The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France, 6 (Verteuil) – Table of contents 7

The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France · 6 (Verteuil) – Table of contents 7

p. 70THE Synod of Vertueil.1567. Synod VI.General Matters.

SYNOD VI.

Articles of the National Synod held at Vertueil in Augoumois, the firſt day of September, One thouſand five hundred ſixty and ſeven, and in the Seventh year of the Reign of King Charles the Ninth, Monſieur de L'Eſtre was choſen Moderator.

Chap. I. Alterations, Additions, and Annotations upon the Church-Diſcipline. General MATTERS.

IT is Enacted by the Authority of this preſent National Synod, that none ſhall be put into the Liſt of Vagrants, until ſuch time as the Neighbour Churches have firſt proceeded againſt them according to the Canons of our Diſcipline and that they have clone their beſt endeavour to reclaim and reform them, and there ſhall be kept a particular Roll of thoſe Vagrants diſtinct from the Articles of the National Synod.

II. In Churches where there be ſeveral Miniſters, none of them ſhall give a Certificate concerning any matter of Importance, without having firſt Communicated it with his other Brethren.

III. Elders may be preſent at Propoſitions of the Word of God, made by young Miniſters, and at their Cenſures, and may freely, if it pleaſe them, paſs their Judgment on them.

IV. Such who according to the cuſtom of the Country do falſifie, diſguiſe or corrupt their Merchandizes, as Stretchers, Drawers of Cloth in Poictou, ſhall be admoniſhed by the Conſiſtory to forbear thoſe Cheats, and in caſe they ſhould not deſiſt, they ſhall be laid under Cenſures.

V. Paſtors, who have obtained leave to follow their Studies for ſome time, ſhall apply themſelves to their Colloquy or Synod for its confirmation, without which they may not depart their Churches, leſt by their departure the Churches be left unprovided.

VI. The determination of time and age capacitating perſons to contract Marriage, doth properly belong to the Civil Magiſtrate.

p. 71CHAP. II.

Excommunicates and Infidels ſhall not be permitted Marriage without publick pennance.VII. WHere one Party is an Infidel or Excommunicate, the Marriage ſhall not be celebrated in our Churches, unleſs the Unbeliever do firſt make a Proteſtation to renounce all Idolatry, and to live in the Church of God as becomes a Chriſtian, and the Excommunicate Perſon in like manner ſhall have given by publick Pennance, full ſatisfaction for his offence to the Church.

VIII. If there be a ſufficient number of Miniſters to make a Synod the Provincial Synods ſhall be modell'd according to the Governments. But and if a Church ſhall complain of its being thereby incommoded, and that there ariſe any ſtrife about it between the Provinces, a third ſhall be choſen to reconcile them.

Nothing beſides the Holy Scripture to be read in the Church.IX. None other Writings beſides the Holy Scriptures, ſhall be read in the Publick Aſſemblies.

X. The Synod judgeth it not adviſable, that they ſhould receive the Bread at the Lords Table, who cannot the Cup.

The Bread ſhall not be given in the Lords Supper to them who refuſe the Cup.XI. This Aſſembly underſtanding that ſome private perſons had either ſpoken or written againſt the Diſcipline exerciſed in the Churches of this Kingdom, demanded of the Deputies ſeverally and diſtinctly, whether their reſpective Churches had any ſcruple about the Diſcipline which hath been hitherto obſerved by us. Whereunto the Deputies did all unanimouſly anſwer, that their Churches did fully conſent unto the Diſcipline, and required its inviolable obſervation, and that ſuch who oppoſed this our Eſtabliſhed Order might be cenſured. And the abſent Provinces which were but few in number, have by Letters under their own hands, teſtified their conſent unto it.

XII. If hereafter any difference ſhould ariſe between two Provinces about their Redemanding of Miniſters, they ſhall chooſe a third to accord and arbitrate the matter between them.

A Paſtor accuſed of leaving his Church ſhall purge himſelf before the Synod.XIII. Miniſters accuſed for leaving their Churches without their conſent firſt had, ſhall be bound to make their perſonal Appearance before the next Provincial Synod, unto which they did belong upon the firſt Summons, that ſo they may clear themſelves publickly: And their innocency being vindicated, the Church which had impeached them of unjuſt deſertion, ſhall be obliged to reimburſe them all charges of their journey.

No Officer in the Church ſhall be ſaid by till the Conſiſtory have firſt determined it.XIV. Until the whole body of the Conſiſtory have firſt maturely conſidered the cauſes why they ſhould be rejected, no Miniſter, Deacon, nor Elder, ſhall reckon themſelves to be rejected.

CHAP. III.

XV. AS to the caſe propounded, whether a Dumb and Deaf man giving Evidence by ſigns and geſtures of his Faith and Godlineſs may be admitted to Communion at the Lords Table, this Aſſembly judgeth that he may be received, eſpecially if they have had long experience of his holy Life, and the Church do teſtifie of his Faith and Knowledge in the things of God.

A woman may not be compelled to live with her Lepours Huſband.XVI. A Woman may if ſhe pleaſe, and do conſent unto it live ſequeſtred with her Leprous Husband. But in caſe of her refuſal, 'tis the judgment of this Aſſembly, that ſhe ought not to be enforced, becauſe the Commonwealth p. 72is concerned in this matter. OnelyOnly ſhe muſt not be wanting in her duty otherways.

XVII. Whenever Elders and Deacons are received into Office, they ſhall ſubſcribe our Confeſſion of Faith and Church Diſcipline, or elſe make a publick proteſtation to obſerve it.

XVIII. It is ordained that thoſe words (of the twenty ninth Article of our Diſcipline) Where the Miniſtry is eſtabliſhed, and thoſe alſo, As much as poſſible, ſhall be razed out of the ſaid Article.

XIX. Difficulties that cannot be determined by the Conſiſtory, ſhall be remitted to the Colloquy or Claſſis, and from thence to the Provincial Synod.

XX. When any differences ariſe between Gentlemen profeſſing the true Religion, they ſhall be admoniſhed to refer them unto their Friends and Kinred, that ſo they may be amicably compoſed.

CHAP. IV.

The Church or Province ſhall take care of Miniſters Widows and Orphans, ſee the Synod of St. Foy Gen. Mat. art. 5.XXI. SUch as being once inrolled by order of a National Synod among the Vagrants, they ſhall never be taken off the file but by another.

XXII. If a Miniſter die in the ſervice of his Church, it ſhall take care about the Maintenance of his Widow and Children, and in caſe of the Churches inability, the Province ſhall be obliged.

CHAP. V. Of Particular MATTERS.

I. IT is reſolved, That Miniſters Appealing unto this Synod ſhall withdraw, when their Matters are to be debated, unleſs their Matters be ſuch as may bring them dammage; and they alſo who Appeal or be Appealed, upon the account of their ſinful miſcarriages, ſhall not at all be admitted into it, but when they are to be heard in their own defence.

II. This Aſſembly doth judge, that Monſieur de la Rogevay was juſtly inrolled in the Catalogue of Vagrants, and yet no perſon ſhall be obliged to tell him who delated him. But becauſe the Church of Bergerack hath ſince that time given an honourable Teſtimonial of his Godly converſation, it is ordained, that his name be now razed out of that Catalogue. OnelyOnly let him carefully mind the Proteſtation now made by him, of containing himſelf within due bounds, and living holily according to Gods bleſſed word and the Diſcipline of our Church.

III. It's decreed, That John Clopet, alias Child, ſhall not be tollerated nor reputed for a Miniſter, until ſuch time as he ſhall have purged himſelf from thoſe Crimes and Hereſies charged on him. And four Months time having been aſſigned him to juſtifie himſelf, both in Bearn and Montauban, if within that ſpace appointed him he neglect to do it, he ſhall be totally depoſed from the Miniſtry.

IV. The Brethren of Dolphiny make report, how that certain Prieſts and Monks profeſſing the Chriſtian Reformed Religion, after they had been Married in the Church, revolted from it, and entring again into their Monaſt…ies p. 73did ſing Maſs, and polluted themſelves with Idolatry, and deſired our thoughts about theſe Marriages, whether they were lawful and valid, or no. This Aſſembly defers the Deciſion of this Caſe, until the next General Conference, that after mature deliberation and debate about it, they may definitively determine thereof: Yet in the mean while,Whether the Marriage of a Monk when converted, and after revolted, and returning to his Vomit of Idolatry be valid. they adviſe theſe Women to refrain their Company; becauſe conſidering the preſent Juncture of Affairs in this Kingdom, they cannot converſe with them honourably, as married Wives with their Husbands.

V. When Faſts are to be celebrated, let all the Churches be uniform, if poſſible, in the manner of its Obſervation, and keep themſelves free and pure from all Superſtition.

VI. If Women, whoſe Husbands upon the account of Trade are a long time abſent from them, do deſire to be married, they ſhall apply themſelves unto the Magiſtrate.

Windows ſhall not be permieted Marriage, but according to the time prefixed by Law.VII. Let Miniſters of the Goſpel take heed, that they do not marry Widows within the times forbidden by the Civil Laws.

VIII. Information being given us, That in certain Towns there be other Councels beſides thoſe of the Conſiſtory, which aſſume unto themſelves the management of Church-Affairs; we expreſly order, That the Sixth Article about Conſiſtories, unanimouſly approved in the Synod of Poictiers, Orleans, Lions, and Paris, be ſignified unto them, and that it be moſt exactly and punctually obſerved; and in caſe of Diſobedience they ſhall be accordingly cenſured.

IX. Notice ſhall be given unto the Churches, that in Certificates given unto Travellers, that Article be ſtrictly obſerved, and they ſhall be dated not in Cyphers, but in Words at length.

X. The Canon made to the National Synod of Orleans, concerning our Deputies at Court, ſhall be punctually obſerved by the Provincial Synods.

CHAP. VI.

XI. OUR Brother**He is called in another Copy John de la Traissel Deacon of the Church of Rochel. de la Chaiſe having complained to us, That he was branded by the Deacons of Geneva, becauſe in his Impreſſion of Mr. Calvin's Sermons upon Deuteronomy, he had left out the Preface to them: This Aſſembly being well ſatisfied of his Innocence, and that he did not of his own head leave out the Preface, neither in that Book, nor in Calvin's Sermons upon Daniel, but by the Advice of our Brethren the Miniſters of Rochel; nor that from the hopes of Gain he did thereby rob the Poor; we order that the Provincial Synods ſhall be informed of his Innocence, and that Letters be ſent unto the Brethren of Geneva, not only to purge him, but that in their next Impreſſion of Mr. Calvin's Sermons, they would be pleaſed to give him an honourable Teſtimony of his Innocence.

XII. The Churches ſhall be acquainted with the extream Affliction of our poor Brethren at Pamiers, that ſo their Chriſtian Bowels of Charity may be enlarged to them.

XIII. As alſo, that one called Roberty, who was formerly on the Liſt of Vagrants, is now took off the File.

XIV. And alſo that they would beware of a certain Fellow going by the Name of Fontaines du Baut of Vellay in Languedoc, a lean Man, who hath been often taxed for having no Call unto the Miniſtry, and being unordained yet preacheth.

p. 74CHAP. VIII. The Roll of Vagrants.

I. ONE Chartir, or Charles, who ſays of himſelf, that he was a Counſellor of Grenoble, and that he ſolicited at Court for the Profits of his Office, a Man of mean Stature, his Beard waxing grey, depoſed from the Miniſtry at Ʋſanchez by the Brethren of Limoges, for Lying, Cheating, Forgeries, Roguiſh Tricks, Drunkenneſs, unchaſt Kiſſings, and at Pamier for Dancing and Contumacy againſt the Church. This Fellow intrudes himſelf into all places where he can get admittance to Preach.

II. Simon du Pleſſis, going by the Names of Mr. Peter Grueill, La Mulle, Nevill, Grand-champ, La Jauniere, formerly a Franciſcan Fryer, depoſed at Orbec by the Claſſis of Eureux, becauſe that without any Call or Ordination he had uſurped the Miniſtry of the Goſpel, quitting and retaking at pleaſure his Fryer's Weeds; convicted of, and condemned for Adultery by the Provincial Synod of Normandy; accuſed alſo of being Confederate with Robbers, he came into Xaintonge, but is now at Auranches, a Fellow of great ſtature, yellow Beard, and hath loſt two of his Fore-teeth.

III. It is ordered, that the Neighbour Brethren ſhall have their eyes upon Monſieur Sylveſter's Converſation, whether it be conform to the Diſcipline of our Churches; and the Brethren of Normandy ſhall do their utmoſt to diſcover the Crimes whereof he is accuſed, and ſend the whole Charge againſt him to the Brethren of the Province. However, in the mean while he may continue in the Exerciſe of his Function.

IV. The buſineſs of Mathou is referr'd to the Inhabitants of Jarnac, and to our Brethren Du Moulin, and San-Germain.

V. John Clopet, alias Child, a Wretch full of Hereſies, a Champion for the Maſs, aſſerting its goodneſs; in two Points only excepted, viz. Prayers unto the Saints, and for the Dead; maintaining that the good and bad have equal Priviledge to communicate in the Body of Chriſt, as alſo Celibacy, and Praying towards the East; and that Commentaries upon the Scriptures are needleſs; and that Calvin did very ill in writing of Predeſtination; and that Man may keep perfectly all the Commands of God. He is a Fellow of mean ſtature, a yellowiſh Beard, and ſpeaks ſomewhat thick, plain in his looks, and tawny face, aged Five and twenty, a Savoyard, born in the Country of Breſſe.

VI. One called Chevalier, now Vicar at Chaſſaux, near Janet, aged Fifty Years, having a great Red Noſe; he is a mercenary and moſt abuſive Fellow.

VII. One called Stephen Jenicot, otherwiſe du Brevil, ſaith, he was born at Talmond upon Jard in Poictou, and ordained Miniſter of the Word of God by the Claſſis of Neuf Chaſtel, and ſhews a Certificate under the hand of Monſieur Chriſtopher's, which yet ſince he avows to have been made in Paris; a little dwarfiſh Fellow.

CHAP. VIII. General Advertiſements given unto the Churches of France.

I. THere being different Copies of our Diſcipline, the Church of Paris, Orleans, and Meaux, are required diligently to reviſe and Examine whatever hath been ordained by us to this purpoſe, and to reduce thoſe Canons into an orderly and compleat Syſtem, and that within four Months they deliver a Copy hereof unto all the Provinces.

II. Explaining the Second Article of the Diſcipline under that Head of Particular Orders, it is reſolved, That all Carpenters, Maſons, Glaziers, and other Artisans ſhall abſtain from all manner of Work in their reſpective Trades, p. 75that may in the leaſt favour Idolatry; and if after Admonition they continue in ſuch Practices, they ſhall be ſubjected unto Cenſures.

III. Altho' it be in itſelf a thing purely indifferent, to aſſiſt at the Feaſts and Banquets celebrated by Papiſts at their Marriages, or Birth of their Children, yet the Faithful ſhall be advertis'd, to do herein what will make beſt for Edification, and to weigh well with themſelves, whether they be ſtrong enough to reſiſt thoſe Diſſolutions, and other Sins ordinarily committed at ſuch Meetings, as alſo to reprove them.

IV. Such as being demanded for the Miniſtry of the Goſpel, and the Service of any particular Church, ſhall be ſent forth with a Teſtimonial of their Life and Doctrine unto the Colloquy or Provincial Synod of that place which requeſted them: which Colloquy, or Synod may, if they think it fitting, examine them, and ſhall Commiſſionate three or four Miniſters to preſent them unto the Church that ſued for them; which Church ſhall hear them two or three times, if need be, that ſo they may know, whether they can well profit by them. This being done, the Miniſters, together with the Conſiſtory of the Plaee, ſhall lay their hands upon them, and eſtabliſh them in their Paſtoral Office; and in caſe of difficulty ariſing about their Admiſſion, thoſe Commiſſioners and the Conſiſtory ſhall take Cogniſance of it, and the Churches which demanded theſe Miniſters are ordered to defray the Charges of their whole Proceedings.

V. Divers Perſons complaining of that Article, concerning publick Prayers, in thoſe places where the Word of God is conſtantly Preached, and urging the Impoſſibility of it's being practiced, and that it cannot be obſerved without a world of Inconvenience; This Aſſembly doth judge, that the Article is grounded upon very holy and ſollid Reaſons. Yet nevertheleſs, where it cannot be obſerved without apparent danger and damage unto the Churches, the Buſineſs may be tollerated. Yet all Miniſters of the Goſpel ſhall be obliged to do their beſt, that the Article may be obſerved.

VI. There ſhall be no Alteration in that Third Article of the Second Synod of Paris, concerning Farmers of Church-Lands. And for the better Underſtanding of it, this preſent Aſſembly doth take in all kinds of Farming, by which in any manner whatſoever Idolatry may be maintained; and therefore, if any be perceived in taking the ſaid Farms to uſe and help themſelves by Quiddities and Subtilties, that ſo they may eſcape the Cenſures of the Church, the Conſiſtory ſhall prudently conſider what Abuſes may have been committed.

VII. Foraſmuch as ſeveral of the Deputies do ſcruple the Tenth Article, relating to Judges and Publick Notaries, we will leave the Debate hereof unto the next National Synod, that ſo it may be maturely deliberated, and their Opinions together with the Grounds and Reaſons of them maybe then produced. Till which time that Article ſhall abide in it's full Power.

No Promiſes of Marriage to be made, but in the preſence of Parents, &c.VIII. This Aſſembly judgeth, that the Sixteenth Article of the Second Synod of Paris, concerning Marriages, beginning with theſe Words, That all Promiſes, &c. ſhall be changed, and couched in theſe Words. The Faithful ſhall be Informed by the Miniſters in Publick Church-Meetings; not to make any Promiſes of Marriage, but in the Preſence of Parents, Friends, Neighbours, or other Perſons of good Repute. And if any do otherwiſe, they ſhall be cenſured for their Levity and Contempt of this Godly Counſel. And it were very convenient, that the ſaid Promiſes of Marriage were made with ſolemn Prayers unto God.

None but Miniſters, if poſſible, ſhall give the Cup.IX. A doubt being moved by ſome of the Brethren, whether any other beſide a Miniſter of the Goſpel might deliver the Cup in the Sacrament unto the People. This Synod having duely ponder'd the Arguments on both ſides, doth determine, that the Fourteenth Article decreed in the Synod of Lyons ſhall ſtand firm, which was this, That none but Miniſters, if poſſible, ſhall give the Cup.

p. 76X. To the Caſe propounded, Whether the wronged party may be permitted to marry again, after that the Adultery hath been verified by ſentence of the Magiſtrate. This Aſſembly anſwers, that the Ninth Article of the Synod of Orleans under the Title of Marriages,See Articl. 29. of the 13. Ch. of the Diſcipline, concerning Marriages. ſhall be in force, unleſs there be apparent danger unto the Church. And whatever is couched in other terms, ſhall be razed out of that Article of the Diſcipline.

XI. Rich and Monied perſons ſhall be exhorted by the moſt cogent Arguments to do their duty in contributing to the maintenance of the Miniſtry, and in caſe of neglect, the Conſiſtory ſhall deal with them more effectually.

XII. The Churches ſhall be adviſed ſtrictly to obſerve the Fourth Canon of our Fifth National Synod, held the ſecond time at Paris, about Certificates given unto poor Travellers, and that their names ſhall be written in them at length and not in Cyphers.

XIII. This Aſſembly being informed, that the Member for ſome Churches being diſguſted at their Conſiſtories, declare that they would not ſubject themſelves unto their Cenſures, and therefore to calm and pacifie them, they thought good to leave the Election of the new Conſiſtory unto the body of the people. But this National Synod doth not approve in the leaſt of this their action, as being a very evil matter, and of dangerous conſequence: And judgeth that the ſaid Church ſhall be adviſed to conform it ſelf with the other Churches of this Kingdom unto that Canon of the Diſcipline, viz. That Elders and Deacons ſhall be choſen by the Conſiſtory, and then preſented unto the People.

XIV. The Deputies in the laſt Synod of Paris acquainted this preſent Aſſembly, that they had given order to our Brethren in the Church of Lions, to Print the Book of Diſcipline.

XV. The Churches ſhall have notice given them, that they do not admit unto any Miniſterial Duties. A certain Spaniard going by the Name of Anthony de la Rodit Bellariva, till ſuch time as he have firſt cleared himſelf of thoſe Crimes for which he ſtands Impeached by the Church of Loudun.

XVI. Whereas there is a very great difference in the Body of our Diſcipline which now paſſeth from hand to hand: The Churches of Paris, Orleans and Meaux, were appointed diligently, to reviſe and examine all thoſe Canons that have been made in former Synods, and to ſend Atteſted Copies of them unto all the Provinces.

XVII. And the Churches of Paris, Lion, Orleans, and others ſhall not for the future diſpoſe of any Scholars and Students, without their Conſent, who had ſent to the Univerſities.

XVIII. The Churches are adviſed to take heed of a certain Old, Grave and Bald-headed Fellow, going by the Names of Fontaires and Duzau, of Valleyſe in Languedoc, who tho he was never Called or Ordained, doth yet notwithſtanding take upon him to exerciſe the Office of a Miniſter.

CHAP. IX. A Reſolution of ſeveral Caſes of Conſcience, and of other Weighty, Points of the Chriſtian Reformed Religion, by the R. Mr. John Calvin, Paſtor and Profeſſor at Geneva.

THeſe Caſes and their Solution were all annext unto the Canons of the National Synod of Vertueil in Augoumois, held there the Seven firſt days of September, 1567.

p. 771. Queſt. Whether Children may lawfully detain and poſſeſs thoſe Lands and Foundations, which were given by their Parents for Singing of Maſſes?

Anſw. Altho thoſe poor Founders (as they be called in the Papacy) were groſly cheated and abuſed; yet inaſmuch as theſe very Perſons to whom thoſe Goods and Lands once belonged, did alienate them in a legal Manner; Their Heirs and Succeſſors are deprived of them, and cannot pretend nor claim any Right unto them. So that they muſt ſit down patiently with the Loſs; unleſs that publick Authority ſhould find out ſome Relief for them by a Reformation.

2. Queſt. Whether a Man being forced to abandon his Native Country for Religion and Conſcience, may alſo lawfully forſake his Wife?

Anſw. The married Man would do much better to take his Wife with him, if it be poſſible for him ſo to do, rather than to live ſeparate from her; that ſo he may give a good Example unto others, and avoid thoſe Temptations unto which he is obnoxious, as alſo that he may prevent very many Inconveniences, which are likely in ſuch caſes to befal him. And unleſs he be inforced to it by neceſſity, he ought not to leave her. By neceſſity, I mean this, when he cannot ſerve God with a ſafe Conſcience. But if it ſhould ſo fall out, that a Man cannot live as becometh a Chriſtian, altho his Wife will live at a diſtance from him, yet is it lawful for him to go before her, waiting for her to follow him, and he is to ſollicite her to come unto him, even then when he is ſeparated from her.

3. Queſt. Whether a Father flying for Idolatry may leave his Children behind him?

Anſw. If a Father ſhould leave his Children with this Condition, That a Padagogue might if he would lead them unto Idolatry, he would than be guilty of Sin againſt God. For our Children are God's peculiar Treaſure, an holy and ſeparate Seed for him, and which muſt be kept with the greateſt Care for God. And altho he cannot always have his eye upon them, yet 'tis neither meet nor profitable, that he ſhould leave them in ſuch a place, from which he cannot recover them without a World of difficulty. Yea, did he conſcientiouſly endeavour to get his Children with him, it would be an effectual Means to draw his Unbelieving Wife after him.

4. Queſt. Whether a Man may forſake his Country, when he is not perſecuted?

Anſw. If a Man ſhould live among Idolaters unpolluted with their Abominations, we would not condemn but praiſe him for his Conſtancy. And, in truth, we cannot warrantably impoſe a Law upon him, who would depart his Country, as if it were unlawful for him ſo to do, whether it proceed from his fear of what is likely to come to paſs, or upon any other account; as ſuppoſe, he diſtruſting his own weakneſs to ſtand out in a fiery Tryal, or ardently ſeeking after the means of Grace, and heavenly Knowledge, ſhould thereupon leave his Native Country, ſuch a Zeal as this cannot but be approved, and applauded.

5. Queſt. Whether it be our Duty to reprove thoſe Sins, and ſinful Diſcourſes we hear in wicked Company?

Anſw. There cannot be any ſtated Rule, or Canon in this Caſe, of reproving Errors, or ungodly Talk, but this, that we ſhould not diſſemble, nor conceal our diſſent from them, when as opportunity is offer'd us of reproving them. For ſuppoſe, we ſhould be in ſome Company, where they diſcourſe wickedly, we are not bound neceſſarily to reply upon them. There is a time when the prudent Man may keep ſilence. But in caſe we meet them privately, and have no Witneſs, we may do as Righteous Lot, teſtify and expreſs our Diſpleaſure at their Sin, and that we are unwillingly, through Grief at Heart, put upon the Reprehending of them. But yet, the beſt Courſe we could take, would be this, to obſerve and take by the' p. 78Forelock, that Opportunity which God preſents us of Oppoſing Sin, of edifying our Company, and hindring the Name of God from being blaſphemed, or that the weak and well-meaning Chriſtian ſhould be ſeduced through default of timely warning.

6. Queſt. Whether we may correct, or expell out of our Service an Infidel, or Popiſh Servant?

Anſw. Foraſmuch as the Holy Apoſtles of our Lord did not conſtrain the Brethren of their Times, to drive away their Servants, tho no better than Slaves, when they would not imbrace the Chriſtian Faith: Therefore, Maſters ſhould now adays obſerve theſe two Things. Firſt, That Sith he is at liberty to give Covenant-Servants, that he taken one but ſuch as fear God, and are of the Houſhold of Faith, if poſſibly they may be Good; or that he take a moſt eſpecial Care, if that they be ignorant, to inſtruct them, and rid his hands of them. Secondly, That he do not ſuffer nor permit the Name of God to be blaſphemed within his Houſe and Family, wherein God will be honoured. But above all, that he never prefer his own private Profit and Advantage above the Glory of God.

7. Queſt. Whether a Reformed Chriſtian Gentleman is bound in Conſcience, to hinder the Committing of Idolatry, in the Chappel of his Caſtle?

Anſw. Foraſmuch as we are permitted to ſuffer that which we cannot alter nor reform; provided, that he give not any Sign or Token of his Approbation, a Gentleman may not hinder People from entring into the Chappel of his Caſtle, when as Idolatry is Eſtabliſhed by Publick Authority.

8. Queſt. Whether we may feign to perform the abuſive (Sinful) Will of a Teſtator, that ſo we may remove the Abuſe?

Anſw. Altho there would be no Sin in it to fruſtrate the abuſive (Sinful) Intention of the Teſtator, by detaining the Revenues ordained by him, for chanting Maſſes; yet notwithſtanding this feigning and diſſembling will be always evil, and muſt be condemned, when a Man doth make Semblance of paying Service unto Devils.

9. Queſt. Whether we may limit or keep back thoſe Gifts and Alms bequeathed by a Teſtator?

Anſw. We are not forbidden to bequeath any part of our Eſtate unto pious Uſes after our deceaſe, no more than to give it away during our Lives; provided we do it not out of Ambition to get a Name, and renown by ſo doing. For it cannot be ſaid, that a Man is in queſt of Glory, when as he ſhall oblige his Heir to do well according to that Eſtate he ſhall leave him, as he himſelf would have done, if he had lived longer. To alledge, that he never uſed to do thus in his life time; it is a Bar put upon a Man's Liberty, that he ſhould have no Power freely to diſpoſe of his own Goods. If the Heir be diſſatisfied, woe unto him.

10. Queſt. Whether we are bound to approve of that Miniſter, who hath been examined by Perſons of Judgment and Experience?

Anſw. As a Church is free to prove and try the Life and Doctrine of a Miniſter, before they accept and receive him: So neither is there any Tie, nor Obligation upon them to the contrary, but that they may confide and acquieſce in thoſe who are qualified to examine him, and have had a long time knowledge of him, and ſo can beſt judge who and what he is. Otherwiſe the Faithful in Foreign parts would be deſtitute of all means, whereby to be ſupplied with able Paſtors, if this Door were ſhut up.

11. Queſt. Whether a Paſtor may forſake his Church, and a Church their Paſtor?

Anſw. A Paſtor may not of his own head forſake his Flock; but in caſe they will not make uſe of him, he is free, and may warrantably leave them, becauſe ho cannot be a Paſtor without a People, nor hold and exerciſe his Office among them againſt their Wills and Conſent by meer force. Or in p. 79caſe the Church ſhould not count his Labours among them profitable, or if he ſhould have a Call unto another Church, which hath greater need of him, he may with the general Conſent of his Flock freely go thither, and ſerve it. And look as every Paſtor is bound to ſerve the Church of God, eſpecially his own; ſo likewiſe is One Church bound to help another. And would to God this mutual Aſſiſtance were better practiced; for then we ſhould be more enlargedly uſeful and beneficial one unto another.

12. Queſt. Whether a private Chriſtian may exerciſe the Office of a Miniſter unto his own Family?

Anſw. A Godly Man being the Head and Maſter of his Family, ought to ſerve, guide and inſtruct it, according to the Meaſure of his Gifts and Graces, and may ſo far ſupply the Paſtor's Office, and perform his Duty in it, as to teach ſound Doctrine, and inculcate wholſome Counſels to it. But foraſmuch as alſo Perſons indifferently are not allowed to Preach the Word, and Adminiſter the Sacrament, it is but juſt and reaſonable, that a Man ſhould firſt try and examine himſelf, and be well aſſured, that he is called of God before he attempt or take upon him ſo great and weighty an Office. Yet nevertheleſs, every particular Family ought to be a Little Church of Chriſt.

13. Queſt. Whether it be lawful to hold a Commander's Place (in any of the Popiſh Guilds and Fraternities?)

Anſw. The immoderate Deſire of Gain from all Quarters, hath cauſed a multitude of Caſes to be ſtarted by Conſcience; As this in particular, which now lieth before me. Whether it be lawful to hold a Commander's Place or Office (in any of the Popiſh Guilds and Fraternities?) To which I anſwer, That becauſe there is a Foundation of Maſſes annexed unto ſuch Offices and Commanderſhips, and for that ſuch Places are not in the King's gift, but ſettled upon the Members of ſuch and ſuch a Guild and Fraternity, who are recommended to it, and for that they do all take an Oath repugnant to the true Reformed Religion, they cannot with a ſafe Conſcience hold it. For were there no other Evil in it, yet there is this, that Sith they do not apply the Profits and Emoluments of the Commanderſhip unto thoſe very uſes to which they were deſigned, they be but Thieves and Robbers.

14. Queſt. Whether it be lawful to antedate a Contract?

Anſw. Provided there be no falſhood in it contrary to the Agreement in the Policy or Inſtrument, private Perſons are no more forbidden to antidate a Deed of Sale, in which there is no Fraud, than to change their Names, or to date a Letter from Paris, which was written at Lions. In caſe it ſhould be alledged, that this would be a cheating the King of his Gabel and Impoſt, I anſwer, this is nothing to the Purpoſe: becauſe the Queſtion is not moved about the Detention of Tribute, but only how to avoid without Fraud, a moſt violent Extortion, and tyrannical Pillage. But in caſe an Oath ſhould be tendered unto the Parties, then I muſt tell them, that the Name and Honour of God ſhould be more precious to them than all the Riches of the World.

15. Queſt. Whether it be lawful, and when I may put out my Money unto Intereſt?

Anſw. I would never adviſe any Man, to put out his Money to Intereſt, if he can employ it any ways elſe. Yet when as a Man's whole Eſtate doth lie in ready Money, he may very well contract with ſuch and ſuch Perſons, that upon ſuch and ſuch terms it may be lawful for him to receive benefit and profit thereby. But he muſt be very careful, that he do not let looſe the Reins to demand, and take exceſſive Gains, as is the Cuſtom and Practice of too too many, nor ſhould he grieve or grind the Face of that poor Man with whom he hath contracted, nor endammage the publick Intereſt by his own private Benefit. Wherefore upon the whole, I dare not approve of any Intereſt, till I do firſt know how, and upon what p. 80Terms, Articles and Conditions, and with what Perſons you do tranſact herein.

CHAP. X. Orders and Decrees concerning Marriages.

Made by the Authority of the National Synod of Vertueil, held in the Year, l567. But drawn up at the Deſire of the Fathers in this Synod, by the R. Mr. Calvin, Miniſter of God's Holy Word, Paſtor and Profeſſor in the Church and Ʋniverſity of Geneva.

Theſe Orders were tacked together with Mr. Calvin's Anſwer to the forementioned fifteen Caſes of Conſcience, and joyned to the Acts of the aforeſaid Synod.

DECREE the Firſt.

THE Queſtion moved is, Who are thoſe Perſons, that cannot Marry without Leave firſt had and obtained?

ANSWER.

Article I. All young Perſons, who were never Married, be they Sons or Daughters, and whoſe Parents are yet alive cannot diſpoſe of themſelves, nor contract Marriage without the Conſent of their ſaid Parents, unleſs they have attained their due Age in Law, to wit, the Son that of Twenty Years, and the Daughter Eighteen, and then they are dutifully to demand it in their own Perſons, or by others, that they may be Married: But, and if their Parents ſhould ſlight, and make no account of their Requeſt, they may lawfully Marry without their Authority.

Article II. And this Self-ſame Rule ſhall be obſerved, with Reference to Pupils and Orphans, who are under the Authority of their Truſtees and Guardians. Nor may Mothers, nor the Guardians themſelves of their own heads diſpoſe of their Children or Pupils (committed to their Charge and Truſt) in Marriage, without calling in ſome of their Parents or Kindred, in caſe they have any.

Article III. In caſe two young Perſons ſhould fooliſhly and raſhly of their own Wills, without conſulting Parents, or Guardians contract Marriage together, let them be puniſhed or chaſtiſed, and let this Marriage at the Requeſt of Parents or Guardians be reſcinded.

Article IV. And in caſe they have been inticed and decoy'd by any Man or Woman into this Marriage, let theſe Cheats be proſecuted by the neareſt Parents or Guardians of theſe Orphan-Pupils, and forced to confeſs their Crime publickly in a Court of Juſtice, and to ask pardon of the Judge, and be puniſhed by faſting three whole Days, having given them but a little Bread and Water.

Article V. And let thoſe Witneſſes who were preſent at the making of ſuch a Marriage, be puniſhed likewiſe with faſting one whole Day, and nothing allowed them for their Nouriſhment.

Article VI. Let no Promiſes be made by young Perſons that were never Married but Conditionally, and let there be Two Witneſſes preſent at them, or elſe they ſhall be null and void.

p. 81Article VII. In caſe that Children ſhould Marry without their Parents Conſent, when they be come to Age allowed them by Law, as in the firſt Article, let the Magiſtrate take Cogniſance of the Matter, and if it was lawfully done by them, by reaſon of the Supine negligence, or over rigorous Severity of their Parents, then let thoſe very Parents be compelled to give them a Portion or to ſettle them in ſuch a Way and Condition to live in the World, as if they had given their plenary Conſent unto the Marriage of their Children.

Article VIII. Let not Parents conſtrain their Children to Marry againſt their Wills and Conſent: And in caſe either a Son or Daughter ſhould refuſe the Party offered them by their Father, let their refuſal be expreſſed with all modeſty and filial Reverence. And let them not be puniſhed for this their Refuſal. And the ſame Courſe ſhall be obſerved as to Minors under Guardians.

Article IX. Let not Parents or Guardians be allowed to contract their Children, or Orphans in Marriage till ſuch time as they become in Age, and capable to confirm it. Nevertheleſs if it ſo fall out, that a Child having refuſed to Marry a Perſon choſen by his Father, ſhould a while after Marry another, who is not ſo much to his Profit and Advantage, let not the Father, for ſuch a Rebellion againſt, and Contempt of him, be obliged during Life to give or allow him one Farthing.

The Second DECREE.

IT is Queried, Who are the Perſons that may Marry without leave?

ANSWER.

Article I. Such as having been once married, be they Men or Women, tho' their Parents be living, ſhall nevertheleſs have full power and liberty to remarry themſelves, provided they be in Age, as was declared in the firſt Article of the firſt Order, viz. The Son if he have his Twentieth, and the Daughter her Eighteenth Year, provided that they were emancipated as from under their Fathers Authority, ſo from his Houſe and Family, and kept Houſe by themſelves apart. Yet it would be always a moſt decent thing if thoſe Children would be adviſed by their Fathers in their ſecond Marriages.

Article II. Let all Promiſes of Marriage be made decently, and in the fear of God, not in Diſſolution, nor lightly over a Glaſs of Wine, as if they were only to drink together, but with all poſſible ſeriouſneſs, after they have well conſidered of it, and are perfectly agreed about it: and in caſe any ſhould do otherwiſe let them be chaſtiſed. And in caſe the Miniſter declareth that he was ſurprized, let the Marriage be diſſolved.

Article III. If a Man ſhould Sue a Woman at Law, alledging, that ſhe promiſed to Marry him, unleſs there were two Witneſſes, Perſons of Credit and Godlineſs to atteſt it, let the Oath of God be tendered to the Defendant, and in caſe ſhe deny it, let her be abſolved.

The Third DECREE.

IT is Queried, For what Cauſes a Marriage-promiſe may and ought to be reſcinded?

p. 82ANSWER.

Article I. There be two Caſes in which Promiſes of Marriage may be reſcinded when made bewixt Perſons capable of them. 1. If upon good Evidence it ſhould appear that the Party married were not a Virgin, tho before Marriage ſhe was taken for granted, and ſhe avowed herſelf to be one. 2. When one of the Parties is utterly unfit for Generation.

Article II. The Non-payment of Dowry, or of Portion, or Wedding-Cloaths ought not to hinder the effectual Performance of Marriage-promiſes, becauſe thoſe things are not of the Eſſence, but Accidents, and Acceſſories unto Marriage.

Article III. Altho' in a Treaty of Marriage and Diſcourſe about it, its lawful enough to add Conditions, or to make a Salvo, that ſuch a one Conſenteth. Yet nevertheleſs, when as the Promiſes come to be made they ſhall be pure and plain, nor ſhall thoſe be reputed Marriage-promiſes, which are Conditional.

The Fourth DECREE.

IT is Queried, What diſtance of time is there to be obſerved between the Promiſe of Marriage and its Performance?

ANSWER.

Article I. The Accompliſhment of Marriage ſhall not be deferr'd above ſix Weeks after the Promiſe of it. And in caſe the Parties ſhall delay beyond that time, they ſhall be called into the Conſiſtory, and be admoniſhed to fulfil the Marriage, and if they be diſobedient to theſe Counſels, they ſhall be diſmiſſed over to the Civil Magiſtrate, who may, if he pleaſe compel them to celebrate it.

Article II. In caſe the Marriage ſhould be oppoſed, the Miniſter ſhall refer the Party oppoſing unto the Conſiſtory, and require him to appear at the next Conſiſtorial Seſſions. However let no Perſon be admitted to make any Oppoſition, unleſs he live in Town, or be very well known, or that he bring with him a known Perſon of his Acquaintance, that ſo an honeſt Maid may not be blemiſhed in her Reputation.

Article III. And if the Oponent ſhould not appear at the Day appointed, the Banes of Marriage may then be publiſhed, as if there had been no Impediment at all: That ſo all Frauds, which might otherwiſe be committed in this Matter may be prevented and avoided.

Article IV. Let no Stranger coming from a Foreign Land be admitted unto Marriage, unleſs he bring with him good and vallid Certificates, or undoubted Letters of Credit, or that he have a Teſtimony from Godly Perſons here upon the Place, who will atteſt for him, that he hath not a Wife elſewhere.

The Fifth DECREE.

THE next Query is about Bonds of Marriage and their Dependencies.

p. 83ANSWER.

Article I. Let the Banes be publiſhed on three ſeveral Sundays in the the Church before that the Marriage be Solemnized, and let the firſt Syndick give it under his hand, that he knoweth both the Parties, ſo that immediately after the third Publication, the Marriage may be then celebrated. If one of the Parties belong to another Pariſh, let him bring his Certificate from that Pariſh with him.

Article II. Let not the betrothed Perſons cohabit together as Man and Wife till ſuch time as they be ſolemnly married in the Church, in that manner which is conſtantly practiced among Chriſtians. If any ſhall have done otherwiſe, let them be impriſoned for three days, and fed only with Bread and Water, and be called into the Conſiſtory, and convinced of their Sin, that they may be aſhamed and humbled before God.

The Sixth DECREE.

THE next Query is about the Celebration of Marriage.

ANSWER.

Article I. Let the Parties to be married come upon their Wedding-day modeſtly unto the Church, without Drums or Minſtrels, demeaning themſelves orderly and gravely as becometh Chriſtians, and let them come before the Bell hath done Tolling, that ſo the Marriage may be ſolemnly bleſſed before Sermon. And if they be negligent, and ſhould come too late, let them be turned away unmarried.

Article II. Let it be lawful to celebrate Marriages on any day, yea upon any Working-day, which ſhall ſeem good unto the Parties themſelves, provided there be a Sermon, or upon the Lord's-day by Nine in the Morning, or on any other day of the Week, at the ſame hour, when as the Word of God is Preached, excepting only that day when the Lord's Supper ſhall be Adminiſtred, that ſo there may be no diſtraction in the Worſhip of God, and that all may be the better prepared for Communion with Chriſt, at his holy Table.

The Seventh DECREE.

About the Man's dwelling with his Wife.

ARTICLE.

LET the Man and his Wife cohabit together in one and the ſame Houſe, having all things in common between them. And if either of them ſeparate from the other to live apart, let them be called into the Conſiſtory, and convinced of their Sin, and in caſe of differences betwixt them, let them be made up, and return home reconciled each with the other.

p. 84The Eighth DECREE.

IT is Queried, What are the Degrees of Conſanguinity which hinder Marriage?

ANSWER.

Article I. No Marriage may be contracted in the direct Line between the Father and his Daughter, or the Mother and her Son, and ſo conſequentially between none other of their Deſcendants; becauſe this is deſtructive of natural Modeſty and Piety, and is expreſly forbidden by the Law of God, and the Civil Laws.

Article II. In like manner no Uncle can marry his Neice, or Grand-niece, nor the Aunt her Nephews or Grand-nephews, becauſe an Uncle repreſents a Father, and an Aunt the Mother.

Article III. Nor may a Brother marry his Siſter either of the whole, or half Blood. As for thoſe other Degrees, tho they be not forbidden neither by the Law of God, nor by the Civil Law of the Romans; yet nevertheleſs, becauſe ſuch Marriages have not for many years been practiced, and that we may ſhun all Scandals, and that ignorant Perſons may not blaſpheme God and his Word. Let not Couſin Germans contract Marriage together, till that time h…th gotten a better Opinion of ſuch Marriages among us. As for Intermarriages in other degrees, let them not be hindered.

The Ninth DECREE.

IT is Queried, What are thoſe Degrees of Affinity which hinder Marriage?

ANSWER.

Article I. Let no Father marry his Son's Widow, nor let any Woman marry her deceaſed Daughter's Husband ſo conſequently in thoſe degrees, which deſcends in a direct Line.

Article II. Let no Man marry his Wife's Daughter, nor her Grand-child, nor any in this Line downward.

Article III. Let not the Woman marry her Husband's Son, nor Grand-ſon, nor any in this Line downward.

Article IV. In like manner let none marry the Widow of his Nephew, or of his great Nephew.

Article V. Let no Man marry his Brother's Widow, nor any Woman him, who was her Siſter's Husband.

Article VI. A Man having committed Adultery with his Neighbour's Wife, if it be afterward diſcovered, he ſhall not marry the Adultereſs, becauſe of the Scandals and Dangers that will enſue upon ſuch a Marriage.

The Tenth DECREE.

THE next Query is about the Diſcords, Variance, and Contentions between married Perſons.

p. 85ANSWER.

Article I. In caſe a Man doth not live peaceably with his Wife, but that there be Strifes and Quarrels betwixt them let them be called into the Conſiſtory, and be admoniſhed to live in Godly Concord, and Union, and Love together, and let each of them be reproved for their Faults according as the Exigency of their caſe ſhall require.

Article II. If a Man ſhall evil intreat his Wife, abuſing, beating and tormenting her, or if he threaten outragious Miſchief to her, and it be known that he is a very diſorderly and cholerick Fellow, he ſhall be turned over to the Council, who are humbly intreated by their Authority expreſly to require him not to beat his Wife and that under ſome certain Penalty.

The Eleventh DECREE.

IT is Queried, For what Cauſes may and ought a Marriage to be declared null?

ANSWER.

Article I. In caſe a Woman ſhould complain that her Husband is bewitcht, and naturally impotent for any Congreſs with his Wife, and this ſhall by Confeſſion, or Viſitation be found true, let the Marriage be then declared null, and the Woman alſo ſet at liberty from her Husband, and the Man ſtrictly forbidden not to abuſe any other Woman in this manner.

Article II. If a Man ſhould make the ſame Complaint of his Wife, that he cannot have carnal Knowledge of her, becauſe of ſome defect in her Body, and that ſhe will not ſuffer it to be remedied, and the Truth hereof being well known, let the Marriage be declared null.

The Twelfth DECREE.

IT is Queried, For what Cauſes may and ought a Marriage to be diſſolved?

ANSWER.

Article I. In caſe a Man accuſe his Wife of Adultery, and prove it by Witneſſes, and clear Evidence, and demand hereupon to be ſeparated from her, let him be divorced, and alſo have leave to marry again with whom he beſt pleaſeth. Yet may he be exhorted to forgive his ſaid Wife; but he may not be urged importunately, nor compelled againſt his will to keep her.

Article II. Altho in ancient times the Wifes priviledge was not equal to that of her Husband, in caſe of Divorce; yet foraſmuch as the Apoſtle teſtifieth, that the Obligation is mutual and reciprocal as to Bed and Board, and that in neither of theſe the Woman is more ſubject to her Husband, than he is to her, if therefore a Man be convicted of Adultery, and his Wife demand to be ſeparated from him, let a Divorce be granted her, unleſs ſhe can be prevailed on by Godly Counſels to be reconciled with him. Yet nevertheleſs, in caſe the Wife be found to have committed Adultery through the meer apparent fault of her Husband, or the Husband through the fault of▪ his Wife, ſo that both were culpable, or in caſe there is notorious fraudulent dealings in this buſineſs that a Divorce may be procured, they ſhall not in neither of theſe caſes be admitted to demand a Separation.

p. 86Article III. If that a Man ſhall be gone a long Voyage about Trade, Traffick, or any other buſineſs, and he be not debauched, nor alienated in his Affections from his Wife, and that he be abſent a very long time, and it is not known what is become of him, but by probable Conjectures that he is dead; yet may not his Wife be permitted to remarry till the Term of Ten Years be expired from the day of his departure, unleſs there be certain Evidences of his death; which being produced in open Court, ſhe may have a Licenſe given her. And yet notwithſtanding this Permiſſion at the End of Ten Years be granted her, in caſe there be any Suſpicion, or News, or other Indications, that this Man was detained a Priſoner, or that he was hindered by ſome other inconvenience from returning home, the ſaid Woman ſhall abide as a Widow unmarried.

Article IV. In caſe a Man through Debauchery, or ſome other evil Affection ſhould abandon the place of his abode; let his Wife make diligent inquiry after him, and learn where he reſideth, and then ſhe may come and demand a Warrant from the Civil Magiſtrate to recall him, or elſe to conſtrain him to return, or at leaſt to give him notice, that unleſs he return home again unto his Family, that he will be proceeded againſt in his abſence. And this being done, altho there be no poſſible means to compel him to return, yet ſhall he be proſecuted, according as he was threat'ned, and Proclamation ſhall be made on three Sundays (a Fortnight intervening betwixt each Proclamation, ſix Weeks the whole) and theſe ſelf-ſame Proclamations ſhall be alſo made in the Lieutenants-Court, and notified unto two or three of his neareſt Friends and Relations, (if he hath any) that in caſe he do not appear, his Wife may come to the next Seſſions of the Conſiſtory, and ſue out a Separation, which may be granted her, by ſending her unto the Lords of the City, who may paſs a juridical Decree about it. And this Perſon, who ſhall have rebelled in this manner, let him be baniſhed forever out of the Territories of this Republick. But, and if he ſhould return, let them be reconciled, and agree together to live in the Fear of God.

Article V. If any Man ſhould make it his common practice to abandon his Wife, and roave and wander up and down the Country, for the ſecond Offence of this kind, let him be Impriſoned, and fed only with Bread and Water, and let him be threatned moſt ſeverely, that he never take the like Courſes; for upon his third Offence, he ſhall be dealt withal moſt rigorouſly; and in caſe no Amendment nor Reformation follow hereupon, let his Wiſe have Licenſe given her to be no longer yoked with ſuch a Wretch, who neither keeps …er Faith nor Company.

Article VI. If a Man being debauched, as was ſaid above in the fourth Article ſhall have leſt his Wife, without any cauſe given him on her part, or any fault of hers, and this be duly known by the Teſtimony of Neighbours and familiar Friends, and that this poor Woman comes and complaineth of her Affliction, and craveth remedy; ſhe ſhall be admoniſhed to make diligent inquiry, and find out what is become of him, and his neareſt Friends and Relations, if he have any, ſhall be called in to inform what News and Intelligence they have of him. In the mean while his Wife ſhall wait for him a full Year; And in caſe ſhe can hear neither Tale nor Tidings of him, ſhe ſhall recommend him and herſelf unto God. And the Year being expired, ſhe ſhall come before the Conſiſtory, and if it be known, that there is good reaſon why ſhe ſhould Marry, after Exortation given her, ſhe ſhall be diſmiſſed over unto the Council, who ſhall take an Oath of her, that ſhe doth not know where he is gone, nor what is become of him, and the ſame Oath ſhall be tendered to his neareſt Friends and Relations concerning him; and then they ſhall proceed to make thoſe three Proclamations, as was before-mentioned in the fifth Article of this twelfth Decree, that ſo this ſaid Woman may have Licenſe to remarry; and in caſe the abſent Perſon ſhould return, let him be puniſhed according to his juſt demerit.

p. 87Article VII. If a Woman depart from her Husband, and live elſewhere from him, and her Husband come and demand to be ſeparated from her, and to be ſet at liberty, that he may marry another, let it be firſt conſidered, whether ſhe be in ſuch a place where a Summons may be ſerved on her, or at leaſt notice may be given her to appear and anſwer to her Husband's Suit, and Letters and Citations ſhall be put into her Husband's hands to this purpoſe. This being done, let thoſe Proclamations before ordered be now made, her Friends and neareſt Relations having been firſt called and charged to admoniſh her to return. In caſe of her Appearance within the term, and her Husband refuſe to accept of her, as being jealous that ſhe hath played the Harlot during this abſence, and for that it is a moſt ſcandalous thing for a Man thus to leave his Wife; yet let Endeavours be uſed to reconcile and unite them, and the Husband ſhall be exhorted to pardon her Folly: But if he ſtand out peremptorily againſt all Intreaties, then inquiries ſhall be made in the places where ſhe hath haunted, and how ſhe hath carried her ſelf; and if there be no proof nor evidence of her ill Conduct, and that ſhe hath not violated her Marriage-Covenant, then let the Husband be conſtrained to retake her, and to be reconciled with her. But, and if there be ſhrewd preſumptions, and vehement evidence that ſhe hath played the Whore, as that ſhe was found in wicked and ſuſpected Company, and that her Converſation was not civil as became an honeſt Woman, then let the Husband's Suit be granted, as is but juſt and reaſonable. And in caſe ſhe do not appear at the time determined, then let her be proceeded againſt in the ſame manner, as the delinquent Husband was in the fourth, fifth and ſixth foregoing Articles.

Article VIII. If a Man having made or ſworn a Promiſe of Marriage unto a Maid or Woman, ſhall depart unto another Country, and the Maid or Woman ſhall make her Complaints of it, craving to be diſcharged from her Promiſe becauſe of his diſloyalty: Let inquiry be made upon what occaſion he left the City, whether it be lawful, and with the Conſent of his Partner, who is now the Plaintiff, or whether it was not for Debauchery, and becauſe he was unwilling to accompliſh the Marriage: And if it appear, that he had no ſufficient reaſon for ſo doing, and that he did it out of a wicked Intent; let inquiry be made into what place he is withdrawn, and how notice may be given him to return within a prefixed day, and to perform his promiſe of Marriage unto his Partner; and if upon notice given he do not appear, then let Proclamation be made on three Sundays (a Fortnight's diſtance intervening betwixt each Proclamation, the laſt being made on the ſixth Lord's-day) and if he do not appear at the time aſſigned, then let the Maid or Woman be declared free, and ſet at liberty from him, and let the delinquent Man be baniſhed for his diſloyalty. In caſe he do appear, let him be compelled to accompliſh the Marriage out of hand. But, and if it cannot be known into what Country he is gone, and that the Maid, or Woman, and his Friends and neareſt Relations ſhall ſwear that they are all ignorant where he is, then let the ſame Proclamations be made, as if he had notice given him, that the Maid or Woman is diſcharged, acquitted, and liberated from him. But in caſe there was a juſt cauſe for his abſence, and that he had adviſed and acquainted his Partner with it, then let the Maid or Woman uſe all poſſible diligence by her ſelf, and his Friends to recal and induce him to return; and if he do not return within the Year, then let Proclamations be made as was before directed in the fourth Article.

Article IX. And let the ſame Courſe be taken with a Maid or Woman that ſhall offend as the Man; excepting always, that the Husband ſhall not be obliged to wait a full Year, altho his Wife had leſt him with his Knowledge and Conſent, unleſs he had given her leave for to be abſent a longer time.

p. 88Article X. If a Maid, being duely tied by promiſe of Marriage, is frauduiently tranſported out of the Territory of this Republick, that ſhe might not accompliſh the Marriage; let inquiry be made, whether ſome one or other in the City hath not aided nor aſſiſted in this rape, that ſo they may be compelled to return her, under ſuch a Penalty as ſhall be judged meet; and if ſhe be under Guardians and Truſtees, they alſo ſhall be enjoined to ſee her forth coming if poſſible.

Article XI. If a married Woman have abandoned her Husband, and he be ſilent, and make no complaint of it; or if the Wife thus forſaken of her Husband ſhall diſſemble it without a word's ſpeaking, and this afterwards come to light, let them be cited both into the Conſiſtory, there to inform how matters have gone, that ſo all ſcandals may be prevented, and that no deceit nor colluſion may be tollerated, nor what is worſe winked at; and the true ſtate of the Matter being come to light, an effectual courſe may be taken to prevent all voluntary Divorces, which Men and Women of their own headſtrong Wills, and without Authority of the Civil Magiſtrate would give unto one another. Yet nevertheleſs, the Wife at the requeſt of her Husband ſhall be compelled to follow him, when and whereſoever he pleaſeth to remove his habitation, whether it be out of choice or neceſſity; provided he be not a debauched Perſon, who will carry her God knows whether into ſome ſtrange and unknown Country: but if it be into a Land at ſome reaſonable diſtance, where he will make his reſidence, and in ſome convenient place to follow his Calling, and to live as an honeſt Man, ſhe muſt follow him.

Let all matrimonial Matters concerning personal Conjunction be firſt tranſacted in the Conſiſtory, but not Matters concerning Eſtate or Dower. And here let there be a moſt friendly Agreement and Correſpondency in God's Name. But if there ſhould need any judicial Sentence to be pronounced, then let them go unto the Council, and acquaint their Lordſhips with the Sence of the Conſiſtory, who may after judge finally in the Caſe.

The End of the Synod of Vertueil.

THE ACTS, DECISIONS, and DECREES OF THE VII. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Chriſt. IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE, Held At Rochel, in the Province of Aulnix, and Year of our Lord, 1571.

THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD.

CHap. I. Moderator and Scribes.

Chap. II. General Matters. Obſervations upon the Confeſſion of Faith. Hereticks in Poland, and Tranſylvania oppoſed. Cozain's Works condemned; and the Biſhops of England deſired to ſuppreſs his, and the Books of ſome other Hereticks. Eraſtus condemned; Three Originals of the Confeſſion kept, one at Rochel, another in Bearn, and the third at Geneva.

Chap. III. Obſervations upon the Diſcipline. Form of Ordination. Alterations and Emendations of ſeveral Canons of the Diſcipline.

Chap. IV. Continuation of thoſe Obſervations. A Motion for anſwering the Books of our Adverſaries, approved by the Synod.

Chap. V. Catalogue of Vagrant.

Chap. VI. A particular Matter about Elders and Deacons. A Motion of the Lord High-Admiral made unto the Synod.

Chap. VII. General Matters. Of the Conſiſtory. Of Delinquents. Of Provincial Synods, and Baptiſm.

Chap. VIII. Four Obſervations upon the Diſcipline. Of the Lords-Supper. Marriages. More Obſervations upon the Diſcipline.

Chap IX. Canons about Marriage. Particular Orders.

Chap. X. Orders about Publiſhing of Books, &c.

Chap. XI. Particular Matters.

Chap. XII. Matters relating to Monſieur Mercure. The Church of Taillebourg. A Caſe of Conſcience from the Province of Poictou. The Churches of Languedoc not conforming exactly to the Diſcipline.