actual service, seven vacant Churches, and four Proposans.

There shall be paid in fifty three portions to the Province of Normandy for thirty eight Pastors in actual service, seven Churches to be provided for, six Proposans, and two Ministers Emeriti.

There shall be paid in nineteen portions to the Province of Brittany for seven Pastors in actual service, seven vacant Churches, four Proposans, and one Pastor Emeritus.

CHAP. VII. An Account of those sums which the National Synod hath Decreed to be paid out by the Lord of Kandel Receiver General of the Moneys given by his Majesty unto the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom.

IMprimis; He shall reimburse the Sieurs de la Noue and du Cross the sum of fourscore and twelve Livers paid down by them for verifying of those Letters Patents, discharging all the Ministers of the Reformed Churches in France from payment of any Taxes whatsoever, and for the Seal af • ixed to those Letters of our Bill of Grievances presented to his Majesty.

He shall pay unto Mr. Reynault Minister of the Church of Bourdea • x, the sum of two hundred and ten Livers for those Reasons expressed in the Synodical Decree.

He shall pay unto Messieurs du Bois Cargrois and Gigord Professors in the University of Montpellier the sum of 400 l. which were given them by the Synod.

He shall pay to Mr. Theophilus Bleuet Lord of La Comb the sum of 120 l. for those causes expressed in the Synodical Order.

He shall pay unto Corneille the Printer in this City six Livers, for printing the general Laws of our Universities composed by this Synod.

There is the sum of eight hundred twenty eight Livers, which the said Lord of Candall is to keep in his hands, deducting but of it for himself one Sous in the Liver, and to pay it in by equal portions unto the Provinces for the first Quarter of this present year 1607. and the said sum shall be allowed him in his Account of Disbursments, he producing the fore-mentioned Orders, and the Acquittances from the parties to whom he paid it.

CHAP. VIII. Memorials and Instructions given to the Lord's of Villarnoul and de Mirande, the General Deputies of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom, attending upon His Majesty, how to bring Monsieur Palot to Account for the Moneys dispensed by by him, which His Gracious Majesty was pleased so bestow upon our Reformed Churches.

FIRST You must take the Oaths of Messieurs de la Nouve and du Cros and then prosecute the said Palot before the Lord's of Pontcarre and of Beaumarchais, who are the Judges constituted by his Majesty to hear and determine the said Accounts.

And whereas the said Palot may persist in what he hath formerly urged to avoid all Accounting, that the Receivers General upon whom he hath Moneys assigned, have not as yet brought in their Accounts, or Copies of them, that they might be examined, and verified, and it might be known whether the Moneys of their Accounts have been diverted to other uses, to there prejudice of those Assignments; you must then inform our Lord's the Judges, that this is a mere fiction and evasion. For if the said Palot had a desire to see those Accounts, he might with a wet finger be satisfied. Let him but present his Petition unto the Court of Exchequer in Paris to have sight and Copy of the Accounts of the last Receivers General, upon whom as he saith were his Assignments, and there they lie, and it will he granted him immediately. And in case the said Palot refuse to petition the said Court, the Lord's our General Deputies shall compel him to it, and force him in their names to take out Copies and Extracts concerning those Receivers General, and whatever else may necessarily relate unto the said Palot.

And whereas the said Palot doth take for granted that there is due unto him the sum of twelve thousand Crowns and more: It is necessary that our General Deputies should demand sight of those Accounts brought in by him, that it may be proved whether he hath made a good and just Receipt for all his Moneys; which they may easily do, and the said Receipt may be verified, but taking out from the Exchequer Copies and Extracts or all Moneys which the Receivers General have imposed or paid in to the said Palot. All which any Attorney belonging to the said Court of Exchequer will get dispatched for them out of hand.

And forasmuch as we have too just cause to fear it, that in the Account brought in by the said Palot, there will be found several double false Reprisals, All the Deputies of the Provinces are charged to send unto our Lord's the General Deputies a Copy of all Accounts given in by their particular Receivers in their respective Provinces, that so we may have a full and perfect knowledge of the Receipt and Disbursment set down and used in the Account of the said Palot.

So that if anything should be owing to him, which is very improbable and incredible, he may be paid by the Receivers General of Thoulouse, who were ordered in the closing up of their Accounts for the years 1600, and 1602. To pay in unto the said Palot the sum of 15966 Crowns, six Sous, and ten Deniers. For out of this sum there will not only be enough to satisfy him, but there will also remain some Moneys in stock for our Churches. And 'tis to be feared that he hath made the like mixtures in his other General Receipts, in which he hath left a Fund for accommodating with all the Debtors: And this affair is of so long continuance, that people do now a days forbear speaking of it, as if it were so old as to be forgotten, which usually falls out in all general matters.

And when as the said Accounts are brought in, and cleared up, then all Papers remaining in the hands of the said Palot concerning those Assignations, shall be taken from him, and the Receivers General, and the Debtors are to be prosecuted. And if any of those assignations appear to be of no worth nor value, our General Deputies shall use their best and utmost endeavor to get new and better Assignments.

And that it might be made appear that there was such a good debt of fifteen thousand nine hundred sixty and six Crowns, five and forty Sous and six Deniers owing unto our Churches, there was put into the hands of our Lord's General Deputies the Extracts taken out of the Chamber of Accompts for the Province of Languedoc.

CHAP. IX. Of Appeals.

1. MOnsieur de la Rouviere Doctor of the Civil Law came impowered by the Common Council of the City of Usez into this Assembly to defend an Appeal, which certain of the Consuls and Inhabitants of that City had made from the Colloquy of Usez, and the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc held at St. Hippolyte, by whom Mr. Laurence Brunier Minister of the Gospel, was restored unto his Pastoral Office in the Church of Usez, against the will and desire of these his Opponents. On the other part the said Mr. Brunier Pastor of that Church, and de Janas Doctor of the Civil Law came also furnished with ample powers from a great Assembly of that City, disavowing those powers of the Sieur de la Ruviere, and of the Consistory there. Now although the disavowal of the first powers by the second, might have been very well contested; yet nevertheless because of the consequence and importance of this affair, the Assembly passing by that formality, did give audience to both Parties, that it might take some effectual course about the principal. Wherefore the Deputies of that Province were heard give in the reasons moving the said Province of Lower Languedoc to restore the said Mr. Brunier unto the Church of Usez, and Monsieur Codur, unto the Ministry in their Province, contrary to the Decree of the National Synod of Gap, which had excluded Monsieur Brunier from the City and Church of Usez, until the meeting of this present Assembly, and Mr. Codur from that Province. Monsieur de la Rouviere was also heard speak on behalf of the Appellants, and offering his objections as well against that decree of the Provincial Synod, as against the very person of Monsieur Brunier. Monsieur Brunier also was heard speak in his own defense and justification, and the Deputy sent together with him from the Consistory of the Church of Usez, who testified the unanimous desire of the Consistory, and of the whole Church to enjoy him for their Pastor, and how eminently acceptable and successful the Ministry of the said Mr. Brunier was among them. Letters also were read from the Church of Beziers, and one of their Elders sent by them declared the importunate desire of the said Church, that Monsieur Codur might be confirmed in the Pastoral Office to them, as also how very fruitful and edifying his Ministry had been among them. Upon the whole, this Assembly did utterly dislike and disapprove of those proceedings of the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc, for neglecting the Decree of the National Synod of Gap, and for introducing Monsieur Brunier into the Church of Usez, and Monsieur Codur again into the Province, and doth judge the said Province to have incurred a very great Censure by its notorious transgression of a decree made by the National Synod, a crime of very dangerous consequence, because if Provincial Synods shall slight the Authority of the National, they will open the Flood-gates to let in upon us a deluge of unseen mischiefs. And the said Monsieur Brunier hath deserved a sharp reproof for listening unto methods for his restoration, which though sought out by others, were in truth propounded by himself unto the Provincial Synod, and for that he acquiesced rather in the Judgment of a Provincial Synod than of the National, yea and acted contrary to it. And the like Censure is inflicted upon Monsieur Codur, who, being excluded the said Province, could not of right have sought a readmission into it, nor ought the Province when he sought it, to have readmitted him. And as for the Church of Usez, it cannot but be blamed for its precipitancy and impatiency, in not tarrying till the time prefixed by the National Synod was expired, when they might have lawfully redemanded their Pastor. Moreover, these Appellants themselves cannot be justified nor wholly absolved from guilt and miscarriages; for they have testified too much animosity against a Reverend Minister of the Gospel, for slight and trifling matters only, and there be some of them who have merited a very smart and sharp reproof, because they having at first endeavored his restauration amongst them, have since by an unaccountable Levity destroyed the Work which they were building, and have attempted his total and perpetual exclusion.

But for as much as the infinitely Wise God hath extracted good out of all these evils, and made all these Feuds, and Animosities, all these Heart-burnings, and Contentions wonderfully to contribute to the advancement of his glory, the propagation of the Gospel, the conversion of many Sinners, and the singular edification of both these Churches of Usez and Beziers: This Assembly doth judge meet to accommodate and compound all these differences in manner and form following. First Monsieur Brunier is presented unto the Ministry in the Church of Usez, and the Province of Lower Languedoc is ordered to provide him an assistant out of hand. And Monsieur Codur, he also is conferred upon the Church of Beziers, to be from henceforth their ordinary Pastor, and the Sieurs Brunier de Janas, and de la Rouviere were all actually reconciled one unto the other in the presence of this Synod, and they did all solemnly promise that they would use their best endeavors to reconcile and reunite their several and respective parties now absent. And that this might be more easily effected and attained, the Sieurs Bayly, Perrin, de la Colombiere, and Valeton are charged as they return home to their own Churches, that they pass over to the City of Usez, and compose the differences between the opposite parties in it; And Monsieur Codur is also charged to bear them company, and to deal with his Friends and Allies, and Acquaintance there, that they may embrace this sacred and desirable peace. And Letters shall be written unto all the Appellants in the name of this National Synod, and signed by Synodical Officers to press and exhort them to be at peace among themselves, to put a period unto all their divisions and dissensions, and to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace.

2. The Consistory, and far greater part of the Church of Tonneias appealed from a Judicial Sentence given by their Provincial Synod held at Nerac, for that they had freed and discharged Mr. Francois de Monjoux, Pastor of their Church, from his Ministry in it, and relation to it, and given him unto the Church of Bazas and its Annexes, and for that he the said Mr. Monjoux had acquiesced in the said Sentence. And the said Church complained that this was done without ever hearing them and that they did disown and disavow that Person, who had been sent by some of the Jurates and Magistrates of their Town, nor did they in the least approve of their Elder's Silence in that Synod, when as this matter was under debate. This Assembly judgeth that the Synod had acted too precipitantly in giving Mr. de Monjoux his Dismission without a more ample hearing of his Church, and therefore ordereth, that he shall continue as formerly their Pastor; but the said Church of Tonneias shall also for their part take care, as in Conscience they are bound, that his necessities be supplied, and a comfortable maintenance be provided for him. And in the mean time their Actings and Proceedings, who procured his Conge and Dismission, are very much blamed, as also their Deputies and Monsieur Monjoux, who were all present in this Assembly, were censured, and their Clubs and private Cabals about Church-matters out of Consistory were all reproved, and particularly that Chicannery and contentious humor of theirs in getting all their Acts expedited and dispatched before Public Notaries and Secular Judges. Wherefore this National Synod doth advise and conjure them in the name of our Lord Jesus to be reconciled, and at peace among themselves: which these persons now present did readily yield and accord unto, and as a pledge and token thereof did mutually take each other by the hand, promising that they would deal and mediate effectually with their absent Parties to be at peace also; and the Pastors of Lower Languedoc, as they return homeward, shall ride over unto Tonneins, and labor to make up, and conciliate all these differences. And whereas the Parish of Dunet was heretofore incorporated with the Church of Tonneins, it shall be conjoined and reunited to it. And in case any new difficulties should be started about it, the next Provincial Synod is charged by the Authority of this Assembly to assoil and remove them. And it the said Parish yield its consent to be united with that of Tonneins, the said Church shall take an especial care about the safe going and coming of their Pastor in the exercise of his Ministry among them. And as for that particular fact of John Carrier, who complains of his being deposed from his Office in the Eldership without any just occasion, the afore-mentioned Deputies are charged to hear him upon the place, and to do him right by a final Judgment on his Cause, and they shall do the same for the Deacon, who also makes the like complaint as the Elder. And it is farther decreed, that there shall be twenty Crowns paid out of the common Stock of the said Church and Town unto the Sieurs Fassas and Carrier, to defray their Expences, and to recompense them for their Costs and Trouble in this business, which could not amount upon a moderate computation unto a lesser sum.

3. The Church of Angoulesine, together with their Pastor Mr. Hog, complained of the Synod of Saintonge, for condemning the said Church to pay unto the Heirs of Monsieur Mauget Vivian, their late Pastor, the sum of six hundred and twelve Livers, and that it should be paid out of their portion of Moneys given by his Majesty unto the said Church. This Assembly judgeth that the said Mr. Hog hath done very well in thus appealing, because those Moneys granted us by the King, are only appropriated unto Pastors in actual service, so that the Provincial Synod did wrong the said Church of Angoulesme by that their Judgment. And upon consideration had of the Heirs of Mr. Mauget Vivian deceased, and their great poverty, and the deep poverty of the said Church, and the right that it hath unto the Moneys of his Majesty's Bounty, there was adjudged unto those Heirs the sum of three hundred Livers, and the said Province of Saintonge, Aulnix, and Augoumois is ordered to make payment of it unto them out of the Moneys, which are in the hands of the Receiver General for the fourth quarter of the years 1604, and 1605.

4. The Church of Saujon appealed from the last Provincial Synod of Saintonge held in their Town, for that it had obliged the said Church to give twelve Sermons every year unto the Parish of Medis, and to celebrate once in the year the Lord's Supper in it, the said Parish paying the sum of an hundred Livers towards the maintenance of their Pastor; the Church of Saujon declaring, that through the goodness of God they were well able to maintain their own Minister, without any assistance from the said Parish. This Assembly ordained, That those of Medis should ordinarily attend upon Divine Service in the Church of Saujon, but that Mr. Bonnett should sometimes visit them as his conveniencies and occasions may suffer him, without obliging him to time. But and if the said Parish of Medis should rather like to incorporate itself with Meschiers, or any other Church, or would have a Pastor of its own, which is left wholly to their own choice and liberty, then the Church of Saujon shall be acquitted and discharged of all relation to them, and Medis unto them respectively, nor shall the one lay claim or pretend unto anything of or from the other.

5. Monsieur Vaisse Pastor of the Church of Campagnac appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne held at Realmont, by which the said Church of Campagnac was joined unto the Colloquy of Lower Quercy, in case it provided itself of another Pastor, or if it would keep the said Vaisse, then the said Church was joined unto the Colloquy of Albigeois, yet not hindering the said Church to contest its rights and privileges before this Assembly. Monsieur Benoist Deputy for the Colloquy of Lower Quercy (in which quality his Commission was approved, without obliging him to demand leave of his Church of Montauban ) was heard speak on behalf of that Colloquy. Whereupon this National Synod confirmed the Judgment of the Provincial Synod, judging that it was in no wise expedient that the said Vaisse should be turned over to the Colloquy of Lower Quercy, and ordained that he should continue in his Pastoral Office and Relation unto the Church of Campagnac, which should be joined to the Colloquy of Albigeois, which is ordered to bear with the said Mr. Vaisse, although he cannot come so often as he would unto the said Colloquy, especially if the places be far distant one from the other.

6. Monsieur Tenans Pastor of the Church of Montauban, and Rector of that University, appealed from an Ordinance of the Synod of the Higher Languedoc and Guyenne, which having deputed extraordinarily some Pastors to examine two Candidates for the Profession of the Greek Tongue, had devolved the Expences of their Journey, and abode upon the Stock of the said University, and had deprived him the said Rector of his Vote in judging of the Capacities of the two Competitors. This Assembly judged that the Rector had done very well in thus appealing. For as to the first point, it is but just that the Costs should be defrayed by them, who through their contentious temper do draw persons before extraordinary Judges. And as for the other Article, the Rector could not be deprived of his Vote, unless they had just causes to except against him, whereof the rest should take cognizance.

7. The Church of Benet and St. Maixiere appealed from a Decree of the Synod of St. Maixant confirmed by the Provincial Synod of Poitou, for returning back again unto the Church of Champdenys those Members which had left them since the gathering and settling of the Church of St. Maixant. This Affair was remanded unto the Provincial Synod, to be revised by it, and when as they have well considered all circumstances of the conveniencies and inconveniencies relating to those Churches, the said Synod shall pass a final Judgment thereupon, and provide for one, without any ways in the least prejudicing or damnifying the other.

8. The Colloquy of Lower Poitou appealed from an Ordinance of their Provincial Synod, which had incorporated the Church of Maillezay with the Church of Benet for a time But this Appeal was rejected, and the Order of the Synod was confirmed as long as it made good for the Edification of both Churches.

9. An Elder of the Church of Marans appealed from the Synod of Saintonge held at Saujon, for lending the Sieur de la Violette one of the Pastors of the Church of Marans unto the Church of St. John d'Angely, for one whole year, after which term he might return again to Marans, which made Monsieur Pillard hereupon to leave them. Several of the Inhabitants of Marans were called in, yea and those of the best quality and account among them, who offered unto this National Synod, that they would maintain two Pastors, without ever in the least taxing or burdening those persons (who desired the departure of Monsieur Pillard from them) above what they were ordinarily rated and assessed, or what they would freely give and contribute of their own accord. This Assembly approving and applauding their Zeal, and finding their offers to be very just and equitable, and contrariwise blaming and condemning the Ingratitude of that other party, who would force away their Antient Pastor, doth ordain that both those Ministers shall be and continue to be the ordinary and standing Pastors of that Church, which shall pay unto each of them a like equal stipend, without leaving one behind in Arrears, when and whilst the other is paid totally and entirely. And in case they do not obey this Decree, and that one of these Ministers should come to be lent or removed, it shall be the Sieur de la Violette, who shall tarry yet three months longer at the Church of St. John d'Angely, over and besides that year, which the Provincial Synod had determined, and that term being expired, he shall return unto the Church of Marans.

10. Monsieur de Bontoux Minister of the Church of St. Africa appealed from the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc & Guyenne, for that they had suspended him the exercise of his Ministry a whole month, because he went out of their Assembly against their positive prohibition. This Appeal was vacated, and the Colloquy which abetted him in this his groundless Appeal was also censured

11. Whereas Monsieur Raffin hath executed an Order of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne in the City of Milhaud, that the Elders of the Church there should communicate at the Lord's Table before the Judges and Consuls, and this conformably to the Decisions and Decrees of our former National Synods; this Act of his was approved and ratified, and the Appeal of the said Magistrates disannulled; nor indeed did they insist much upon it, but gave up their Cause.

12. Whereas the Provincial Synod of Lower Guyenne had restored Monsieur Reynauld unto his Pastoral Office in the Church of Bourdeaux, this their Judicial Decree is confirmed by the Authority of this present Assembly, and the rather, because that those persons, who had appealed from it, have dropt their Appeal, and seem to be well satisfied.

13. Monsieur des Fontaines appealed from the Provincial Synod of Poitou held at Chastelheraud, for that they had judged he was sufficiently reimburst by the Churches of that Province all the Charges expended by him in his Journey unto the General Assembly of Saumur held in the year 1596. And whereas he pretended other sums to be owing to him, for several other journeys, they sent him unto the Governors of our Cautionary Towns to be recompensed by them, because he was their Deputy unto that Assembly, and that they received two thirds of the Moneys granted us by his Majesty. Upon hearing this whole affair, this Assembly did also judge that he was sufficiently satisfied by those Churches of Poitou; who yet were exhorted to entreat those Governors to perform their duties, and pay their just debt unto the said Mr. des Fontaines.

14. The Appeal of the Church of Nage and it's Annexes, about what is owing unto their late Pastor Monsieur Terrond was dismissed over to the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc, who by their judicial sentence shall put a final period unto that controversy.

15. Theophilus Bluett Lord of la Comb, formerly Pastor of the Churches at Lassay in the Province of Mayne, and of Rouelle in Normandy, having certified under his own hand, that he acquiesced in that judicial sentence past upon him by the Deputies of the Synod of Anjou, Touraine and Maine, who had deposed him from the Ministerial Office, and all acts and exercises thereof, though now he brought his Appeal from them. This Assembly doth confirm that sentence of the Deputies, and deelareth the said Bluett to be totally deposed from the holy Ministry of the Gospel, and that notice hereof shall be given unto all the Churches.

16. The Synod of Dauphiné having past another Vote, that Monsieur Chamier should be once more importunately solicited to accept of the Professors Chair in Divinity in their University of Die: The Church of Montlimart brought their Appeal from if unto this Assembly, which did thereupon revive and ratify the former Decrees of those two National Synods of Gergeau and Gap, which had left unto the Churches their Pastors, and the Pastors unto their Churches, and that they should and be divided one from the other, but by their joint and mutual consent, and the said Provincial Synod was censured to have insisted again upon this affair, after that it had been determined by two National Synods.

17. The Church of Lions appealed from the Synod of Burgundy, which would constrain them to pay the fifth penny of all Charities received by them to the maintenance of Proposans, notwithstanding those many reasons, arguments and exceptions they had urged and brought against it. This Assembly having heard both parties doth leave the said Church in full liberty freely to dispose of their own Poor's Money, but yet it adviseth them seriously to consider what is expedient to be disbursed by them in charities, and whither they can keep a good Conscience in neglecting a work of so great necessity.

18. The Lord of Rochefort and the Inhabitants of that Town professing the Reformed Religion appealed from the Synod of Saintonge held at St. John D'Angely, for adjudging Mr. Chevalier to the Pastoral Office in the Church of Soubize. Upon heating of both parties, and perusal of all Articles of Agreement made first and last between them: This Assembly confirms Monsieur Chevalier in his Ministry to the said Church of Soubize, whereof he is now the fixed Pastor, and the Members of the Church of Rochefort have full liberty to compound the matter with the Church of Soubize upon those terms imported in their second Agreement made with that Consistory, or else they may Incorporate themselves with the Church of Tonnay-charante: and both the said Chevalier and that Consistory are Censured for using them of Rochefort so rigorously, as to refuse Communion with them at the Lord's Table, and to hinder the Baptizing of their Infants in their Church Assembly.

19. The Churches of Barbezieux and Xaintes contended about the Ministry of Monsieur Petit, who pretending that the Colloquy of Janzac held at Pons, had discharged him from the Church of Barbezieux, because of their great ingratitude to him, and in case they did not satisfy him all Arrerages of Salary due unto him for his service among them in two months time, and for that the judgment of the said Colloquy had been confirmed by the Synod: and the said Petit not having been entirely paid what was owing him, he had therefore left Barbezieux, and settled at Xaintes, to which he was lent by the Synod for a month, and now he had contracted with the Church there. And the Church of Barbezieux complaining of this matter unto the mixed Assembly held at St. John d' Angely, a Decree was there made, that Monsieur Petit should return unto the said Church of Barbezieux, and that the Church should come to accompt with him before the Colloquy. And Monsieur Roy Elder of the Church of Xaintes did hereupon bring in his Appeal, because the said Synod declared to him, that according to the Canons of our Discipline it had full power finally to determine this matter, and that the said Petit did not in the least repugn or oppose it: Who being after summoned unto that Colloquy, which was ordered to examine his Accompts, did yet nevertheless make no appearance; for which cause the said Colloquy had enjoined him to return unto his Church on pain of being suspended, from which he now appealed, and hath ever since continued his Ministry in the Church of Xaintes, notwithstanding all Counsels and exhortations given him by the Colloquy of Saintonge to be advised and ruled by them. And in this state hath this affair stood till the last Synod of the Province held at Saujon, unto which it had been remanded, and by that Synod it was dismissed over unto this Assembly.

Now altho the ingratitude of the Church of Barbezieux be very notorious, and well known unto this Assembly, yet because the pretended Liberty was only conditional and threatened, the said Monsieur Petit could not make use of it as he hath done, yea though it had been absolute, he ought not to have usurped that power so as to ally himself unto another Church without having first consulted the Colloquy, and till he had first obtained Letters Testimonial from it, and the Church in which he last served: and therefore the said Mr. Petit was most sharply censured, and he was told to his face, that if ever he fell into the like offense a second time, he should be deposed from the sacred Ministry. And the Church of Xaintes also was judged worthy of a severe Censure for practicing by unlawful means to deprive the Church of Barbezieux of its Pastor, and the said Church of Barbezieux was justly condemned for their ill treatment of, and unworthy carriage to the said Mr. Petit. Upon which account, and because both those Churches are faulty and blame-worthy, the said Mr. Petit was removed from both, and neither of them should enjoy him, and he is put upon the Roll of distribution, among those Ministers who are to be provided of Churches by this present National Synod in the close of it; which judgeth that both those Churches have forfeited the Ministry of the blessed Gospel of Christ, one having lost it for their sin of ingratitude in demanding work, and enjoying the labors of their Minister, and denying him bread, by which he and his poor Family might live: And the other is deprived of the Ordinances, because they endeavored to rob another Church of its Pastor, and would get him by unjust and unlawful means, quite contrary to the Canons of our Discipline. Moreover this Assembly hath rejected and disannulled the appeal of Monsieur Roy from the mixed Assembly before mentioned, and that also brought by Monsieur Petit from the Colloquy of Jonzac. And as for the Appeal of the Church of Barbezieux from the Decree past in the last Synod or Saujon, this Assembly cannot blame the patience and indulgence of that Synod, because of all former circumstances; but yet it cannot but censure the last Colloquy held at Abaigne for producing before us Acts and Writings signed when their meeting was broken up, and unto which neither the Moderators nor any other of the Pastors had given their consent. And that Church of Barbezieux shall come to a full account with the said Mr. Petit, and shall give him entire satisfaction betwixt this and the next Synod, on pain of being forever deprived of the Ministry of God's holy Word and Sacraments.

20. Monsieur Rossell at present Minister in the City and Church of Orange, appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Lower Languedoc. But this Assembly dismissed it over to the Provincial Synod of Vivaretz, which is fully authorized finally to decide and determine the matters in controversy betwixt them.

21. The Church of Mauze in Aulnix, having opposed by an Appeal the Liberty granted unto Monsieur de la • ave by the Colloquy of Aulnix, and confirmed by the Synod of Saujon, and not appearing to make good the Contents of their Appeal, the Judicial Sentence of the said Colloquy and Synod was confirmed. And the Appeal of the Church of Jonzac for its being separated from that of Clan, which was decreed by the same Synod; and the Appeal of the Church of Mirambeau about the translating of Monsieur Rossignol from them unto the Church of Arvert, neither of these Appeals being abetted and defended by any person, they did both fall to the ground of course, and were both declared null, and desert.

22. Whereas the Church of Mirambeau having demanded of the Synod of Saintonge a portion of his Majesty's Moneys, was refused the grant thereof, because they had no Pastor, and do now therefore make their Appeal. This Assembly judgeth that the said Synod proceeded well and wisely, and that the Appeal of the said Church is causeless and unreasonable. But that Provincial Synod is advised to present one of their Proposans, who is maintained out of our common Stock, unto this vacant Church.

CHAP. X. Of Particular Matters.

1. THE Sieurs Richard Pastor of the Church of Meusac and Islemade Richeteau Pastor of the Church of St. Leophary and Charles Pastor of the Church of Archiac represented unto this Synod (the two first by word of mouth, the last by his Son Minister of Villemur ) the great Difficulties they met withal in executing that Canon of the Synod of Gap, obliging Pastors to a personal Residence on their Churches, which being considered by the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc, and particularly as relating to the said Ministers, who now lived in the City of Montauban, the final Judgment on their Case was remitted unto this Assembly. Monsieur Beraud Pastor and Professor in that Church and University, was heard deliver his thoughts about this Affair. And divers Acts being produced and read on both sides, many of which proved evidently the convenient Houses and Lodgings that those Churches had provided for these their Pastors (who complained without any just ground) though other Acts did offer the contrary. After a mature debate of the whole, this ensuing Decree was made and published, that the said Richard and Richeteau shall both of them remove from the City of Montauban unto their respective Churches, which are enjoined to accommodate them with convenient Housen as soon as possible, and to augment their Salaries unto a just competency, and this at farthest within the space of one year: And if the said Churches shall refuse or neglect this their bounden duty, they shall be deprived of the Ministry of God's Holy Word and Sacraments; and if the said Ministers shall refuse to reside in those Habitations provided for them before the year be expired, they also shall be suspended from their Ministerial Office. And everyone of these Plaintiffs and Defendants on both sides are sharply censured for producing several Attestations, Inquiries, and other such like Acts done and confirmed by and before Public Notaries, and Secular Judges. And as for Monsieur Charles the Elder, this Assembly, considering the Age, great Charge, and that Assistance which he hath promised unto his Father-in-law, and that Help which his Son hath promised unto him, doth dispense with his personal Residence in his Church, for so long a time as his Church shall permit him, and he may live where he now doth. And these Ministers, Charles, Richard and Richeteau, are expressly forbidden all intermeddling in any sort whatsoever with the Affairs of the Church and University of Montauban, unless they be duly called and invited to it by the Consistory of that University.

2. Mr. Charles the Younger shall for the future make his constant Residence in his Church of Villemur; and whereas he pretends, that he was absolutely given up and resigned unto the Church of Puylaurens, and that he was only lent unto that of Villemur, This Assembly requireth the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne to examine the truth of this matter, and till the said Synod determine otherwise about him, he shall serve the Church of Villemur.

3. The Colloquy, Church and University of Montauban petitioned that Monsieur Beraud might be restored to them, and to continue in his Office amongst them. The Sieurs Beraud, Father and Son, and the Deputies of the Province were all heard speaking in their order to this matter, as also Monsieur Bouchereau Pastor of the Church of Saumur, who pleaded that Monsieur Beraud the Younger had engaged himself for one year to be professor in that University. This Assembly considering the necessities of the said University of Saumur, decreed that Monsieur Beraud should tarry with them another year, to commence on the fifteenth day of April next coming; which term being expired, Monsieur Beraud the Son shall serve in the Ministry in his Father's stead, and perform all the duties belonging unto his Office; and he shall then be appropriated to, and fixed in the Church and University of Montauban, nor may the Provincial, Synod nor Colloquy, nor the said Church provide themselves of any other for the Ministry in that Church, or for the Profession of Theology, during the time of his loan unto the Church and University of Saumur.

4. The Church of St. Ireney le Perche in the Country of Limousin petitioned this Assembly for a Pastor, that so their Ruin and Dissipation might be prevented, and that they might be holpen with some Moneys to make him up a competency for his subsistence with them. The Assembly considering that Monsieur Alix was lent unto the Church of Angeau, doth enjoin the Provincial Synod of Berry to examine Monsieur Solomon a Proposan, and in case they find him well qualified, they shall set him apart to the work of the Ministry by Imposition of hands, and send him unto the said Church of St. Ireney le Perche for two years only, in case the Church of Orleans be not destitute of Pastors, which is much feared; for both the Pastors of Orleans and Angeau have been a long time very sick and like to die. And the said Church of St. Ireney le Perche shall be put upon the same Roll with the other Churches to draw forth, and receive its portion of the King's Monies.

5. Whereas the Elder of the Church of Villefaignun and Savelles hath petitioned that they might be without any longer delay provided of a Pastor, the next Synod of Saintonge is charged to take care of them, and to give order for their supply. And in the mean while the Neighbor Ministers of Saintonge and Augoulmois are required to visit and officiate by turns in the said Church.

6. There being great divisions and contentions among the Pastors and Professors in the Church and University of Montauban, and particularly one lately fallen out between Messieurs Beraud the Younger, and Duncan first Regent of their College, and Competitor for the Profession of the Greek Tongue, and there having been very ill doings, and of dangerous consequence in their proceedings, their Cause being removed from the Colloquies and Synods by the said Duncan and others unto the Court of the Edict in the City of Castres. This Assembly▪ that past evils may be remedied, and such as are future may be prevented, doth enjoin those Gentlemen concerned in these differences, and who are now personally present in this Synod to be reconciled one unto the other, which was done accordingly. And that the absent parties might be reunited, Messieurs de Gasque, Gigord, and those Elders deputed by the Province of Lower Languedoc, shall take in their way homeward the City of Montauban, and are charged by the Authority of this Synod to accommodate and compose all their dissensions. And it is farther ordained, That both the said Mr. Beraud the Younger, and Mr. Duncan shall desist all pursuits about the Profession of the Greek Tongue, and for peace sake a third person shall be chosen into that Office. And whereas the said Duncan was obliged by a special Article of the said Colloquy to prosecute his Appeal in the Court of the Edict, the Provincial Synod is ordered to inflict a very severe Censure upon that Colloquy, in case that Article be found registered in the Original of their Acts, which for this purpose shall be produced. And Messieurs de Gasques, Gigord, St. Chapte, and Bergier, as they travel through the City of Castres, shall acquaint his Majesty's Officers professing the Reformed Religion in that Court, how very prejudicial it will be unto our Churches, if those Academical Differences shall come to be impleaded at their Bar, that so according to their Zeal and Piety, they may prudently provide for our public and common benefit, and take care in due time that the Liberties and Privileges of the Churches be not invaded nor disseized.

7. Monsieur de la Vallade is confirmed in his Ministry unto the Church of Fontinay, unto which he was formerly presented, nor shall the Province of Guyenne or Bergerac claim any right to recall him; and this Decree passed without any opposition from the Deputies of the said Church and Province, who declared they had no Commission to redemand him. So that all Agreements and Covenants made betwixt the said Vallade and his Father and the said Church are ratified, and become perpetual. However, this Assembly doth not approve of that Form in which they be drawn up, especially with reference unto the Moneys, which they pretend to have furnished him; and in case the Church of Bergerac should demand him, the Provincial Synod of Saintonge is impowered with Authority to determine finally of him, and all matters between him and them.

8. The Churches of Maringues and Paillac in Auvergne petitioned this Assembly that they might be supplied with able Ministers; and because of their deep poverty, and want of necessary means to allow a sufficient maintenance for a Pastor, the Synod of Lower Languedoc was enjoined to lend them a Minister for one year, they taking the first opportunity of their meeting to apply themselves thither for one: And that a competency may be the more easily provided over and above the four portions out of the King's Money formerly allotted unto those of the Lower Auvergne, there be two more granted to them, and the said Churches of Maringues and Paillac shall receive four of them, and the other two shall remain with, and belong unto the Church of Issoire. And it is farther ordained, That the said Synod of Lower Languedoc shall in the mean time choose a Proposan of good hopes, and well qualified, who may be given as ordinary Pastor unto the said Church of Issoire.

9. Monsieur Primrose Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux brought Letters from the Magistrates and Ministers in the Church of Edinburgh in Scotland, written and directed to this Assembly, and other Letters also written by his Majesty the King of Great Britain, recalling him home unto his Native Country to serve the said Church of Edinburgh; and he declared farther, that he had never absolutely engaged himself either to this Kingdom, nor to any particular Church in it, but had always reserved a liberty of departure, when as he should be duly recalled. This Assembly replied, that they would not in the least abridge him of his liberty, but as he had acquired it, so he might use it with a good conscience, yet nevertheless they entreated him to consider well of all circumstances, and to have a tender care and respect unto the Church of Bourdeaux, which by his most fruitful preaching and exemplary godly conversation had been exceedingly edified. Whereupon he promised seriously not to abandon the said Church, till it were better supplied.

10. The Sieur de la Buissonniere desiring that the Canon about calling the Provincial Synod of Normandy might be explained. This Assembly decreeth, that every Colloquy shall meet in its course in those places which are most commodious, and the said Province is enjoined to call unto their Synod a Pastor and Elder out of every Church, and that it could not in any wise approve of their former actings being directly repugnant unto our Discipline, to call only the Deputies of the Colloquies, and the said Province was censured for that irregular practice, and the Higher Normandy is forbidden to Congregate and pack up into one their two Colloquies, as they have done heretofore.

11. The Church of Cormes and that of St. John du Brueil petitioning to be incorporated with the Colloquy of Rovergue, and separated from that of Sauve; This Assembly having heard Monsieur Gasques speaking on behalf of the Lower Languedoc, that they did not oppose it; their Petition was granted them, provided that the Synod of Higher Guyenne would carefully inspect and watch over them.

12. The Church of Foix and Tarascon complained of their utter inability to maintain a Pastor by reason of the excessive poverty of the Inhabitants of those places. This Assembly did therefore add two Portions more out of the Kings Money to that which they already had, and entreated Monsieur de Montigny to persuade Monsieur du Mattellet to accept of the Pastoral Charge of that Church, and to assist and encourage him in it.

13. The Petition of the Church of Bourg Argentall was granted, and they shall be henceforward incorporated with the Church of Bonlieu in Vivaretz, but on that condition mentioned in the Act of the Provincial Synod of Burgundy, that when as by the good providence of God they may be enabled to maintain a Pastor of themselves, that then they shall be returned back unto the said Province.

The Deputies of the Lower Guyenne petitioning, that the Decree of their Provincial Synod might be confirmed, that all their Churches might be obliged to put the moneys Collected by them for the poor Exiles of the Marquisate of Salluces into the hands of Monsieur Bernardin Elder in the Church of Thonneins, that he might be reimbursed the four hundred Crowns lent by him upon his Majesty's Grant of that sum unto the Deputies assembled at Chastechelaud, and who had already paid it in to the Brethren of the said Marquisate. This Assembly hath confirmed, and doth now by this present Act ratify and confirm that Decree aforesaid, and it shall be accordingly executed and performed, but so that every Church shall be taxed according to its ability, and the said Collection thus assessed shall be levied according to the said Rate and Tax.

15. Madam la Faye being fallen blind is recommended to the Charity of the Church of Bourdeaux, which is entreated to continue their wonted Relief and Assistance to her.

16. Monsieur Haulier Pastor of the Church du Mas d' Assier is enjoined to ride unto Vivaretz, and in obedience to the Synodical Decree made at Gap, to Account with the Church of Annonay, and to give them full satisfaction within six months time all delays and excuses being set by.

17. Monsieur Baldran Deputy for the Churches of Béarn petitioned that Monsieur Esperian, the younger, Minister of St. Foy might be restored unto their Province and to serve in one of their Churches, The Elder of the Church of St. Foy was heard, who produced a Letter written by the Father of the said Monsieur Esperian, declaring that his Son if he pleased might continue where he was. This Assembly did not approve that the said Esperian should be any wise obliged unto the Churches of Béarn to the hindrance of his abode at St. Foy; and this was so determined by the National Synod of Gap, and is now ratified by this present Synod. And the said Esperian by our authority is now fixed and appropriated to the Church of St. Foy, yet with this restriction, that in case of great and indispensible necessities he may assist the Churches of Béarn as a Pastor, as they also shall in like manner assist ours by virtue of that holy Ordinance of Communion betwixt the Churches of our Lord Jesus.

18. Monsieur Durdes Pastor of the Church of Pamiers, did by his Son acquaint this Synod of that great Affliction God had laid upon him in depriving him of his Eye-sight, together with very many domestic troubles befallen him, partly by Persecutions in former times, and grievous Sicknesses; and that the Church of Pamiers is not of sufficient ability to maintain another Minister. Wherefore the Province of Higher Languedoc is enjoined to deal kindly with him in their Dividends of his Majesty's Liberalities, and to provide for him under his pressing necessities.

19. That all Dissensions arising in the Church of Xaintes about. Church-Offices, may be prevented for the future, this Assembly doth judge fit, that as soon as the said Church shall be provided of a Pastor, one third of their Consistory shall be changed, and another third at the years end, and the residue the year following; and the Election of the two thirds who are to continue and enter into Office shall be made by majority of Votes of the said Consistory, and those who have a mind to be discharged shall enjoy their Liberty. And this Canon was made for the said Church at the request of the Province of Saintonge, and to be perpetuated in the said Church, but without any prejudice in the least unto other Churches.

20. Our Brethren in the Bailiwick of Gex shall subscribe the Church-Discipline, yet with this Restriction, that they shall not be obliged unto some particular Canons, which shall be excepted by name in their subscribed Copies, and this because of their present estate and circumstances.

21. The Deputies of Poitou craved resolution unto this Case. Some persons lately married were tied up from Conjugal performances by Witchcraft, and thereupon separated one from the other, and the Wife was since married unto another Man, and afterward her first Husband unto another Woman: May these persons be admitted to the Peace and Communion of the Church? This Assembly remits the Judgment of the matter of fact unto their Provincial Synod, which is ordered particularly to examine all circumstances.

22. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved this Case; whether a Colloquy might refuse payment of a Donative given by the Provincial Synod unto the Widow of a deceased Minister, upon this pretence, that the said Widow died before the time of paying the said Donative became due, and whether her death may cause a Revocation of that Relief from the indigent Heirs of the said poor deceased Widow? This Assembly resolves in the negative, and censureth that Colloquy for making a needless stir and opposition.

23. The Church of Rochell having collected eight hundred Livers for our Exiled Brethren of the Marquisate of Salluces, this sum of Moneys was ordered to be paid in to the Provincial Deputies of Dauphiné, which was done accordingly, and the said Province shall bring in their Account how they distribute it unto the next National Synod.

24. The Church of Bourdeaux delivered unto the Provincial Deputies of Dauphiné four hundred Livers collected in it for our Exiled Brethren of the Marquisate of Salluces, and the said Province is to bring in their Account how they have distributed it unto the next National Synod.

25. Monsieur Pynaud brought in his Accounts of Moneys received for the Pastors in the Province of Aujou, Touraine, and Main. This Assembly did not judge sit to examine the particulars of that Account, but left it unto the Pastors and Elders deputed by the said Province to make report how many Ministers and Proposans they had in their District, according as was ordained for the other Provinces.

26. The Province of Saintonge petitioned that the Church of Bourdeaux might be compelled to perform their promise made unto them of giving them a Proposan instead of Monsieur Primrose. This Assembly judging the demand of the said Province to be but equitable, doth yet notwithstanding exhort it to acquit that Church of its Obligation, because it hath none assurance of the Ministry of the said Mr. Primrose, he having obtained his Conge and License of departure from this present Synod.

27. The Decree of the Synod of Pons (in Aulnix ) made in the year 1605. for the conjunction of the Consistory of Rochell with the Province of Saintonge in all Ecclesiastical and Political Affairs, is confirmed by this present Assembly.

28. That Petition of the Church of Roffec about its separation from the Church of Vertueil, and being couched upon the Roll of separate and distinct Churches, is remanded back unto their Provincial Synod to be finally determined by it.

29. The Petition of the poor Widow of Monsieur Roussepeau is dismissed over to the consideration of the Provincial Synod of Saintonge, to whose Charity she is recommended, and that Synod is authorized to oblige the Church of Pons to assist her with some relief answerable to her necessities.

30. A difference arose between the Province of Normandy and that of Anjou, Touraine, and Mayne, about the Church of Monjoubert, which is made up of divers Burroughs and Villages lying partly in the County of Perche, and partly in the Dukedom of Normandy, upon which account, one of those Provinces demands the said Church to be incorporated with the Colloquy of Alanson, and another with the Colloquy of Mayne. This Assembly considering the present State of the said Church, and being very desirous of its preservation, and because its Pastor was presented to it by the Province of Normandy, and he is now residing there, doth decree, that it shall continue joined unto the Colloquy of Allanson, until such time as the Quarters of Monjoubert and Allieres can maintain a Minister of their own. And then those Churches shall return unto the Colloquy of Mayne.

31. Monsieur de Bonvouloir at present Pastor of the Church of St. John d'Angely having obtained License of Departure from the Province of Poitou, upon this condition, that he should reimburse the Church of Poire and and Belleville the sum of four hundred and fifty Livers, which they had spent upon him at the Schools and University: This Assembly, at the request of the Deputies of Poitou, ordaineth, That the said Sieur de Bonvouloir shall come to account with the said Church within the space of two months about the Moneys they pretend due unto them from him; and before an half year is ended, he shall make them full satisfaction for all Arrears which he oweth to them, or on default hereof, he shall return again, and be subject to the Authority of that Province of Poitou, who have full power to dispose of his Ministry.

32. The Deputies of Provence demanding of this Assembly one or more Pastors to supply their vacant Churches; and this Assembly at present not knowing where to find them, doth entreat and exhort the Provinces of Dauphiné and Lower Languedoc to assist those Churches with some of their Ministers, until such time as God shall have in his good providence provided a sufficient number for them.

33. Upon the petition of Monsieur Perrin, this Assembly decreed that the Quarters of the upper and neither Cedron shall be joined to the Church of Mombrun, till such time as they can get and maintain a Pastor of their own.

34. Monsieur Durdes Pastor of the Church of Pamiers writ Letters unto Monsieur de Beauvois a Gentleman of Normandy, in which he acknowledgeth that the said Gentleman had lent him a certain sum of Money during the time of his Exile in London. These Letters shall be communicated to him by the Deputies of Higher Guyenne, and the said Durdes shall bring in his exceptions against them unto the Colloquy of Foix at their next meeting, and in case those exceptions of his be not of any force or value, he is enjoined to give full and speedy content and satisfaction unto the said Gentleman.

35. The Provincial Deputies of Normandy moved this Case from the Church of Caen; Whether a child born in marriage (disallowed by our Discipline) being presented unto Baptism by Godly Sureties, who had formerly presented others unto this Sacrament, issued from the same married persons, might be Baptized. Answer was given them, that the Parents fault cannot prejudice the Children; so that there is no difficulty at all in the case; nor should they make any scruple in the least of admitting such Infants unto Baptism, especially when as Godly persons will become Sureties for their Religious Education. Yet nevertheless the Church should at the same time testify that they do not approve of the said Marriage.

36. Monsieur de la Buissonniere petitioned in the name of the Colloquy of Caen, that Monsieur le Seneschal Minister of the Gospel might be at their disposal, notwithstanding the Provincial Synod had granted him unto the Church of Orbec, contrary to the intention of Monsieur de Lasson deceased, by whose Legacy he was educated unto the Ministry. The Last will and Testament of the said Mr. Lasson deceased being produced and read in this Assembly, there was this clause expressed in it, That he had ordained the Churches of Caen and Lasson should be called together to dispose of that Proposan, who was maintained at the University by the Moneys and Legacy he bequeathed to that intent and purpose. Wherefore this Assembly judged that the said Synod ought not to have presented the said Le Seneschall unto the Church of Orbec contrary to the advice and consent of those two Churches, it being a great prejudice, yea and a downright infraction of the Will of the said Testator. However those two Churches are entreated not to be over urgent for the Recalling of the said Pastor, till that Church of Orbec have time to provide itself of another.

37. Monsieur de la Buissonniere informed this Assembly of the Insolencies and Seditious Challenges of a certain Capuchin Friar, affixed by him to the public view of the world in some public places of the City of Allanson, but that for peace sake he refused to do the like in answer to him. This Assembly commended his modesty and prudent carriage for time past, and exhorts him to persist in it for the future upon the like occurrences. And our General Deputies are ordered to insert this among others into our Bill of Grievances to be presented unto his Majesty, the many Libels and insolent provoking Challenges made us by our Adversaries.

38. The Deputies of the Province of Brittany desired that Monsieur Oyseau Minister of the Gospel might be remanded back unto them, he having quitted both them and the Church of Nantes, in which he was Pastor without any Leave first had and obtained from either of them. A Letter was read from the said Monsieur Oyseau, and Monsieur Rivet his Son in Law alleged several arguments to justify his departure from them. But though this Assembly found that the proceedings of the said Mr. Oyseau were not altogether laudable, yet they did allow him to exercise his Ministry in the Province of Poitou where he liveth at present, and the said Province of Poitou shall assist the Church of Nantes with Ministers for the full space of one year, to wit Monsieur Rivet, or some other for him shall preach there six months, and though other six any Pastors whom the said Province shall choose; and during the said time Monsieur Oyseau shall supply their Churches whose Pastors do officiate in the Church of Nantes, and the Church of Nantes shall pay these Ministers who are lent them their wages, and Mr. Oyseau shall also receive his Salary from those Churches in which he preacheth during their Pastors absence.

39. Monsieur Baduel Pastor of the Town of Castillon declared his great poverty, occasioned by the Confiscation of his Fathers Estate upon the Account of Religion. This Assembly did therefore ordain that over and above that portion which he receiveth from his Church there shall be another paid him out of the General Stock, and a third Portion more by the Province, to comfort him under his great losses and oppressions.

40. The Deputies of Provence petitioning that the Province of Dauphiné might pay unto them the residue of the seventh part of those Moneys which were adjudged them by the National Synod of Gap, and which they had actually received of Monsieur Pallott for the years 1598, 1599, and 1600. Deducting out of it the sum of 2250 l. Which the Deputies of Provence do acknowledge they have received; besides they demanded interest for the Moneys detained from them: This Assembly having seen the Accounts of payments made unto the said Province of Dauphiné signed and concluded by the said Pallott the 5th of June, 1601. and having heard Monsieur de la Comb Deputy for the said Province confess that he had actually received of the said Pallott the sum of 3302 Crowns, thirty Sous and eight Deniers, including therein three hunched and forty Crowns, one Sous and three Deniers, which the said Pallott had restored to him since the said Account for one half of his right in it: And the said de la Comb requested on behalf of his Province, that those of Provence might allow a sous in the Liver unto him the said de la Comb over and above the 2260 Livers which he the said de la Comb had paid in unto those of Provence. This Assembly decreeth that those of Dauphiné shall pay in to those of Provence in Money or moneys worth the sum of 665 Livers, 9. Sous, and one Denier, and then both these Provinces shall sign and execute mutual releases one unto the other, without any prejudice unto the Decrees of the Synod of Gap, or the Contents thereof.

41. This Assembly ordaineth that one half of the sum of 665 Livers owing by the Province of Dauphiné unto that of Provence shall be given to the five Pastors, who were in actual service during that time the said moneys was in arrears and the Church of Luc shall out of hand pay unto Monsieur Megnant their Pastor all moneys due unto him for the whole time he hath been employed in the Ministry among them. And whereas the Province of Dauphiné demands from that of Provence to be allowed their Charges towards a journey of some Commissioners they had sent to Court; this Assembly doth not approve thereof in the least, nor shall there be so much as one Denier defalked from the Province of Provence upon that score.

42. Although the Province of Saintonge have ordered to the contrary, yet this Assembly doth now decree and ordain, That the six portions attributed to the six Pastors of the City of Rochell shall be detained by the said Church, out of which that Church shall be obliged to maintain a Student in Divinity according to their promise.

43. Though this Assembly had very good and sufficient reasons (which were before mentioned in the 19th Article of Appeals) to deprive the Church of Xaintes, for their unworthiness, of the Ministry and Labors of Monsieur Petit, and to lay him by also unemployed in the Lord's Harvest: Yet having since observed both in that Church and Minister a godly sorrow, and great displeasure for their past proceedings, and sinful miscarriages; It doth once more present the said Monsieur Petit to the Pastoral Office in the said Church; but with an express charge and injunction upon the said Province, that in case either through the Churches or his default, the Divisions and Contentions be continued, or that any new ones shall break but among them, that they shall remove him without delay from the exercise of his Ministry unto some other place, where they shall conceive he may be more useful, and as will be most expedient for the general good and edification of the whole Body of those of our Religion.

44. Monsieur du Bois shall continue in the Service of his Church of la Vall, according to those Agreements made with him, and approved by the Provincial Synod; only he shall serve the Church of my Lady Barre for the time appointed; and the said Province shall remand the said du Bois, to perform the duties of his Ministry more diligently.

45. The Province of Saintonge is charged to get without delay a supply for the Church of Vertueil, and, till it have a settled Pastor of its own, that the Neighbor Ministers do by turns officiate and dispense all Ordinances of Religious Worship to it.

46. The Church of Rochelle having at the entreaty and desire of this Synod promised to maintain Monsieur Peyris, who is now a Proposan, and to take special care that within six months time he should be duly qualified for the Ministry of the Gospel: This Synod doth hereby bind and oblige that Church, which shall give him a Call to the Pastoral Office, in case upon a strict Examen he be found capacitated for it, to make restitution unto the said Church of Rochelle of all that Moneys, which they have disbursed in his Education at School and University, to fit and prepare him for their service in the Ministry.

47. Monsieur Hog complained, that he was put to very great costs and charges in the necessary defense of himself against the Insolencies and Assaults of the Carmelite Friars of Rochefoucaud, and humbly desired that some course might betaken for his Reimbursement, he being in no wise able of himself to sustain the loss. But this Assembly dismissed his Petition unto the Synod of his own Province, which is required to consider it, and give him due satisfaction.

48. Whereas the sum of one hundred Crowns was adjudged unto the Province of Saintonge for the setting up of a Free-School in it, the said Moneys shall be employed upon the College of Rochefoucaud for its subsistence, and the like sum shall be conferred upon the Province of Lower Guyenne towards the Augmentation of the College of Bergerac.

49. Whereas the province of Dauphiné draweth forth out of the General Stock of our Churches one portion under the name of Monsieur Mercure a Minister of the Gospel, who doth actually serve several Churches both in that Province, and in Vivaretz, it is now ordered once for all, that those particular Churches shall not have particular portions assigned to them, but shall be reputed for one only, because he is sole Pastor to them all.

50. The two portions that were adjudged unto Monsieur de la Faye, Pastor of the Church of Aubenas by the Synod of Gap over and above that other which the Province was to pay, shall be continued to him; and this order shall hold good till the sitting of the next National Synod.

51. Whereas there be differences arisen between the Province of Lower Languedoc and that of Vivaretz, about certain sums of Money, ordered to be expended in several Journeys, which were undertaken by the joint and common consent of them both, and for the common good and benefit of both those Provinces: This Assembly having heard both Parties, ordaineth, That the Province of Vivaretz shall be acquitted by that of Lower Languedoc in paying out of their first and dearest Moneys by the Lord of Candall, the sum of three hundred Livers. And all the Provinces are straitly and expressly enjoined, that for the future they do never divert any of the Moneys granted us by his Majesty unto such Affairs, without the consent of Ministers and Churches who are particularly concerned in them; nor shall this be done at all, without mature and previous deliberation had about it.

52. A most humble petition shall be presented unto his Majesty, to beseech him to order that Monsieur Masela (having been wickedly prosecuted at Law about the Interment of his deceased Mother, and put to the vast charges of seven or eight thousand Livers in his own defense against that unreasonable and unrighteous Suit,) may have some amends and satisfaction given him for his great damages.

CHAP. XI. Particular Matters relating to the Provinces of the Isle of France, Picardy, and Champagne.

• Article the First.
  MOnsieur Du Bois the younger, addressing himself unto this Assembly, to prove his Liberty, in being freed not only from the Church of La Ferte au Vidame, and its annexed Congregations, but also from the Province of the Isle of France and Champagne; after perusal of the Acts of the Colloquy and Synod of the said Provinces; he was declared free, and to be disposed of elsewhere, according to the Rules of our Discipline, as this Synod shall judge meet, and in the mean while he may continue the exercise of his Ministry in the Church gathered in the house of the Lady de la Barre.
• Article 2.
  The Provincial Deputies of Burgundy, Lyonnois and Forest complaining that Monsieur le Faucheur at present Minister of the Church at Nonnay in Vivaretz, had quitted the said Church and Province, without ever having his Legal Dismission from them, and therefore demand that he be remanded back unto the Church of Dijon. And the Deputies of Vivaretz being heard, who required the confirmation of his Ministry unto the Church of Nonnay: And the Deputies of the Isle of France demanding him for the Church of Paris, and those of Sedan also petitioning that he might be assigned to them for their Pastor: And the Deputies of Dauphiné producing Articles of Agreement made between them and the said Faucheur, in consequence whereof they claimed him for the service of the Church in Grenoble. This Synod in no wise approving those Articles of Agreement, and finding that the Province of Burgundy hath a just right unto him, though yet it was not absolute, and that neither the Churches of Paris or Sedan have any the least pretext of claim unto him; It therefore using that power and authority which they have over him, who ought as Pastor to be responsible unto this Assembly, doth confirm him as fixed Pastor unto his own Church of Nonnay, without ever suffering either his Father or himself to pretend unto any right for the future of leaving that Church, or to be given unto any other.
• Article 3.
  The Church of Chastillon on the Loir petitioning that Monsieur Solais might be given them for their Minister, the Synod did not judge it reasonable to grant them their request, because he was not discharged by the Province of the Isle of France, whereunto he belongeth. But the Province of Orleans and Berry are ordered out of hand, and with as much conveniency as they can, to provide a Pastor for the said Church.
• Article 4.
  Monsieur de Montigny demanding in the name of the Province of the Isle of France, that Mr. de la Touche the Elder should reimburse the Church of Paris the Moneys laid out by them for his Education when he was their Scholar; or that he be sent back again unto the said Province, therein to exercise his Ministry. This Assembly ordaineth, That the hundred Livers given by him unto the Church of Compiegne, shall be deducted, and allowed him in the Account; and farther ordaineth, that he bring in his Account by the hands of his Brother, a Minister in the said Province, unto their next Provincial Synod, that the remainders of his Debt may be seen and known, as also what may be owing him from the Moneys of his Majesty's Liberality; which Account being thus Audited, those who have the Arrearages of that Moneys in their hands, shall be bound to make good payment of it.
• Article 5.
  Monsieur de Montigny requested on behalf of the Church of Paris, that Monsieur Ferrier might be given them for their Minister. The Synod having heard the Deputies of Lower Languedoc, and considered the Call given the said Ferrier by the Church of Nismes, judgeth that he cannot be conveniently removed from Nismes, and farther enjoins him to discharge with care and diligence his Office of Pastor and Professor there. Whereupon the said de Montigny renewed with greater importunity his demands, that Monsieur le Faucheur, and Monsieur Peyrol might be given unto the Church of Paris instead of le Ferrier. The Synod judged it inexpedient to alter its resolution, so lately taken about le Faucheur, nor to come to a new one about the said Peyrol, considering his Office of Pastor and Professor in the Church and University of Montpellier. And he being farther urgent with them for Monsieur Chave, the Synod replied, he was not at their disposal, because he wholly appertained unto the Church of Geneva.
• Article 6.
  A Proposition was made about the expediency of reducing the number of our Universities, several Brethren judging them to be too many, and that the Professors and Regents in them might be lessened and fixed, and that a general sum might be assigned to them, because that of Saumur demanded an Augmentation. The Synod not being able at present to come to a stated resolution on these Articles, ordered all the Provinces to be ready with their thoughts about them against the next National Synod.
• Article 7.
  And that the poor Churches of this Kingdom may be relieved with the greater ease and advantage; such Churches as are of ability to maintain a College, shall bring with them an Account of what they can do, without the assistance of the public: That so an estimate may be taken of what may be added to complete and perfect our Universities. And the Provinces bordering on the Universities already erected, are entreated to watch, over see and visit them, and to certify the Approaching Synod, of the duties or defaults of their respective Regents and Professors. And in the mean while it was not judged convenient to bestow on that of Saumur the Augmentation demanded by them; but it was defer'd until the next National Synod.
• Article 8.
  Monsieur de Montigny and Poupart instantly demanding Monsieur Bede to be given at least for some time as Minister unto the Church of Paris. The Synod having heard the said Bede, and Monsieur de Burgess Elder of the Church of Loudun, did not find it reasonable to deprive them either for a time, or forever of the Ministry of their said Pastor.
• Article 9.
  The Synod proceeding in their distribution of Pastors, freed from all engagements, did grant Monsieur du Bois to be the Minister unto the Church of Laval in the Maine.
• Article 10.
  Monsieur du Moulin demanding whether Dory Lord of Grateloupe might be readmitted into fellowship with the Church, he continuing in that Marriage state solemnized between himself and the Grand-daughter of his late Wises Sister, because it was allowed by the Judicial Court at Nerac, which had registered the Licenses granted him by his Majesty. This Synod duly pondering all circumstances, and divers other matters proposed about it, have determined, that both himself and Wife may be reconciled unto the Church, and received into Communion, provided that they be first admonished of the fault committed by them, and also, that it be notified unto the people that we do not at all approve of this Marriage.
• Article 11.
  The Deputies of the Isle of France moving about the five hundred Crowns, which were drawn from them by the two Pastors of the Church of Mantes and Fountainbleau: This Synod considering the supernumerary portions assigned unto the said Province and their Annexed Congregations, judgeth that they have no reason to complain for what is past, and for the future it doth order five supernumerary portions more to be assigned unto the said Province, for the better relief of those two Churches of Mantes and Fountainbleau.
• Article 12.
  And farther, it enjoineth the said Province to cause those two Pastors to conform themselves unto the Discipline of our Churches, and to rest contented with the ordinary stipends, received by the other Pastors of that Province; and in case they do not acquiesce in the Authority of this Synod, they shall be prosecuted according to the Canons of out Discipline.
• Article 13.
  The Deputies of several Provinces instantly demanding that some Colleges might be erected for the educating our Youth in good Learning before they be sent unto the Universities: This Synod hath granted unto all the Provinces in which there be no Universities, the sum of one hundred Crowns each, towards the setting up of Lesser Schools, wherein Children may be trained in Grammar-Learning: And the Provinces are charged to bring in their Accounts of their faithful disposal of this Money unto the next National Synod.
• Article 14.
  The Province of Burgundy is ordered to call the next National Synod within two years, and in case the said Province cannot conveniently nor safely do it, then the privilege of summoning it, shall be devolved on the Province of Poitou: And the two years are thus limited, to commence the first of May next ensuing.

CHAP. XII. The Roll of Deposed Ministers.

1. IN Saintonge Monsieur Constantine, a man of indifferent stature, whose face and skin are of Olive-color, his eyes somewhat great, a small red beard, and about forty years of age.

2. In the Province of Anjou, Theophilus Bluett, otherwise de la Comb, tall of stature, black hair, large whiskers on his beard, when he speaks he bends down his eye-lids, aged about thirty nine.

3. In the Province of Poitou Baptist des Touches, near sixty years of age, of a middle stature, his beard black, mingled with gray, of an Olive complexion: A fellow utterly unlearned.

4. In the same Province, Oliver Enguerrand, Apostate, about thirty years of age, of a middle stature, pretty full faced, having no beard.

5. In the Province of Normandy, James de l'Obel, alias du Val, born at St. Lo, heretofore Minister in the Bailiwick of Gisors, tall of stature, brown hair, a meagre visage, aged about five and forty or fifty years.

6. In the Province of Lower Languedoc, Samuel des Planteuit, alias de la Pause, formerly Pastor in the Church of Beziers, about seven and twenty, or eight and twenty years of age, full visag'd, and pur-blind.

CHAP. XIII. Orders about Testamentary Legacies.

1. ALthough we would not prescribe them any Laws who desire to relieve the Church of God in its necessities, and that they be at their own liberty to dispose of their Charities, whether by Stock, Rent or Moneys, and to assign it to any certain Church, College or Hospital, under such Assurances and Conditions as in their wisdoms they shall judge best consisting with their Affairs: Yet this Synod doth judge it needful to advise the Saints to exercise their pious Liberalities according to the Word of God, and the example of the Primitive Church. And that such Charities of theirs may be well secured, and faithfully dispensed according to the Intention of the Donors.

2, Therefore the said Donors shall be advised to settle their Legacys or Gifts upon some certain Churches, for the maintenance of their poor, or of the Sacred Ministry therein, with this clause, that in case of Interruption by war, or any other public calamity, that such rent shall be employed by the next adjoining Church, or otherwise to be disposed of as shall be judged most fitting by the Consistory, Colloquy, Provincial or National Synods.

3. Such as dwell in places of greatest security shall bestow their Gifts in ready moneys, if possibly they can, rather than in stock, That so the said Moneys may be laid out in purchase of some yearly rent, arising from the Chambers or the nearest Guilds to the Chambers oft the City of Rochell, Montauban, Montpellier, Nismes, or other houses, whose principal Inhabitants, or those who manage the affairs of the said Cities, do Profess the Reformed Religion, who shall be entreated by the Provincial Synods to do the Church this right as to assign the Rents out of the clearest Common Income, and this by good Contracts passed between them and the Deputy of that Church (to which the said Legacies had been bequeathed,) and the Mayors, Sheriffs, Consuls, and principal Burgesses of the said Cities, and other persons of note residing in them: And the Consistories of those places shall be present at those Contracts, to see that no Article or condition which may contribute to the Ratification and security of the premisses be omitted, and the Consistory of that Church to whom the Legacy is bequeathed, or its Deputies shall be vigilant and careful that the payment of those Rents be well made, and constant and that it be given in either by Bills of Exchange, or any other ways, with the least charges that may be in the Provinces, and that the dividend be made in such a proportion unto every Church, as of right belongeth to them. And Provincial Synods are enjoined to look to it, that the Intentions of the Donors be not diverted, but punctually and most exactly observed and followed. To this purpose there shall be annually tendered by every Church unto their Colloquy, and by the Colloquies, unto their Provincial Synod a just and true Account of what has been given, by whom, and to what uses, with an Exhibition of the Contracts, that they may be registered. And in case there be any considerable sum of Moneys in Stock, they shall be carried unto someone of the aforesaid Cities, as shall be thought most advisable, there to be laid up in Bank for the benefit of the Churches, to which the said Moneys were bequeathed.

4. And forasmuch as we who live in France are under divers Laws and Customs, and that the style and form of contract is very different in several Provinces: It's therefore decreed that in every Province there shall be one and the same form used for Legacies and Gifts, which shall be transmitted unto all the Consistories, and by them communicated unto the Notaries professing Reformed Religion, and unto such others as may be thought expedient.

The form shall be conceived in these ensuing words excepting always a power of changing it in case of necessity.

I give and bequeath to the maintenance of the Ministry of the Gospel in the Church of N. 〈1 span left blank〉 the sum of N. 〈1 span left blank〉 which my will is that it be laid out in purchasing of a settled Rent, or Estate in Land in the Cities of Rochelle, Montauban, or Monpelier, &c. and this by the advice of the Consistory of the said Cities, which Rent or Revenue shall be annually paid in and delivered unto the Consistory of the said place for the better maintenance of the sacred Ministry without ever being diverted to any other use, And in case it should so fall out, which God of his great mercy prevent, that the Ministry of the word there in that Church should be suppressed, either by war, or any other publicly calamity, it is my will, that during the said Intermission, and until the re-establishing of the said exercise of the Ministry, that the said Rent be employed towards the maintenance of the nearest Church unto that said place, or otherwise, as shall be judged most fitting by the Consistory, Colloquy, Provincial or National Synod of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom. And I humbly and earnestly entreat the said Synods to have a strict and watchful eye, that this Moneys be not diverted unto any other usage, than what is now designed and intended by me.

CHAP. XIV. Political Acts of matters treated in the National Synod held at Rochell in the month of March 1607. by His Majesty's Writ.

2. It being moved, Whether the Deputies of the City of Rochelle be called in to the Debate about the King's Writ: The Assembly considering that they were only summoned as a National Synod, under which Quality the Answer given to the 17th Article of the Memoirs last presented unto his Majesty, expressly forbids the admission of any other persons, Ministers and Elders only excepted, into our Synodical Meetings, on pain of forfeiting them for the future: It was resolved that a Committee of Pastors and Elders should be delegated unto the Mayor, Aldermen and Council of the City, and represent unto them this difficulty, craving their Advice upon it, and give them to understand upon what grounds their Deputies sent unto us, have not been hitherto received by us: Whereunto they gave this Answer, That it was their sole Intention to be present only at those Debates which related to the Writ sent by his Majesty down unto this Assembly, as being matters purely civil, according to that exception made in his Majesty's Answer to the 17th Article of the Memoirs last presented him, and as by the same Answer they were allowed to be present at Political Assemblies; whereupon the Synod having pondered their Arguments, and considering their Importunity, gave leave unto them to be present with us upon the Debates about his Majesty's Writ; and accordingly Monsieur de Romagne and de Mirande the two Sheriffs of the City, and de Beaupreau, and the Bailiff of Aunis, Burgesses of the said City, were admitted into the Synod.

3. The said Writ having been read: The Assembly well weighing the Conditions inserted in it, judged that they had no powers to proceed to the Election of any new General Deputies, because they found themselves not in the least authorized by the said Writ to give them Commissions and Instructions, nor could they discharge those who were here present: Whereupon they found it expedient to send unto his Majesty some Deputies from the whole Body of this Synod, to get information and direction upon these difficulties, and with all humility to represent unto his Majesty the manifold defects in the said Writ, and to demand more ample Liberty to treat of all Affairs relating to the execution of his Edicts, and the preservation of our Churches, and particularly about the nominating of Deputies, and matters depending on it, as of their number, and time of continuance in that Office. And to this purpose Monsieur Gigord Pastor of the Church of Montpellier, and du Bois de Cargrois, an Elder, were named and commissioned as Deputies with Letters unto his Majesty, and to my Lord's the Dukes of Buillon and de Sully, and to my Lord's de Sillery and du Plessis.

4. Monsieur Gigord, and Monsieur du Bois de Cargrois returned from Court, and presented unto this Synod his Majesty's Letters, which were couched in these following Lines.

5. Before any consultation or debate was held about the nomination of new Deputies, the Assembly heard Messieurs de la Noue, and du Crois discoursing of all that had passed during the time of their Deputation, and approved of their service, praising and thanking them for their great care and pains in it; and being discharged from this their Employment at Court, they promised to deposit into the hands of the Deputies that should be nominated to succeed them, all the Acts, Memoirs, and Papers of importance whatsoever that were in their Custody.

6. Monsieur du Crois one of our General Deputies tendered in unto this Assembly his Account of 18000 Livers received by him of the Moneys Given and granted by the King to defray the charges of our Deputies at the last Assembly held at Chastel-heraud in the year 1605. and together with the Papers evidencing and justifying his said Account, which were rendered unto the Deputies of every Province, To wit, for the Isle of France unto Monsieur de Montigny: for Normandy, an Acquittance signed by Monsieur de Courtomer to Monsieur le Fevre; for Saintonge, to Monsieur Pacard; for the Higher Languedoc to Monsieur Raffin: for the Lower Languedoc to Monsieur Gasquers, for the Body of the City of Rochelle to Mr. de Romagne: For Poitou to Monsieur Clemenceau: For Provence to Monsieur Chanforan: For Brittany to Monsieur du Bois de Cargrois: For Anjou to Monsieur Bede: For the Lower Guyenne to Monsieur de Primrose: For Dauphiné to Monsieur Perrin an Acquittance of 600. Livers, the said Monsieur du Crois retaining the sum of 600 Livers more by him, as having the Quality of Deputy from the said Province unto the aforesaid Assembly: And for Burgundy to Monsieur Bayly. And die said Sieur du Crois was acquitted and discharged of the whole sum aforesaid of 18000 Livers.

7. Upon the Question moved about the number of Deputies which ought to be sent unto his Majesty, and the Commission to be given them, the Assembly judged, That forasmuch as all Commissions for the greatest part do never exceed the number of two, and that there can be no swerving from the Commission given by their Provinces, therefore there should be but only two nominated, who shall be charged to represent unto his Majesty, that it will be needful to have a General Political Assembly to precede the Provincial ones of the same nature, wherein the condition, and number of the Six, and the three years term of their Charge may be debated and resolved on; and till such time as it shall please his Majesty to grant us this our Petition, we do most humbly beseech him to accept of the said two Deputies to negotiate our Affairs as the former; who within one month after their Arrival, shall inform the Provinces of his Majesty's pleasure herein: And because it's needful the Deputies should depart immediately without delay, they shall be taken from among those who be here upon the place, and not chosen by the Deliberative Votes of this Assembly.

8. The Deputies, which are now going unto Court, shall be entreated to assist the Forreign Ministers employed in the Pastoral Office of our French Churches, to get them Letters of Naturalization. And Monsieur du Caudal shall be obliged to bring in unto the General Deputies against the 15th of August next, a Breviate of his Account, together with his Acquittances.

9. Forasmuch as divers persons, to trouble and vex their adverse Parties, do plunge them in infinite Charges and Expences, drawing their Processes both Civil and Criminal before other Courts than the Chambers of the Edict; Our Deputies are charged to make report of it unto his Majesty, and in this particular to be favorable not only to the Bodies of Churches, but even unto particular Persons, when as necessity shall so require.

10. The Lord's of Villarnou and de Mirande were nominated by this Assembly to repair to Court, and to inform his Majesty with the above-mentioned Causes for which this Assembly could not conform, themselves to the terms of his Majesty's Writ: And in case his Majesty shall accept of them, till such time as the General Assembly do meet, they shall then attend his Majesty in the Quality of General Deputies of the Churches. But and if his Majesty shall not be pleased to grant us speedily a General Assembly, they shall continue in that Office a full year, during which time they shall in the general name of all the Churches conjointly act and prosecute whatever may concern their universal good and welfare, as also the particular benefit of every Church and Province, and shall make a faithful report of all matters unto his Majesty from the Memoirs delivered to them by this Assembly, and shall solicit an answer to them, and govern themselves in all things conformably to the Orders enacted and established for the said Deputies in the Assembly of St. Foy, and the Instructions which shall now be given them. And the Provinces are advised to have recourse unto them in all Affairs both general and special relating unto the Churches, without making any private prosecution by any other persons besides the said Deputies. And the said Deputies were sworn, and entered upon their Office the 14th day of this present month.

CHAP. XV. The Account of the Lord du Candall for the Moneys given us by His Majesty.

1. THE Sieurs de Genouille, Bergier, des Fontaines, de Burgess, le Fevre, de la Comb, and Texier were Commissionated to examine the Account of the Lord of Candall, and they made report of the many difficulties in it, because he did not produce any Acquittances, nor other Evidences proving his Accounts. Whereupon the said Lord du Kandel pleaded for himself, that the true reason why he had not brought with him those Acquittances was, because he never imagined that the Provinces would have scrupled the truth of those payments he had made them. This Assembly ordained that for this time only, the Account should be cleared and finished, but it should never be made a President of for hereafter; which was done accordingly. And the said Commissioners reported that the said Lord of Kandel was indebted 55639 Livers, 19 Sous, and 3 Deniers. Allowances being made for sums accounted for, but not received, which the said Lord du Candall shall endeavor to get in, and having recovered them shall pay unto those particular Churches to whom they are owing and become due, against the fifteenth day of August next coming, and this in ready Money, or good Bills of Exchange, according to the Contracts made with him at the Synod of Gap, and he shall bring with him the Acquittances of those who received the Moneys from him unto the Lord's General Deputies residing at Court within fifteen days after. And our General Deputies shall bring them a Copy fairly written and collationed of those Acquittances unto the next National Synod, unless a Political Assembly should chance to be held before it. And the Original of that Account shall be reserved in the Archives of the Consistory of Rochell.

2. The said Lord's General Deputies shall cause the said Lord of Candall to bring unto them the Acquittances and other Evidences of his Account cleared and finished in this Assembly for 55639 Livers, 19 Sous, and 3 Deniers. which he was indebted for upon the closing up of the said account: And to this purpose there was delivered to them the said Deputies a Copy of the whole; that so they might be enabled so prosecute, if need were, the Execution of that Account, with all its Apostils and additions as it had been concluded and finished.

3. That Obligation of the said Lord of Candall unto the Churches was put into Monsieur Merlin 's hands, to be reserved in the Archives of the Consistory of the Church of Rochelle. And a collationed Copy of this Original shall be produced in the next National Synod by the Deputies of that Province.

4. Our Deputies at Court shall assist the Pastors of our Churches, who are Foreigners by Birth, to get out Letters of Naturalization from his Majesty.

5. The Lord of Candall, Receiver General for the Churches, shall deliver in to our Lord's General Deputies, before the 15th day of August next coming, a Breviate of his Accounts, together with all Acquittances, Evidences and Proofs of it.

6. There having been several Writings and Memoirs prepared at Chastelheraud to be tendered unto his Majesty, wherewith Monsieur de Crois had been entrusted, he surrendered unto this Assembly the Writings concerning Religion, Justice, the Treasury, and our Cautionary Towns, in seven dictinct Pieces; as also all the Evidences belonging to the said Writings, and their Acquittances, which were either given or offered by him unto the Deputies of the Provinces, to whom they did properly belong. Moreover, he put into the Archives of the Guildhall of the City of Rochelle, the Writs concerning the Continuation of the Cautionary Towns: As also he delivered into the hands of this Assembly the last Warrant granted for discharge of the Deputies, and the nomination of those, who were now called into Office. And over and above all this, he yielded up the Letters Patents for exemption of our Ministers, with the Decree of their Verification in the Court of Aids at Paris. And the two Writings prepared upon the aforesaid Memoirs presented to, and answered before his Majesty's Council, together with the Letters Patents for the executing of those Answers; with which Writings, to wit, Memoirs of Castelheraud, Letters of Exemption, and the Original of the answered Writings, Monsieur de Mirande was entrusted; to whom those who may need them, shall apply themselves: And the said Monsieur de Crois was acquitted and discharged of all those Writings; and he farther engaged to put into the hands of the said Monsieur de Mirande the other Writings, which remain at Paris, and particularly those concerning our Affairs with Monsieur Palott, of all which upon his delivery of them he shall be discharged.

CHAP. I. The Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Kingdom of France, held at St. Maixant, the 25th of May, and divers days following, in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and nine, wherein presented themselves as Deputies from all the Provinces, the Pastors and Elders, who are hereafter named; to wit;

FOR Provence, Monsieur Peter Chalier Pastor of the Church of Seynise, and Bartholomew Recener Pastor of the Church or Merindol, together with Elias de Glandevez, younger Son of the House of Puymichell, Lord of St. Ajon, Elder of the Church in Puymichell, and Peter Texier Elder of the Church of Lormarin or Rouangis.

For the Province of Dauphiné, Master John Vulson Lord de la Columbiere, Pastor of the Church de la Mure, and John Felix Pastor of the Church of Grenoble, together with Charles Martyn Lord of Champoleon Elder, of the Church of Champoleon, and Francois de la Comb, Elder of the Church of St. Marcelin, chosen in the last Synod of their Province; and the said Lord de Champoleon not appearing, Monsieur Jacob Videl Elder of the Church of Brianson presented himself, who was chosen in the preceding Synod, but was not informed of the alteration made in its last Sessions. Whereupon this Assembly judged the said Province worthy of Censure, for not having acquainted the said Videl with their change: And there having been given an honorable Testimony unto the said Videl by the Deputies of the Province, he was admitted to give his deliberative Vote, until the coming of the aforementioned Lord de Champoleon, after which he may return to his own home; but the expenses of his jourrley shall be defrayed by the Province. Yet at his entreaty, the Synod gave him his choice either to tarry or depart.

For the Province of Vivaretz and Vellay, Monsieur Daniel Richard Pastor of the Church of Choillar, and John du Roure, Elder of the Church of Aubenas; who Reporting the excuses mentioned also in the Letters of their Province, for their repeated failure in the number of their Deputies, they not sending four, the Synod did not at all approve of them; but upon promise made by them in the name of their Province, to perform their duty in time to come, they were on this condition admitted for this time, though censure was past upon the Province, and accordingly executed on them the said Deputies, that for the three first days of Session they should be deprived of their deliberative Votes in it.

For the Province of Lower Languedoc, Monsieur Jeremy Ferrier, Pastor of the Church of Nismes, and Monsieur John Chauve, Pastor of the Church of Sommiers, together with William Girard, Lord of Moussac, Elder of the Church of Nismes, and John James du Crois, Lord de la Comb, Elder of the Church of Mompellier.

For the Province of Lower Guyenne, • erigort and Limousin, Monsieur Jeremy Bauconis Pastor of the Church of Tonneins, and Isaac Sylvius Pastor of the Church of Clerac, together with John de Vertueil Lord of Mallerett, Elder in the Church of Burdeaux, and Jacob des Mais Elder also of the same Church.

For the Province of Burgundy and Bailiwick of Gex, Monsieur Peter Colinett Pastor in the Church of Parey le Moynean, and Anthony le Blanc Pastor of the Church of Lions, with James de Jaucourt Lord of Rouvray. Elder of the Church of Chastillion seated upon the Seyn, and John le Gras Elder of the Church of Lions; whose reasons having been heard inducing them to transfer their right of calling the National Synod unto the Province of Poitou, as was decreed by the last Article of the Synod of Rochelle, they were accepted and approved: And they demanding that the privilege of Convening the next Synod might another time be granted to them, answer was returned, that in due time they should be considered, when as they could present us with a commodious and safe place.

For the Province of Higher Languedoc, and the Higher Guyenne, Monsieur William le Nautonnier, Lord of Castelfranc, Pastor in the Church of Venez, and Mark Antony Benoist; Pastor in the Church of Montauban, with George du Bourg Senior, Elder in the Church of Isle Jourdain, and Levy de Barsac Lord of Breuil, Elder in the Church of St. John du Breuil; which said Lord du Bourg neither appeared in person, nor sent his Excuse for Non-appearance; whereof the Province shall have notice given it.

For the Province of Brittany, Mr. David Richer, Pastor of the Church of Blain, and Andrew le Noir, Lord of Beauchamp, Pastor of the Church of Roche-bernard, with Louis d'Avangour, Lord du Bois de Cargrois, Elder in the Church of Nants, and Elias de Goulevez Lord of Loudauinieres, Elder in the Church of Vielle Vigne.

For the Province of Normandy, Mr. Abdias Denis Lord of Mondenis, Pastor of the Church of Fescamp, and Benjamin Banage, Pastor of the Church of St. Mere Eglise, with Charles de Fouquerett, Lord de la Haye, Elder in the Church of Rouen, and John de la Rey, Lord of Narsouquett, Elder in the Church of Montivillier.

For the Province of the Isle of France, Beausse, Picardy and Champagne, Monsieur Samuel Durant, Pastor of the Church of Paris, and John the Baptist Bugnet, Pastor of the Church of Compeigne, with Gideon de Serres, Lord of Pradett, Elder of the Church of Paris, and James de Harderet, Lord de Bijanette, Elder of the Church of Blainville: But the said de Bijanett neither appeared in person, nor sent his excuse for non appearing; whereof the Province shall have notice given them.

For the Province of Orleans, Blesois, Berry and Nivernois, Mr. Stephen de Mont-sanglard, Pastor of the Church of Corbigny, and Samuel de Chambaran, Pastor of the Church of Lorges and Marchenoir, with Francois Semelle, Elder of the Church of Corbigny, and Josiah Perrinett, Elder of the Church of St. Amand.

For the Province of Anjou, Touraine and the Maine, Monsieur Samuel Boucherean, Pastor of the Church of Saumur, and Daniel Couppe, Pastor of the Church of Tours, and together with them Toussainct Lord of Leard, Elder of the Church of Bauge, with whom was deputed Bartholomew de Barge, Elder of the Church of Loudun, who yet neither appeared in person, nor excused his absence by any Letters unto the Synod; whereof notice shall be given unto the Province.

For the Province of Saintonge, Aunix and Augoumois, Monsieur John Merlin,