The True Idea of Jansenism Both Historic and Dogmatic, Part 1

The True Idea of Jansenism Both Historic and Dogmatic · Part 1

p. 1PART I.

The Historick Idea of Jansenisme.

The Original of Jansenisme amongst the Ancients. 2. Baius the first Founder of Jansenisme. 3. C. Jansenius's character, and formation of Jansenisme. 4. San Cyran's assisting Jansenius, &c. 5. Jansenius's proper sentiments. 6. His condemnation. 7. The more full relation thereof, &c. 8. That which made Jansenius odious to the Romans, was his opposing Austin to the Popes Bull. 9. The Jansenists Deputies at Rome, and their p. 2Agitations an. 1652. 10. Other Memorials presented, by the Agents of the Jansenists to the Pope. 11. The Popes Confession in behalf of the Jansenists. A Letter from a Doctor of the Sorbon, prognosticating the little good succes which the Jansenists might expect from Rome. Two Conferences at Paris in the behalf of the Jansenists. 12. The Jansenists two first Papers prepared for the Congregation at Rome. 13. The Dominicans interpose for the Jansenists, and accord with them. 14. The Jansenists Agents, their Audience and Apologies to the Pope. 15. The condemnation of the Jansenists an. 1653. The French Formularie ensuing upon th… condemnation of the Jansenists; and their arguments against the Imposition there of. The Provincial Letters. The Jansenists Apologies against the Imputation of Schisme and Heresie. 16. An. 1662 Endeavors for Accommodement betwixt the Jansenists and Molinists. Th… Jansenists caution against Signature an… Formularie. 17. The main Article, that the Jansenists conforme to the Thomists 18. How far the Jansenists yield herein p. 319. The breaking off the Treatie. 20. The Jansenists Vindication by the Bishop of Comenge; his Letter to the King. 21. The Molinists persecution of the Jansenists. 22. The Jansenists multiplication and acceptation with Papists and Protestants. 23. Their Affairs▪ an. 1668, 1669.

THE design of this Discourse being to give an Idea of Jansenisme, §. 1. The original of Jansenisme.it will be necessary to take a concise view of its original; which sprang out of the ashes of that old Controversie, 'twixt the Assertors of Free Grace, and those who asserted Free Will. For Pelagius and his Adherents having made it their busines to advance corrupt Nature, and place it on the Royal Throne of Soveraign Grace, the Lord raised up Austin and other Worthy Instruments to give check to these Antichristian Infusions▪ whose Indeavors did, for some Ages, set bounds to this flood of Pelagianisme. But when Antichrist arrived to his foreign or perfect stature of a Man of Sin, this Pelagian torrent grew so violent: as that p. 4it diffused its Malignant influences, throughout all the European Churches.

Yet were there not wanting some Gallant and brave Spirits, who opposed themselves to these Pelagian Infusions. Amongst these we may reckon Godescalcus, Grosthead Bishop of Lincoln, Joh. Bacon, alias Baconthorpe, Tho. Bradwardine, John Wicliff, Gregorius Ariminensis, and generally all such as follow the Determinations of Tho. Aquinas, commonly called Thomists and Dominicans; who, though in other points they have sufficiently approved themselves Devoti of Antichrist, yet in these Articles relating to Free Grace, they do generally adhere to Austin, and Thomas their Master. These Dominicans or Thomists (who have bestowed good endeavors, and that succesfully, for the suppressing of the Pelagian Dogmes) have been herein greatly opposed by the Jesuits; a generation of men, who started up about the year 1540. and have ever since made it a great part of their work, to defend, though covertly, the Pelagian Principles, as that which they conceive would prove the most effectual instrument to support p. 5the declining interest and Supremacie of the Roman Church.

The Head of this Jesuitick Faction was Molina, S. Amour Journal fol. 223.who is said (by the Jansenists) to have outgone the Semipelagians, in that these held, that only the beginnings of the first disposition to Grace proceed from the power of man; but as for the rest they assented readily, that man is governed by the motion and power of efficacious Grace; but Molina holds, that man is the primum mobile, and chief Master of his own salvation, from the beginning to the end: hence it was that he was condemned both in Spain, and at Rome: only the execution of the Popes Bull was, upon the importuni…le of the Jesuits, suspended as hereafter, §. 9. This Jesuitick design, for the reviving of Pelagianisme, being discovered by some sober Reforming Papists, they put forth their most vigorous endeavors, for the timely preventing thereof, and confirming the Doctrine of Free Grace, asserted by Austin, &c.

p. 6The first who ingaged in this nobl… design,§. 2. M. Baius the first …ounder of Jansenisme. for the vindication of Efficacio… Grace, was Michael Baius Doctor, and Professor of Theologie at Louvain; who, i… his Lectures and Writings, stoutly de…ended the corruption of Human Nature▪ the Sovereintie and Efficacie of Divin… Grace, with other Articles appenden… thereto. In so much that at last the… were 78. Propositions collected out of … works, which, tending to the Advanc… of Free Grace, and Degrading of Fr… Will, were condemned by a Bull … Pius 5th, an. 1570. and afterward by a…nother Bull of Gregorie 13th, an. 157… And moreover Francis Tolet, the Jesuit… was sent, by the said Pope, to Louvain, … settle the Vniversitie: by whose endea…vors, Michael Baius was induced to r…tract, and that by a solemne recantatio… the said condemned Propositions; yet so as that he still continued his privat… persuasions touching the same; whic… he ceased not to infuse into the Spirit of his Disciples, &c. Cornelius Janseni… as 'tis said, received the first impression of his Doctrine touching …fficaciou… p. 7Grace from Jac. Jansonius an Adherent of this Baius, who is thence made to be the first Founder of Jansenisme. Concerning Baius's 78. Propositions, for the Vindication of Efficacious Grace, and the corruption of Human Nature, and their symbolization with Jansenius his Doctrine, See Lud. Bail Articul. de Grat. Part. 1 Art. 1. &c.

The immediate Parent of Jansenisme was Cornelius Jansenius (Bishop of Ipre in the Low Countries) borne at Leerdam, §. 3. Cornelius Jansenius, his Original, and formation of Jansenisme.an obscure Town amongst the Dutch: who having spent his first studies in Humanitie at Vtrecht, acquired his Philosophie and Theologie at Louvain from Jacobus Jansonius, a stiffe defender of Baius's opinions. Cornelius Jansenius having been throughly principled with Baius's Principles at Louvain, he was made Moderator of the College of Baion; where having contracted a friendship with John Vergerius, then Canon of Baion, and afterward Abbot of San Cyran, they enter into a strict Confederation, for the confirming and propagating the revived Doctrine of Efficacious Grace, now called Jansenisme.

p. 8Jansenius returning again to Louvain, was made Prefect of S. Pulchers College▪ and soon after, Professor for the explication of the Sacred Scriptures. Abou… which time also he writ a Book▪ stiled Mars Gallicus, in favor of the Spanish Interest; which, they say, was the ground of his being preferred to the Bishoprick of Ipre. He writ also three Books containing the bodie of Jansenisme, collected out of Austins works, wherein he was incomparably verst: For, as 'tis said, he read over the whole of Austin ten times, and his Books of Grace thirty times. And indeed his design seems to be no other than that of Austin, for the depressing of Corrupt Nature, and advancing of efficacious Grace: whence he stiles his Book Augustinus; which he thought not meet to publish in his life time, but left it to his followers, dying, as his adversaries avouch, of the Plague in the fifty eighth year of his Age, greatly esteemed and beloved by the more serious Papists.

The great imputation the Jesuits cast upon Jansenius is his symbolizing with Calvin, wherefore to purge himself, he p. 9writ, with some sharpnes, against the Presbyterian Discipline; which Voctius has answered in his Desperata Causa Papatus. His adversaries say,**Les Provinciales lettres, let. 16. pag. 32. Edit. Colo… 1657. it is a most certain truth, that for the hatching of Jansenisme the Port Royal (a Covent in Paris) formed a Cabal in private for thirty years space; whereof John Vergerius Abbot of San Cyran, and Corn. Jansenius Bishop of Ipre, were the Heads. And it is apparent that Jansenius had a very great ass…stance, for the forming and perfecting of his Augustine perswasions, from San Cyran. These having brought their design to some ripenes, began to publish their opinions, first at Paris, about 1637. both in Latin and French, thereby to awaken and in…orme, not only the learned, but also Vulgar Capacities: wherein they proved very successful; for in some few years a great part of France, as well Ecclesiasticks as others, was levened with Jansenisme.

In the Preface to Jansenius's works, we find this account of him. Cornelius Jansenius was borne an. 1585. at Leerdam, a small Town of the Netherlands.—When he entered on the Studie of p. 10Theologie, he was brought into the C…lege of Adrian 6. at Louvain, by Ja… Jansonius the Moderator. After sharpe a… assiduous studies, for some years, he … into a consumtion, and danger of his lif… whence, by the advice of Physicians, … purposed, for change of Air, to go in… France. He first went to Paris, whe… he instructed some youth. He then… went into Cantabria, now called Bisca… in Spain; where, by conversation wi… learned men, and familiar communic…tion of Studies, he made great Progr… in the understanding of the Father… especially of St. Austin.

Being afterwards recalled to Louvai… he was made Prefect of S. Pulchers Co…lege; which he greatly adorned and a…vanced. Afterwards finding the care … youth to hinder his studies, he retired … a private life, admitting only the societ… of a familiar Doctor. He thence was cal…led to be Regius Professor, of the Sacre… Scriptures: which he performed wit… great learning and profit, as it appea… by his Commentaries. But his Magnanimitie appeared most after his being made Bishop of Ipre, in his Meditation p. 11and attemts to Reforme the Bishoprick: which undoubtedly he had perfected, had not he been taken away by a contagious death (with in one years space after his being Bishop) an. 1638.

He was of a most sharpe, acute ingenie; a most profound judgement, and capacious memorie. He had somewhat of a subtile Choler; which he was wont pleasantly to compare to cornes of Gunpowder; which in one and the same moment, are inflamed and expired. To these endowments of Nature, he added an immense desire of Truth, and Indefatigable Studie. Being asked by a companion, what Attribute of God he most adored? he answered, his Truth. In the beginning of his Theologick Studies, he mixed with the Scholemen, the Lecture of the Fathers, especially of S. Austin; whence he learnt, how much the Scholemen erred from Austin, in the head points of Grace and Free Will. He told his familiars, he had read Austin's Works diligently, ten times over: and has Books against the Pelagians thirty times. He said, that next to God and the Scriptures, A…stin was to him instar omnium.

p. 12He strugled, for many years, with … old opinions, before he could reach th… intimate sense of S. Austin. He said … depended upon that one first principl… …ouching Grace. And he added, ther… could be no truly spiritual life formed… but according to this Doctrine of Grac… taught by Austin: and that Christian hu…militie was in a more particular regar… founded hereon.—Whence he oft consulted souls spiritual and truly humble, touching their sentiments of Divine Adjutorie, the infirmitie of Free Will, and the necessitie of Divine assistance to every good Act. He affirmed, that no one could be truly humble, without the like Opinions of Divine Grace. He ended the last period of his Book with his life, as though he had been borne for that design. He was not superstitious, or scrupulous, but burned with masculine pietie, and fervent charitie towards God and men. He prepared himself in the morning by Meditation, and the whole day was but a continued Meditation of God, &c.

p. 13As for John du Verger, Abbot of S. Cy…an, §. 4. San Cyran his assisting Jansenius; as also his character.I find him to have gained a great …putation amongst the more serious …atholicks. They say, that through the …bundance of Grace, which possessed his …eart, he extinguished, even from his …ore tender years, all Ambition, all love … riches, with all desire of human fa…r, and Ecclesiastick Dignitie; and having …onsecrated the whole of his Spirit, la…ors, and life, for the defence of truth, …e lived in great solitude, even in Pari… … self, for more than twenty years; af…ecting to have his Spirit free from all …rouble, inquietude, vanitie, and complea…ance; thereby to obtain the more leisure for the Studie of Wisdom. Thus did his Sanctitie darken the lustre of his Science; and his Humilitie draw a veil upon all his Intellectual and Moral accomplishments; and, as 'tis said, he labored as much not to seem eminent, as to be so in truth. Which affected retirement and concelement of his excellent qualities, made him to be esteemed by some, as Melancholick and Morose: but this imputation was sufficiently removed by his Imprisonment; p. 14which rendred him mo… famous and serviceable, in that all so… of persons had recourse to him for a…vice. He had indeed, as they say, a ma…vellous fecunditie of Spirit, joined with… natural eloquence, and noblenes of speec… which rendred him very useful; he b…ing capable, without long meditatio… to expres the highest Truths, and re…der them familiar and easie. He was v…ry skilful in comforting, and establishin… troubled Consciences; directing them … the blood of Christ, and his Grac… which Jansenius also was wont to do.

S. Cyran usually founded his advice o… the Scriptures, which he ever commend… as the best Rule and Guide for Christian… He would often, in his life time, discour… of the Grandeurs of God; of the N…thingnesses of the world, and of the d…ties of Christianitie. His sage instruct…ons were generally reputed by the Devo… Catholicks, as Evangelick and Apostoli… Counsels. Neither did he propose a Ple…tonick Idea of Soverein perfection, whic… might be better admired than imitated… but he gave counsels, general and particu…lar, most easie and familiar for execut…on, p. 15by the Grace of God; of which he was a great Admirer; acknowledging still, that without Efficacious and Soverein Grace, we could do nothing.

He prescribed the most excellent method for bearing afflictions, not with a Philosophick Generositie, but with a Christian Constance, which he himself also practised, in an eminent degree, for the space of five years, whilest he was in Prison, au Bois de Vincennes, near Paris; whence most of his Letters extant were written, which seem very warme, and sparkling with that Divine fire which burned in his heart. In these his Letters he gives us many sublime and choice instructions; yet such as are most familiar and practicable. He exhorts much to self emptines, spiritual povertie, humilitie, faith in Christ, and more especially to love God more than our selves, and our neighbors as much as our selves; which, according to his Master Austin, conteins the Morals, Logick, Physicks, and Politicks of true Christian Wisdom. He is very much in shewing the usefulnes of afflictions; asserting, that it is the greatest temtation to have no temtations. He p. 16also acquaints us with the Art and Skil… of bearing Christs Crosse, wherein h… himself seems to have been familiarly and feelingly versed, especially for th… time of his Imprisonment, which wa… very severe and strict; besides many and very great infirmities of bodie, under which he labored; yet with a very great vigor and vivacitie of Spirit; which his Discourses, Letters and Actions sufficiently testified. During this time of his imprisonment, notwithstanding the strictnes of his Guard, he was possessed with a great calmnes and tranquilitie of Spirit, without fear or trouble.

Touching the proper sentiments of Jansenius, §. 5. Jansenius's proper sentiments.and S. Cyran, and their mutual combination; we have a pretty true, though invective, account given us by the Jesuit Gautriche, Histoire Sainte (pag. 325. edit. 1661.) In our Age, (saies he) which is the seventeenth, Jansenius Bishop of Ipres, incited by Du Verger Abbot of S. Cyran, as the Letters which they have reciprocally written testifie, has brought to light the errors of Godescalcus, p. 17founded upon some passages of S. Austin, taken in the sense, and after the fashion of Calvin. For after having supposed a terrible sort of Predestination in God, by the which he chooseth some of those whom he sees envelopped in Original Sin, to save them; entirely abandonning the others unto eternal damnation, he teacheth consequently that Jesus Christ has not died for these latter, nor merited any Grace sufficient for to save them; and that therefore it is impossible, in this case, for them to observe the Christian Law, to the observance whereof they are notwithstanding obliged: and farther, that they cannot, saies he, resist the movements of concupiscence; which hurries them into sin; and that they sin necessarily; nevertheles he teacheth, against all sort of common sense, and against the holy Scripture, that they cease not herein to have the Libertie required to merit or demerit; and that the Predestinated cease not to be likewise free in the actions of Grace, albeit they cannot resist, when they are prevented therein, &c. Thus Gautruche. p. 18Wherein we have much truth, thoug… mixed with much sinister interpretati…on. We have the whole of Jansenius… Doctrine, for which he was condemned… reduced by his Adversaries to these fiv… Propositions, composed by M. Corne… as Denis Raimond affirmes.

1. Some Precepts of God are impossib… for persons just, willing, and endeavoring according to the present strength they hav… to performe; and there is wanting to the… Grace, by which they may be made possible.

2. Interior Grace in the state of lapse… nature is never resisted.

3. To merit and demerit, in the state … lapsed Nature, there is not required in man a Libertie from Necessitie; but a liberti… from coaction sufficeth.

4. The Semipelagians admitted a necessitie of preventing, interior Grace to all acts, even to the beginning of faith; but in this they were heretical, that they made this Grace such, as that the human will might resist or obey it.

5. It is Semipelagian to affirme, that Christ died, and poured out his blood universally for all men.

p. 19These Jansenian Propositions were sent,§. 6. The condemnation of Jansenius. by the Jesuits, together with an Epistle to the Pope, with desires, that the whole might be determined by his Apostolick Authoritie. The Heads of the Jansenists had recourse also to Rome, and after long contests, the Jesuits obtained, May 31. 1653. a Bull from the Pope, whereby these five Propositions, conteining as they pretend, the substance of Jansenius's Errors, were condemned, as rash, impious, and blasphemous. This Decree was received by the Prelats of France, with the Kings approbation, July 15th of the same year. The Jansenists finding themselves oppressed by calumnies and …inister dealings, durst not openly oppose the Popes Bull, only they contend that the five Propositions were not condemned in that sense in which Jansenius asserted them. Whereupon their Adversaries the Molinists (so stiled from Molina their Head) procured a Declaration from the Bishops of France, that the said five Propositions were taken out of Jansenius's Augustinus, and condemned in his sense. Which Judgement p. 20of these Bishops was confirmed by Innocent, an. 1654. as also by a new Bull of Alexander the 7th, As Horat. Tur…illinus the Jesuit, in his Epist. hist. on the year 1653.

But we have a more faithful and full relation,§. 7. The more full relation of the Jansenists condemnation, &c. of these transactions 'twixt the Molinists and Jansenists at Rome, by M. de Saint Amour, in his Journal: where he sheweth how this contest began first amongst the Sorbonne Doctors about the year 1646. and continued very warme and violent in the several Assemblies of the Facultie, from that time unto the year 1650. especially an. 1649.

We find a good account of the Reasons and Motives, Why the Jesuits were so much offended at Jansenius, &c. St. Amour fol. 93.which induced the Jesuits to condemne Jansenius's Augustinus, in the Confession of M. Albizzi (the Jesuits Patron) unto St. Amour, in these words: He told me (saith S. Amour) that the Jesuits held themselves greatly offended by Jansenius S. Augustinus, especially by the third Book, which I should find was nothing but a continued detraction against Vasquez, Suarez, Gregorius a Valentia, Bellarmine, &c. He added, that that Bishop was full of venom against p. 21those Fathers, and the whole societie; that he broke out into unimaginable exorbitances against them; that this greatly provoked them against his Book, and obliged them to solicite Vrban VIII. for the prohibition which he made of it; that had not he first assaulted them, perhaps they would not have thought fit so to do; but after he set upon and outraged them as he did, it is no wonder that they have endeavored to be revenged on him. He continued to exaggerate to me the exorbitances of that Author, who not only fell foul upon the Societie, but even broke forth against Popes; as among other places of his Book, that shews it, where he saith: Haereo fateor, &c.

In the year 1650. the Jesuits or M…linists recommended their cause to the Pope, by a Letter thus:— Its ten years since that France has been disturbed by Jansenius's Posthumous Book and Doctrine. Such movings ought to be allayed by the Autoritie of the Council of Trent; also by the Bull of Vrban 8th, & the Decrees of Pius 5th, and Gregorie 13th, against Baius▪ And thou hast vindicated the p. 22truth and vigor of this Bull, by a new Diplome. But, because no one Proposi…tion apart has been censured, there … yet left place for the Cavils of some which we hope may be wholly inte…cluded, if your Holines shall clear… and peremtorily define, what we … to believe herein, &c. This Letter th… Molinists endeavored to get subscribe… in the Assemblie of the Clergie; b… perceiving this design un…easible; th… propose it only to some particular B…shops inclined to their faction**This Letter was subscribed at first by 72. Bishops only, but afterwards the number amounted unto 83.. Th… Jansenists being persuaded, that it woul… be advantageous for them to send … Rome, imployed M. de S. Amour, wit… others for the management of their Af…fairs. Many of the French Prelats aff…ctionately inclined to the Jansenists, and therefore desired first a Conference wit… the Popes Nuncio, wherein they testified their dislike of the said Letter: Shewing, That the quality of Bishops impowred them to judge of Controversies arising within their own Dioceses that this power was signally infringe… by this Letter. They told him furthe… of the danger there was in judging p. 23this matter, without having first examin'd the parties; and above all, what necessitie there was, that before any thing be done, the propositions in Question should be discussed and scanned, according to the places from whence they were produced, &c. But these Prelats being not perfectly satisfied with this oral Declaration to the Popes Nuncio, they repete the same to the Pope himself, by a letter from Paris June 15. 1651. thus: Most Holy Father,S. Amour jour. fol. 67. we have understood that some of our Brethren, Bishops of France, have written to your Holines touching an affair of very great importance, which last year raised great disturbance, without any benefit, in the Theologick Facultie of Paris: nor could the issue be otherwise; for being contrived purposely in ambiguous termes, they could produce nothing of themselves, but disputes, full of animosities, about the the various senses put upon them. Wherefore our Brethren must give us leave to declare, that we cannot approve of their Design in this matter. For, besides the Questions about Divine Grace, and Predestination are full of difficulties, p. 24and not ordinarially handled withou… violent contests; there are other ver… considerable reasons, which give u… ground to conceive, that this presen… time, is not fit, for the terminating o… so important a difference; unles you… Holines will please, in order to passing … solemn judgement upon it (which seem… not to be their intention) to proceed therein, according to the forme practised by our forefathers, to resume the affair from its original, and to examine i… wholly and entirely, to that end summoning and hearing the reasons of either side. For otherwise the condemned partie, may with justice complain of having become so by the calumnie and Artifices of their Adversaries, &c.

**S. Amour. fol. 76.The Substance of this letter (as St. Amour gives it us) was, That the Divines be first heard, for the distinguishing the several senses of the propositions; that so the censure may fall only upon that which is bad, and which all the world acknowledgeth such; but the catholick sense may be safe▪ and exemted from the censures; that so both sides having been heard, each may receive p. 25his Holines's judgement with respect, and without stir, and without having cause to complain, of not having been heard; and to make new Remonstrances, which would renew the Quarrel. The same St. Amour addes, that the 5. propositions were contrived in obscure ambiguous and equivocal words, so as to be capable of several very contrary senses, according to the different interpretations that may be put upon them. That some of those senses are evidently heretical; others most certainly Catholick, and containing the chief Truths of faith and Christian Religion. That the Authors of those propositions framed them in this manner, that so, under pretext of those bad senses, they might get a down right absolute condemnation of them, and apply the same afterwards to the Catholick senses and Orthodoxe truths, which they include. That M. Cornet was the man that first broacht them, proposing them to the Facultie, almost two years ago, to get them censured; but a great number of Doctors presently understanding the artifice, and discovering the dangerous consequences thereof, both p. 26to the publick, by some books publ… against that attemt, and to the Cour… Parliament, by two petitions wh… they were constrained to present … stopping its course; it incur… the indignation of all sincere a… equitable persons, that heard of … and was repressed by an Arrest of … Court, which prohibited M. Corn… and all others to pursue it, whereso… the busines having failed in the facult… and being not thought fit to be set … foot in the Assemblie of the Clergi… for fear of the same successe, they reso…ved to venture it to the Holy See, &c.

Saint Amour being Agitator … the Jansenists Affairs at Rome he … ordered,§. 8. S. Amour. fol. 55. by letter from Paris 3 Mar… 1651, Incessantly to inculcate to tho… at Rome, that the Question was sole… about effectual Grace, and sufficien… Grace subject to free will; and th… neither Jansentus, nor his followers fur…ther held the said propositions, than … they were reduced to the point of effe…ctual Grace. And accordingly he di… so; and after several conferences he give… us this observation. I observed (sait… p. 27he) about this time, that one of the capital causes why the name and opinions of Jansenius were so odious to the Romans, Jansenius's opposing Austin to the Popes Buls made him odious to the Romans.was this; namely that place of his Book, where objecting to himself against S. Austins doctrine, the Buls of Pius the fifth and Gregorie the thirteenth, he answers, that truely he is surprized at those Buls: Haereo fateor, **as if he opposed the Autoritie of S. Austin to these Popes. S. Amour. fol. 119.&c. This doubt and seeming combat hath given great advantages to the Jesuites against him &c.

Octob. 17. 1651. S. Amour had Audience of the Pope; wherein he insisted much on the former desires of the Bishops, to have the 5. propositions, presented to the Pope under equivocal termes, distinguished and cleared, that so the condemnation, which followed, might be clear and distinct, &c. But the Pope told him, that after Clement the eighth, had caused this matter to be debated, in his presence for a long time, by the most excellent men; yet he could not decide any thing therein, but was fain to impose a perpetual silence.§. 9. The Jansenists deputies at Rome and their agitations. Wherefore it behoved to acquiesce in that order, and live in peace, &c.

Decemb. 5. 1651. there arrived at Rome, the Deputies of the Jansenists, p. 28namely M. Brousse; M. de Lalane … M. Angran, who together with S. … mour, were to agitate their Affairs; … order whereto, they make several visi… and conferences with Cardinals, &… The first Audience they had of … Pope was Jan. 21. An. 1652. (Ne… Stile) at the end whereof they deliver… to him their first memorial, pronounce… by M. Brousse, wherein he insiste… mostly on the necessitie of discussing an… clearing the said 5. propositions, thereb… to discover Austins true sense and judge…ment thereof, &c. The Substance of th… Popes answer, was little different from that he gave Saint Amour alone. He told them, that he would not have them make mention of Jansenius; because that after his book had been examined and compared with the doctrine of S. Austin, they, who had been imployed therein by Vrban the eighth found, that Jansenius held propositions very different from St. Austins Sentiments, &c.

And because his Holines spake of what passed under Clement 8. as if after his time nothing had been done in this affair; and that the thing remained unde…ded, p. 29M. Brousse prayed his Holines to …rmit him to revive in his memorie, …at point of historie; and he told him, that after the death of Clement 8. when the Choice of his successor was in agitation, it was determined in the Conclave, before they preceded to Election, that he who should be chosen, should finish what Clement had begun, touching the matter de Auxi…iis. That therefore Paul V. (who succeeded Leo XI. Whose papacie lasted but a few daies) immediately after his promotion to S. Peters Chair, reassembled those Congregations; that the matters having been examined anew, at the instance of the Jesuits, for defence of their Molina; who, they said, was ill understood, and ill defended to the Congregations under Clement, the matter was at length so terminated, after many Congregations, that 50 propositions of Molina were condemned; that the Bull was prepared and ready to thunder forth, but that which hindred it was the quarrel of Venice; from whence the Jesuits being driven, prayed his Holines not to publish that Bull, which would p. 30quite overwhelme them; promisi… him (what they have not kept) … renounce Molina, and no longer tea… those evil Maximes, &c. St. Amour adde… That in the like case Clement 8. i…ployed the whole year 1597, in asse…bling the Consultors, whom he cho… for his Congregation. That the first tim… they were seen together, was the 2d d… of 1598. That that year, and the fo… following, all passed without the Pop… being present in those Congregation… That the first time their Congregation… were held in his presence, was Marc… 20. 1603. That to know how thing… went during these 5 years, he cause… what passed among the Consultors … be reported to himself from time … time, by persons sure and faithful. Thu… St. Amour Journal. fol. 146.

Being discoursing of the Congregation… de Auxiliis, under Clement 8. I shall adde a storie, which S. Amour (fol. 115.) saies, he had from a learned Dominican, who told him, that Clement 8. was at first very ill bent against the doctrine o… Grace, by reason of many complaints made to him, by the Jesuits against the p. 31Dominicans, but being assured by the General of the Dominicans (whom he greatly esteemed) that it was not an interest of the Scholes that was in question, but the cause of Faith that is concerned; and that the opinion, which the Jesuits introduce into the Church, is a depriving God of his Crown; so that 'tis no longer he that gives us Paradise; he is no longer master of his Gifts and Graces, &c. This discourse, and the rest which the General added to it, so affected Clement 8. that he w…s desirous to learne more particularities about this matter, and from that time forward Clement 8. received many little memoires from this General, which served him to informe himself therein. At length when this General had given Clement 8. the first tinctures of this matter, the Pope liked well his request, namely that he might present unto him, some other Divines of his own order, with whom he might confer as agreably as with him about these matters, &c.

The Molinists send also M. Hallier, Legault, and Joysell, Doctors of the Facultie, p. 32as Deputies to Rome, to sue fo… Censure of the five Propositions, … things already condemned, and witho… admitting any Examen or Congregatio… Which were things mainly in…isted up on by the Jansenists.

July 11.§. 10. Other Memorials presented by the Agents of the Jansenists to the Pope. 1652. the Agents for th… Jansenists had a Declaration from Cardi…nal Roma, that the Pope had erected th… Congregation they demanded, for th… hearing and determining their affairs. Bu… their Adversaries, the Molinists, indeavored what they could, to hinder an open hearing, in the presence of either side. In the beginning of November, Lalane, St. Amour, and Angran, Solicitors for the Jansenists, compose certain Memorials, which they present to the Pope with this Preface. Most Holy Father, your Holines having establisht the Congregation for examination of the Grand Questions concerning Grace, we thought fit, before all things, to compose two Writings, which we present to your Holines; one whereof contains what hath passed in the affair under debate, and the other concerneth St. Austins p. 33Autoritie—Soon after St. Austin's death, some Priests of France found fault with his writings, and troubled the Peace of the Church, by indiscreet Questions; whereupon Prosper and Hilarie had recourse unto Celestin—Who ordained that the Autoritie and Doctrine of Austin, should remain inviolable. Molina having had the boldnes in Spain, to renew these ancient complaints made of the Priests of France, and once again to make head against the same St. Austin, and this new Doctrine being accused to the Holy See, in which Clement 8. presided at that time, this holy Pope would not have the cause examined before him, till he had first ordained, that the Autoritie of S. Austin should be approved—The like did Pope Paul 5th afterwards. Yet there are found at this day New Censors amongst the Priests of France, who to defend Molina's Doctrine, have had the Presumption to rise anew against St. Austin, by Questions they borrow from the Schole of those Authors already condemned, and who call in doubt the Principal Articles of Christian p. 34Grace. 'Tis for this cause that w… are come to your Holines in the nam… of some of the most illustrious Bishop… of France—We have complained o… the Propositions which have been invented to prepare Ambushes for the Doctrine of St. Austin. And to the en… they may be examined, and this whol… affair fully and perfectly cleared; w… have sued to your Holines for the erection of a Congregation, in which both sides might be heard viva vice, and by writing. Your Holines hath accordingly establisht it: and to th… the end your Holines might have the goodnes to practise, from the entrance of this contest, the same that Pope Celestin did heretofore, and Clement 8th since, in occasions perfectly like to this, for the defence of S. Austins Doctrine and Autoritie, and to support with a new recommendation; we have conceived, that before all things we ought to summon our Adversaries to acknowledge the Autoritie and Doctrine of that Saint, not only with unprofitable and ineffectual words, or deceitful Elogiums and Praises, full of disguisement p. 35and fiction, but by solid and expres approbations—We know that there is no practice, or endeavor omitted by our Adversaries, to hinder the effect of so just and necessary a Demand; we know that there is nothing in the world, which they f…ar so much, as to be constrained to subscribe, as they ought, to the autoritie of St. Austin, or to see your Holines, treading in the steps of Celestin 1. and Clement 8. confirme it anew, and repres the temeritie of these Censors—Your Holines will hear with wonder, that after having openly attaqued S. Austin's Doctrine, with their utmost strength, both by themselves, and by the help of the Jesuits, whose defenders and confederates they are, they now openly proclaim their submission to it. They will have the boldnes to professe themselves publique Panegyrists, and defenders of that Father, even in the presence of your Holines. But their doing thus, will be only to palliate the contemt they have of him, with feined respect, and to free themselves from blame; it will be only to avoid the punishment of their insolence p. 36wherewith they outrage him, … will be only to hide the aversion whi… they have for his Doctrine, under … commendation which they give un… his person; it will be only to dimini… the care, which is to be had in these Co…troversies, in examining which are … true sentiments of that holy Father … and to make it believed, that it … not concerned in the Propositions, sin… themselves who impugne them p…fess to follow the Doctrine of th… Father, and so reverence his autoriti… to the end that having avoided the co…demnation of their temeritie by su… feined Elogiums of S. Austin, and … off, without being obliged to subscri… to any thing, they may, with the… Partisans, thence forward reject … autoritie with more boldnes than ever… and banish his Doctrine from the… Scholes as Calvinistick: especially … case your Holines should condemne th… Propositions: because they will no fail afterwards, to make the censu… fall upon S. Austin, and that not with…out ground. These are the designs … our adversaries—which if they shoul… p. 37take place, it would be an exposing the principal inheritance, which the holy See possesseth, to pillage, as no doubt it would come to passe by the contemt of S. Austins Autoritie and Doctrine; it would be a nullifying the autoritie of all the Fathers,—it would imply, that the Church had unjustly condemned the enemies of Grace; it would give occasion to believe, that the holy Council of Trent favored the Pelagian Hereticks, and gave new forces to the Calvinists. This Epistle was subscribed thus:

Noel de La Lane,

Louis de St. Amour,

Louis Angran.

The Pope would not receive these Jansenists Writings, &c.

p. 38July 1652.§.11. The Popes Confession in behalf of the Jansenists. St. Amour (as he repo… fol. 211.) received a visit from … Archbishop who told him, that he … conferred with the Pope that morni… about their Affairs. That his Hol… himself gave occasion to the Discour… and told him, That he still remembr… the time, when the Congregations … Auxiliis were held under Clement … and Paul 5. that he knew all … world was then for the Dominica… against the Jesuits; that for a lo… while together, the publication of … Bull, whereby the Jesuits were co…demned, was daily expected; that …vertheles it was not publisht, thoug… they well deserved it. But it was co…ceived, that the Holy See acted pr…dently, in not publishing their con…demnation; because, though the sai… Definition, would have appeared wi… the general satisfaction of all intelligent persons, yet those matters surpassed the reach of the unlearned, and the generalitie of the faithful. That moreover the Pope said, that he knew the Jesuits Sentiments were not good; and p. 39that if he condemned them, there were no persons of Learning and Abilitie throughout Europe, but would be satisfied and well pleased therewith; but that these Truths were so far above the ordinary capacitie of man, and the weak being much more numerous than the strong, more would be scandalized, than edified with such condemnation, &c.

The more to elucidate the Intrigues of the Molinists, and to discover what suspicions there were amongst the wiser Jansenists, of gaining little advantage to their cause, by applications to Rome, I shall give the mention of some memorable passages, written in an elegant Letter, by a Doctor of the Sorbon, to St. Amour, St. Amour Journal …ol. 205.dated June 16. 1652. Sir I received, together, the two large Letters you writ me,A Letter from a Doctor of the Sorbon, touching the little advantage the Jansenists might e…pect from Rome. full of testimonies, of the confidence and friendship, wherewith you are pleased to honor me. If I durst, I should find fault with your going too far therein: for I can make no other construction of your too favorable judgement of me, than that it proceeds from a singular Affection, p. 40which gives you an opinion of me, far above what I acknowledge in my…self. I have alwayes written unto you in sinceritie; and freely signified unto you my thoughts and sentiments concerning your journey to Rome, about the Affairs which you manage there, and concerning the proposals, which you have made to me. And because I see things not altered, or at least varied only in appearance, and some circumstances, I cannot change my judgement or disposition. 'Tis true, what you tell me, that Residence at Rome is dangerous, in regard of the corruption of the mind, which oftentimes carries its poyson into the bottom of the heart, without being taken notice of, insensibly corrupting Faith and Reason it self, by human prudence, and a manner of life and deportment altogether Political, which people contract there, unles they be prevented, by Gods special protection and favor. And to tell you the truth, though I am much averse from that vice, which passes for virtue in the world, yet I account not my self so strong, but that I think fit to avoid p. 41even the occasions of it. Nevertheles 'tis not this alone, which keeps me from coming to you, and taking upon me that part, which you would assign me, in the Affairs, wherein you are engaged. If I conceived I could be as serviceable therein as you apprehend, and could it reasonably be hoped, matters would be so carried, and have such Effects and Issues as you aim at, solitude should no longer detain me, nor the danger of the waies, and Residence at Rome, keep me from offering my sel… to God, to do him service, and second you in that, which you indeavor to performe to him. But I am so strongly persuaded of the contrary, both by potent consideration taken from human Prudence, as well as from Reasons Divine, and founded upon the present posture of things, that all the Remonstrances in your Letter, have not moved me; although otherwise I may say (I think) without flatterie, that I am so devoted to satisfie my friends, as far as my ability reacheth, that I can scarce deny any thing unto them, without doing violence to my self; especially in things wherein the service p. 42of God is concerned—No Sir, I ca… not believe, that ever there will be … regular and free Conference, about th… matters in contest at this day: an… should there be one appointed, an… persons found capable of debating th… questions on either side, and Judge… intelligent enough of the Truth, an… sufficiently impartial to determine them (which is very difficult, not to say morally impossible) I could not promise to my self, the succes, you aim at, and seem to hold for certain. All that could be hoped, so far as I see, from such a conference, and most upright Judges, is, that things would remain as they are. Should the Arbitrators be disposed to do some thing more, and to pronounce in favor of Truth; they who have been inveigled into the contrary part, the Temporal Powers ingaged with them, and the Spiritual would quite stop the passing of such judgement, thereby to avoid offending many of the world; and, under pretence of eschewing division, leave things as they are. If you judge my conjectures, and the consequences I draw from them disagreeing from your own p. 43thoughts, yet I am confident you cannot but say, that the suppositions which I make, and from whence I draw these consequences, are very favorable. For leaving you to find persons capable to propose, and maintain the Truth befittingly in a regular conference, I think you will not be backward to confes, that there is not the least likelihood of finding Iudges sufficiently intelligent, in these matters; sufficiently well affected to truth, and sufficiently armed, against all sorts of Interests, to pronounce in its favor, when they have discovered it. And if there were truly such, undoutedly one of the Parties would except against them, or elude and prevent their judgement. These matters have been agitated, examin'd and determin'd also, in abundance of the most important questions and difficulties, by the Autoritie of two great Popes, very learned, and of upright Intentions: and you know what have been the Issue of those conferences, which lasted many years. You are far from seeing your Affairs in so fair a way; and if you promise your p. 44self a better issue thereof, I attribute i… to your Zele, and the Affections you have for the cause you manage; which makes you build too much, and ground the hopes of your justly desired succes, upon the good reception that hath been shewn you, and the fair words which have been given you. You will permit me to mind you, that that coin is very current in the world, and more in the place where you are, than in any other: tis that wherewith all payment is ordinarily made; and many times where there is least Will and Power to give, the promises are largest.—All the proposals of Accommodation made you, touching the Bishop of Ipres Book, seem to be as suspicious, as the promises that are given you, and are of much more dangerous consequence. You know, Sir, by experience, in some general and particular Assemblies of the Facultie, in which you were present, how all people easily hearkned unto such Accommodations; how it is easie to be inveigled to remit some thing of the Interest of Truth, in such cases, either by surprize, or by weaknes, covered p. 45with the pretext of peace; and how such Accommodations and Modifications are prejudicial to the Truth. These are wounds which prove afterward irremediable; because they are made by such, as professe to defend it; and in this they injure it, more than they, who openly imp…gne it, and are its greatest enemies. I confesse to you, I could never read without pitie (and I speak it too without any indignation) the Objections and Proposals made to you, about the Bishop of Ipres Book, and the Bull: and that which most amazes me, is, that they which made these Objections and Proposals, passe for persons very intelligent, and well affected towards the Truths of Grace. For to replie, that M. d' Ipre, intending to justifie some propositions of S. Austins, found among those of Baius, which have been condemned, and desirous to reconcile the Autoritie of the Holy See, and of the Bull, which seems to condemne them, saith Haereo; 'tis but to quarrel with that great Lover and Defender of S. Austin; and to indict him for a word, and for a word very p. 46well spoken, and which shews his grea… moderation, amidst his great knowledge, and zele for the Truth. How frequently doth S. Austin use the same manner of speech, when he meets with some difficultie. Other particulars wherewith he is charged, flow from the same fountain, and are no lesse unjust than groundles. If he hath written of the matters of Grace, since a prohibition of the Holy See, he is not the only man that has done so; but 'tis he alone that hath written in that manner that he hath done, having only reported the sentiments of S. Austin, whom the Church owneth, not only as one of its pillars, but as its Master and Teacher, particularly in the matters of Grace: and he writ his Book being a Prelat and Pastor of the Church. Nevertheles, by a most manifest injustice, endeavors are used to get his Book subjected to censure, and to acquit all others—You see, Sir, with what libertie I write: 'tis an evidence of the sinceritie of that Affection I bare you, and of the confidence I have in yours. Assure your self, I do not forget you, p. 47in my Addresses to God; I represent to him your Affairs and Necessities as mine own, and beseech him to make me, as I desire to be, alwaies more and more yours; which I shall look upon as his merciemercy towards me, and the making me more to be his. I desire you to beg the same, &c.

This Apologetick Letter, in the behalf of Jansenius, against the Molinists, I am …pt to belief was written by Mr. Ar…auld Doctor of the Sorbon, and then Head of the Jansenists.

August 1652. There were two Conferences held at Paris, in the presence of some persons of Qualitie, between M. de Sainte Bevre and F. l' Abbe the Jesuit, touching the Subject of a work publisht by this Father, in reference to the controversie, betwixt the Jansenists and Molinists. The Father (saith St. Amour fol 126.) received much confusion therein, having been convinced of foul dealing or little intelligence of the points, whereupon they conferred. The Substance of this conference is given in a letter, which M. de Sainte Bevre writes to M. St. Amour, from Paris, Aug. 2. 1652. p. 48thus: Sir The discourse of … Annat. is the common discourse of th… Societie. Those good Fathers publish… here, as well as at Rome, that the Po… is to pronounce with all speed; and whi… they are told there is no congregation y… setled, in which the parties may be hear… they answer, that his Holines will … hear any parties; and that their Societ… hath resolved, not to enter into a conferenc… either at Paris or at Rome, touchin… the controverted doctrine. This is what th… F. L'Abbe said to me in the conferenc… I had with him—wherein he propo…sed to dispute at large of matters … doctrine; whereunto I assented. H… propounded 5 points 1. That M. d' I… was condemnable, as having written …gainst the Council of Trent, and consequently against S. Austin, That a … moved by Grace, is necessitated, as to hi… libertie. Whereunto he was answered, … That such a man was necessitated, in sen… composito, but not in sensu diviso, an… told, that M. d' Ipre saith no more … which is not condemnable, unles th… whole Schole of S. Thomas be condemned too. After many Contestations th… p. 49Father was obliged to consent with us. The Second was concerning sufficient Grace; and it was proved to him, that M. d' Ipre denied none but the Molinistick. The Third was concerning the necessitie of sinning without Grace. The Fourth concerned the Commandments: and I shewed him, that the Doctrine maintained by us, as to this point, was held by all the Thomists, the Defenders of Congruous Grace, and the Church in her prayers. The Fifth Question was reduced to final perseverance; wherein I proved, that what the Father held, was the Doctrine of the Pelagians, &c.

August 15.§. 12. August. 15. 1652. 1652. the Delegats for the Jansenists received an extraordinary summons, from Cardinal Roma, at the instigation of M. Albizzi, to provide, within a fortnight, the Writings, which they were to deliver unto the Congregation. The two first they got ready within the time,The Jansenists two first Papers prepared for the Congregation▪ and subscribed on Austins day. The first contained, what passed about the five Propositions, since M. Cornet propounded them to the Facultie, from July 1. 1649. till that time: p. 50namely what was done in the Assemblies of the Facultie July, The Contents of the first Paper. S. Amour Journal fol. 219.August, and September, 1649. The false censure, which they publisht throughout all France, and sent to Rome, under the name of the Deputies…f the Facultie; what was done in Parliament, Octob. 5. and concerning the patcht peace, made in the Facultie, in September; the Theses, which M. Hallier signed as Syndic; in which the first and third Proposition, in the sense wherein we held them, were maintained in Sorbon, with his approbation, Jan. 1650. The Letter, which M. de Vabres procured to be subscribed, by a multitude of Bishops; the subscriptions begged here and there in all societies, &c. One thing also these Deputies of the Jansenists observed, in this writing, not before observed; namely, that all these enterprizes were designed to procure, by such scandalous and oblique waies; the destruction of S. Austin's Doctrine; which they veiled under the obscurities of these Equivocal Propositions, contrived purposely to deceive. They declared further by anticipation, that they purposed not to maintain the Pro…ositions p. 51in any other sense, than in that, which they should demonstrate to be suitable to S. Austins Doctrine; Wherefore …hey concluded this first writing, requesting most humbly, that to the end all things might be done, in this Affair, without fraud and confusion, before the examination of the Propositions were proceeded unto, they might be altered and reduced into the several senses, whereof they were capable, in such sort, that they might be free from all equivocation.—That the senses being thus distinguisht, and separated into several Propositions, we might declare, which were those which we abhorred, and anathematized, with the whole Catholick Church; that our Adversaries might be obliged to keep the same course, &c.

They added also, to the end the Doctrine of S. Austin might remain safe and intire in the Church, and to give their Adversaries place to clear themselves, the Propositions following.

1. That any Doctrine, Proposition, or Opinion, touching the matter of Grace, Free Will, or Divine Predestination, which p. 52shall be found to be St. Austins, or nece…sarily coherent with his Doctrine, cann… be in any wise condemned either of Here… or Error, or with any other kind of ce…sure whatsoever.

2. That never any Doctrine of S. Austi… hath been condemned of error by any Pope… or approved Councils.

3. That the Council of Trent hath … defined or taught any thing, that is con…trary, in any sort, to S. Austins Doctrine … Grace.

4. That all which S. Austin has hel… against the Pelagians, and Semipelagian… as Catholick Doctrine, ought likewise to … held for such.

5. That to affirm, that S. Austins Doctrine, touching Grace, is uncertain, contrary to its self, exorbitant, obscure, hars… unworthy of the Clemencie of God, littl… suitable for edification of the faithful, &c▪ i… injurious to the whole Catholick Church.

6. That supposing the Holy Scriptures, and Definitions of Popes and Councils; the Doctrine of S. Austin touching Grace is a most clear and certain rule, by which the Propositions in question, and all other generally whatever, concerning Grace, Fre… p. 53Will and Divine Predestination, may be examined, with certaintie, and also by right ought to be so.

These six Propositions the Deputies of the Jansenists demanded, that their adversaries might be obliged to acknowlege, together with them for true, and indubitable, in order to the clear & plain stating of principles on which both sides were to proceed.

This was the substance of their first writing, which had this Title, The first Information upon matter of Fact.

Their second Writing was larger than the former,The Jansenists second Writing. and contained their first information concerning matter of Right, and was thus intituled: The Tradition of the whole Church in reference to the Autoritie of S. Austins Doctrine. This second Writing contained eminent Testimonies, touching this matter, of more than twenty Popes, of as many General Councils, National, or Provincial, and about sixty either Fathers, Saints, or illustrious Divines, &c.

And to prevent the imputation of being tedious, they deew a model of both their Writings, the Conclusion whereof was, that having thus establisht the Auhtoritie p. 54of S. Austins Doctrine, they h… nothing to fear, in reference to … Propositions; since they were … likewise to shew clearly, that the sens… in which they held them, was as cer…tainly the Doctrine of S. Austin, as th… had shewn invincibly, that his Doctrin… was that of the Church. And mo… over they publisht this Cartel of Defi…ance to the whole Molinistick Parti… That they were certain, and spoke … without fear, That that holy Doct… would be found so congruous to a… that they maintained, that their adversaries, however they might rack their brains, could never propose any argument, drawn from human reason▪ or the Holy Scriptures, which they could not make them see, had been proposed to S. Austin, by the Pelagians or Semipelagians, and resolved against them by this holy Doctor; and which we could not in like manner refute, very easily, against our Adversaries, by the answers and Doctrine, which we should extract out of his works. Wherefore they further said, That there was nothing they wisht more, that assoon p. 55as the autoritie of the said Doctrine was acknowledged, and confirmed, as it ought to be between their adversaries, and them, to proceed forthwith, with equal diligence and confidence, to make appear, in the examen of the Propositions, what that Doctrine was.

What issue and effect these Writings obtained,St. Amour part 5. chap. 14. fol. 256. is given us by St. Amour thus: We were busied, saies he, at Rome all this MonethMonth (of November) in the most vigorous and assiduous pursuit, that was lawful for us to make there, for the first Audience in the Congregation; which we demanded might be granted to us together with our adversaries, after our first Writings had been communicated to them; to the end they might come to such an audience, prepared to answer to those Writings, and to what we should adde thereunto viva voce. We could neither obtain to have a day set for such a first Audience; nor that our Writings should be communicated; nor know whether they would grant us either one or tother. In the mean time the Jesuits and the Doctors, their Adherents, p. 56continued triumphing at Paris before hand, for the approaching condemnation of the Propositions, of which they held themselves sure, and in which they involved ours. By this means they caused great doubtings in our friends, what might be the issue of the Congregation; which was signified to us, by a Letter, wherein they injoined us severely not to deliver any instruction, which might ingage us in a single processe by writing. Also M. de Sainte Beave writ to me, to continue our instances, that the Authors of the Propositions might be known, our innocence declared, and the Necessitie of Effectual Grace establisht, which was the whole point of the question; and that if we could not obtain this, that at least it might be inserted into the Bull, in case any were made, that we had alwaies declared, that we undertook the defence of the Propositions only in the sense, wherein they implyed the Necessitie of Effectual Grace: that by this means the Bull would be favorable to us, and moreover make our adversaries pass for Calumniators and p. 57successors of the Semipelagians, as well in their manners and proceedings, as in their Doctrine.

In the beginning of the year, 1653.§. 13. The Dominicans interposing for the Jansenists, and how far they agree. S. Amour. fol. 309▪ The Agents of the Jansenists solicite afresh, for the reception of their Writings, and Memorial. And the General of the Dominicans, with the rest of that Order at Rome, interposed effectually in the behalf of the Jansenists. They prepared a Memorial, which they intended to present to the Pope, wherein they gave a full elucidation of the Controversie, and that more expresly than the Jansenists durst do. For 1. They defend Jansenius expressely, in reference to the five Propositions, and formally maintain, that they were not his, &c. 2. St. Amour saies, that although these Dominicans explicated these Propositions, in the same manner as they did, and, no lesse than they, maintained the common Doctrine of Effectual Grace; yet these Dominicans did it in terms incomparably more powerful, than the Jansenists durst express themselves in. 3. These Dominicans p. 58shew, that the Jesuits have three pri…cipal intentions in this Affair. 1. To … Molina his opinion obliquely define… 2. To overthrow all that was done … ten years, in the Congregation de A…xiliis: And 3. To ruine S. Austins A… toritie, &c. But the Pope would gi… no Audience to the General of the D…minicans herein, though he request… i… seventeen or eighteen times.

March 4. 1653. Cardinal Barbarin d…mands of S. Amour, S. Amour. fol. 322.why they (… Jansenists) did not wholly join wi… the Dominicans? to which he answer… thus: They do their own business, a… we ours: we may have our particul… aims and pretensions, though their Do…ctrine be no wise different from ou… at least at the bottom. The Cardin… fell to speak of Jansenius, and said, th… he admitted the same sufficient Grace… which the Thomists taught: for whic… he cited chap. 3. lib. 4. S. Amour an…swered him, That he could not affir… any thing as to that, but no doub… there are such small Graces, as the Th…mists call sufficient, and acknowledge as well as they, not to be such really p. 59in the sense, wherein the world takes the word sufficient, since they do not suffice; there being need, besides these Graces, of that which is effectual by it self, to perform the good action, which would not be done without it, &c.

April 8. In the evening, saith S. Amour, I visited F. Reginald a Thomist, who speaking concerning their sufficient Grace, I told him, we agreed in the thing, and therefore needed not dispute about words. That we could not grant, those small Graces were given unto all generally; nor should we say, that they gave a perfect, next, and complete power; because those terms were abused, as well as that of sufficient, the world understanding thereby a power whereunto nothing is wanting; though we denied not the thing which they understood by those words of next power. Thus S. Amour fol. 335.

May 4. S. Amour was assured,§. 14. The Agents of the Jansenists their Audience before the Pope, and Apologie. that there was a Bull or Constitution made, by which the Propositions were condemned: which put them upon fresh addresses to the Pope. May 19. the Pope p. 60gave the Agents of the Jansenists a Grand Audience: which was the first and last they had, of all that had been promised them. Mr. de Lalane Abbot of Valcroissant, pronounced an Oration, in the name o… the rest, before the Pope, in these words:

Most Holy Father, St. Amour fol. 355.We are obliged to represent to your Holines, by how many Artifices, and secret Ambushes, some persons imploy certain obscure, equivocal, and maliciously contrived Propositions, to undermine the Church at this day, by assaulting, and indangering the Doctrine of S. Austin, touching the Grace of Jesus Christ, so often approved by the Holy See, and autorized, without discontinuance, by the universal consent of the whole Church.—This enterprise, against the Grace of Jesus Christ, hath proceeded so far, that in regard of the close union of S. Austin with S. Paul, in what concerns this matter, we see, that at this day, the Enterprizers fear not to attaque them both together, by daring to accuse them both of having passed even into excesses.—'Tis not, Most Holy Father, by vain imaginations, but by invincible proofs, that we p. 61shall manifest to your Holines, this publique Conspiracie of the Jesuits formed against S. Austin. Behold, in my hands, above an hundred Propositions against that Saint, drawn out of several Books made since fifty years, by the Jesuits; which shew, that the boldness, wherewith they assault him, increases daily, in such sort, that they incessantly charge him with new, and greater outrages.—We know Most Holy Father, that our Adversaries make semblance of reverencing his Autoritie: But this is only to put a feigned respect upon their real disdain. 'Tis only to hide their aversion from his Doctrine under the commendation of his person.—Let our Adversaries choose to take him wholly, or leave him wholly to us:—But our Adversaries would have not only S. Austin, but also the Grace of Jesus Christ divided—We confess that this matter is spinose. Nature, which flatters us, never ceaseth to oppose in us the mysterie of the Grace of Jesus Christ: Our Reason seeks means, on all sides, to free it self from that absolute submission which p. 62we are obliged to have for God. It insinuates every thing that favors this connatural pride in us. S. Austin himself confesseth, that without thinking of it, he continued long in the error of the Semipelagians, and got not out of it, 'till after a deep meditation of the holy Scriptures; particularly of S. Paul. And therefore 'tis no wonder, that, in all times, there have been found so many difficulties and repugnances, to cure the minds of the faithful of the error of Pelagianisme. Besides all which, there is a determinate resolution for Molina's de…ence of the whole societie o… the Jesuits—But Most Holy Father, though Nature and Reason are very unapt to comprehend, what is the Grace of Jesus Christ, and though this Doctrine be invelopped, as with so many clouds, by the various new inventions o… new Divines, and by the equivocations of the Propositions in question; neverthelesse we dare boldly affirme, that albeit this mysterie is very profound, ye… it is not so difficult to understand, provided the means be used, &c.

The Jansenists presented also to the p. 63…ope a compendious Distinction of the five …ropositions, touching Grace; shewing in …ree columns the several senses, where…f the said Propositions are capable: of …hich see S. Amour. S. Amour. fol. 374.fol. 365. When M. … Valcroissant had ended his Oration, he …old the Pope, his Holines should be much more inlightned in the things, which were alleadged, when they came to be treated more leisurely and throughly before him, in the presence of their adversaries.—He added further, that the connexion, which he had mos… clearly demonstrated of the Propositions reduced to their sense, with the point of Effectual Grace by it self, evidently shewed the necessitie of beginning the discussion of this Affair, by the examen and proof of the Efficacy of Grace, by it self; both because all the rest depends upon it, and the proof of it serves for a general proof of the Propositions. St. Amour… fol, 375.—When the Abbot of Valcroissant had done, Des Mares began, and continued the series of his Discourse, (as they had agreed) and undertook the proof of the Efficacie of Grace. His first argument was taken p. 64from the Prayers of the Church, an… lasted three quarters of an hour, &c.

May 26.§. 15. The Jansenists condemned. there was a strong Rumo… touching the publication of the Bull… against the five Propositions, which wa… accordingly, in some short time after▪ accomplished.

p. 65The BULL runs thus:

Sanctissimi in Christo Patris, ac D. N. Innocentii, divina Providentia Papae, decimi constitutio, qua declarantur ac definiuntur quinque Propositiones in materia fidei.

Innocentius Episcopus Servus Servorum Dei, universis Christi fidelibus, salutem & apostolicam benedictionem.

CVm occasione impressionis libri, cui titulus Augustinus Cornelii Jansenii Episcopi Iprensis, inter alias ejus opiniones lis orta fuit, praesertim in Gallia, super quinque ex illis, complures Galliarum Episcopi apud nos institerunt, ut easdem Propositiones nobis oblatas expenderemus, ac de unaquaque earum certam & conspicuam ferremus sententiam.

Tenor vero praefatarum Propositionum est ut sequitur.

1. Aliqua Dei praecepta hominibus justis, volentibus, ac conantibus, secundum p. 66praesentes quas habent vires▪ sunt impossibilia; deest quoque illi… gratia qua possibilia fiunt.

2. Interiori gratiae, in statu naturae lapsae, nunquam resistitur.

3. Ad merendum ac demerendum i… statu naturae lapsae non requiritur in homine libertas a necessitate, sed sufficit libertas a coactione.

4. Semipelagiani admittebant pr…venientis Gratiae interioris necessitatem ad singnlos actus, etiam ad initium fidei: & in hoc erant haeretici, quod vellent talem esse, cui potest humana voluntas resistere.

5. Semipelagianum est dicere Christum pro omnibus omnino hominibus mortuum esse, vel sanguinem fudisse.

Nos quidem inter multiplices curas, quae animum nostrum quotidie pulsent, illa imprimis cordi est, ut Ecclesia Dei, nobis ex alto commissa, purgatis pravarum opinionum errori…us, tutò militare, & tanquam navis in tranquillo mari, sedatis omnium tempestatum fluctibus ac procellis, secura navigare, & ad optatum portum pervenire possit.

p. 67Pro rei gravitate coram aliquibus S. R. è Cardinalibus, ad id specialiter saepe congregatis, a plurimis in Sancta The…l…gia Magistris, easdem quinque Prop…sitiones, & supra nobis oblatas singulatim diligenter examinari, eorumque suffragia tum voce, tum scripto relata mature consideravimus; eosdemque Magistros variis coram nobis act…s congregationibus prolixe super eisdem, & super earum qualibet disserentes audivimus.

Cum autem ab initio hujusmodi discussionis ad divinum implorandum auxilium multorum Christi fidelium preces tum privatim tum publice indixissemus, postmodum iteratis iisdem ferventius, ac per nos implorata s…llicite Spiritus Sancti assistentia, tandem divino numine favent… ad infra Scriptam devenimus declarationem & definitionem.

1_a ▪ Primam praedictarum propositionum, Aliqua Dei praecepta, &c. Temerariam, impiam, blasphemam, anathemate damnatam, & haereticam declaramus.

2^a. Secundam, Interiori gratiae, &c. haereticam declaramus, & uti talem damnamus.

3_a. Tertiam, Ad Merendum ac demerendum, p. 68&c. haereticam declaramus, ac ut… talem damnamus.

4^a. Quartam, Semipelagiani admitte…bant, &c. falsam & haereticam declaramus, & uti talem damnamus.

5^a. Quintam, Semipelagianum, &c. falsam, temerariam, scandalosam; & intellectam ex sensu ut Christus tantum pro s… lute praedestinatorum mortuus sit, impiam, blasphemam, contumeliosam, divinae pieta… derogantem, & haereticam declaramus.

Mandamus igitur omnibus Christi fidelibus utriusque sexus, ne de dictis propositionibus sentire, docere, praedicare alite… praesumant, quam in hâc praesenti nostr… declaratione & definitione continetur, su… Censuris & poenis contra haereticos, & eorum fautores in jure expressis.

Praecipimus pariter omnibus Patriarchii…, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis aliisque locorum ordinariis, nec non haereticae pravitatis inquisitoribus, ut contradictores & rebelles quoscunque per censuras & poenas praedictas, invocato etiam ad hoc, si opus fuerit, auxilio brachii Saecularis, omnino, coerce…nt, & compescant.

Non intendentes tamen per hanc declarationem & definitionem, super praedictis p. 69quinque, Propositionibus factam approbare ullatenus alias opiniones, quae continentur in praedicto libro Cornelii Jansesenii.

Datum Romae apud Sanctam Mariam majorem anno Domini 1653. prid. Cal. Junii Pontifi. G. Gualtorius. Hi. Datarius P. Campinius.

p. 70June 13.St. Amour fol. 412. The Agents of the Jansenists signed this Resolution (before they went to take leave of the Pope) After the Publication of the Popes Decree against the five Propositions, there being no more hope to obtain of his Holines the solemne and Regular Congregation, which we solicited for the space of two years, as most necessary in this conjuncture, in order to a full clearing of matters controverted between St. Austin's Disciples, and those of Molina, we conceived that we had nothing left but to prepare our selves to return into France.—We have judged in the presence of God, that we ought not to subscribe the condemnation of those Propositions, without excepting the sense of Grace effectual by it self, and St. Austin's Doctrine, which the enemies of both have designed, in obtaining this condemnation, to overthrow—We have resolved not to subscribe that condemnation, though the Pope require it of us, but with this clause. Propositiones ab Innocentio Papa X. damnatas nos iterum p. 71damnamus, ut semper antea damnavimus, salva tum Gratia Christi per seipsam efficaci ad singulos pietatis actus necessaria, tum doctrina Sancti Augustini; quibus nolle se praejudicium ullum afferre, Summus Pontifex multaties testatus est. With this mind the Agents of the Jansenists De la Lane, D…smares, St. Amour, Manassier and Angran went to take leave of the Pope, where they found all things otherwise than they feared, the Pope declaring great satisfaction in their deportment, &c.

The five Propositions of Jansenius having been condemned by a Bull of Innocent 10th,The French Formularie for the condemning of the Jansenists. (May 31. 1653.) and upon the Jansenists pretending these Propositions were not condemned in Jansenius's sense, there being a new Bull given out by Alexander 7. condemning these Propositions in the sense of Jansenius, the Jansenists were hereby crusht, and brought under a severe Persecution. For hereupon the Molinists got the General Assemblie of the French Clergie (as I take it an. 1654.) to frame a Formularie, answerable to the foresaid Bull of Alexander 7. for the condemning of p. 72these five Propositions in Jansenius's sense; which all Ecclesiasticks were ordered to sign, or else to be deprived of all Ecclesiastick employment. This formularie great numbers, in heart Jansenists, are induced, by virtue of some mental reservations, to subscribe unto; but such as are thorough paced and professed Jansenists, look upon it as their great glorie and Interest, to passe for Non-Conformists, though with the losse of their Dignities and Preferments; yea with incurring the censure of Excommunication. See these arguments in La Simple Verité opposeé à la Fausse édee du Jansenisme. à Paris 1664.The Arguments, by which the Jansenists defend themselves against signing this formularie are these. 1. That there is no Ordinance of the Church, which commands all the world to signe her decisions under pain of Heresie. 2. That the Pope commands none to signe it; neither has he as yet made any person to signe it. 3. No one speaks of signing this formularie in Forrein Provinces, nor in the whole Church. 4. None but the Assemblie of the Clergie has ordained, that we signe her formularie; but this Ordinance is neglected by all as illegitime, it having not been approved p. 73by the Pope, nor by the Bishops; yea, the Jesuits themselves have been constrained to abandon this Formularie, whereof notwithstanding they were the Authors.

The Jansenists, though excluded from all publick imployment,The Provincial Letters. cease not to defend themselves and their cause, partly by Apologies for themselves, and partly by attaquing their enemies the Jesuits, especially as to Morals. An. 1656. there were published seventeen Letters to a Provincial, (which in the English Version is stiled the Mysterie of Jesuitisme) wherein the corrupt notions, principles, and distinctions of the Jesuits, for permitting and allowing the practice of all manner of …in, are brought to light. These Letters have much galled the Jesuits, especially since they have been examined and censured by some of the Bishops and Ecclesiastick Assemblies of France.

After the condemnation of Jansenius, The Jansenists Apologies▪his Adherents the Jansenists, to wipe off the aspersion of heresie imputed to their charge, first, as to name, call themselves, not Jansenists, La simple Verité pag. 1.but Disciples of S. Austin; For (say they) Jansenius makes Profession p. 74to teach nothing; but to report simply what St. Austin taught on the matter of Grace and Free Will, without b…ing any thing more than his Interpreter. In such sort, that if any could clearly discover any one point, throughout his whole Book, which was from himself, and not from St. Austin, he should be abandoned by all, and condemned by his own proper judgement. Whereas (adde they) Molina, on the contrary, vaunts to have published a Doctrine which was never known before; and his followers the Jesuits glorie in the title of being Molinists.

As to the thing it self, and matter of their Doctrine, the Jansenists endeavored to vindicate themselves from the imputation of …eresie by certain Articles, and Apologetick Discourses touching their opinions. As for their Articles we find this mention of them in their own writings.La simple V…ritè. pag. 5. Now these Divines (say they, meaning the Jansenists) have exposed their sentiments, in the Articles which they sent unto the Pope, and his Holines has, by his last Brief, declared, p. 75That they contained an holy and Orthodoxe Doctrine. The Bishops, and most habile Divines, who have seen these Articles, have given the same judgement of them avowing, that they had nothing in them but what was Orthodoxe. And Mr. the Bishop of Commenge has expresly testified it to the King, when he had the honor to present the Declaration of these Divines to this Majestie, which intirely referred to the Doctrine of these Articles.

The Jansenists also vindicate themselves from the imputation of heresie, by several Apologies they publish in defence of Jansenius, Refutation de la Fausse Relat. du P. Ferrier cap. 10.and thems…lves, touching their sense of the five Propositions condemned. Arnauld (in Latin Arnoldus) the chief of the Jansenists, after a Letter of his, which was censured, writ a Theologick Dissertation, the design whereof was, to confirme their manner of speaking touching Efficacious Grace. This Dissertation was composed on the occasion of a Writing, which the Abbot Hilarion (a person particularly esteemed by the three former Popes) sent him from Rome, touching Efficacious Grac…. Wherefore this Dissertation having been p. 76sent to Rome, (first in Manuscript, and afterwards printed) not only to the Abbot Hilarion, but also to Cardinal Barberin, and to another Cardinal; it found favorable acceptation with them. And notwithstanding all the importunitie, which the Jesuits used, to render this Doctor odious at Rome, yet could they never get this his Dissertation condemned. The design of this his Theologick Disertation, was to prove Efficacious Grace; which he makes good by more than eighty passages of Scripture, of Popes, of Councils, of Fathers, of Divines both ancient and moderne, yea of the Jesuits themselves.

Since the year 1654. the whole controversie, 'twixt the Jansenists and Molinists, has been reduced to a matter of Fact, Refutat. de la Fausse relation du P. Ferrier (1664.) pag. 3….viz. What is the sense of Jansenius touching these five Propositions? The Jansenists tell us, they have accurately declared, what they intend by the sense of Jansenius, in the first and third Disquisition of Paul Irenaeus: as also in the first and fourth part of Denis Raymond; which were composed on purpose to clear the sense of Jansenius, as also that of his Adherents p. 77about these five Propositions. Denis Raymond being one, to whom the Jansenists refer us touching the sense of Jansenius, about the 5. Propositions, I shall briefly relate his explication thereof. Denis Raymond in the Profession of his faith, before the Table of his Book, makes this general Declaration. That I may leave no room for suspicion, I declare farther, that by the sense of Jansenius, which I sustain, I intend no other Doctrine on the subject of the five Propositions, than that of Efficacious Grace, of it self necessary to all actions of Pietie, in that manner, in which it has ever been, and still is sustained by the Schole of St. Thomas, and is recognized as Orthodoxe by all the Church; and I reject as an heresie that saying, That this Efficacious Grace necessitates the Will, and that it takes away the power of non-consenting, as it follows in this Book. More particularly, Denis Raimond (Premiere Partie Chap. 1.) makes good these Articles, viz.

Art. 1. That Jansenius undertook not to oppose sufficient Grace as delivered by the Thomists, but as laid down by Molina, pag. 33.

p. 78Art. 2. That when Jansenius calls s…ffi…cient Grace a Monstre, he sp…aks only … Suarez's sufficient Grace of Congruitie, not … that maintained by the Thomists, pag. 36.

Art. 3. That Jansenius doth recognize the Sufficient Grace of the New Thomists as to i…s realitie, albeit he gives it not that name, nor holds, that it gives a proxime power of operating, pag. 37.

Art. 4. That Jansenius, in what he was taught of the next p…wer, hath said nothing, but what is conforme to S. Augustin, S. Thomas, and the ancient Thomists, with many of the New pag. 41.

Ar…. 5. That Janseni…s, in what he has delivered of Efficacious Grace, …ffirming, that it gives not only the wi… to act, but also forces; likewise that it …ides the feeblenesse, and heals the infirmitie of the will, hath taught nothing; but what agrees with the sentiments of all the Thomists, albeit some speak in other termes, pag. 49.

Thus Denis Raimond Eclaircissement du fait, & du sens de Jansenius a Cologne 1660.

Paulus Irenaeus (to whom also we are referred) tells us, (Disquisit. 1. Art. 3.) that the whole Doctrine of Jansenius, p. 79as relating to the five Propositions, as conteined under these two heads. 1. That Efficacious Grace, by which the Will in infallibly, but without necessitie, applied and determined to act graciously, is necessary to all good actions and to prayer it self. Neither does Jansenius attribute more efficacie to this grace, than the Thomists. 2. That in the state of corrupt nature there is no sufficient Grace in the Molinian sense, &c.

Thus the estate of Affairs stood betwixt the Jansenists and Molinists unto the year 1662. Neither can I as yet learne, that there passed any thing considerable, besides what has been mentioned, save persecution, of which hereafter.

About the end of the year 1662. there being a likelihood of a breach 'twixt the King of France, §. 16. An. 1662. Endeavors fo… Accommodation 'twixt the Jansenists and Molinists.and the Pope, the Molinists begin to incline to terms of accommodement with the Jansenists: neither were there wanting some moderate Bishops (well-wishers to the Jansenists) who were very zelous in the prosecution of this design; who also received a Commission from the King, to p. 80transact this affair, and bring it to some issue. The Prelats, who had part in this Conference, were Mr. the Bishop of Comenge, Mr. the Archbishop of Paris, and Mr. the Bishop of Laon. The Agents in behalf of the Jansenists (who named themselves the Disciples of St. Austin) were the Sieurs de Lalane, Girard, &c. Arnauld (the Head of the Jansenists) refused to ingage in this Conference, as 'tis conjectured, from a Pr…vision he had of its little successe. In the behalf of the Molinists, there appeared none but P. Ferrier the Jesuit, who was notwithstanding (as 'tis said▪) influenced and acted by his Chronie P. Annat, on whom the whole societie of the Jesuits repose the main stresse of their designs and affairs against Jansenisme.

The chief of the Prelats, that were Mediators in this Treatie, was Monsieur de Comenge, who sent from Tolouze, a writing thus titled, A Project for Accommodement between those whom we call Jansenists,Against Signature and Formularie. and those who are named Molinists, debated betwixt the Bishop de Comenge, and P. Ferrier the Jesuit. The chief point this Project or Writing contained p. 81in favor of the Jansenists, was, that it should not be exacted from them, any signature, touching the matter of fact, (viz. Refutat. d… P. Ferrier chap. 2. p. 13.whether these five Propositions were in Jansenius, and condemned in his sense) nor yet touching the formularie, but only a respectuous silence. For the Jansenists would not engage in this Treatie of Accommodement, till there was a Promise given them, that they would not speak, either of signature, or of formularie; and moreover, that the peace of the Church should not be made to depend on a question of Fact. This Preliminary Article, which the Molinists yielded unto, gave the Jansenists, after the Treatie was broken off▪ great occasion of scandal: In that say they, this whole Treatie was on their part (viz. the Jesuits) no other than one continued perfidie; seeing that they have since avowed, that they alwaies meant, they should condemne the sense of Jansenius; that is to say, that they should acknowledge, that the Doctrine condemned in the five Propositions had been taught by Jansenius. This direction of the intention or mental reservation in the Molinists, p. 82made the Jansenists accuse them of Collusion, &c.

This Treatie began about February 18.§. 17. 1663. (New Stile.) That which was first proposed by the Bishop of Comenge, Refut. de P. Ferrier cap. 6.as the most proper expedient to reconcile the two parties, was, that the Jansenists, to free themselves from all suspicion, should declare, That they had no other sentiment about this matter, save what was taught by the Thomists.The main Article required of the Jansenists, is that they conform to the Thomists. But inasmuch as there is a difference amongst the Thomists; and that (for example) the manner of speech used by Gregory Ariminensis, Estius and many others, is different from that of Alvarez; the Molinists demanded, that the Jansenists should reduce themselves, to the forme of speech used by Alvarez, and others, who writ according to his sentiment. And the reason they alleaged of their demand was, that Alvarez having assisted at the Congregations de Auxiliis, there is a grand apparence, that he, and those others who writ at the same time, and since took up this mode of speech to salve Libertie, according to the p. 83movements and sentiments which the Popes Clement 8. and Paul 5th had; albeit they made no Decree on this matter. It was added, that if the Jansenists would determine in this, all contestations would end; because the opinion of these Thomists being taught as Orthodox, there remained not betwixt the Jansenists and the Molinists any more, than the Contestation which has for a long time been between the S…hole of the Dominicans, and that of the Jesuits, which has not made any rupture of communion, nor yet of charitie between these two Orders. And in this their hearts would be entirely reunited, albeit their Scholes were not.

The Jansenists answer to this Proposition contained these two parts:§. 18. The Jansenists Reply touching their conformity to the Thomists. 1. That they had refused, and that not without reason, to tie themselves up generally by a publick engagement, to all the expressions of Alvarez; because he was not the rule of the Church, or measure of their faith. Yea, many famous Divines and entire Faculties; as those of Lovain and Doway, serve not themselves of all his p. 84expressions. 2. The other part of their replie was a Declaration at the same time, that there was in the explication of their sentiments, which they were disposed to give on the five Propositions, that which was conforme, not only to the Doctrine, but also to the expressions of these New Thomists. The Disciples of St. Austin (adde they) have alwaies said,Refutat. du P. Ferrier cap. 6. that the Doctrine of Jansenius on the five Propositions, seemed not to them different from that of the Thomists. And farther to vindicate Jansenius from the imputation cast upon him, touching his opposition to the Thomists, they adde, 1. That the design of Jansenius was not directly to render himself conforme to the Thomists. 2. That yet in the chief of those points, wherein the error of Jansenius is made to consist, his Doctrine is not only by consequence, but formally conforme to that of the Thomists. 3. That the most part of those general and indefinite Propositions, by reason of which they would fain perswade the world, that Jansenius was opposite to the Thomists, he himself in other parts of his Book does p. 85so restrain and limit, as that 'tis evident he intended nothing lesse than Nonconformitie to the Thomists. And whereas it might be objected, that the Author des Lettres au Provincial (which is called the Mysterie of Jesuitisme) in his second Letter, complains sadly against the Thomists, for not publishing fully what they understood by sufficient Grace: the answer hereunto is, That the said ingenious Author used, and that not without reason, somewhat more than ordinary warmth and indignation against some particular persons of the Order of S. Dominick, who being joined to the Molinists by a Spirit of Cabal and of faction, served themselves of the equivocate term of Sufficient Grace, thereby to deceive the world, as though they were agreed. In fine; the Jansenists declared, That the Doctrine of Jansenius, touching the five Propositions, seemed to them nothing different from that of the Thomists: and to give a specimen hereof, they instanced in the point of Efficacious Grace; which said they, as it is explicated by the defenders of Jansenius, is reduced to this Proposition, common to all the p. 86Thomists,Omnis gratia Christi est efficax alicu…us effectûs, ad quem prxime ordinatur, & quem Deus absoluta voluntate intendit. viz. every Grace of Christ … efficacious of some effect unto which it … nextly ordained, and which God, by hi… absolute will, doth intend. But to declare their conformitie to the Thomists more …ully, Mr. de Lalane gave the Bishop of Comenge the Articles of their Doctrine, touching the five Propositions.

Notwithstanding these Concessions of the Jansenists, §. 19. The breaking off the Treatie of the Jansenists Apology.the Molinists were not satisfied, but began to flie off unto their old demands (peradventure from a praevision they had of an accord betwixt their King and Pope) for a signing the Formularie, and condemning the sense of Jansenius, on the five Propositions. This the Jansenists judged a very hard and unreasonable demand. 1. Because it was formally and expresly against the main Praeliminary Article, granted in order to the Treatie. 2. If they could (adde they) have signed the Formularie, &c. they had not needed any such Treatie for accommodement, for they should then have been esteemed as good Catholicks as their adversaries the Molinists. p. 873. They judged it too great tyrannie to make the peace of the Church depend upon a matter purely of fact, and not of faith: For (say they) suppose the Disciples of St. Austin (asserting that the five propositions condemned, were not to be found in Jansenius's book, nor yet condemned in his sense) should be deceived in this their Interpretation of Jansenius, yet, seeing they condemned the five Propositions, as well as others, their Error was not in a question of Faith, but purely of fact, such as could not bespeak them Hereticks. For, adde they, the common light of Reason as well as Faith, teacheth the most simple, that two things essentially separate, viz. a particular fact, and a Doctrine of Faith, may also be separated in the creance of Believers, and therefore there is no shadow to imagine, but that one may assent, that the Doctrine of the five Propositions is Haeretian, without assenting, that they are to be found in the Book of Jansenius: as if the haeresie of the Doctrine should depend on Jansenius; or that it should be haeresie no p. 88where but in his book. Thus the Jansenists apologize, &c. But the Molinists adhering violently to their demands for the signing the Formularie, &c. the Treatie broke off.

The Jansenists to purge themselves,§. 20. The Jansenists Vindication by the Bishop of Com…nge his Letter to the King. after this Treatie drew up certain Articles, (which I suppose were the same with those they offered in the Treatie) containing the explication of their own sentiments, on the five condemned propositions. These Articles they sent to Rome, with their submission to the Pope, not (as they phrase it) a submission of Faith, but only a submission of Respect or Discipline; which notwithstanding was acceptable to the Pope. After this Mr. De Lalane, and Mr. Girard presented a Declaration to the King, by the hand of the Bishop of Comenge, containing the Abridgement of what they had offered in the Treatie, and what was comprehended in their Articles sent to Rome. This Declaration having been condemned by some of the Bishops, is vindicated by a Letter from the Bishop of Comenge …o the King, dated Jan. 21. 1664. Thus,

p. 89I avow Sir, that it seemed to me, after I had obliged those whom they call Jansenists to declare (their sense) there could not be any more of heresie or hereticks in the Church, the door being shut both to Error and opiniatretie. In effect, Sir, in those Conferences, which the Sieurs, the Abbot De Lalane and Girard had, in the names of all those who are engaged in this cause with P. Ferrier the Jesuite, they were reduced to declare so neatly what was their Doctrine on the subject of the five Propositions condemned, (wherein all that is called Jansenisme is comprehended) as also to speak so precisely the language of the Thomists, which is received in the Church, that there cannot remain any thing of Errour in their Dogme,—In such sort, Sir, that on the one side making them to speak as the Catholick Schools speak; and on the other side, they having submitted themselves to have no other sentiments, but those of the Holy See, there remains not more of Error, or of Opiniatretie. Now their last Declaration, which I had the honour to p. 90present to your Majesty, signed by … Sieurs de Lalane and Girard, is but … Abregement of all that we have do… in nine months travail. They rene… in this Act the Assurance which the have given me, and the See by me, … to have any other sentiments on … five Propositions, but what a… contained in their Articles, and t… submission which they have made … these very Articles to the judgement… his Ho…ines. For this Declaration … relative to the Articles, which we… sent and submitted to the Pope, an… which contain the sentiments of the… Theologiens on the five Propositions.—It is true, Sir, that they place not … the same rank the submission, which they render to the Definition of Dogmes, and that which they render to the Definition of particular facts; because the one is a submission of Faith, and the other is a submission of Respect, and … Discipline. Things being thus dismingled and differenced, Sir, your Majesty may, when you please, give peace to the Church of France, in pursuit of the generous dess…in which your p. 91pietie has given you to …, &c. Thus the Bishop of Comenge in behalf of the Jansenists.

The Molinists since the Treatie,§. 21. The Molinists persecution of the Jansenists. have been very active and pressing on the King for his Declaration, against all such as will not sign the Formularie, and condemnation of Jansenius's book. The Jansenists have not been wanting, to give their reasons against such rigorous procedures; affirming, That there was not as yet any ordinance of the Church obliging thereto; neither was this Formularie approved by the Pope or Bishops, yea that the Jesuits themselves were forced to abandon it as before. The Jansenists also publisht in the year 1664. certain Apologies for themselves: but all could not secure them against the unwearied endeavours of their adversaries the Molinists, who obtained the Popes Bull for the imposing the Formularies, as also the Kings Confirmation of the same.

p. 92The Popes Bull runs, as it follows:

ALexander, Bishop, Servant of Servants of God, for perpetual memorie.

The Reason of Apostolick Government, by Divine Providence committed to us, though undeserving, requires that we applie our whole mind and care, so far as we may, in the Lord, unto such matters chiefly, as are most conducible to the conservation and propagation of the Catholick Religion, to the salvation of souls, and to the repose of Believers. 'Twas from the Intuition hereof, that we endeavoured the Second year of our Pontificat, by an express constitution published by us on this design, to put a period to the Heresie of Cornelius Jansenius, which spread it self principally in France, and which after it had been well-nigh stif…ed by Innocent 10^th our Predecessor of happie memorie, ceased not as a Serpent, whose head is broken, to make fresh efforts, and to appear willing to save it self by its ordinary turnings and windings. But as the enemy of mankinde p. 93has an infinitie of Artifices to hinder the succes of good designs, our endeavours (whose only but was to oblige all those who have erred, to re-enter into the way of salvation) have not had that issue we desired; albeit our desires have been happily seconded by the pains and industrie, with which our Venerable Brethren, the Archbishops and Bishops of the Kingdom of France have applyed themselves, so far as they could, to cause the said Apostolick Constitutions to be executed; and by the singular pietie of our very dear Son in our Lord, the most Christian King, who has for the same purpose afforded us the succour of his hand, with an extraordinary vigour and constance. Moreover, the most Christian King being induced, by the zeal he has for Religion, to remonstrate to us by his Ambassadour, that the best remedie to extirpate the restes of this contagious M…ladie, is to cause all the World to sign one Formularie founded on our Autoritie. In pursuit whereof, we command that all Ecclesiastiques, &c. to subscribe the following Formularie.

p. 94IN. submit my self to the Apostoli… Constitution of Innocent X. dated, Ma… 31. 1653. and to the Constitution of Alexander 7^th, dated Oct. 16. 1656. the chi… Bishops: and I do with a sincere mind re…ject and condemn the V Propositions, t…ken out of Cornelius Jansenius's Boo… named Augustinus, and in the sense intended by the same Author, as the Ap…-stolick… seat has, by the said Constitution condemned them. And thus I sware. G… so help me, and these holy Evangels … God. Given at Rome, Feb. 15. 1665.

This Bull was, April 29. 1665. (Sti… Novo) ratified by a Declaration of th… King of France, enjoyning the executio… of the same. But the Popes Nuncio imposing the said Bull on the Ecclesiastick… of France, without regard to the King… Autoritie, there issued forth, May 6… 1665. an Arrest of the Parliament … Paris, prohibiting the said Bull, &c. Whereupon the Arch-bishop of Paris, to comprimize the matter 'twixt the Pope p. 95…nd King, enjoyns the Signature of …he Formularie by his own Pow…r.

The Molinists are full of indignation …nd passionate Invectives against the Jansenists, and all that incline to them; whereof we have a sufficient instance in their severitie against one of their own Societie P. de la Croix, Ref…t. de la Fausse Relat. du P. Ferrier cap. 12.who testifying more affection for the Doctrine of S. Austin, than for that of Molina, was much persecuted by his Brethren the Jesuits; and notwithstanding his innocencie and candor of deportment, and his more than fortie years profession in their Societie, he was shut up in a cruel Prison at La Flesche, where he ended his dayes, none but God and themselves knows how.

The Jansenists, §. 22. The Jansenists multiplication and acceptation with serious Papists and Protestants.notwithstanding their great persecution, to this very day, have many and great friends amongst the more serious and sober of the Nobles, Clergy, and People of France. Many of the Bishops incline towards them, who (as I now hear) refuse to sign the Formularie for the condemnation of Jansenius. p. 96Amongst the Regulars, som… whole Covents, yea whole Orders a… levened with Jansenisme; though thei… Zeal be not so warm as to quit thei… preferment for their Principles. Th… Peres de L' Oratoire, or Preaching Fri…ars are generally Jansenists, as it appears by their famous Theses of Efficacious Grace, which they dedicated … the General Assemblie of the Clergie … France, An. 1657. wherein they asse… that sufficient Grace does infallibly wa… its effect, whereas efficacious Grace do… infal…ibly produce it in every state. Th… Dominicans also symbolize very far, … not in every point, with the Jansenists (as has been before shewen) though they dare not profess any considerable favour or kindness towards them, but rathe… some of them, out of a spirit of faction, or Interest, fall in with the Molinists. Yea, not only in France, but also in Flanders, Jansenisme has taken very deep rooting, especially in the Universities of Louvain, and Doway, where the Jesuits are as much hated, as by their professed enemies the Jansenists. The Protestants generally have a great favour and kindness p. 97for the Jansenists. This Conference was at Caen, Feb. …. 1664.'Tis not long since that Mr. Bochart (Pastor at Caen,) discoursing with an English Gentleman, about the down-fall of Antichrist, gave this as one reason of the approach thereof, viz. from the multiplying of the Jansenists, and the Orthodoxalitie of their Opinions, &c. And albeit the Jansenists hitherto have not dared to professe any great affection for or inclination towards those of the Reformed Religion; yet 'tis conceived they want it not, but rather opportunitie. Jansenists in his August. Tom. 3. de Grat. l. 8. c. 21. in answer to this Objection, that his Doctrine was Calvinistick, saith, All things that hereticks teach are not heretical. If Calvin agree with Austin and the ancient Fathers, in any point, we must not be angry with Austin for Calvins sake, but congratulate Calvin for Austins sake. I once also met with this expression in one of their Papers, where being accused of Calvinisme, they reply thus: If Calvin and Luther be in the right, let them be absolved, rather than that the Truth should be condemned. The great Crime the Jesuits accuse the Jansenists of, is p. 98their symbolizing with the Calvinists: Wherefore somewhile since the Molinists pictured the Jansenist with his arms open, embracing Calvin. The Jansenists to vindicate themselves from this Imputation, now and then write a book against the Calvinists.

Notwithstanding the Popes Bull,§. 23. the Kings Declaration, and the Archbishop of Paris's Ordinance for the Signature of the Formularie, great numbers of the Ecclesiasticks of France, both Secular and Regular, have refused to subscribe the same. Yea there are four Bishops, who have, even till the end of the last Summer, 1668. dissented herefrom; and by the interposure of other Prelates, have brought the Pope to be satisfied, that they co…sent to the condemnation of the V Propositions formerly sentenced, without any mention of the Books of Jansenius: to which they have given their obedience, and accordingly subscribed. Hence (as I hear) the Jansenists by the Kings interposure, are again restored to their Dignities and preferments in the Sorbon, and else-where. The last news we hear p. 99of the Jansenists, is their consultations about setting up a Patriarch in France, which the Popes Nuncio complained of to the King, as that which would bring great Detriment to his Holines.