The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France, 15 (Montpellier) – Half title 16

The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France · 15 (Montpellier) – Half title 16

p. 190THE Synod of Montpellier.1598. Synod XV.

SYNOD XV. Acts and Articles of the National Synod held at Montpellier, the Six and Twentieth Day of May, in the Year of our Lord One Thouſand five hundred ninety and eight.

CHAP. I. Deputies and Officers of the Synod.

Monſieur Berault was choſen Preſident.

Monſieur De Montigny, Aſſeſſor. And

Scribes.

Monſieur De Macifer, and

Monſieur Cartau

There aſſembled at it the Paſtors and Elders whoſe Names are underwritten.

FOR the Iſle of France, Picardy, and Champagne, Monſieur Francis de Lauberan, Lord of Montigny, Miniſter in the Church of Paris; and Moyſes Cartau, Elder of the ſaid Church.

For Orleans, Berry, Blezou, and Dunois, Maſter Michael le Noir, Miniſter of Chaſtillon on Loire, and Eſaias Fleureau, Elder in the Church of Orleans.

For Dolphiny, and the Principality of Orange, Maſter Andrew Caille, Miniſter of Grenoble, and Maſter William Vallier Miniſter of Die, and Maſter Sebaſtian Julian Miniſter of Aurange, and Maſter Felix Elder in the Church of Montlimart.

For Normandy and Brittany Maſter William Claud Picheron, Miniſter at Ponteau de Mer, without an Elder.

For the Higher Languedoc, and the Higher Guyenne, Maſter Michael Beraut Miniſter of Montauban, Maſter John Baptist Botan Miniſter of Caſtres, Maſter Gabriel Turonier Doctor of the Civil Law, and Maſter John Liſandre Doctor of the Civil Law, both Elders.

For the Lower Languedoc Maſter Chriſtopher Barjac, Lord of Gaſquetz, Miniſter of Vigan, Maſter John Gigord Miniſter of Montpellier, together with Daniel Darnand, Lord de la Caſſagne, and John de Boyere Lord of Camion, Elders.

For Vivaretz Maſter Anthony Mercier, Miniſter of Chaſteuneuf, and of Chalencon, and Maſter John Valeton, without Elders.

p. 191For the Lower Guyenne, Maſter Moyſes de Ricotier, Miniſter of Clerac, Maſter Signeron du Fon, His Majeſties Advocate in the Court of Caſteljaloux.

For Xaintonge, Aunix, and Augoumois, Maſter Freſnon du Vigier, alias du Vergier Lord of Mouſtier, Miniſter of St. John (d' Angely), and Maſter Michael Texier Elder.

For Poictou Maſter Jonas Cheſneau, Miniſter of St. Maixant, and John Renoy, Eſq Lord of Braconnier, Elder in the Church of Poiré and Belleville.

For Anjou, Tourain, and Maine, Maſter Francis Grelier, Lord of Macefer, Miniſter of Saumur, without an Elder.

For Provence, Balthazar de Villeneuve, Eſq Lord of Tortonne, Syndick of the Churches in the ſaid Province.

No perſon appeared at this Synod for Burgundy, Lyonnois, and Forrest.

The Synod being opened by ſolemn Invocation of the Name of God, Monſieur Berault was choſen Preſident, and Monſieur de Montigny Aſſeſſor, and Monſieur Macifer, and Monſieur Cartaub Scribes.

Monſieur Du Moulin, Deputy for Orleans, being ſick, divers Churches of that Province, together with the Deputies of Normandy, and the Iſle of France, ſubſtituted in his ſtead Monſieur le Noir, which was well approved by the Synod, and a Decree paſſed in it, that the Provinces ſhould nominate three or four Perſons for the future, to repreſent them in theſe National Aſſemblies, that in caſe of ſickneſs, or any other accident which might hinder their attendance, there might be ſome others to ſupply that default.

The Provinces of Normandy, Anjou, and Vivaretz, were cenſured for not ſending Elders together with their Miniſters.

Becauſe of the great Deſolations and Diſperſions of the Churches in Provence, the Synod granteth unto their Deputy his Vote in all Debates, controverted Caſes between the Provinces only excepted, and this for that he wanted his Letters of Deputation.

CHAP. II. Obſervations upon the Confeſſion of Faith.

OUR Confeſſion of Faith being read, was univerſally approved in all its Articles, by the whole Aſſembly.

Printers are admoniſhed to prefix no other Title than what is uſual, unto this Confeſſion; and for time to come, they ſhall not add theſe words, Reviſed and Approved, in ſuch and ſuch a Synod.

CHAP. III. Obſervations upon the Church-Diſcipline.

I. THE Second Article in the Firſt Chapter, concerning Miniſters, being read, That inſtead of theſe words, In a Provincial Synod, theſe ſhall be inſerted, By and with Advice of the Provincial or National Synods.

II. The Churches ſhall be exhorted to obſerve exactly the 4, 5, 11, and 13 Articles of this Firſt Chapter, together with that Ceremony of Impoſing Hands in Ordination, and the Refractory ſhall be cenſured.

III. The laſt clauſe of the Article concerning Printers ſhall be ſtruck out, becauſe it is compriſed in the fifteenth Article of Particular Orders.

p. 192IV. The Churches of the Iſle of France deſiring an Explanation of the 38th Article of the firſt Chapter of the Diſcipline, the Synod adviſeth, That difference be made between Ingratitude and Inability, and that where the Ingratitude on the Churches part is viſible, the Article ſhall be obſerved, but not otherwiſe.

V. And that the 45th Article of the firſt Chapter, and the eleventh Article in that of Provincial Synods may be more carefully obſerved, this Aſſembly injoyneth the Provincial Synods to bring with them unto the National, an Atteſtation of their Duty performed unto their Paſtors, who through Sickneſs are diſabled from Exerciſing their Miniſtry, as alſo of what hath been done by them for the Widows and Orphans of ſuch as are deceaſed, that in caſe a Church-Colloquy or Province have not wherewithal to relieve them, Proviſion may be made for them by the National Synod.

VI. After theſe words in the**It is now the 44th. 43d Article, Great and ſmall, there ſhall be theſe ſubjoyned, Of whatſoever Condition or Quality they may be.

VII. For the better keeping of the fourth Article in the ſecond Chapter, and that all Obſtructions may be removed▪ the Synod enjoyneth all Deacons to bring unto their Colloquy or Provincial Synod, the Accounts given by them of the Poors Money, that we may know whether the Fifth Penny hath been defaulked, and laid by for tho maintenance of our Propoſans.

VIII. Inſtead of theſe words in the fourth Article of the ſecond Chapter, It were good, ſhall be inſerted, It is neceſſary.

IX. To prevent thoſe Diſorders which daily happen from Atteſtations given unto the Poor, the Synod decreeth, That all Churches do their endeavour to maintain their own Poor, and in caſe any one through neceſſity be obliged to travel from home, the Miniſters ſhall carefully examine the grounds thereof, whether juſt and valid, and ſo ſhall give them Letters Recommendatory unto the next Church, leading directly unto that place whether their Affairs call them, ſpecifying the Name, Age, Stature, and Hair of the Dearer, and the Place whereunto they be going, and the Cauſe of their Travel, and the Relief that hath been given them, which ſaid Certificate the Miniſters to whom they apply themſelves ſhall keep by them, and give them another directed alſo unto the next Church; and whatever Atteſtations have been given formerly, or may be in time to come any otherwiſe than as now preſcribed, ſhall be null, and torn in pieces.

X. To thoſe words in the 16th Article of the fifth Chapter, And which giveth great ſcandal to the whole Church, there ſhall be ſubjoyned, And thoſe alſo who contrary to the godly Counſels given them, do marry according to the Popiſh manner, and Parents who conſent unto ſuch Marriages of their Children, and they likewiſe who carry their Children unto Popiſh Prieſts to be baptized by them, or become Sureties for thoſe Children ſo baptized.

XI. The Church of Caſtres moved this Caſe, Whether an Extract of ſome few, or more Articles of our Diſcipline might lawfully be communicated unto the Magiſtrates of both Religions, for their better Conduct in the Exerciſe of Juſtice? This Synod reſolveth affirmatively; yea, and that the whole Body of our Diſcipline may be preſented them; there being nothing in it, but what miniſtreth unto edifying.

XII. Becauſe of the preſent Diſtreſs and Poverty of bur Churches, and till ſuch times as the Lord ſhall have bleſſed us with greater abilities, it is ordained by this preſent Synod, That the National Synods ſhall be convened only once in three Years, unleſs it be in caſe of very great neceſſity, as of Hereſie and Schiſm, whereof the Province charged, to convene it, ſhall take ſpecial Cogniſance, and on this Condition, that every Province do ſend their full number of Paſtors and Elders, as they be obliged by that Article of our Diſcipline, otherwiſe they ſhall have no power of Voting in that Synod.

p. 193XIII. In explaining the fifth Article of the tenth Chapter of our Diſcipline concerning Funerals, it was decreed, That Miniſters ſhould hinder the diſtribution of the Deceaſed's Alms at their Interrments, that ſo thoſe inconveniences, which would otherwiſe fall out, may be prevented.

XIV. That Article of the Synod of Saumur, concerning the Adminiſtration of Baptiſm, after Singing the laſt Pſalm, before the Bleſſing ſhall be inſerted into the eleventh Chapter of our Diſcipline.

XV. Having read, and carefully examined the Memoirs ſent from the Provinces, concerning the fifth Article of the thirteenth Chapter of our Diſcipline, about the Form in which Promiſes of Marriage are to be conceived and uttered, this Aſſembly ordereth, That both that Article of the Diſcipline, and of the laſt Synod of Saumur ſhall be amended, and that the Churches be left to their own liberty and diſcretion, either to uſe the words de praeſenti or de futuro.

XVI. In explaining the tenth Article of the ſame Chapter, this caſe was propounded by the Colloquy of Foix: A Man eſpouſed the Widow of the Deceaſed, who was married to his own Siſter in a former Marriage: The Synod judgeth, That ſuch a Marriage is not inceſtuous, nor compriſed in the ſaid Article, foraſmuch as Affinity ceaſeth by Death, and proceedeth not beyond the Perſons conjoyned by that ſaid Affinity.

XVII. A Queſtion was moved upon reading the 16th Article of the 13th Chapter, Whether it were lawful to give them a Certificate to be married out of their own Churches, Who deſired it for this reaſon only, that they might avoid Bewitching and Impotency procured by tying the Point? This Aſſembly ordaineth, That it ſhall not in the leaſt be granted them, and adviſeth them not to give way unto ſuch fears, proceeding from their weakneſs and unbelief, and the Faithful are exhorted to arm themſelves againſt ſuch Attempts by an entire confidence in God's Holy Word, and by fervent Prayers to vanquiſh ſuch Illuſions; and to come unto the Ordinance of Marriage, when bleſſed in our Churches, with more Reverence, Attention, and Devotion than is uſual.

XVIII. The Aſſembly decreed about the 23d Article of the ſame Chapter, concerning Widows Marriages, That they ſhall not be admitted to contract Marriage, till ſeven Months, and fourteen days be fully expired after their Husbands Death.

XIX. The 21ſt**It's the 20th Article. Article of the ſame Chapter being examined, the Church in the Houſe of her Highneſs the King's Siſter, craved Advice for their Conduct in that great Concern of her Royal Highneſs's Marriage with the Prince of Lorrain; becauſe, althô ſhe had employed the Authority of the Provincial Synod, and of divers famous Perſons both within and without the Kingdom, yet ſhe cannot any longer hinder it. This Synod approving their Duty judgeth this Marriage utterly unlawful, nor ſhall it be permitted in any of our Churches, and Letters to this purpoſe ſhall be written to her, and all Miniſters are enjoyned carefully to obſerve this Article, otherwiſe they ſhall be ſuſpended and depoſed from their Miniſtry. And this Injunction ſhall be annexed to the Articles of our Diſcipline. N.B. She would not be married after the Popiſh way, and could not after the Proteſtants: Henry IV. her Brother, found out a temper, got the Archbiſhop of Roven, his Natural Brother, to pronounce only the formal words of Marriage in his Cabinet, the King himſelf joyning their Hands, and the Duke of Barr went immediately to Maſs, and ſhe to a Sermon at Court.

See the 28th Artic. of Part. Matters of the Nation Synod of G…rg…a….XX. A Caſe was propounded upon the Article of Inceſts: A Maid was married in her Nonage to one who in his firſt Marriage had eſpouſed her Aunt, by Papal Diſpenſation, and had Children by her, now ſhe is ſince come to the knowledge of the Truth, embraceth and makes open profeſſion thereof, but not her Husband, ſhe alſo hath born him Children; may this Woman p. 194be received into Communion with our Churches. This Aſſembly diſtinguiſhing between Affinity and Conſanguinity, and conſidering the time wherein the ſaid Marriage was contracted, and that the Diſpenſation, ſuch as it was, is reputed a Law in this Kingdom, and becauſe the Husband is of the contrary Religion, adviſeth, That without approving the ſaid Marriage, ſhe be received unto Communion with us in the Sacraments. And this ſhall be publiſhed unto the People.

XXI. On the Article of Publick Penance for Scandals, the Province of Higher Languedoc moved, Whether a Man convicted and condemned by the Civil Magiſtrate for a certain Crime, which yet he pertinaciouſly denieth, may be received to the Peace and Fellowſhip of the Church, without undergoing Publick Penance? This Aſſembly judgeth, That in the firſt place, the paſt Life of this condemned Perſon be reviſed and examined, and then the Accuſations brought in againſt him, the Witneſſes atteſting them, and the Judges paſſing Sentence on him, and then to ponder all Circumſtances and Proofs over and above what were produced before the Magiſtrate: and if alter the greateſt diligence uſed herein, and Adjurations made him in the Name of God to confeſs the Truth, he ſtill perſiſts in his denyals, he may be received unto the Lord's Table, provided that the Church be publickly acquainted in his preſence, that the Judgment of the whole Proceſs lieth between God and his own Conſcience.

XXII. Inſtead of thoſe words in the beginning of the**It is now the 23th Art. 26th Article of the ſame Chapter, Who ſhall have dwelt, there ſhall be inſerted, Who being eſpouſed ſhall have dwelt together.

XXIII. A Caſe being moved, Whether Lands might be purchaſed on theſe Terms, That you keep up Divine Service, as 'tis called in the Church of Rome? This Aſſembly is of Opinion, That we ſhould make a difference between thoſe who purchaſe upon Terms of paying ſuch and ſuch Suits and Service unto a Biſhop, Abbot, or Curate, and thoſe who in downright Terms ſcruple the cauſing Maſs to be ſaid or ſung: the former of theſe be not liable to Church Cenſures; but the latter muſt be informed, that they cannot with a ſafe Conſcience neither poſſeſs nor acquire ſuch Lands or Leaſes.

XXIV. Proctors and Advocates, i. e. Attorneys and Counſellors profeſſing the Reformed Religion, may not take of their own accord Monitories out of the Popiſh Eccleſiaſtical Courts: But Judges being Publick Perſons, and having Authority to declare what is Law, and ought to be done, may order what they ſhall do in ſuch Caſes.

XXV. The laſt clauſe of the 13th Article in the Chapter of Miniſters ſhall be ſtruck out, becauſe 'tis compriſed in the 15th Article of the laſt Chapter of our Diſcipline, concerning Particular Orders.

XXVI. Divers Provinces complaining of the Licentiouſneſs of Printers in publiſhing all ſorts of Books: Cities and Churches having Printers in them, are adviſed to ſuffer no Book to get into the Preſs, till it hath been firſt of all ſeen and approved by the Church.

XXVII. To that Article of Players and Mummers, ſhall be added Juglets, Players of Hocus-pocus, Tricks of Goblets, Puppet-playing, Morrice-dances, and all Chriſtian Magiſtrates are adviſed not in the leaſt to ſuffer them, becauſe it feeds fooliſh Curioſity, puts upon unneceſſary Expences, and waſts Time.

XXVIII. A Lottery ordained by the Magiſtrates Authority for the Relief of Minors, Debtors, and poor Merchants, ſhall not be condemned; but others of a different nature, ſuch as that called The Wheel of Fortune, and the like, are peremptorily forbidden.

XXIX. The Faithful ought not to Feaſt at thoſe Banquets made by Prieſts when they firſt ſing Maſs.

XXX. Foraſmuch as Whoredom, eſpecially in Women, brings with it a brand of Infamy; this Aſſembly explaining the 21ſt Article of the fifth Chapter p. 195of our Diſcipline, doth decree, That the Penance of ſuch Perſons as have been guilty of thoſe ſcandalous Crimes, ſhall be left unto the diſcretion of the Conſiſtory.

CHAP. IV. Of APPEALS.

I. THE Appeals of the Church of Rochel from the Synod, of Anjou, about their pretended Claim to Monſieur de la None, as alſo that of the Church of Caſtle-Gautier, are both evacuated and diſannulled.

II. An Appeal being brought by the Colloquy of Higher Rouargue, for that the Provincial Synod of Figeac and Caſtres had ordained the Provincial Synods to be held at this time in the Colloquies of Albigeois, Lauragais, and Lower Quercy only; this Aſſembly declareth, That for time coming, the Diſcipline ſhall be expreſly followed, and that the next Provincial Synod ſhall be held in the Town of Millaud; but on this condition, that unleſs the ſaid Colloquy do ſend their Deputies unto the ſaid Provincial Synod, they ſhall then forfeit their Right.

III. The Appeal of Monſieur Croiſeit from the Synod of Guyenne was made void, becauſe it was againſt the Diſcipline, and for that he hath not appeared at this Synod in Perſon.

IV. This Aſſembly declareth the Appeal of the Church of Metz and Verdun to be good and valid, and ordaineth, that they ſhall be incorporated with the Colloquy of Montauban.

V. Foraſmuch as Monſieur Quentin receiveth a very ſmall Salary from his Church, and hath been many Years in their Service, this Aſſembly confirms the Decree of the Lower Languedoc, granting him a Licenſe to Teach Youth for his better maintenance.

VI. The Differences between the Synods of Higher Languedoc, and the Lower Guyenne, about the Churches of Nerac, Leirac, and others of the Lower Armagnac, are diſmiſſed over by this Aſſembly to be finally decided by the next National Synod.

VII. Monſieur Galoy ſhall be returned to his Church of Barjac, provided they pay him within three Months all his Arrears, and therefore the Sentence paſt by his Provincial Synod againſt him, is declared null and void.

VIII. The Appeal of the Upper Poictou, pretending Right to the Miniſtry of Monſieur Caynard was made void, becauſe the Elder of the Church of Figeac deſiſted of his own accord from proſecuting of his Appeal, and that this Aſſembly had ordained his continuance in the Church of Fontenay.

IX. The Elders of the Church of Montpellier appealing from their Provincial Synod, becauſe their Judgment was not demanded upon the Propoſition made by Monſieur Peyrol their Propoſant; this Aſſembly declares, That the Elders have not any Right of appealing in ſuch a Caſe, till they have firſt communicated it with their Paſtors in Conſiſtory; and it ordains, that in all Propoſitions the Suffrages of the Elders ſhall be gathered; but whenas the Debate is about Points of Doctrine, the deciſion of them is veſted by the Diſcipline wholly in the Miniſters.

X. Thoſe of Florenſack bringing their Appeal from the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc, this Aſſembly judgeth, That Monſieur De Croy doth of Right appertain unto the Church of Florenſac as their own Miniſter, but by reaſon of the great Neceſſities of the Churches, it is decreed, That he ſhall ſerve both his own, and the Church of Beziers alternatively, ſo that the Provincial Synod allow him an Aſſiſtant.

p. 1961598 Synod XV.CHAP. V. Of General MATTERS.

I. BY reaſon of the great Difference in the Copies of our Diſcipline, of the Emendations and Additions by the Synods of Montauban, Saumur, and this now ſitting at Montpellier, that it may be reduced into an exact Order, couched in plain and ſignificant expreſſions, this Aſſembly ordaineth, That two Paſtors out of each Province, whoſe Names are here mentioned, ſhall undertake and finiſh this Work. Viz.

Messieurs De Beaulieu, and de Montigny for the Iſle of France.

Messieurs Picheron, and Cartaut for Normandy.

Messieurs D'Orival, and**Pountaine. Fontanez for Orleans.

Messieurs Mermett, and St. Hillary for Lower Guyenne.

Messieurs Gardeſy, and Olivier for Higher Languedoc.

Messieurs Valeton, and du Croix for Vivaretz.

Messieurs Gaſquetz, and Villette for Lower Languedoc.

Messieurs Du Mont, and Merlin, for Xaintonge.

Messieurs Des Agues, and Macifer for Anjou.

Messieurs Chamier, and Vinay for Dolphiny.

Messieurs Eynard, and Moureau for Poictou.

And having performed this their Task, they ſhall communicate it unto their Synods, that ſo they may come prepared unto the next National Synod to compleat and perfect it.

II. Foraſmuch as 'tis the Duty of all the Faithful, heartily to deſire the Reunion of all the Subjects of this Kingdom in the Unity of Faith, for the greater Glory of God, the Salvation of Millions of Souls, and the ſingular Repoſe of the Commonweal; yet becauſe of our Sins, this being rather a Matter of our Prayers, than of our Hopes, and that under this pretext divers profane Perſons attempt openly to blend and mingle both Religions, all Miniſters ſhall admoniſh ſeriouſly their Flocks, not in the leaſt to hearken unto any ſuch motions; it being utterly impoſſible, that the Temple of God ſhould hold Communion with Idols; as alſo, for that ſuch Wretches deſign only by this Trick to debauch eaſie credulous Souls from the belief and profeſſion of the Goſpel. And whoever attempts ſuch a Reconciliation, either by Word or Writing, ſhall be moſt ſeverely cenſured.

III. This Aſſembly having read the Letters ſent it from the Church of Geneva, and conſidered the Arguments contained in them, and others offered to us, doth decree, That nothing ſhall be innovated in the Liturgy of our Churches, in the Singing of Pſalms, and Form of Catechiſing. And whereas Monſieur de Beza did, at the Requeſt of divers of. our laſt Synods, tranſlate into Metre the Scripture-Songs, they ſhall be received and ſung in Families, thereby to diſpoſe and fit the People for the Publick Uſage of them in the Churches, until the next National Synod.

IV. The Churches of Geneva, Bearn, Baſil, the Palatinate, and many others from divers parts of this Kingdom, complaining of ſeveral Writings publiſhed on deſign of Re-uniting the two Religions in one Doctrine, to the apparent prejudice of God's Truth, and in particular, of a certain Book, Entituled, Apparatus ad fidem Catholicum: and another bearing this Inſcription, Avis pour la paix de L'Egliſe & Royaume de France: This Synod having read and examined thoſe aforeſaid Writings, and received the Judgment of p. 197the Colloquy of Niſmes, and of the Deputies from the other Colloquies in that Province, as alſo the Cenſures of the above-mentioned Churches, doth condemn them, as containing divers Erroneous Propoſitions, to wit, That the true Doctrine was kept entire and ſound among all that are called Chriſtians: That thoſe of the Church of Rome having the ſelf-ſame Articles of Faith with us, the ſame Commandments of God, Forms of Prayer, Baptiſm, and the ſame Means and Ordinances to attain everlaſting Salvation as we have, are conſequently the true Church, and that the Difference betwixt us is only verbal, not real: That they would have the Ancient Councils and Writings of the Fathers to be Judges of the Points in Controverſie between us; and that becauſe they quote the Canons of Gratian under the Name of the Catholick Church, therefore we are made the Authors of that Schiſm, and of thoſe Civil Wars which have happen'd in this Kingdom; and ſeveral other ſuchlike Matters: And all the Churches are enjoyned to beware of them. And whereas there is a Manuſcript handed up and down with this ſpecious Title, Elenchus Novae Doctrinae; the Colloquies of Montpellier and Niſmes are charged to peruſe it, and in caſe they find nothing in it contrary to the Doctrine receiv'd and taught in our Churches, they may, giving it a Preface, give it alſo a Licenſe to be Printed.

V. This Caſe of Conſcience was propounded, Whether a Soveraign Prince for certain Cauſes moving him thereunto, may not grant a Pardon unto a Perſon guilty of thoſe Crimes which had deſerved Death, or change his Puniſhment into a leſs, or delay Execution of the Sentence paſt upon him. This Aſſembly having carefully examined the Circumſtances of this Caſe doth judge, That by the Grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt we be not bound unto the Political Laws of Moſes, but that all Puniſhments are now arbitrary, and that from Scripture-Inſtances the Soveraign Magiſtrate may very well do it, when the Publick Intereſt is concerned.

VI. Another Caſe alſo was moved, Whether a Parent or Special Friend (whatever his Condition or Quality be, tho' it were that of a Miniſter of the Goſpel) might lawfully petition the Soveraign for his Relation or Friend's Pardon? The Synod anſwereth, That this Caſe is decided by the former; for if it be lawful for the Soveraign to give, it is lawful alſo for a private Perſon to take out a Pardon, provided it be not by any indirect or ſinful means.

VII. Whoever hath maimed another unjuſtly, ſo that he is thereby diſabled from gaining his Livelihood, or that of his poor Family, if ſo be the Maimer be a Man of Eſtate, he ſhall be urged by Church-Cenſures to allot him a Penſion for his Subſiſtence, altho' he be not condemned to it by the Civil Magiſtrate, becauſe he cannot better expreſs the ſincerity of his Repentance, than by this Act of Charity.

VIII. Promiſes of Marriage made by Perſons of competent Age to be married, and thoſe Promiſes paſt with conſent of Parents, Tutors, and Guardians, and by words de praeſenti, are indiſſolvable.

IX. It is not contrary to Chriſtian decency, for eſpouſed Perſons to lodge under the ſame Roof before Marriage.

X. That Obligation laid on Sureties in Baptiſm doth not only import their Education of the Children in Godlineſs, but this alſo, that in caſe of need, they provide for their maintenance.

XI. Churches having at their own Charges bred up Schollars to the Miniſtry, and do now enjoy their Labours in the Word and Sacraments, if they carry themſelves unworthily towards them, as in not giving them equal Stipends with their Colleagues ſhall be cenſured, and in caſe they do not reform, the Colloquy or Provincial Synod may grant a Licenſe unto thoſe Miniſters to forſake them, and alſo to provide them of ſome other Church, according to the Diſcipline.

p. 198XII. The Deputies of the National Synods ſhall within one Month alter their Return, advertiſe the Colloquies of their Provinces to take Copies of the Acts of theſe National Synods, and this at the ſole Expence of the ſaid Colloquies.

XIII. When a Province deſireth ſome conſiderable alteration to be made in the Articles of our Diſcipline, it ſhall give Notice thereof unto that which is charged to convene the next National Synod, that by it the other Provinces being informed, their Deputies may come prepared for the Debate. However, we do not hereby mean, that the National Synods ſhould be over-ruled by the Provincial.

XIV. Maſter Chamier and Brunier having brought Letters from the Aſſembly of the Churches at Chaſtel-heraut, together with the Edict granted us by His Majeſty, and underſtanding by them, that had it not been for that good Union and Correſpondence which is among us, we had never got the Liberty of our Conſciences in the Publick Profeſſion of the Goſpel and Service for our God, nor Juſtice to be adminiſtred to us, nor other needful Securities for our Lives. This Synod conſidering former defects in this matter, doth now proteſt and reſolve, That for the future that Union ſubſcribed and ſworn at Mants, ſhall be better and more ſtrictly kept and obſerved than ever, that ſo the Articles of this Edict may be performed to us, and all other things needful for our preſervation, in our Obedience to his Majeſty, and his Edicts: and we will alſo take care that the Provinces do the ſame, and that if any Perſon ſhould in the leaſt tranſgreſs them, or prove diſobedient to our Remonſtrances herein, they ſhall be proſecuted by all the Cenſures of the Church.

XV. The Provinces alſo ſhall be exhorted to receive and obſerve the Orders ſent them from the Aſſembly at Chaſtelheraut, and to defray the Charges of the Deputies, they being neceſſitated to reſide there to ſee to the Execution of the Edict, unleſs His Majeſty ſhall of His Royal Bounty provide for them.

XVI. This Synod proceeding to diſtribute the 43333 Crowns, and of the one third of them Granted by His Majeſty towards the Relief of our Churdies, hath and doth ordain that 3333 Crowns, and one third ſhall be employed in the erecting of two Univerſities,In the Copy from which this was tranſlated, the mark over the Sums was, one of which ſhall be at Saumur, and the other at Moutauban, ††Wand towards the Maintenance of each of them, it doth aſſign 1111 Crowns, 6 Sous, and 8 Deniers, and to the erecting of two Academies in Theology,Which I have rendered Crowns, becauſe a Livre conſiſting but of twenty Sous, and the French reckoning be Crowns as …ll as Livres. I have rendred Crowns rat…er than Livres. the one at Montpellier, the other at Niſmes, for Montpellier 500 Crowns, and the reſt for Niſmes. And the remaining 40000 Crowns ſhall be diſtributed among the Churches, as well thoſe which are already, as thoſe which may be hereafter conſtituted. And a Catalogue was read of the Churches now in being, whoſe Number was found 760, to wit, in the Iſle of France, Picardy, Champagne, and Brie, 88. Normandy 59. Brittany 14. Burgundy 12. Lyonnois 4. Forest, Dolphiny, and Provence 94. Vivarets 32. Lower Languedoc 116. Higher Languedoc, and Higher Gnyenne 96. Lower Guyenne 83. Poictou. 50. Xaintonge 51. Anjou. 21. Orleans 39. Which is for each of them 52 Crowns, 37 Sous, and 10 Deniers.

And all the Churches ſhall be obliged to ſend their Accounts of Moneys paid by them unto their Paſtors, who have actually ſerved them, and the ſaid Accounts ſhall be then accepted, if the Acquittances be ſigned by thoſe Miniſters ow…n hands, who received the Moneys, and the over-plus of this Money remaining, ſhall be returned unto the Synod, to be diſpoſed of according to their Orders, and by the Miniſters to be relieved we underſtand ſuch alſo, who through Age or Sickneſs are uncapable of diſcharging the Duties of their Calling; and farther, we leave it to the Prudence of the Provinces what Allowances to make unto their Propoſans, and to the Widow sand Orphans of their deceaſed Miniſters, and to maintain as many of them as they ſhall judge expedient, whoſe Names and Number alſo ſhall be inſerted in theſe Accounts aforeſaid, and their Acquittances ſubſcribed with their own hands, ſhall be brought unto the National Synod. And the Provinces ſhall give a demonſtration of their care in erecting Academics, and yield up their Accompts in like manner as was before ordained. The Receivers of this Money ſhall be nominated by the Provinces. And the Aſſembly of Chaſtelheraut ſhall be intreated to give us their Advice, for the beſt and ſpeedieſt courſe of getting the ſaid Moneys. And this Order ſhall hold good until the next National Synod, which ſhall be called by the Province of Normandy in the Month of June three Years hence, and the Synod next after that ſhall be held in Dolphiny.

XVII. Letters ſhall be ſent in the Name of this Synod, unto all French Miniſters abroad out of the Kingdom, requiring them to return unto the Service of their Churches upon the firſt Summons, who ſhall furniſh them with neceſſary Supplies for their Journeys: and whereas divers have departed without leave firſt obtained from their Provinces, becauſe of the Troubles and Perſecutions, the Synod orders, that they return forthwith, as in Duty they are bound, unto their reſpective Churches, God having now bleſſed us with Peace. And hereupon the Church of Paris, according to this Article, required Monſieur D'amours to return back unto his Province.

XVIII. As ſoon as the Edict ſhall be publiſhed, thoſe extraordinary Times of Prayer ordained in the Churches ſhall ceaſe; and the Churches are requeſted, particularly to remember in their Prayers unto the Throne of Grace, thoſe of the Low Countries.

p. 2001598. Synod XV.CHAP. VI. Particular MATTERS.

I. LEtters ſhall be written unto the Churches of the Low Countries, expreſſing our Grief, for that their Deputies came not unto this Synod, according to the Advice that was given them, as alſo to intreat them to inform us of the time when their Synod ſhall be convocated; and the Province of Normandy is ordered to ſend the Deputies unto it.

II. Monſieur Cheſneau ſhall write to Monſieur de la Planche, intreating him to depoſit with the Church of Paris thoſe Papers which belonged to that Apoſtate Cahier, and are in his Cuſtody, and Monſieur L'Eſperient ſhall make enquiry what are become of thoſe Manuſcripts of his that were in Bearn, and if poſſibly they may be retrieved, to ſend them alſo unto the Church of Paris.

III. Monſieur Berault is appointed to anſwer the Writings of du Perron, and Monſieur de Montigny thoſe of Cahier; and as for other Books publiſht againſt us, that Article of the Diſcipline relating to this head ſhall be punctually obſerved, and the Charges of their Impreſſion ſhall be defrayed out of the Moneys granted us by the King, and allowed by producing an Atteſtation from the Colloquies.

IV. The Province of Normandy is intreated to mediate with the Church of Lunere, that their former Paſtor Monſieur Vatable be paid his Arrears otherwiſe they ſhall be cenſured according to the Diſcipline.

V. Upon hearing the Differences between the Churches of Boiſlebec, and Gurville, with Monſieur de Videt d'Eſpoir, and having pondered all Circumſtances, this Synod determines, That of Right he belongs unto the ſaid Churches, becauſe he was maintained by them for four Years together, yea, and when they were driven away one from the other into Foreign Lands, and for that the Term ordained in ſuch a Caſe by the Diſcipline is not yet expired. However, in conſideration of his Age, and numerous Family, and the diſtance of Places, and the conveniences he hath near Pamiers; as alſo, that without great damage unto himſelf he cannot remove, the Synod declares for his comfort, that he may live in the City of Pamiers, upon condition, that within ſix Months the Province do furniſh thoſe ſaid Churches with a Paſtor, and the Church of Pamiers ſhall bear the one half of his Charges in Travel, which alſo is cenſured for enforcing the ſaid Monſieur de Videt to enter himſelf into Bonds to them in the Sum of ſixty Crowns, for re-imburſing them the Expences of his Journey, in caſe he ſhould not tarry with them.

VI. Monſieur Franc petitioning to be reſtored unto the Miniſtry, was told by this Aſſembly, That becauſe of the number and heinouſneſs of his Crimes, deſerving Corporal Puniſhment, and marked with a brand of Infamy, and for that he gave in but a very ſorry Evidence of his Repentance to us, that therefore he ought not to be reſtored. However, he wax adviſed not to ſlacken his Studies, but to take up with ſome other Calling.

VII. Madam, the King's Siſter, requeſting, That Monſieur de la Touche might be given for four Months in the Year to the Church in her Family, this Aſſembly conſented to it until the next National Synod, and this ſhall be inſerted in the Letters of this Aſſembly unto that Princeſs, that our Synods ſhall always carefully provide the moſt able Miniſters for the conduct of her Church, and if Monſieur de Feugerau's Health will permit him, he ſhall ſerve her Highneſs in that Quality the whole time, his Province adviſing and conſenting to it. And the other ſeven Miniſters waiting upon her Royal Highneſs, ſhall bear no other Title than that of ordinary Paſtors and Miniſters.

p. 201VIII. This Synod having peruſed ſeveral Letters written from ſome particular Perſons in the Preſidial Court of Juſtice, and Sheriffs of the City of Rochel, demanding the reſtitution of Monſieur de Rotan to them, it decreeth, That there ſhall be no Notice at all taken of them, becauſe that none of the Magiſtrates, as the Mayor, or Common Council have ſigned them; and that the Differences about this Affair may be ſuppreſt, Meſſieurs de Moutier, and Cheſneau are commanded to go unto that City, and by the moſt powerful and cogent Arguments to perſwade them unto Peace, and to return them all Letters and Papers that have been written on both ſides, that they may be cancelled and torn in pieces.

IX. Letters ſhall be written unto Monſieur Covett, who is now at Baſil intreating him to accept of the Paſtoral Office in the Church of Rochel.

X. Letters ſhall be ſent to Monſieur Caſſegrain, informing him, That his Writing to the Biſhop Perron was unadviſed, and to little purpoſe, done with too much Complement, Vanity, and Flattery: that however, we require him to anſwer Cahier the Apoſtate, which Anſwer he ſhall firſt communicate, before it be printed, unto the Synod of Dolphiny, and he is farther intreated to incorporate himſelf with that Synod.

XI. This Aſſembly having heard Monſieur Peirol, declareth, That he is not yet ſufficiently qualified for the Sacred Miniſtry, and exhorts him to a more careful reading and ſtudy of the Holy Scriptures, and other Writings of God's faithful Servants, which have been publiſhed in this laſt Age, and Orders are given unto the Colloquies of that Province wherein he dwells, to conſider of a proper time for his Employment in the Service of God's Church.

XII. Maſter John Seillade is diſmiſſed unto the Colloquy of Agenois, or Synod of Lower Guyenne to take care about his Call and Ordination.

XIII. Meſſieurs Tolloſain and Villemur are diſmiſſed unto their reſpective Colloquies, who ſhall conſider how and where to employ them in the Miniſtry, as ſoon as they be fitted for it.

XIV. Monſieur Rouſſel, Paſtor of the Church in Mazamett requeſting, That ſome other Perſon of the Province may be ſubſtituted in his place, becauſe of his great Age and Weakneſs; this Aſſembly judgeth, That his Petition is moſt juſt and reaſonable, and Orders therefore are given unto the Synod of Lower Languedoc, to endeavour an Exchange for him, provided always this be done by the conſent of his Church, and of the Synod of Higher Languedoc.

XV. Monſieur Falquet declaring his mean and low Condition, atteſted alſo by the Deputies of Dolphiny, this Aſſembly hath thereupon judged his Petition but juſt and reaſonable, and exhorts the Churches of Dolphiny, Provence, and Lower Languedoc, to aſſiſt him in his preſent Neceſſities, becauſe he hath faithfully diſcharged his Miniſterial Office in the Churches of Chriſt.

XVI. Monſieur Caille complaining of the little care taken by the Church of Grenoble for his Maintenance, and conſidering the Decree of his Provincial Synod in his favour, ſetting him at liberty from that ungrateful People, if within three Months they do not fully ſatisfie him all Arrears of Wages due unto him from them: this Aſſembly decreeth, That Letters ſhall be diſpatcht unto that Church, and to the Lord D'Eſdigueres particularly, intreating both his Lordſhip, and the Church to provide accordingly for him, and in default hereof, the Provincial Synod ſhall aſſign him unto ſome other Church.

XVII. Letters alſo ſhall be written unto the ſaid Duke D'Eſdiguiers about the 17000 Crowns, which the Province of Lower Languedoc had ſent unto Guyenne, to be laid up in ſtock for the maintenance of their Propoſans; there being no reaſon at all for his appropriating that Sum of Moneys unto his own private profit (whatever he may pretend of a Grant from the King for his ſo doing), which was dedicated unto ſo good and pious Uſes; and the forementioned Monſieur Caille ſhall ſecond the ſaid Letters by word of mouth, p. 202remonſtrating unto his Grace the Duty incumbent on him in Honour and Conſcience to reſtore and ſee it fixed according to its primitive deſign and intendment; and in caſe he refuſe to hearken unto reaſon, we farther ordain, That he be ſued at Law for it before the Syndic in the Chamber of Caſtres, and in like manner all others ſhall be proſecuted alſo, who having received the Churches Moneys, do not yield up their Accounts for it.

XVIII. This Aſſembly having heard Monſieur Julian, and Monſieur the Preſident of Orange doth earneſtly exhort and beſeech them to do their utmoſt endeavours, that the Church of Orange may be kept in peace and unity; and Orders are given to Meſſieurs de Montigny, Picheron, and le Noir, to paſs over to them, and to diſpoſe Monſieur de Blaconis, and the Inhabitants of that City to it.

XIX. The Colloquies and Province of Lower Languedoc ſhall contribute towards the Charges which the Church of Bedarrieux have expended in managing the common Affairs of our Religion.

XX. Monſieur Berault ſhall write Letters from this Synod unto the Colloquy of Sauveterre in Bearn, intreating their conſent, that Monſieur du Prat may be continued in bis Miniſtry in the Church of the Iſle of Jourdain, and this Aſſembly decreeth, That the ſaid du Prat ſhall remain with the ſaid Church of the Iſle of Jourdain.

XXI. A Petition was read from the Church of Blois, praying, That Monſieur de la Noue might be given them abſolutely, and without Conditions: This Aſſembly having heard the Deputy of Anjou, decreeth, That he ſhall belong unto that Province; as alſo, that he ſhall be only lent unto the Church of Blois for ſix Months, to begin from the firſt of June next, during which time they ſhall do their endeavour to procure Monſieur Bede, who is now at Heidelburg, for their Paſtor, and this Aſſembly will joyn with them, by writing in their own Name unto him, to effect it.

XXII. The Church of Pamiers craving Counſel in this Caſe: A Man would eſpouſe the Couſin-German of his deceaſed Wife. This Aſſembly adviſed them to have recourſe unto the King for a Licenſe.

XXIII. The Inhabitants of the Town of Aubenas, complaining, That they were not comprehended in the number of thoſe Garriſons which were aſſigned for our ſecurity. This Synod doth ordain, That Letters ſhall be written unto His Majeſty, humbly intreating him, That He would give out His Royal Mandate to continue it in its preſent Condition, that ſo they may be Partakers of the common Repoſe and Tranquility of the Kingdom.

XXIV. Aſſiſtance ſhall be given unto the Churches of Provence, now deſtitute of Paſtors, by the Provinces of Lower Languedoc and Dolphiny, until ſuch time as they can be provided.

XXV. The Proceedings againſt Monſieur Vaiſſy having been reviſed, and the Articles of the Provincial Synod relating to his Depoſition from the Miniſtry, and a moſt accurate enquiry being made into his Converſation ſince his Depoſal, this Aſſembly hath reſtored, and doth reſtore him unto his Office in the Miniſtry, and the Colloquy of Vigan is enjoyned to provide a Church for him.

XXVI. This Aſſembly upon hearing the Difference riſen betwixt Monſieur Jarey and Voiſin, Miniſters of Millaud, hath ordained for the Peace of that Church, That neither of thoſe Miniſters ſhall continue in it longer than till the meeting of the next National Synod, and Monſieur Brunier, and Monſieur Gaſques are intreated to take their Turns in ſerving the ſaid Church, and Monſieur Brunier is to haſten thither as ſoon as poſſible he can; farther, that an exchange ſhall be made of the Perſon of Monſieur Voiſin, with that of Monſieur Remirat, Miniſter of the Church of St. Afrique, and Monſieur Jarey hath leave given him to joyn himſelf unto the Churches of Pamiers, or Merueir, at his own election, until the next Provincial Synod.

p. 203XXVII. This Synod reviſing the Decree of the National Synod of Montauban, in which Monſieur Balarand was by their Gift appropriated to the Church of Caſtrees, as alſo that Article of the National Synod of Saumur, ordaining the ſaid Ballarand to return unto his Church of Aymett, and the Deputies of both thoſe Churches having been heard on behalf of their Principals, and conſidering the great importance of that of Caſtres, do ordain, That the ſaid Monſieur Ballarand ſhall remain appropriated Paſtor unto the Church of Caſtres, which yet is obliged according to Agreements between them, to re-imburſe the ſaid Church of Aymett the Sum of One hundred Crowns expended by them in their procuring of another Miniſter.

XXVIII. A Petition was preſented by the Church of Caſtres, praying, That Monſieur Rotan might be granted them for their Paſtor. This Aſſembly hath ordained, That he ſhall remain with the Church of Caſtres, until the next Provincial Synod, who may as they think fit diſpoſe of him, reſpect being firſt had to the health of the ſaid Maſter Rotan, ſo as will moſt contribute to the edification of God's Church.

XXIX. The Church of Caſtres deſiring that Monſieur**In another Copy it is de Soſſias, in ath…r Somaltu…. Souls might be given them, they were ſent back to their next Provincial Synod.

XXX. Monſieur Julian is ordered, to recover out of the hands of the Heirs of Monſieur de Serres deceaſed all his Manuſcript Memoirs, that they may be produced and peruſed by the next Provincial Synod.

XXXI. The Advocate-General of the Chamber of Caſtres having ſaluted and aſſured this Aſſembly in the Name of the ſaid Chamber profeſſing our Religion, of their faithful and ſincere deſires to maintain the Rights of our Churches, Thanks was given him, and by him to that honourable Court repreſented by him, and they were deſired not to Complement with us, but in good earneſt to purſue that end for which they were eſtabliſhed, and for which each of them reſpectively were recommended by the Churches.

XXXII. Licenſe is granted to the Churches of Cormis, and St. John of Bruel, to incorporate themſelves with the Colloquy of Vigan, becauſe it lieth ſo very convenient for them.

XXXIII. The Synod having heard the Deputles of the Church of Loudun, and Pamiers, concerning the Call of Monſieur Frogets, determines, that of Right he doth belong unto the Church of Loudun, which however muſt pay unto that of Pamiers fifty Crowns, disburſed by them in Books for the ſaid Froget, and they are alſo ordered to defray his Charges in coming unto this Aſſembly.

XXXIV. This Synod not having at preſent a Paſtor ſufficiently qualified for the Church of Bourdeaux, and conſidering the great conſequenee of its Eſtabliſhment, ordaineth, That the Colloquies of Albrett, Higher Agenois, and Perigord, ſhall each of then in courſe for four Months ſupply that Church, and Monſieur**Renault. Renault is to begin the Exerciſe there.

XXXV. Letters ſhall be written to my Lord the Ambaſſador of England, and to Monſieur de la Fontaine, Miniſter of the French Church in London, to inform them of thoſe injurious Writings publiſht againſt our Churches by Sutcliffe, and Saravia, and they be deſired to apply themſelves to the Queen, that ſuch Writings may not be printed.

XXXVI. This Synod intreateth both the Provinces of Languedoc to bear the Charges of a Criminal Proceſs, depending in the Chamber, of Caſtres, about the Oppreſſions exerciſed upon the Arnolds, by the Seneſchal of Ville Franche in Rouergue.

XXXVII. The Church of Nions, in Dolphiny, petitioning for a Paſtor, Monſieur du Jay, alias du Gaſleur, was granted to them, till the ſitting of the next Provincial Synod of Vivaretz.

p. 204CHAP. VII. Of Private ACTS.

I. GOvernours are exhorted to improve their Intereſt, that the Edict be not executed in their Juriſdictions, till ſuch time as it hath been firſt executed in thoſe places poſſeſſed by them of the contrary Religion.

II. The Churches of Languedoc are required to oppoſe thoſe Novelties introduced at the Interment of their Dead, and in particular this, that Maids be carried to their Graves by Maids wearing Garlands of Flowers.

III. And it being their Duty who govern the Church, by all lawful means to procure the benefit and advantage of their Poor, this Aſſembly ordaineth, That whenas there ſhall be any conſiderable Sum of Moneys belonging to the Poor in the Deacons hands, they may warrantably put it out to Intereſt, that ſo in caſe of great neceſſity the Poor may receive the more and greater Relief and Comfort.

CHAP. VIII. An Extract of the Acts of the General Mixt Aſſembly of the Churches of France, held at Chaſtel-heraut, and approved by their National Synod held at Montpellier the 26th Day of May, 1598, and the Days following.

Rules for ſuch as bring the King's Orders, granted for any Command or Government in the Cautionary Towns given us for our Security.

THE Provincial Aſſemblies which ſhall be called upon the Return of the Deputies now at Chaſtel-heraut, ſhall out of every Colloquy name ſome able and faithful Perſons of the Nobility and Cities, (who yet ſhall be changed or confirmed by every Provincial Synod, or General Aſſembly, if need be) to be preſent at Colloquies, whenas an Atteſtation ſhall be deſired by a Gentleman who hath gotten His Majeſty's Grant of any Government or Place of Truſt.

And in caſe the Perſon having the Grant, be a Member of that Colloquy in which the vacant place lieth, the ſaid Colloquy meeting together for ſigning the ſaid Atteſtation, ſhall invite all thoſe who were named by the Provincial Synod or Aſſembly, that they may joyntly conſult whether they ought to give it, or inform His Majeſty to the contrary. If the time of ſitting for the General Aſſembly be near, the ſaid Colloquy ſhall defer, till they have firſt had their Judgment about the ſaid Atteſtation.

And in caſe the Perſon who hath the Grant, be of another Colloquy than that of the vacant place, the Perſon who is charged to convocate the Colloquy, whereunto the Grantee belongeth, ſhall take ſome ſufficient time to inform the Aſſembly or Province, in which the vacant place lieth (but at their Charges) of the Quality, Family, Religion, and Morals of him who hath the Grant, and in caſe the ſaid Aſſembly ſhall meet, it ſhall give Notice thereof unto the Colloquy wherein the Vacancy is, and alſo inform the ſaid Colloquy of the vacant place, and place of abode of him that hath the ſaid Grant.

And when they give their Atteſtation they ſhall cauſe the Union of Mantes to be ſigned by him who brings the King's Grant for the vacant Government, according as it hath been ordained in all ſuch Caſes.

p. 205The Form of Atteſtation agreed upon in the General Aſſembly, to be given by Colloquies or Synods, unto them whom His Majeſty ſhall recommend unto vacant Governments in our Cautionary Towns.

WE Miniſters and Elders met together in Colloquy in the Province of N. do certifie unto His Majeſty, That Monſieur N. de N. applied himſelf unto us, deſiring our Atteſtation of his ſincere Profeſſion of the Reformed Religion, he being choſen by His Majeſty unto the Command of ſuch a Place N. lately vacant by the Death of N. We therefore do attest and certifie, That the ſaid Monſieur N. doth actually profeſs the Reformed Religion, communicates with us in the Sacraments, living Religiouſly, as a Man fearing God, and diſcharging the Duties of his ſaid Profeſſion with a good Conſcience. For which reaſons we give him this our Certificate by theſe Preſents, which we hope will be of uſe and advantage to him according to his deſire.

Dated, &c. The Province of Normandy is graced with the Priviledge of calling the next National Synod, which ſhall be held within Three Years, in the beginning of June: And the ſucceeding National Synod ſhall be held in the Province of Dolphiny. Theſe Acts and Articles were thus ſubſcribed,

De Montigny, Aſſeſſor.

Moyſes Cartaut, Scribe.

The End of the Synod of Montpellier

THE ACTS, DECISIONS, and DECREES OF THE XVI. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Chriſt. IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE, HELD At Gergeau, the 9th Day of May, in the Year of our Lord 1601.