The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France, 19 (St. Maixent) – Half title 20

The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France · 19 (St. Maixent) – Half title 20

p. 310THE Synod of St. Maixant.

In the Name of God!

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

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

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

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

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

p. 311For the Province of Lower Guyenne, …erigort and Limouſin, Monſieur Jeremy Bauconis Paſtor of the Church of Tonneins, and Iſaac Sylvius Paſtor of the Church of Clerac, together with John de Vertueil Lord of Mallerett, Elder in the Church of Burdeaux, and Jacob des Mais Elder alſo of the ſame Church.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xaintonge, Aunix and Augoumois.For the Province of Xaintonge, Aunix and Augoumois, Monſieur John Merlin, Paſtor of the Church of Rechel, and Paul Bonnett, Paſtor of the Church of Saujon, together with Arthur de Partenay Lord of Genouille, Elder of the Church of Tonnay Boutonne, and Peter Babouett, Elder of the Church of Saujon But the Lord of Genouille being abſent by reaſon of ſickneſs, Elias Glatinon; p. 312Elder of the Church of Augouleſme, being ſubſtituted in his ſtead, was perſonally preſent at this Synod, and afterward the ſaid Lord de Genouille being recovered, and coming to it, the other returned unto his own habitation.

Higher and Lower PoictouFor the Province of Higher and Lower Poictou, Monſieur Jonas Cheſuean, Paſtor of the Church of St. Maixant, and Andrew Rivett, Paſtor of the Church of Touars, together with Rene de Caumont, Lord of Fiebrun, Elder of the Church of Sanſay, and Stephen Cheſneuert, Lord de la Miletiere, Elder of the Church of Talmond.

General Deputy.Moreover, the Lord de Mirande one of the General Deputies of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom appeared perſonally in this Synod, and had his place and priviledge of voting in it, according to the former Decrees paſſed in favour of thoſe our ſaid Deputies.

There alſo offered himſelf Monſieur d'Or, Sedan.one of the Paſtors of the Church of Sedan with Letters from the Mareſchall Duke of Bouillon, and from the Paſtors of the Principality of Sedan and Raucourt, craving to be received into this Aſſembly, to have priviledge of voting in it, as well as the other Deputies. But the Aſſembly gave them the ſelf ſame anſwer, which had been given them by former Synods, that foraſmuch as the ſaid Churches were incorporated with the Colloquy of Champagne, and the Provincial Synod of the Iſle of France, they judged it in no wiſe fit to grant them their demand: Only they were Suffered as other Paſtors not deputed unto the Synod to be preſent when points of Doctrine and Diſcipline were Debated, but ſhould not be otherwiſe heard in any other matters propounded by them, than ſpeaking by the mouths of the Paſtors and Elders deputed by their Province. And the ſaid Churches were Cenſured for importuning the reception of this R. perſon among us, becauſe of their private deputation given to him, after that an Order had paſt to the Contrary in the laſt National Synod. And Letters ſhall be writ unto the Lord Duke of Bouillon to intreat his Highneſs that the order of our Churches may not in the leaſt be interrupted, but moſt inviolably obſerved, yea and in thoſe affairs, which do more eſpecially concern his own Principality.

Prayers being ended Monſieur Merlin was choſen Moderator, and Monſieur Ferrier, Aſſeſſor and Monſieur Rivett a Paſtor, and the Lord du Pradell an Elder, were choſen Scribes of the Synod.

It was alſo decreed for the future that Paſtors and Elders who were not deputed by their Provinces ſhould not be admitted into the National Synods, but only when as the Confeſſion of Faith, and Diſcipline ſhould be read and obſervations made upon them, during the ſaid reading, and that they ſhould be excluded from all other affairs both General and Particular; and this Ordinance ſhould ſerve as a Declaration of the mind and ſence of foregoing Synods about thoſe Articles and Canons relating unto the ſaid Paſtors and Elders Non-commiſſionated. And the Provinces ſhall be admoniſhed that for great and weighty reaſons they do henceforward by their own authority retain at home with them all Paſtors of Churches and Elders, who have no deputation from them unto the National Synods, that ſo the complaints and importunity of thoſe who have no call to ſit or vote in them may be obviated and prevented.

CHAP. II. Obſervations upon Reading our Confeſſion of Faith.

UPON the 14th Article, The Provinces were exhorted to ſtudy whether it were not expedient to take away thoſe particular expreſſions which mention the Hereſies of Servetus, and to acquieſce in a general deteſtation p. 313of his Errors, and the rather becauſe they be now extinct, and buried in oblivion. And the Province of Burgundy is ordered to communicate this Decree unto the Reverend Paſtors and profeſſors of Geneva for their advice.

The Confeſſion being read with great attention, every word, point and article thereof was unanimouſly approved and ratified by all the Deputies, who did promiſe and ſwear by the holy Name of God that for themſelves, and their Reſpective Provinces, who had delegated them, they ſhould Teach and Preach it, and unviolably keep and obſerve it.

CHAP. III. Obſervations upon Reading of our Diſcipline.

ON the fourth Article of the firſt Chapter, The Deputies of Lower Languedoc propounded, that the different courſes took in divers Provinces about the Choice, Examination, and Ordination of Miniſters brought with it a world of Inconveniences, and was the occaſion that unworthy perſons were in ſeveral places admitted into the Miniſtry. This Synod judged it exceeding needful to Eſtabliſh an Expreſs Canon, exactly, univerſally and moſt uniformly to be obſerved by all the Provinces; which being prepared, was approved and conſented to by the whole Aſſembly and inſerted into the Body of our Diſcipline in the form following.

The Decree for Receiving of Propoſans into the Miniſtry.2. The 4th article of the firſt Chapter of our Diſcipline ſhall be couched in theſe words, its beginning being joyned with the fifth Article in manner following. A Miniſter of the Goſpel (unleſs in time of perſecution, in which caſe of great and urgent neceſſity he may be choſen by three Paſtors only, together with the Conſiſtory of the place) ſhall not be admitted into this holy Office but by the Provincial Synod, or Colloquy, provided that Colloquy be compoſed of ſeven Paſtors at leaſt; and in caſe there be not ſo many to compleat it, the Neighbour-Miniſters ſhall be invited to concur in this Election. And the Elected Propoſan ſhall be preſented to them with good and valid Teſtimonials, not only from the Univerſities and particular Churches, but alſo from the Colloquy of that Church wherein he hath been longeſt converſant. The Propoſan ſhall be examined in this method; firſt by a Propoſition, one or more from the Word of God; the Texts whereon his diſcourſe is to be grounded, ſhall be given him: One of theſe his Exerciſes ought to be in French, the other in the Latine Tongue, in caſe the Colloquy or Synod do judge it meet; and he ſhall have four and twenty hours time to prepare himſelf for each of theſe his. Exerciſes. If by theſe he ſhall have given ſatisfaction unto the Aſſembly, then a Chapter of the New Teſtament in Greek ſhall be put into his hand, upon which he ſhall be poſed, that it may be known whether he does underſtand that Language, and can expound it; and afterward, he ſhall be examined in the Hebrew, whether he can at leaſt read it, and uſe good Books for the better finding out of God's Sacred Will in the Scriptures. And to this ſhall be added an Eſſay of his upon ſome of the moſt needful parts of Philoſophy; and the whole ſhall be managed with great tenderneſs and charity, and without affectation of any thorny or unprofitable Queſtions. Finally, he ſhall make a Confeſſion of his Faith in Latine, upon which he ſhall be examined, and oppoſed. And if upon the whole he be judged capable, the Aſſembly ſhall declare unto him the duties of the Office whereunto he is called, and denounce unto him, in Chriſt's Name, that Authority, which is now conferred upon him, to preach the Word, and adminiſter the Sacraments in that Church of Chriſt, whereunto he is now ſent, upon his full Ordination. And in concluſion, two Miniſters ſhall be deputed to preſent him unto the people.

p. 3143. The 5th Article ſhall begin with the words of the fourth. He that ſhall be preſented, ſhall preach the Word of God publickly on three ſeveral Sundays, (but not adminiſter the holy Sacraments) all the people hearing him, that ſo they may know his manner of teaching, &c. And after theſe words in the end,The Order of preſenting a Miniſter unto the Church. Nor ſhall the Paſtor be impoſed upon the Church againſt his will, ſhall be added this clauſe, and the difference ſhall be determined according to the Canon above mentioned at the coſts and expences of the Church which had demanded him.

4. In the 7th Article about the manner of Impoſition of hands, towards the end after thoſe words, That ſo he may well and duly diſcharge it, ſhall be added as followeth: And a prayer meet and pertinent to the purpoſe ſhall be conceived, in which the Paſtor ſhall inſert theſe or the like words, We beſeech thee, O God, to enrich and furniſh this thy Servant duly choſen according to the Order eſtabliſhed in this thy Church, with the Gifts and Graces of thy Holy Spirits, adorning him abundantly with all Endowments needful for his worthy diſcharge of this High Calling, to the Glory of thy great Name, the Edification of thy Church, and the Salvation of his own Soul, whom we do now dedicate and couſecrate by this our Prayer unto the Office of a Goſpel Miniſter. At theſe words the Paſtor praying, ſhall ſtand up, and lay his hands on the head of the Ordained. Miniſter, who kneels before him at the foot of the Pulpit. And Prayer being ended, and the new Paſtor riſen up, the two Miniſters deputed by the Synod or Colloquy; ſhall give him in the preſence of all the people the Right hand of Fellowſhip▪ And this Canon and Form ſhall be unanimouſly obſerved by all the Provinces.

5. On the 11th Article, the Provinces are bound in Conſcience to give in a faithful report unto the National Synods, whether the Miniſters of their Churches do hold faſt the form of ſound words in their publick Sermons.

6. On the 17th Article Colloquies and Synods ſhall have a watchful Eye over thoſe Miniſters, who ſtudy Chymiſtry, and grievouſly reprove and cenſure them.

7. On the third Article of the 7th Chapter, it was adviſed, that for the future the additions made at the cloſe of Propoſitions in Colloquies ſhould be omitted, becauſe of the inconveniencies which have happened, and do far exceed the benefit, which we expected from them: And all Paſtors ſhall be cenſured by Paſtors only in preſence of the Elders.

8. On the 7th Article of the 8th Chapter, theſe words, with a Low voice, added by the Synod of Rochel, ſhall remain; and it's enjoyned, that if any Province do act otherwiſe, that they conform for the future unto this Order.

9. On the 15th Article of the 8th Chapter, in the diſtribution of the Provinces, thoſe of the Iſle of France, of the Land of Chartres, of Picardy, Champague, Brie, and the Soveraignty of Sedan, petitioning that this Aſſembly would approve of the Dividing the ſaid Province into two Synods. This Aſſembly did not think it convenient to authorize that Separation, and commands them to remain United as before, notwithſtanding what had been decreed by them in their Provincial Synod, and the repeated Inſtances of their Provincial Deputies in this preſent Aſſembly.

Advice about Bapuſm.10. On the 6th Article of the 11th Chapter, a Queſtion was propounded by the Province of Higher Languedoc, Whether in caſe of grievous ſickneſs, and the Child being in apparent danger of death, he might be baptized on Lecture-days, before Sermon began, and whether Baptiſm might be adminiſtred at ſuch times when as there is no Sermon preached, but only publick Common-prayers? It was anſwered, that if the Conſiſtory, or any of the Elders did atteſt the Malady of the Infant, the Paſtor might do it. And if the obſervation of this Article ſhould beget new difficulties, the Provinces were intreated to come prepared unto the next National Synod, for their aſſoiling of them.

p. 31511. On the twelfth Article of the thirteenth chapter, The Provinces are exhorted to bring their thoughts unto the next National Synod, whether any alterations may be made in it or not.

12. A motion was made about the 20th Article of the ſame Chapter, whether ſomething might not be relaxed of its rigour out of reſpect to a great Lord, who had choſen a Popiſh-Lady, that conſented to be Married by one of our Miniſters, provided he would not compel her to an open profeſſion of our Religion. Upon which it was decreed, that the ſaid Canon ſhould be exactly and equally obſerved towards all perſons, whatever their quality or condition might be as to the world.

13. Inſtead of theſe words, That he may able to proteſt with a good Conſcience in the ſame 20th Article of the ſaid Chapter, theſe ſhall be inſerted. And ſhall with a good Conſcience publickly proteſt before the Church of that place where his ſaid party is well known that ſhe hath renounced, — And whereas the Province of Lower Languedoc requeſted, that to obviate the levity of ſuch perſons, they might not be Married in our Churches, till ſuch time as they had communicated at the Lords Table: This Aſſembly not altering that Canon, leaves the affair unto the prudence of the Conſiſtory.

14. On the twenty ſecond Article of the ſame chapter, it was wholly left to the prudence of the Conſiſtory, to judge and determine in what ſpace of time a Widdower might decently Marry a ſecond Wife, after the death of his firſt.

15. The Deputies of Vivaretz demanded upon the thirteenth Article of the fourteenth chapter, whether it would not be expedient to fix a ſet time for their Excommunication, who ſend their Children unto the Schools of the Jeſuits: This Aſſembly left it wholly to the prudence of Conſiſtories.

16. On the twenty ſeventh Article of the fourteenth chapter, although the Province of Xaintonge had demanded it, yet the Synod did not approve their inſerting of thoſe words, to ſet up May-poles. However the Churches are charged to proceed by all cenſures againſt thoſe who do it out of ſuperſtition, and commit Inſolences and Debauches before them.

17. The Church Diſcipline having been read was approved by all the Deputies, together with the aforeſaid obſervations on it, and they all promiſed and ſwore for themſelves and Provinces, to procure to the utmoſt of their power that it ſhould be carefully and diligently obſerved.

CHAP. IV. Obſervations upon the National Synod of Rochel.

See the third Synod of Rochel.1. THE firſt Article of general matters, which did not permit the Deputies to carry with them the Acts of Appeals, and of particular matters, was for divers conſiderations revoked.

2. The Lords our General Deputies are again charged to require of his Majeſty a Declaration for the Naturalizing the poor Fugitives of the Marquiſate of Saluces.

3. The excuſes made by the Churches of Bearn, for not ſending their Deputies unto this Synod were accepted and approved, and Letters of thanks were ordered to be writ them, and to exhort them not to ſuffer ſuch perſons to be Married in their Temples, who wander from the Neighbour Provinces without atteſtations.

Concerning Monks quitting their Convents. See the third Syn. of Rochel, g. m. 16.4. The Province of Poictou requeſting that ſome courſe might be taken to prevent that great abuſe committed by Monks, who having quitted their Convents, did rove up and down, hither and thither, from one Church unto another: This Aſſembly anſwered, that there could not be any better p. 316Expedient found out, than the exact obſervation of that Canon made in the Synod of Rochel, which ſends them back to the Province where they were born, nor did we judge it convenient to comply with the Province of Berry, who would have a publick Stock erected, and ſet apart for the maintenance of ſuch fellows.

5. Letters ſhall be diſpatcht from this Aſſembly unto Monſieur Tilenus Profeſſor at Sedan, about the matters relating to him, propoſed in this Synod.

6. U on hearing the report made by the Deputies of Dolphiny concerning the Labours of Monſieur Chamier on the controverſies of theſe times: This Aſſembly applauded his great diligence, and gave him advice to purſue the finiſhing of his whole work, that it may be publiſhed to the World intire; Promiſing that the next national Synod ſhall take notice of his great charges and expences, and ſeal their acknowledgments to him with a pledge and character of their reſpects and bounty.

7. Letters were ſent from Monſieur Perrin, accompanied with others from the Province of Dolphiny, informing us of the progreſs made by the ſaid Perrin in his Hiſtory of the Albingenſes and Vaudois, whereof the rude draught was now pr…ſented. This Aſſembly approving his method, exhorts him to continue his labour, and to finiſh it as ſoon as poſſible: And Meſſieurs Ferrier, Durant, Benoiſt, Caſtelfranc and Vignier, are intreated to tranſmit unto him whatever Memoirs they have found out, or can get, that ſo it may be publiſhed ſuddenly. And this Synod will aſſiſt him with their bounty to help to bear his great expences in books, and for its impreſſion.

8. The Children of poor Miniſters are exempted from the rigour of that Article, which had ordered, that no Schollars ſhould be maintained out of the Moneys of the Kings bounty,See the 43d Artic. of g. m. in the third Syn. of Rochel. Moderation in favour of the Children of poor Miniſters. untill ſuch time as they have finiſhed their Studies of Humanity, and begun their courſe of Philoſophy. And 'tis left unto the diſcretion of Synods and Colloquies, at what age and capacity they ſhall judge fit to enroll them in the Catalogue of Penſioners.

9. Monſieur Vignier preſenting his Theater of Antichriſt, compoſed by him in obedience to the command of the National Synod, received the thanks of this Aſſembly for his great and worthy pains, and the Univerſity of Saumur is ordered to peruſe it, and having given their opinion of it, we order that it be Printed together with th… Authors Name.

The Province of Dolphiny acquitted for her receipt and diſtribution of Moneys for the poor Refuged from the Marquiſate of Saluces.10. The Province of Dolphiny by the Authority of this Synod is diſcharged of all accounts of Moneys received from the Provinces, for the poor Fugitives of the Marquiſate of Saluces, and their Deputies, who were charged in the Synod of Rochel, with four hundred Livers gathered in the Church of Bourdeaux, and with eight hundred Livers from the Church of Rochel, are alſo acquitted by this Synod. And the aforeſaid Province is alſo diſcharged of the ſumm of ſix hundred ſixty five Livers, nine Sous, and one Denier, payed by it unto the Churches of Provence, conformable to the Order of the laſt Synod.

11. That Article concerning the Synod of Normandy, ſhall remain as it is, and the Province ſhall continue to ſummon to it all its Paſtors, according to the Diſcipline.

12. The Deputies of Xaintonge remonſtrating that the cenſure paſt by the foregoing National Synod on the Conſiſtory of Soubize, and Monſieur Chevalier its Paſtor, was grounded on a falſe accuſation, and therefore required that the ſaid Cenſure might be razed out of the Book of our Acts. This Aſſembly diſmiſſed the whole unto the Synod of Xaintonge, who ſhould hear both the Accuſers and Accuſed, and by the Authority of this Aſſembly judge finally of that affair, and in caſe it were found to have been ill-reported, to caſt the ſelf-ſame Cenſure upon the falſe Accuſers.

p. 317CHAP. V. Appeals.

1. JAMES de l'Obel, otherwiſe du Val, being depoſed from the ſacred Miniſtry for the ſin of Adultery committed by him, and which he himſelf had confeſſed to the Conſiſtory of the Church of Giſors, wherein he ſerved, ſummoning hither the Paſtors and ſeveral Elders of the Church of Rouen, came alſo in Perſon unto this Aſſembly with his Appeal from the former ſentence of Depoſition paſt in that Conſiſtory againſt him, and from its confirmation given by the Provincial Synod of Normandy the firſt of April, 1609. This Synod having heard both the ſaid du Val, and the Deputies of the Province, judgeth that the Conſiſtory of his Church, and the Synod of his Province had proceeded moſt regularly and rightfully againſt him, and that therefore He the ſaid du Val had aggravated his crime by his ſinful Appeal, and that he ſhall continue on the Roll of ſcandalous depoſed Miniſters, without all hopes of ever being reſtored to ſo Sacred an Office more.

2. The Colloquy of Gex appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Burgundy, by which an exchange had been made between the two Churches of Divonne in the Baylywick of Gex, and that of Iſſurtelle in the Province of Burgundy of their Miniſters, Monſieur Grillet and Gauſſant: The Synod ordaining that the Church of Iſſurtelle ſhould pay the charges that Monſieur Grillett was at in his removal, and that of Divonne or the Colloquy of Gex the charges of Monſieur Gauſſant in his. The Synod after hearing of Monſieur du Pan Deputy of that Colloquy, and the Deputies from the Province of Burgundy, judged that the Provincial Synod of Burgundy had by their Decrees done wrong unto the ſaid Church and Colloquy, and therefore chargeth the ſaid Province and its Colloquy to reimburſe the injured Church and Colloquy of their Expences, out of the common Moneys belonging unto that whole Province.

3. The ſame Colloquy appealed about the Tax impoſed on it, for bearing the charges of the Aſſembly of Chaſtellheraut. But this their appeal was diſannull'd, becauſe the ſaid Colloquy had received its part of the moneys granted us by the King, upon condition that the Provinces ſhould be diſcharged for the expences of their Deputies unto the ſaid Aſſembly. And Monſieur du Pan, Deputy for the ſaid Colloquy by conſent of the Province of Burgundy, was told, that the portions granted the Paſtors in the Baylywick of Gex, ought to be imployed towards their better maintenance, and as an augmentation of their Stipends, on this Condition, that three of them together with as many Elders ſhould always appear in perſon at their Provincial Synod, and ſhould pay their proportion of expences which were of neceſſity to be disburſed about the common affairs of the Province, and the whole to be raiſed out of the Moneys given us by his Majeſty. And this Aſſembly by its own authority doth ratify that Ordinance of the Provincial Synod concerning the reſidence of Miniſters upon their Churches, and thoſe Churches are bound to provide convenient houſes for them.

4. The Judicial Sentence of the Synod of Burgundy, ordaining Monſieur Clark to continue Miniſter in the Church of Gex, was confirmed; nor may the ſaid Paſtor, at the call of any private perſons go and ſerve other Churches, without having firſt obtained Leave from his Conſiſtory, or of three Elders at leaſt. And the Appeal of divers Paſtors who had contradicted the ſaid Colloquy, was rejected and made void.

5. Monſieur Touſſaincts Paſtor in the Church of Luke in Province, preſented himſelf unto this Synod, pretending his call to be a Member of it, and to have been deputed by the Province who having afterward retracted their p. 318choice, he now Appealed from it. The Synod having heard both him, and the Deputies of the Province, and underſtood that he himſelf had procured his own diſcharge from this Deputation, and Had given his free conſent to the Election of others, declared his pretenſions Null, his claim void, and his journey to be undertook without ground, and that therefore he ſhould bear his own charges: And farther cenſureth him for his ill proceedings, and ambitious ſeeking of an office whereunto he had no call, and from which he had diſcharged himſelf; and adviſeth the Province to take care that for time coming our National Synods be no more troubled by any ambiguities in their Letters of Commiſſion and Deputation.

6. The Conſiſtory of Chaallons upon the Saone complained in their Appeal, of a Cenſure of the Synod of Burgundy, becauſe they refuſed to admit a certain Marriage to be ſolemnized in their Congregation: But this their Appeal was made void, and the Actings of the ſaid Conſiſtory in refuſing the celebration of that Marriage judged over rigorous.

7. The Church of Dijon brought their Appeal, becauſe Monſieur Chaſſegrain their Miniſter had been adjudged from them unto the Church of Chaallons upon Saone, without their ever being able to redemand the Moneys given by them to the ſaid Monſieur Caſſegrain for his penſion at Geneva or elſewhere. This Aſſembly judged, that Conſidering the long time the ſaid Chaſſegrain hath lived at Chaallons, without ever being redemanded by thoſe of Dijon and Beaune, that the Province had a power of Diſpoſing of him, and that he is not bound in his own perſon to make reſtitution of Moneys that had been beſtowed upon him for his Education and Subſiſtence.

8. The Church of Chaallons upon Saone entred their Appeal in this Synod, becauſe that Monſieur le Blanc formerly their Paſtor, but now of the Church of Lions, had his diſmiſſion from them by leave of the Colloquy, upon this condition, that he ſhould reſtore unto them the Moneys wherewith they had Supplied him during his Studies at Geneva, and for the buying of Books, and the overplus of wages received by him above the time he Served among them. Yet nevertheleſs the afore-mentioned Provincial Synod of Burgundy had diſcharged him of all payments, and afterwards granted him to the Church of Lions. This Aſſembly having peruſed the Memoirs of the Church of Chaallons, heard their arguments, and thoſe of the Synod, and of Le Blanc, did condemn the proceedings of that Church of Chaallons, and Suppreſſed its Memoirs, becauſe they revived the minuter paſſages and circumſtances of matters long ſince tranſacted in Conſiſtories, Colloquies and Provincial Synods, and ordained that the whole ſeries of affairs paſſed between the ſaid Church and Monſieur le Blanc ſhould be razed out of the Regiſters of their Conſiſtories and Colloquies; and farther, it approves of the Call of the ſaid le Blanc unto the Church of Lions, who alſo ſhall reſtore fifty Crowns unto the Church of Chaallons upon the Soane disburſed by them (for his maintenance in the Univerſity) and the overplus of his wages received by him over and above the time that he ſerved them in the Miniſtry; And the Church of Lions ſhall ſee that this be faithfully performed; and the ſaid ſumms of Money ſo received by the Church of Chaallons ſhall be paid in to that of Dijon in conſideration of the charges they were at before hand for the encouraging and promoting the Studies of the Sieur Caſſegrain, whoſe Miniſtry the Church of Chaallons doth now enjoy: And furthermore there ſhall be taken out of the Stock of the Province of Burgundy an Hundred Livers, to be added unto the aforeſaid ſumm, for the benefit of the Church of Dijon, unto which the ſaid Sieur le Blanc ſhall not be obliged to make reſtitution of the ſumm of one hundred and fifty Livers received by him for that time in which he was by Decree of the Synod remanded back unto Dijon and Beaune. And further it was ordained that the Moneys before mentioned, which ought to have been reſtored unto Dijon, ſhall be imployed towards p. 319the diſcharging of the ſaid Churches of Dijon and Beaune from the Heirs of Monſieur Paillard, and the remaining over plus of what was due unto him ſhall be paid in by equal portions from thoſe two Churches of Dijon and Beaune. And as to what concerns the ſecond place for Religious Worſhip in the Baylywick, that which was ordained by the Provincial Synod ſhall hold good, but only till ſuch time as we may obtain another place in the Baylywick, and diſtinct from that of Beanue.

9. The Appeal of the Church of Mure in Dolphiny from the Decree of the Provincial Synod, being about pecuniary matters, is according to the Canon made in the laſt Synod of Rochel, turned over to the Neighbour Province.

10. The Appeal of divers Colloquies in the Lower Languedoc from an Order made by that Province for their continuing United in one, and not divided into two Synods, is vacated and made null; and notwithſtanding their Arguments drawn from the greaneſs of their expence, long tarrying, unequal diſtribution of Offices, and the like, reported by the Deputies of the Province; It is decreed, that they ſhall abide in the ſame eſtate in which they are, and the ſaid Province ſhall take ſome effectual courſe to prevent as much as in them lieth, the inconveniencies above mentioned by them.

11. The Sieurs de Falgueirolles and Paulet Miniſters, and de Gaſques an Elder, appealing from the Judicial Sentence of the Synod of Lower Languedoc, which had declared, that the Bayliff of Vigan might be admitted into their Synodical Aſſemblies, only as a meer ſpectator, though at firſt he claimed it of right, by vertue of his Office, and as a Magiſtrate, contrary to that Priviledge and Exemption granted unto our Synods and Colloquies by His Majeſty. The Synod judgeth that the aforeſaid Miniſters and Elder had very good warrant for their Appeal, and it abrogates and cenſures the Judicial Sentence of that Synod.

The Widdow of a deceaſed Miniſter ſhall be paid her Annuity from the day of his Death.12. The Church of Sauves appealing from the Decree of the Synod of Lower Languedoc, which had ordered them to pay unto the Widdow of Lazaras de Pedon, their late deceaſed Paſtor, her Annuity, beginning from the very day of his death. This Aſſembly ratifieth the Judicial Sentence of that Provincial Synod, judgeth the Appeal null and void, and ordains, that the ſaid Annuity ſhall be imployed for the benefit of the Orphan Daughter of the ſaid deceaſed Miniſter.

13. Henry Dindault (formerly Miniſter in the Church of Nieuil in Aunix, depoſed from the Sacred Miniſtry, firſt by the Colloquy of Aunix, and afterward by the Provincial Synod held at Barbezieux, (and the whole proceſs of it was confirmed by the laſt National Synod held at Rochel, which had declared him utterly uncapable of ever exerciſing the Miniſtry) did now make his Appeal unto this Aſſembly, and that it might be admitted, appeared in perſon, profeſſing his repentance for many and grievous ſins committed and acknowledged by him, but denying others whereof he alſo was accuſed, and importunately demanded a mitigation of the Sentence paſt upon him by the afore▪ mentioned Synod, and that he might be again reſtored unto the holy Miniſtry. This Synod having heard the Deputies of Xaintonge declaring the proceedings in their Aſſemblies againſt him, the Letters and other Writings of the ſaid Dindault, hearing alſo his Confeſſions, Apologies and Proteſtations, doth ratifie and confirm the Judicial Sentence of the ſaid Synod of Xaintonge, and declares him for ever uncapable of being re-admitted unto the Miniſterial Office, and exhorts him unto a true Repentance, and amendment of life: Upon evidences whereof given by him, he may be received unto Communion at the Lord's Table.

14. The people of Marchenoir appealed from the Decree of the Provincial Synod of St. Amand, which had equally imparted the Miniſtry of Monſieur Chambaran unto them, and the Inhabitants of Lorges, upon condition that p. 320thoſe of Lorges ſhould pay one half of his Stipend. This Aſſembly ordains, that the Article of the Provincial Synod be obſerved both by them of Lorges and Marchenoir; and in caſe the Inhabitants of Lorges refuſe this condition, that then the extraordinary Sermons ſhall be preached at Marchenoir. And in the mean while the ſaid Synod is required to obſerve more carefully the 8th Article in the 5th Chapter of our Diſcipline, which giveth ample power of judging finally and without Appeal in ſuch caſes unto Provincial Synods.

15. The Sieur Quinſon, Paſtor of the Church of Chartres and Favieres, appealing in their name from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of the Iſle of France, held at Charenton, by which the Lord de Bijannettes was left at liberty, either of communicating with the Church of Blainville, whereof he was a Member, or becauſe he was nearer with that of Favieres, he contributing both to the one and other: This Aſſembly confirms that Decree of the Synod of the Iſle of France, and declares the Appeal to be null and void, becauſe the difference is of their nature, which may be finally determined by the Provincial Synods. However, for time coming it is ordained, that no Member ſhall joyn himſelf to another Church without leave firſt had and obtained from the Colloquy or Provincial Synod, which ſhall very well weigh and conſider of all Motives and Arguments inducing to it.

16. This Aſſembly took no notice of the Appeal brought by the Province of Lower Languedoc from the Judgment of that of Vivaretz, about the buſineſs of Monſieur Roſſell, becauſe, according to the Canon of the laſt National Synod, it might have been finally determined in that Province; as alſo, becauſe the difference aroſe from a particular Agreement which the ſaid Roſſell made with the Church of Gignac, wherein they had obliged themſelves to pay him over and above his Salary, that portion accrewing to them from the Moneys granted us by His Majeſty. Nevertheleſs this Synod did expreſly prohibit for the future all ſuch Bargains and Agreements, and ordains, that Paſtors ſhall have from their Churches ſettled and certain Wages, in which payment ſhall not be reckoned their Augmentation from the Moneys of His Majeſties Bounty. And Miniſters ſhall give Acquittances unto their Churches of all Moneys received from them at the quarterly payments.

17. The Sieur Guibert, Paſtor, complaining of a Judgment paſſed in the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge, whereby he was conſigned Miniſter to the Church of Archiac: The Aſſembly having heard the Deputies of that Province, and the ſaid Guibert alſo, declared the Decree of the ſaid Province juſt and equitable, and ordaineth his continuance in the ſaid Church, until ſuch times as by advice of the Colloquy, or of the ſame Province, he may be elſewhere employed, if need be; but they be exhorted to take care for his comfortable maintenance.

18. The Colloquy of Mayne appealing from a Decree of the Colloquy of Touraine, choſen Umpire between that of Mayne and Anjou, by which the Church of Prinjey and Gallirante had been adjudged to the Colloquy of Anjou; upon hearing the Arguments produced by the ſaid Colloquies, this Aſſembly revoketh and reverſeth the Decree aforeſaid, and adjudgeth the Church of Prinjey and Gallirante unto the Colloquy of Mayne.

19. A difference falling out between the Provinces of the Iſle of France and Berry, upon this occaſion, divers Gentlemen and others formerly Members of the Church of Chartres, had lately joyned themſelves unto the Church of Baſoches and Genouille, gathered in the Colloquy of Bleſois, becauſe of its nearneſs to their Habitations, and more Commodious for them. The Synod hearing the arguments on both ſides, and peruſing the Memoirs, doth leave the Gentlemen and other perſons to their full Liberty, either for Baſoches and Genouille or for that of Chartres.

20. The Sieur Beraud Paſtor and Profeſſor in the Church of Montauban, p. 321and the Sieurs de Novellan and de Vaures, Deputies from that Church unto the laſt Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne held at Pamiers, appealed, for that the ſaid Beraud was aggrieved by the aforeſaid Synod, which having reſtored the Sieur Benoiſt to the aforeſaid Church, and refuſed to give him his diſmiſſion, tho he humbly demanded it, and had ordained that he ſhould be reconciled with the ſaid Benoiſt, that they might live for the future amicably, in peace, and good correſpondence together. And the Sieurs de Novellan and de Vaures appealed for that the ſaid Sieur Benoiſt was ſent back unto the Church of Montauban, as if he were one of their own proper Paſtors. Upon hearing the complanits of the Sieur Beraud and the Deputies of the ſaid Church, and the defence made by Monſieur Benoiſt; and on peruſal of divers Acts and Letters written on both ſides, and the Provincial Deputies alſo being heard, producing the Acts on which their Decree was grounded, and relating the Charge and Commiſſion given them as they paſſed through Moutauban, both from the party favouring Monſieur Beraud, and the party deſiring the continuance of the Miniſtry of the ſaid Benoiſt: This Aſſembly obſerving in all their proceedings more of paſſion than of reaſon, ordaineth, that the ſaid Beraud be out of hand reconciled with the ſaid Benoiſt, and the ſaid Benoiſt ſhall teſtifie unto him the great deſire he hath for the future of living with him in all Love, Honour and Reſpect, and intreat him to forget and forgive all paſt miſcarriages: And furthermore, it doth abſolutely and fully ratifie and confirm that Decree of the Provincial Synod, diſannulling the Appeal of the ſaid Deputies, and exhorts them to a mutual reconciliation, and to uſe their utmoſt endeavour for the effecting an entire & univerſal Peace in the ſaid Church. And in caſe this be not done, the next approaching Provinvincial Synod is charged by vertue and authority of this Aſſembly, to remove them both from it, and to employ them elſewhere in ſome other diſtinct Churches of the Province, and by ſome other Miniſters to ſerve and ſupply the Church of Montauban. And the Sieurs Bauconis, Silvius, and de Malleret, are ordered to travel unto Montauban, and to give the ſaid Church a punctual Account of this our Decree in all its circumſtances, and the Expences of their Journey ſhall be defrayed by it. And whereas the Deputies of the ſaid Church do deſire that Gariſſoles and Cabault, Propoſans maintained by them, might be examined in this National Synod; and that it would be pleaſed to give in their Opinions of them, whether they were perſons ſufficiently qualified for the Sacred Miniſtry, and capable of aſſiſting their other Paſtors; it was reſolved, that this matter ſhould be left wholly to the Judgment of their Provincial Synod, who ſhould determine both of their Capacity, and Induction into the ſaid Church, whereunto, however they ſhould not conſent, till ſuch time as they had unanimouſly agreed about the Miniſtry of Monſieur Benoiſt; on which condition they might grant the demands of the ſaid Church. And in caſe it ſhould be a long time before the Synod Aſſembled, that then the Colloquy of Lower Quercy ſhall finally determine this Affair, provided that they call in, to act together with them, the Colloquy of Armagnac, that ſo all ſiniſter thoughts of partiality in their Judicial Sentence may be obviated and prevented And if in purſuance hereof, they ſhall perceive a deſign laid for the excluſion of Monſieur Benoiſt, then they ſhall not in the leaſt proceed to the Ordination of the ſaid Propoſans, nor unto their Inſtalment in the Church of Montauban.

21. The Univerſity of Montauban appealed becauſe the laſt Synod held at Pamiers refuſed to admit of Monſieur Gardeſie unto the Profeſſors place of the Greek Tongue. This Aſſembly decreeth, that the Synod, or both the Colloquies which ſhall judge about the Propoſans of the Church of Montauban, ſhall alſo take cogniſance of this Affair: And in caſe they do grant the ſaid Gardeſie unto that Univerſity, and he conſent unto it, that then they do diſpoſe of one of the ſaid Propoſans, or of ſome other perſon, whom p. 322they believe will beſt edifie the Church of Mauvoiſin, unto its ſervice in the Paſtoral work.

22. The Appeal of the Common Council of the City of Montauban on behalf of the Counſellors in their Colloquy is diſmiſſed over to the next Political Aſſembly of the Province.

23. The Sieurs des Baconis, Sylvius and de Malleret in their journey unto Montauban, about the affairs of that Church, are ordered to viſit the Churches of Meuſac, Iſlemade, and St. Leophary, and to take knowledge of their Eſtate, and Proverty, that ſo they may teſtifie unto the approaching Synod of the Higher Guyenne, whether the Sieurs Richaud and Bicheteau can be maintained by them, and whether they be able to incourage them in their perſonal reſidence among them, according to the Decree of the National Synod of Rochel.

24. Whereas Monſieur Beraud appealed from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne, for their continuing the Sieurs Richaud and Bicheteau in the Curatorſhip of the Univerſity of Montauban ſince the Decree of the laſt National Synod, and for their approving of that cuſtom of precedency among the Elders, according to their Seniority in Office: This Aſſembly expounding the Canon of the aforeſaid Synod of Rochel, declareth that it never intended to ſet up any ordinary Curators, excepting thoſe that be upon the place, and it only gave leave unto the Conſiſtories, and Univerſity Counſels to call in upon extraordinary occaſions ſuch perſons as they judged beſt able to adviſe and aſſiſt them; and therefore can in no wiſe approve of this Intendency ordained by the Provincial Synod. And as for the other point, it cannot allow the Provincial Synods to make orders about precedency, and condemns the ſaid Province for ſo doing; and farther it does appoint all Conſiſtories to uſe their prudence in preventing of thoſe diſorders and confuſions, which may fall out on ſuch punctilio's, and to take care that every one have that reſpect paid him which is due unto him.

25. The appeal of the Sieurs Rafin, Perrot, and Phillipy about their expences unto the laſt National Synod is ſent back unto the Neighbour Province, with full power to determine finally therein, according to the Canon of the ſame Synod concerning Pecuniary matters.

26. The Sieur Beraud brought in an Appeal of the Colloquy of Armagnas, which complained of the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne, that meerly out of conformity to their Neighbours, would ſend their Deputies to the Synods of Lower Languedoc and Guyenne. This Aſſembly approving the reſolution of the ſaid Synod, Cenſures the Colloquy for their oppoſition, and makes null and void their Appeal.

27. Maſter Claudius Maillard Doctor of Phyſick, and heretofore Elder in the Church of Orleans appealed from the judgment of his Provincial Synod held at Gien, by which the ſaid Maillard was cenſured together with his book written by him againſt his own Paſtor Monſieur du Moulin, and becauſe it had ordained that his Cenſure ſhould be publiſhed in the Church before the whole Congregation; the ſaid Maillard pleading that neither his Book nor Perſon ought to have been cenſured, but only that formality of his having cauſed it to be printed; and farther, that the Cenſure paſt upon Mr. du Moulin by the ſame Synod ought alſo to have been publiſhed in the Congregation. Upon peruſal of that aforeſaid Printed diſcourſe, and publiſhed by the ſaid Maillard, and ſent by him ſubſcribed with his own hand unto this Aſſembly, and the ſeveral acts produced by him proving his aſſertions. And Monſieur du Moulin being heard apologizing for himſelf, and his demand of Licenſe to depart from the ſaid Church and Province, both which he had long ere this have quitted, had it not been, that he expected the ſitting of this Aſſembly; and the Deputies of the ſaid Church being heard earneſtly requeſting p. 323his return unto them: The Acts alſo of the Colloquy held at Baugency being peruſed, which condemned the Conſiſtory of Orleans, for not depoſing of Eſaiah Fleureau from his Office, and for not publiſhing his ſuſpenſion from the Lords Table, notwithſtanding his Appeal, and finally the act of the Synod before-mentioned, together with what was done about its execution by the Deputies ſent from the Synod: After mature deliberation of all theſe things, this Aſſembly judged that the ſaid Maillard had do reaſon at all to Appeal from the ſentence of the Synod, conſidering the greatneſs of his fault, which is again condemned both in ſubſtance and circumſtance; and ordaineth that he ſhall call in all his Books diſperſed abroad and ſuppreſs them, and judgeth that the ſaid Colloquy ought in no wiſe to have hindred the Appeal of the ſaid Fleureau: And as for the ſaid Sieur du Moulin, This Aſſembly approveth the judgment of the Synod, and the proceedings of the Paſtors delegated for its execution; but cannot allow of the departure of the ſaid du Moulin, ſince the denunciation of the ſaid Sentence: And it ordaineth that the ſaid du Moulin, ſhall be reſtored unto the Church of Orleans, which is injoined to love, honour and maintain him; And that an effectual reconciliation may be wrought among them, Meſſieurs Ferrier, Chauve, de Montdenis and Baſnage Miniſters, together with the Lord of Fiefbrun an Elder, and the other Elders Deputed with the aforeſaid Elders unto this National Synod, are commiſſioned by it to tranſport themſelves unto the Church of Orleans, and there by Authority of this Aſſembly, to ordain whatſoever may be judged expedient for the mollifying of thoſe Hearts, and abating of thoſe heats, and reconciling of the divided parties, and the happy re-eſtabliſhment of the Miniſtry of the ſaid Sieur du Moulin in that Church, and to inflict ſuch Cenſures as are meet upon the Refractory and Contumacious Members, which ſhall oppoſe and hinder this pacification.

28. The Provincial Synod of Poictou diſmiſſed over unto this Aſſembly the laſt Cenſure of Maſter Fiacre Picard ſometime Miniſter in the Church of Chaſtelheraut, who being convicted in the ſaid Synod of ſeveral notorious Crimes, was ſuſpended until now from his Office, and commanded to appear in perſon before this Aſſembly. The Deputies of the Province gave an account of the Synods judgment paſt upon him, produced the Accuſations brought in againſt him, and the ſeveral proofs and Evidences of them, together with his Letters and Confeſſions. After which the ſaid Picard was called in, and heard ſpeak in his own defence; ſome things he owned, and others he denied, whereupon this Aſſembly confirmeth the judgment paſt upon him by the Province of Poictou, and farther to ſhame and humble the ſaid Picard, it Decrees that he ſhall continue ſuſpended for a full year, and until the next Provincial Synod of Xaintonge, unto which he ſhall give his perſonal appearance, and bringing with him ſufficient Atteſtations of his good Life and Converſation, approved by the Inhabitants of the places of his abode, he may be re-admitted into the Sacred Miniſtry, but not to officiate within the Precincts of the Province of Poictou; and as for his requeſt, that we would in ſome manner relieve him under his great wants: this Aſſembly granteth unto the Province of Xaintonge a ſupernumerary portion, which may be given to him.

29. The Appeal of divers perſons inhabiting the Pariſh of St. Sulpice within the Marquiſate of Royan, who by the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge, were adjudged to the Church of Royan, was reported, together with the arguments urged on both ſides; This Aſſembly leaveth the ſaid Inhabitants unto their liberty to join themſelves either to the Church of Saujon or Royan, as beſt liketh them, only adviſeth them to chooſe that which is neareſt the place of their abode. And this ſame order ſhall be of force with reſpect to the Village of Petit Pont, and la Maiſon des Hurtins near unto la Tremblade, p. 324that ſo the Decree of the Synod of Xaintonge may be confirmed and eſtabliſhed. And the Appeal of the Church of Aruert is hereby vacated.

30. The Appeal of the Sieur Maurice, Paſtor in the Church of Orange, complaining or his Provincial Synod for their over much Indulgence unto the Lady d' Aramond is rejected; It being a known caſe that that ſame Synod could finally determine in ſuch affairs.

See the Roll of Apoſtates in the Synod of Caſtres.31. The Church of Vertueil and Villefaignon appealed from a Decree of the the Synod of Xaintonge, which adjudged Monſieur Perier to be Miniſter in the Church of Pons for one year, with purpoſe, as the Deputies of the Province declared, to have continued him there during life, if ſo be thoſe of Pons ſhould approve of it, who alſo did moſt importunately demand it from this Aſſembly. Upon hearing of all the parties concerned, this Synod ordaineth that the ſaid Monſieur Perier ſhall be the proper and ordinary Paſtor of the Church of Pons, but with this condition, that the ſaid Church do pay unto the Church of Vertueil and her annexed Congregations three hundred Livers, disburſed by them for his maintenance at the Univerſity; and thoſe annexed Congregations ſhall remain united and conjoined as formerly unto the Church of Vertueil: And the Sieur Gomard Paſtor of the ſaid Church of Vertueil, ſhall do the ſame work at Villefaignon as the ſaid Perier had done before him, to whom alſo the ſaid Churches ſhall pay the remaining dues of his Sallary.

32. The Appeal of Monſieur Voyſin from the Colloquy of Lauragais concerning the maintenance of his Uncles Widdow, Madam Voyſin, by the Church of Puylaurens, is remanded back unto the Province, to paſs a final Judgment on it.

33. The Appeal of Samuel Gautier Lord of Aulnes from the Provincial Synod of Normandy was rejected.

34. The Appeal of the Church of Pamiers from the Decree of the Synod of Higher Guyenne, importing that the ſaid Church ſhould pay yearly the ſumm of five and forty Livers unto the poor neceſſitous family of their late deceaſed …aſtor Monſieur Fraugier, was read. Whereupon this Aſſembly, having heard on the one ſide Monſieur Nouellhan pleading for that Church, and the Deputies of the Province on the other ſide againſt them, declared the Appeal Null, but withal ordered that the Province was bound in Prudence and Charity to take ſome courſe for their preſent relief, and future ſubſiſtence, either at the ſole charges of that Church, or in caſe of their inability, by the help and aſſiſtance of the Province; which alſo is adviſed to conſult whether it would not be more expedient to continue the Penſion as it is now ſtated, or to pay in at once or twice a good round ſumm as a ſettled ſtock for the diſcharge of that Penſion.

35. Monſieur Welſh a Scotchman Miniſter in the Province of Xaintonge Appealed from the ſaid Province; becauſe that in its laſt Synod held at Rochel, they had adjudged his Miniſtry unto the Church of Jonzac until ſuch time as God ſhould recall him back into Scotland; Which was a grievance to him. This Aſſembly having read his Letter, and the reaſons urged for him, and for the Province againſt him, approveth the Judgment of the Province, and Decrees that he ſhall ſerve in the ſaid Church: However for the Conſolation of the ſaid Mr. Welſh it injoins the next Colloquy to the Claſſis of Jonzac, or the Synod, to deliberate what will be beſt expedient both for him and the Church; and in caſe he be not inclined to ſerve the ſaid Church of Jonzac, another Church ſhall be provided for him within the Province, ſuch an one as may be moſt meet for him, excepting that of Pons, to which he was once preſented by this Aſſembly. And further he is commanded both in Preaching and in the exerciſe of Diſcipline to conform unto that order and manner uſed and accuſtomed in the Churches of this Kingdom.

p. 32536. The Church of Foix and Taraſcon complained in their Appeal of the Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne for entring into the common charges a part of two Supernumerary Portions, which had been granted them by the laſt National Synod. Upon which it was anſwered that the ſaid Church had done well in appealing, and that it was unjuſtly Decreed by the ſaid Synod; which is now injoined by the authority of this Aſſembly to make reſtitution of what they had taken from thoſe two aforeſaid Portions unto the ſaid Church.

37. The Sieur de Beauvoyſin Appealed from the judgment of the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc, becauſe of the differences fallen out betwixt him and Monſieur Eſaiah Ferrier Paſtor in the ſaid Province▪ Upon hearing the ſtate of that whole affair at large, and the method uſed by the Province, which never refuſed to accommodate it, but only delayed it, becauſe of the abſence of one of the Parties, cauſed by the proceedings of the other; This Aſſembly judged the Appeal of the ſaid Beauvoyſin to be ill laid, and therefore remands the whole proceſs back again unto the Province; and injoineth both Parties perſonally to appear at their next Synod, and that Provincial Synod to work out between them a good reconcilement. Upon which the Memoirs brought by the Lord of Puymichel Deputy for Provence were reſtored to him, that he might put them into the hands of the ſaid Sieur de Beauvoyſin.

38. The Colloquy of the Iſles in Xaintonge Appealed from the Decree of the Provincial Synod, which had rebuked the ſaid Colloquy for over-rigorous cenſuring the Miniſter of the Church in St. Juſt, becauſe of his non-appearance at their Meeting in Soubize, and of the Sieur Petit Deputy from the Synod for publiſhing that aforeſaid Decree in the ſaid Church. This Aſſembly having heard Monſieur Merlin ſpeak in behalf of the Synod, and Monſieur Bonnet for the Colloquy, judged that the Church of Soubize failed in their Letter of Summons, inſerting a clauſe that the Colloquy had exceeded their power by an over-rigorous cenſure inflicted on the ſaid Church and Miniſter; and it approveth the Decree of the Synod againſt the ſaid Colloquy: But for as much as publication hath not been made of it, we do ordain that it ſhall be forborn: only Monſieur Petit ſhall read in the Conſiſtory of the Church of St. Juſt this preſent Article, that ſo the honour of the ſaid Miniſter maybe repaired.

39. Bertrand Faugier formerly Miniſter of the Church of Viners in Dolphiny appealed from the Decree of the Synod of that Province, whereby he was Depoſed from the Sacred Miniſtry; but his Appeal was declared null and void, for non-appearance in perſon at this Aſſembly.

40. The Appeal of the Church of Lamure in Dolphiny from a Decree of their Provincial Synod being only about Money matters ſhall according to the Canon made at Rochel be determined by the next adjoining Province.

CHAP. VI. Of General Matters.

1. NO Church ſhall ſeek a Miniſter for it ſelf out of the Province, unleſs it have firſt conſulted with the Colloquies or Synod of the Province.

2. The Provinces ſhall be admoniſhed carefully to obſerve the tenth Article of the eighth Chapter of our diſcipline, wherein are declared the proper cauſes which may be brought by Appeals unto our National Synods, and if any ſhall hereafter bring thoſe matters before us, which are determinable in Provincial Synods, they ſhall not be heard. And Provincial Synods p. 326ſhall give notice hereof unto ſuch perſons as Appeal without juſt cauſe.

3. The Deputies of thoſe Provinces, in which are erected the Mixt Courts conſiſting of half Proteſtants and half Papiſts, are ordered in the name of this Aſſembly to wait upon the Lords Preſidents, and Counſellors of thoſe Mixed Courts profeſſing the Reformed Religion, and to exhort them to perſevere in their zeal and good affection to the general welfare of the Churches, and of their poor oppreſſed Members, who have recourſe to them for juſtice againſt their oppreſſors, and Letters ſhall be written to them to this purpoſe.

4. The Conſiſtory of Nerac ſhall in the Name of this Aſſembly exhort the Lords Preſidents and Counſellors profeſſing the Reformed Religion in the mixt-Court of Guyenne to take ſpecial care that nothing do paſs in their Court to the prejudice of the Edicts and Articles granted to the Profeſſors of our Religion, and that private perſons may not be unjuſtly oppreſſed. And in caſe of their neglect, and connivency at ſuch injuſtice, the Conſiſtory of the ſaid Church ſhall proceed againſt them by all Church Cenſures.

5. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved this Queſtion; what courſe ſhould be taken with thoſe perſons againſt whom the Conſiſtories having proceeded by Church Cenſures for their delinquencies, according to the Diſcipline, were yet abetted by their Friends and Kinred, who combining together with them againſt the Conſiſtories, do forbear hearing of Sermons, neglect Sacraments, and refuſe their ordinary contributions towards the maintenance of the Miniſtry. It was decreed, that they be proſecuted both abettors and abetted with all Church-Cenſures; and Colloquies, and Provincial Synods ordered are to take ſpecial care that theſe Cenſures be duly executed.

6. The Deputies of the Iſle of France and Picardy propounding it, the Provinces are charged to proceed againſt ſuch as do by underhand dealings canvaſs for deputations unto Politcal Aſſemblies, by all Church Cenſures. And they who Repreſent the Provinces ſhall make oath that they never obtained to be Deputies by any of thoſe unfair practices, and in all Elections of members unto ſuch Aſſemblies in whatſoever place, Burrough, City, or Province, that they neither have nor ſhall in any wiſe give their Votes for them who by ſuch undue courſes have demanded, Craftily contrived, or Ambitiouſly affected, and ſought after thoſe Deputations, nor have they, nor will they ſeek or demand the ſame for themſelves by ſuch or the like ways and means. And in caſe his Majeſty out of his Royal Bounty ſhould defray their charges at thoſe General Aſſemblies; It is ordained, that the Moneys, ſo given by him, ſhall be received by the Treaſurer of the Churches, for their benefit; and the Churches ſhall pay the reſpective Deputies all the expences of their Journy.

Profeſſors are exempted from all Deputations unto Political Aſſemblies.7. the Provinces are injoyned never to depute unto our General National Aſſemblies, whether Political or Eccleſiaſtical, the Profeſſors of Theology, nor ſhall they be imployed in any Deputations unto Court: And whether they ſhall be ſent or not unto our National Synods, it's left wholly to the prudence of the Provinces.

8. Theophilus Bleuitt, otherwiſe called, de la Combe having been depoſed from the Miniſtry by the Province of Anjou, and his depoſition ratified by an act of the laſt National Synod held at Rochel, preſented himſelf unto this Aſſembly craving the favour of re-admiſſion into the Miniſtry. The Aſſembly having heard the cauſes for which he was depoſed, and thoſe enormous Crimes whereof he ſtood convicted, declareth him utterly unworthy of that Sacred Office; yea, that he ſhall not be ſo much as ſuffered to teach School in any of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom, and forbids him for the future ever to put his foot within any of our Synodical Aſſemblies more.

9. The Deputies of the Iſle of France moving it, this Aſſembly decreed, that in thoſe Provinces where that Cuſtom was eſtabliſhed, of bringing the p. 327fifth Penny of all Charities to the Colloquies or Provincial Synods, to be employed in the maintenance of our Propoſans, ſhall continue it as long as they ſee it expedient: And in caſe any Churches of the Provinces ſhould oppoſe themſelves againſt it, they be enjoyned to conform unto the practice of the major party, on pain of being deprived of the Miniſtry. In conſequence hereof, the Deputy of Burgundy complaining of the great inconveniencies befallen them by the Exemption of the Church of Lion from this Ordinance, it was again decreed, that the ſaid Church ſhould be ſubjected to it, as well as the other Churches of that Province.

10. It's left to the prudence of Conſiſtories to judge what Poor are fit to be relieved by every particular Church, and who are to be ſent back unto the places of their Nativity, or of their former Reſidence: And herein to carry it with all Charity both towards the Poor, and thoſe Churches whereunto they do return them.

An Order for maimed Souldiers bearing the Croſs on their Cloaks.11. The Deputies of the Lower Guyenne moving it, this Aſſembly reſolved, That Proteſtant Souldiers, to receive the Relief granted by His Majeſty unto thoſe who had been maimed in His Service, might wear the Croſs on their Cloaks, not as a Badge of Superſtition, but as the Mark and Cogniſance of their Afflicted Condition, and they ſhould not therefore be excluded Communion at the Lord's Table: But withall, they be adviſed to take ſpecial care that in Church-Meetings they do avoid all occaſions of giving offence unto the weak Members.

Advice for Paſtors about Atteſtations to be granted unto Officers in Garriſons or Courts of the Edict.12. Miniſters in giving their Atteſtations unto them who would be provided of Offices, as Governours, and Lieutenants of places in our Cautionary Towns, (the places of Surety granted us by the King) or of Offices in the Courts of the Edict, ſhall be exceeding careful that the 23th Article of General Matters in the National Synod of Rochel, be fully obſerved, and thoſe who do act otherwiſe ſhall be ſuſpended from their Miniſtry for one whole year.

13. Divers Provinces complaining of the general contempt of the bleſſed Goſpel of our Lord Jeſus, of the Blaſphemies, Debauches, and Prophaneneſs univerſally abounding among us, of the woful decays of Faith and Charity, threatning us with a deluge of Divine Wrath ready to break in upon us for the ungodlineſs and unrighteouſneſs of men, and that therefore it's moſt needful to appoint a day of ſolemn publick Prayer and Faſting to be kept in all the Churches of this Kingdom, for their extraordinary humiliation before God, and the averting of his Judgments from us. This Aſſembly ordaineth, that it ſhall be celebrated in all our Churches the firſt Tueſday of November next enſuing, which will be the fifth day of the ſame month.

14. That hereafter there may be a General Uniformity in the Churches of this Kingdom in the Adminiſtration of the Lord's Supper, and all ſcruples by reaſon of difference and ſingularity ariſing in weak, but honeſt hearts, uncapable of diſtinguiſhing between the Subſtance and Circumſtance of the Sacred Action may be prevented; all Paſtors are enjoyned to abſtain from any new or private Methods of their own, as of reading the words of Inſtitution between the ordinary long Prayer, and that appointed particularly for this Sacrament, which ought indeed to be read after, nor ſhall they, whilſt reading the words of Inſtitution, uncover the Bread and Wine, nor ſhall they bring the people up in ranks unto the Table, there to ſit or ſtand, whereas they ſhould cauſe the faithful to paſs one after another up unto it; nor ſhall the Exhortations or Thanſgivings be made till that the Elements have been diſtributed among the Communicants of every Table; nor ſhall the Cup be given by the faithful one unto another, it being contrary to the expreſs Letter of a Canon of our Diſcipline, which ordaineth Paſtors, if poſſible, or if they cannot, the Elders to aſſiſt the Paſtor tired by the multitude of Communicants in populous Churches, to deliver it. And Colloquies p. 328and Synods ſhall have their Eyes over thoſe who act contrary to this Order, and reduce them to their duty by all befitting Cenſures.

15. Colloquies and Synods ſhall uſe their beſt diſcretion in the exerciſe of Diſcipline upon thoſe perſons, who, that they may inflame our Churches, raiſe and foment Diviſions in them, do get into Offices of Judicature, do plead for thoſe Incendiaries, and procure them Monopolies and ſecret Subſcriptions under Hand and Seal.

16. The province of the Iſle of France demanding that the poorer Churches might be relieved out of our common Stock: The inconveniencies having been well conſidered in caſe a General Order about this matter ſhould be enacted; This Aſſembly doth, as that of Rochel did before it, leave it wholly to the prudence and charity of the ſeveral Provinces, to ſee that what is done herein do make for Edification.

17. The Deputies of Xaintonge propounding this Queſtion, Whether a Baptiſm adminiſtred by a depoſed Miniſter at the requeſt, and in the preſence of the whole Church, were valid? This Synod judgeth, that in caſe the depoſed Miniſter had preſented his Appeal unto a National Synod, the Baptiſm were valid, and ought not to be reiterated. But nevertheleſs, if any ſuch Depoſed Miniſter ſhall hereafter preſume to Adminiſter any publick Ordinances, he ſhall be denounced Excommunicate immediately.

18. The Deputies of Poictou demanding how they ſhould act where the Banes of Marriage were forbidden before the laſt time of Publiſhing. This Aſſembly judged, that in caſe the oppoſition were made without Authority from the Civil Magiſtrates, the Conſiſtories might continue their Publication, but otherwiſe not, unleſs the Magiſtrate ſhould only forbid the Celebration of that Marriage, and not the Publiſhing of the Banes.

19. The Deputies of Xaintonge informed this Aſſembly that the Printer of Rochel deſigned with our approbation a new Impreſſion of the Bible in a Leſſer Volume, more Commodious, and that might be eaſily carried any where in the pocket; and foraſmuch as divers Godly perſons deſired there might be an Index added to it of thoſe Texts, which were moſt proper and pertinent for confirming the Truth, and confuting Error: This Synod approved the undertaking becauſe of its ſingular uſefulneſs, and intreated Monſieur Merlin to ſee it accompliſhed: which alſo he promiſed to perform.

20. The Deputies of Poictou craved remedy againſt that evil cuſtom in divers Churches, of ſending their Paſtors without Elders unto Colloquies and Provincial Synods. This Aſſembly replied that no general Order could be well decreed in this Caſe, and therefore left the whole unto the prudence of the provinces.

A Miniſter may not preſs any to diſcover a ſecret Crime unto the Civil Magiſtrate.21. A Caſe was propoſed, How a Miniſter might govern himſelf when injoyned by the Magiſtrate to preſs thoſe who were privy to any notorious Crime to reveal it. It was anſwered, that he was under no obligation of obedience unto ſuch commands, no more than he was to diſcover the ſecret paſſages and tranſactions of the Conſiſtory. Wherefore all Paſtors are admoniſhed to take no notice of any ſuch injunctions, and the Churches are ordered to ſtand by them in caſe, for this their refuſal, their Miniſters ſhould be proſecuted by the Superiour Civil Powers.

22. The Province of Anjou made this Propoſal, that it were expedient the Provinces ſhould nominate ſome worthy Miniſters particularly to Study controverſies, and in every Province ſome one to be moſt prepared for the defence of one particular Truth oppoſed by our Adverſaries. The Aſſembly approved and embraced the motion, and divided the controverſies among the Provinces in this enſuing Order. To wit.

1. To Poictou, de verbo Dei Scripto & non Scripto.

2. To Anjou, de Chriſto, & Pontifice, & Antichriſto.

3. To Xaintonge, de Eccleſiâ & Conciliis.

p. 3294. To Orleans and Berry, de Miniſtrorum vocatione, gradibus, & poteſtate Clavium.

5. To the Iſle of France, de Monachis, Clericis & Laiciss.

6. To Provence, de Limbo Patrum, Infantium, & Purgatorio,

7. To Normandy, de ſanctorum beatitudine, Invocatione, reliquis, Angelorum Hierarchiis, cultu & Miniſterio.

8. To the Higher Languedoc, de Sacramentis in genere, & de veris in ſpecie.

9. To the Lower Guyenne, de ſacrificio, & Miſſâ Ponciſl…i…

10. To Burgundy, De quinque falſis Sacramentis Pontificiorum, ubi & de Indulgentiis & Jubileo.

11. To the Lower Languedoc de Statu primi hominis, peceato, & cauſâ peccati.

12. To Brittany, de precato Originali, Lege & Legis impletione.

13. To Vivaretz, de libero arbitrio & praedeſtinatione.

14. To Dolphiny, de juſtificatione, bonis operibios, & meri…o in genere & in ſpecie.

And the Provinces ſhall chuſe Perſons meet and fit for this work, and ſhall enjoyn them to be ready upon all occaſions, as oft as neceſſity requites them, either to defend the Truth, or refute the Adverſary.

23. Neither Colloquies nor Synods ſhall be Aſſembled in any other form than that preſcribed by the Diſcipline, whatever Authority may be pretended for it. Nor ſhall any Single Miniſter give of his own head an Atteſtation upon any ground or occaſion whatſoever, to ſuch who not profeſſing our Religion, may demand it of him, without Warrant firſt had from his Colloquy or Synod for ſo doing, on pain of being Suſpended from the Miniſtry of the Word and Sacraments.

CHAP. VII. Concerning Ʋniverſities and Colledges.

WHereas the Deputies of the Church of Montauban were ordered by the laſt National Synod held at Rochel, to bring in a faithful Account of the Moneys aſſigned to their Univerſity, and have given no Satisfaction unto this Aſſembly about this matter, there appearing divers defects in their ſaid Accounts: This Aſſembly doth therefore turn them over to the Synod of Higher Languedoc, before which they ſhall produce the Evidences and Acquittances of thoſe their Accounts; and having audited and cleared them from all defaults, they ſhall make report thereof unto the next National Synod. And farther, this Aſſembly declareth, That it is not our Intention that the Wages of Regents in the ſeveral Claſſes, ſhould be put into thoſe Accounts, but only thoſe of the Profeſſors in Divinity, and of the Hebrew and Greek Tongues, and the two Profeſſors of Philoſophy. And the Commiſſioners, who ſhall be appointed to audit the ſaid Accounts, are to remember, that they allow of no Wages, but only to them who are in actual ſervice, and not to any vacant Profeſſorſhip. Moreover, they ſhall over-ſee the extraordinary Counſels of the Univerſity, and give their Judgment whether matters have been well or ill managed, and the ſaid Univerſity Counſel ſhall be only compoſed of Paſtors and Elders named by the Provincial Synod. Finally, we do not judge it reaſonable, that the aforeſaid Deputies of Montauban ſhould lay claim to any Moneys from the Province, or Univerſity, to defray their Charges hither; nor ſhall the ſaid Province be obliged to allow them one Farthing.

2. A Cenſure was paſt upon the Univerſities of Niſmes and Montpellier, p. 330for not having brought in their Accounts,1609. The 19th Synod. (as they were ordered by the laſt National Aſſembly held at Rochel,) neither to this Aſſembly, nor to their own Provincial Synod, and the Province was alſo cenſured for not calling them to account; and therefore they be enjoyned to carry their Accounts unto the Conſiſtory of the Church of Lyons, unto which there ſhall be called two of the Neighbour Paſtors within one month after the Meeting of their Provincial Synod. And the ſame difficulties being found in the Accounts of the Univerſity of Sedan, it is alſo charged to bring them in in good form, and make report of them unto the next National Synod: And whereas there is in that Univerſity a Profeſſor of the Laws, which is not inſtituted in any of our Univerſities by the Authority of our National Synods, we give them to underſtand that no Salary, tho' allowed by them unto him, ſhall be compriſed or approved in the ſaid Accounts.

3. The Debate about the Government of our Univerſities having been diſmiſſed over to this National Aſſembly by that laſt held at Rochel, a Decree now paſſed, that inaſmuch as their number could not be diminiſhed at preſent, without many inconveniencies, thoſe which were erected by the Synod of Rochel ſhall be continued, to wit, Montauban, Saumur, Niſmes, Montpellier and Sedan; only the number of their Profeſſors ſhall be thus ſtated and fixed, at Montauban two Profeſſors in Divinity, whereof one being a Paſtor, ſhall receive for his Salary but three hundred and fifty Livers, and the other ſeven hundred. One Profeſſor of Hebrew, who being a Paſtor, ſhall receive but two hundred Livers, being half-wages for his profeſſing the Hebrew Language. One Profeſſor in Greek, who ſhall have four hundred Livers, and two Profeſſors of Philoſophy, who ſhall have four hundred Livers a-piece. And in caſe the ſaid Univerſity ſhall in a ſhort time be ſupplied with Profeſſors wholly Academical, and not having any other Employment, to whom compleat Wages muſt be given, then the over-plus wanting to them ſhall be paid them by the next National in Synod, if the ſaid Univerſity be not by their Accounts indebted to us; which …aid Accounts ſhall be ſtated from their firſt Inſtitution, according to the number and quality of their Profeſſors in actual ſervice. And in caſe the City of Montauban ſhould refuſe to maintain that Colledge compoſed of a Principal and ſeven Regents, who are now in it, we do declare unto them that their Priviledge of being an Univerſity, ſhall be devolved from them upon the Town of Bergerac, which offers a far greater Maintenance.

4. The Univerſities of Niſmes and Montpellier ſhall receive two thouſand five hundred Livers, equally to be divided between them both, that ſo a Profeſſor of Divinity, and another of the Hebrew and Greek Tongues may be maintained in each of them, and that the other incidental neceſſary Charges of the ſaid Univerſities may be defrayed.

5. Five hundred Livers ſhall be given unto Sedan for the Maintenance of one Profeſſor in Divinity, one of the Hebrew, and another of the Greek Tongue. There ſhall be maintained at Saumur as many Profeſſors as at Montauban, and their little Colledge alſo conſiſting of five Regents. And for their Maintenance, according to the draught already brought in, there is granted them the ſum of four thouſand one hundred and ninety Livers. All which ſums are beſtowed upon the ſaid Univerſities free from the defalkation of a Sous upon the Livers, which the Lord du Candal hath liberally and generouſly quitted to them in this Aſſembly. And all theſe Orders are only eſtabliſhed for the preſent, and to be in force no longer than till the meeting of the next National Synod; whereunto the Provinces are exhorted to come prepared with their beſt digeſted thoughts about this important buſineſs.

Thoſe of the Town of Bergerac, aſſiſted by the Deputies of their Province, reported unto this Aſſembly, that they had raiſed a Stock of Moneys ſufficient p. 331to maintain an Academy for the Education of our Youth, and to detain them from going to the Colledges of the Jeſuites. This Synod highly applauded their zeal and forwardneſs, and grants the Priviledges of a Colledge unto that already founded by their Collections and good Husbandry. But becauſe of the general complaint of the Provinces, that we have too great a number of Univerſities, we cannot permit the Erection of any new ones, beſides the Colledge of Bergerac, according to the deſcription given us of it, will render thoſe inexcuſable, who ſend their Children unto the Jeſuites becauſe, it is as well ſupplied and furniſhed with Regents to inſtruct our Youth in Grammar-Learning and Philoſophy, as the beſt of our Adverſaries.

7. The Province of Dolphiny is exhorted to reſt contented with their own proper ſtock, for the ſame reaſons as were alledged in the caſe of Bergerac, only one hundred Crowns are allotted to them as to thoſe Provinces which have no Univerſities.

8. My Lord the Duke of Sully acquainting this Aſſembly with his deſign of ſetling a Colledge, for the benefit of the Churches of this Kingdom in the Town of Gergeau, untill ſuch time as that of Boisbelle built by him be compleatly finiſhed. The Synod applauding his noble pious deſign, conſents that there ſhall be ſetled upon this Foundation five hundred Crowns yearly, to be taken out of the Moneys granted us by his Majeſties liberality, on this condition, that the ſaid Colledge be governed by the ſame Laws and Orders with the others formerly erected in this Kingdom.

9. Although the Univerſities of Montauban, Niſmes, Montpellier and Sedan have not done their duties about their Accompts as they were charged by the laſt National Synod; yet for ſome certain conſiderations this Aſſembly ſuffers them to receive from the Treaſurer General, the Moneys ordered them by the ſaid Synod, but on this condition, that if they do not bring in an exact Accompt unto the places appointed, they ſhall forfeit their priviledges of being Univerſities.

10. We leave it to the Prudence of Academical Counſels to determine at what times our young Students having perfected their Courſe of Philoſophy, may be admitted to make their Propoſition, without tying them up to a fixt and limited term, becauſe of the vaſt difference between the parts of ſome, and the great and apparent progreſs of others in humane learning: And they may judge alſo whether it be convenient, that the cenſures paſt upon our Scholars, ſhould be done in their preſence, or in their abſence only and to be reported to the Propoſan by the Moderator.

11. The Univerſities and Colledges are injoined ſtrictly to examine our Students in Philoſophy, as ſoon as they have finiſhed their courſe of two years, and all Rectors and Profeſſors are forbidden to create them Maſters of Arts, unleſs they be found capable; and this ſelf ſame order ſhall oblige Profeſſors of Divinity for their Schollars, that they do not make them Licentiates in Divinity but upon the very ſelf ſame terms.

12. Thoſe Provinces which had an hundred Crowns a-peice granted them by the laſt National Synod of Rochel for the erecting of Schools, and have not produced their Regents Acquittances in this Synod, are charged to bring them unto the next, on pain of loſing their Priviledges.

13. The Province of Anjou tendering by Monſieur Bouchereau one of their Deputies, the Accompts of Moneys ordained for the maintenance of the Univerſity of Saumur: This Aſſembly having audited them, decreed that the five hundred Livers expended in building of Galleries for conveniency of the Profeſſors and Scholars in their Temple, ſhall be born by all the Churches of this Kingdom, becauſe of the poverty of that Church, and their faithful and prudent management of the ſaid Moneys received by them. And upon a full view of their Accompts, it appeared, that the Officers, Regents, p. 332and ſeveral Profeſſors of that Univerſity had been paid their Stipends to the firſt day of April paſt, and that the Sieurs de Trochorege Profeſſor of Divinity, Birgam Profeſſor of the Hebrew, and des Rochers Principal of the Colledge were paid theirs before hand by way of advance unto the firſt day of July next coming. And all this being deducted from the Accompt aforeſaid, Maſter Philip Pineau Receiver of the ſaid Moneys, ſtands indebted to the ſaid Univerſity in the ſumm of one thouſand two hundred, thirty nine Livers, nine Sous, and two deniers, which ſhall be imployed for the maintenance of the ſaid Univerſity, in ſuch manner as ſhall be hereafter ordained. And the evidences of the ſaid Accompts ſhall be kept by the Province of Anjou, but the Originals ſhall be tranſmitted to the Archives of the Church and Conſiſtory of Rochel.

CHAP. VIII. Of Particular Matters.

1. THE Sieurs Cerizier an Elder, Guerin and the Senior du Mouſtier Deputies from the Church of Loudun, petitioned that two Miniſters might be given them for Paſtors out of the Synod of Poictou. This Aſſembly not approving their ſearchings abroad in ſeveral Synods, eſpecially in that of Poictou, for ſupplies, hath ſent them back to their own Province, to be provided there according to the Diſcipline. And it being told them, that Monſieur Fleury was at liberty to quit his Church in their Province, they demanding him, he was accordingly given them for their Paſtor.

2. The difference between Monſieur Conſtantin and the Province of Xaintonge about Moneys claimed by him from them, is diſmiſſed over to the Synod of Poictou, to be finally determined by them.

3. The Church of Orleans requeſting a ſupply of Moneys to the defraying of thoſe extraordinary Charges they have been at, by reaſon of their diviſions. This Aſſembly turned them over to their own Province, who ſhould provide for them out of the common Stock diſtributed among them.

4. The Province of Upper Guyenne ſhall judge whether the Sieur Girard may Preach in the Church of Mauvoiſin, he being imployed by its Paſtor, without breaking of their Peace: And in caſe it may be done, the Prohibition paſt againſt him in the Synod of Gergeau, ſhall be taken off the File.

5. Mr. Caſtelfranc and Benoiſt, Paſtors, and Mr. Barjac an Elder, are ordered by this Aſſembly to acquaint the Lords Preſident, Judges and Counſellors of the Court of Caſtres, from their perſonal knowledge of what paſt in the Synod of Gergeau, that Monſieur Ferrier, Miniſter in the Church of Niſmes, did neither by word or deed in the leaſt derogate from their true and due honour; and to confirm this their Meſſage, Letters ſhall be written in the name of this Aſſembly unto the ſaid Lords.

6. The Accuſation of Aſcanius Allion againſt Monſieur Cante, is again remanded back unto the Province of Dolphiny, to conſider of it, and what is to be done in it, after their having heard the new matters of fact, which the ſaid Aſcanius pretends to bring in as Evidence againſt him: And this Aſſembly orders Monſieur Videl to give him twelve Crowns out of the Moneys collected for the Poor of the Valleys, and ſix Crowns more to be given by him unto Joſhua Faravel of the Marquiſate of Saluces.

7. Mr. Roy, formerly an Elder in the Church of Xaintes, renewed again his complaint, for that the Order of the laſt National Synod about changing the Elderſhip in the ſaid Church, hath been only in part, and not totally and entirely obſerved; nor was that Reparation given his Wifes honour, (who had been affronted, when as God-mother ſhe preſented a Child p. 333to Baptiſm,) as was ordained by the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge. This Aſſembly judgeth, that for the firſt of theſe the Conſiſtory of the ſaid Church is juſtly conſurable, having but in part performed what was enjoyned them, and they be once again commanded to fulfil the whole Article; and in caſe of their not doing it, the Synod is charged to proceed againſt the ſaid Conſiſtory by all Church Cenſures. And for the ſecond point complained of by him, this Aſſembly, by and with Conſent of the Deputies of that Province, and of the ſaid du Roy, doth ſend it back unto the Synod, or to the Delegates of the Colloquies of Xaintonge, who ſhall by Authority from us judge finally of it.

8. The Sieur Rochers, at preſent Miniſter of the Church de la Cheſe in Poictou, repreſenting his very great wants, and complaining both of the Church of Gardonne, and the other Congregations in Perigord annexed to it, for being indebted to him all the Moneys granted us by His Majeſties Liberality, for part of which he gave an Acquittance the ſame day that he had his Licence of departure by the Colloquy of Perigord, and yet that very part is detained from him by the Province of Lower Guyenne. This Aſſembly having heard the Deputies of that Province, and the Sieur Charron offering ſatisfaction ſhould be given him by thoſe particular perſons who were behind-hand in Arrearages to him, or elſe in preſent ready Money, or in that which was equivalent; it did adviſe him to accept of the offers made him, and by way of advantage, the Lord du Candal was ordered to pay him an hundred Livers, which ſhall be abated in Account from the Province of Lower Guyenne, and ſhall be deducted by the ſaid Sieur Rochers, if ſo be that the Province of Xaintonge, unto which he is diſmiſſed, do find that there be two years of the King's Bounty owing to him. And whereas the Church of Saueilles is alſo indebted to him, the Province of Poictou is ordered to examine the matter, and to ſee that he be fully ſatisfied.

9. The Church of Marennes petitioning that the Sieur Richer the younger, who was now freed from that Church wherein he Miniſtred in the Province of Champagne and Brie, might be preſented to them for their Paſtor: This Aſſembly grants that the ſaid Richer may preach among them until ſuch time as Monſieur de Chaboſſelay their Paſtor ſhall return unto them: And the Colloquy of the Iſles ſhall judge of what may be beſt expedient for the ſaid Church, and whether the ſaid Richer may be confirmed in it; and in caſe he be not employed there, he ſhall be at full liberty to diſpoſe of himſelf elſewhere.

10. The Church of Paris petitioning by the Sieurs Durand and du Pradel, that Monſieur Ferrier might be either ſent, or abſolutely given them for their Paſtor: This Aſſembly weighing the reaſons urged by the Church of Paris for it, and thoſe of the Deputies of Niſmes and Languedoc againſt it, Judgeth that they cannot equitably diſpoſe of the Miniſtry of the ſaid Ferrier: Yet on the other hand conſidering the great importance and needs of the Church of Paris, it intreats the Church of Niſmes to lend their ſaid Miniſter Monſieur Ferrier for one year, or to reſign him up wholly to them for life, when as they ſhall be particularly requeſted to it by the Church of Paris.

An Order concerning Miniſters born in Geneva, but ſettled in the Churches of France, that neither the Lords nor Miniſters of that City can pretend any right unto them.11. The Lords and Paſtors of the City and Church of Geneva ſent their Letters unto this Aſſembly, demanding that the Sieurs Chauve and le Faucheur. whom they claimed as their own, might be returned to them, to exerciſe their Miniſtry among them. After hearing the Provincial Deputies of the Lower Languedoc and Vivaretz, and underſtanding they had none other Title to them, than that of their Birth, which alſo the Churches of France hath unto divers Paſtors, that have, and now do actually ſerve the Church of Geneva; This Aſſembly judged, that their right unto them was not conſiderable, and therefore intreats the Lords and Miniſters of the City p. 334of Geneva, that they would not for the future lay any claim, or pretend any right unto them, they being lawfully eſtabliſhed Paſtors in this Kingdom, according to the Diſcipline of our Churches, by which the Paſtors are fixed and appropriated unto their Flocks immediately upon their Ordination. All which ſhall be notified unto the Seignory and Miniſtry of the ſaid Church and City of Geneva.

12. The Church of Chaſtelheraut petitioned this Aſſembly to provide them a worthy Paſtor, they being utterly unable to procure one: It was ordered that they be aſſiſted for ſix months by the Neighbour Miniſters, and by the Colloquy of Higher Poictou, and particularly by Monſieur Clemenceau Paſtor of the Church of Poictiers for the firſt month, beginning with the firſt of July, and the ſecond by Monſieur Moneſtier Paſtor of the Church of Saujon, by Monſieur Forent Paſtor of Chauvigny the third, by Monſieur Meſtayer Paſtor of Luſignan the fourth, by Monſieur Cuville Paſtor of Couche the fifth, and by Monſieur Favre Paſtor of Vigean the ſixth.

13. Remonſtrances were made on the one hand by the Churches of Maringues and Paillac, and on the other by the Church of Iſſoire, this laſt complaining that whereas two portions of four had been formerly aſſigned to them, now in the laſt National Synod they were taken from them, without their knowledge or ever being heard ſpeak for themſelves, and given unto thoſe of Maringues and Paillac, as alſo that they could never get a Miniſter, ſetled among them by the Synod of Lower Languedoc, but only the lone of one, and him too at exceſſive Rates and Charges. After hearing the Deputies of Lower Languedoc, the Aſſembly ordained, that for time to come the Churches of Maringues and Paillac ſhould be joyned to the Province of Burgundy, and in the diſtribution of its moneys four portions ſhall be aſſigned unto the ſaid Churches according to the decree of the National Synod of Rochel. And as for the Church of Iſſoire it ſhall remain incorporated with the Province of Lower Languedoc untill the next National Synod: In which three portions of the Kings Moneys ſhall be allotted to it. And the two Provinces into which the ſaid Churches are diſmiſſed, ſhall provide Paſtors for them as ſoon as poſſibly they can.

14. The affair of the Sieur Drouet Paſtor in the Church of Pont le Eveſque in Normandy is remitted over to the ſame Province, he having produced no Appeal from it.

15. The Petition of the Inhabitants of Vertueil craving Relief from the Judgment given againſt them in this Aſſembly, for their conjunction with thoſe of Villefaignan, and equally to injoy the Miniſtry of Monſieur Comar, is turned over to the next meeting of the Colloquy of Augoumois, which is authorized by this Aſſembly, after hearing both parties, to determine finally of that affair.

16. The Sieur Salomon a Miniſter having been lent for two years unto the Church of St. Triers le Perche in Limoſin by the laſt National Synod, and being redemanded by the Church of Vanjaux in the Province of Berry, by whom he was maintained. This Aſſembly ordaineth that the ſaid Mr Salomon do return within three months unto his ſaid Church of Anjeau at the Charges of the Church of St. Triers, and the Provincial Synod of Guyenne ſhall provide a Paſtor for them as ſoon as poſſible they can.

17. A Petition was preſented by divers Gentlemen and others, Heads of Families, Members of the Church of Montagu, in conjunction with the Deputies of Poictou, Declaring that foraſmuch as they were well able without the Church of Vielle Vigne comfortably to maintain a Paſtor, they therefore craved that one might be conferred upon them, and that they might be reincorporated with the Province of Poictou. This Aſſembly ordaineth, that thoſe two Churches of Vielle Vigne and Montague, ſhall continue united together, and that the Paſtor ſhall alternatively exerciſe in both Churches his p. 335Miniſtry, and ſhall appear in perſon always at the Provincial Synods of Brittany; and both theſe Churches ſhall remain in this eſtate, till that by the common Conſent of them both, and of the two Provinces, it be otherwiſe altered and ordained by Authority of a National Synod.

18. Letters being writ from the Church of Minerbois meeting in the houſes of the Lords de Beaufort and de Paulignan, deſiring that they might by the authority of this Aſſembly be joyned unto the Province of Lower Languedoc, and that they might be aſſiſted with ſome Money from the General ſtock of the Churches, for the maintenance of that Miniſter, which ſhall be aſſigned them: The Synod having heard the Deputies of both the Provinces of Higher and Lower Languedoc, adjudgeth the ſaid Church unto the Higher Languedoc, and that Provincial Synod is injoyned to provide them of a Paſtor, and now from this very hour there ſhall be one portion given to it as to the other Churches of the ſaid Province, which ſhall, becauſe of the great number and advantages of its Churches, ſupply that of Minerbois out of its own Stock, that ſo an addition may be made unto the ſaid portion, and to what ſums may be collected in the ſaid Church to raiſe a competent ſubſiſtence for the Miniſter that ſhall be given them.

19. The Letters of Monſieur Aubriot, Paſtor of the Church of Maes Sainctes Puelles, were read, which related his great Poverty, and the lamentable neceſſities of his Church, and he craved two or three ſupernumerary portions for his Maintenance in the ſaid Church. This Aſſembly ordained, that the Province of Higher Languedoc ſhall add to the portion of the ſaid Aubriot two portions more to be taken out of the Stock of the ſaid Province, without drawing any augmentation to themſelves from the general Stock of the Churches; conſidering that they have two portions drawn forth under the names of two Paſtors and Profeſſors in the Univerſity of Montauban.

20. The Deputies of Provence propounding ſeveral matters not appertaining to this Synod, they were diſmiſſed over to the next Political Aſſembly.

21. The Deputies of Dolphiny complained that the Sieur Scoffier educated at their Charges in Geneva, was Ordained Paſtor to a Church in Berry, and craved that he might be again returned unto Dolphiny. This Affair was diſmiſſed over to the Provincial Synod of Burgundy, with full power of putting a final period to it, whether by making reſtitution of the Moneys disburſed on him, or by enjoyning the ſaid Scoffier to return unto the Province of Dolphiny.

23. The Provinces of Vivaretz and Dolphiny contending about the Church of Soyon, it is decreed that Monſieur Murac, Paſtor of the ſaid Church, ſhall ſubject himſelf as a Member of them to the Synods of Vivaretz, until the Church of Valence be provided of a more convenient Meeting-place within the Province of Dolphiny, whereunto the ſaid Murac ſhall be appropriated; and that portion given under his name ſhall continue ſettled on the Church of Soyon. But as long as the Paſtor above-mentioned ſhall actually ſerve the ſaid Church, the portion afore-ſaid ſhall be allotted to the eaſing and benefit of both Churches.

Concerning the Miniſters of Mantes and Fountainbleau. See Syn. Gap. p. m. 32.23. The Complaint of the Iſle of France being again renewed, for that the two Miniſters of the Church of Mantes and Fountainbleau by command from the Lord Duke of Sully, do receive five hundred Crowns out of the portions adjudged that Province. This Aſſembly ordains, that the ſaid Synod ſhall remonſtrate unto thoſe Miniſters once more their duty, and command them accordingly to perform it, otherwiſe they ſhall be proceeded againſt by all Cenſures. Yet nevertheleſs, for the ſupport of thoſe Churches, and of the Province alſo, over and above the two ordinary portions under the names of the aforeſaid Miniſters, and the five extraordinary granted by the National Synod of Rochel, there be two portions more by p. 336way of vantage decreed to be thrown into the Stock of the ſaid Province, which ſhall be paid them until the ſitting of the next National Synod.

24. Conſidering the deep Poverty, and great Burdens of the Church of Maringues, by reaſon of their former very grievous ſufferings, over and above the two portions aſſigned unto their Paſtors, a third extraordinary one is now alſo beſtowed upon them until the Meeting of the next National Synod.

25. The two portions formerly granted unto the Church of Aubenac, ſhall be continued to it, till the Sitting of the next National Synod.

26. Monſieur Poitey having gathered the Acts of our National Synods into one Volume,See Syn. Gap. p.m. 28. and tender'd it unto this Aſſembly, humbly craving leave that by our Authority the Copies thereof might be diſtributed, we approving the Zeal and good Affection of the ſaid Piotey, do not judge it expedient that any Copies thereof ſhould be imparted, becauſe of the ill conſequences that may happen hereon, and therefore adviſe him to reſt contented for the preſent, and to detain by him his worthy Labours for his own private uſe and benefit.

27. There being a difference between the Higher and Lower Languedoc about the Churches of Cormes and St. John du Brueil; order was given to thoſe of the Higher Languedoc, to demand their remaining Debt of the portions of thoſe two Churches from the Province of Lower Languedoc, which had received their Moneys; and in caſe they refuſe to give them ſatisfaction, than the Province of Vivaretz, by the Authority of this Synod, ſhall judge and determine finally of that Affair.

28. The Province of Higher Languedoc is exhorted to conſider the Expences that Monſieur Benoiſt, Paſtor of Montauban, has been at in his juſt defence againſt the unjuſt proceedings of his Adverſaries.

29. The ſame Monſieur Benoiſt preſented the Letters of Monſieur d'Iſlemade, which were recommended to the Lord of Mirande our General Deputy, as alſo the Affair of the Sieur Piloty, propounded by the Deputies of Lower Languedoc.

30. Whereas the Widdow of Monſieur Quinſon deceaſed, complaineth of the Colloquy of Gex, for not paying her the Arrears due unto her of her Annuity; this Complaint is diſmiſſed over to the Province of Burgundy, who ſhall by their Judicial Sentence put a full and final period to it.

31. The Church of Gien Situated upon the Loire being deſtitute of a Paſtor, and addreſſing themſelves unto this Aſſembly, petitioned by their Letters and by Monſieur Alix their Deputy, that by our Authority they might be provided. We Conſidering the neceſſities and importance of the ſaid Church, Monſieur Francis l' Oyſeau, now free of I ingagements, is granted to them for their ordinary Miniſter; who alſo accepted of the Charge, and was ſent unto that Church, who were required to take care for his Comfortable Subſiſtence, as being a moſt faithful and eminent Servant of Chriſt, and one that hath induſtriouſly and painfully diſcharged his Miniſtry in Sundry and divers places for many years together as appeareth by thoſe honourable Teſtimonials lying by him, and given him from thoſe Churches.

32. The Church of Poictiers complaining of the Loan of Monſieur Clemenceau their Paſtor for one month unto the Church of Chaſtelheraut, that they could not in the leaſt ſpare him: This Aſſembly conſidering their neceſſities, doth nominate in his ſtead the Sieur de la Roche Creſe Paſtor of the Church of Cuirey.

33. The Deputies of Berry complained in the name of their two Colloquies againſt that of Orleans, about an agreement made by the Church of Orleans and others with the Sieur Fluereau. This buſineſs was diſmiſſed over to the Province of Burgundy, by whoſe Judicial Sentence a full and final period ſhall be put unto it.

p. 33734. The Churches of Vitray in Brittany and of Laſſay in the Maine being at variance about the Miniſtry of Monſieur Conſeil ſometimes Paſtor in the Church of Puylaurens in Lauragais. This Aſſembly having heard the Deputies of both Provinces, and what was urged on either hand as argument for them, doth cenſure the ſaid Conſeil for his actings in both thoſe Churches, as alſo that Church of Laſſay for their ſecret dealings with him to gain him wholly to themſelves: yet nevertheleſs, judging that the Church of Vitre had no juſt title to the ſaid Conſeil by vertue of his private promiſe paſt unto them, the Province of Higher Languedoc having transferred him unto that of Anjou, he ſhall therefore continue Miniſter in the ſaid Province, and be conſigned to the Church of Laſſay.

35. Maſter James Royer ſent Letters and a book unto this Aſſembly, treating of that controverſy firſt ſtarted by him in the Church of Geneva, and afterwards continued in that of Metz. The Letters of the Paſtors of Geneva relating to this matter being read, and thoſe alſo of the Conſiſtory of Metz, craving advice from us about that cuſtom of their Elders giving the Cup in the Sacrament unto the Communicants, and reciting the words of Inſtitution at their delivery of it, from the eleventh Chapter of the firſt of Corinthians, This Synod having already determined what ſhould be done herein by an expreſs Canon inſerted into our Diſcipline (in which nothing ſhall be changed for whatever Difficulties may ariſe about the delivery of the Cup;) It cannot by any means approve of the actings of the ſaid Royer, nor at all of publiſhing the ſaid book, nor the great paſſion diſcovered in his Letters And therefore Ordaineth that Letters be written unto the Church of Metz, that by them he be exhorted to follow the things that make for Chriſtian peace and love; and we counſel and adviſe the ſaid Church in anſwer to their Requeſt, that foraſmuch as Paſtors in Populous Churches cannot without exceſſive toyling themſelves deliver the Cup to every individual Member Communicating at the Lords Table, they may uſe the help of their Elderſhip, but withal they ſhall injoyn them ſilence, and the Paſtors only ſhall ſpeak when theſe Sacred Elements are diſtributed, that ſo it may be generally and manifeſtly known, that the adminſtration of the Sacraments is wholly appropriated to the Paſtoral office.

36. To put an end to the difference between the Sieurs Durdez and de Beaune, this Aſſembly being very well ſatisfied that the ſaid Durdez is indebted for thoſe ſumms of Moneys mentioned in his Letters, intreateth the ſaid de Beaune to reſt contented with one hundred Livers, out of one of thoſe portions allotted to the ſaid Durdez.

CHAP. IX. An Order for Calling the next National Synod.

ORDER is given to the Province of Vivaretz to Aſſemble the next National Synod, and that within two years immediately after the month of May next, and it's left to the prudence of the ſaid Province to chuſe the place, and to give notice of that day, wherein the Synod ſhall be opened.

CHAP. X. The Roll of Depoſed Miniſters.

THeophilus Bluett, and James de l'Obell, who were formerly depoſed, their Depoſals is new confirmed without any hope of Reſtauration; and their names were inſerted in the National Synod of Rochel, at the end of General Matters.

p. 338Henry Dindault, whoſe Depoſition was confirmed in the Appeals beforementioned in this Synod, he is about five and twenty, or ſix and twenty years old, low of Stature, Cheſs-nut coloured hair, pale and meager, low viſag'd.

Bertrand Faugier depoſed in Dolphiny, ſometimes Miniſter in the Church of Vienna, is of mean ſtature, black hair, beginning to be gray, fat and corpulent, aged about five and fifty, having a very long and large beard, and a little ſhort-ſighted.

James Vidouſe depoſed in the Lower Guyenne, about five and thirty years old, low of ſtature, Cheſs-nut coloured hair, long and large beard, pale, and often winking with his eyes.

One called Senerac, or Serverat, or Sajerac, born at Caſtres in Albigeois, formerly Miniſter in the Church of Lombert, in the ſame Colloquy, is revolted from the Truth of the Goſpel unto the Idolatrous Church of Rome; he is a fellow ſhort and thick, black hair'd, he had a full beard, but is now ſhaven, wrinkling always his forehead, about thirty five years old.

Vagrants. John Roſtolon, Native of Bearne, calling himſelf a Propoſan, pretty tall of ſtature, meagre, ſmall eyes, the hair of his eye-brows very thick, not ſeparated, black hair, little or no beard, about four and twenty years old.

CHAP. XI. Moneys divided among the Churches.

1. THE Moneys gathered for the Poor of the Marquiſate of Saluces were depoſited in the hands of Monſieur Videl at the General Aſſembly of Gergeau by the Sieur Chauſſepied from the Province of Poictou, amounting to the ſum of fourteen hundred four and forty Livers, eight Sous, and ſix Deniers, and are now in the hands of the Deputies of the Province of Dolphiny.

By the Province of Orleans and Berry, one thouſand nine hundred Livers.

By the Province of Brittany, ſeven hundred and fifty Livers, and three Sous.

By the Province of Normandy, one thouſand Livers.

By the Province of Xaintonge, one thouſand thirty ſix Livers.

All which ſaid ſums of Money ſhall be delivered into the Conſiſtory of the Church of Grenoble, and diſtributed according to the advice of thoſe Colloquies named in the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny, and the Accounts of the ſaid diſtribution ſhall be brought in to that Synod, and by it tender'd unto the next National Synod; and the other Moneys already received, or hereafter to be received from the Provinces, not mentioned in this Act, ſhall de diſpoſed of in the ſame manner.

2. The Lords Governors of our Cautionary Towns are intreated by this Aſſembly, and ſhall be exhorted by the Paſtors of thoſe Churches whereunto they do belong, to bear their part and ſhare in all charges and expences for the common publick concernments of our Churches, and to bepaid out of the Moneys which are aſſigned them, and particularly to allow a Sous in the Liver of thoſe Moneys which have been formerly given to our Lords the General Deputies, who be diſcharged from that defalcation. As alſo to bear part in the loſſes of the years 1604 1605 and 1606 their whole part amounting but to two thouſand, four hundred twenty ſeven Livers, and ſix Sous.

4. Report being made of what was offered by the Lords du Pradel, Rocheblave and Ricard about the Commiſſion for Receiving our Moneys granted by his Majeſty to the Churches of this Kingdom: This Aſſembly p. 339having well pondered all thoſe matters and circumſtances, and heard the Lord du Candal ſpeaking of the ſaid Commiſſion, which was grounded on the Contract of Gap, which he hath moſt faithfully diſcharged, judgeth that they cannot in the leaſt remove the ſaid Lord du Candal from his Office and Truſt, but confirm and continue him in it; yet nevertheleſs, thanks were returned unto the ſaid Lords du Pardel, Rocheblanc and Ricard for their ſingular affection and reſpect to the well-being of our poor Churches.

4. It is decreed, that the former Order in the diſtribution of Moneys according to the number of Paſtors in each Province, ſhall be obſerved, excepting only, when as the poorer Provinces are to be gratified, by reaſon of the number of their Churches, the portions aſſigned to them not being ſufficient for them.

Henceforward in all Rolls brought from the Provinces unto theſe National Synods, for their portions of Money to be diſtributed among them, no other names ſhall be allowed of Paſtors, but ſuch as are in actual ſervice, or that be diſabled by age or infirmities, together with thoſe of our Students in Divinity, without mentioning the Churches unprovided for. And it's left unto Synods to take care of the poorer Provinces, to order for them according as they ſhall ſee needful.

Theſe Original Acts and Decrees of the National Synod of St. Maixant, begun the 25th of May, and ended the 19th of June, 1609. were thus ſigned by

Merlin, Moderator.

Ferrier, Aſſeſſor.

Scribes.

Rivet and

Pradel,

CHAP. XII. A Catalogue of the Churches from whom there it Allowance given out of the King's Moneys till the next National Synod.

CHAP. XIII. An Account of the Dividend in the three firſt Quarters.

For our Univerſities.

To the Paſtors of Churches.

p. 341In theſe ſums are included the hundred Crowns given to every one of the Provinces for their reſpective Schools and Colledges; to wit; to Provence, Brittany, Burgundy, Vivaretz, Lower Guyenne, Poictou, Xaintonge, Berry, Dolphiny, Normandy, and the Iſle of France.

The Quarter of October for our Paſtors.

The Aſſembly having long waited for news of the Sieurs Ferrier, Fiefbrun and de Malleret, whom they had Deputed unto his Majeſty about that affair before mentioned, and committed to their management, but finding that they paſſed the time limited them, and being now reſolved to conclude this meeting, did give order unto the Lords our General deputies to proſecute that buſineſs at Court, and to preſent his Majeſty with our moſt humble petition about it, and the Lord of Mirande was immediately upon his coming to Paris to acquaint thoſe fore-mentioned Deputies, that as ſoon as they had ſpoken with his Majeſty their commiſſion was expired, and that the very next day after, they ſhould all of them return to their ſeveral homes, and give an account unto the General Deputies, of their long tarrying at Court, and what retarded their anſwering of this Synods Expectation from them; and our General Deputies ſhall inform the Provinces of what theſe Gentlemen have done as to their Deputation. Moreover the Lords General Deputies ſhall acquaint the Provinces with all occurrences neceſſary to be known by us, eſpecially if it be of Common concernment for the Churches.

CHAP. XIV. An Account of thoſe Sums of Money which were given upon particular occaſions by the Synod of St. Maixant.

1. To the Sieurs Ferrier, de Fief-brun, and Malleret, Deputed by the Synod unto the King to defray the charges of their journey the ſumm of 500 l.

2. In Charity to the Wife of Theophilus Bluett, 60 l.

3. To Monſieur Perrin Miniſter of the Church of Nyons, 150 l. Total Summ 700 l. All which moneys amounting to 700 l. allowing the Lord of Candal his Sous in the Liver, the Aſſembly ordered to be deducted from the p. 342october Quarter, which is to be paid in to the Provinces the laſt year 1608.

5. The Lord of Candal is deſired to put 250 l. (of the 500 l. firſt m…ntioned) upon the account of the Governours, who are to bear one half of our charges in deputations unto Court.

4. Mr. Rivet Paſtor of the Church of Touars was ordered to bring in this Enſuing account of the Univerſities appertaining to the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom unto the next National Synod, in Caſe they ſhould call for it.

1. To the Univerſity of Montauban the ſumm of 3000 l. for two Profeſſors in Divinity at 700 l. Sallary by the year, each 1400 l: and for two profeſſors of Philoſophy at 400. Sallary by the year each the ſumm of 800 l. For one Profeſſor in Greek 408 l. a year, and for one Profeſſor in Hebrew, 400 Livers a year, which is in all 3000 l.

2. To the Univerſity of Saumur, The ſum of 4190 l. For two Profeſſors in Theology at 700 l. Salary by the year each, 1400 l. For two Profeſſors in Philoſophy at 400 l. Salary by the year, each is 300 l. For one Profeſſor in Greek 400 l. For one Profeſſor in Hebrew 400 l. More for the Colledg Erected at Saumur to the firſt Regent yearly the ſumm of 360 l. to the ſecond, 300 l. to the third, 200 l. to the fourth, 180 l. to the fifth 150 l. All which ſumms amount as before to 4190 l.

3. To the Academy of Niſmes and Montpellier Equally the ſumm of 2500 l. viz. For two Profeſſors in Theology at 700 l. Salary by the year, each, is 1400 l. For two Profeſſors in Hebrew at 400 l. each a year, is 800 l. More for other neceſſary occaſions of the ſaid Academies 300 l. For which they muſt be accountable, The whole ſumm put together amounts unto 2500 Livers Tournois.

4. To the Univerſity of Sedan the ſumm of 1500 l. for one Profeſſor in Divinity his yearly Salary, 700 l. For one Profeſſor in Greek 400 l. Yearly. For one Profeſſor in Hebrew the like ſumm. All which amounts to 1500 l.

5. To the Colledg of Gergeau 1500 Livers.

Signed thus in the Original June, 18. 1609. Merlin Moderator.

End of the Synod of St. Maixant.

THE Acts, Deciſions and Decrees OF THE XXth National Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE, Held in the Town of PRIVAS the fourteenth day of May, In the Year of our Lord 1612.