The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France, Synod 23 (Alès) · Chapter 14

The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France · Synod 23 (Alès) · Chapter 14

p. 45CHAP. XIV. CANONS for the PROVINCE of PROVENCE.

1 THE Provincial Synod of Provence before it breaketh up ſhall determine of ſome certain place where the next Synod ſhall be held, and nominate the Church that ſhall have the right of calling them together, and that Church by and with the Advice and Conſent of the Two neareſt Churches ſhall appoint the time of their meeting.

2. No Perſon of what Quality or Condition ſoever ſhall be admitted into thoſe Synodical Aſſembles without Letters of Commiſſion from his Conſiſtory. And in the mean while the Conſiſtories are exhorted to receive the Gentry into the Office of Elders, that ſo they may be capable of being Deputed unto the Synods.

3. No other Matters ſhall be treated of, or debated in thoſe Synodical Aſſemblies but ſuch as be purely Eccleſiaſtical.

4. The Synodical Offices ſhall be ſo diſtributed as that all Ground and Occaſion of Envy, Jealouſie, and Diſcord may be avoided and removed.

5. The Scribes of the Synod ſhall not couch the Synodical Acts or Articles in forenſical Forms or Terms of Law, but in a Natural plainneſs and brevity.

6. The Deputies ſhall not depart from their Synod, till ſuch time as their Acts have been fully concluded on, read and ſubſcribed, and the ſaid Acts ſhall be read over in the next enſuing Seſſions.

p. 467. In all pecuniary matters the Decrees or our National Synods ſhall be ſtrictly followed, which ordered all Appeals on thoſe Occaſions to be diſmiſſed over to the next adjoyning Province, whatever the Summ may be. And Paſtors are exhorted not to quit their Churches for ſuch Affairs, unleſs their preſence at the Debate about them ſhould be of indiſpenſable neceſſity; but they ſhall ſend their Accounts fairly written, and cleared up with their Acquittances unto the places where they be ſummoned. And they ſhall take ſpecial care that they be not Sollicitors of any Proceſs, unleſs upon very urgent occaſion.

8. And whereas there is not a ſufficient Number of Paſtors in that Province to form Three Colloquies, and 'twill be very inconvenient there ſhould be but Two, in caſe a Controverſie ſhould ariſe betwixt both the Colloquies, they ſhall therefore all meet in one Synod joyntly together, until ſuch time as the good providence of God ſhall have augmented their Numbers.

9. And that theſe Canons may be obſerved in the ſaid Province of Provence, Monſieur Brunier Paſtor of the Church of Ʋſez ſhall ſit in Perſon in the next Synod of the ſaid Province, and it ſhall alwayes as often as their Synods be called give timely Notice thereof unto the Provinces of Lower Languedoc and Dolphiny, that they may depute ſome of their Paſtors unto the ſaid Synod, as i… is uſually practiſed in the other Provinces, for the upholding and better conſervation of a mutual Correſpondence.

24. Whereas a propoſal was made of Incorporating the Churches of Provence either with the Province of Lower Languedoc or with that of Dolphiny, and the many difficulties ariſing about it have perſwaded us to lay it by for the preſent; yet becauſe of the great multitude of Churches and Miniſters which are in Dolphiny, and becauſe that the Borders of many of them are contiguous with the ſaid Province of Provence, which if united to it would conſtitute a convenient Synod. The Province of Dolphiny is therefore exhorted to conſider which of their Churches may be adjoyned unto Provence, and to make report thereof unto the next National Synod.

25. A Petition from the Church of Senerac was preſented by Monſieur de Cahuzac, craving Advice and Counſel, how to govern themſelves under that Interdiction of the Holy Miniſtry, and Exerciſe of the Reformed Religion thrown out againſt them, and ſome Relief for their Paſtor. Their caſe was recommended to the Province of Higher Languedoc, to take care of them according to their neceſſities; and the Lords our General-Deputies at Court are deſired alſo to uſe their utmoſt endeavours for the taking off that wicked Prohibition laid upon them, of Worſhipping God according to his Appointment.

26. Mr. Paul Daude formerly Paſtor in the Church of St. John de Gardon neque but depoſed from Miniſtry by the Province of Sevennes, preſented his Petition to be reſtored again unto it, according to thoſe hopes given him by the Synod held at la Salle. But when as the Crimes for which he was depoſed had been related in this Aſſembly, It confirmed his Sentence with this addition and aggravation, That he ſhould be for ever Depoſed, and never meddle any more with any of the Acts and Functions of the Sacred Miniſtry, exhorting him withal to betake himſelf to ſome other Calling; for he muſt not flatter himſelf with falſe hopes of being readmitted unto this Sacred Office,

27. The Church of Paris complained that whereas they had out of mere bounty quitted to the poorer Churches of the Iſle of France, Picardy, and Champagne the Four Portion aſſigned unto their Paſtors, the ſaid Province would now have them abſolutely and peremptorily to be at their p. 47diſpoſal, and not ſuffer the Church of Paris to finger One Farthing of that Money. This Aſſembly judgeth that according to the diſtribution made in our National Synods thoſe aforeſaid Portions do properly belong unto the Church of Paris, and they ſhall be wholly and ſolely at their diſpoſal. But yet we intreat the ſaid Church to extend their uſual Charity unto that Province, and generouſly and chriſtianly to refreſh the bowels of its poorer Churches.

28. Monſieur Piloly brought Letters from the Aſſembly of Loudun, 2. Vitre. p. m. 20.craving that the Portions granted him by the National Synod of Vitre might be continued to him. This Aſſembly conſulting the Judgment of the ſaid Synod of Vitre, profeſſeth that the whole Repreſentative Body of our Churches is not obliged unto any ſuch Recompenſes, nor may the Moneys aſſigned for the Relief of our poor Miniſters be diverted unto ſuch uſes, conſidering the miſerable condition whereunto the greateſt part of them be now reduced. But yet the ſaid Monſieur Piloly ſhall have paid him his Four aforeſaid Portions unto the Firſt day of January next coming in the year 1621.

29. Monſieur Lubac being ſummon'd to give an account why he laid down his Miniſtry in the Church of Privas, and doth not care to exerciſe it, though he was called thereunto: This Aſſembly having heard the Report of the whole proceedings upon which the Colloquy of Privas grounded their Sentence of Suſpenſion againſt him, and which was ſince confirmed in the Synod of Vivaretz, and the ſaid Monſieur de Lubac ſpeaking in his own defence, and clearing himſelf from the Crimes whereof he was accuſed, and not underſtanding plainly and ſufficiently the proofs of the ſaid Accuſations on the one hand, nor of his Juſtification on the other doth nevertheleſs confirm his Sentence of Suſpenſion, and diſmiſſeth this whole Affair over unto the Colloquy of Valentinois in the Province of Dolphiny, And the Sieurs de la Croze and du Port Deputies of Dolphiny, and the Sieur Richard of Vivaretz ſhall perſonally aſſiſt in it, and reviſe again all former paſſages, and take new Informations and particularly hear what Monſieur de Couches Miniſter of Tournon can either alleadge for or againſt him, and all this at the ſole Coſts and Charges of the Province of Vivaretz, which ſhall be rated by the Colloquy of Valentinois to make payment unto the ſaid Deputies, that ſo Monſieur de Lubac may be abſolved if innocent, or condemned if guilty by the Authority of this preſent Synod for the matters already brought in againſt him, or which may be now afreſh offered by the Conſiſtory of Privas, who ſhall make a careful and faithful Report of all Eccleſiaſtical Acts that have paſt on this occaſion; that ſo the Sacred Miniſtry may be purged and acquitted of all Reproach and Jnjuſt Reflections: And although the ſaid Monſieur Lubac ſhould be juſtified, yet ſhall he not ſerve in the Province of Vivaretz any more.

30. Whereas the Lords Governour, Magiſtrates, Conſuls and Conſiſtory of the City of Orange petitioned that Monſieur Chambrun might be preſented to the Paſtoral Office in their Church: The Lords Magiſtrates, Conſuls, and Conſiſtory of Niſmes were heard ſpeaking of their Right and Intereſt both in the Perſon and Miniſtry of the ſaid Monſieur Chambrun, moreover the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny, and of the Lower Languedoc do contend to retain him: and Monſieur de Chambrun deſiring to be diſcharged, and to be at liberty for his Healths ſake, which was mightily impaired and broken within theſe Two laſt years, and had diverted him very much from the Duties of his Calling: This Aſſembly having very great Reſpect and Honour to the Church of Orange, doth grant them the ſaid Monſieur de Chambrun for their Paſtor, but with this proviſo, p. 48that he ſhall continue in the Service of the Church of Niſmes till ſuch time as they be provided of another Miniſter.

31. Letters were read from his Excellency the Prince of Orange, and the Lords Curators of the Univerſity, and the Burgomaſter of the City of …eyden in Holland, requeſting that Monſieur Rivet might be confirmed in his Office of Divinity-Profeſſor in the ſaid Univerſity, either, for his Life, or elſe at leaſt till the meeting of the next National Synod. After hearing the terms on which the Province of Poiclou had conſented to the diſmiſſion of the ſaid Monſieur Rivett, and the Letter of the Heads of Families in the City of Thouars and the Church there, granting Aprolongation of his terme of two years unto the ſaid Univerſity. This Aſſembly highly valuing the Favour and Honour of ſuch an Illuſtrious Prince, and his great Merits from all the Reformed Churches, and that moſt ſtrict and intire Union betwixt the Holy Churches of the Netherlands and ours of France, doth yield that the ſaid Monſieur Rivett ſhall be continued for two years more unto the Famous Univerſity of Leyden, which terme being expired he ſhall return unto his Church, according to the Agreement paſt between them.

32. Monſieur Marmet declaring his great poverty, This Aſſembly knowing his eminent Zeal and Piety, have granted him his Requeſt, and diſcharge him from his Church, leaving him full liberty to accept of any other place whereunto he may be called, and may tend moſt to the Glory of God, and his own Temporal and Eternal benefit.

33. A Petition from Monſieur Ferrier formerly a Carthuſian Monk, but now a Profeſſor of the Reformed Religion, and reſiding in the Province of Anjou where he was born. This Aſſembly exhorts the ſaid Province of Anjou to continue unto him his Penſion of Eight Pence a Day, and not as they have done to defaulk from it, becauſe of his Age and Quality. And the Province of Britain, where he firſt quitted his Monaſtery and Popery are deſired to provide him yearly a new Suit of Clothes throughout.

34. Monſieur Joſian having been lent by the Province of Higher Languedoc unto the Church of Montauban for Six Moneths, and recalled from them by the Church of Caſtres, whereof he was Miniſter, before the Expiration of that terme, The Church of Montauban petitioned that he might be lent them for a much longer time, and becauſe of their continual and growing neceſſity, they deſire that Monſieur Gariſſoles may be lent them alſo. This Aſſembly having a very high eſteem for the ſaid Church of Montauban, and conſidering its Neceſſities and Importance, ordains that Monſieur Joſian ſhall be lent them for Three Months: And notwithſtanding all the Excuſes and Remonſtrances of Monſieur Gariſſoles not to be removed from the Service of his Church of Puylaurens, yet ſhall he alſo be lent unto that of Montauban for Six Months, at the end whereof the ſaid Sieurs Joſian and G…riſſoles ſhall each of them return unto their own Churches, nor may that of Montauban make any private bargains or agreements with them.

35. Monſieur Capel Profeſſor of the Hebrew Tongue in our Univerſity of Saumur complained, that he having boarded a certain Scholar called du Duc recommedned to him by the Church of Bourdeaux, and now imployed by the Province of Lower Guyenne, yet was not payed for his Diet and Lodging. This complaint of his was ordered to be ſent unto the aforeſaid Province, or to the Church of Burdeaux, who are both intreated by this Aſſembly to make him full ſatisfaction, as they are bound in Conſcience to ſee it done.

p. 4936. The Church of Montauban complained againſt the Province of Lower Guyenne about ſome certain Scholars, who having renounced Popery; had been maintained by them, but they could never be reimburſed their charges; This complaint of theirs was diſmiſſed over to the Province of Xaintonge, whoſe Synod ſhould put a full and final period to it.

37. Upon the Remonſtrance of the Church of Montauban, See above 12. Obſervat. upon the Diſcipline.That it hath been an Ancient Cuſtom with them, for their Elders to deliver the Cup. This Aſſembly would not alter any thing in thoſe Decrees, which it had enacted in the Chapter of Obſervations upon the Diſcipline; and therefore commandeth all Paſtors, without Exceptions, to conform unto our Eſtabliſhed Order.

38. Monſieur Raffin Paſtor of the Church of Realmont petitioned for ſome Relief to help him in his defence of the Church of Venez, which is dangerouſly proſecuted by our Enemies, and Monſieur de Combalaſſe Paſtor of the ſaid Church preſented another Petition to the ſame effect. This Aſſembly diſmiſſed them both and their Affair unto the Province of Higher Languedoc, who are ordered to aſſiſt the ſaid Raffin as they ſhall judge convenient, and pay in unto the ſaid Sieur Combalaſſe his Portion free of all Taxes and Coſts whatſoever, until ſuch time as the Church of Venez ſhall injoy the Legacy, bequeathed them by the Lady of Venez lately deceaſed, and as to the troubles raiſed againſt the ſaid Church of Venez they ſhall be recommended to our Lords the General Deputies at Court.

39. The Requeſt of Monſieur Balarand for the Church of Braſſac is diſmiſſed over by the Province of Higher Languedoc, to take care therein according as the Neceſſities of the ſaid Church, and the great Merits of the ſaid Reverend and Worthy Miniſter do demand, he having continued his Labours for many years together in the ſaid Province in the Lords Vineyard,

40. The Province of Lower Guyenne, and the Church of Bourdeaux petitioned that ſome Moneys might be granted them in recompence of their great Charges in defending themſelves at Law againſt the Lord of St. Angel. This Aſſembly applauded the Zeal of the Church of Bourdeaux but could not give them any Moneys.

41. The Church of Puymiroll preſented a Petition craving ſome ſpeedy Relief for that their whole Town was lately burnt by a moſt dreadful Fire. This Aſſembly Exhorts the Province of Lower Guyenne, and the Neighbouring Provinces to aſſiſt the ſaid Church of Puymirol by ſome ſpecial Collections. And the afflicted State of the diſtreſſed Inhabitants of that Town is recommended to the Lords General Deputies, who ſhall move it unto His Majeſty, that by His Royal Bounty they may be graciouſly Relieved.

42. This Aſſembly, underſtanding by Letters from the Church of Gignac their ſore affliction and ſtraits to which they be reduced by the impetuous Aſſaults of their Adverſaries, have ſent the Reverend Monſieur Faucheur Miniſter of the Goſpel, and Profeſſor of Divinity in the Univerſity of Niſmes to viſit, comfort and ſtrengthen them: And the Province of Lower Languedoc is ordered to defray the Charges of his Journey.

43. The Province of the Iſle of France repeated afreſh their Complaints formerly made by them in the Synod of Vitre againſt Monſieur Perrery for not ſatisfying the Decree of that Synod.2. Vitte. p. m. 8, This Aſſembly having peruſed the Memoirs offered by the ſaid Perrery in his own defence, and heard the Provincial Deputies of the Higher Languedoc about reſtoring the p. 50ſaid Perrery to the Miniſtry by the Synod of Millaud in the year Sixteen Hundred and Seventeen, approveth of what was done by the ſaid Synod, and Intreateth the Province of the Iſle of France to reſt ſatisfied with the Summ of Five Hundred Livres in lieu of the whole Debt from the ſaid Perrery, whereof Two Hundred Livres belonging unto the ſaid Province are left in the Lord of Candals hands for them already, and the ſaid Lord ſhall keep for them Three Hundred Livres more: And in caſe the ſaid Summ of Three Hundred Livres be not payd into the ſaid Province of the Iſle of France, then there ſhall be Five Hundred Livres detained by the Lord du Candal in his hands for them.

44. The Province of the Iſle of France petitioned that the Order of the National Synod of Vitre againſt the Sieur Richer might be put in Execution, he having retired into Xaintonge without their conſent. After that the Provincial Deputies of Xaintonge had been heard both as to what relates unto the Canon now mentioned, and alſo unto the ſaid Monſieur Richer, This Aſſembly ordained that the Canon of Vitre ſhall be Executed in every Article and Title of it, and that the Accompts of the ſaid Richer might be cleared and cloſed, they ſhall be ſent unto the Church of Saumur before the Firſt of May next: Yet we earneſtly intreat the Province of the Iſle of France to deal charitably with the ſaid Richer, and not to exact what they may do in rigour of Law from him.

45. The Province of Dolphiny are intreated to continue the Penſion allowed by them to the Widow of Monſieur …alques.

46 The Church of Baux in Provence exhibited an Information of its deplorable Poverty brought upon them by the outragious Perſecutions which they have ſuffered from the common Enemies of our Religion in their Exerciſe of it, who put them to unſupportable Expence and Charges. This Aſſembly ordered th…t for their Relief an half ſupern…merary Portion out of our Common Stock beſides their ordinary Portion ſhould be given them until the meeting of the next National Synod, to whom they ſhall bring in their Accompt how they have imployed it; and their Affair ſhall be recommended to our General Deputies.

47. Monſieur Huron petitioned to be diſcharged from his Miniſtry in the Church of Riez in Provence: But he was diſmiſſed back unto the Synod of his ſaid Province who ſhould proceed therein according to the Methods and Forms preſcribed by our Church-Diſcipline.

48. The Colloquy of Challons in Burgundy ſhall judge finally without Appeal of the differences which are riſen between the Sieurs Racaud, La Dize, Fornevet and other Perſons in Communion with the Church of Beaune.

49. The Province of Sevennes complaining of a Judgment paſt againſt them by the Province of Lower Languedoc in favour of Monſieur Serignac about certain Expences of his made in his Journey unto the Synod of Tonneins, they were diſmiſſed over to the Judgment of the Province of Vivaretz, who ſhould order that Party which hath done the wrong, to pay the Charges.

50. The Provincial Deputies of Sevennes making report that Sixty Two Livres, Seven Sous, and Six Deniers are owing to Monſieur Babat at preſent Paſtor of the Church of Caſtagnols from the Churches of Auvergne according to the Accompts ſhut up, and approved by Decree of the National Synod of Vitre. This Aſſembly ordaineth that the Province of Sevennes do pay him out of hand the ſaid Moneys.

51. A Petition from the Church of Serucrettes in Sevennes. This Aſſembly ordered that their Affair at Court be recommended to the Lords p. 51our General Deputies; and Letters ſhall be written unto the Lord of Antragues that he would be pleaſed to accommodate them with ſome ground on his Lands for the building of a Temple, wherein they may Worſhip God publickly, and that Churches Portion of the Kings Moneys ſhall he paid in free of all Charges to it by the Province of Sevennes.

52. The Church of Langres did by their Letters, and by the Mouths of the Deputies of the Iſle of France report the great difficulties and troubles they con…licted with in ſetting up the Publick Exerciſe of our Religion, and what Oppoſitions they had met withal, and ſtill did every day from the Enemies of the Truth. This Aſſembly to enable that Church to ſubſiſt the better, and thereby to enlarge the Kingdom of our Lord Jeſus, ordaineth Two Supernumerary Portions to be pay'd unto them, and this to continue until the ſitting of the next National Synod.

53. The Church of la Baſtide complaining of its deep poverty, and that for Sixteen years together, by reaſon of it, they could not allow a Farthing towards the maintenance of their Miniſter Monſieur Lawrence, who was all that time deſtitute of a Church, till of late that he was provided for by the Province of Vivaretz. This Aſſembly commiſerating the ſore and heavy Tryals of the ſaid Mr. Lawrence, do order that Two Hundred Livres be immediately payd him out of the Common Stock of the Churches, becauſe he was left out in the Catalogue of Paſtors lying before the National Synod of Vitre, and that the ſaid Church of la Baſtide may not he diſſolved but kept up, the Province of Vivaretz is require particularly to conſider whether the Church of Rodes may not be commodiouſly joyned to it, or elſe to think of ſome other means meet for its preſervation.

54. The Complaint of the Church of Quiſſac how that ſome of thoſe Congregations which were formerly annexed to it were now ſeparated and diſmembred from it, was rejected,2. Vitre. Appeals. although they were ſet on by the Province of Sevennes; and the ſaid Province was ordered to take ſpecial care that thoſe newly conſtituted Churches be well kept up by them.

55. That Affair of Monſieur Hommel Doctor of Laws at Valence ſhall be recommended to our Lords General deputies.

56 Mrs. Jane Nallet Widow of Mr. David Selaſtian late Miniſter in the Church of Clermont in …odeve complained, that the Penſion granted her by the Province of Lower Languedoc hath been left out of the Accounts of the ſaid Province, ſo that ſhe is like to periſh for want to Maintenance, and that One Hundred and Twenty Livres due unto her are not payd her. This Aſſembly ordains that the ſaid Hundred and Twenty Livres be payd the ſaid Gentlewoman out of the firſt Moneys which the Receiver of the Province of Lower Languedoc ſhall get into his hands.

57. The Deputies of Bearne declared the neceſſity of ſetling a Church in the Country of La Boure, belonging to the Province of Lower Guyenne, and the rather for that they had now in Bearn a young Student in Divinity ſit to be imployed in the Sacred Miniſtry, who could preach to them in their own Language, and Opportunity and Advantage they never had before. This Aſſembly deſiring to inlarge the Kingdom of Our Lord Jeſus ordains that Three Hundred Livres a year ſhall be allowed the Province of Lower Guyenne to ſet up a Church in the aforeſaid Country of La Boure, upon condition that they render an account of the Imployment of the ſaid Moneys unto the next National Synod.

p. 5258. The Remonſtrances of the Churches of Monredon, of L' Iſle in Jourdain, St. Severe, St. Seve and Ayſſeins are diſiniſſed over to the Province of Higher Languedoc, who ſhall look carefully into thoſe matters ſpecified by them, and act for them as it ſhall judge moſt beneficial to them.

59. The Judgement paſt by the Colloquy of Anduze about the Differences and Quarrels that hapned in the Church of St. John de Gardonengues through the diſ-placing of their Seats, and which was ratified by the Provincial Synod of Sevennes, being none of thoſe matters that are to be brought before our National Synods, is remanded back again to the ſaid Province of Sevennes to ſee it Executed.

60. Concerning that difference fallen out in the Church of Alez ſince the Decree of this Synod, the Relation of which concludeth the Chapter of Appeals, This Aſſembly having heard the Magiſtrates, Conſuls, Conſiſtories, and Deputies of the Church, and Companies of the Town, and Monſieur Ollier particularly, did exhort them all to an Holy Concord, and Cordial Union, which that it might be the better effected, the Penſions of both their Miniſters ſhall be equal, ſo that Monſieur Des Maretz ſhall not have more than his Colleague Monſieur Ollier, but they ſhall each of them receive yearly the Summ of Seven Hundred Livres a piece, and that Church ſhall bear their Charges unto Colloquies and Synods, and all thoſe Acts in the Regiſter of the Conſiſtory prejudicial to the Reputation of Monſieur Ollier ſhall be razed, that ſo all grounds and occaſions of Diviſions may be removed. And in caſe this preſent Agreement ſhould be violated, then the Colloquy of Ʋſez is impowered to judge finally of this matter, and to remove Monſieur Ollier from his Miniſtry in this Church of Alez, and to diſpoſe of him elſewhere, and that by the Authority of this National Synod.

61. The Provincial Deputies of Anjou reported, that the Portion given by the National Synod of Vitre unto Monſieur du Bois was payed out of the Moneys of that Province, and that the Summs mentioned in the Lord of Candalls Account for the ſaid Portion for the years 1617, 1618, and three quarters of 1619 ought to accrew unto the ſaid Province, becauſe they have already payed them out of their own Purſe. This Aſſembly ordains that the Summ of Six Score Livres imployed in the ſaid Account for thoſe years before-mentioned under the Name of Monſieur du Bois, and whoſe payment hath been forborne, ſhall be now payd in to the Receiver of the ſaid Province of Anjou, and his Acquittance being produced it ſhall be allowed the Lord of Candal in his Accompt: And the ſaid Forbearance being now diſcharged, The Lord of Candal ſhall keep one Portion in his hands to be delivered unto Monſieur du Bois at the place of his Abode.

62. The Lord of Clauſonne acquainted this Aſſembly, that His Majeſty had made him his Lieutenant Governour in the Town and Caſtle of Lectoure, and therefore he craved our Certificate of his being a Proteſtant, profeſſing the Reformed Religion, and a Member in full and actual Communion with our Churches. This Aſſembly could not in reaſon deny him, eſpecially he being at this Inſtant a Deputy to it, and one of the Elders for the Province of Lower Languedoc.

63. This Aſſembly willing to provide, as it had promiſed a Paſtor for the Church of Gignac, and conſidering its great importance, and acknowledging the ſingular gifts with which the Holy Ghoſt hath richly endowed Monſieur Codur formerly Miniſter in the Church of Ganges, and that he is every way fit and qualified for the Service and Edification of that Great and Populous Church, this Aſſembly intreats him to go and preach in the ſaid Church of Gignac, until the meeting of the next Provincial p. 53Synod of Lower Languedoc; which he accepted and promiſed to remove thither as ſoon as poſſible. And when that Synod ſhall meet, the ſaid Church of Gignac having a Paſtor ſettled among them for Life, he ſhall be at full liberty to retire himſelf either into the Colloquy of Anduze, or into the Synod of Sevennes, who are ordered to ſecure a Church for him, or elſe he may accept of the firſt Call which the Providence of God may vouchſafe him. And that the ſaid Church of Gignac may be able to ſubſiſt, The Portion appropriated to it from among the Churches of Lower Languedoc ſhall be payd in free of all Taxes and Charges to it by the ſaid Province, and an half ſupernumerary Portion out of the Common Stock of the Churches.

64. Whereas the Church of Montagnac craveth help and aſſiſtance againſt a proceſs in which they be intangled about the demoliſhing of their Temple in the late unhappy Civil Wars. This Aſſembly recommends unto the Province of Lower Languedoc the ſaid Church, and ordereth them to relieve it out of thoſe great means which God hath given them. And the Lords Deputies at Court are requeſted to intereſt themſelves particularly in their Affair.

65. The Colloquy of Gex petitioned leave that they might ſend only but two Paſtors and two Elders unto the Provincial Synods: But this their Petition was diſmiſſed over to the Province of Burgundy to decree in it what they judged would be moſt expedient. And whereas the ſaid Colloquy craveth an augmentation unto the Moneys already given them, this Aſſembly deſires them to reſt contented, becauſe it could not be granted.

66. The Deputies of the Church of Montauban petitioned that Monſieur Guyon at preſent Paſtor in the Church of Dieu le fit in Dolphiny, might be given them to be their Paſtor. Upon hearing of the ſaid Monſieur Guyon, and the Deputies of Dolphiny, this Aſſembly declared its unwillingneſs to diſpoſe of the Perſon of the ſaid Guyon and of his Miniſtry, eſpecially ſith that his Church in which he is now ſettled; hath not been in the leaſt acquainted with this motion.

67. The Colloquy of St. German in Sevennes was cenſured for their levity and raſhneſs in condemning Monſieur Touſſain upon ſo groundleſs an Accuſation, and for their ſuſpending him from the Exerciſe of his Miniſtry; and the Province of Sevennes was cenſured for conniving at this great Offence. And that the Sacred Miniſtry may be diſcharged of all blame and ill reports, the ſaid Monſieur Touſſain ſhall appear in Perſon at the next Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc, there either to be juſtified or condemned as the caſe requireth, and this according to the Canons of our Church-Diſcipline.

68. The Letter of Monſieur Marbais was read, and the Aſſembly remitted his Affair unto the Province of Poictou to give him ſatisfaction therein.

69. The Church of Niſmes did both by Letters, and word of Mouth by the Sieurs Ollivier and Mazaudier petition that Monſieur Jamett might be given them for their Paſtor, he being a Perſon every way qualified in reſpect of his Gifts and Graces to edifie it, and to repair thoſe ſore breaches which the Apoſtacy and Debauches of ſome of their former Miniſters had cauſed among them. This Aſſembly having a ſpecial reſpect unto the Church of Niſmes, and conſidering its great neceſſities and importance, becauſe of the vaſt number of its Members, and the Univerſity there erected, though it would not uſe its abſolute Authority in diſpoſing of the Perſon and Miniſtry of Monſieur Jamett, yet neither can it bear with his Excuſes, nor with the Oppoſitions made by the Deputies of the p. 54Province of Orleans and Berry, therefore it doth intreat the Church of St. Amand, and the ſaid Province of Berry alſo, in which he doth at preſent exerciſe his Miniſtry, to conſider ſeriouſly with themſelves of the great importance of that Church of Niſmes, and to grant them their requeſt, as in Chriſtian Charity they be bound, and particularly by reaſon of that Holy Communion which is between all the Saints, and Churches of this Nation. And Letters ſhall be diſpatcht to His Grace the Lord Duke of Sully, that he would be pleaſed to give his conſent unto this Call.

70. Monſieur de Chaſteaumal reported in this Aſſembly his Fathers many and good ſervices done for the Churches, and the many heavy loſſes ſuffered by him for the profeſſion of the Goſpel, and the true Reformed Religion, and requeſted that a Penſion might he allowed a Son of his whom he deſigneth for the Miniſtry. Although this Aſſembly knows that ſuch an Affair as this ought not to he taken notice of by the National Synods, yet becauſe of the Hereditary Piety of the ſaid Lord of Chaſteaumal, the Province of Dolphiny is injoyned to conſider and honour him, and to beſtow the firſt vacant Scholarſhip in their Province upon his Son.

71. Letters from the Church of Sancerre, and the Deputies of Orleans and Berry, as alſo from the General Aſſembly held at Loudun informed this Synod of the great neceſſities of that Church. Whereupon two ſupernumerary Portions were ordered for their Relief as a Teſtimony of our unfeigned Love to that important Church which ſhall be payd them yearly by the Province of Berry, who for that purpoſe ſhould receive them in the General Dividend, and make good payment thereof, till the ſitting of the next National Synod.

72. Whereas the National Synod of Vitre had granted unto Monſieur Scoffier an Aged and Worthy Miniſter,2. Vitre. Act. 17. Of the Dividend.Acts 17 declared Emeritus, one ſupernumerary Portion and half for his ſubſiſtence, it ſhall be joyned to the Moneys of the Province of Sevennes, whoſe Receiver without any further Order ſhall pay it in free unto him of all Taxes and Coſts whatſoever.

73. The Lord of Clauſonne acquainting this Aſſembly with the Poverty of the Church of Montfrin in the Lower Languedoc, an half ſupernumerary Portion was ordered unto that Church, which ſhall be numbred in the diſtribution as one of the Churches in the Province of Lower Languedoc.

74. Monſieur de Anjou repreſenting the Poverty and Neceſſity of the Church of Puymichel in Provence, a ſupernumerary Portion ſhall be granted to it in the General Dividend.

75. The Aſſembly having ordained that in the laſt Seſſions of this Synod there ſhould be a Liſt brought in of the Churches to whom the Collected Charities ſhould be imparted, and by what Provinces they ſhould be particularly aſſiſted: Now that this Decree may be the better executed, it was judged meet, that the Collections made in the Provinces of Dolphiny, Lower Languedoc, Province, Sevennes, Vivaretz and Burgundy ſhall be aſſigned to the Church of Privas. And the Moneys Collected in Higher Languedoc and Guyenne, ſhall be appropriated to Lectoure. And the Charities Collected in the Lower Guyenne and Xaintonge ſhall be given unto Puymirol. And the Collection in the Iſle of France, Normandy, Britain and Berry ſhall be payd into the Church of Netancour, and that of Anjou and Poictou ſhall go toward the relief of Vendoſme. Nor ſhall theſe Charities ſo Collected be any way prejudicial to that General Collection which we have deſigned for the Refugees out of the Marquiſate of Salluces.

p. 5576. It being the bounden Duty of all Paſtors perſonally to reſide on their Churches, the Deputies of Lower and Higher Languedoc, and of Sevennes are obliged immediately upon their return home unto their reſpective Provinces to notifie unto thoſe Miniſters who neglect this their Duty, that they go and reſide on their Churches within Three Moneths, on pain of being ſuſpended the Sacred Miniſtry.

77. That Affair concerning the Children of the Lord de la Reynela whoſe Uncle and Guardian is the Lord of la Garelaye ſhall be recommended to the Lords General Deputies at Court to proſecute it moſt vigorouſly and effectually.

78. Upon complaint made by the Widow of Mr. Emanuel Sebaſtian, Miniſter of Gods Word, lately deceaſed: This Aſſembly ordered that all Arrears of Penſion due unto her ſince her Husbands Death by the Province of Sevennes ſhall be punctually pay'd her out of the firſt Moneys that come into the Receivers hands of the ſaid Province, and he himſelf ſhall pay thoſe juſt Debts with his own hands immediately unto her.

79. Whereas the Church of Ʋſez hath craved leave to ſeek for it ſelf a third Paſtor either within or without the Province, This Aſſembly grants it to them, but with this proviſo, that they keep cloſe to the Forms preſcribed by the Diſcipline, and that they act nothing herein to the prejudice of their preſent Miniſters, and particularly that they do not in the leaſt diminiſh that double Honour they ought to have for the Reverend Monſieur Brunier and his Family, whoſe great labours have been for theſe many years that he hath ſerved them, and yet continue to be, exceeding uſeful and beneficial to their Souls.

See of this Jacornai in the Roll of Apoſtates in the Synod of Caſtres.80. The Church of Gignac having been exceedingly perplexed ever ſince the Call of Monſieur Jacornais unto the Miniſtry among them, who was recommended to them by the Province of Higher Languedoc, it ſeemed good unto this Aſſembly to remove him thence, yet without any Impeachment unto his Credit or Miniſtry, his Converſation being every way blameleſs and unreprovable, only he hath met with no incouragement nor maintenance from them, though the ſaid Church of Gignac hath received ever ſince his preſentation to them their Portion of the Kings Money. Wherefore the ſaid Province of Lower Languedoc is injoyned to ſee that the ſaid Jacornais be fully ſatisfied, and that he have his Sallary payd him until ſuch time as he be provided of another Church, and that it may be done effectually, they ſhall either detain from the ſaid Church of Gignac what is owing them by the Province, and ſo force them to reimburſe him, or elſe they ſhall make it up out of the Common Stock of their Province. And in caſe the Colloquy of Niſmes or any other of that Province ſhall be Aſſembled before their Synod, they ſhall take care to ſettle the ſaid Sieur de Jacornais in ſuch a Church as in which he may ful…l the Miniſtry he hath received from the Lord.

81. The Lord of Antrague Picheron complained by Letters of the outrage done unto Captain Peter Stephens. It was ordered that theſe Letters ſhould be delivered to the Provincial Council of Sevennes, who are to take care about it, and this Affair alſo ſhall be immediately recommended unto the Lords General Deputies.

82. The Sieurs Fitz, Eymar, and Paulett having ſojourned in this City a conſiderable time at the Command of this Aſſembly, the Province of Sevennes is ordered to reimburſe them all their Expences.

p. 5683. Suſanna Morrice Daughter of Monſieur Morrice Deceaſed, formerly a Paſtor in the Church of Dieu le fit in Dolphiny was diſmiſſed over to the ſaid Province to be relieved in her poverty.

84. Advice being given of divers Defaults in the Province of Lower Languedoc, particularly that the Moderators in one Synod are ever after Aſſeſſors in another, contrary to that freedom required by our Diſcipline in the Election of Synodical Officers; And Secondly, That certain Paſtors are Commiſſionated to receive the Moneys belonging unto Colloquies, which in time may draw Reproach upon the Miniſtry, and divert our Paſtors from their Studies, and other Duties of their Calling. And Thirdly, The way of Communicating one to another by Circular Letters, Matters of Importance inſtead of calling the Colloquies, and there imparting thoſe Affairs unto them: And Fourthly, The Brigues in the choice of Elders falling out too too often in many of their Churches. Wherefore this Aſſembly commandeth the ſaid Province of Lower Languedoc to remove thoſe Diſorders and to give an Account of their Obedience to this Canon at the next National Synod.