A RELATION OF THE COUNTRY OF JANSENIA; WHEREIN Is treated of the Singularities founded therein, the Customs, Manners, and Religion of its Inhabitants. With a Map of the Country. Composed in French by Lewis Fountain, Esq And newly Translated into English by P. B. London, Printed for the Author, & are sold by A. Banks, and C. Harper, over against St. Dunstans-Church in Fleetstreet 1668 TO MONSIEUR DE*** SIR, I Have heard you often complain that we see Relations enough of China and Canada, but that none had yet appeared which truly declared, what Country Jansenia is. Be content, Sir, here is what you have longed for, another would have made a great volume hereof, but I know how tedious prolixity is to you: I have considered your inclination, and to tell you all, my own, which does not carry me to that enlargement of speeches which you term the profit of the Stationer, and the torment of the Reader. If I had further amplified my discourse, you would perhaps have laid it aside, either through contempt or irksomeness, as we do great talkers; and many persons who abridge themselves of their dearest satisfaction would have easily bereft themselves of a Book that had cost more. We may tell many things in seven or eight leaves of paper, and I am mistaken if you find nothing in these that approach College amplifications, or the style of Commentaries. I had believed that the discourse I address unto you should have been sufficient to satisfy your curiosity, and that of the public also, but some body advised me to join to it the Map which you see here, where in a moment the site of the Country is expose to the world's view; the Rivers that water it, and that bind it to the neighbouring kingdoms; the several things that it produceth, and the Sea where all the waters of so famous a Country fall. Some one will perhaps have a desire to make a more exact and regulate description of it, when he hath seen this, I shall be very glad of it, and I'm sure 'twill have a greater sale in France, than the Almanac that made so much noise, after the Declaration of Pope Innocent the tenth, and since Jansenisme was beaten down. I would not dare to tell you, that you will do that better than any other, for it would be to excite you to follow my lights, and I acknowledge that I have none which equal yours. Do then, Sir, what you please; and believe me ever, Your most humble, and obedient Servant, FONTAINE. A RELATION OF THE COUNTRY OF JANSENIA, In which 'tis discoursed of the Singularities that are there, of the Customs, Manners, and Religion of its Inhabitants. I Will make the description of a Country, which to this day, the Geographers have never spoken of, and they must believe what I'll tell of it, because I have been there; I dwelled in it almost five years, and I will say nothing but upon the faith of my own eyes. Jansenia is a very pleasant and fertile Province, placed betwixt Libertinia, that limits it on the Oriental part by its vast and champion grounds. Desesperia (almost filled with sands and stony ways) that bounds it on the Occidental part, and Calvinia that borders it on the Septentrional part. On the Meridional coast it hath that tempestuous Sea, the depth whereof could never yet be found, and which is no less renowned for the Monsters it bears than for the Ships that perish therein. The chief Town, where there is a Sovereign Court and an University, is situated exactly in the middle of the Country over which it rules, and it is believed that the principal Founders thereof judged it most expedient to place it there, for the greater conveniency of going into the three neighbouring Provinces; for thus the ways are equal in length, & to whatsoever part a man will go, the way is so little wearisome, that a Jansenian if he be a good footman, on condition that he puts forth betimes may go thither with ease in four days. There are always some Posts ordained for those that are in more haste, and some Coaches which never fail to go on their appointed days. That Land was first inhabited by a Colony of Flemings, who named it, and who soon after made it famous, through the novelty of their Laws. Curiosity and Interest have since that drawn into it many people of divers Nations, who have made it populous as we see at this time. The Men of this Country are commonly very little, and the tallest do not pass our moderate stature, although the Pictures which they make of them, do represent them all of an extraordinary magnitude. They have a small head, but very hard in respect of the spissitude of their brain-pans, and their minds follow the constitution of their bodies. By the dissection that was made of them at several times, it hath been found, that many of them have a double heart, and 'tis believed that this is the cause they are not sincere in their proceed; they have always divers ends, and at the same time they can intent contraries. Their most ordinary sickness is a dangerous swelling, whereof they almost all dye, and for which yet they could never yet find any remedy, but by going forth of their Country, whereunto very few can be persuaded, for the climate seems to them very sweet, and when they perceive that any one of their Country will part from them, they use so many artifices, and oblige them in so many fashions, that they force them to stay there. They Rule themselves by the Moon, and not by the Sun, as do other Nations; and half their time they know not how they live, because their clocks never go well, being so little industrious to direct them, as the inward part of the Machine is never correspondent to the outward, that is to say, to the Hand of the Clock. Their Houses are almost like ours, and every one hath its backdoor, for the greater commodity of going whither they please, without being peceived by any. They visit one another rather by night than day, to the end (say they) they may gain that time upon sleep; and all their chief businesses are treated but by the Candle. To make a distinction between themselves and other people (which they much covet) they affect a particular character, which is observed in their manner of living, in their apparel, and in their Language. They march even on a certain pace which they have learned, they use Tones which are not usual with us, and at every moment they turn up their eyes with measure (which they term the Apostrophes of the sight) and that in such a fashion that you would say they are even ready to die. They esteem themselves the most learnt men in the world, and there is no so petty a Schoolmaster or Cook among them, wearing along Coat, who hath not that judgement of himself. They believe also that they alone possess the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil, and the fruit that proceeds from it being not communicated to others, they must of necessity be ignorant of the best things. Printing is the Art to which they most apply themselves, and wherein they have best success, and indeed we see nothing more exact nor more pretty than what they do in that kind. But they care not so much for the matter or substance, as for the manner of handling it. If something slip in it against good faith or the truth, they trouble not themselves much for that, on condition that their Erratas be perfectly corrected, in fair Characters, in fine Paper, and very neatly bound. This makes them go off readily, especially among women, who are much taken with fine guilded books, without looking any further into the matter. All the Arms which they use come to them from Calvinia, either because they have not the Art to make them themselves, or because they will not take so much pains, but they Polish them excellently, and make them so fair and clear, that the Lawyers, Women also buy them often enough for curiosity sake to set out their Closets with them. Hereof they give every year some presents to one an other for New-years-gifts, and I could not one day forbear laughing at a Lady who bargained for a pair of Pistols for a present to her friend. They use only White-powder, wherein they are very dangerous; nevertheless being the custom of the Country no body reproves it, and they laugh at us, who cannot use a Gun without making it known to all the Neighbours, nor kill a Bird without noise. They have many famous Fairs, to which the Calvinists send whole Libraries, which are sold in the twinkling of an eye, for there is a great correspondency between them and the Jansenists, as well for learning as for Arms, and they also mutually lend their Professors, when by death some Chair is vacant, and they have no body to supply it. From thence also they have the finest Characters which they use in their Impressions, and they have of all sorts but Roman letters. They traffic in Libertinia, with their Neighbours, and draw from them much money for the Merchandises which they send thither, which are Wines, Sugars, Ambergrcece, which is common enough in their Coasts, Silks, Fine Linen, and many other things which serve for pleasure and sensuality. Their Traffic is more sad and of less profit in Desesperia, whither they send only that which is most conformable to the humour of the Country, that is to say, Knives, Cordes, Hemp, to use as they list, Hersecloaths of divers stuffs and several prices, Torches for Burials, Drugs to Embalm the Corpse, Marble-tables, Plates of Brass sitted for the reception of Epitaphs. If they apply themselves to some Science, 'tis always without tying themselves to any form, for they had rather make Rules than receive them, yea they contest the principles which all others agree in. Their Philosophers admit not the common sense, and when I was in the Country, one of their Professors was cashiered for making it one of the Articles of his dispute. Behold now how they pass their Doctors: He that will be received presents himself into the Company of the Expert ('tis so they term it) and after be hath given many proofs of his capacity by a public dispute, if he hath the major part of the voices, they cause him first to swear upon a Book, which they call the Holy Book, never to departed from the Doctrine of the Country. This Book is of no less veneration among them than was heretofore that of the sybil's in Rome. And although the People know not what it contains, nevertheless upon the belief they have given it, that it is full of Oracles and Revelations from God, he kisses the Cover of it with respect when they permit him it, and believes that happy are the guardians of that sacred Volume wherein are contained so many mysteries. After this they give the new Doctor a Robe of course Bays, having the sleeves lined with Fox-skins in stead of Ermines; which being done, they put upon his Head an old Hat, which serves always at such a Ceremony; 'tis that of the Doctor that first founded their University, and which they have conserved ever since his death, because they fancy that no Doctor can be well instituted or worthy of his dignity, if he hath not worn that Hat. The last Ceremony is the Green Cap, and whosoever is promoted to this dignity, may assure himself of, being at ease all his life time; for the people tax themselves to maintain him fatly, & the devout Women take care of that religious service. Rhetoric is so much used in Jansenia, that every one hath a hand in it; but they cannot suffer Music, therefore they will never hear of any accord. Notwithstanding they love the Trumpet, for as much as it serves at war, to which they have a great inclination, albeit they are always overcome, and never return without some Badges thereof. When they have lost a Battle, they are so subtle in disguising their trouble, that to see and hear them you would think they had won it; and t' amuse the people, their Commanders never fail to ordain that there be put in their Churches with great Ceremony, some Standards as taken from the Enemy, which notwithstanding they themselves have made to serve to that use of vanity. 'Tis a great pleasure to hear them speak of th' Antiquity of their Town. They say 'twas built by a Prince of Hippo, who lived above twelve hundred years ago, and they boast that they have Titles that prove it so plainly, that 'tis impossible to scruple it. Their hardiest Annalists go farther, and aver that this Lord did only repair it; that it had been founded four hundred years before, by a famous Prince of Tarsus a great Warrior, who lived in the time of Gamaliel, and who in his Youth had that famous Person for his Tutor and Instructor. To this effect they show unto Strangers a great Sword, which they say is the same that he used in his Battles, as that of the Pucelle d' Orleans is shown at Saint Denis near Paris. But I was informed by a Jansenian, a friend of mine, and one more ingenuous than the rest, that this Sword was but of thirty years standing; that they had framed it after the fashion of Old Arms, and that he that made it died within these few ears. The whole Town is full of Statues which they have caused to be perfumed with smoke to give them the colour which time gives to its works; but 'tis not necessary to be very skilful in Antiquity to discover the fraud; and yet as there are in the Country some Historiographers maintained to compose some books wherein those falsities are contained, and certain men appointed to distribute them up and down, the sottish people believe what is Printed, and they vaunt themselves of Antiquity which makes the more clearer understandings among them to laugh at themselves when no body is by to hear them. If any stranger desires to be naturalised in the Country, they do not impede him, for as much as they believe that it is the honour of the Nation, and instead of making him pay for his Letters, they even hive him money to receive them, which is the cause that many who are reduced to poverty, forsake their Country, where they hope for nothing from fortune; but those who are thus received and admitted cannot be promoted to any employment till time doth make appear they have gotten the Spirit of the Land, that there is no more fear of them, and are very secret persons; for diffidence is natural to all Jansenians, and that so much, that even in trivial things, they use precaution; for that cause they entertain a great number of Spies in all parts to relate unto them what is done, and are at a great charge in Letters, that what is said hereof seems incredible. There is no Kingdom in the World wherein Sciences be better rewarded, nor after a more honourable manner, and there is seen in the public place, a Statue with its Elegy, to eternize the memory of a person, who in his time was employed in Italy in a negotiation with little success; 'tis said also, that some one had taken occasion from thence to put these two Latin words at the foot of the Figure, Itineri, non tibi; to declare that this honour was ordered him, not because he had done well, but to pay his journey. Those kind of rewards are so common in the Country, that two men have received the same honour for having both Composed a Book upon the Laws that are observed among them, the learneder of them having afforded the matter, and the other the fair teams, which occasioned this question, to wit, Wither a man could be a Child of two Fathers; and supposed he can be, Wither he should be esteemed legitimate and rightly born. The Title of Heroine is given to all well moneyed women, who contribute to the reparation of the Town-walls, to the melting of Canons, and to the payment of the Garrison. To them Authors usually Dedicate their Books to engage them yet more in the interest of the Land, with their fine Dedicatory Epistles, and to puff up their heart. The height of honour is to permit them to take place among the Doctors of Divinity, and many are admitted to it, but they must before hand have read some certain traductions which do inspire sufficiency, and give good testimony in writing. In that Region are found many Animals, which are altogether unknown to us: As Wolves that bear Wool, Foxes of all Hairs, and tame ones too that go up and down with their pullen, and without offending them, as 'tis said. Black Parats, which speak very well: Peeled Owls, that sing melodiously, and that make a better harmony than our Nightingales. Their Calves are much bigger than ours, their Asses the like, and out of a Custom received in the Land time out of mind; they take care to cover their Ears; 'tis the women's function to make Biggins and Caps that are for this use. Their Pies which Chatter very much, remember nothing but such injurions' words as are taught them. Their Dog's Bark at none but Strangers, for they know them by their smell, and cover their nastiness as Cats do. But in so neat a manner, that there is not the least thing to be seen, which hath given ground to some of the ignorant sort to believe that they render up by transpiration the superfluity of foods. Whereas they please themselves very much in Writing, they keep to that purpose a great number of Geese, which makes it evident they were much wronged, when 'twas said that they used none but eagle's Pens. They have no less store of Horned Beasts than we, both tame and wild, and their Forests bear Staggs of a remarkable greatness: but although they take often enough of them, they have not yet thought of hanging the Heads at their Gates. They believed when I was there that some Enchanter had thrown a Charm and mischievous Witchery over the Nets of their Hunters; for notwithstanding all their care and vigilancy, they never caught but Bitterns or Cranes Th' aconit is the Flower that grows more naturally in the Land, and all their Gardens are infected with that Poison. In recompense the Bay-tree grows there very finely, wherewith they Crown themselves; for as they believe themselves near Kinsmen men to the Muses, they willingly take the equipage of Parnassus, and besides there are some among them so persuaded of their Victories, merely imagining it to be so, that they render to their own selves the honour of a perpetual triumph. This Country is very subject to be blasted with Thunder, which makes the Inhabitants scarce concerned at it: yet 'tis said they were extremely troubled when the Thunder without Lightning before, and without making any great noise, did beat in pieces the Epitaph of their Nation's Prince. Besides the Rivers divided for the good of the grounds, and for the commodity of Commerce, there is seen a Lake, which many esteem very like that of Geneva; but others believe that the figure of it is a little unlike, and it is certain, that the water of it is fare more subtle. This Province produceth Mines of gold and silver, which make it considerable above any other thing: Quick silver is more common in it, and many people make it their business to find out the secret of fixing it. But instead of bringing it to pass, it always flies up into their heads, and at length, by a necessary sequel brings great quake upon them. Of all fruits, there is only the Winter-pear, called, Bon-Christian that cannot grow there, whatever Art you use: but they have another which is almost like it, and which they call after the same name; the difference is known only by the taste, which hath nothing of the sweetness of the true Chritian's-pear. The Jansenians received the Gospel from one Margalicus, a professed enemy to our Kings (they do not agree of the year) but intermingled with so many wicked and abominable opinions, that one can neither read nor hear them without horror. They maintain with much obstinacy, that there are some certain people for whom alone our Saviour died: that others, the number whereof is incomparably far greater, receive no manner of helps which might lead them to an happy Eternity: that Jesus Christ never intended any such thing, when he shed his blood; that if it happeneth that he give his grace in Baptism, or in Penance to any one of these wretches, 'tis like a favourable Wind which feeds hope for a while, but which will never lead them into the Haven, and which abandoneth them in the middle of the Waves, thereby to be unavoidably suffocated; sometimes also without having given occasion thereof by any infidelity. That it is pleasing to God to be thus rigorous; that to him our salvation is assured, or otherways, by granting it, or refusing his graces; that he admits but of few, because he will largely punish Adam's Children for their Father's sin. That he chargeth them with Laws, which they cannot observe, but with that aid which is denied them: that notwithstanding 'tis enough to destroy them justly, to be able to say they have not done what was commanded them, because it suffices that God ordains a thing to bind a man to the execution of the precept, were it to fly, though he hath no wings, or that by mishap they have been cut away from him. That God doth good enough to the wicked, when he gives them being, together with all temporal favours, that make them pass away their lives deliciously. That having destinated them to be the victim of his fury, 'tis a great gratification to them to fatten them up for the day of Sacrifice, and Crown them with Flowers that all his mercies to these unfortunate People, are only fine veils to cover his design of damning them; sweet amusements, which nevertheless bind them to call God their good Lord, their Saviour, their loving Father, although he prepares for them unavoidable punishments; and that all their Prayers, all their Penances be not able to move him upon this Article of Eternity. To be short, that setting aside a small handful of such as he hath Elected for Salvation right or wrong, the Devils and all humane kind are alike to him. As to the Pope, they say that the Holy Ghost hath not been promised him: that he is not to be heeded in what he says, if he speak alone; that he imagin's to see in Books what never was in them; and also that he cannot Read. That he is an Usurper of Sovereign power, which ought not to be suffered: that three heads of their Countrymen have more Brains in them, and Learning, than he and all the Cardinals together, with all the Divines in the world: That such as have received in times past (as decisions of faith) the declarations of Popes were mere simpletons, brainless and heartless People. 'Tis not yet clearly known what they believe of the Eucharist, but most certainly, this is said to be their opinion of it. To show it the greater respect, they are wont to hang it up in the Church; their reason for it is that this was done heretofore, and that the time past, as the most venerable, aught to be the Rule of the present time: That Jesus Christ, according to Saint Paul, is separated from sinners, in a higher degree than the Heaven, upon which is placed the Throne of his Majesty, that consequently our Tabernacles have not those great significations which do represent Mysteries, and which oblige Christians to remember that our Saviour is above them through sanctity and place. Some were minded to tell them, that we ought to go along with the times we live in; that this hanging up of the Host may occasion many accidents, and that 'tis a sad thing to see the Sacrament down upon the ground when the cord is gnawn by some beast, or chanceth to break through age. That the Tabernacles which at this day are in use in other Countries, and within hand's reach, do perfectly well express that admirable descending of the humbled Word into a strange nature, and declare that he is come near us by his holy Incarnation. This advice was judged of no weight, and they did determine for ever that the blessed Sacrament should be hanged up, when there was no other reason but only that all other Nations, from whom they ought to receive no rule, do not use that way, and that they must oppose them in it. They have so much respect for the Eucharist, that one of their greatest desires would be to be deprived of it all their life time out of humility, and even at the hour of death. In some places they hire Priests to say Mass but seldom, to introduce a Custom of it: a thing singular enough among these People, to pay people for doing nothing. I have seen in that Country a form of prayers, amongst others this which they are to say at the Elevation of the Blessed Sacrament: Lord, I adore you upon your Cross, and at the general judgement, which is to be at the world's end: As if a man should say to the King, Sir, I salute your Majesty in the Army where you were two years ago, and in the Palace in your Seat of Justice, where you will be within six weeks. Which made me think theirs is not the same as ours, touching that Article, or that the Authors of those fine Prayers, who have so many times examined them, and made them so often be Printed, do explicate themselves very badly. Their Priests take great delight to hear their Penitents repeat their sins several times. After they have put them to the trouble of telling all, they most often deny them Absolution, without any cause that deserveth it, and comfort them up with promises: this repeating establishes sometimes a great familiarity upon matters very grievous among persons, that should not have any: or causeth an exceeding shame, which keepeth many from Confession, resolving rather to perish than gain their grace by these redoubled confusions, and which are not necessary at all. Indeed 'tis said that the Doctors of that Country, do not hold Absolution a very effective thing, that they teach that it is but a simple declaration of the grace one hath obtained by an inward sorrow: that a man may very well be without it, and that the released Prisoner ought little to care to be told that the Gaoler hath set open the Door, or that nothing be said of it to him. Upon this supposal they do not hasten themselves to give Absolution; that they refuse it often enough to dying persons, and remit them to the next week. This rigorous proceeding hath cast many into despair, and constrained many others to go out of the Country to discharge themselves of their sins, amongst more humane and more reasonable people, where the Yoke of Christian Religion is no heavier than Jesus Christ made it. The Jansenians speak much of public Penance, but as Women do of Armies where they never go, for there is no one seen to do it, and all this tattle aims and ends but in one thing, to abstain from the Eucharist, or not to go to hear Mass, wherein they find most wonderful facilities. This is their Public Penance, their principal austerity, their admirable sanctification. As the abstaining from the Eucharist seems to them the most meritorious of all their Fasts, they reckon the Weeks and Months they have forborn it to make to themselves a great subject of consolation thereo●; sometimes also they let Easter pass without receiving, and say to their Countrymen, God be thanked, 'tis now almost two years since I received the Sacrament, which puts me in hopes of greater strength, and that he who recompenseth the humble will grant me graces which he affords not those intemperants of communion, who would think themselves starved if they were not continually at the Holy Table: So have they often this word in their mouth, O Lord, withdraw yourself from me, for I am a sinner, rather than this, Come to me, and I'll comfort you. Notwithstanding not long since, in some places they affect frequent Communion, and combat their own maxims, to stop the mouths of such as might say: Truly these people are not wise, who believe that Grace is more abundantly given when one forbears coming to the source of it; that the heavenly Bread does profit those most who eat it not, than those who use it very often: In fine, that sick people find themselves better, if they bar themselves of a remedy ordained for their recovery. But their Books, which they cannot suppress now, have declared so much as a man may say without judging rashly, that in those places where they receive the Blessed Sacrament most, that practice what they have condemned, they subvert what they have endeavoured to build, with all the artifices and cavils of their dangerous eloquence. But perhaps, that since they have set forth those Books, humane nature hath been altered in them, and falls no more into such faults as are common to the just, which said howsoever shall be an impediment of Communion, when that with the difficulties which they did find in it, they persuaded the people to forbear it altogether. Their Calendar is very different from ours; they have blotted out of it twelve or fifteen Popes, whereof the most part have pronounced against the errors which they profess, and 'tis doubted whither it be through vengeance, or to make place for other Saints whose names agree with those of their men, and who please them most. They admit of no Monks, but like well of Nuns, without letting a man know wherefore, for the Institution is one and the same, and it seems that the consequences be alike to such as inquire not after reasons in the difference of Sexes. There's great striving who shall be Director of these Nuns, and those who are chosen for that purpose find therein so many allurements, so much gentleness, so much fruit to be done, that they have much ado to departed from their grates. They forbidden them expressly all Books which they have not composed, as being not worth redding or pernicious; sometimes they go further, and make them vow never to see any of them, lest the answers made to their own may change the minds of these Beatas whom they keep under Tyranny; and to mitigate this tedious servitude by curiosity, which is natural to the Sex, they teach their Philosophy in their Vulgar tongue, or teach them Latin. In some places the Directours leave off their long Coats every morning, and transform themselves into Handicraftsmen, to get leave to go into the inward Gardens (which they could not do otherways in good conscience) and after they have worked the hour with the Spade or Mattock, by a second Metamorphose they change their condition, they wash their hands and face to take off the dust and sweat, they put on again the long Coat which they had left off, they become graver, they speak of spiritual things, and then they are called Priests, as I have been informed by a Nun of the Country, whom I had permission to speak with, but after many Ceremonies: yet although this is passed over without scandal, yea with modesty, as she assured me, nevertheless a thing so extraordinary doth for all that much amaze me. They are so zealous in their way, for the propagation of their Faith, that they do not only depute men to establish it where it hath not yet been received, but female Missionaries, who explicate their Divinity very bravely, which occasioned the saying, That in Jansenia there are Professors of all Sexes, and that Doctrine was fallen into the Distaff. Nay, they have Agents of Religion disguised, who go into other Countries to gain people. These same are long before they discover themselves, after they have gotten the repute of being peaceable and quiet men, that mind nothing but the pure glory of God, and only when they foresee that that may serve for the advancement of the Sect. That they may be esteemed more Religious, they have some Demy-Anachorets, who are neither Monoks nor Seculars; these live very retiredly, and a man can hear nothing of their solitude, but that some of them make Baskets, others pattens or Card-matches, which are afterwards sold at the Market, and which the more devout amongst them esteem as relics. The Dutchmen that have gone into the Country have there cried down the Jesuits, wherefore they have made a Statute never to admit them, and 'tis believed they'll be more constant in this resolutior, than hath been the Republic of Venice. These people live in a wonderful Union, what one does the rest allow of it without any farther examination; they praise one another very friendly, and this mutual and perpetual Panegyric is an intimation of a great deal of charity. To give renown to their Preachers, they draw to their Sermons certain folks, instructed in all such gestures as may testify a rapture in them, that 'tis impossible to Preach better; yea, they take care that many Coaches may be seen at the Gates of the Churches where the Sermon is, and that the Coachmen make a great railing. If they give Alms, 'tis ever very exemplarily, for they take order that all the World may know it. For a Shirt that one shall have bestowed upon a Beggar, it shall be presently noised abroad, that he hath laid out in Charitable deeds above eight hundred els of linen. For a Mess of Broth he shall have sent to a Sick Body, they'll speak of no less than of a Tun of Jelly,; what they say they desire should be kept private, is always thundered abroad, and a Shilling that falls from their hand, makes a greater noise than all the Bells in our Lady's Church at Paris. In this they seem to imitate very much our Lotteries, where for a threepenny Looking-glass a man shall have drawn, for a Pair of Gloves the Trumpet declares it to all standers by. This 'tis that gives credit to their Alms be they never so small: They make a Common Purse of all that each particular person hath a devotion to give: as their number is very great, ye must not wonder that so many drops of water do fill up the Basin. This heap being made, the care of it is committed to certain acquaint, well agreeing, neat, well spoken persons, and that have a devout, sweet and winning countenance. Being in possession of this money, which is not useless to them, they spread it in several places, and look into the neceffities of the people, that they might have an opportunity of employing those collected sums, not as Deputies, but as Religious and zealous persons, that value not the riches of this world, that give them by handfuls, and that believe that their patrimony doth belong to such as stand most in need of it. Yet very often those persons thus sent about give not any thing of their own, and the people believe that they are the spring, when they are but the Pipes. Upon this opinion 'tis said that the Spirit of Jansenia is a Spirit of Charity, and that there are Divine Men in it who distribute what ever they have amongst the poor: who had rather suffer their own selves than see their Neighbour suffer; although, to say the truth, they well know that these praises are not due to them. Yet they do willingly accept them and with a smiling countenance they tell the company that they are very sorry they are not able to do any more. This makes them admired, followed, and makes every thing allowed of that comes from their mouth, for the People cannot believe that such charitable people can or will lie. It is reported that savage people for a Bottle of Strong-water, which they love very well, are easily persuaded to be Christians; but that the Water of Baptism alone doth not move them to any devotion. The same is seen in such as yield to the Jansenians; for the doctrine proposed unto them is received but for the liberalities sake which attend it: To make this Drugg be swallowed down, the Doctors have taken care that interest should be an assured vehicule of it. This same zeal which they affect to show towards they poor, makes them disapprove of what they are told, that in other Countries the Churches are enriched with Marble and precious Pictures. They think that justice is done to the poor, to deprive God of these great Ornaments which do him no good, to convert them to their own use: and that Solomon will have been well scourged in the other world for having built so magnificent a Temple, which was guilded to the very walls: That at that very time he began to fall from his Wisdom, and that there's no doubt to be made, but that all the good people of Jerusalem were much scandalised at it. The have Colleges to instruct their youth, and some Silly rich one gottin by flatteries and praises, he takes upon him the payment of the Professors wages, or the Scholar's Pension, if they are poor, but upon condition they shall with speed teach them that Jesus Christ did not suffer for Stillborn Children, and that all Infidels actions, nay to save a Man's Father from Shipwreck, or to hinder homicide, are so many mortal sins that deserve everlasting damnation, and that God ought to punish as violators, Parricides and Sacrileges; for they esteem it a point of Salvation, to know and believe all this as well as the Mystery of the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the World; which is known by the great care they take to inculcate this Doctrine into the minds of Servingmen, Chambermaids, Artisans, and by the stir they keep when the contrary is avouched. Upon which account they give a Book to the young Scholars, the leaves whereof are divided in two Columns: The one contains the Rules of Grammar, the other the Doctrine of stillborn Children, and the Sins of Infidels. If they do not learn both Lessons together, their hinder-part answers for their Head. Lo! here one of their questions. Come hither, Child, if you were an Infidel, and that your Father were fallen into a Well, would you take him out of it? If he says no, Ah you ingrateful wicked, says the Master, he hath nothing of good nature. If he says yes, he replies to him. Child, you would do very ill: God would take it ill from you, you would damn yourself; what, to save a Father would you commit a mortal sin? it would be much more enormous than in letting him perish: For sins of omission are more pardonable than the others. When you shall be further advanced in learning, you will hear of a certain person called the pious Aeneas, because he carried his Father upon his Back to save him from fire. He was a wicked man, and he could not carry away the good old man without mortal sin. They'll tell you farther, that Biton and Cleobis were good felldws, because their sick. Mother having a mind to go to the Temple upon a Festival-day, and having no Coacih-horses, they fastened themselves to the Coach, and drew her thither. This good office, which gained them an immortal fame, was a great sin; and if ever any one tells you the contrary, stand in it stiffly. You may in time come to read the Bible, (for you may become Priests:) when you read in it that the Midwives of Egypt would not suffocate the Hebrew Children as they had order, beware you value not that impious mercy, for you would value a very wicked action. In a word, the justice which a Pagan Judge doth to the people, of itself deserves burning, because that without grace all that he doth is vitiated and becomes a crime out of a corrupted end. As to Still-bom children here is what they say. Children, ye must observe that there are exceptions, of redemption as there are of Grammar, and that those must needs perish, whom Christ would not have to be comprehended in the number of the redeemed. Among these excluded wretches are comprised stillborn Children; Alas (say they) God would not have suffered for you (young people) if your Mothers had hurt themselves before their Lying-in, if ●hey had fling themselves out of a Window, or into ●he River, if a Tile had fallen on their Head! but because you were not smohered in their Wombs, it may very well be that Jesus Christ may have shed his blood for your salvation; for to assure you of it, I neither can, nor ought not. May be he hath not suffered for this fine Child, nor for that neither; may be he hath, and 'tis the opinion of our Doctors that there's no certainty in that point. As the Masters are only waged to teach them those things and others as ●t falls out, they are mighty careful that their Scholars be not ignorant therein, should they die for fear, or go out of their wits, as it often comes to pass. The Women that are ordained to teach little Girls to read, are not in appearance less zealous in inspiring their belief into those young ones. Do not think Girls, say they, that God's grace is always with us; alas! no. There are some miserable times, when there is a necessity of perishing: What should we do if God withdraw himself from us? This happens very often though; are not we very unhappy? Chastity is enjoined us, and sometimes we are destitute of necessary power to continue it: Be mindful of this (Girls) it concerns your Salvation not to be ignorant of it, and you may upon occasion stand in need of it. There are Husbands that would not be so cruel to their Wives had they studied Divinity; for they would know that grace is often times denied us, and that in this case they must rather pity rout infirmities, than be angry at faults we fall into by the absence of such helps as God doth refuse us, either to chastise us for our infidelities, or to teach us by a necessary fall that we can do nothing without him. Thus they frame little Girls to that patience which runs them into the greatest shames of the Sex, when the solicitations are pressing, and the occasions present: for although they intent not to give Lessons of impudicity to their little Scholars, yet the Doctrine tends to it, and when age hath ripened the body, nature can quicken the memory with it. The Gallants too in Jansenia never fail to quote their Doctors to such as they will corrupt, and to tell them that there are moments wherein resistance is not in our power. This impression, togerther with concupiscence, which is stirred up by these pernicious discourses, makes a miserable creature easily believe that the moment wherein she is spoken to is that very insant which is not in the disposion of the will, and that 'tis time to yield, since that God doth no longer side with assanlted virtue. Among them single-life is annexed to Priesthood as in the Roman Church, but 'tis unknown whither they would admit this Cuftome into the Country, if it were not already introduced into it. And indeed I have seen some officious Laymen, who did purpose to remonstrate how very incommodious it was; that it may cause much incontinency in such as have dedicated themselves to the Altar: that by means of this rigorous Law, the Devotion to the Sacrament of Marriage would be deadned; and they said all this with their eyes turned up to heaven, lifting up their Shoulders with many sighs. They suffer Lay-people to receive under one kind, but many among them affirm that the contrary would be much coveted. 'Tis believed that this light was brought to them from England with other Merchandizes, whereof they made no brags, because they were liable to Confiscation, and that they would have been reprehended for having received them contrary to the Magistrates order. 'Tis a common opinion that the people of Jansenia would easily acknowledge the authority of the Holy Sea, if the Doctors of the Law did not hinder it. But above all things they have an eye to that, and go from house to house to confirm such as waver in their Faith, exhorting them with great importunity to perseverance in the Religion of the Country, and even suffer Martyrdom, in case any Foreign Power should force them to be of another opinion. This care did not for all this hinder a public Mutiny some years since, upon the violent suspicion that many had, that their easiness was abused, and that the reason why there was no intelligence with the Pope, is because Rome and Error do not agree. Upon those complaints, the consequences whereof might be very dangerous; the Doctors assembled concluded that time was to be obeyed, content the people, and send Deputies to the Bishop of Rome, as it were to submit themselves to his orders, and to desire of him the clearing of some doubts which troubled their consciences. That if he approved their Doctrrine, all the better, because they demanded nothing more, but that the Church should yield and own that she had failed till then; that if to the contrary he determined any thing that they did not usually teach, they would search after explications that would satisfy the people, without any ways hurting the belief of the Country; and because they gave a near guefs to what Rome ought to say upon that matter, that they would have answers ready to satisfy the objections of their enemies. That they would moreover make many Translations of certain Treatises of the Fathers which seemed not to swarve much from their Opinion, and that when there should be but one period that might favour them, they ought to Translate the whole Book, to show it to the people and women. Moreover 'twas decreed, that if any of them, to avoid the Thunder of the Vatican, did slacken in his obedience, and did come to Sign any Article that might prejudice them, they would declare him separated from their Body, unworthy worthy of ever having been of it, and of being capable to be of it; that as one Excommunicated he should no longer share in the graces of their friendship, entertainment, eulogies, nor in the merits of their purse. Before they separated themselves, they bethought themselves of some means to gain some Bishops, which might very much contribute to the reputation of their Doctrine, even when the Pope had condemned him for an Heretic, because it would be an easy matter to persuade the weaker sort of people, that the faith of tire Prelate is always that of the Church. Some did represent, that in Italy there were many poor Bishops, that it should be proposed to some of them by civil Letters, that if they would have the goodness to come into Jansenia, where their fame was already much spread, they should there receive all the honour due to their merits; that although it was not decent to propose reasons of utility to disinterested Prelates, nevertheless they were desired to bear with that word: That Jansenia did well know how to reward their pains, that it would maintain their Tables, their Coaches, their whole train, and farther that none should know so much. 'Twas to be added, that if they apprehend the trouble of giving orders, they might often dispense therewith, because they would have but very few Priests, and that one Mass a Week in each Church would suffice, that they would allow them great Vicars that should be people of repute, if they would not make choice of some themselves; but that above all, they should not bring any Monks with them, because that Generation speaks of nothing but Privileges, and that their Country allows not of them. Others were of Opinion, that they should write into Spain, where they believed they might find men ready to do any thing out of consideration of greatness, for it is the passion of Spaniards, and a man thinks himself happy enough if he hath the Wall, though he were to suck nothing but Wind, and cat nothing but Reddishes. They were to represent in these Letters the disposition they were in to give them the same rank among them as the Pope hath in Rome; that nothing should be done without their order; that the whole Nation was of the same mind, and resolved to spare nothing to make the Bishop and his People bear the image of the Triumphant Church. Some did turn their thoughts towards France, but others of a more clearer wit give notice that in that Kingdom the Bishops did in such manner concur with the Pope, that not was it credible that they would ever be willing to forsake him. That if any one of them did stand up for Jansenia, he would be looked upon by the other Prelates as a desertour of the Faith; and what ever show he might make of honesty, no one would have a good opinion of him: In a word, that it would be a superfluous thing, and they would expose themselves to a manifest refusal, by drawing to their party men that have resolved the contrary, and who for to gain the world would not expose themselves to so great an infamy. This diversity of Opinions was the cause at that time they did determine nothing as to that Article, and thus they broke off having admonished their Deputies, that the Air of Rome was no ways wholesome for them, that they should not forget their Caps, to the end they might be always covered, even before the Pope, and that when they should be returned back into Jansenia their native Country, it would be time enough to uncover themselves. Not long after there was a rumour spread up and down, that the Plague had spoiled all Jansenia, and that there was not a soul left in it; for albeit that this Province be subject to great winds, which made a doubt that it was not EAolia, yet the Plague makes there often great ravages, which much amazeth the Physicians, and there was ground to believe that the distemp had been great. Then it was that one might easily perceive that the Jansenians were abominable to the whole world. For upon the news that their generation was extinguished, many people did strive who should make the greatest Bonfires, and knocked out the Heads of Wine-vessels in the streets, believing that they could not be too profuse in expressing their joy; but this satisfaction did last no longer than till the beginning of the following Winter. For even then those Jansenians whom the Plague had dispersed, and who had retired themselves into their Caverns, began to come out of their Holes, with countenances that had not yet lost all the marks of fear. They came to Town again by little and little, sometimes single, sometimes two by two, after having an hundred times drawn back their feet upon suspicion, whither they should be safe in their first Lodgings. In fine, all fear was laid aside, experience having shown that the ill air was dissipated, and because the mortality had not been great, whatever fears or noise it had raised, in less than six months the Town was near as full as ever. The other people that had rejoiced for their death, did express so much trouble for the return of the Jansenians, that they were even going into mourning. Since that there hath been nothing but insultings on all sides; the one taxing their enemies with cowardice, for having been so passionate against such as they believed were dead: They on the contrary upholding that they had not done enough, and that the world could not show joy enough in being rid of such a wretched Sect. END JANSENIA AN EXPLICATION OF THE MAP. JAnsenisme is in an equal disposition to Liberty, Despair, and Calvinisme. The opinion that Grace doth necessitate the will to good, when 'tis granted us, happen what will, and do what one can, makes the Libertine. The Doctrine that teacheth that Jesus Christ did not die for all, and that he will refuse his Grace to many, that cannot be saved but by it, maketh the Desperate. The Sect that debars the Liberty of Man of the source thereof, that maintains that God's Commandments are impossible, that moveth one to the contempt of the Supreme Bishop, of his Decrees, of his Censures, makes the Calvinist and Presbyterian. Those that seem not to reach so far, lose themselves in Jansenisme itself, as you may perceive by these Monsters, and by those Shipwrecks in the Sea that bears its name. These Rivers, these Coaches, these Post-horses, these Boats laden with Books and other Merchandise, do make appear whither Jansenisme doth tend, and the reaches thereof: Her communications with the Errants, whom she will not own, and in fine, how dangerous it is to profess a Doctrine, the principles whereof does invite and draw people to Charenton, to Debauchery, or to the Halter. These Cypress-trees which grow amongst the Rocks, these doleful trees where ye see Men hanged up, make it appear that the Country bordering upon Jansenia on the Western part is a Land of Despair. That which ye see over against it, hath not any thing but what's pleasing, so is it more inhabited than the other, because that Liberty allures more people, than the diffidence of God's goodness doth ruin. Those Statues of Bacchus and of Venus do evidence the exercises of such as went from Jansenisme into this Land of Pleasure, and the Gods that are adored there. Calvinia that takes the upper hand of the Map, and whither ye see so many people go, notifies what ye know of these wretches, who after having for a time tossed themselves to and fro under an ambiguous name, did at length declare themselves true Disciples of Calvin. These others that dig the ground in Jansenia, would not be so earnest at their work if they were not in hopes to reap some benefit thereby. The Sepulchre strucken with a Thunderbolt is that of the Flemish Professor's, whose Epitaph was condemned and caused to be razed out by the Pope. The Book says enough of the Lake. This same Forest where you see a place of Habitation, is the Retiring-house of the Demy-Moncks, who are what they are not, and are not what they are. 'Tis left to you to guests the Creatures for your service: These half Muzzled Asses, these Flocks of Geese, these huge Calves that a man would take for Oxen, these Sheep-wolves, these pleasant Owls, these great horned Stags, these Foxes that befriend Hens so much, for all these well deferve your pains in looking into the meaning of them. There are yet other creatures spoken of in the Relation of the Country, weigh all the words of it, there are none but may be made use of, if ye read it as ye should do from one end to the other, ye will (with delight) discover what the Jansenists do teach, what they hatch, what they have done, and what they can do. Just as I was making an end of this Relation, these two Letters which treat of the fame thing, were put into my Hand by a friend that had taken a Copy of them. I thought it would oblige you, Reader, to let you have a sight of them. SIR, I Am told that Jansenisme lies desperately sick: if it dies, as it is very likely, it will not have lived long. We ought to believe that God is absolutely willing it should be destroyed; since that all manner of remedies prove ineffectual, and that although it be in the height of youth, yet it cannot escape. 'Tis affirmed, that it hath made a Will, and that it Bequeathes its Books to a Minister, whose name I could not learn: He that will be chosen to make the Funeral Sermon, will have matter enough if he will forget nothing, and follow his instructions. I saw a Paper by chance, wherein he is highly praised, for having been so generous as to fly out against two Popes, and for having withstood four Anathemes without stirring. I do not think there is any praying for it now 'tis dead, nor that it will receive the usual Ceremonies to the deceased, because it's near Relations will believe it to be glorious in heaven, at the very moment of its expiration, and that they are not people that wilt apply to him the Indulgencies of Rome, or sprinkle it with holy Water; for as you well know 'tis not their devotion. If they follow the custom of their good friends, they may well say thus, Sleep Corpse until the Lord doth awake thee. My Letter mentioneth that many of the sick persons Domestics will not need to trouble themselves to look a Master after its death, because many worthy persons of several qualities, and some Churchmen have engaged to take them, giving them another kind of Livery. We shall know for certain by that, those that were the deceased's true friends, and there will be no farther need of guessing at inclinations, that will be better known by their Signs than any Scrivener. If there be an Inventary made of all moveables, with the forms received in France, those that take delight to disguise themselves at Shrovetide will be fitted at a cheap rate; for 'tis said there are above fifty, as well Periwigs as Beards, and as many several habits as it usually wore, suitable to the part it would act, when it had no mind to be known: But there is no likelihood that the heirs will produce all this: They may keep them for their own use, and prudence will undoubtedlyoblige them to divide among themselves in a friendly manner all things of this nature. I fancy they'll be careful in burning several Letters and other Papers, which might reveal Mysteries if seen; for to this day all things are written in Ciphers, and since what was discovered in the Flemish Doctors Letters, which were more obscure than any Aenigma, 'tis not credible that a secret communicated to a friend in unknown terms or barbarous figures, can be long without being known, if it falls into anunderstanding man's hands. When I know more, I will acquaint you with it, in the mean time I will remain as ever SIR, Your most humble, etc. Answer. SIR, I cannot conceive where you have disposed of your charity, truly 'tis not well done, to jeer sick persons thus. You make that the subject of your recreation which to many others is a great affliction. Will you believe that I have seen some so overcome with pain that they even almost lost their senses. If death follows the disease, it will be far worse, and I am much afraid they may chance to exclaim against persons in power whichwould deserve an exemplary punishment; for I question not but the Magistrates would take notice of it, and there would be an end of them if they were called to the Bar. But, I pray, think me not a worse Catholic for being of this judgement, for although those people be not of our Religion, yet their tears move me, because I am a man, and because compassion is a due from us, not only to the just that are afflicted, but also to wretched criminals, I am SIR, Your, etc.