The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France, 12 (1st Vitré) – Half title 13

The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France · 12 (1st Vitré) – Half title 13

p. 142THE Firſt Synod of Vitre.

SYNOD XII.

CHAP. I. The DEPƲTIES.

There appeared in this Synod on behalf of the Provinces, and as their Repreſentatives the Paſtors and Elders hereafter named, viz.

1. FOR the Province of the Iſle of France, the Land of Chartres, Picardy, and Brie, Monſieur Matthew Virell, Miniſter in the Church of Marchais in Beavoiſis, within the ſaid Iſle of France, accompanied with Claudius de Hames, Lord of Felnoy, Elder of the Church at Dieppe.

2. For Champagne, and the Land of Meſſin, there ſhould have ſerved Mr. Fleuret, Miniſter of the Church of Eſparnon in Champagne, but he fell ſick by the way, and ſent Letters of excuſe unto the Synod, which were accepted. But the Province was cenſured for not ſending an Elder with the ſaid Miniſter.

3. Fox Normandy M. William Feuguero, Miniſter of Baſqueville, and John de Lamare Deacon of the Church of Veinieres.

4. For Brittaine M. Peter Merlin, Miniſter of the Church gathered in the Houſe of the Earl of Laval and Vitré; and M. Mathurin L' Hommeau, Lord of Gravier, Miniſter in the Church of Rennes, and William le Moine, Elder in the Church of Vitré.

For Orleans and Berry M. William Sauvage, Miniſter of the Church, of Mer upon the Loire; and Chriſtopher — Elder of the Church at Chaſtelnaudun.

6. For Anjou, Tourain, Le Main, Vandomois, Loudunois, and the lower Perche John Maleſouſse, and De la Durelleric, Miniſters of Chaſteau-Gontier, René, Pineau, Miniſter in the Church of Craon in Anjou, and Mathurin Peju, Elder of the Church at Augers.

7. For the upper and neither Poictou M. Nicholas Gorré Miniſter of Flontenay le Conte, and Peter Guittaud, Elder in the Church of Chaſtel-heraud.

8. For Xaintonge, Aunix, the City and Government of Rochel, Andrew de Mazieres, called alſo Peter de la Place, Miniſter at Thoire in Aunix aforeſaid, and Hierom Faureau, Elder in the Church of Rochel.

9. For Augoumois, M. Guy du Pou, Miniſter of Vertueil, without an Elder.

10. The Deputies of Gaſcogny, Perigort, and Limouſin were abſent, but excuſed themſelves by Letters, becauſe they wanted timely Notice of the ſitting of the Synod, and there was no Money gathered to defray the charge of their Journey.

11. The higher and lower Vivaretz and Vellay were abſent without excuſe.

12. For the lower Languedoc, Niſmes, Montpellier, Ʋſez, Baſques, Beziars, and Givaudan incluſively, M. John de Grores, Miniſter of Niſmes, and Andrew D'Alguillonnet Elder of the ſame Church.

13. For the higher Languedoc And Guienne, M. John Gardeſi, Miniſter of St. Antonin ill Quercy, and M. Amand le Gros, Elder in the Church of Caſtres M. Gardeſi was a ſevere Nathan to Henry the Fourth.

p. 14314. For Bourbonnois and lower Auvergne, Lyonnois, Forest, La Marche, and and Beaujolois there were no Deputies, they being abſent, nor did they ſend any excuſe.

15. The Deputies of Provence were indeed abſent, but ſent their Reaſons for it, which were not accepted.

16. The Deputies of Burgundy were abſent, and inexcuſable.

17. The Deputies of Dolphiny and Orange were abſent, but excuſed themſelves by their Letters.

18. There appeared alſo, and ſate and voted in this Synod the Deputies of the Churches in the Low Countries, who brought with them their Letters of Commiſſion, viz. Michael Forest, Miniſter of the French Church at Machlin, and Doctor Joannes Boulins, Miniſter of the Church of Gant, and John Charan Miniſter of the Church of Bruges.

19. After Invocation of the Name of God, M. Peter Merlin Miniſter of the Goſpel, and Paſtor of the Church at Vitré and Laval, was choſen Moderator, and Maſter Matthew Virel Miniſter in the Church of Marchais in Beauvoiſis Aſſeſſor, and M. Renatus Pineau Miniſter in the Church of Craon, and Mr. Jerome Faureau Elder in the Church of Rochel, were appointed Scribes unto the Synod, to Collect and Regiſter all its Acts.

CHAP. II. Canons made and decreed in the National Synod held at Vitré in Brittany, at the Caſtle of the Lord De la Vall, on Monday the 16th Day of May, in the Year of our Lord One thouſand five hundred eighty and three; Monſieur Merlin being Preſident, and Monſieur Pineau Scribe.

General MATTERS.

The means of uniting our Churches with thoſe of the Nitherlands.I. OUR Brethren of the Low Countries having requeſted that ſome good courſe might be taken, and means uſed that the Deputies of their Churches might for time to come be preſent at our National Synods, and ours at theirs. This Aſſembly doth now ordain, That as often as the Synods of the ſaid Low Countries ſhall be convened, two Provinces of this Kingdom ſhall be obliged to ſend their Deputies; to wit, two Miniſters and one Elder, who ſhall be expreſly named by thoſe two Provinces in every National Synod, and their Charges born by all the Provinces of this Kingdom, and for this preſent approaching Synod of the Low Countries, the Provinces of the Iſle of France and Normandy are appointed to ſend the Deputies.

II. And whereas the Brethren their Deputies have tendred unto this Synod the Confeſſion of Faith, and Body of Church-Diſcipline owned and embraced by the ſaid Churches of the Low Countries; this Aſſembly having humbly and heartily bleſſed God for that ſweet Union and Agreement both in Doctrine and Diſcipline, between the Churches of this Kingdom and of that Republick, did judge meet to ſubſcribe them both; and it did alſo requeſt thoſe our Brethren their Deputies reciprocally to ſubſcribe our Confeſſion of Faith, and Body of Church-Diſcipline; which in obedience to the Commiſſion given them by their Principals, they did accordingly; thereby teſtifying that mutual harmony and concord in the Doctrine and Diſcipline of all the Churches in both Nations.

III. Moreover, this Aſſembly having to its great grief underſtood the miſerable Condition of the greater part of the Churches in the Low Countries, p. 144how that they be exceedingly peſter'd with divers Sects and Hereſies, as of David George, Anabaptiſts, Libertines, and other Errors contrary to the purity of God's Word, and againſt which they cannot uſe thoſe Remedies that are moſt deſired: And yet on the other hand, this Synod did exceedingly rejoyce at the glad Tidings of their care and diligence in oppoſing and refuting thoſe Anti-ſcriptural Hereſies, ſubverſive of Divine Doctrine, Order and Diſcipline, and it did moſt earneſtly intreat them to perſevere in the confutation and condemnation of them, as it would alſo on its part cordially joyn with them in ſo doing, and would give, as it doth now give an unqueſtionable proof thereof, by ſubſcribing unto their Confeſſion of Faith, and Church-Dilcipline.

As a Pledge of their Union the Churches of both Nation; ſhall communicate to one another their Miniſters.IV. And foraſmuch as this holy Union and Concord eſtabliſhed between the Churches of France and thoſe of the Low Countries ſeems neceſſarily to demand their mutual Loves and Aſſiſtance: This Aſſembly doth judge meet, that the Churches of both the Nations ſhall lend and borrow their Miniſters reciprocally, according as their reſpective Neceſſities ſhall require.

V. That all Contentions may be avoided, this Aſſembly doth ordain, That every one ſhall be aſſeſſed in that Church of which he is a Member, towards all Charges ordinary and extraordinary, without any reſpect had to the diſtinction of Provinces.

A Man may not marry another Woman his Wife being yet alive thô leprous.VI. A Caſe was propounded, Whether a Man might lawfully marry another Woman, his Wife being alive, but infected with Leproſie? This Synod judgeth according to the Rule given us by our Lord Jeſus, That no Man may marry another Woman his Wife as yet living, unleſs ſhe were an Adultereſs. And therefore he that demands this Licenſe to re-marry, muſt give himſelf to Prayer and Faſting, and contain himſelf during his Wife's Life, and he muſt conſcientiouſly give all poſſible aſſiſtance and relief unto her neceſſities.

VII. The obſervation of the 33d Article of the 5th Chapter of the Diſcipline ſhall be carefully recommended to all the Churches in every Province. That Article begins thus: In every Church their ſhall be Memoirs conſerved of.

The Form of Prayer ordinarily uſed at Baptiſm, ſhall not be forborn at the at the Baptiſm of Infants born in Adultery, Fornication or Inceſt.VIII. It being demanded, Whether the uſual Form of Prayer ſhould be recited at the Baptiſm of Infants born out of Matrimony, and in Adultery or Inceſt, becauſe there are in it thoſe words, Begotten of Father and Mother whom thou hast called into thy Church. This Synod judgeth, that there ſhould be no difficulty nor diſpute had or made about it; becauſe, that under the Name of Father and Mother, are not only compriſed the more immediate and next Parents that begat them, but alſo their Anceſtors to a thouſand Generations. And this alſo ſhould be conſidered, that tho' the Parents be faulty, yet they are not therefore totally excluded God's Covenant.

IX. The 4th Article in the Chapter of Marriages, aſſerting that Promiſes of Marriage made by words de praeſenti are indiſſolvable,Promiſes of Marriage by Words de praeſenti are indiſſolvable. ſhall not be changed. And in caſe of any Offence taken by one of the Parties thus eſpouſed, and that he or ſhe refuſe to perform the ſaid Marriage, the refuting Perſon ſhall be urg'd unto it by Eccleſiaſtical Cenſures, yea even by Excommunication itſelf, unleſs the offending and deſerting Party have never communicated at the Lord's Table; in which caſe all Admonitions having been given duly in the Conſiſtory, his or her obſtinacy ſhall be on three ſeveral Lord's Days publickly denounced and ſignified unto the People. And on the fourth, they ſhall be publickly informed, that we do repute ſuch a Perſon by name no Member of our Church. And this being done, if the deſerting Perſon do ſtill perſiſt in his obſtinacy, the innocent Party ſhall be diſmiſſed unto the Magiſtrate, that he may be ſet at liberty; who having obtained it by his Authority he may marry whom he pleaſeth, provided it be in the Lord, and his Marriage ſhall be publickly bleſſed and ſolemnized in the Church. And the deſerting Party ſhall not be received into Communion with us, nor be ſuffered to marry any other, until we have had by a long ſpace of time a p. 145ſufficient proof of his Repentance, and that he hath given due ſatisfaction to the Church.

X. It being queried, Whether the Names of Children born out of Marriage ſhould be recorded in our Baptiſmal Regiſter.Baſtards may be entred into the Regiſter of Marriage, except ſuch as are born in Inceſt. The Anſwer was, Yes, that they might be owned; except ſuch as are born of inceſtuous Parents; that ſo the memory of ſo foul a Crime may be forever buried in the Grave of Oblivion. And in this particular caſe the Mother only ſhall be named, and the Perſon that preſents the Child unto Baptiſm; and whenever illegitimate Births are regiſtred, it ſhall be expreſly mentioned, that they were born out of Marriage.

XI. A Father, tho' ſuſpended from the Lord's Table, yea, and excommunicated, may and ought to be preſent at the Baptizing of his Child.

XII. No Thieves, nor Murderers, nor any others guilty of notorious wickedneſs puniſhable by the Civil Magiſtrate, ſhall be received into Church-fellowſhip with us, leaſt the Church ſhould incur blame by it, as if it were a Receptacle and Sanctuary of impious Perſons.

XIII. What is to be done in this caſe: Whenas a moſt heinous Crime is committed, which deſerveth exemplary puniſhment, yea, Death itſelf, and it be known unto the Conſiſtory, or ſome one particular Member of it, but the Criminal hath not been called before the Conſiſtory, nor hath privately demanded their Advice or Counſel, ſhall he to diſcovered unto the Magiſtrate or no? This Synod is of Opinion, That he ought not to be impeached, unleſs before a Magiſtrate of our Religion, and it ſhall be done by way of Intelligence, and not by that of a Delator or Accuſer.

XIV. Whereas the greater part of our People do very much offend God by their contempt of Baptiſm, either forſaking the Aſſembly,Baptiſm to be adminiſtred before the laſt Pſalm be ſung. or carrying themſelves exceeding irreverently during the Adminiſtration of that holy Sacrament, it hath upon mature Advice been judged fitting, that for the future Baptiſm be adminiſtred before the ſinging of the laſt Pſalm, or at leaſt before the laſt Bleſſing be given; and the whole Congregation ſhall be ſolemnly admoniſhed to give equal Honour to both the Sacraments, the ſame unto Baptiſm that they do unto the Lord's Supper. Becauſe Jeſus Chriſt is offered with all his Benefits both in the one and other Sacrament.

XV. Gentlemen, and others enjoying Right of Patronage, ſhall not be urged to forſake their juſt Titles; only they ſhall be admoniſhed, that whatever profit accrues unto them thereby, that it be employed to pious Uſes, as for the maintenance of God's holy Service in his Church, to help defray the Charges of Colloquies, and of the Poor.

XVI. Henceforward that Church in which the National Synod is celebrated, ſhall be obliged ſo to order their Affairs, that their appointed time of celebrating the Lord's Supper may fall in with the cloſing up of the Synod, that ſo the Deputies may teſtifie that holy Union between all the Churches of this Nation, by their mutual Communion then, and at that time, and in that Church at the Lord's Table.

XVII.Whether it be lawful to accompany a Popiſh Bride unto her Church. The Deputies of Anjou propoſed this Caſe: Whether it were lawful to accompany a Popiſh Bride unto their Church. Advice was hereupon given, that this ſhould be done as ſeldom as poſſible, and provided there were not in that Company any Diſſolutions, by Minſtrels, or other Vanities and Diſorders which are cuſtomary in ſuch Proceſſions.See the Synod of Saumur▪ art. 4. of Gen. Matters. And the ſame Reſolution was given in the Caſe of accompanying the Corps of deceaſed Papiſts at Funerals unto their Graves, that it was in no wiſe lawful to be preſent at them, if there were any kind of Idolatry or Superſtition committed in them.

XVIII. The Deputy of higher Languedoc propounded this Caſe: A Godly Woman is married to a Man of the contrary Religion, who will have her wear that Apparel which is unbecoming Chriſtian Modeſty, and in caſe, of Noncompliance with her Husband's Commands, there ariſe Quarrels and great p. 146Diſſerences between them, may ſhe be tolerated in the uſage of thoſe Habits? This Aſſembly is of Opinion, that to avoid the above-mentioned Inconveniencies ſhe may be born withal, excepting on thoſe Days when the Lord's Supper is celebrated, or ſhe preſents a Child to be baptized, in which ſhe ſhall cloath herſelf modeſtly, and ſo teſtifie her Humility and Chriſtian Modeſty.

XIX. Our Brother, the Deputy of Lower Languedoc, preſented to us this Caſe, that certain Perſons profeſſing the Reformed Religion, having been according to the Order of our Diſcipline cenſured for their Miſcarriages, obtained a Prohibition from the Civil Magiſtrate, forbidding all farther Proceedings. This Synod hath adviſed hereupon, That a Publick Declaration ſhall be made of the Incompetency of this Judge who granted the Prohibition; and if notwithſtanding this, they will yet proceed in their Contentions, an Appeal ſhall be then made unto the Chamber of the Edict, and the Church ſhall proſecute the Cenſure they have commenced; and in caſe the Miniſter be troubled for it, we judge it neceſſary that the whole Body of the Conſiſtory do unanimouſly defend him. And this ſelf-ſame Reſolution ſhall ſerve as an Anſwer to what was propounded by our Brethren of Anjou, that ſome Magiſtrates would compel them to give in Writing an Account of Matters debated and reſolved on in their Conſiſtories.

XX. That Church in which the National Synod did laſt meet, is ordered to ſend the Acts of the ſaid Synod unto the Province which is obliged to convocate the next Synod.

XXI.**There is engraven on the Seal a Burning Buſh, in the midſt whereof is written foreign, and round the Circle, Flagror, non Conſamor, a true Emblem of the Chriſtian Church. It was reſolv'd, That a Seal ſhould be made for the uſe of the National Synod, that all Letters of Importance written in its Name may be ſealed by it; and this Seal ſhall conſtantly be ſent unto that Province in which the next is to be celebrated.

XXII. This Aſſembly ſeriouſly conſidering the many Judgments with which we be threatned, as of War, Peſtilence, and Famine, the foul Apoſtaſies of divers Profeſſors, the little Zeal and Reformation in the generality of our People, It doth Ordain a Publick Faſt to be celebrated moſt ſolemnly in all the Churches of France, on the laſt Week in July, according to the conveniencies or our Churches.

XXIII. The Obſervation of the 28th Article of the fifth Chapter of the Diſcipline, is leſt to the prudence of the reſpective Conſiſtories.

XXIV. The Deputies of the Iſle of France demanding what courſe is to be taken with ungrateful Perſons to their Miniſters, and ſuch as refuſe to contribute to the defraying of Eccleſiaſtical Expences. This Aſſembly adviſeth, That becauſe of the Calumnies and Reproaches unto which the Churches are expoſed, the Duty of ſuch Perſons ſhall be preſt upon them by lively Remonſtrances and Exhortations, and if it be thought needful, it ſhall be done in the Aſſembly of the principal Heads of the Families belonging to the Church. However they ſhall not for this be kept back from the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

A Miniſter deputed to another Provincial Synod hath his deliberative VoiceXXV. Our Brethren, the Deputies of Anjou, craved Advice in this Matter, Whether a Miniſter delegated by his Provincial Synod, unto the Synod Colloquy of another Province upon buſineſs common to them both, ought to have his deliberative Voice? This Aſſembly anſwereth, Yes, and not only as to that particular Affair upon which he came, but alſo in all others, excepting what may concern himſelf only, during the whole Seſſions.

Whether a Miniſter be bound to viſit the ſick of the Mag…e.XXVI. The Deputies of Poictou demanded, Whether it were expedient that Miniſters ſhould viſit Perſons ſick of the Plague. This Aſſembly leaves the deciſion of this Caſe unto the Prudence of the reſpective Conſiſtories; only judging, that if it be done at all, it muſt be upon a very urgent cauſe, that ſo a whole Church be not expos'd to danger for the ſake of a ſingle Perſon: Unleſs Viſit may be ſo managed as to be without danger of Infection, he ſpeaking at a diſtance to the diſeaſed Party. However, we give it as our p. 147Counſel unto the Miniſter, who foreſeeth the approaching danger, that in the ordinary courſe of his Preaching he do prepare his Church to a patient ſubmiſſion unto this terrible Providence, and that by proper and pertinent Texts of Scripture he do in his Sermons comfort and revive their drooping and deſponding Spirits.

XXVII. The Articles of Diſcipline ordained for the Conduct of our People ſhall be read publickly, and Colloquies may make an Extract of ſuch Articles as they ſhall judge needful to be known by all, which ſhall be read publickly at ſome extraordinary ſeaſon, as the prudence of the Conſiſtory ſhall determine.

CHAP. III. Containing the Canons which were removed, Obſervations changed in, and added to thoſe in the Body of our Church-Diſcipline.

CHap. I. 4. At the Fourth Article of the firſt Chapter, the Second Section, after thoſe words, The whole ſhall be related, you muſt add, Ʋnto the Colloquy or Synod.

CHap. VII. At the end of the Seventh Article, inſtead of ſaying, According to the Form which hath been ordained, it ſhall be ſaid, As followeth. And there ſhall be brought and inſerted here all the ſaid Form, which is at the end of the Articles of our Diſcipline.

CHap. XIII. The 13th Article ſhall be removed unto the Chapter of the Colloquies.

CHap. XXI. The One and twentieth Article was wholly razed, and inſtead of it, there was this placed: Lords and Princes demanding of a Church a Miniſter to ſerve theirs for ſome certain time, ſhall be careful not to demand him of that which hath but one. And he ſhall not be granted them without leave firſt had from his Church and Colloquy. The Twenty third Article is wholly razed.

CHap. XXVI. The Sixth, and Twenty third Article ſhall be totally razed; and inſtead of it there ſhall be this ſubſtituted: If that a Miniſter intrude into a Church, although he were approved by the People, yet ſhall he not be approved by the Neighbour-Miniſters or others, but the Cogniſance of this Matter ſhall be referr'd unto the Colloquy or Provincial Synod.

'Tis now the 29th Article of the Diſcipline.CHap. XXXI. The One and thirtieth Article ſhall be wholly razed out, and to the end of the Thirty third Article there ſhall be this Addition made, Or to the Colloquy, in caſe the Churches be of one and the ſame Colloquy.

This is now the 30th Article of the Diſcipline.CHap. XXXIV. The Four and thirtieth Article ſhall be wholly razed out and formed a new after this manner: Miniſters may with their own conſent be lent by the Conſiſtory, if it make for the Churches edifying; and yet this Loan ſhall not be without conſulting two or three Miniſters, or the Colloquy, if it be for any longer time than ſix Months.

CHap. XXXVI. & XLV. The Six and thirtieth, and the Five and fortieth Articles ſhall be wholly razed out.

This is now the 41ſt Article of the Diſcipline.CHap. XLVII. Towards the cloſe the Seven and fortieth Article, inſtead of theſe words, That ſo by thoſe worldly Cares he may not he diverted from his Work, there ſhall be this inſerted, That ſo he may be freed from all ſuſpicion of Covetouſneſs.

This … …ow the 4… Article of the Diſcipline.CHap. LV. Towards the end of the Fifty fifth Article, in lieu of thoſe words. The Conſiſtory ſhall judge, this ſhall be inſerted, Thoſe who ordered the Depoſition ſhall take Cogniſance of it.This is now the 50th Article of our Diſicipline.

CHap. LVI. The Fifty ſixth Article ſhall be thus worded: National Synods ſhall be informed by the Provinces of their depoſed Miniſters, that ſo they may not be entertained by them.

p. 148CHap. LVII. **This is now the 57th Article of our Diſcipline.In the Fifty ſeventh Article, inſtead of National, read Provincial Synod.

CHap. LIX. After Vagrants in the Fifty ninth Article, there ſhall be inſerted, Apoſtates, and in the end of that Article there ſhall be this clauſe, And a Catalogue of theſe ſhall he brought from the Provinces unto the National Synods.

Chap. II. 4. After theſe words in the Fourth Article, To be employed in the Miniſtry,This is now the 53d Article of our Diſcipline. this ſhall be added, Ever preferring the Children of poor Miniſters, if ingenious, whereof the Colloquies ſhall take ſpecial care.

Chap. III. 6. The Sixth Article of the Third Chapter ſhall be thus read, but the deciſion of Points of Doctrine is principally reſerved unto Miniſters and Paſtors of Churches.

Chap. V. 20. The twentieth Article of the Fifth Chapter ſhall be wholly razed; becauſe 'tis included in the One and twentieth, and Two and twenty foregoing Articles, the Four and twentieth ſhall be alſo blotted out.

Chap. VIII. 6. In the Sixth Article of the Eighth Chapter, next after theſe words, And one of the Paſtors ſhall be Preſident, there muſt be added, Together with one or more Scribes.

This is now the 11th Article, and inſtead of the Provincial it is the National Synod, that is to provide for thoſe Widows and Orphans of deceaſed Miniſters.CHap. XII. Artie. To th of the Twelfth Article there ſhall be this added, And where the Province becomes ingrateful, the Deputy thereof ſhall make report of it unto the Provincial Synod, which ſhall provide for them.

Chap. IX. 6. To the ſixth Article of the Ninth Chapter there muſt be added, And Eccleſiaſtical.

CHap. VIII. In the Eighth Article after theſe words, Ample Memoirs, ſhall be added, With lawful excuſes for their abſence.

CHap. XI. To the laſt clauſe of the Eleventh Article theſe words ſhall be added, Which ſhall before-hand be adviſed to prepare for it.

Chap. X. 3. To the third Article of the Tenth Chapter, in the cloſe of it, ſhall be this added, As much as may be done, conſidering the conveniency of Times and Places.

CHap. V. And to the Fifth Article theſe words ſhall be added, And ſuch as accompany the Dead unto their Graves, are exhorted to demean themſelves with all Chriſtian Modeſty, meditating according to the Nature of the preſent Object, upon the Miſery and Brevity of this preſent Life, and that bleſſed Hope of Immortality in the World to come. And the Tenth Chapter ſhall be cloſed up with this Article, Foraſmuch as Mourning lieth not in the Habit but Heart, the Faithful ſhall be adviſed to comport themſelves with all Modeſty, ſhunning all Ambition, Hypocriſie and Superſtition.

Chap. XI. 11. In the Eleventh Article of the Eleventh Chapter, inſtead of theſe words, Attributed unto God in the Scripture, ſhall be added, As Emanuel and all others.

Chap. XIII. 7. In the Seventh Article of the Thirteenth Chapter inſtead of thoſe words, The Synods do eſteem, ſhall be inſerted, They do declare.

CHap. VIII, IX. Between the Eighth and Ninth Articles this ſhall be placed, The betrothed Perſon may not marry the Mother of his deceaſed Spouſe.

CHap. X, XI. Between the Tenth and Eleventh Articles this ſhall be inſerted, A Man ſhall not after the death of his Wife marry her with whom he had committed Adultery whilst ſhe was living, unleſs the Conſiſtory have first had Cogniſance of the ſame, and maturely conſidered thereof.

CHap. XXII. After theſe words in the Two and twentieth Article, Solemnly married, there ſhall be this addition, …Whether that their Offence were known before or after the ſolemnizing of the Marriage. And thoſe words ſhall be razed, If they demand to be. And in the ſame Article this word alſo ſhall be blotted out, And foraſmuch, and theſe ſhall be inſerted, Although this had been avoided before the Celebration of the Marriage, yet he ſhall proceed to, &c.

p. 149CHap. XXII. XXIII. This Article ſhall be placed between the Two and twentieth, and the Twenty third, That thoſe Inconveniences may be avoided, which enſue upon a long delay of ſolemnizing Marriage, all Paſtors of Churches, and others in whoſe Power the eſpouſed Perſons are ſhall he advertis'd not to defer the celebrating of their Marriage above ſix weeks after their Eſpouſals.

Chap. XIV. 1. This word Much ſhall be left out, and the laſt clauſe of the firſt Article. And to the Fourth Article theſe ſhall be added, Ʋnleſs in caſe it be for ſuppreſſing the Preaching of God's Word, and the ſetting up of Maſs.

CHap. XIX. Theſe words exceſſive and ſcandalous ſhall be left out of the Nineteenth Article.

CHap. XXI. The word Excommunication ſhall be left out in the cloſe of the One and twentieth Article, and inſtead of it this ſhall be inſerted, Suſpenſion from the Lord's Supper.

CHap. XXIV. XXV. This enſuing Article ſhall be placed betwixt the Twenty fourth and Twenty fifth: Swearers and Blaſphemers of the Name of God ſhall in no wiſe be tolerated in the Church, but they ſhall be admoniſhed with the greatest ſeriouſneſs to deſist from thoſe ſins; and in caſe of non-forbearance, they ſhall be proſecuted with all Church-Cenſures, as the Conſiſtories in their Wiſdoms may judge moſt fit.

CHAP. IV. Particular MATTERS.

I. WHereas Monſieur de Tourfillant formerly denoſed from the Miniſtry, hath moſt humbly petitioned, that he may be reſtored to it; this Aſſembly having ſeriouſly conſidered the enormity of his Crime of which he had been accuſed and convicted before the Civil Magiſtrate, and that as yet he retains his old Inclinations to the ſelf-ſame ſin; yea, and that his ſupplicatory Letters do rather juſtifie him, than expreſe his Contrition and Repentance, as is evident to any one who doth but curſorily read and peruſe them, therefore it is ordained, that he ſhall not be re-admitted to the Exerciſe of the Goſpel-Miniſtry.

II. The Brethren Deputies of Normandy deſired our Reſolution in this difficult Caſe: A Widow of the Church in — was contracted to a Man by words de praeſenti, and duly informed by the Miniſters of that Church to which ſhe belonged of the importance of ſuch Promiſes; yet nevertheleſs a while after to his very great grief, ſhe ſeparates herſelf front this her Spouſe by Sentence of the Official, pleading for herſelf, That ſhe was ignorant of the meaning of thoſe words de praeſenti and futuro, and afterward marries another Perſon, according to the manner of the Romiſh Church, not at all regarding the Remonſtrances given her either by Miniſters, or by him to whom ſhe was firſt contracted, before and after her laſt Eſpouſals. This Aſſembly judgeth, That the firſt Promiſe in itſelf, and of right is indiſſolvable; and that therefore the Second Marriage is of right null and void. So that the Man firſt contracted to her, according to the liberty given us by our Lord Jeſus ſhould declare, that he doth repudiate and reject the ſaid Wiſe, becauſe the had violated her Faith given to him, and is joyned unto another. And after ſuch a declaration (if ſo be the Delinquent Parties return unto their Duty according to our Diſcipline) the Conſiſtory may approve and confirm the Second Marriage, and the rather becauſe a Child begotten in the ſaid Marriage hath been baptized in our Church, the Father having devolv'd his Right in it upon the Surety who preſented it.

p. 150III. The Differences fallen out on the Promiſes of Marriage between Monſieur John Heriſſon and Mary the Daughter of Monſieur Moutier Miniſter of Orbec, are diſmiſſed to the Colloquy of Beauvoyſie, where they ſhall be fully and ſmally determined, and the Brethren of Feugeray and Paris, becauſe they well underſtand the Matters of Fact relating to it, ſhall be preſent thereat. This preſent Synod having given no Judgment in the Caſe, becauſe the'fore-mentioned Parties were never ſummon'd to, nor appeared before this Synod, and for divers other particularities and circumſtances relating to this Affair, which merit a longer and more diligent enquiry, than the time allotted for our Seſſions would admit of.

IV. As touching the matter propoſed by our Brethren the Deputies of Augoumois, What is to be done with the Church of Angouleſme, who for refuſing Maintenance unto their Paſtor, had together with all the Haeads of its reſpective Families been deprived of their Miniſter, and of Communion at the Lord's Table, by the ſole Authority of their Provincial Synod, until ſuch time as they had given full ſatisfaction unto their ſaid Miniſter. It is decreed by the Authority of this Aſſembly, That this whole Affair ſhall be diſmiſſed unto the Synod of Xaintonge, which ſhall duly ſummon both Parties to appear before them; and having heard them, ſhall put a final period, by their Sentence, unto all their Differences.

V. Our Brother, the Deputy of Picardy, demanding Advice on this difficulty: A Woman refuſeth to cohabit with her Husband, pretending that he was a Monk, thô ſhe was well acquainted with it long before ſhe married him, and adds ſcoffingly, when ſhe is exhorted to re-unite herſelf to him, That they must be married; as if they had never been. It is the Judgment of this Synod, That for this deſerting of her Husband ſhe ſhall be proceeded againſt by all Church-Cenſures; and the Husband is adviſed, if he think it fitting, to ſummon her before the Civil Magiſtrate.

VI. Maſter Julian de Lande an Apoſtate, who being formerly diſplaced, with Reputation to himſelf, from the Sacred Miniſtry, hath ſince revolted from the true Religion, and wallows in Debauchery and Idolatry, refuſing to hearken to the Advice and Orders of his Conſiſtory, and hath drawn alſo a Nephew of his into Apoſtaſie, this Aſſembly ordaineth, That the Sentence of Excommunication be publickly denounced againſt him, and that without delay.

VII. This Synod having underſtood of the Revolt and Apoſtaſie of one Croſſe, formerly a Miniſter in the Province of Normandy, and that he is plunged Head and Ears in Idolatry, perſiſting obſtinately therein: As alſo the defection of one Saint Martin from the Truth, who was a Miniſter of the Goſpel in the ſame Province: This Synod remits theſe Matters of Fact relating to both theſe Revolters unto their own Provincial Synod, with full Power to proceed againſt them both, according as it ſhall judge moſt expedient for the good and edification of the Church.

VIII. The Deputy of Higher Languedoc having formed a Complaint againſt the Colloquy of Armagnac, for ſeparating itſelf from the Province of Higher Languedoc, and joyning itſelf unto the Condonnois, thereby to make up one entire Province a part from the other. This Aſſembly ordaineth, That it ſhall be remonſtrated to the Colloquy of Armagnac, that by this their ſeparation they act contrary to the Diſtinction of Provinces eſtabliſhed by the former National Synods, and that they ought to return unto their firſt condition, and become, as heretofore, One Synod with that of Languedoc; and this Order ſhall be obſerved until tho meeting of the next National Synod, whereunto the Colloquy of Armagnac ſhall be ſummoned to exhibit their Reaſons for this their ſeparation; and if upon mature deliberation it be found neceſſary, the ſaid Diſtinction ſhall be then ordained.

IX. Monſieur Le Sage, Miniſter of Mimbré in Maine, being re-demanded p. 151by the Province of Normandy, this Aſſembly defers the Judgment of this Affair till the next National Synod; becauſe the Province of Anjou had no Notice given it of the Difficulties propounded by the Deputies of Normandy; as alſo, that the ſaid Le Sage may have warning given him to prepare his Anſwer to them.

X. The Remonſtrance of the Deputy of Augoumois, being heard upon an Appeal from their Synod, by our Brother Monſieur De la Croix, Miniſter of Jarnac; which Synod forbad the ſaid De la Croix the Practice of Phyſick together with his Miniſtry, and having alſo heard the Reaſons urged by the ſaid De la Croix for his ſaid Practice, as his Abilities for it, the Publick benefit by it, and the great Charge lying on him by his numerous Family: This Synod ratifies the Sentence given againſt him, according to our Diſcipline, by his own Provincial Synod. And the Conſiſtory or Jarnac are to procure another able Phyſitian to dwell there; and the ſaid De la Croix ſhall be admoniſhed wholly to addict himſelf unto his Miniſtry, and as for his Practice of Phyſick, that he do fully conform himſelf unto the Articles of our Diſcipline.

XI. The Lady De la Blanchardaye, hath liberty granted her, to get a Miniſter that may ſet up the true Worſhip of God, and Exerciſe of the true Religion in her Houſe, called, The Wood of Mayne, provided that the Neighbouring Colloquy do allow and approve of the ſaid Miniſter; and in the mean while our Brother Le Freſne ſhall continue to diſcharge his Office in the Church of Lacay; and in caſe he cannot do it, becauſe of the aforeſaid Eſtabliſhment, the Colloquy or Provincial Synod ſhall provide another Church for him.

XII. All the Provinces are deſired to take Notice in what place Monſieur Du Croy, formerly Miniſter of Perigueux, may be now reſiding, and whether he doth exerciſe his Miniſtry or not, and that Province wherein he is found, ſhall be intreated to exhort him inſtantly to return unto his own Church.

XIII. Foraſmuch as thoſe of Higher Languedoc have permitted ſome of their Members, to Farm Tythes, and other Eccleſiaſtical Goods upon this Condition, that they give them a certain Sum of Money. This Aſſembly ordains, That for time coming, this rigorous manner of dealing ſhall be wholly diſuſed; only that the ſaid Farmers be exhorted according to their Duty, to contribute ſome conſiderable Portion of their Gain, towards the Relief of the poor Churches, whereunto the ſaid Revenue was originally deſigned.

XIV. This Aſſembly gives its Approbation to that excellent Work of our dear Brother Monſieur**One Copy calls him Halnar, and in two other Coples Saluart. Salnar, Miniſter in the Church of Caſtres, ſtyled, Hamonia Confeſſionum; as being moſt uſeful and needful for theſe our times; judging alſo, that it would do ſingular good Service, if it were rendred into our French Tongue; and therefore the Province of Higher Languedoc is charged by this Synod, to get it tranſlated, and to prefix an Epiſtle Commendatory to the ſaid Book, in the Name of their faid Province.

XV. The Church of Vitré requeſting our Advice in this caſe, Whether Witneſſes ſhould be confronted, depoſing a Crime committed by the Delinquent, who does obſtinately, and upon his Oath deny the very Matter of Fact? This Aſſembly judgeth, That all occaſions of new Quarrels may be avoided, which may probably ariſe from ſuch Confrontations, the Witneſſes ſhall not be confronted, unleſs of their own accord they do freely conſent unto it, or unleſs that the laſt and greateſt Cenſures muſt of necceſſity be uſed, which indeed cannot be executed till ſuch time as the Delinquents ſhall have been well and duly convicted, and this cannot be done, unleſs that he confeſs and own his Offence, or that the Witneſſes do avow it conſtantly to his face.

XVI. The Article about our Catechiſm ſhall remain in its full power till the next National Synod, whereunto the Provinces ſhall come well inſtructed, p. 152that ſo we may adviſe whether Mr. Calvin's Catechiſm may be retained, or that a ſhorter one conſiſting only of the Apoſtles Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments ſhall be taken up, and uſed in the Ordinance of Catechiſing.

XVII. The Deputies of Poictou propounded this Caſe: A certain Marriage was diſſolved by Authority of the Official, becauſe of the Husband's Impotency: ſometime after the Woman being publickly married in the Church, it fell out the Man alſo was re-married, but in the Romiſh Church; he being now touched with Repentance, demandeth to be received unto the Peace and Communion of our Church. This Aſſembly adviſeth, that before his re-admiſſion, his Wife ſhall be interrogated, whether ſhe be well ſatisfied with him, that ſo it may be known whether he hath not abuſed God's holy Ordinance of Marriage, becauſe he had been once before judged impotent; and if he be now found ſuch, we adviſe the deferring of his Reception, till we have had more ample proof of his Repentance. But if it be otherwiſe, he having according to our Diſcipline repaired his fault of being married in the Church of Rowe, ſhall be reſtored to the Peace and Communion of the Church. Nevertheleſs, this Aſſembly judgeth, that the Conſiſtory ſhould be cenſured, not only for not uſing its Authority to hinder the Woman to ſuddenly after her Marriage contracted and ſolemnized, from running to the Official, who preſently ordered her a Separation; but alſo for not perſiſting in their Admonitions to the Husband, that he ſhould not ſo eaſily and readily conſent as he did, unto a diſſolution of the ſaid Marriage; becauſe ſuch a Separation ought not to have been, till after three Eccleſiaſtical Sentences had thrice gradually intervened, as is uſual even in the Church of Rome.

XVIII. Claudius Merchant, formerly Miniſter in the Church of Beauriers, and Civray, in the Province of Berry, having been accuſed and convicted of Adultery before this Aſſembly, we do depoſe him from his Charge and Miniſtry, for being a ſcandalous Perſon utterly unworthy of it. Moreover, we do ordain, That this his ſaid Depoſition ſhall be publiſhed in thoſe places where he exerciſed his Miniſtry; but without mentioning the Woman, only in general this ſhall be declared, that 'tis for a very groſs and heavy Sin, for a moſt grievous Scandal. Finally, he ſhall not be admitted in any place of his Reſidence, unto the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, till he have firſt done Publick Penance for this notorious Scandal given by him unto the Church, altho' the particular Crime committed by him ſhall not be ſpecified in the Church. And the Conſiſtory of the Church De la Roche posé, ſhall be cenſured for putting him into Office among them, before they had ſufficient Atteſtations concerning him.

XIX. Divers Gentlemen complaining by the Deputies of Augoumois, that in thoſe places where there is but one Sermon in the Week, their Miniſters do reſufe coming on the Week-days to Preach and Baptize their Children which are then born, unleſs they bring them at the appointed Times for Religious Worſhip. This Aſſembly adviſeth, That to prevent all Clamours and Complaints for the future, the Conſiſtory ſhall appoint one Day in the midſt of the Week for an extraordinary Aſſembly, and ſo provide for all emergent neceſſary Duties.

XX. The Churches ſhall be informed, that by the Ninth Article of the Secret Articles, the King promiſeth to diſpenſe with the Degrees of Conſanguinity and Aſſinity between Perſons of the Reformed Religion; ſo that we need not have recourſe unto the Pope for Diſpenſations. Wherefore in ſuch Caſes they may apply themſelves unto His Majeſty by our Agent at Court.

XXI. Our Brother the Deputy of Poictou propounded this Caſe: That a certain Perſon having quitted his Benefice, did yet notwithſtanding receive a Penſion from his Curate that enjoys it. This Aſſembly adviſeth, that he be admoniſhed, either to relinquiſh ſuch a Penſion, or elſe wholly to employ it unto Pious Uſes.

p. 153XXII. Whereas the Deputy of Anjou hath demanded that the Church of La Gravelle may be declared a Member of the ſaid Province, becauſe 'tis incloſed within its bounds; the Aſſembly judgeth, That inaſmuch as our Brother De Cherpon, Miniſter of it, had been moſtly incouraged in his Studies by the Liberality of the Lord De la Val, and that the far greater part of the Members of that Church are Brittains, it being diſtant from Brittany but one ſmall League, that therefore the ſaid Church ſhall be reputed to belong to the Province of Brittany, and the rather becauſe of the paucity of Miniſters in it. And this Order ſhall be in force no longer than the time of Monſieur Cherpon's Reſidence at, and Relation to the 'foreſaid Church of La Gravelle.

**In my Copy it wrs Noturi…, which I lookt upon as an Error of the French Scribe, for Norwich.XXIII. Our Brother Monſieur Mary, Miniſter of the Church of Norwich in England, but living at preſent in Normandy, ſhall be obliged to return unto his Church upon its firſt Summons, yet becauſe of the great Succeſs of his Miniſtry in theſe parts, his Church may be intreated to continue for ſome longer time his abſence from it.

XXIV. Monſieur De Feugeray, Paſtor in the Church of Rouen, having informed this Aſſembly of the great importance of that Church, and how neceſſary it is that it ſhould be provided of able Miniſters, we being at preſent deſtitute of all help for them, do adviſe the Province of Normandy to enquire in their reſpective Claſſis, whether they may not find two Churches ſo nigh one unto the other, that they may be combin'd into one, and by this means gain a Miniſter for the Church of Rouen; or if this don't like them, they may contrive ſome better expedient. And this courſe alſo ſhall be taken by the Province of Xaintonge, for the ſupply of the Church of Xaintes.

XXV. This Aſſembly prays and intreats the Province of Brittany to lend Monſieur De la Melluniere unto the Church of Vitré, and at the ſame time to make proviſion for the Church of Cuiſit, where he is at preſent.

XXVI. The Lord Du Pleſſis preſented himſelf in the Name of the King of Navarre unto this Aſſembly, propoſing from His Majeſty, That there might be ſent unto him, being now on the other fide of the Loire, certain Deputies, Perſons of Quality and Underſtanding, who might be near His Majeſty, to acquaint him with the true State of our Churches, and that he alſo might reciprocally communicate unto the Churches all Matters of Importance tending to their welfare and preſervation. This Aſſembly is of Opinion, That all the Churches be exhorted effectually to comply with His Majeſty's Demands, and in order thereunto, to name one or two Deputies to be diſpatcht unto him in the Name of the Churches, and this to be done out of hand; and the Province of the Iſle of France is to ſee it done without delay.

Means for uniting the German and French Churches. Synod of Gap, Gen. Mat. art. 11. Synod of Rochel, art. 4. after the choice of Moderator and Aſſeſſor.XXVII. A motion being made for an Union and Agreement betwixt the Churches of Germany and ours, this Aſſembly adviſeth, That Monſieur De Chandieu be ſolicited to undertake a Journey for the effecting of it; and in caſe the ſaid Monſieur De Chandieu have juſt Excuſes for not accepting the Employ, Monſieur De Seire ſhall be intreated to ſupply his place.

XXVIII. Monſieur Salnar is intreated to write in the Name, and by the Authority of this Synod, unto the Princes and Divines of Germany, and he ſhall confer with the Lord Du Pleſſis about the ſubject matter of his Letters and the ſaid Letters ſhall be ſent to Monſier De Chandieu, to be repreſented by him.

XXIX. Monſieur De Chaſſincour is intreated by this Aſſembly, to continue his Office at Court, and the Churches are exhorted to perform their Duties to him, whereof the Brethren of the Iſle of France are order'd to give him notice.

XXX. The Deputy of Lower Languedoc demanding, that our Brother Vilette, Miniſter in the Church of La Sala, may be removed thence, and tranſlated unto Montpellier, becauſe of that great Service he may do there, and that his Church may be ſome otherways provided. This Aſſembly leaveth the deciſion of this matter unto his Provincial Synod, which after due conſideration had of all Circumſtances, ſhall determine of it.

p. 154XXXI. Monſieur Laurence Bouchart, formerly Miniſter of Privas in Lower Languedoc, depoſed for his ſcandalous Crimes, having appealed unto this Aſſembly, it examined the Cauſes of his Depoſition, and all the Proceedings in and about it, and now judgeth that he cannot be reſtored unto the Minſtry, whatever Teſtimonials of Repentance may be produced by him.

XXII. To the Caſe propounded by the Deputies of Berry, Whether his Marriage ſhould be tolerated, who had eſpous'd his Wife's Niece, and that had ſome Years after his ſaid Marriage joyned himſelf unto our Religion, and communicated with us at the Lord's Table, and hath had ſeveral Children by this Wife? This Aſſembly anſwereth, That by the 14th Verſe of the 18th Chapter of Leviticus, ſuch a Marriage is inceſtuous, and that therefore in no wiſe can it be tolerated, and that they provoke not the Wrath of God more heavily againſt them, they ought to ſeparate one from the other. And whereas theſe Perſons committed this ſin in the time of their Ignorance, we adviſe, that they privately confeſs it unto the Conſiſtory, where they ſhall be admoniſhed, counſelled, and comforted from the Word of God.

XXXIII. Complaint being made by divers Perſons of the Cenſure paſſed on Brocard's Expoſition of the Book of Geneſis, in the laſt. Synod of Rochel, where he was condemned for Impiety and Proſanation of God's Holy Word, and blaming it as too ſtrict and rigorous, tho' ſome would acquit him of Impiety, becauſe he agrees with us thoroughly in all the Articles of Faith. This Aſſembly doth confirm the afore-mentioned Cenſure, judging that that Doctrine is not only impious which is contrary to the Articles of Faith, but that alſo which perverts the true ſence and meaning, as his doth, of the Holy Scriptures; becauſe they be the true Foundation of the Chriſtian Doctrine. Yet that ſatisfaction may be given them, who are diſpleaſed at the Cenſure paſt on this Book of Brocard's, there ſhall be extracted out of it a Catalogue of his groſſeſt Errors, and communicated abroad for their peruſal and information.

XXXIV. Monſieur De Bellefleur appealing from the Sentence given againſt him in the Synod of Higher Languedoc, by which his Treatiſe againſt the Diſcipline of our Churches was condemned, this Aſſembly having read his Treatiſe, and the Anſwers made unto it, doth confirm the ſaid Saentence paſt againſt the ſaid Bellefleur: To whom notwithſtanding a Letter ſhall be diſpatcht in the Name of this Aſſembly, and the Anſwer of our Brother, Monſieur Berault, ſhall be communicated to him; in which, if he do not acquieſce, the next Colloquy or Synod ſhall denounce him Schiſmatick.

XXXV. The Deputy of Higher Languedoc related the Affair of Arias and Bourgade, complaining, that they were too ſeverely cenſured by their Paſtors Berault and Gironnin; whereupon the Synod came unto this Reſolution, That the Piovince ſhall be informed, that they have full Power, and 'tis their Duty to judge definitively of it, and that the Cenſures given by the Conſiſtory of Montauban, and the Provincial Synod againſt them ſhall be in force; and if the ſaid Plaintiſſs be not quiet, nor demean themſelves peaceably and modeſtly according to their Duty: The Colloquy of Lower Quercy calling in two other Miniſters from the Neighbour-Colloquy, ſhall in the Name and Authority of this Synod judge definitively of this Fact.

XXXVI. The Province of**Higher Lower Languedoc is appointed by this Aſſembly to convoke and aſſign the Time of Meeting for the next National Synod; which is once for all ordained two Years hence in the Month of May.

May 16. 1583. Thus Signed by

Peter Merlin, Moderator, And

René Pineau, Scribe.

The End of the Synod of VITRE.

THE ACTS, DECISIONS, and DECREES OF THE XIII. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Chriſt, IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE, HELD At Montauban in the Year of our Lord 1594.