The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France, 14 (Saumur) – Half title 15

The Acts of Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France · 14 (Saumur) – Half title 15

p. 174THE Synod of Saumur.1596. Synod XIV.

SYNOD XIV.

Acts of the National Synod held at SAUMUR, the Fifth Day of June, in the Year of our Lord One Thouſand five hundred ninety and ſix.

CHAP. I. Of the DEPƲTIES.

Monſieur De la Touche, choſen Preſident.

Monſieur Pacard, Aſſeſſor. And

Meſſieurs Vincent, and Chalmot, Scribes.

At this Synod there appeared theſe Paſtors and Elders hereafter named:

FOR Brittany Maſter Peter Merlin, Miniſter of the Church and Family of the Lady of Laval, and Monſieur de Landauran, Elder of the ſaid Church.

Mr. Rotan was born at Geneva, Miniſter firſt at Rochel, and then at Caſtres, and there he died.For the Higher Languedoc, and the Higher Guyenne, Maſter John Baptiſta Rotan, ſub-delegated by Monſieur Balarand, who was deputed by the Provincial Synod held at Figeac in May laſt, 1596. But becauſe of his Sickneſs he could not be preſent in the Aſſembly; and the ſaid Monſieur Rotan was accepted in that Quality, but with this Proviſo, That it ſhould not be made a Precedent; and the Provinces are charged to acquaint their reſpective Deputies with it, that they ought not to delegate another in their ſlead.

I cannot paſs by Monſieur Rotan, without a Remark, which may be read at large in Monſieur D' Aubigny's Hiſtoire Univerſ. liv. 4. cap. 11. & liv. 5. cap. 2.

He, and one Marlas, who afterward revolted, with de Serres, Cayer, the Apoſtates, and de Vaux Miniſters, finding no Gains nor Preferments to be had in the Reformed Churches of France, projected for their own Advancement, the Re-union of the two Religions, Proteſtant and Popiſh: they communicate their Deſign to the Lord of Sanſy (who afterward turn'd Papiſt) to du Fay, Grand-ſon of the Chancellor L' Hoſpital, to Benoist Parſon of St. Euſtache, to Perron Biſhop of Eureux, to Dr. Chauveau, and to Berangé a Dominiean Fryar, and to the Arch-Biſhop of Bourges. Rotan got himſelf p. 175deputed with ſome others to the King at Mantes, in the Year 1595; and there promiſed, that in a Publick Diſpute, he would ſubtilly betray the Cauſe of the Reformed unto the Romaniſts. But when it come to the puſh, whether it were that out of vanity he would not yield, or through remorſe of Conſcience, he drew back, and feigned himſelf ſick. Monſieur Beraud Paſtor of the Church of Montauban, entred the Liſts in his ſtead, and ſtoutly maintained the Truth againſt the Adverſaries, about the ſufficiency of the Scriptures. Monſieur de Vaux, who was brought off with three Bills, one of Two thouſand five hundred Crowns, and the other two of leſſer Sums, falls into terror and horror of mind, hath no reſt night nor day, and under this great anguiſh diſcovers the whole Plot for their Prevarication unto ſeveral Perſons of Note and Quality, but with dreadful Cries and Groans, yet withal aſſureth them, that God will have mercy upon his poor Soul, notwithſtanding the greatneſs of his ſin, for he ſhould die very ſuddenly, which he did the next Lord's Day: For having preached to his Congregation, and ſupped with ſome Friends, he took a ſolemn leave of them, and leading his Wife into his Bed-Chamber, he pronounced this Stave of the Fifty firſt Pſalm.

Lo, alſo, Lord, thou lovest Truth within,

Within the Heart, within the Soul ſincerity,

Therefore to me ſo gracious thou hast been,

To make me know thy inward Wiſdom's verity.

And immediately died in the very place.

Monſieur D' Aubigni relateth, how that he unboſom'd himſelf unto him with many ſighs, and having confeſſed his heinous Offence, he delivered to him the three Bills; which, after his Death, he gave back again unto his Heirs.

For Poitou, Maſter Dominick de Loſſe, Lord de la Touche, Miniſter of the Church of Mouchant, and St. Fulgent, Maſter Francis, L'Oyſtau, Miniſter of the Church and Family of the Lord Duke la Tremouille, and Monſ de Fontaines Elder of the ſaid Church. Their Temple in which they worſhipped God was at Melle.

For the Lower Guyenne, Monſieur de St. Hilary, Miniſter of the Church of Nerac, without an Elder, Monſieur de Chaſtelet was excuſed upon the account of his ſickneſs; and the Provinces ſhall be informed, that in caſe of ſickneſs, they ought to ſubſtitute another, as alſo to depute unto theſe Synods one or two Elders.

For Orleans, Berry, &c. Maſter John Vian Miniſter of the Church of Angeau, Maſter Adam D' Orival Miniſter of the Church of Sancerre, and Maſter Giles d' Albert Junior, Citizen of Blois, deputed by the ſaid Province.

For Dolphiny, Provence, and the Principality of Orange, Maſter Daniel Chamier Miniſter of the Church of Montlimart, Maſter John de Serres Miniſter of the Church of Aurenges, and there was joyned with him Monſieur Hulſon an Elder of that Church; but thô he was choſen by the ſaid Province, yet he was not preſent at this Synod.

For Lower Languedoc Maſter Laurence Brunier Miniſter of the Church of Ʋſez, and Theodorick de Combez Baron of Fons, Elder of that Church.

For Normandy Maſter Giles Gautier Lord of la Banſenie, Miniſter of the Church of Caen, and Maſter Robert du Perron, Elder in the Church of Rouan.

p. 176For Lyonnois, Forest, and Beaujolois, Maſter Lewis Tourquet, Elder in the Church of Lyons.

For Anjou, Touraine, &c. Maſter Felix du Tronchay Lord of la Noue, Miniſter in the Church of Beaufort, Maſter Francis Greliere Lord of Macefer, Miniſter in the Church of Saumur, and Maſter Briant Niotte, and Maſter Peter Coignet Lord of la Plante, Elders in the ſaid Church of Sanmur:

For Xaintonge, Augoulmois and Aunix, Maſter George Pacart Miniſter of Rochefoucald, and Monſieur Chalmot Elder in the Church of Rochel.

The Provinces of Higher and Lower Vivaretz, and their Synod ſhall be cenſured for neglecting to ſend their Deputies unto this Aſſembly; and Maſters Brunier and Chamier, are appointed to declare in their next Synodical Meeting, this very Cenſure by word of mouth unto them.

Bourbonnois, Auvergne, and the Province of Burgundy, having at preſent but one conſtituted Church in it, are excuſed for this time, and Monſieur de Serres is ordered to write unto the ſcattered Churches of thoſe Dukedoms, that they rally and re-unite again together, and encourage the Faithful which are among them to re-aſſemble.

Monſieur de la Touche was choſen by common Suffrages Moderator, and Monſieur Pacart Aſſeſſor, and Maſter Vincent and Chalmot Scribes, to Collect and Regiſter the Acts of this Synod.

The Aſſembly ordered, That the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ſhould be celebrated in this Church on the Lord's Day, June the 16th of this preſent Year 1596.

CHAP. II. Obſervations upon the Confeſſion of Faith.

THE Confeſſion of Faith was Read, Approved, and Sworn to by all the Deputies of this preſent Synod.

Once again the Printers ſhall be required to put the word Ʋnion, inſtead of that of Ʋnity, in the 26th Article.

As alſo,Synod of Montauban. Obſervat. upon the Confeſſ. art. 4. … 6. That in the cloſe of the Eight and thirtieth Article, theſe words of Inſtitution in the Lord's Supper, Take, eat, and drink ye all of it; ſhall be added, according as it had been decreed by the laſt National Synod of Montauban.

p. 177CHAP. III. Obſervations upon the Church-Diſcipline.

The Diſcipline of our Church was read, and all the Deputies approved it, and ſware to ſee it carefully obſerved.

I. THE Provinces are adviſed to ſee that the Sixth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Articles of the firſt Chapter, eſpecially the Twelfth, be punctually obſerved, according to the Decree of the Synod of Montauban.

II. The One and twentieth Article in the Second Chapter, beginning with theſe words, Foraſmuch as, ſhall be wholly removed from the Body of our Diſcipline.

III. The Firſt Article in the Third Chapter of Elders ſhall be ſtrictly obſerved. And the word Eſpecially in the Sixth Article of this ſame Chapter ſhall remain.

IV. The Provinces are exhorted to maintain as great a number of Propoſans as poſſibly they can, and Princes, Lords, Gentlemen, Corporations, and ſuch as to whom God hath given fair Eſtates in the World, and eſpecially ſuch as enjoy Impropriations, are bound in Conſcience to employ a conſiderable part of their Revenues in ſo pious a work.

V. In reading the Chapter of Schools, it was decreed, That the Provinces ſhould be adviſed to do their utmoſt, that a Colledge be erected in each of them, and that by them all joyntly, at leaſt two Academies, the places of the Colledges and Academies ſhall be named by the Provinces. And the preſent Synod judgeth this City of Saumur a moſt convenient place for a Colledge, and whenever God ſhall bleſs us with ability, for an Academy alſo; and entreateth the Lord du Pleſſis Governour of this place, to continue the Tokens of his good-will and kindneſs to this Noble and moſt Godly Deſign, which he hath ſo much affected, and the Deputies of this Aſſembly are intreated to excite their reſpective Provinces to promote it vigorouſly.

VI. The 8th Article in the Chapter of Elders and Deacons ſhall remain as it is, leaving the Conſiſtories at liberty to make what changes they in their prudence may judge to be moſt expedient.

VII. The 8th Article in the Chapter of Conſiſtories, recommending the reading of the Diſcipline, ſhall be better obſerved.

VIII. On the 22d Article of the ſame Chapter it was decreed, That in Publick Confeſſions made by Penitents before the whole Church, thoſe Crimes which would expoſe them unto Death, or brand them with Infamy, ſhall not be ſpecified.

IX. The Provinces are adviſed to ſee that the laſt Article of the ſame Chapter be moſt exactly obſerved.

X. The Fifth and Laſt Article of the Sixth Chapter. The Provincial Deputies of Guyenne, Xaintonge, and Normandy craved, That this Article might be moderated, becauſe of its very great rigour. Whereupon it was adviſed, that after thoſe words, Continued and maintained, there ſhall be theſe added, And in caſe any Churches or particular Perſons refuſe to contribute to the defraying of their Expences, who are to meet in thoſe Eccleſiaſtical Aſſemblies, they ſhall be ſeverely cenſur'd, as Deſerters of that holy Ʋnion, which ought to be upheld among us, for our mutual preſervation. And Miniſters neglecting this Ordinance ſhall be liable unto the ſharpest Cenſures.

p. 178XI. On reading the firſt Article of the Eighth Chapter, thoſe Churches which have divers Paſtors, are adviſed to ſend as many of them as they can alternatively unto their Provincial Synods.

XII. The Second Article of the ſame Chapter ſhall be moſt ſtrictly obſerved. In the laſt Article of the ſaid Chapter, the Deputy of Champagne declared unto the Synod, That the Church of Chaloons is the only one in that Province. Wherefore it was decreed, That the Church of Chaloons for the preſent ſhall be annexed unto the Iſle of France, and there being left in the Province of Brittany, none other than the Church of Vitré, that alſo ſhall be joyned unto Normandy.

XIII. The Deputy of Higher Languedoc demanding, That other Miniſters preſent in our National Synods, though not deputed, might have their Votes in Conſultations, unleſs in thoſe Matters wherein they were perſonally concerned; it was decreed, that the third Article of this eighth Chapter ſhould not be changed in the leaſt tittle.

XIV. The fifth Article of the tenth Chapter. The Deputy of Normandy read the Memoirs of the Colloquy of Conſtantine, moving, that Exhortations might be permitted at the Interring of the Dead. The Synod paſt this Decree, That there ſhould be nothing innovated in that Article.

XV. On reading the fifth Article of the eleventh Chapter, about baptizing of Gypſies Children, it was decreed, That the ſaid Article ſhould remain in its full force, only with the addition of theſe words, That the Surety do bind himſelf to maintain and educate the ſaid Child in the fear of God.

XVI. It was decreed, That the ſixth Article of the ſame Chapter ſhall abide unaltered, to wit, That no Baptiſms ſhall be performed but in thoſe places, and at thoſe hours, when and where the Churches do ordinarily meet together for God's Publick Worſhip. However, in Churches where there is no Sermon, this Sacrament may be adminiſtred according to their conveniency, but yet not without ſome kind of Exhortation. And in caſe a Parent ſhould through infirmity urge the baptizing of his Child before Sermon, the Paſtors ſhall adviſe what will make moſt for the edification of the People, and inform the Parent of it. And where Churches have their Meetings only on the Lord's Day, they are exhorted alſo to appoint ſome other Day of the Week for Publick Chriſtenings. On the eighth Article of the ſame Chapter, Parents ſhall be adviſed to chooſe ſuch Sureties for their Children, as are Perſons of Underſtanding, and capable of making good their Promiſes.

XVII. On the 13th Article of the ſame Chapter, the Deputies of Poictou demanded, Whether two Names might be given a Child at Baptiſm? To which it was replied, The thing was indifferent; however, Parents were adviſed to obſerve herein Chriſtian ſimplicity.

XVIII. On the 5th Article of the 13th Chapter, it was decreed, That in all Eſpouſals the Promiſes of Marriage ſhall be made in words de futuro, according to His Majeſties Ordinance; and that of Right they be indiſſolvable, unleſs ſome lawful impediment do interpoſe; and thus that Article ſhall be amended.

XIX. On the 6th and 7th Articles of the ſame Chapter, about degrees of Conſanguinity, it was demanded, Whether in degrees not forbidden of God, and for which the King's. Grant may be obtained (as is promiſed us by the ſecret Articles of the Edict) in the third and fourth degree only, Paſtors may proceed to the Celebration of ſuch Marriages, without demanding a view of His Majeſties Licenſe? To which this Synod made anſwer, That they ought to ſolemnize the ſaid Marriages without any ſcruple or difficulty, provided they met with no oppoſition at the time of their Celebration.

XX. On the 12th Article of the ſame Chapter, it was reſolved, That the ſaid Article ſhould remain,See the 2d Synod o… Raccel. arc. 4…. only thoſe words were to be left out of it, Becauſe there is a ſecret affinity between the Parties, for that the Husband and Wife are reckoned but one Body.

p. 179XXI. From the 13th Article of the ſame Chapter, theſe words ſhall be removed, Not without cogniſance had of the cauſe, and mature deliberation of the Conſiſtory.

XXII. The 22d Article of the ſame Chapter. The Provinces are appointed to come prepared unto the next National Synod, that this Caſe may be then reſolved, Whether it be not expedient that Widows ſhould abide longer in their Widow-hood, before they be admitted unto a Second Marriage.

XXIII. The Twenty third Article of the ſame Chapter ſhall remain as it is.

XXIV. The Second Article of the Fourteenth Chapter ſhall be left as it is, and the Additions by the Synod of Montauban ſhall be obſerved.

XXV. Theſe words, Nevertheleſs ſuch ſhall not be condemned; and thoſe which follow to the end of that Article, ſhall be cut off from the Twenty third Article, and inſtead of them theſe ſhall be inſerted, And all of them ſhall be governed by the King's Law, and that of Charity.

XXVI. The Twenty fourth Article concerning the Sale of Offices ſhall be totally razed, and removed from the Body of our Diſcipline.

The above-mentioned Articles of Diſcipline having been read, and examined by all the Deputies of the reſpective Provinces were approved and confirmed by unanimous conſent.

CHAP. IV. Of General MATTERS.

I. THE Deputy of Champagne ſhall adviſe the Church of Paris to beware of a certain Scot, going by the Name of Ottoman, or Homan, who would make an Hodge-podge of both Religions.

II. Monſieur Merlin demanding, Whether Mr. Calvin's Catechiſm hitherto received in our Churches ſhould be ſtill retained,Mr. Calvin's Catechiſm to be retained and expounded publickly in our Churches. and publickly expounded? It was ordered, That there ſhould not be the leaſt alteration in this matter; but the Provincial Deputies are appointed to make Report hereof unto their reſpective Synods, that in the next National Aſſembly it may be more maturely debated and determined.

III. The Latin Diſputations and Propoſitions deſired by certain Provinces, are judged more convenient for Colledges and Univerſities than for Colloquies.

IV. The Deputies of Higher Languedoc demanded, Whether it were lawful to accompany the Papiſts at their Marriages and Baptiſm, as far as their Church-doors? Anſwer was given them, That it could not be done without ſin, and therefore ſuch as did, would be liable unto Cenſures.

V. The Article of the National Synod of Montauban, concerning the Loan of the Poor's Money ſhall be razed out.

VI. Theſe words ſhall be added, As much as may be, to the Three and twentieth Article of the ſaid Synod, concerning the Union propoſed at Mants.

VII. The Nine and twentieth Article of the ſame Synod ſhall be incorporated with our Diſcipline.

VIII. The former part of the Thirtieth Article of the ſame Synod, concerning Preſentations by Proctors ſhall be razed, but the laſt clauſe thereof ſhall abide in force.

p. 180IX. The One and thirtieth Article of the ſame Synod ſhall abide in its full power.

X. 'Tis diſmiſſed over to the next National Synod, to conſider, whether the Scripture-ſongs, lately put in Metre by Monſieur Beza, ſhall be ſung in our Churches; and the Provinces are requeſted to ſtudy the matter in the interval, that ſo it may be the more ſolidly debated.

XI. The Article of the ſame Synod about Regiſtring the Names of Perſons newly admitted into Church-fellowſhip with us, ſhall be obſerved; and as touching the ſubſcribing their own Names, this ſhall be added, If it may be done.

XII. That Article about nominating Paſtors for the Diſpute, in caſe there be one, was approved: But, 1. That the Name of Monſieur Baron be razed out. And, 2. That inſtead of Monſieur de Serres, that of Monſieur Chamier be inſerted, according as it was ordered by their Province. However, 'tis left unto the prudence of the Provinces to recommend any other, if they ſhall think fitting.

XIII. The Deputy of Lower Languedoc moved, That nothing might be innovated in that Article of the ſame Synod, concerning the Annual Holy-days. The Synod orders, That in thoſe places where they be compell'd to refrain working on ſuch Feſtivals, that 'tis lawful for the Paſtors to preach unto their people, provided their Conſiſtories content unto it, and on ſuch Days whenas the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper comes to be celebrated, they ſhall take ſuch Texts of Scripture to treat on, which they believe will beſt contribute to the edification of their reſpective Churches.

XIV. That Article concerning Duellers ſhall be punctually obſerved, and inſerted into the Body of our Diſcipline.

XV. The Union between the Churches of this Kingdom,The Union betwixt our Churches, and thoſe of the Low Countries and thoſe of the Netherlands ſhall be carefully maintained; and Monſieur Rotan ſhall write unto them in the Name of this Synod, expreſſing our earneſt deſire to conſerve this Union by all lawful means: And this Aſſembly appoints the Province of Normandy to receive and anſwer their Letters, and alſo, if it be convenient to ſend a Deputy unto their National Synod, who ſhall receive his Inſtructions from thoſe Perſons who have aſſiſted at our Eccleſiaſtical Aſſemblies.

XVI. The Churches are admoniſhed not to receive any Perſons into Communion at the Lord's Table, who inhabit thoſe places in which there is no Publick Exerciſe of the True Religion, unleſs they have Certificates from their Elders.

XVII. The Province of Normandy demanded Advice about that omiſſion in the Form of Marriage; it was reſolv'd, That Notice be given unto the Printers to inſert again thoſe words, Foraſmuch as there is none that doth oppoſe.

Letters from the King and High-Conſtable of the Kingdom, unto the Synod.XVIII. Letters written by the King unto this Aſſembly, and ſent by Monſieur de Serres the 14th of May laſt, were read, wherein His Majeſty giveth us aſſurance of his good Affection to us, and to maintain his Edict of the Year 1577, and that we ſhould give credence unto the ſaid Monſieur de Serres; as alſo Letters from the Lord High-Conſtable unto this Aſſembly, dated the 18th of May laſt, aſſuring us of the like kindneſſes, and demanding the like Credence from us, to what ſhould be declared by the ſaid de Serres. It was decreed, That Anſwers ſhould be returned unto His Majeſty with the profoundeſt Reverence and Thankfulneſs, and His Majeſty ſhould be moſt humbly and earneſtly intreated, to grant us the Gracious Effects of his Royal Favour. And in like manner ſhall there be Anſwer returned in Writing unto the Conſtable.

XIX. Monſieur D' Orival ſhall write from this Aſſembly unto the Church of Geneva, to acquaint them with the Frauds committed by their Book-ſellers, p. 181who vend in theſe parts a number of Pſalm-Books, and New Teſtaments of the old Tranſlation, only prefixing a new Title, as if it were a new Impreſſion and Tranſlation; as alſo, to return our Thanks unto Monſieur de Beza, for Printing and Dedicating his Sermons upon the Paſſion, unto the Paſtors and Elders of the Churches in this Kingdom.

XX. Monſieur D' Orival propounded, Whether it were, convenient, that our Miniſters ſhould be diſpatch'd as Deputies unto thoſe Aſſemblies, where Matters relating to the preſervation of our Churches are debated? It was reſolved, That becauſe the preſent Juncture of Affairs did neceſſarily require it, they might be ſent unto them.

XXI. The Deputies of Orleans craved Advice, Whether it were needful that the Contracts of Marriage ſhould be ſeen before the Banes are publiſhed; becauſe in their Province, the Contracts are not publiſhed till the Eve of the Marriage? This Aſſembly determines; That it ſhall be ſufficient to ſee the Articles ſubſcribed by the Principals concern'd, or atteſted by the Publick Notary.

XXII. The Province of Gaſcogny demanded farther, Whether ſuch as made publick profeſſion of our Religion, before their admiſſion into Church-Fellowſhip with us, ought particularly in the face of the whole Congregation to abjure the Maſs? The Synod declared, That it was a matter of indiſpenſable neceſſity.

XXIII. The ſame Province demanded farther, Whether Conſuls and Magiſtrates profeſſing the Reformed Religion, and living in thoſe places where Colloquies and Provincial Synods are held, ought to be admitted into them? It was anſwered, They have no Right to be there; but in caſe they be Perſons of eminent Piety, and ſuch as may be uſeful unto the Aſſembly, Synods have full Power, if they deſire it, to call them in unto them.

XXIV. It was again demanded by the Deputy of the ſame Province, Whether a Judge or Magiſtrate of the Reformed Religion might take a Papiſts Oath upon the Crucifix, Relicks, Altar, Pixes, and ſuch-like Appurtenances of Idolatry, they demanding it? This Aſſembly adviſeth, That no Proteſtant Judges do give them their Oaths in ſuch a manner; but that he exhort thoſe Perſons to ſwear only by the true God; but if they will not do it, and are obſtinately reſolv'd to ſwear after their own way, the Judge may admit them, provided that they contain themſelves within the bounds of His Majeſties Laws.

XXV. The Province of Xaintonge craving leave for Monſieur Hautyn of Rochel to print our French Bibles, he engaging his Word, to do it better for Paper, and fairer for Character, and at a cheaper Rate than thoſe of Geneva, which are now become very rare and dear. This Synod doth permit the ſaid Hautyn to print the Bible, and adviſeth him to have a ſingular care that it be done moſt accurately and correctly.

XXVI. The Deputies of the Iſle of France demanded, What courſe ſhould be taken with thoſe Perſons, who having contracted Marriage within the Degrees forbidden by the Word of God, without any Diſpenſation, and being married according to the Romiſh Maſs-Book, did notwithſtanding earneſtly deſire to be admitted, by doing Publick Penance, into Communion with our Churches? It was reſolved, That ſuch ſhould not be received to the Peace and Fellowſhip of the Church, till they were firſt ſeparated one from the other.

XXVII. The Province of Lower Languedoc moving, That no Miniſter might expound the Apocalypſe, without the Advice of his Colloquy: it was granted, that no ſuch Expoſition ſhould be undertook without the Counſel and Conſent of the Colloquy or Provincial Synod.

XXVIII. The ſame Province demanding, What Cenſure ought to be inflicted on them, who marry their Children unto Papiſts? It was reſolved, p. 182That both they and their Children ſhould be deprived of the Lord's Supper, and do publick Penance for this their Offence.

XXIX. The deſire of the Province of Higher Languedoc is very well approved of, That Churches bleſſed by God with ability ſhould be, and they be now exhorted to erect publick Libraries for the Service of the Miniſters and Propoſans of their Churches.

XXX. The Churches are exhorted moſt carefully to obſerve in every point that Union which was made at Mantes, by the Deputies of the Churches of this Kingdom, for their mutual help and benefit, and they ſhall be informed by their Deputies of its neceſſity, and thoſe Churches which will not conform unto the reſt ſhall be moſt grievouſly cenſured.

XXXI. The Church of Paris is intreated to note and collect the paſſages in the Sacred Canonical Scriptures and Writings of the Fathers, which have been falſified and maimed by them of the Romiſh Church. And the Provinces are charged to ſend their Obſervations alſo to it, that ſo this deſirable Work may be printed and publiſhed without any delay.

XXXII. The Deputy of Berry demanding, Whether it be lawful for Couſin Germans to marry, whenas the King hath given his Licenſe; it was reſolved affirmatively.

XXXIII. The Lord du Pleſſis moving how expedient it would be, that in the King's Army there ſhould be ordinarily ſome Miniſters, towards whoſe ſubſiſtence, the Governours, Commiſſaries, and other Officers profeſſing the Reformed Religion, ſhould be exhorted liberally to contribute. This Aſſembly decreeth, That the Provinces, beginning with the Iſle of France and Normandy, and following the Order preſcribed by the 15th Canon of the Eighth Chapter of our Diſcipline, ſhall make choice of two of their Paſtors to be ſent into the Army, who ſhall each of them ſerve ſix Months, which term expired, the two next Provinces in order ſhall ſend two others to ſucceed them, and ſo conſequently all the reſt. And all Governours and Officers profeſſing our Reformed Religion, are intreated to take particular care of their Maintenance and Encouragement.

XXXIV. Letters were preſented unto this Synod by Monſieur Vulſon, from the Gentlemen aſſembled at Loudun, which being read, and after hearing what he was charged to deliver us by word of mouth, viz. The Order eſtabliſhed among the Churches for the preſervation of their mutual Union, and to obtain a commodious Peace; it was very well accepted and approved by this Synod, who farther declared the neceſſity of a punctual and general Obſervation of it, at leaſt until ſuch times as it ſhall pleaſe God to incline the Heart of our King to grant us the Free Exerciſe of our Religion by a Royal and Favourable Edict, which may be embraced and approved by all the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom. And that the ſaid Union and Order may be carefully preſerved, all Paſtors, Colloquies, and Provincial Synods, are earneſtly intreated to put to their helping hand.

XXXV. Profeſſors of our holy Religion having Law-ſuits, or Differences among themſelves, be it either in Matters Civil or Criminal, ſhall be ſeriouſly exhorted by their Paſtors to compoſe their Quarrels by Arbitrators of our own Religion, without impleading one another at the Bars of Popiſh Judges.

p. 183CHAP. V. Of APPEALS.

I. AN Appeal being brought by the Deputy of the Church of Dangeau, re-demanding Monſieur Vian, who by certain Colloquies was Licenſed and ſent unto the Church of Marchenoir, and whereunto the Provincial Synod had alſo conſented. Upon hearing the Deputies of both Churches, and the ſaid Monſieur Vian, this Aſſembly ordered, That the ſaid Vian ſhould be appropriated unto the Church of D'angeau, and that as he returned homeward, he ſhould preach ſome Sermons at D'angeau aforeſaid, and then return unto Machenoir, where he ſhall remain by the ſpace of one Month: and if within that time the Church of D'angeau do not pay him all the Arrerages of his Stipend which they owe him, he ſhall be affixed wholly unto the foreſaid Church of Marchenior; and if he be ſatisfied, and return to D'angeau, he ſhall be paid hereafter duly every Quarter his Salary; and in caſe the ſaid Church ſhould again fail in her Duty, as formerly, in not ſatisfying the ſaid Vian within three Months, that Order of the Provincial Synod ſhall be confirmed, and the ſaid Monſieur Vian ſhall be appropriated unto the Church of Marchenior.

II. An Appeal being brought by the Church of Feſcamp, concerning the Perſon of Monſieur Lazarus Robert their Paſtor, who by the Provincial Synod of Normandy was lent unto the Church of Pont-dorſon; it is ordained, That the ſaid Monſieur Lazarus ſhall remain with his Church of Feſcamp, provided they take care for his better maintenance.

III. The Church of St. John d' Angely brought an Appeal, by the Advice of the Synod of Xaintonge, wherein they declare, That**Monſieur D'amours was a mighty Man in Prayer, and Chaplain in Ordinary to Henry IV. before his laſt Apoſtaſie. The very Papiſts in the Army, and the greateſt Lords and Commanders in it, were melted by him in that Duty, and would call upon the King, That before they went to fight, that the Miniſter who prayed yeſterday, might pray again. Monſieur D'amours was ſent unto the Church of Barbezieux; the Letters and Memoirs of the Conſiſtory, and other Writings having been read, this Aſſembly determined, That the Synod of Xaintonge had very good and ſufficient grounds for their diſposal of Monsieur D'amours; but Madam, the King's only Siſter, having requeſted of this National Synod by her Letter, That the ſaid Monſieur D'amours might be Paſtor to the Church in her Family, this Aſſembly granteth unto her Royal Highneſs the ſaid Monſieur D'amours, for the Service of her Church and Family; and foraſmuch as the ſaid D'amours doth ordinarily reſide at St. John, the ſaid Church is intreated to help that of Barbezieux; and in caſe they do not, the Provincial Synod are ordered to make proviſion for them. Monſieur Turquet, Deputy for the Church of Lion, entred his Proteſt againſt this Ordinance, concerning Monſieur D'amours, as prejudicial to the Church of Lions, which claimed him of Right as their own.

IV. An Appeal was brought by the Church of Marianges, from the Provincial Synod of Languedoc, which had adjudged Monſieur Moinier to the Church of Niſmes; the Church of Niſmes requeſting, That in regard of her great Needs, Monſieur Moinier might be left unto her. This Synod de creeth, That foraſmuch as the ſaid Church of Marianges hath not appeared to defend its Appeal, the Order of the Provincial Synod of Languedoc ſhall ſtand in force.

V. Complaint being made by the Church of Aymet, againſt a Decree paſſed in the National Synod of Montauban, which adjudged Monſieur Balarand unto the Church of Caſtres, the Deputy of Aymet requiring, that the ſaid Decree might be revers'd, and the ſaid Balarand reſtored unto the Church p. 184of Aymet, for the Reaſons aſſigned by them, and Monſieur Rotan being heard on the behalf of the Church of Caſtres; it is ordained by this preſent Synod, That Monſieur Balarand doth of Right belong unto the Church of Aymet, and that he ſhall be reſtored again unto the ſaid Church, which may recal him within three Months, counting from this 14th of June, 1596; and in caſe of his Diſobedience unto this Order, he ſhall be interdicted the Exerciſe of his Miniſtry.

VI. An Appeal was brought by Monſieur Simon L'hermite, Lord of Puy, depoſed from the holy Miniſtry by the Colloquy and Claſſis of Fontenay, held at St. Germain in March laſt, the cauſes and grounds of his Appeal having been reported to us, and the motives inducing the ſaid Colloquy to depoſe him; to wit, his pertinacious aſſerting, That the Humane Nature of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt was deſtroyed in his Death: This Synod appointed Maſter Merlin, Rotan, de Serres, and the Lord du Pleſſis, to confer with the ſaid du Puy, and to convince him of his Error; who relating to us, That the ſaid du Puy doth own and approve our Confeſſion of Faith, and that he had offended, and fallen into an Error as above-mentioned, which alſo the ſaid du Puy confeſſed openly before this Aſſembly, That he had held that erroneous Opinion; but doth now acknowledge the Humanity of our Lord Jeſus to have been ever conjoyned to his Divinity in Life and Death, yea, whilſt his Body lay in the Grave: and he doth abjure all other Errors contrary unto this Truth now ſubſcribed by him. The Deputies alſo of the Province of Poictou, having been heard upon the whole matter, this Aſſembly approveth the Proceedings of the ſaid Colloquy as juſt and equitable. But becauſe the ſaid du Puy hath abjur'd that his Error, and earneſtly deſireth to ſerve the Church of God, and promiſeth for the future, to carry himſelf with greater modeſty and humility; this Aſſembly doth reſtore the ſaid du Puy unto his Office of the Miniſtry; yet ordaineth, That for three Months he ſhall be ſilent, and not exerciſe any of the Publick Duties thereof; which time expired, he getting a Certificate of his pious Converſation from that Church wherein he liveth, he may be, by the approbation of the Colloquies ſent unto any Congregation which ſhall give him a Call.

CHAP. VI. Particular MATTERS.

I. THE Theſes of Anthony de L' Eſcale being preſented unto this Synod, and diligently peruſed by it, they were found to contain divers erroneous Points of Doctrine, contrary to the analogy of Faith; yea, and contrary to the point of Juſtiſication. Whereupon the ſaid de L'Eſcale was interrogated, Whether he would receive Inſtruction in thoſe Points which are contrary to the Confeſſion of Faith of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom; but he anſwered in the Negative, and that he would not ſubmit himſelf to the Judgment of this Synod, nor be inſtructed by it, but boldly demanded, that we would either approve or reject his Theſes. And although our Brother Mr Rotan, who was firſt deputed to confer with him before the Lord du Pleſſis, Governour of this City, and two Elders of the Church, had non-pluſt and ſilenced him, ſo that he knew not what to anſwer, yet nevertheleſs he did obſtinately perſiſt in his Errors and Self-conceitedneſs; Whereupon this Aſſembty having remonſtrated to him his groſs ſpiritual p. 185Pride, and wicked pernicious Errors, doth now ordain, That this Act ſhall be inſerted into the Articles of the preſent Synod, that ſo the Reformed Churches of France may be cautioned againſt his falſe Doctrine, which hath been condemned by the Churches of Suitzerland; and Intelligence of this ſhall be given unto Monſieur Beza in Geneva, and to the French Church of Baſil.

II. The Deputies of the Iſle of France and Normandy, declaring, That they had only proſecuted the Verification of the Edict in 1577, for themſelves; this Aſſembly was ſatisfied therewith.

III. Whereas Monſieur de Serres hath informed this Synod,See Synod of Montauban, G. M. art. 52. concerning the Printing of his Harmony, and how impoſſible it is for him to tranſcribe three Copies, as he was ordered by the laſt National Synod held at Montauban: This Aſſembly hath therefore thought fitting, that this preſent Work be Printed either at Geneva or Rochel, or any other place where they may be conveniently communicated unto the Paſtors deputed by the Synod of that Province in which it ſhall be printed.

IV. The Cenſure denounced in the ſecond Article of the National Synod of Montauban, againſt Monſieur Bargemont, ſhall be revoked,See the Synod of Montaub. Appeals, art. 2. and ſtruck off the File, becauſe he hath given ſatisfaction unto his Province.

V. The Fact of Monſieur de Croix, heretofore Miniſter in the Church of Perigneux, ſhall be examined by the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny.

VI. Monſieur de **Two other Copies call him Villenave.Vielbancque complaining by Letters unto this Aſſembly, that he was depoſed from the Miniſtry by the Colloquy of Berry, who were impowered to it by Authority of the laſt National Synod held at Montauban, and requiring that a Committee might be appointed to hear what he had to ſay in his own defence; a Vote paſſed, that his Cauſe ſhould be diſmiſſed over to the Provincial Synod of Gaſcoigny.

VII. The French Church in London, by their Letters to this Synod, earneſtly requeſted, That Monſieur de la Fontaine might be continued among them; and the ſaid Miniſter moved alſo by his own Letters to the ſame purpoſe: Whereupon Monſieur D'Orival, Deputy from the Province of Orleans intreated, That in caſe Monſieur de la Fontaine were yielded up unto the Walloon Church of London, that then Monſieur du Moulin might be given, during life, unto the Church of Orleans, and his Miſſion to it ratified by the Authority of this Aſſembly. The Deputy of the Iſle of France alſo did conſent, that on thoſe Terms Monſieur du Moulin ſhould be perpetually affixed to the Church of Orleans. This Aſſembly decreeth, That Monſieur de la Fontaine may remain in the Service of the Church of London, always that Right reſerved which our Churches of France have unto him, and that Monſieur du Moulin be given for ever unto the Church of Orleans.

VIII. Our Brethren, Paſtors in the Church of Metz, excuſing themſelves for not ſending a Deputy unto this Synod, by reaſon of their preſent Circumſtances, and craving Advice about the diſſoluteneſs of Habits: Monſieur de Serres is ordered from this Aſſembly to write unto them, That they do their endeavour to come unto the Synods of this Kingdom, and that they conform themſelves unto that Article of the Diſcipline concerning Habits, without any the leaſt difficulty: And this ſelf-ſame Order ſhall ſerve alſo for the Provinces of Gaſcogny and Orleans, which demanded a larger liberty as to that Article.

IX. Letters were read from the Paſtors of Sedan excuſing their inability of deputing one from their Body unto this Synod, and craving Advice about the Marriages of ſuch as were lately received into Fellowſhip with our Churches, whether their Nuptials might be solemnly bleſſed in our Aſſemblies before they had communicated at the Lord's Table, and claiming Monſieur Capel Lord of Tilloy, and ſome others, as their own Miniſters, requeſting alſo, that they might be aſſiſted by a Collection in this their extream neceſſity. After p. 186mature deliberation, it was reſolved, That they ſhould conform exactly as to their firſt demand unto the Articles of our Diſcipline without any the leaſt repugnancy; and for the Second, they were diſmiſſed over to the Synod of Champagne; and for the Third, we will endeavour to gratifie their deſires, and the Provinces ſhall be exhorted liberally to contribute to them, and the Monies of the ſaid Collection ſhall be remitted unto Monſieur de Menilles, and de la Gourmandiere, Elders in the Church of Paris.

X. The Lord du Pleſſis Governour of this City, deſiring that the Lords going into the Army, might be exhorted to take with them a Miniſter; demanding alſo from this Aſſembly, that Monſieur de la Noue might be provided of a Paſtor by our Authority. It was reſolved, That the Lords now going, and thoſe who are already gone into the Army, ſhould be adviſed ſo to do; and Letters ſhall be written unto the Church of Sedan, that they would be pleaſed to lend one of their Paſtors unto Monſieur de la Noue, who may be ſit for ſuch an Employment; and in caſe of failure herein on their part, then the Colloquies of the Iſle of France ſhall endeavour to get him one.

XII. Monſieur Manthois, according to the deſire of Monſieur de la Banſeric is granted unto the Church of Pont-dorſon.

XII. The Lord Baron of Courtomer demanding by Monſieur de la Banſeric, a Paſtor for his Church of Courtomer, the Church of Paris was appointed to uſe all poſſible means to procure him one.

XIII. Maſter Gabriel Raoul formerly a Miniſter, requeſting by his Letters to be reſtored unto his Office; this Aſſembly judgeth, That the Depoſition of the ſai… Raoul ought to be continued, whereof Notice ſhall be given him by Monſieur de St. Hilary.

De S…res was ſuſpected to be an Accommodater with the Papiſts, but prevented by Death.XIV. Monſieur de Serres complaining of that Order paſt againſt him in the laſt National Synod of Montauban: This Aſſembly having with much patience for a long time together heard both him and the Deputy of Languedoc, finds that the Moneys for which he is queſtioned are not Eccleſiaſtical but Royal; as alſo, that in auditing his Accompts, he produceth not ſuch Acquittances as will be ſufficient for his diſcharge; it is therefore ordained, That he produce his Receipts within the Term preſcribed him by His Majeſties Commiſſioner, and that having perfected his ſaid Accompts, Notice thereof ſhall be given by the Paſtors and Elders hereafter nominated to the Synod of Lower …anguedoc. And the Paſtors named are Monſieur de la Noue, and Monſieur de Maceſer, the Elders are Meſſieurs de Niotte, and Leſtang.

XV. At the deſire of Monſieur Turquet, Deputy for the Church of Lions, Letters ſhall be written unto that Church, to reduce themſelves into Order, and to re-eſtabliſh their Conſiſtory.

XVI. The Letters from Menſieurs Merlin, Rouleau, and other Paſtors and Elders of the Colloquy or Aunix, as alſo from the Judges in the Preſidial Court of Rochel being read, importing their unanimous deſire that Monſieur Rotan may be detained at Rochel, tho' contrary to the Ordinance of the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge, and having heard the oppoſitions made by Monſieur Chalmot, an Elder of the Church againſt that Ordinance, as alſo Monſieur Rotan, who ſubmitted himſelf unto the Judgment of this Aſſembly, it was decreed, That the ſaid Monſieur Rotan from hence-forward, ſhould be Paſtor to the Church of Caſtres, according to the Reſolution of the ſaid Provincial Synod.

XVII. The Miniſters, Elders, and Deacons of the Church of Rochel, ſadly complaining unto this Synod, Meſſieurs de la Touche, and L'Oſeau Miniſters, and Meſſieurs de Fontaines, and de la Plante Elders are deputed in the Name of this Aſſembly unto Rochel, and there to execute the Powers given them by this preſent Decree.

p. 187XVIII. There being Letters from the Lady of Laval, and the young Earl her Son, preſented unto this Aſſembly by Monſieur Tilenus, certifying their great affection to the true and holy Worſhip of God, an Anſwer was ordered to be written to them, and the ſaid Maſter Tilenus was exhorted to continue his careful inſtruction of the ſaid young Lord, and Thanks alſo was given him for his Learned Writings in defence of the Truth.

XIX. The Churches of Higher Languedoc requeſting it, Letters ſhall be written to the Lord Duke de la Force, Governour of Bearn, and to the Lords of the Parliament of Pau, to do their utmoſt endeavour, that Maſs be not again ſet up in Bearn, and the Churches of that Province ſhall be exhorted to ſend their Deputies unto our National Synods, in teſtimony of their Union with our Churches.

XX. The Letters of Monſieur Parent at preſent Miniſter in the Church of Jarzay, were read, craving his Diſmiſſion unto the Church of Bayeux, in the Province of Normandy; and complaining, That the Judgment given on his behalf, by the Synod of that Province, was never executed; it was decreed, That the approaching Synod of the ſaid Province ſhould either provide him of a Church, or declare him to be at full liberty to embrace any other Call.

XXI. The Deputies of the Iſle of France moved, Whether Monſieur Cahier, a revolted Miniſter, ought not to be Excommunicated? and whether ſome Perſon ſhould not be appointed to anſwer his Writings? And alſo, Whether Monſieur de la Planche ſhould not be intreated to ſend the Writings of the ſaid Cahier, unto the Church of Paris? It was reſolved, That his Apoſtacy ſhall be publiſhed in the Church and Family of Madam, and that the Church of Paris, and in particular Monſieur de Serres, are to anſwer his Writings, in caſe he make any Reply; and Monſieur Clemeucear, ſhall intreat Monſieur de la Planche to depoſite Cahier's Manuſcripts with the Church of Paris.

XXII. A Petition being preſented on behalf of Monſieur de L'Eſſars late Miniſter of Loudun, this Aſſembly re-viewing the Sentence given by the Colloquy held at Nogent, binding the Churches of Vandôme and Montoire, to diſcharge the ſaid Eſſars of a Debt of Ten Crowns, which he ſtood obliged for unto Monſieur Toré, it ratifieth the ſaid Sentence, and adviſeth the ſaid Churches to ſee it executed; and in caſe of their poverty and inability, the Churches of the Province ſhall contribute towards the freeing of the ſaid Eſſars from the aforeſaid Debt, and Madam Toré is intreated to forbear it a little longer.

XXIII. The Elders of the Church of Saumur requeſting, That Monſieur de L'Eſpine might be intreated to lay down his Miniſtry, becauſe of his indiſpoſition, they offering alſo to continue to him, as they have ever done, his preſent Salary; the Synod concurred with them, and order that he be perſwaded to become Emeritus, eſpecially ſith this Church will continue to him his double Honour, Reverence and Maintenance.

XXIV. Monſieur du Freſne, Miniſter of the Church of Laiſſay, complaining by his Letters unto this Aſſembly, very bitterly againſt his Church, and humbly intreating that he may be freed from them, his Caſe was remanded unto the Synod of that Province, who are exhorted to ſuppreſs thoſe great diſorders ſprung up in that Church.

XXV. Monſieur Bergam, formerly a Miniſter, petitioning, That he might be reſtored to the Exerciſe of his Miniſterial Office, he was adviſed, to betake himſelf wholly to the Profeſſion of the Tongues.

XXVI. The Deputies of Dolphiny requeſting, That the Sentence given by the Provincial Synod of Die, for re-inſtating into his Miniſtry Monſieur Mercure de Salans, becauſe of his exemplary Repentance, and the ſingular p. 188effects it hath wrought among his People, might be confirmed, this Aſſembly doth ratifie the ſaid Sentence, and approveth of his reſtoration unto the Church of Valence; only with this proviſo, That it ſhall not be made a Precedent, nor be drawn into Practice for time to come.

XXVII. The Deputy of Gaſcogny deſiring, That the Church of Bergerac might be provided of a Paſtor, this Synod ordaineth, That the Province do take ſpecial care of that matter.

XXVIII. The Province of Gaſcogny craving Advice, how to demean themſelves towards Gaſpar Olaxa, formerly a Miniſter, who preſented his Petition, that he might be admitted unto Communion with us at the Lord's Table. This Aſſembly directs the Church in which he reſides, to exhort him to fix his Habitation in ſome certain and known place; moreover, they ſhall preſcribe him a pretty long time of Probation, and that expired, order him in Perſon to preſent himſelf unto the next National Synod, where he ſhall receive a full and final Anſwer.

XXIX. The buſineſs of Beaupoil, motion'd alſo by the ſame Deputies, is re-manded back unto their Provincial Synod.

XXX. A Petition was preſented by the Church of Boſlebec, That Monſieur D'Eſpoir, who is in truth their Miniſter, might be reſtored to them, or that another in his ſtead might be given to them, or that they might be reimburſt of the Sum of Four hundred Livres, which they had contributed towards his maintenance. The Synod orders Monſieur Rotan, Deputy of Higher Languedoc, to tender unto the ſaid D'Eſpoir, a Copy of his Churches Petition, that ſo he may return them an Anſwer within two Months time, by the way of Paris; and the Province of Higher Languedoc are charged in their next Synod, to know of the ſaid D'Eſpoir, whether the matters contained in that ſaid Petition be true or not; and if true, they ſhall enjoyn him out of hand to perform one of thoſe Conditions propoſed by the ſaid Church in their Petition; and the Province ſhall give an Account of the whole Affair to the next National Synod.

XXXI. The Decree of the National Synod of Montauban, ſhall be obſerved in that matter concerning Monſieur Berault, Miniſter of the Goſpel, and the Deputies of Lower Languedoc are to acquieſce in it.

XXXII. The Deputies of the Province of Poictou requeſting, That the Church of Luneré in Normandy, might be exhorted to pay Monſieur Vatblè, who was formerly their Miniſter, his Arrerages owing to him. This Synod hath given in charge to the Deputies of Normandy, that purſuant to the Memoirs, depoſited in their hands by the ſaid Vatblé, they endeavour to procure him all ſatisfaction poſſible.

XXXIII. The Memoirs of Limoges, preſented by the Deputies of Gaſcony, are ſent back again unto the Aſſembly of Loudun. And the Caſe propounded in thoſe Papers, about Marriages contracted with a party of contrary Religion, is fully determined by our Diſcipline, which forbids the Bleſſing of thoſe Marriages in our Churches, where one of the Perſons refuſeth to quit its Idolatry.

p. 189CHAP. VII. The Catalogue of the Depoſed.

THE Depoſed were Monſieur**Cahier was wheedled off from the Reformed Religion, with the never-performed Promiſes of being made an Abbot: He was depoſed for writing two Books, in which he aſſerted the Neceſſity and Lawfulneſs of Publick Stews and Brothel-Houſes, and that Fornication and Adultery were not forbidden in the Seventh Commandment, but only the Sin of Onan. 2. For Magick, which he had practiſed. This Wretch had one Vertue, he never loved, nor was beloved by the Jeſuites: He was once favoured, but after ſlighted and neglected by the Sorboniſts: A moſt ſlovenly, naſty Fellow in his Apparel, and way of Living. Peter Cahier of the Iſle of France, Vielbancque in Languedoc, Peter le Roy, otherwiſe Boilem in Normandy, Godfrey de Vaux in Dolphiny, and John Cornille.

The Provinces ſhall be adviſed to beware of a certain pernicious Heretick, called Anthony de L'Eſcale, who roves up and down ſcattering his Errors, both by Writings and Diſcourſes.

The Province of Lower Languedoc is charged to convene the next National Synod in the City of Montpellier, the Firſt of May, in the Year 1598.

The Acts were thus Signed, by

Dominick de Loſſe, Moderator of the Synod.

Vincent, choſen to Collect the Acts of the ſaid Synod.

The End of the Synod of Saumur.

THE ACTS, DECISIONS, and DECREES OF THE XV. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Chriſt, IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE, HELD At Montpellier, the 26th of May in the Year of our Lord 1598.