The life and death of Monsieur Claude, the famous minister of Charenton in France done out of French by G.P. Abrégé de la vie de Mr. Claude. English Ladevèze, Abel-Rodolphe de. 1688 Approx. 156 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 39 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A48069 Wing L149 ESTC R3073 13672508 ocm 13672508 101167 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A48069) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 101167) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 792:24) The life and death of Monsieur Claude, the famous minister of Charenton in France done out of French by G.P. Abrégé de la vie de Mr. Claude. English Ladevèze, Abel-Rodolphe de. G. P. [16], 58, [2] p. Printed for Thomas Dring ..., London : 1688. Translation of: Abrégé de la vie de Mr. Claude. Caption and running title: The life of Monsieur Claude. Advertisement: p. [1-2] at end. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Claude, Jean, 1619-1687. Clergy -- France -- Biography. 2007-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-01 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-08 Elspeth Healey Sampled and proofread 2007-08 Elspeth Healey Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE LIFE AND DEATH OF Monsieur Claude The famous Minister of CHARENTON in FRANCE . Done out of French by G. P. Imprimatur . Sept. 13th . 1687. Guil. Needham . LONDON , Printed for Thomas Dring at the corner of Chancery-Lane in Fleetstreet . 1688. THE PREFACE : A DISCOURSE OF DEATH . IT is no little advantage we receive from our Religion , that it is so mightily effectual to free us from all troublesome and disquieting thoughts , and to produce in us a settledness and firmness of mind , not apt to be easily shaken or moved ; nay it inspirits men with courage and an ingenuous confidence , raising us above those fears and cares that follow false Opinions , and like Ghosts are wont to torment ot●…serable This is a great kindness that the Faith of Christ doth to those w●●…e● live according to it , that it puts them into such a state , that they need fear nothing but displeasing , or offending God ; especially our Christianity is the most proper remedy against the unreasonable fear of death , for that must necessarily distract the mind , and interrupt its peace by continual vexation and perplexity , in all those who are under the power of it , and therefore most fitly call'd by the Apostle here a state of Bondage . And deliver them who through fear of death , were all their life time subject to Bondage . I shall not dispute here , whether by death is meant onely that which is temporal , or that which is eternal , since it is the apprehension or fear of eternal death chiefly that makes the other so tirrible and affrighting . It would be an easie thing to conquer the fear of death , one might soon be able to think of it with the greatest indifference and unconcernedness , if we could but once thoroughly persuade our selves that it would put an utter end to us . It is the Judgement to come , the never dying worm , the everlasting flames and immortality that are to follow , that make men so loth to think of dying , so unwilling to hear of it , so surprised at any sign or symptome of it . Were there no other state after this , the generality of men would be so far from fearing death , that they would fly to it as the onely certain cure for the evils of this life , any little disease , pain and burthen that they could not easily get rid of , they would seek a remedy for in death . Were there not , I say , in all men a natural dread of the ill Consequences of death , I cannot but imagine that mens own hands would send more daily to the cold Grave than all the diseases and casualties that our bodies are liable to , and it would be so far from an instance of courage and bravery to despise death , that the greatest Cowards would most desire it and soonest fly to it . But let them doe what they can , they cannot wholly free their minds , at least , from all suspicion of another world , and that makes them most commonly so fearfull of dying . So that it comes to the same , whether by death be meant here of the body onely , or a future state , for that which makes us fear death is because it leads us into another life . Therefore I shall now explain to you , I. How men by the fear of death are subjected to Bondage . II. Inquire what this fear of Death is that Christ delivers us from . III. How Religion doth free us from it . I. How men by the fear of death are subjected to Bondage . For this is the natural effect of any fear whatsoever , that it makes men slaves , it cowardizes them , and renders them mean and abject ; particularly the fear of death so enslaves those that are possessed of it , that they can neither think freely nor act freely , and so consequently can neither be truely good nor really happy in this life . This fear doth hinder men from thinking freely . And therefore we read of those that have commanded that none should name this word death in their hearing . Such persons who are afraid to die , dare not give themselves free liberty to exercise their minds , and are fain to take all occasions of diverting themselves , and find any entertainment rather than be put in mind of their continual danger . They use all arts to stifle and smother such thoughts as soon as they rise . Their hearts are ready to sink within them when they hear of any dismal calamity that hath happen'd unto a Neighbour or Friend , lest the same should betide them , and their own turn shortly come . And this is generally true , that he can neither fully enjoy himself nor take pleasure in himself , who hath not mastered this fear of death . It hinders men from acting freely . He is a slave to every man , that hath power enough to doe him a mischief , who is afraid of death . Whatever Religion or Profession he is now of , you may soon threaten or scare him out of it , and make him whatever you please . Such a one cannot promise to-himself that he shall continue one day longer in that mind , that faith that he now holds . There is no sin so vile or heinous , but what he may be brought to commit . Put but his life in danger , fright him thoroughly , and he will renounce all the Articles of his Creed , and break all the Commandments his Religion lays upon him , for every one that doth but wear a sword . And is not this a truely slavish condition , when we can neither command our own thoughts , nor be master of our own actions ? And this is certainly the case of all those , that do not love God better than their lives , or that fear death more than sin . Such a one can neither be good nor happy ; not good longer than while he finds it safe and free from all danger , and how can he be happy who stands in such a continual dread that a thousand accidents may this hour happen to him , and that death must certainly befall him , and that it is onely God's infinite patience that it doth not presently . And without any more words I know you will all grant this a miserable state . But now I do not say this is the effect of all kind of fear of death , I must therefore more particularly shew what kind of fear it is that makes men so unhappy . Most men have great reason to be afraid of dying , as much as a guilty Prisoner hath to be afraid of coming to his Tryal and brought to his Sentence . The more some men fear death , the more troublesome thoughts and apprehensions it occasions in them , the more capable are they to be wrought upon by it . Nay indeed it is impossible for a guilty person not to fear death , although perhaps sometimes out of a brave indifferency in the heat of bloud and passion , he may despise it , valiantly rush into the midst of danger , and with a bold and daring spirit voluntarily expose himself to it , out of a sense of pretended honour and gallantry ; yet let him think coolly and soberly of such a thing , let him consider of it with himself and the consequences thereof , and I am sure he will be very misgiving and suspicious , and struggle mightily with himself at the thoughts of it . I speak not to lessen the fears of those who live in any known sin ; if God be true they have great reason to be afraid . Now here it may be asked , supposing a man brought into extreme danger of his life for the sake of his Religion , in a time of Persecution , one that hath long professed the true Religion , but hath lived very unanswerably to it , and is guilty of many grievous crimes unrepented of , which he is accused by his own conscience for ; of a sudden he is commanded to renounce his Faith which in his mind he is verily persuaded is true , and to turn to Idolatry , and to deny and blaspheme his Saviour , or else immediately to suffer death ; what must such a one doe now in this cases If he complies with the command , he sins grievously against the light of his mind and his own conscience , and yet by such a complyance he gains time of repentance , to make his peace with God , and to beg his pardon for his crime , and also for all his other sins which he hath so long lived in . If he chuses death , it is that which he is wholly unprepar'd for , he is utterly unfit to appear before God , and he can expect nothing but to suffer God's vengeance for the sins of an ill-spent life . Now what is to be done in such sad circumstances as these ? It is a case that may happen , and therefore to resolve the doubt I shall propound briefly these things to you , viz. 1. In point of duty what this man is bound to doe . This is most certain , that no sin ought to be committed upon any consideration whatever . Their damnation is just , saith the Apostle , that doe evil that good may come , Rom. 3. 8. It is in no case , either justifiable or prudent , to save our lives by any sin . It is every one's duty , nay it is best even for the greatest of sinners , to loose his life a thousand times rather than to deny God or his Truth . And as for gaining time for repentance ; it is to be considered that when we are in such a strait , as that we cannot live any longer without sinning directly and grievously against our consciences , it is God's will that we should then die , the time of our repentance is now over , and God by this Providence doth call us out of the world . Now when we will not submit to this call , but will not stick to doe the greatest villany , how can we expect that God should bestow any farther grace upon us , or that his Spirit after such an Apostasie should strive any longer with us . Commonly the effect of such things is a judicial hardness , to be given up to a perverse mind and a reprobate state . After any one hath in so gross a manner violated his Conscience , there is very little hope that ever he should be again renewed in the spirit of his mind . For persons to have obeyed the truth , and yet in time of persecution fall away , and for fear of death renounce it , the ancient Church , that is to say , a great part would never again receive them into their Communion till their death , and a great division there was among them concerning the restoring those that had once lapsed into Idolatry . What then shall we say to those , who after a wicked life , add to their other sins that of Hypocrisie ? They may for a while lengthen out their wretched lives , but it is to be fear'd that they have shut themselves out from all hopes of the means of Grace . It is a very improper and unlikely way in order to attain the pardon of past sins , to commit the greatest we can be guilty of , to renounce our Saviour . 2. In such a case therefore the Sinner is bound to adore the justice of God's Judgment , that by his own gross neglect and carelesness he is brought into such misery , for that he ought to have been always prepared for such a time . Yet however , though he hath highly provoked God , and displeased him to the utmost , yet he will not deny or blaspheme his name , he will not renounce his Saviour , nor disown his profession ; he will leave himself to God's infinite mercy , and will die rather than offend him : and such a resolute resignation of himself , such a generous and noble profession of his Faith , how far it may be acceptable with God , and prevail with him is unknown . In such extraordinary instances , God may use extraordinary means in reference to us , and may dispence even with the Rules he hath laid down in the Scripture . Indeed I cannot prove or produce any promise for it , but the example of the Thief on the Cross , who for an extraordinary instance of Faith and Charity , obtain'd more than common grace , I think , and favour . And considering the infinite goodness of God's nature , I should have far more hopes of such a person , that after a wicked life ends his daies bravely and couragiously rather than against his Judgement and Conscience , than of a profane , covetous , worldly , unclean Professor , who bewails his sins on a sick-bed while he is wrestling with a wasting disease , and hopes by his prayers and good wishes and pious resolutions to obtain his pardon . And this was the sense of the Primitive Church , that an Heathen being converted to Christianity and suffering for it , among other Christians , before he could make a publick Profession of it , or be baptized into it , that he should inherit the reward of Christians , this baptism in his own bloud supplying all other defects , and expiating all former sins . I say it was the common Opinion of the ancient Fathers , they thought his death carried with it the remission of all past sins . I shall not take upon me to determine this , but thus much I think may be said in the case proposed , that to die for his Religion is the best means such a person can use to obtain his pardon , and does express his repentance to be sure far better than adding the sin of Apostasie to all his others . But to make sure , the best way is to hasten our repentance , and to reform presently , before the floods come , and the winds blow , and the storms rise ; by a new life to arm our selves against all the powers and rage of men , and then though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death , yet we need fear no evil . This therefore is as I told you a great reason to fear death . For death being in truth the greatest of all natural evils that can befall us , there is in all men a natural fear of it , which cannot be wholly rooted out by Religion , nor is it necessary that it should be . If death had not been a natural evil , it had never been threatned nor inflicted on mankind as a punishment for sin . There is in all men a natural dread of it , and we hardly count them worthy the name of men , that are not affected with a due sense of it . And this fear is more or less according to mens tempers . Some are much more timorous than others . To some the circumstances that attend death are much more terrible than death it self . Some fear diseases and pain more than death . Some are loth to die for fear of their Posterity , Friends , Relations , to whom they are usefull , and for whom they are mightily concerned . Some are unwilling to go out of the world because they are in a capacity of doing more good in it , which was the case of St. Paul. On the other hand some are willing to die onely through weariness of life , out of peevishness , discontent and impatience , because they are dissatisfied with their present condition , or cannot bear those afflictions which God's Providence hath exercised them withall ; which cannot be reckoned any vertue , unless in them who in their sober minds and thoughts can willingly submit to death , whenever it pleases God to call them to it . And yet such upon a sudden fright or surprise , when their lives are unawares brought into danger , may not be able to conquer their fear , but may shew a great disquiet . They may earnestly desire to ▪ tarry a little longer , that they may be yet fitter for death , that they may search and try themselves yet more exactly and curiously ; that they may be farther satisfied with the sincerity and honesty of their hearts and intentions . Many more instances I might give . But now that which our Saviour frees us from is , a troublesome , tormenting fear of death , which thing alone disturbs us , and fills us with confusion and perplexity of spirit , when ever we chance to think of it . As when we are unreasonably jealous and suspicious of what Trials God's ordinary Providence may put us upon ; when we are unmeasurably solicitous about the preserving our health , or securing our selves from danger ; when we are concern'd as if we had no hope , and are as unwilling to submit to the stroke of death as a sullen Malefactour is to go to execution . Now such a fear of death is worse than death it self . I now proceed to shew how Religion does free men from this troublesome and anxious fear of death . And the , 1. Means our Religion affords us to deliver us from this fear is , the consideration of God's wise and gratious Providence over us . Not an hair of our heads shall fall to the ground without his leave . Our lives are in his hands who hitherto hath taken care of us , and whatever he calls us to is with the highest reason , and the most excellent ends , and can we wish any thing better to our selves than this would be , to be under the protection of the Almighty ? Would we live longer than infinite Wisedom sees fit for us ? Can we doubt of his care who is goodness it self ? Would we have the disposal of our own selves ? Alas ! how soon should we repent us of our choice , and run into all the several casualties and dismal dangers that can fall upon us ? If we had nothing to depend on , or trust unto , but our own counsels , prudence or carefulness , we might then have just reason to distrust every man , and to expect death in every place ; we could not be too scrupulous or solicitous . Could I in the least doubt of God's Providence over us , then indeed I should neither eat nor sleep safely , nor live one day in quiet ; I should not be able to doe any thing without anxiety and disturbance , if I once could persuade my self that all the effects that happen were wholly casual , and not governed by an infinite understanding , that superintends all affairs , and disposes of them as he sees good . Nor is there any thing that can well settle mens minds in the midst of so many secret and open dangers as we are every minute liable unto , in any tolerable patience , rest , quiet and assurance , but this one consideration , that nothing can befall us without the leave and ordering of the best and wisest of Beings . Indeed the Turkish opinion of Fate , which hath strangely prevail'd among Christians , ought in reason to satisfie them against the greatest dangers , that the number of the days of every man living is so determin'd by an unalterable decree , that it is impossible he should die before , or out live the time appointed him by God before all the world . This made the Followers of Mahomet , who so studiously taught this Doctrine , to despise death and danger , not to fear it when they were in the extremest hazard of it ; freely to visit their Neighbours when sick of the Plague , which we dare not do to one another in any ordinary disease ; or to run upon their Enemies swords or Cannons . For what can be strange with those , that are neither concern'd to prolong their lives , nor to avoid death ? But this is no part of the Christian Faith. We are told indeed the days of our years are Threescore years and Ten , and if by reason of strength , they be Fourscore years , yet is their strength labour and sorrow : for it is soon cut off , and we fly away . Behold , saith David , Thou hast made my days as an hands breadth . And Job tells us , a man's days are determined , the number of his months are with God , he hath appointed his bounds that he cannot pass , and in another place , that all men have their appointed time . All which signifies no more than this , that God in the general hath set bounds to a man's life beyond which he will not ordinarily extend it ; he hath set the term of our lives beyond which we shall not ordinarily extend them , which is about Threescore and Ten years , notwithstanding which some die much sooner , and some few live longer . But the Scripture no where teacheth us , that the length of a man's life is so fixed by God that he shall not die before such a time , nor live at all beyond it . Nay , the contrary is plainly intimated to us . In all those places of Scripture where long life is promised for the reward of obedience in any particular duty , which must imply ( if it signifie any thing ) that we shall live longer than otherwise we should have done . Thus , Honour thy Father and thy Mother : that thy days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee . Now this promise can never reasonably oblige any man to the performance of duty to his Parents , if it be absolutely determined how long he shall live . Thus in the 23. Exod. And ye shall serve the Lord your God , and he shall bless thy bread and thy water , and take away sickness from thee ; the number of thy days will he fulfill . Not that he promiseth that if they were obedient to his Laws , they should live out the full age of men , and that he would preserve them from sickness and distempers . No , for this were to no purpose , and they could expect no otherwise if they harkened not unto , or disobeyed God's words . So farther , in the 4. Deut. God promises not any should live out their days , but that they should live longer than otherwise they should . Thou shalt keep therefore his Statutes and his Commandments , which I command thee this day , that it may go well with thee , and with thy Children after thee , and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth which the Lord thy God giveth thee for ever . To wicked men God often threatens sudden and untimely death , that they should die sooner than otherwise they should have done . The fear of the Lord prolongeth ( or , as we have it in the Margin , addeth ) days ; but the years of the wicked shall be shortned . That is they shall not live so long as otherwise they might have done . Thus many men shall not live out half their days ; not half the ordinary time of a man's life . Most observable is the instance of King Hezekiah , in the 38. Isa . to whom the Prophet positively declares ; Thus saith the Lord , set thine house in order , for thou shalt die and not live : and yet upon his humble Prayer Fifteen years more were added unto his days , which otherwise he should not have had . From which it plainly appears that by sin and disobedience men may shorten their days and cut off from their lives , and by Piety and Vertue men may procure to themselves a longer life and encrease of days . Now the length or shortness of our lives depends often upon our own voluntary actions , upon our pleasing or displeasing God , which cannot agree with that Doctrine of Fate I before mentioned . Nor do we need any such opinion against the fear of death , because we allow that our life depends upon God's good will and pleasure ; that no instruments of death , no ill practices , can prevail against us without his appointment . And this is a sufficient foundation of assurance and confidence , notwithstanding the frailty and uncertainty of our condition here , that the Watchman of Israel neither slumbereth nor sleepeth ; that his eye is always upon us for Good ; that we shall live as long and as well as is really best for us , and then who would not be willing to die ? But , Another means our Religion affords us to free us from the fear of death is a deadness to this present world and all the trifling pleasures of it . For it is an over fond love and doating upon the things of this world and sensual enjoyments that makes persons so unwilling to die . The more our appetites and desires are mortified and subdued , the readier we shall be to bid an eternal farewell to all these things below . It is no wonder that those who know no other happiness but what is to be found in these lower Regions , are loth to be torn from their dear possessions , and to venture into a strange Countrey which they have so little knowledge of . But by this contempt of the world which our Religion teaches us , we forsake it in the love of it , even whilst we are living , and so our business is better than half done before hand , and we are freed from those worldly cloggs and encumbrances that too often hang on our vertue and most raised affections . Farther , the Consideration of Christ's conquering death for us gives a mighty encouragement against the inordinate fear of death . For our blessed Saviour hath tasted death for every man and hath taken away its sting , hath quell'd its force and overcome its power , insomuch that he is said to have abolished it . He hath made a way through death and the grave to his Father's Glory , and shall we be afraid like Saint Peter , to profess and fellow him wheresoever he goes ? Our Prince and Redeemer hath voluntarily passed through it , and shall it grieve us to follow his steps , and to come to him through that passage by which he himself entred into his Kingdom ? Lastly , The hope of salvation is another great means that our Christianity administers to us against this base fear of dying . I have read it is an ordinary saying among the Turks , that if Christians had a right opinion concerning Heaven , they could not be so afraid of death , which is the onely way to life . And it was reasonably asked by the Philosopher of him that promised that all that were of his Sect should be immediately happy as soon as they were dead , why then he did not presently die ? Do we really believe a future Glory , and are we afraid to enter into our Master's joy ? What , are we Christians , and yet would we live always here ? Have we already attain'd all the happiness which we aspire after ? Can we be contented to know no more of God , to enjoy no more of his Glory , and to love him no more , than we can doe in this imperfect State ? Are we unwilling to receive that reward which we daily pray for ? Thou knowest not what thou art capable of , what perfection , what happiness thy soul shall enjoy , freed from this troublesome Tabernacle , this luggage of flesh , and art thou afraid of being translated into the celestial Kingdom ? One glimpse of that Glory which our Saviour hath promised to us , would make as all long to be with Christ . No wonder Saint Paul was so ready to die , when he had before hand been rapt up into the third Heaven , and had seen and heard things not utterable . Did we live in the hopes of the future happiness we shall enjoy , we should not value any of the pleasures here below , nor fear to undergo any thing that stood in his way between us and those blessed Mansions of happy Souls , where dwelleth God , and perpetual peace and satisfaction , free from all care and disturbance , from all fear and anxiety , from all pain and danger ; where onely is to be found perfect contentment , eternal joy and immortal happiness . If Christians perfectly knew the felicity of the other life , they would be impatient of the present ; they would be hardly able to brook or endure living , or any thing that detain'd them from such unspeakable enjoyments . Wo unto us therefore , that yet dwell in Meshech , and are forced to abide in the Tents of Kedar . Blessed , yea , thrice blessed , are are all those that have passed this miserable world , and are received into the heavenly Mansions ; for one day there is better than a thousand elsewhere . One thing have I desired of the Lord , and that will I still seek after , that I may live for ever with him , and behold his Glory . When shall we arrive at that eternal and celestial happiness , where we shall have no more of these storms and dangers ? When shall we pass all fears , and cares , and grief , and troublesome passions ? Even so saith the Church , all true Christians and sincere Believers , come Lord Jesus , come quickly , and deliver us from these crazy bodies , and put on us that house that is eternal and in the heavens . Is it so pleasant to us to wander to and fro in this wilderness , and be tossed up and down upon these troublesome waves ? And can it be grievous to us to think of arriving at our journey's end ? How soon would all the grief and pain and uneasiness that accompanies sickness , and the very pangs of death pass away ; when once we have received our Crown ? We shall be so taken up with those surpassing joys , that we shall have no leisure to think of what we have undergone ; all the troublesome passage will soon vanish . I confess that for men who have no well grounded hopes of eternal life , it is reasonable for them to fear death , as the day of their execution , when they shall receive the just reward of their evil doings . But to you I now speak who profess to have an hope of this blessed immortality ; for you it is a shame to be afraid of death . It is for them onely to fear death , as one of the Ancients said , who would go to Christ . This is the onely thing that makes men take death so heavily , they do not really believe those great things our Saviour hath promised ; if they did they would look upon death as the greatest happiness that can befall them . Why art thou then thus cast down , O my soul , Why art thou disquieted within me ? We contradict , at least we disparage our faith , by our fear of death ; since it is the Gate that leads into the heavenly City , into the new Jerusalem . We ought rather to entertain the thoughts of it with a smile , and bid it heartily welcome , as the end of all my labour and torment , all my sorrows and cares : as that that would give me a sight of him that dyed for me , and convey me into his armes and embraces who shed his bloud for my soul ▪ and carry me into a Kingdom of peace and Righteousness and eternal joy , and would bring me into the company of all the famous Prophets , Apostles , Martyrs , Confessours and all holy men and women ; which will again restore to me the Society of those Friends , Relations , dear Children and Parents , whose loss I have so sadly bemoan'd and restore them again refined from all dross , infinitely more lovely and amiable than ever they were before . Oh! how shall we please our selves when once our souls are disentangled from this lower world ? Thou art afraid to go to a strange place , where thou never wert before , and from whence no Friend that is gone thither before hath ever returned to tell thee what it is ; but is it not sufficient to know it is our Father's house , our Saviour's Kingdom , a place of uninterrupted joy and happiness ? All the afflictions of this life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be reveal'd . Let us fix in our selves these considerations , and we shall see nothing terrible in death , or think strange of being born into the invisible world ; which though it may be attended with some pain and hardship , yet the joy that we are delivered from this miserable life will soon make us infinite amends . Nay indeed were there no other advantage , but onely the putting an end to those disquieting fears of death , death it self should be less dreadfull to us . In the other life there is no more fear of dying , no diseases can overtake us , we shall be above all the solicitudes and troublesome concerns of nature . Inure therefore your minds to this , till it hath reconciled to you the thoughts of death , this is the most happy and perfect state that we can arrive to here , to have as the usual expression is , Vitam in patientia , mortem in desiderio , to be content to live , and yet desirous to die , and to enter into the possession of those great things which God hath laid up for those that fear him . Such may find it as hard to be willing to live , as to be desirous of death . Persons affected with a due sense of immortal happiness , may doubt which is hardest , to bear life or to suffer death . Thus hath our Saviour delivered us from this slavish fear of death , by bringing life and immortality to light through the Gospel . And it is all the peace and comfort of our lives to be raised above the fear of death . THE LIFE OF Monsieur Claude . PART I. FRANCIS CLAVDE was a Pastour of great Piety , performing his Office with much Honour in the Churches of Montbaziliac and Cours near Bergerac in lower Guienne , where he died in his seventy fourth year . He had a Son called John Claude , a famous Minister of the Gospel , whose Life I now undertake to write , for the bestowing upon his memory an instance of the Esteem and Affection I had for him , and the gratifying the desire of such as onely knowing him by his Writings , will , as is very natural , be curious to be informed of the principal Circumstances of the Life and Death of his great Man. Monsieur Claude was born at Salvetat , in the year 1618. His Father , being a Lover of Polite Learning , took care of his education during his youth , after which he went to finish his Studies in the Academy of Montauban : There did Monsieur Claude study Philosophy ; his Wit beginning then to find matter to exercise upon , made him quickly distinguish'd from all the other Students in Philosophy ; and though he was no harder Student than his Companions , yet the flame of his imagination carried him so far that he made greater progress in that Science in six months than his fellow Students in a year . After he had accomplish'd his course in Philosophy , he began to study Divinity under Messieurs Garrisoles and Charles , Professours in that Academy : he more particularly applied himself to Monsieur Charles , whose memory he honour'd all his life long . I know not whether the Conformity of these two great Genius's might not from that time contract this Union of Hearts ; for as Monsieur Claude had an Admiration for his Master , we may also affirm , that the Master relish'd the Character of his Disciple ; that he lov'd him tenderly , and spake of him as of a young-man of most hopefull expectation . His Father , being desirous to see him in the Sanctuary , did a little hasten the time of his reception into the Ministery , for he was not full twenty five years old when he was admitted as Minister ; he lost thereby the opportunity of travelling , of seeing other Universities , that of Saumur especially where were Professours of such vast Learning , and where was to be found that Politeness of Language and Manners as very rarely passes beyond the Loire , and which nevertheless was so much his Province . He was admitted Minister in the Synod of upper Guienne and upper Languedoc , in the year 1645. he was assigned Minister to the Church at La Treyne , his Father was nominated by the Synod to ordain him , and he had this Comfort , which is the greatest a man of his Character can receive , Monsieur Claude served this Church but one year . The Synod of upper Languedoc benefic'd him with the Church of Saint Afrique in Rovergue , and this to supply the Place of Monsieur Martel ; this Church was not considerable for a numerous Congregation , but had had the good fortune of being serv'd by Ministers of Extraordinary merit ; Monsieur Gaches , who died Pastour at Paris , and Monsieur Martel Professour of Divinity had there exercised their Ministery , and this little Flock , glorying in those two great Names , imagin'd that , for the keeping up its Fame , it could not doe better than to pitch upon Monsieur Claude . In Sciences , as in War , great Men are not accomplish'd in a day , herein Art as well as Nature requires Time and Industry . Monsieur Claude studies hard at Saint Afrique , though his Sermons took him up less time than his other Studies , he preaching with great facility ; he had a Wit that easily conceived things , a Judgment that did not fail of disposing each Piece in its due place , an Expression so fluent , so easie , so just and so masculine , that People had much adoe to distinguish what he said with meditation , from what he had written . The Church of Castres , famous for the honour it had of possessing in its bosome the Officers of the Chamber of the Edict of Nantes , and a vast number of other persons of Quality and Learning , intreated Monsieur Claude in his passing that way , to give them a Sermon . He preach'd there one Sunday , and fill'd his whole Auditory with Admiration , so far as to give occasion to a very singular Declamation which a very able Man made in favour of him , and which the publick will possibly be glad to be informed of since it redounds to his Honour : A numerous Company were discoursing of Monsieur Claude's Sermon , Ladies there were that spake their opinions , those of the best sense were extremely well satisfied with it , others of the order of those that a little too much mind the Preacher's voice , face and actions , durst not so openly pass their Verdicts , and staid first to know a worthy person's Judgment then present ; I am persuaded they did not expect so smart an answer , when they heard him say , that he could wish with all his heart he had but one Eye , like that Minister , provided he was capable of preaching as well as he . There needed no more to persuade them that he had preached very well , since this Gentleman , who was a person extremely handsome , valued that Sermon at so high a rate . This Sermon made a strong impression upon Peoples minds , so far that the Officers of the Chamber of the Edict , wanting a Minister , several of them cast their Eyes upon Monsieur Claude , but there were motives also , that brought another into the election , the Lot was cast upon these two Pastours ; and Providence , that had destin'd Monsieur Claude for something greater , depriv'd the Church of Castres of the Comfort it would have received from his Ministery . But if the Church of Castres had not the honour of having Monsieur Claude for its Minister , it had the pleasure of seeing that he came to chuse a Wife in its bosom , and that it thereby acquired a kind of right over this great man. He there married Mademoiselle Elizabeth de Malecare , on the eighth of November 1648. the bare choice of a man of that merit speaks in favour of her that was to be his Wife , she came of a very good Family , her Father was Advocate in Parliament ; she made good her Birth and the Declaration which Monsieur Claude made in her behalf , which will be seen in this History , justifies the esteem and affection he had for her till death . Monsieur Claude serv'd the Church of Saint Afrique for the space of eight years , being belov'd by his Flock , known and desir'd by several Churches , esteem'd and honour'd in the Synod of upper Languedoc ; whereat he was annually present ; but amidst all these Blessings he consider'd , as the most pretious , the Birth of a Son which God gave him according to his Heart , on Wednesday the fifth of March , 1653. and who was nam'd Isaac Claude , it so fell out at this time that the Church of Nismes which was one of the best Churches in France , sought within and without the Provinces for a man that could bear the weight of that burthen ; a Minister , in short , that was proper for Preaching , for Disputation and the Conduct of a great Flock . Monsieur Claude's reputation being spread far and near made them quickly determine upon the choice they were to make ; they sent as Deputies to him Gentlemen of the greatest Eminence , that they might not miss their aim ; these Gentlemen discourst him , made him most obliging Offers , and accomplish'd their Design ; for he was appointed Minister for their Church by the Synod of upper Languedoc . The Service of this Church was very painfull , the Preaching there every day , the Sick taking up a great deal of the Minister's time ; Ecclesiastical matters requiring no less application , Monsieur Claude was not startled at this new task ; he found time sufficient to accomplish all his duties , the beauty of his Genius and his Industry provided for all the occasions of his Flock . How much soever busied in the common Functions of his Office , he found leisure to begin a Work which he would have finish'd , but for a Disappointment that broke his measures . He was refuting the method of Cardinal de Richelieu , when he heard that the Synod of lower Guienne had given that emploiment to Monsieur Martel , Professour of Divinity , he would not stand Candidate with his Brother in the Gospel , and the deference he had for the Company , whence he held his Commission , caused him to lay his Pen aside . As Monsieur Claude was born for a Chair of Divinity , and that his Wit naturally turn'd that way , there was always in Nismes a considerable number of Students in Divinity so far advanced as to be admitted to make Probationary Sermons , to whom he read Lectures of Divinity ; his way of Teaching was so neat , the matters he explain'd seem'd so well meditated and so happily fitted to the use of the Pulpit and to the understanding of Holy Writ , insomuch that he caused them to make no less progress in the knowleged of Divinity , than in the best Academies ; hence came that great concourse of Divinity Students ; nay , and there has been seen to come from this kind of Private School Disciples of merit , that made good the Pains of the Master that instructed them . Monsieur Claude's Ministery did too much fructifie in Nismes in the opinions of the Roman Catholicks ; the rumour of his Reputation daily augmenting , was an importunate sound , that wounded their ears , a certain presage that he would not be long at quiet . And indeed he was snatch'd from that Church by one of those extraordinary ways which People of his Character and singular worth do daily experience ; his knowledge , his steadiness , his zeal , created a jealousie in a man whose sentiments were not so upright as his . Monsieur Claude knew that he espous'd the project of our ruine , under the specious veil of an accommodation of Religion ; he openly opposed this design ; he was the Moderatour of a Synod of lower Languedoc ; there did he break his measures ; and in that Province dismounted the machine of re-union , which the Court has abandon'd in these latter days , as being of too slow a movement , and that it can more easily effect those ends by other means , there needed no more to fetch Monsieur Claude from Nismes ; a Decree of Council was intimated to him , by which he was interdicted the exercise of his Ministery throughout the whole extent of the Province of Languedoc . He forbore Preaching , and went to Court , being onely supported by his innocency , he there prosecuted his concern for near six months , but all in vain , for the Resolution was already taken , not to revoke the least of any thing that had been done against us ; and more especially to weary out the Ministers who were not pleasing to the Governours of the Provinces . In this Journey did he compose that little Tract which answers that of the perpetuity of the faith of the Catholick Church touching the Eucharist ; this was his first Piece that was made publick ; this Tract of his made a noise in the World ; the Roman Catholicks were at a loss to know the Authour's Name ; the Jansenists who felt the weight of the blow , would needs know the hand from whence it departed ; but all the pains they took in order to this discovery were for a long while all in vain , and we may say that as they have laugh'd at the uneasiness the Jesuits had been under to find out the Authour of the Provincial Letters , they in their turns made this occasion their diversion , as did many other People who were not sorry to see an Authour stand forth , who allarum'd that party by a Work of thirty Pages . This little Tract did Monsieur Claude so much honour , that it well deserves we enlarge a little upon it , and the particular Circumstances that it affords , will reward the Reader for the time he may bestow upon what we are going to say of it . The Tract of the Perpetuity of the Faith of the Catholick Church touching the Eucharist , compos'd by an able Jansenist believed to be Monsieur Arnaud , had Monsieur de Turenne in view , the Court had the same aim in persuading him to change his Religion , and the Jansenists espousing this design hop'd to acquire honour by this Conquest ; but as he was a Prince , who without playing the Divine had a right sense to judge whether the Argument was good or bad , it was necessary to chuse a matter that was beyond the common reach of his Lights in Religion , and to pass his understanding , by drawing him into the vast fields of antiquity ; as being a region proper to impose upon Strangers and new Commers , who do not well know the Map of that Countrey . No fitter Subject for a trepan could have been chosen than that pitcht upon by this Authour ; he pretended to prove that the Doctrine of the Real Presence , had been the constant Faith of the Church , till the time of the Reformation , ( a great prepossession in France , for a heart that wish'd for a Religion that accommodated it self with his fortune ) the turn which this Writer took was very ingenious ; how said he a thousand years of a peaceable possession , and a profound silence do they not sufficiently justifie the Faith of the Church upon this Article , it peaceably enjoy'd its right till Beranger ; and as soon as this man offer'd to open his mouth to combat this truth , all rose up against him , and he was condemn'd by the first Council held at Rome by Pope Leo the Ninth , in the year 1053. Before him none had combated the Real Presence , therefore it was the universal Sentiment of the Church . This Authour does still something more , for to the proof of the matter he adds that of right , that is to say , that he means to prove , that if the Church had been of the Protestants opinion it would have made so sensible an alteration in Christendom , when it chang'd its belief upon this Article , and that it fell into the Faith of the Real Presence , that there is not an individual , but would have sensible of this Innovation , seeing the thing could not fail of being so of it self ; Nevertheless he is persuaded , that none ever complain'd of upon this account ; whence he infers that no change has been made in the Doctrine ; nay , and that this change is not even possible after the manner we conceive it ; this ingenious method affected Monsieur de Turenne , he found in this reasoning an air of truth of too large extent for his knowledge , his doubts were known , and persons of the first Quality and of an exemplary Piety endeavoured to disperse these elusions , they cast their eyes upon Monsieur Claude who was then at Paris , he would not oppose what they desir'd of him , because he found himself thereunto engag'd by the sense of his Conscience , and by the respect he had for the persons who required his assistence , thus he writ , and this was the true occasion of that Dispute . Monsieur Claude understood very well that this was but an ill way to make his Court for his restoration to the Church of Nismes , but he did not stand wavering , what course to take , he saw that he was going to enter the lists with a Writer of mighty name , he hop'd that God wou'd give him the grace to maintain his Cause . Messieurs Blondel and Aubertine , whose Writings were to be defended , were Authours consummated in the study of the Fathers ; they seem'd to have exhausted the matter which Monsieur Claude undertook to treat of ; if we find that he sometimes walks in their steps , we shall also see that he makes new discoveries , and his manner of handling this subject is so fine , sensible and strong that we may affirm it to be a method wholly new , whereof Monsieur Claude is the first Authour : in short , as he had tryed the strength of his Genius , he was sensible of an air of confidence , which arose from the strength of the truth he was going to defend ; this was his disposition when he began to write upon this matter . His Answer is short , but it is the fullest and closest Work that had till then been seen upon this Subject ; the Authour speaks little , but says a great deal in few words ; and the Hypotheses which he states are so well meditated , so just , back'd with such good reason , that there is no staggering them , whatever onset has been made upon them ; nay , and we shall find that all the trains of this great Dispute are so many lines that depart from that center , and which after divers illustrations and long evasions return thither as to their true Principle . Monsieur Claude undertakes to prove in his Answer , that this change termed a chimoera , and look'd on as a thing impossible , did effectually happen ; he shews the time , manner and principal Authours that favour'd it ; he makes appear how easie it is to alter a Point of Doctrine when those three things concur together , as has been seen in that of the Eucharist ; first , when it is under-hand attacqu'd , and by way of explication , still retaining the same terms , consecrated by a long use to that tenet ; secondly , when this innovation does not alter any thing in the worship ; and thirdly , when the errour finds a happy age wherein to spread its darkness : He proves so well that these three things have concurr'd in the change of belief , upon the subject of the Eucharist , that all his reasons are as so many demonstrations , against which there is no offering any thing , that can weaken the proof of them . The Authour of the little Tract of the perpetuity of the Faith of the Catholick Church , touching the Eucharist , hath acted in this Debate as shrewd men do , who have nice concerns to defend in the Courts of Justice , for though you produce against them a vast number of Witnesses , considerable both for their Worth and their Dignity , they plainly perceive that the onely way to Ward off the Blow that wou'd otherwise destroy them , is to endeavour to invalidate the proof by reproaches good or bad , which robs these witnesses of all Credit ; and thus you have a vast field open to contempt , to foul language , and imposture : Nay , and we have seen such as by a cunning slight suggested to them by their danger , endeavour to derive advantage from the testimony that has been urg'd against them , however opposite it may be to their Justification , and this is much the Character of that Authour . Monsieur Claude understood his design very well , he trac'd him exactly through all his windings , and as it highly behov'd him to maintain the Dignity , Integrity , and Authority , of the testimonies which Messieurs Blondel and Aubertine had produc'd , we may affirm , that he did it with all the evidence , and all the strength that can be desir'd in a disputation of that nature , which turn'd much more upon matters of fact , than upon questions of right . Monsieur Claude , having not been able to get the Prohibitions taken off that had been exhibited against his officiating his Pastourship in Nismes , or in any other Town of Languedoc , departed from Paris after six months abode in that Town , and repair'd to Montauban ; certain it is that he had not then any settlement in his mind , as seeing no appearance for it , yet did he live much at his ease , though he was not altogether unconcern'd at the Troubles he was made to suffer , he overcame them by submitting himself with an absolute resignation to the Providence of God , and this course of submission to the Decrees of Heaven , which is ever the best , did not fail to prosper with him ; he had not the trouble of wishing or of being tyr'd with expectation of seeing his desires accomplish'd , the Church of Montauban prevented him , and gave him not leasure to solace himself after the hardship of a long Journey , he arrived there on the Saturday , preach'd on the Sunday following , being Communion day . The Church assembled for his Vocation , a Place was offer'd him , he accepted it , and the Synod authoris'd the choice of the Church . He had serv'd eight years the Church of Nismes , when he setled in that of Montauban , where he staid but four years , but with so much delight , that I have heard him often say that that time compos'd the sweetest and happiest period of his Life . He there liv'd in a perfect Union with his Collegues , being cherisht and esteem'd by his Church , and being charm'd with the Beauties of that Climate , which he look't upon as his second place of Nativity having there perform'd his Studies . There did he compose his answer to the second Tract of the perpetuity of the Faith of the Eucharist , but did not imagine that the Manuscript he had left at Paris , wou'd one day become a subject of Disputation , because it was onely made for the instruction of Monsieur de Turenne , who declar'd himself to be satisfied with it ; nevertheless this Work was three years after taken to task , and the Authour of the perpetuity of the Faith of the Catholick Church , touching the Eucharist made an answer thereunto . For a long time not any Book about Religion had been seen in France , that made so much noise as this , the Authour not onely attackt the ashes of a dead person that are seldom fear'd , as he had done in his former Tract , which slightly ran over the Book of Monsieur Aubertine , he knew he had to doe with another Authour , who was not to be slighted , which inspir'd him with a design of writing after a more sinewey and more elaborate manner . Whether the event prov'd answerable to his good intentions is a point which I leave the Readers to judge of ; it onely appears as to me that Monsieur Claude was not of that opinion , and that if he found more art in the second Tract than in the former , more wit and more care to conceal the weakness of the matter , which the Authour therein defends , yet did he not therein observe the more solidity . He saw in it somewhat less sincerity , and eruptions of mind against persons of merit and probity , to whom the publick has not done the same Justice as this Authour . To remain mute when the whole Kingdom speaks , such silence seem'd affected to Monsieur Claude , the Roman Catholicks said openly , that this last Book made their cause triumph , and that it would not be answer'd ; the Protestants did not speak with so much arrogance though they had much greater confidence , being necessitated to curb their sentiments , when they were treated with ill Language ; and to make semblance of fearing Books , that did not perplex them much at the bottom , and this piece was of that rank . Monsieur Claude ventur'd the repose of his Life by answering it , the event did but too well justifie him , he nevertheless determin'd to maintain his first Tract , by refuting the Book which made so much noise at that time , and this is the piece bearing the Title of , an answer to the second Tract of the perpetuity of the Faith of the Eucharist , this work is of a much larger bulk than the former , though it turns much upon the same principles ; it was necessary to be more particular in Citations , in the choice of proofs , in the order and light wherein they were to be set , and the consequences that are to be thence derived , and this course is perhaps what is most difficult in a disputation of the nature of this under our consideration . Monsieur Claude knew it very well , and on that account , did he contrive a method painfull for himself , but easie and usefull for his Readers , he onely took what was most essential in the passages of the Fathers , and which was serviceable to his Subject ; he says not too much for fear of wearying out attention ; he says sufficient to illustrate his matter ; the Arguments he brings upon these testimonies are short , but persuasive , whether that he backs his own cause , or attacks that of the Church of Rome , and because it is a subject containing ungratefull matter by reason of the same expressions of the Ancients , which are often reiterated in this kind of conflict . Monsieur Claude thought fitting to enliven his matter with a gayety of discourse , yet without deviating from the Character of a wise and Majestick Writer . The Authour of the Treatise of the Eucharist , made it matter for his Diversion , one while to insult our cause whose weakness he deplores , another while our Reformers whom he speaks of with extreme contempt , and sometimes Monsieur Claude himself , looking on his demonstrations as petty elusions , which vanish at the approach of his lights : I know not whether he imagin'd when he mediated his common place of Metaphors , that Monsieur Claude wou'd sleep upon that passage ; he was certainly mistaken if he had that opinion : Monsieur Claude found out the weakness of it , makes merry with it in more than one place , as well as at that method of the Authours , of putting proofs into objections , and objections into proofs . He commends his judicious silence , which makes him pass quick over the greatest Difficulties , and his Prudence that makes him dwell , upon things that seem the most easie . This is what Monsieur Claude calls in the conduct of the Authour , an affectation of speaking in a Slumber , so to lull us asleep by his own Example . There are places indeed , where he does not seem to be in his wonted good humour , and this is when he cannot bear what Writers of that Communion call Pious frauds I mean the manifest alterations , which the Authour makes of some passages , as to the sense , the terms and expressions , one is in the Homily of the Euchrist for consecration attributed to St. Chrysostom , though it be none of his , the other is taken from Luke Anacorete . Fame , which delights in magnifying Objects , quickly gave the alarm among the Jansenists , a secret rumour was spread about Paris ▪ that the unknown Authour , was answering this second Tract of the Eucharist . The main body detach't some of its Emissaries , to find out whence this News came , and in what part of the Earth this hardy Minister liv'd , who came to disturb the Glory of such as had the Vogue of being the most Learned and most Polite Writers of France ; some of them brought back word , that the Authour they were in quest of was Monsieur Claude : This was a sufficient intimation to those Gentlemen , for them to take their measures ; they wrote to the Bishop of Montauban , an Prelate eminent at that time for his Sermons , which the Court had relish't , and for the engagements he had had with the Jansenists ; they entreated him to know whether Monsieur Claude was writing , to see his Papers if possible , and to acquaint them with the intent of them . This Prelate sped according to their desires , Monsieur Claude had been oblig'd to see him , he was known by him , if I dare say it , esteem'd , a thing rare in France , considering that immense distance , which is presum'd to be between the height of an Episcopal Crosier , and the bare crook of one of our Pastours . My Lord Bishop entreated Monsieur Claude to tell him , whether it was true , that he was answering Monsieur Arnaud , for so was the style at that time , that he wou'd doe him a very sensible kindness in letting him see his answer . Monsieur Claude thinking it did not become him to deny a thing , which he did not at first think to be of consequence , he promis'd to let him see some of his Copy , and accrdingly perform'd what he promis'd . The Bishop of Montauban did not fail to inform his friends , of what he had seen , and to let them know that this answer was Printing at Paris , under the direction of a person of Merit , who did that good Office to Monsieur Claude his particular Friend : I know not how far the reflexions of that Prelate did proceed ; in a short time we saw orders come from Court , that snatcht him away from the Church of Montauban , his Friends did not doubt but that his merit had made him incur this new Disgrace ; he obey'd these the King's Orders , as he had obey'd those that had taken him from Nismes , and not finding any safe Sanctuary in the Provinces , he resolv'd to go lay open his conduct to the Eyes of the Court , that judges much better by its own lights , than when it was oblig'd through the great distance of places to trust to the lights of others . On the same day that he arriv'd at Paris , he had the dissatisfaction to hear , that a stop was put to the impression of his Book ; but though this trouble attended him to Bed , when he wak't again , he was complemented with better tidings , for the very next Morning after his arrival , he had notice that the Prohibitions relating to his answer , had been read , and that it was allow'd the liberty of the Press , that Spirit of intrigue , that intrudes into all humane concerns , wou'd needs force the experience of its good and ill humour upon his Book . The Jansenists are said to have endeavour'd to have put a stop to its Sale by their Credit , which as then was so considerable , but the Jesuits through other principles , very contrary to the former , did bring again the course of this concern into its natural Chanel ; a remarkable example of the vanity of the thoughts of men , and of the depth of the designs of the Providence of God , who knows how to derive his Glory from the good and ill dispositions of their minds . This second answer of Monsieur Claude's , had all the success he cou'd desire ; the Protestants made it the Buckler of their Cause , the Roman Catholicks found it very dangerous , and if the Port Royal found therein matter of Vexation , other people more complying than they , were not much concerned at the consequences . The progress of Monsieur Claude's sentiments in this Book extended very far , he render'd the change of belief as to the Eucharist , too sensible , every Individual that reads his reasons , had a sense of this alteration , and to stop the course of it , they bethought themselves of giving out that the citations of the passages of the Fathers were not faithfull ; and as these Gentlemen among their people are in possession of being believ'd upon their bare word , it was absolutely necessary , for the dispersing this false accusation , that Monsieur Claude should Print , all at length , the passages he had cited , and this is what will be sound in the seventh Edition , that was made of that answer in the year 1668. The work was large , but the Volume might still have been enlarg'd , by a considerable number of other passages , which I have seen Written by the late Monsieur Claude's own hand , which is in the Margent of that second answer which is in his Closet . Monsieur Claude staid near Nine Months in Paris , being uncertain of his Fate , without being able to break through the barrieres , that hinder'd his return to Montauban . This was an Episcopal case , and these causes were so priviledg'd , that a Body was ever sure of loosing the process that one had with those Personages ; Monsieur Claude understood it so too , and with submission and patience arm'd himself against all these hardships . During this interval , he was courted by the Church of Bourdeaux , but Charenton had people of too much sense , to suffer their being rob'd of a man of such great merit , who was already among them , they let him have some intimation of the design which that Church entertain'd . A regard was to be had to the inclinations of the Court , the matter was insensibly prepar'd , and as soon as they saw a propitious moment , for Monsieur Claude's calling into the Church of Paris , they took him , and he was effectually call'd to serve that Flock in the year 1666. PART II. IF Monsieur Claude's Books made so much Noise in Paris , when he was an hundred Leagues distant , 't is easie to judge that he was much more talk't of when it came to be known , that he was to make his constant abode in that Town , in order to serve the Church that met at Charenton . I know not after what manner the Port Royal did receive the News , and whether those Gentlemen , seeing that this Learned Minister fixt his residence in that great City , did not think of him what skilfull Politicians say of a Prince that settles himself in Italy , that it was an ill prospect , and an Eye-sore ; be it as it will , it does not appear , that they stir'd in the least to traverse this calling , it was not unknown at Court , and this was sufficient for Monsieur Claude . A discourse there was of an answer , of the Authour of the perpetuity of the Faith , to Monsieur Claude's second Book , he very quietly expected its coming out ; however it did not appear for some time , which is a mystery I have no design to shrift into , it no ways availing my Subject , and 't is sufficient , that I say how that another Writer stood forth to supply Monsieur Claude's Adversaries room , but I am as yet a Stranger , whether 't was out of kindness to Monsieur Arnaud ; great men are not over fond of such kind of Assistance , as being willing to distance from them all that can inculcate the least suspicion of humane weakness . But to what purpose all this , when people have diligent Friends , they prevent us whether we will or no , and it is a kind of Civility , which we should not dare to complain of . This Dispute made too much Noise , to leave a Society at rest , that presumes it has a right to decide upon all matters , its Emulation was rous'd , and for fear any other shou'd gain the Victory , it immediately caus'd one of its Champions to enter the Lists , to rob Monsieur Arnaud of the Crown he already laid hold of , and which he is said onely to have lost , by being too much a Formalist . Father Noüet a Jesuite wrote against Monsieur Claude , and they did not stay for the Printers being at work upon the first Leaf , for the giving it approbation ; all concur'd towards the speedy stopping the Progresses this second answer made , and Father Noüet's Book was put forth with all expedition as a happy dike in opposition to this torrent . This Father Noüet's work has its Beauties and its goodness , like those actions of great consequence , which at the Bar defend an ill cause with a great deal of art ; a vast knowledge of Antiquity , though little back't by truth , a design of writing Gentleman like , but most commonly unseasonably us'd , being sometimes travers'd by the bare heat of Disputation , and for the sake of the cause he defended . Monsieur Claude might handsomely have forborn answering this Book , as being to face Monsieur Arnaud , who only seem'd to require time for writing , that he might collect all his Forces , and overwhelm him with his last stroke ; nevertheless he past over these difficulties , and making it a point of Honour still to maintain this Dispute , against an able Doctour chosen by the most Learned Society of the Church of Rome , he answer'd Father Noüet's Book , and this is the third work of his composing upon this important matter . This answer was Monsieur Claude's favourite Book , he spoke of it modestly in the main , which indeed was his Character , but there was nevertheless to be observed in his Discourses , a fondness for this composure , and I have known deserving persons , that were of the same opinion with him upon this point . The Preface to this Book is admirable , and affords a most noble Idea of the Authour's design . Monsieur Claude had occasion in this Dispute to follow a Tract , which Monsieur Arnaud had diverted him from . Father Noüet thought fitting to upbraid him in some manner , for having abandon'd the holy Writ in this controversie , this Accusation is curious falling from a Jesuit's Pen. Monsieur Claude did not fail to turn it to his advantage , it gave him occasion to explain to us , the sixth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. John ; it was requisite , that satisfaction shou'd be given to a person that complain'd of a Ministers neglecting the word of God ; the Tract of the use of the senses is an accomplish'd piece , nothing has been seen so well meditated upon that matter , as what he says of it , nothing so pat or so happy as the application he makes of it . As for the passages of the Fathers , which this Authour produces against them , he rids himself of them like an able and gallant man ; for when Father Noüet produces very improperly against him , Authours posterior of Pascatius , he chuses them out in the Centuries 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , and 15. Monsieur Claude does not fail to tell him , that these are improper pieces , and witnesses that bear their recusation in their Forehead ; but he does nevertheless often examine his passages , wherein he finds a sense quite opposite to Father Noüet's design . The opinions of the Greeks touching the Eucharist is likewise brought in play . Monsieur Claude answers it , and upon that point , acquaints him with more than one History which he knew not , or which he was minded to dissemble , because it did not favour his cause . This Authour is not ever happy in his citations , as not being willing to take the pains of going to the Fountain head ; ours complains of his neglects ; Father Noüet is hardy , and makes no scruple of often altering passages . Monsieur Claude has much adoe to be moderate upon this point ; he exclaims sufficiently , so as that the Reader may be advertis'd of the Snare that is laid for him . Never did Authour know how to avail himself better of the advantages that are offer'd him , if Father Noüet speaks of reading of the Fathers , as of a vast Forest , our Authour draws thence an argument , that Christian Faith is less involv'd in holy Writ , than in Tradition , which is a Woody Countrey by a Jesuits own confession ; when this Writer is angry at the Primitive Ages of the Church , to which Monsieur Claude wou'd bring him back , that he says they have given us more Martyrs * than Writers and Doctours ; our Authour derives an advantage from his ill humour , and shews the reason why the Church of Rome refuses this Testimony , if Monsieur Claude sets Monsieur Arnaud against Father Noüet , it is without any design of setting them at odds , 't is through the silence of the Pagans in respect of Transubstantiation , and the adoration of the Eucharist ; Monsieur Arnaud denies that any proof can be drawn from their silence , and adds , that they have perhaps written Books upon this Subject , that have not been transmitted to us . Father Noüet on the contrary maintains , that Monsieur Claude's consequence wou'd be just , if the Pagans had not upbraided the Christians with the difficulties of that mystery , but he fancies that he proves it clearer than the day , and this is another point which our Authour does not agree with him in , refuting very plainly the passages urg'd by Father Noüet , and maintaining his first Thesis ; in short , though Father Noüet had not perhaps a set design , here to combat Monsieur Claude's opinion as to the time of the change , that was made in point of the Eucharist , he cou'd not with honour forbear saying something of it towards the end of his Book . Forc'd he was to bear this little torture , in favour of the devoutest Zealots of his Communion , who wou'd have thought all had been lost if he had fail'd of maintaining a circumstance which so far influences the goodness of that cause ; but as he gives this matter onely a transitory touch , Monsieur Claude does not enlarge upon this Subject , but nevertheless says sufficient to refute Father Noüet's illusions , and to back the good reasons he alledg'd in the two former Writings . This Monsieur Claude's answer * was kindly receiv'd ; the Protestants found therein the confirmation of their Faith , the Jansenists were not sorry , that Father Noüet had made this diversion in favour of them , being so much time gain'd to take breath , and the Jesuits on whom all people had their eyes fixt , came off sparkishly from this affair ; they talkt of Father Noüet as of one of their adventures , that had pusht hard at his Enemy , and came off from the conflict honour'd with some wounds . This disputation had no ill consequence , I mean that the Advocate of the Protestant party was set aside , and treated more handsomely by the Society of the Jesuits , which commonly are not of a humour to suffer much , than he had been by the caball of Port Royal. After this attaque a kind of suspension of Arms lasted for some time ; Monsieur Claude wanted not Employment , the bare business of his Pulpit at Charenton , requir'd the whole application of an ordinary Minister . This Church was so celebrated of it self , and honour'd with the presence of so many Foreigners , that it had been imprudence in a Minister , to have Preach'd unprepared . Thus the bare Office of Preaching was a Province of Pains sufficient for Mr. Claude , who was desirous to edifie his Flock , answer the hopes that people did conceive of him , and follow the steps of his Eminent Collegues . He Printed but few Sermons , as being more taken up with other matters , which more concern'd the publick . We may nevertheless judge by those he has Publisht , that his Talent lay no less for Preaching than for the Closet , and I hope his Son will Print a small Tract , which his Father did compose of the manner of explaining the holy Writ in the Pulpit , so just and so fine , that upon reading it , people will be throughly persuaded , that Monsieur Claude was a great Master in that matter . Monsieur Claude did not onely signalize himself by his Writings , he was in a Station , that had great influences , to shed over the other reform'd Churches of France . Paris was the Fountain whence proceeded all the mischiefs , that overwhelmed the Protestants in the Provinces , and Charenton the place whither they repair'd for Council , an excellent remedy in it self , so sharp , violent and obstinate were the ill humours . Monsieur Claude consider'd of this , he acted , he rouz'd up others by his own example , though he cou'd not wholly remedy the mischiefs of so many that were afflicted , and who from far and near required his assistance , we may say that he mitigated their trouble , by partaking therein himself and by his consolations . Monsieur Arnaud's Book came out at length , being entitled the perpetuity of the Faith of the Catholick Church , touching the Eucharist , defended . Monsieur Claude thought himself bound to answer it ; this work of Monsieur Arnaud's made a noise in the World , it having certain Characters fit to excite the admiration of people , who onely floridly touch upon matters , to acquire quickly , and easily the quality of Learned . Monsieur Arnaud handles a Subject that might pass in some manner for new at Paris , because no French Writer had yet been seen , that had collected so many testimonies , and that like him had so profoundly argued about the Religion of the Greeks ; this air of Novelty did much set off his Book ; he cited passages which seem'd to bear all the marks of the real presence , according to the Roman Mode . A prodigious reading was observed in his answer . This great work , inspir'd happy prepossessions in favour of the Authour ; In short , though Monsieur Arnaud had in his other works spoke with a Majestical tone , yet he now raised his Voice much higher , he lookt so big when he spoke of Monsieur Claude , and handles his Books with so much arrogance , that it was a kind of torrent , which without examination hurried away the suffrages of those easie Judges , that are determined by the bare accent of the Voice . Monsieur Claude had not the same assistance as Monsieur Arnaud , the latter being said to have had Friends , and such as furnisht him with proofs . Monsieur Claude cou'd have wisht , that the same thing had been done for him , but that this requir'd a happy leasure , a privilege out of date at Charenton , and granted onely to the Ecclesiasticks of France . In default of his Friends , he was forc'd to make it out in his own person . I shou'd not dare to insert the number of travels he read , what is seen of them in his answer , is but the least part of them . People often read several Books in hopes of finding something , that may be serviceable to the Subject we have in our mind , and we find nothing less than what we are in quest of . Those kind of relations being very subject to this imperfection ; nevertheless a Writer cannot dispence himself from this fruitless labour , when he is engag'd in a disputation of the nature of this , which turns upon matters that are to be defended or opposed . Monsieur Claude states principles that are a mighty help to disperse all the elusions of Monsieur Arnaud , he shews that the business in this dispute , is not to know exactly , what the Greeks believ'd in the matter of the Eucharist , but what they do not believe ; and 't is in this rank that he places the Transubstantiation of the Church of Rome , and the soveraign adoration which the Latines pay the Eucharist . He draws up a platform of the Greek Church , which is as it were the key of that matter , for he shews that there are several Greek Churches , that entertain Communion with the Church of Rome , and that it is not among them , that we are to go seek for truths ; he also justifies , that there a great number of Seminaries in Greece and in the East where Youth is brought up in the Faith of the Church of Rome , and that thence are taken Priests , Bishops , and sometimes Patriarchs who are Latines in Faith , and Greeks onely in Ceremonies ; Money , fear and other motives do often bring those Roman Doctors , drest up after the Greek Mode , to the Principal Pulpits of those wretched Provinces , where heavy ignorance does obtain ; after which it is no difficult matter to derive such testimonies as one pleases from those missionaries who owe the Pope all they have , and who require nothing more for acknowledgment of his favours , than Paper and ink . These are the points which Monsieur Claude does make most evidently plain , from the testimony of several Writers most worthy of credit . In short , Monsieur Claude makes out the opinion of the true Greek Church , that is engag'd neither by love nor fear with the Church of Rome , that then it speaks clearly of the Faith concerning the Eucharist , wherein you neither find the Roman Transubstantiation or adoration ; with these maxims Monsieur Claude refutes all Monsieur Arnaud's arguments , he unravels the intrigue of the testimonies he produces , he puts his Readers in a way of doing the like with himself , and there is no using any evasion but what this excellent matter provides against . For it serves to answer all that Monsieur . Arnaud has said upon this Subject , and shews you what course to take for the illustrating all the objections that might be made hence forward upon this matter . This was Monsieur Claude's fourth answer , * upon this dispute , the publick did him Justice in this , as it had done him in the other , it visibly appear'd that his Adversary granted him the principal question , which was the belief of the Latine Church , in the matter of the Eucharist till the time of Pascatius ; Monsieur Claude had strongly prov'd , that till then the real presence , Transubstantiation , and the adoration of the Host were unknown Doctrines to the Latine Church ; Monsieur Arnaud thought fitting to dispute no longer upon this point , and to give the change , he contriv'd to lead Monsieur Claude and the Reader into the East . Monsieur Claude could willingly have been without this walk , but having undertaken to cure a person of his errours , he was to be follow'd every where , that so he might dissipate his illusions ; after which Monsieur Claude having all to no purpose exhausted all the secrets of his art , thought it became him to abandon this cure , and to leave it wholly to the sole immediate grace of God , who cures when he pleases , the most inveterate ills , and that seem the most incurable . I have been longer than I thought upon this dispute of Monsieur Claude's and Monsieur Arnaud's , but as it is what made most noise , I thought it requisite to give a pretty exact Idea of it , that it might make an impression upon the Readers mind . I shall be shorter in his other works , and shall thereby endeavour a little to recreate such peoples minds , as were tir'd out by the uniformity of this matter , and who love novelty and conclusion . The desire of being an Authour , is an uneasie passion , since Monsieur Arnaud did not come again into play , another Writer did not tarry long , before he suppli'd his room ; he wrote against our Reformation in a very bitter style , he attackt Monsieur Claude , he pointed him out by his name , this Book is intitled Legitimate prepossessions against the Calvinists ; 't is no longer a matter of Doctrine that is undertaken to be handled , the success of the dispute of the Eucharist , had not been happy for the Port Royal , another course was to be taken , and we to be attackt in a place proper for declamations , for calumny and the contempt of our Religion . The Authour of these prepossessions could not have chosen better , he there found wherewithall to satisfie his spleen against our Reformers , whom he loads with opprobrious Language . This was a large Field for to excite the peoples hatted against us , by renewing without any necessity , those sad Ideas of our ancient quarrels , which charity ought to have buried in an eternal forgetfulness . This fine and crafty policy , which those Gentlemen make profession of uniting with morals plain and free from all worldly interests , found here a fair occasion of displaying their maxims at Court , where people were not over well satisfied with some of their works ; the point of favour was to be weather'd again , by speaking of us and our Religion , after so odious a manner , as that it might make impression upon the most moderate minds , and through this prospect did Monsieur Nicole write that work , and that 's its true Character . Monsieur Claude answer'd it , but he was far from following that Authour 's violent method , he found it so contrary to the spirit of Christianity , contented himself with shewing its poisonous passages , but he does not make them rebound upon his adversaries head , thinking it sufficient that he renders them of no use , and destroys them before his eyes , and for ought I know , this is a greater mortification for that Authour , than if he had engag'd him after a less civil manner . Monsieur Claude gives us the Portrait of the Latine Church before the Reformation , there is not one sole stroke in it of his own hand , for he makes onely use of the testimonies of Roman Catholick Authours . This caution was necessary on the account of the niceness of the piece , and to avoid the suspicion of falsehood . The idea he gives us of the Church at that time is so sad , that there is no need of opening ones eyes , to judge that it wanted reformation . Monsieur Claude proves that it was desir'd , that it was eagerly demanded before our Reformers set about it , but he likewise shews the evasions which the Court of Rome used to elude this proposition , and the little likelyhood there was of the Clergy's entring upon so holy a project . After having shew'd the necessity of the Reformation , Monsieur Claude proves that our Reformers , might goe to work upon weeding the Field of the Lord , and that they were forc'd thereunto by their own interest , and by the engagement they were under , of furthering the Salvation of their Brethren . He answers those petty objections of the missionaries , which the Authour of the prepossessions does pompously display , he shews that there is no arguing directly against a doctrine , or in its behalf , by the bare examination of the lives of those who teach it , that the consequence is much more natural , and more sure to pronounce for or against a Religion ; after having examin'd its belief , he explains some of Luther's expressions that seem too rude , he speaks of that Authour as a Hero , because he really exerted an Heroick constancy , but he will not warrant all his frailties ; he is satisfi'd with shewing that the greatest men are subject unto failings , and by this means does he shelter some of our Reformers , over whose lives the Authour of the Prepossessions was minded to vent his spleen . The distinction of this Authour is curious , he says that there may be in the Church a negative separation , that onely consists in abstaining from the practice of Doctrines that we do not believe ; he is of a pretty temporizing humour , by insinuating that it would not have been ill contriv'd in our Fathers , had they onely proceeded so far , but he cannot pardon them the positive separation , which is properly what is called set apart ; it appears plainly that this Authour's maxims do not pass for Standard truth at this day , when there wou'd be so fair an occasion to put them in practice . Many unhappy persons are there , who wou'd thank this Authour if he cou'd procure them the enjoyment of that negative separation whereof he speaks , till such time as we find the results which nature , reason and faith do presuppose . But perhaps the things wou'd go too far , if so great a complaisance was had for this negative , for there is found much less danger in seeing the mysteries profan'd , than in giving the least suspicion , that the number of the true Converts was not very great . This Authour makes a mock of us with his distinction , for besides that , a good Conscience with this worldly management in matter of Religion , the little support there is at this day from the Roman Church , for those that do not relish its tenets , and the racks which on this account it puts on their minds and their hearts , induce us to believe , that the same maxims wou'd have been practis'd upon our Fathers at the time of the Reformation , and that they would not have spar'd the negative separation . Our Authours would have written upon this matter , for the Church of Rome has never ceast exclaiming , that the calling of our Pastours was not Legitimate , and all that has followed that ill principle , could not have any character of Justice and goodness . The Libraries are full of Books , that have been written by Doctours of both Parties , but this Monsieur Claude's work is the best that has been seen upon this Subject . Possibly time having given occasion to new objections , has likewise furnisht Monsieur Claude with the occasion of making new discoveries in this matter , but what is particular , and which is a result of the beauty of his Genius , is that he writes with so much clearness , states his principles so well , and with so much exactness makes the application of them to the Ministry of the Protestants , that we are immediately sensible of the necessity of their consequences . Thus for example , when they debate with him the calling of the first Reformers ; he contents himself with proving , that Ministry is to the Church even in opposition to the Pastours , that it is a right that cannot be alienated , either by the consent of the parties , or by the strongest Law , that is to say , by Usurpation ; he adds , that three wills must concur to the forming of a lawfull calling , that of God , that of the Church , and the consent of him to whom the Ministry is directed ; he declares that the Ministry that is exercised among Protestants , is not an upstart Ministry , because it does not Preach up a new Gospel , but the same which the Apostles settled in the Church , but purg'd from the Errours which ignorance had shed therein . With these maxims does Monsieur Claude assert our calling , against all the unjust reproaches of the Church of Rome ; he clearly shews its Justice and necessity . This Book having these great Characters , it is no wonder , that the publick did with joy receive it , and that it did so much honour to its Authour . Monsieur Claude did in 1676 , cause five Sermons to be Printed , which he had Preach'd at Charenton the year before , upon the 22th . Chapter of St. Matthew , Verse 1 , 2 , and 3. and the title of these Sermons is the parable of the Wedding Feast . I should be affraid of doing him an injury , if I enter'd upon the particulars of these Sermons , they are too fine and too short for an extract of them to be given in this place , as containing the matter of a vast Volume , and if well scann'd , will afford the profit of a bulky piece , which few Readers run over otherwise than in haste ; whereas these Sermons do entertain people of sound Judgment , a mighty stock of Divinity , morals worthy of the Subject he explains , a neatness of expression , so just a way of arguing , with that heat and vivacity , that they must own the Authour , no less fit for the Pulpit than the Study . Monsieur Claude had but one Son , whom he tenderly lov'd , he was very glad to see that his inclinations led him towards the Ministry , and that this choice he made , and which ought to be so free , had answer'd the inclinations of his heart . He had this satisfaction to find in him , a Subject proper to avail himself of his parts and example . He studied in the Academies of France , under the best Masters , who took great care of him ; he returned to his Father , who accomplish'd him in all things , that might make him a perfect Preacher . After which he was examin'd at Sedan , in the month of September 1678 , and judg'd very worthy of being receiv'd into the office of the holy Ministry ; he was demanded by the Church of Clermont in Beauvoisis , fourteen Leagues from Paris , in a Synod of the Isle of France , and his Father had the comfort of Ordaining of him , on the 9th . of October 1678. Monsieur Claude did more especially excell at the head of a Company ; such did he appear for several years together , in the consistory of Charenton , such has he been seen in more than one Synod , of the Isle of France , wherein he was Moderator ; one more especially there was , wherein he gave an instance of the strength of his Genius , which surprised the whole Assembly . For after that eight proponants had explain'd the Text he had given them ; the Company being taken up with more important concerns , refer'd the examination of those propositions till the next day . This was a troublesome disappointment to the Moderator , who was to make report of those actions to the Synod , but Monsieur Claude was not perplext at this accident ; the day following he call'd to mind all his Ideas , put each in its due place , forgot not so much as one single circumstance , and after he had perform'd the function of a Reporter , he perform'd that of a Judge ; he examin'd those eight propositions , and spoke his opinion of them like a Master , though the assembly knew his several Provinces , yet was it charm'd with his memory , knowledge and Judgment . In case , in the Synod , any matters were proposed that were intricate of themselves , and still more perplexing through the cloud which the ignorance , or devises of the party did occasion ; Monsieur Claude's wit had such an excellency , that in a moment it made way through all this Chaos , form'd a proposition clear and precise , in order to his speaking his opinion pat , as if opinions were to turn upon a yea or a no , a Character that is never mistaken , in the judging of a man that presides in a Company , since the choice of matters and the making them plain , is a certain sign of the presence , neatness , and strength of a great Genius . But as Monsieur Claude was exact in retaining the purity of the Faith , in the tenets of the reformed Religion , which he has so well defended , we may likewise say , that he acted like a wise , and charitable man in regard of the various sentiments which the Protestants entertain upon the Subject of Ecclesiastical Government and Discipline , and upon the use of some Ceremonies . His conduct more especially appear'd , in an answer he made to a Letter of the Bishop of London's ; this Prelate illustrious by his Birth , and who with so much honour maintains the dignity of that great Office , labour'd under apprehensions , for the divisions with which the Church of England was threatned , upon occasion of the Episcopal Government . For the preventing of this mischief , he wrote to some of the most eminent French Ministers , that he might have their advice . Monsieur Claude made too much noise in France , not to be consulted in an affair of this moment ; he received a Letter from that Prelate , this was a slippery step , he had the eyes of all the Protestants upon him , to see how he wou'd behave himself in so nice a concern ; he came off from it with honour , he used a temperament , that was approv'd of by all rational persons , he own'd what is good in the Episcopacy , but he does not dissemble the feebleness of some Prelates , who seem to him too rigid over our calling ; we do not see in his Letter , that so decisive majesterial air , which other Writers take upon them , 't is full of that humble spirit of Christianity , which onely breaths Charity and Peace . This Character pleased the Bishop of London , who honour'd him with his esteem . Monsieur Claude in return was full of acknowledgments , speaking of that famous Prelate , as of one of the greatest ornaments of the Church of England , and pointing him out under the name of the charitable Father , of all those unhappy persons that have taken refuge , who are all comforted in that they can pour forth their sighs , into a bosom , ever open to the complaints and necessities of the miserable ; this Letter was written in the year 1680. In 1683 , came forth Monsieur Claude's answer to Monsieur de Meaux's Book , entitled A Conference with Monsieur Claude Minister of Charenton , and the occasion which oblig'd him to put it forth was as followeth . Monsieur Claude had a Conference with the Bishop of Condom , upon the account of Mademoiselle de Duras , at the Countess de Roye's House , on the first of March 1678. Some small time after , that Prelate suffer'd a relation of their Conference to go abroad from out his Cabinet , with a discourse he had made for Mademoiselle de Duras upon the matter of the Church ; Monsieur Claude in his turn , gave one of his Friends another relation of that Conference , with animadversions upon Monsieur de Condom's discourse ; his Manuscript fell into that Prelate's hands , who entreated a worthy person to know of Monsieur Claude , whether he approv'd of that Writing which went abroad under his name . Monsieur Claude perused it , to see whether it was conformable to the Original , and having found it exact , he wrote at the bottom that he own'd it for his . This Declaration was given to Monsieur de Condom , who made reflexions upon Monsieur Claude's animadversions , for the maintaining his discourse of the Church ; he likewise made some upon their Conference , and this was the Subject of the Book he caused to be Printed , having for its Title , A Conference with Monsieur Claude Minister of Charenton . Monsieur Claude fansied he might in this occasion , follow that Prelate's example , wherefore he caused his Book to be Printed , wherein he shews three things , he gives us his answer to Monsieur de Condom's discourse , and therein does he handle the question of the Church ; he answers the reflexions that Prelate had made upon his Tract ; he gives therein a relation of what passed in that Conference , and examines the reflexions of that Prelate , and owns that he gave his cause all the liveliest colours , which the most able Divines of the Church of Rome use , when they wou'd cover an errour with the lustre of truth . They parted with marks of a mutual esteem , and with a design not to publish their Conversation , but other considerations prevail'd over Monsieur de Condom's mind , and we are oblig'd to him for having first lept the bounds they had prescrib'd to themselves . For it gave Monsieur Claude occasion to handle the matter of the Church , and to give us a most clear and exact Idea of it . This composure was his Darling , and I may affirm , that he was as much satisfied with it , as with any of those that were the offspring of his Pen ; he spoke of it to us , just before his last sickness , he told us he had meditated this question of the Church , with all the application he was capable of , for the giving of it a good light ; he found few Authours that had applied themselves as became them in illustrating that matter ; he added , that Messieurs Cameron and Mestrezat were those that had best explain'd it , and that by keeping to the maxims he had stated , one might easily answer all the objections of the Doctours of the Church of Rome , without fearing they shou'd stagger his hypotheses . At first this Conference onely turn'd upon points of Discipline , and upon some small difficulties , touching the submission which individuals ought to have , for the decrees of Ecclesiastical Companies . If this discourse had not been the result of a common Conversation , wherein chance has a greater part than the choice of matters , in all likelyhood a body might have said , these questions were not worthy of taking up those two great Genius's ; but the consequences have so exalted this Subject , that it is the same thing with this dispute , trivial in its beginning , as it is with those small springs , which make no noise at their issuing out of the Earth , and which are to be past dry footed , but which encrease extremely in a long course , often divide the place they water , redound to the utility of commerce , and thereby occasion puzling work to the Learned , who eagerly dispute about the sundry names that have been given to these Waters , of their invisibility , when the Rivers they form hide themselves in the Earth , of their privileges and of the rights the people have thereto . The condition of the Protestants was such , that the repose of their Lives might with impunity have been interrupted by the peevishness of a bare Vicar , as soon as he might have entertain'd the desire of wearying out a person of our Religion ; but it was more especially a Capital Crime in a Minister , to attaque the sentiments of a Prelate . Monsieur Claude had more than once experienc'd even in better times , how far the power of these Gentlemen extended in this case , yet did he not fail , as much as in him lay , of crossing the design of the Clergy of France , in writing against the Circular Letters that came from that Assembly , which were spread abroad under the authority of its name . He imagin'd that he ow'd the Sacrifice he made them of his rest to his own Conscience , and to the Salvation of his Brethren ; for things were then in such a posture , that the bare thought of maintaining our cause , was in the opinion of those Gentlemen , deem'd a kind of Felony as Monsieur Claude has publickly shewn , when he explains the result of that expression , whatever you may say or write 't is all in vain , * these are the terms of their Letter . Monsieur Claude does not put his Name to that little Book intitled , Considerations upon the circular Letters of the Assembly of the Clergy of France , of the year 1682 , because this piece had other Characters enough of its Authour , and that Christian prudence does not oblige us to expose our selves , when there is no motive of Conscience that calls us thereunto . The perusal of those reflexions is not long , and to it must I refer the Curious . Possibly Monsieur Claude never composed any work that has done him more honour than this , as small as it is ; he does not deviate from the terms of a profound respect , when he reflects upon the temporal grandeur of those he speaks of , and to whom he thinks this submission owing . But after this , he takes upon him a true air of greatness , proceeding from the Majesty of the matter he handles ; insomuch , that we see him march as an equal with those against whom he disputes , upbraiding them with their affected mildness , undermining the Foundations of an absolute Authority , which they exercise over Souls , and declaring to them roundly , that he onely took Pen in hand to give a reason of his Faith , not that he does herein own them for his Masters , but to render the sentiments of the Protestants publick ; and the reason he alledges for it is , that Religion and Conscience onely depend immediately on God. * Some time after these circular Letters of the Clergy of France , were notified after somewhat an extraordinary manner , through all the Protestant Churches in the Kingdom . The Intendents of the Provinces had order to convene the Consistories for the reading of them ; they had commonly among others , the Prelates great Vicar , in whose Diocese the Commission was perform'd . As this was a case wholly new , and whose influences created apprehensions , our Churches waited to see what the conduct of Charenton wou'd be in this matter , that so they might direct their own course , by its Compass ; this course sped according to their desire ; those of the Consistory of Charenton were the first that were spoke to ; Monsieur Claude was chosen to answer , he did it with great Prudence and steadiness , and his answer serv'd for a model to most of the other Churches , who were very glad to walk in the steps of so able a guide . This answer was Printed ; 't is conceiv'd in few words , but full of sense ; Monsieur Claude owns the august Character , with which Monsieur the Intendent was invested , and for which he declares , that he and his Church have a profound respect ; he therein protests that it was from this onely Fountain of submission , that proceeded the application they had used , in the reading of a piece , that had otherwise nothing but what was afflicting for our Churches ; he farther owns , the mighty Station which my Lords the Prelates stand possest of in the Kingdom , by the dignity of their Offices , and that they thereby challenge our respects , but that if they pretended to speak to us in those Letters , as from off an Ecclesiastical tribunal , he was bound in Conscience to declare to them , that on that side we do not at all acknowledge their Authority . Matters in Religion had their mode in France like other things ; that of Grace had for a long while possest peoples minds ; Monsieur Claude's dispute against Monsieur Arnaud , occasion'd the sentiments of grace to be little talk't of . The two parties wrote as if they had onely differ'd upon the single article of the real presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Lord's supper . This battery had no sooner ceased , but that they erected that of the Authority of the Church , and this seems to be what made the most noise , and on which they most insisted , as seeming to those Gentlemen , of a more efficacious use for conversion , than all the rest together . During these mighty Disputes , there was another kind of calmer Writers , who made Christian morals their business , and who ever and anon gave the publick little pieces which it greedily receiv'd , as finding therein wherewithall to recreate it self , from that great application which was necessary to be had for other , the more lofty questions of Divinity . Monsieur Claude knowing that a man of his profession ought to doe all things for all , in order to the Salvation of Souls , took the resolution of writing upon a Subject of Morality , and composed a little Book , whose Title is the examination of ones self , for the being duly prepar'd for the Communion , the first of the Corinthians , Chapter the 11th . Verse 28. This is a Tract , wherein man sees himself such as he is , in a faithfull mirrour . Monsieur Claude does herein make appear , that he throughly knew the heart of man , no feeble is there but he has penetrated ; he follows him in all the windings he uses , to conceal himself from God , the World and himself ; he takes off that Mask , shews his Nakedness , his Misery , conducts him to our Lord Jesus Christ , as to his sovereign good . In the Gospel does he take the Lessons which ought to serve to illustrate and inflame him ; he turns all these instructions to the use of the holy Supper . Monsieur Claude does farther shew , that he perfectly knew the World , as an able Physician knows Poisons , that is to say , with no other design but to oppose their qualities . These are no outragious Morals , like many others ; they are Just , yet have their severities , but withall , they are ever conformable to the state of man upon Earth , and to his Duty ; and this is what renders them sensible to all the World : Whereas there are those , that often vend us precepts of morality , so above our reach , that they make no impressions upon our hearts , because our hearts do not find in those pourtraits , one single Character that suits with them . This little Book met with a very gratious reception from all sorts of persons , and indeed , it must needs have a most extraordinary privilege of goodness , since it carries in its front a licence of a famous Magistrate of Paris , of the 7th . of November 1681. Monsieur Claude's Writings made so much noise in foreign Countries , and especially amongst Protestants , that Groninguen caused a Professours place in Divinity to be offer'd him in its illustrious University ; and this Town which had so highly signaliz'd it self in those late Wars being still cover'd , if I might dare to say it , with the sweat and bloud of its Enemies , imagin'd that for the fulness of its glory , it ought to get this Buckler of the Reformation into its bosom , there to cause Sciences and Religion to flourish . This calling was directed to Monsieur Claude in all the forms , and with all the inducements he could desire , but it was a difficult matter in this case , to surprise the vigilance and affection of his Church , which too well knew the need it had of its Pastor . It earnestly intreated him not to abandon it , at a time especially , when his presence was so necessary to all the Protestants of the Kingdom ; he was willing to make it the Sacrifice of his temporal interest and repose , after which he most humbly thank't the Magistrates of Groninguen for the honour they had done him , and prepared himself to undergo the utmost fury of that Tempest , which had so long been lowring over our heads . In the mean while , the Calamities of the Protestants did daily hasten on apace , the Church that met at Charenton , saw the Storm coming , and the privilege of being enlightned by the eyes of the Court , which it had made its support for above an age , was no longer a means to justifie its Conduct ; it was wholly taken up in warding off the blows made at it by its Enemies , it was watchfull for the other Flocks , and the greatest weight of this heavy burthen lay upon Monsieur Claude's head . He shewed himself indefatigable , he answered the Writers of the Roman Communion , who ever seem to single out him in their works ; he preach't as often as any one of his Collegues , was watchfull for the inward safety , so to disappoint it , rooted it out of others , and was carefull of the present , nay , and out of a providential Spirit , extended his thoughts and cares over the sadest futurity . This is the true scite of Monsieur Claude's heart and mind , till that fatal day , when he perceiv'd that all the solicitudes of humane prudence were absolutely inavailable , and that he must of necessity see the dispersion of all the reformed Churches in France , by the bare revocation of the Edict of Nants , under whose Faith we and our Fathers had liv'd . This Edict was published under the Seal , on Thursday the 18th . of December 1685 ; the Gentlemen of the Consistory had notice of it , they thereby apprehended , that they had no longer the liberty of Preaching , because the Exercise at Charenton was no longer perform'd , but by virtue of a decree of the Council , which was revokt by the bare publication that had been newly made ; nevertheless it was not perceiv'd , that the Ecclesiasticks made any step to rob them of that small consolation , which they seem'd to have left of having the liberty of meeting once again in their Temple . This favour which would not have been considerable in the bottom , seem'd too great to the Ministers , and to some of the Ancients , that they open'd their Eyes to know the motives of it , and after a prety exact application , they perceiv'd it to be one of those presents , which were to be distrusted , as coming from a suspected hand ; they nevertheless liv'd in a kind of uncertainty , till Saturday at ten a Clock in the Morning ; the Ministers appointed to Preach were ready , when that they were fully inform'd of the design that was laid , of coming into the assembly to speak to the people , during or after the action . The most prudent understood the consequences of that day ; Monsieur Claude especially knowing by long experience , how far the zeal of Religion does hurry those , that are strongly possess'd with it , was the first that deem'd it fitting not to Preach . He backt his opinion with several reasons , which brought the rest to be of his mind . It was expedient to hinder the people from repairing to Charenton ▪ the next day Monsieur Claude took care of this important matter , he saw plainer than the rest the peril he exposed himself to ; but he imagin'd that he was likewise thereunto called by the duty of his Office. That a good Soul ought not to be much concern'd , for the dangerous consequences of a good Counsell . He gave all the necessary orders , the thing succeeded according to his project , there was no Preaching at Charenton , and the event justified that his foresight was well grounded , that his fears were Just , and that this turn he gave to the Rudder of a great Ship , that was going to be wrack't , departed from the head of a most able Pilot , who contriv'd to save the people whom God had committed to his charge , when he cou'd no longer hinder the wreck of his Vessel . This Cessation of exercise , which had seem'd too hasty to some , past for a Masterly stroke in the opinion of others . The Ecclesiasticks knew it immediately , to be Monsieur Claude that had broke their measures , and to prevent the over officious cares he might have rendered to his dispersed Flock , they wou'd , said they , spare him the pains of that sad spectacle . He had fifteen days time given him , as well as the other Ministers to depart the Kingdom , they found means to abridge that time ; for on Monday the 22 of December 1685 , which was the day on which the revocative Edict of that of Nants , was Registred in the Parliament of Paris ; Monsieur Claude received order at ten a Clock in the Morning , to be gone within four and twenty hours . He obey'd with a profound respect , and went away attended by one of the King's-Footmen , who was to conduct him to the Fronteers of France , and who faithfully perform'd his Commission , and yet did nevertheless carry himself very handsomly towards Monsieur Claude ; so true it is , that great merit has an ascendant over those very hearts , that do not love our Religion . PART III. MOnsieur Claude was not at a loss , what foreign Countrey to chuse for his retreat , his Son being Minister of the Walloon Church at the Hague , byast him above all other prospects that offer'd themselves to his mind . At Paris he took Coach for Brussels , his fame leading the way , occasion'd several persons to visit him in his Journey ; he past through Cambray where he lay , was there presented with what was in season by the Jesuits ; the Father Rector did him the honour to come and see him , he made due returns to his Civility , and the diversity of Religion did not interrupt that commerce of Compliments , and instances of a mutual esteem . At last he arriv'd at the Hague , and the satisfaction he had to be in the bosom of his Family , whom the affairs of the time had separated , made him for some moments , forget the peril he had been in , and the remains of a great fit of sickness . In a few days after , he had the honour to pay his respects to his Highness the Prince of Orange , he found that his merit had spoken in his behalf , he met with a gracious reception , and however great the Idea was , which Monsieur Claude had conceiv'd of his Highness , he own'd that fame , which commonly encreases objects , and which had spoken with so much luster of his Life , had not as yet , had Voice sufficient to Trumpet all the Heroick Vertues of that August Prince . Monsieur Claude knew her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange , to be a great and illustrious support of Religion , that she understands it in its source , and that a lively impression is seen of it in her actions . He was desirous likewise to kiss her hand , he had that honour , and confest that he had never seen so enlightned an understanding , with so much Piety and Majesty united together . Monsieur Claude did likewise pay his respects to persons of a very considerable figure in that State , and he could not sufficiently admire the sweetness and goodness of those illustrious heads , who at the coming out of their assemblies , where they have appear'd invested with the Majesty of a Soveraign State , speak and act a moment after with other men like private persons , and as if they were their fellow Citizens . Monsieur Claude was no sooner arriv'd at the Hague , but that the Elector of Brandenburg did him the honour to think of him , in order to get him into his Territories . This great Prince , whose bare name will be a perfect Encomium throughout all ages , caused an honourable and usefull employment in his profession to be offered him ; but particular reasons hindred him from complying , so as he could have wish't , to this calling . The rest of his days were destin'd by the Providence of God , to these happy Provinces , and this potent State was willing he should share in that rich effusion of its Charity , which began to pour upon the Ministers that had here taken refuge , nay , he was distinguish't from all the rest by a most advantagious portion , and all concur'd to doe him good . The Prince of Orange took delight in exercising his generous liberality towards him by a considerable Pension . After so many troubles , the time now seem'd to be come , for Monsieur Claude to enjoy all imaginable quiet at the Hague . Nevertheless it is certain , that he was never less to himself , than when one would have thought he was the Master of his repose . His House was the refuge of all the Unfortunate , oblig'd he was to hear their Lamentations , and ease their grief as much as in him lay . His dispersed Flock daily presented fresh objects to his eyes , but sad ; and like so many Planks that had escapt Shipwrack . He received those that were exposed to temptation , was oblig'd to answer them , was inform'd that others were fall'n under it , and this was for him a matter of affliction and labour , to raise up these infirm persons again from their fall . The last work of Monsieur Claude is of a different Character from the rest , his little Book is so known by its self and its adventures , that I should be affraid of abusing the Readers leasure , if I went about to insert the particulars in this place . The Elector of Brandenburg being at Cleve , Monsieur Claude had the honour to pay him his respects , his Electoral Highness exprest to him the particular esteem he had for his merit , he was desirous to hear him Preach , and accordingly he Preacht in his Palace , at two a Clock in the afternoon , upon these words , the 2 to the Corinthians , Chap. 5. ver . 17. Therefore if any man be in Christ , he is a new Creature : old things are past away , behold all things are become new . His Electoral Highness seem'd extreamly well satisfied with his Sermon , and utter'd his mind accordingly in terms most obliging to its Authour . Monsieur Claude return'd to the Hague , possessed with the glory of that great Prince , who may serve for a Model to the most perfect Heroe's , if it be possible that there is any one that imitates him , in the exercise of that immense Charity , which he at this day bestows upon so many unhappy persons , and which bears all the marks of the holy fervency of the Primitive and happy days of Christianity . After Monsieur Claude was return'd , we wou'd needs know of him the means that were to be used for the reuniting the Protestants , call'd of the Confession of Augsbourg with those of our Communion . He said that in all probability this reunion wou'd not be a work of disputation , which commonly onely serves to exasperate peoples minds , that we had reason to praise God , that there were no tenets essential to Salvation , that divided this holy house of the Lord , and that the shortest and safest way must be a wise temperament , which it wou'd be easie to find out if all parties wou'd concur to this good work , and lay in a stock of reciprocal Charity , as might reconcile peoples minds , and unite their hearts in order to the framing one and the same Communion , without declaiming against each other . He was more especially of opinion , that the piety of Sovereign Potentates ought to be excited in this occasion , and that their zeal for this peace , wou'd be a mighty help for the accomplishment of this important design . This overture , which we made to Monsieur Claude was again a new Subject of admiration for him , in expressing to us the sentiments of the Elector of Brandenburg upon this matter , for he told us that this great Prince had discoursed him about this reunion with so much zeal , that he was persuaded , that if this piece was to be a present from Heaven in our days , Divine Providence would principally make use of his Electoral Highness , to whom this glory seem'd to be reserv'd as to the Prince , who can best second this project with his own enlightned understanding , and with his sincere and ardent piety , known and respected by both parties . Now for some time , Monsieur Claude had not enjoyed a perfect health , he was fixt to study so as he would have wisht , but his body could not therein follow the motions of his heart , yet did he not love to have his Study interrupted in the Morning ; he bestowed the rest of the day upon all those that were minded to see him . The time after Supper was reserv'd for his particular Friends , who took a most profitable delight in seeing and hearing him at those hours of freedom , and in those easie conversations , we saw perfect Monsieur Claude discoursing with great openness of heart upon all matters , and especially of that great revolution which is seen at this day in our concerns . His Character upon this Subject was humble and submissive to the Providence of God , he ador'd its steps , but also said that they were abysses , which were not to be too much sounded ; that the safest course was to avail our selves of this Judgment of God , and in silence to expect the assistance of his grace , these conversations ever ended , with the usual exercises of piety in his Family . After this manner did Monsieur Claude see the days of his sad exile run out till his last sickness , whose dolefull remembrance we must renew in this place . There was no regular exercise for preaching in the Walloon Church at the Hague , he nevertheless Preach't there now and then with so much edification , that in ending his Sermon , he excited in the minds of his Auditours a passionate longing to hear him again , and it was to gratifie that desire , that he resolv'd to Preach on Christmas day the 25th . of December 1686. His Son was gone abroad that day , he supplied his place , the circumstance of the season determin'd him upon the choice of the matter , 't was requisite to speak of the Saviour of the Worlds Nativity ; for that purpose did he chuse these words of the Gospel according to St. Luke , Chapter the 1. verse the 30 , 31 , &c. And the Angel said unto her fear not Mary , for thou hast found favour with God , and behold thou shalt conceive in thy Womb , and bring forth a Son and shalt call his name Jesus , he shall be great , he shall be call'd the Son of the Highest , and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his Father David , and he shall reign over the House of Jacob for ever , and of his Kingdom there shall be no end . This Sermon was very Learned , passages it had of extraordinary perfection , his fancy ever fruitfull and happy , appear'd as much in this occasion , as in any other of his Life . It afforded that turn so fine and so natural , which he knew how to give to the matters he explain'd , flashes there were , that did in no wise betray the driness and heaviness of old Age , and we may say in short , that there was throughout observ'd that grandeur of Spirit which influences all his works , that so lively penetration , that so wise , so judicious a choice , which made the ruling Character of that incomparable Genius . He utter'd this Sermon with great eagerness , was heated and inflamed , and in all probability , this was the first point of that fatal sickness which bereft the World of him . His whole Auditory was charm'd with his action , Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange , who is no less Illustrious , for the vast extent of her understanding , and a solid piety and without pomp , than through the bloud of so many Kings , whence she derives her extraction , lissen'd to this Preacher , with a most steady application of mind , and was extreamly well satisfied with this his performance . It were to be wisht that this Sermon was Publish'd ; Monsieur Claude told us , he had writ the greatest part of it ; I am persuaded his Son wou'd oblige many people , if he caused it to be Printed as it is , being a fragment that wou'd doe much honour to his Father's memory . Monsieur Claude was no sooner at home , but that he found himself extraordinary weary ; he was seiz'd that Evening with a most violent Rhume , spent the Night with some uneasiness , and on the Morrow would have gone and heard the Sermon , whatever endeavours were used by his Family , to hinder him from stirring abroad in that condition . That Night he had a Fever with pains throughout his whole Body , his Distemper was thought to be a Rhumatism , upon this principle did they prescribe for his Recovery , but the humours were in so very great a ferment , that there was no moderating the course of them by any Remedy . On the 6th . of January , he was prest by most sensible pains , he was sensible of the decay of his Senses , and as if he had had a full knowledge , that he shou'd not ever have the liberty of expressing his thoughts ; he told his Son that he desir'd to speak with me , I repair'd immediately to his House , and in the presence of his Family , he told me his mind in these terms . I was desirous said he to me , to see you , and make my Declaration before you ; I am , added he , a miserable sinner before God ; I most heartily beseech him to shew me mercy , for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ , and I hope he will hear my Prayer , being the promise he made to repenting Sinners . I have reason to praise him for the blessing he has laid upon my Ministry , which has not been fruitless in his Church , which is an effect of his grace , for which I adore his Providence . He took a little breath , and it was to tell us , that he had with great application examin'd all Religions , but had found none worthy of the Wisedom of God , and capable to lead a man to true happiness , save the Christian Religion . He then added , that among the divers sentiments , which divide Christians upon the Subject of Religion , which he had carefully Studied , he had found that the Reformed Religion was the onely good Religion which was to be followed , that it was entirely found in the word of God , that this was the Fountain from whence it was to be deriv'd , and that this Religion was as it were the Trunk and Body of the Tree , to which it became us to keep steady without ever forsaking it . This is my opinion said he to me , and I was willing to declare it to you . I wou'd have told him , that I was not surpriz'd to hear him discourse in these terms , towards the end of his days , after what he had taught the publick by his Books , which had been of so great an Edification to the Church . Let us break off there said he to me , and let us not speak of praises at a time when moments are so precious , and when they ought to be employed to a better use . Here we let fall the Conversation , for that I perceiv'd his pains prest him , and that he askt to be put to Bed. A very worthy person , and one of his intimate and ancient Friends , wou'd needs pass that Night , being Monday the 6th . of January , in his Chamber , that he might do him some small Services . His pains were most advantageously rewarded , he had the opportunity of hearing him discourse of the happiness of those that had left France for Religion . He made the application of it to him , he besought him , he exhorted him as a Pastour and as a Friend , to enjoy that Privilege , as a blessing which cannot be sufficiently valued . The following days nature seem'd to make an utmost effort to bring him off . He complain'd of a great pain in the Arm that was free , 't was thought to be a spice of the Gout ; he was a pretty while in this pain , and we in hopes through this new Distemper , which in all likelyhood wou'd save his Life . But his Strength decaying through the raging of the Fever , and the length of the Disease , did not help nature in that indication it shew'd us ; I often saw him , and began to despair of his recovery on Friday , because I perceiv'd he was threatned with a Delirium , which was a thing we most dreaded . His Wife askt him if he was not sorry to leave her ; no , answered he , because I am going to my God , and I leave you in his hands in a free Countrey , what can I desire more either for you or for my self ? On Saturday in the Evening , Monsieur Claude wou'd needs Write to the Prince of Orange , he made use of the hand of one of his Friends , for that his own was too weak ; this Letter was short and comformable to his Condition , it exprest the State of his mind and heart , in those last moments of his Life . He sign'd it with some trouble , his Highness receiv'd it , and that great Prince , who ever places the concern of Religion in the first rank of so many other important matters , which depend upon his Conduct , understood the loss the Church was going to have ; and all Hero as he is , he was sensible upon perusing it of his being a man as well as we , it thereby also appear'd , that he valued and lamented the dying person , and shar'd deep in an affliction common to so many good Souls . On Monday Morning , Monsieur Claude askt to speak with his Son , as soon as he was come to him , he embrac'd him tenderly , and said , I am leaving you my Son , the time of my departure is at hand . His Son wou'd have told him , that his Distemper was not yet desperate ; but he replied , I have no hopes save in the mercy of God , that is my principal Sanctuary , take it also for your self my Son , and never take any other . Presently after , seeing that Monsieur Claude grew weaker , I askt him whether he wou'd give his blessing to his Family , who requir'd it of him through my Mouth ; most willingly answered he , immediately his Wife fell upon her knees by his Bed-side , and he spoke to her in these terms ; My Wife , I have always tenderly loved you , be not afflicted at my Death , the Death of the Just is sweet and precious before God , in you have I seen the sentiments of a sincere Piety , I praise God for it , be constant in serving him with your whole heart , he will bless you , I recommend my Son and his Family to you , and beseech the Lord to bless you . His Son kneeling by his Mother , did likewise ask his blessing , Monsieur Claude who lov'd him as a Father , though he liv'd with him as a Brother , exprest great Joy at this Request , and made him answer ; My Son , I have observ'd in you two Characters , which have mightily pleased me , that of an honest man , and that of a man of Honour , maintain these Characters to the last . You have chosen the right side , perform your Office as a good Pastour , and God will bless you ; I recommend your Mother to you , love her , respect her , I am persuaded you will not fail in this , and that she will make you sutable returns . Be mindfull , added he , of this Domestick , take care that she want nothing as long as she lives ; I give you my blessing . Hereupon these two afflicted persons had not the power to make him an answer , their tears and silence spoke for them . I crav'd his blessing for my self , he was affected and wearied , yet did he give it me according to my desire . After that I said Prayers , he bid me be short , and alledg'd this reason for it , I am under that oppression said he , that I am not capable of applying my mind at this moment , to more than these two great truths , to the Meditation of the mercy of God , and to the Graces of the holy Spirit . That is a great deal , Sir , said I to him , they are two most abundant Fountains of Comfort for you , I pray'd God for him , and then it was thought fitting we should leave him to his rest . After the Sermon in the Morning , they pray'd for him in the Church , but without naming him . At Noon Monsieur Menard and Monsieur Jaquelot came to see Monsieur Claude ; Monsieur Menard had been his Collegue at Paris . After some short discourse upon Monsieur Claude's Sickness , said Monsieur Claude to Monsieur Menard , pray , Sir , let 's talk of things more important , and more available for me , I am in a State of Death , but I hope that God will grant me mercy , for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ his Son , who is my onely Justice ; Monsieur Menard seconded this thought , which Monsieur Claude had started , and Monsieur Claude's pangs coming thick upon him , this conversation ended with a Prayer . Monsieur Jaquelot exprest to Monsieur Claude his concern at his illness , to which Monsieur Claude made answer after a very handsome and Christian Manner , in praying God to bless him . Monsieur Carre came into his Room at one a Clock , as soon as Monsieur Claude saw him , he told him that his last hour was drawing on , and that in a little time , his Son would be without a Father , but that he besought him that he wou'd be a Father to his Son. Monsieur Carre told him that he had an esteem for his Son , that he lov'd him and should serve him in all he could , that they were Collegues , and that onely Death should part them . Monsieur Claude the Father thank't him , declar'd he died satisfied , and was very intent upon the Prayer which Monsieur Carre made for him . Though Monsieur Claude had not been nam'd after the Morning Sermon , the report of the danger he was in , was immediately spread about the Church , and the affection people had for him , with their pity and fear , drew a world of people to his House ; more especially I found there several Ladies of his acquaintance , and Gentlemen , who exprest how desirous they were , to hear Monsieur Claude speak and receive his blessing : I approv'd of their desires , but added , that it would be a hard matter to procure them that consolation , because his Head was not at liberty to talk long together ; they nevertheless urg'd me to make the proposal of it , I accordingly did so , and that too immediately , telling him what was desir'd of him ; I added , that the last words of a man of his Character and Merit , would edifie as much as several Sermons , and that he owed this Succour to the Zeal and Calamities of those good Souls that requir'd this comfort of him ; a God's name replied he , this desire is Just , appoint a fitting time for it which you know best , and which accordingly was immediately appointed , but he was no longer in a condition to speak , he had had a Delirium , which did not allow him the liberty of prosecuting a discourse , in such a manner as might have been expected of him . He was again pray'd for in the Church , in the Afternoon Service , and it was thought convenient he should be named . Monsieur Arbusse Preaching at that time , said before he enter'd upon his Prayer , that there was one of our Brethren that deserv'd to be lamented by all good people , that it was Monsieur Claude , that they were to pray God for him , the whole Congregation seem'd much concern'd at this name ; Monsieur Arbasse pray'd to God with great zeal , was herein accompanied by the whole Church , which could not forbear weeping before hand , for the loss they were going to have . After five a Clock at the Evening Sermon , Monsieur Du Vivie pray'd God for Monsieur Claude , he insisted a pretty while upon this point , his grief and zeal excited likewise the grief and zeal of the Congregation which dissolv'd into tears . At nine a Clock Monsieur Du Vivie came to see him , as soon as he drew near his Bed , Monsieur Claude gave him his blessing ; you have prevented my wishes said Monsieur Du Vivie to him , I had a design to ask you your blessing ; God confirm it to you , Monsieur Claude made him answer . Some time after Monsieur Du Vivie told him , that it became him to think of a perfect Justice , that may serve before the Tribunal of God , where he was going to appear , and that he knew very well that this Justice was onely to be found in our Lord Jesus Christ , who was made to us by God , Wisedom , Justice , Sanctification , and Redemption ; that 's all my hopes answered Monsieur Claude , he added this passage at length , I know in whom I have believed , &c. After which Monsieur Du Vivie said Prayers , which the sick-man lissen'd to with great attention . Half an hour after , Monsieur Du Vivie askt him whether he did not find , that his Condition had some affinity with the 73 Psalm . My flesh faileth and mine heart also , but God is the strength of mine heart and my Portion for ever . Monsieur Claude rais'd up his Voice and said twice Amen , Amen ; he gave his blessing to some persons of his acquaintance that askt it of him ; there was especially a deserving young Lady , who askt him whether he would impart his blessing to her as well as to the rest , why should I not give it you he answered her , I have seen evident instances of your discretion and piety , I pray God to bless you . Monsieur Claude falling into a Slumber , his Son wakt him from time to time , to give him Consolation ; 't was done in few words , he being too weak to prosecute a long discourse , he askt him if he did not place all his confidence in the death of his Saviour , yes Son replied he , our Lord Jesus Christ is my onely Justice , I need no other , he is all-sufficient . I askt him whether he was not much pleas'd in being thus comforted by his Son , I am very well satisfied he replied , let him continue , I said Prayers and staid with him till eleven a Clock . On Monday the 13th . of January , a sad day for us , I was call'd up at five a Clock in the Morning , to go see Monsieur Claude , who was become extraordinary weak ; I spoke to him but little , he being in great Agonies occasion'd by pains in his Stomach . At ten a Clock I drew near his Bed , and seeing him in a quieter condition , I askt him whether he knew me , yes said he to me , with a voice pretty strong , you are my Pastour , my whole recourse is to the mercy of God , I expect a better life than this , help me to fortifie me in the exercise of meditation and Prayer . Notwithstanding his pains , finding him constant in his pious inclinations , I took upon me the right of his Pastour , that he had conferr'd upon me ; I spoke to him of the sinfulness of mankind , and of the riches of the grace of God , that have appear'd in the Death of our Saviour Jesus Christ , and I exhorted him to place his whole confidence in the Death of that good Saviour . These few words excited his piety , he gave us most sensible testimonies of his Repentance , and of the stedfast Faith he had in our Saviour Jesus Christ , and in this happy moment did I also apply that so precious Balm , which our Saviour Jesus Christ has put into our hands , for the consolation of repenting Sinners . Be assur'd said I to him , Brother , that your Sins are forgiven you , through the mercy of God , I declare it to you in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ , who has given us a Commission for so doing ; and I beseech him that he wou'd ratifie it to you , by the sentiment of your own Conscience , this Declaration which he lissen'd to attentively afforded him mighty Joy ; I am persuaded said he to me , that God will hear the sighs of my Soul , and your discourses , let us beseech him so to doe , by the Prayers I beg you would make in my behalf , accordingly we fell upon our knees and I pray'd God for him . At two a Clock in the Afternoon , there was no longer any connexion in Monsieur Claude's discourse , nay , and we avoided engaging him to speak , for fear of augmenting his Delirium ; We pray'd often for him in that interval . At five a Clock , he had somewhat a violent Potion given him for to rouse his Spirits , but all ineffectually . At seven a Clock , he became still much weaker , yet did he still hear , but was become speechless . I bid him give me a sign whether he understood me , and that he should give me his hand ; accordingly he reach't it to me , I took his hand , and said these words of the 31. Psalm to him . Into thine hand I commend my spirit , for thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of Truth ; at these words he prest my hand , and strugl'd to raise his head , I continued to exhort him and said Prayers . Monsieur Arbusse came to see him , and pray'd by him , for he was so weak , and his senses so spent , that Prayer was the onely assistance he could receive from us . This exercise lasted till half an hour past Eleven at Night . On the 13th . of January 1687 , Monsieur Menard and I did not stir from his Bed-side till his last gasp , when we saw him calmly expire at that time , and restored his Soul into the hands of God. Thus Lived , and thus Died John Claude in his 68 year , after having so worthily perform'd his Office , for the space of forty two years or there abouts ; he was by nature quick and lively , but submissive to reason and faith ; he was Civil , Modest , Illuminated , wise in his Councells , a true Friend , officious without being troublesome , charitable but with choice , and much concern'd for the evils the Church labour'd under . He understood the World , shrifted into intreagues , and improv'd all these lights to the repose of the Flocks of the Lord. He had a sagacious Wit , a vast Imagination , a nice Judgment , a just Choice ; his expression was clear , sprightly and strong , his knowledge had past the test of Meditation , he had fram'd an easie platform of all matters of his Profession ; each object came in its due place , as soon as he spoke or writ , and all this was maintain'd with an exact method and mighty beauty of Language . He was a learned Divine , a great Preacher , an able and zealous defender of the Reformation , a rigid observer of our confession of Faith , an enemy of all such sentiments as might have disturb'd the peace of the Church , and the purity of Religion , and to the regulations of our Discipline . He was of easie access , of frank and fluent Conversation , and all these great qualities were season'd with such profound humility , that when he spoke , he seem'd to forget what he was , to fit his discourse to the meanest understandings . In France he liv'd belov'd by his Friends , esteem'd by his Adversaries , and his name which has past with so much lustre into foreign Countries , has there gain'd the admiration of those very people , who did not love his Religion , and ever will be had in veneration in the Church . These Characters are to be seen in the works he has given us , and if his Son will farther enrich the publick as is hop'd with other Writings , that have not yet seen the light , they will furnish us with new strokes , to render the portraict of this great man the more accomplisht . For to have an Heroick Idea of him , we must study him and his works . Remember them which have the oversight of you , which have declared unto you the word of God , whose faith follow , considering what hath been the end of their Conversation . Hebrews Chapter the 13th . Verse the 7th . FINIS . Books Printed for Thomas Dring at the corner of Chancery-lane in Fleetstreet . AN impartial Collection of the great affairs of State , from the beginning of the Scotch Rebellion , in the year 1639. to the Murther of King Charles I. wherein the first occasion and the whole Series of the late Troubles in England , Scotland and Ireland , are faithfully represented . Taken from authentick Records and Methodically digested by John Nalson L. L. D. in 2 Vol. Fol. Systema Agriculturae , or the Mystery of Husbandry discovered , treating of the several new and most advantageous ways of Tilling , Planting , Sowing , Manuring , Ordering , Improving of all sorts of Gardens , Orchards , Meadows , Pastures , Corn-lands , Woods and Copices , as also of Fruits , Corn , Grain , Pulse , New-heys , Cattle , Fowl , Beasts , Bees , Silkworms , Fish , &c. with an account of the several Instruments and Engines used in this Profession , to which is added Kalendarium rusticum : or the Husbandman's monthly Directions , also the Prognosticks of Dearth , Scarcity , Plenty , Sickness , Heat , Cold , Frost , Snow , Winds , Rain , Hail , Thunder , &c. and Dictionarium Rusticum , or the Interpretation of Rustick Terms ; the whole work being of great use and advantage to all that delight in that most noble Practise . The Fourth Edition carefully corrected and amended , by J. W. Gent. Folio . Almahide , or the Captive Queen an excellent new Romance , never before in English . The whole work written in French by the accurate Pen of Monsieur de Scudeus , Governour of Nostre Dame. Done into English by J. Philips Gent. The History of the Holy War , being an exact account of the Expeditions of the Kings of England and France , and several other of the Christian Princes , for the Conquest of Jerusalem , and the rest of the Holy Land ; wherein are largely represented the great Actions , Battles , Seiges , difficult Marches , honourable Retreats , admirable Strategems , regular Conducts , and brave Performances of the Christian Armies , in all the said Expeditions . Done into English by Dr. Nalson . Folio . The Doctrine of the Jesuites , delivered in a plain sincere discourse to the French King , concerning the re-establishment of the Jesuites in his Dominions . Written in French by a Learned Roman-Catholick , and now translated into English , quarto . A Collection of the Church Histories of Palestine , from the Birth of Christ to the beginning of the Empire of Diocletian . By J. M. B. D. quarto . Mr. Claude's Answer to Monsieur de Meaux's Book , intitled , A Conference with Mr. Claude , with his Letter to a Friend , wherein he answers a Discourse of M. de Condom , now Bishop of Meaux , concerning the Church , in quarto . The second Part of M. Claude's Answer to Monsieur de Meaux's Book , intitled , a Conference with Mr. Claude , being an Answer to Monsieur Meaux's References ; in quarto . The whole duty of a Christian , containing all things necessary both as to what he is to know and doe for obtaining a happy Eternity , to which is added more particularly directions how to prepare for a comfortable Death , in Twelves . An infallible way to Contentment in the midst of publick or personal Calamities , together with the Christian's courage and incouragement against evil tidings and the fear of Death . The devout Communicant exemplified in his behaviour before , at , and after the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper , Practically suited to all the Parts of that solemn Ordinance . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A48069-e690 * p. 432. * p. 1668. * p. 1671. * p. 109. * p. 163.