PIETAS PARISIENSIS OR A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE piety AND charity commonly EXERCISED IN PARIS Which represents in short the pious practices of the whole catholic church.  
By THOMAS car confessor of Sion  

every Good three yieldeth good fruits.  
And the evil three yieldeth evil fruits.  
therefore by their fruits you shall know them.   
 seal 
IHS   
PRINTED AT PARIS By VINCENT DV MOVTIER  
M. DC. LXVI.   

TO HIS much HON FRIEND W. D. ESQVIRE THESE.  
much hand dear sir  
I had yours of the 20 of May in its due time: and noe sooner had I received it( such power of a commande haue your civil desires over me) but I took pen in hand to return you an answer which had been long ago with you, had not my continual infirmity rendered me little fitt for speedy compliance.  
I am not without a deep resentment, to observe that you flill permit inconsiderable doubts, cast in your way by I know not whom, retarde you from fixing vpon, what alone can make you eternally happy. You say in particular that you haue met with so many loose and beastly cases among catholic authors, that you haue much ado to beleeue that holinesse is practised, where so much licentiousness is taught. But I pray, are they taught in our councells? do you find them in our decretals? Haue you heard them in our pulpits? meet you with them in our catechisms? What are you startled at? If the brains of some few riotous children run over into extrauigances, must the good, mother haue their excesses pinned on her sleeve, while she neither teaches them, approves, nor conceals them? Nay while she expressly condemns, and prohibits them with a heavy curse vpon them? Must the good wheat be reproved for á little chaff? Or Christs field be disowned, because the enemy over sowed coc●le in it? This your ingenuity will not judge reasonable. And therfore, what I haue formerly said;( to wit, that sanctity is a mark of the catholic roman church exclusively to all other churches) I must still persist in. Yes, she hath always been eminently known by that bage to all the world. She is holy in her head Iesus Christ, who placed her vpon the rock, and washed her in his own precious blood: she is holy in that holy spirit who was sent to sanctify her, and to teach her all truth: Holy in God the father, author of all holiness, to whom she is dedicated: Holy in all her doctrine, in her sacrifices, in her Sacraments; in her discipline; in her pious members, á 'mongst whom there is never wanting numbers of persons famous for sanctify. Holy in fine, in her continual prayers to God, and charitable practices towards her poor neighbour. Which two alone I will onely urge at present, as being abundantly satisfactory, if compared to your could practices, to make appear where charity is in her reign, and consequently, where sanctity is to be found, since it is indeed noe other thing then charity. Noe S. I neither know, nor seek for, any other holinesse then charity itself. It is that which is the end of the lawe; that the fullness of the lawe; that the lawe itself. Lex Dei charitas est, saith S. Augustine. The scripture commands nothing but charity, nor attacks it anythinge but cupidity; and in these two it compriseth all Christian morals. And as charity is all, so all that it is conversant about, is God and our neighbour; God, to love him for his own infinite goodness; and ourselves, and neighbours, because it is his pleasure and commande. observe, I beseech you, in the ensuing discourse whether we or you make it more absolutely their business to comply with these two duties; and thence you will easily judge on which side charity, that is san●ctitie and holiness resides: and at the same time conclude with S. Augustine, against yourself indeed, but to your advantage, that there can be noe charity( that is sanctity) among you, because you hate unity. Non habent charitatem, qui Ecclesiae non diligunt unitatem. And again, they haue noe charity, who are cut of from the communion of the catholic church. Non habent charitatem qui ab Ecclesiae Catholicae communione praecisi sunt. de Bap. contra dona. l. 3. c. 16. Because, saith he, in the same place it is the proper gift of catholic unity. Out of the catholic community then noe unity: without unity, noe charity, if charity be wanting all things else profit not assures S. paul. Cast yourself then, dear S. into the bosom, communion, and union of the catholic church, where charity truly reigns, and where under her happy reign, the least things profit to eternal life. Thither are you ardently inviteed. There, with open arms, are you cordially expected, by  
Hon S. july 20. 1666, Your most humble off. and best wishing seruant THOMAS car.   

A SHORT DESCRITION OF THE PRESENT petty OF PARIS  

THE FIRST ARTICLE.  
TO the glory of God, and the catholic church; the honour of that noble town, where I had the happiness to pass thirty three yeares, the one half of my life, and to afford you full satisfaction, I will make Paris appear the short map of the vaste catholic world, and by that small parte, give the idea of the whole.  
piety in general, as S. Augustine tells us, is the true worship of the true God, who, as he saith also, is not worshipped, save onely by charity. Now charity has two respects, or chasty eyes two things alone, God incomparably aloue all things; and for him, our neighbour as ourselves. To describe then the piety of Paris, is noe other thing then to declare what is practised there, in order to God and our neighbour, wherein the accomplishment of the whole lawe consists.  
And again, as the accomplishment of the lawe consists in two duties; so the accomplishers therof may be reduced to two classes, the Pastours, and the people.   

Of the piety, of the Priests and people in the daily service of God. ARTICLE II.  
TO begin with the first, what may not be said with truth of the excellent Pastours of Paris, in otder to these two duties? They are all, generally, known to be men of exemplary lives, and sound learning, being the most of them Bachelours, Licentiates or doctors of the famous faculty of Sorbonne, Their places are given to their merites, not purchased with moneys: and their whole endeu●urs are employed to suit their lives and actions to the dignity of their places. They haue learnt of S. gregory, that pastor of Pastours, in earth, under the souueraigne pastor Iesus Christ in heaven, that the guidance of souls is the Arte of Artes. They know that their work is not to save their own souls alone, but those of many, the highest thing that man is capable of, being indeed the same for which the almighty father, sent his onely son, as he also sent them with this minace, that if any of their flock perish by their fault he will require his blood at the hands of the watch man. Hence it is, that they use so diligent study at the learned Sorbon, and else where. So many holy conferences( a blessed and common practise among the primitive fathers of the wilderness( vt in collationibus PP.) renewed in Paris among the clergymen by good Mr Vincents zeal, which they use as well in in way of preservative against the bad air of the world, to which they are still exposed by the necessity of their function, as a most effectual means to perfect them in their holy profession. The subiects of these conferences are always some virtue or other. wherein they treat of their nature, of their particular acts, of the motives to acquire them, and the means to put them in practise &c. together with the obligation of their divine state, as well in relation to God as their neighbour. Hence too are so many heavenly Meditations used in their spiritual retreats,( which is frequent among them) to fitt themselves to that sacred and dreadful function. The lawe of God is the subject of these their Meditations, day and night, to beget worthy and sublime thoughts of God in their own harts, to be conveyed afterwards into the harts of their hearers, having learnt of S. Augustine, that the truest beginning of piety, is to haue a most worthy esteem of God; and of S. Bernard, that the true way of a good Pastours proceeding, is prius infundere quam effundere, first to power in, to themselves, then to power out to others.  
They had read in Ezechiel, that it was the Pastours duty to strengthen what was weak; to heal what was sick, to bind up what was broken; to bring again what was cast away; seek what was lost: and thence their whole study is to render themselves skilful physicians.  
They reflected of what they had heard from the great doctor of the gentiles, that they, as well as he, with due proportion, in quality of Christs Ministers, were to accomplish, those things which want of the passions of Christ, in their flesh, for his body which is the Church; to wit, by applying the merits and medicinal grace purchased by his payenfull passion, to the poor sinful souls of their flock, by deriueing into them those fountains of grace, conferred by their ministery in the sacraments of baptism, Pennance, the blessed eucharist &c. And they apprehended noe care and industry of theirs sufficiently ans●werable to such high functions.  
They called to mind what the said S. paul taught, and looked vpon it with a venerable astonishment every high priest, saith he, taken from among men, is appointed for men, in those things which appartayne to God, that he may offer gifts and sacrifices for sins, as well for the people, as also for himself. Hence numbers of priests, which the good Pastours take into their societies, and communities( some 40. or 50. some 100. some more, some fewer, according to the vaste numbers of their parishioners) approach daily to the sacred Altars from morning till noon, with humble reverence and veneration, to answer their peoples expectations and deuotions, who concur with them in a sweet harmony, to offer up their vows. If this true, clean, and unbloody sacryfice which the prophet Malachye, foretold, be offered to God in every place, from the rising of the sun to the going down, seconded by the sacryfice of the lips and hartes of the pious people, serve for the happy employment of the whole forenoon, the afternoon wants not its part neither, which is daily performed in the evensong and compline, so that the church doors are as rarely shut up in Paris, all the week long, as I haue rarely observed them open in London, save onely one day in the week, as tho all the other dayes, they had noe God in england to be publicly served in their Parish churches. Besides these general pious practices of the people, which they exercise every day in the week all Paris over, there is scarce one day in the year in which there is not some particular solemnity, at one church, or monastery or an other, to which there is great confluence of people, by reason of some great preacher: or the exposition of the B. Sacramet, and pardons to be gained( as it appears by a certain almanac made of set purpose to direct pious people to the said solemnities) and as there is noe day passes without public service done to God; so there is noe hour of the day, or night, in which Gods praises are not saying in Paris( to say nothing of what is done by the multitude of catholic Christians in America, where our night is their day)  
The Oratorians begin the divine office at 7. a cloak in the evening. At S. Geneuiefues at 8. The Penitents at 9. The Carmelites at 10. The Carthusians at 11. S. Victors our ladys and others till 2. From 2. till 4. at the Benediction Bernardines and diuers others. From 4. to 5. 6. and 7. at all Collegiall and Parish churches: so that what the royal prophet foretold is perfectly accomplished: from the rising of the sun to the setting of the same, Gods holy name is praise worthy, praised, and magnified.  
Thus is piety practised all the work dayes of the week all the year long, to which on holy dayes is added a sermon, and vpon sundays, holy 
The use of holy bread will not be found to be any new invention of the late church of Rome however tho it were so, yet more credit ought to be given to it, then to all the Protestants oppositions) but as ancient, at least, as Gr. Naz. Otation. 19, who saith, he was wont to bliss bread and sign it with the sign of the across c. S. Aug. de peccatorum mer.& remissione c. 26. and in manys other places, Paulinus Notanus ep. 1 ad seuerum saying, that he changed bread in eulogiam into a blessed thing.  bread( which might pass for the sacrament in England, for any thing I know, especially if received with faith) 
Holy water Was in use in the time of the Apostles, or at least soon after, since Pope Alexander, the fifth after S. Peter commands it in his first canonical epistle As also Pope Damasus libro pontiff c. 7. Epiphanius l. c. Tom. 2. contra Ebionitas. &c.  holy water, 
The use of processions is as ancient, at least, as Tertullian in the second Age saying: let the Procession be modest, Praescrip, contra Haere. c. 43, and l. 2, ad vxorem. S. Amb. complains that few came to the Procession S. Aug. l. 22. de Ciu. Dei c. 8. Tells how the people came running to him,( to testify the news of a miracle done at S. Stephens shrine in the same church) where he sat being ready to go in procession, as is practised all through the Cath▪ church till this time, every sunday in the midst, or beginning of mass  the procession and prove( that is a familiar explication vpon the gospel of the day) for the fore noon, together with a formal sermon and catechism for the afternoon. This is the ordinary practise all Paris over. But the Pastours zeal for the instruction, and inflammation of the peoples hartes stays not here, but further, by himself or his order, there are most eloquent sermons made all the dayes of advent and lent, save saturday, by the same preachers, who are followed with a wondrous concourse of auditors, and a noe less admirably quiet attention of so great a multitude, without the least hemming or spitting, save onely when the preacher makes his pauses to give way to necessity in that kind. Can then our aduersaries without affencted malice pretend that the papists are nousled up in ignorance, which with the proud Manicheans they impudently object against them.  
But as the dignity of priests and height of pastoral functions is as venerable, as otherwise dreadful, and brings with it according to Tertulians profound expression intolerabilis magnitudo, a weight insupportable to human shoulders; and as their practices are full of religion and piety, so is their care as great, as far as humanly can be devised, to make a hopeful provision of young priestes to assist them in their life time, and to succeed in their places after their deaths. To this effect, a poor secular priest, but a great seruant of God,( whose admirable works of charity haue made him famous all the world over, as here below we shall see) suggested an effectual means to the most illustrious and most reverend Archebishope of Paris, then being( to wit above 30. yeares ago) who highly approved and confirmed it; and ordered it to be observed by all that should pretend for holy orders at his hands: and it is still continued by like approbation, by his commande, who doth now illustrate the said sea.   

The means suggested by that Holy priest to perfect the Priests. ARTICLE III.  
THAT all that should take holy orders, should be obliged to make a spiritual retreat at S. Lazares, where he governed, for the space of 10. days: that none should rashly intrude themselves into so dreadful a ministery, nor take the honour to himself, unless called as Aaron. And whereas this is a thing, as worthy the approbation as imitation of all bishops, I haue thought it of use, and edification, to put down the exercises in that holy retreat in particular.  
Ten dayes then before the collation of holy orders, all the ordinandi repair to S. Lazars, sometimes 50. or 60. sometimes to the number of one hundred, where they find bed, and board, and all things ready by Gods providence, without their care or coste, and they are all most humanly and charitably received, not so much into the house, as into the bosoms of the pious inhabitants.  
Two different intertaynements are made to them every day. The one in the morneing, vpon the chief heads of moral divinity: the other towards the evening, of the virtues, and qualities proper to their intended function.  
There are ten made in all of either kind.  
The first day they speak of the censures of the Church in general.  
The second, of the said Censures in particular, as of excommunication, suspension, interdicts, and irregularity.  
The 3. day of the Sacrament of Pennance. As of its institution, form, effects, and of the conditions necessary in the Confessiour.  
The 4. Dispositions to the Sacrament of Pennance; to wit Contrition, Confession, and Satisfaction, with Indulgences.  
The 5. Of divine and human laws: and of sin in general, with the division therof; the circumstances, the kinds, causes, effects, degrees, and remedies.  
The 6. Of the three first commandements, which contain mans duty to God: and of three theological virtues, with the virtues of Religion, and its acts.  
The 7. Is an explication of the other 7. Commandements which concern our neighbour.  
In the 8. Of the Sacraments in general, and of Confirmation and the eucharist, in quality of a Sacrament.  
The 9. Of the Eucharist as it is a sacrifice, and of Extreme-Vnction, and marriage.  
The 10. Is the explication of the creed. With what is necessary to be known by every priest, and what they may teach the people thereupon with profit.   

The afternoons incertaynement. ARTICLE IV.  
THE first day is of mental prayer. First the motives to it for clergymen. 2. wherein it consists: 3. The method and means to perform it. And in this they are exercised every day for some time.  
The 2. Day the speech is of ones vocation, and of the state of a Church man. That this vocation should be had before one presents himself to Orders: wherein it consists, and which are the marks of it, with the means to know it, and to corresponde to it.  
The third speaks of the spirit of a clergieman: and shows how he is to enter into this spirit: wherein it consists: the marks of it, the means to acquire it, and to grow perfect in it.  
The 4. treats of Orders in general: of their institution, necessity, matter, form, effects, and differences. With the dispositions necessary to receive them.  
The 5. Of the first Tonsure, with an explication of the doctrine of that ceremony. The obligations contracted by it. The dispositions and qualities required.  
The 6. a discourse of the lesser orders in particular: their definition, the matter, form, and functions, with the virtues required to complye with them worthily.  
The 7. Of the office of Subdeacon, and the virtues proper to this order, and particularly of chastity.  
The 8. Of the office of Deacon, and the virtues proper to it, particularly of charity to our neighbour.  
The 9. Of priesthood, and of the knowledge necessary for priests to acquitt themselves of their duty.  
In the 10. Is a discourse of the life of a clergy man. wherein it is made appear that they who haue received holy orders, ought to lead a much more holy life, then that of lay men, with many advices to help towards such a life.  
All these things they repeat in their conferences made afterwards, the better to commit them to memory.  
They make every day about half an hour of mental prayer, and conferences vpon it afterwards, to instruct such as are less exercised therein. How to use considerations, to move affections, and to make resolutions.  
They are daily exercised in the functions of the orders which they are to take, and in the ceremonies of the holy mass.  
They are made to recite the Office all together, and to observe the stopps, &c.  
They are disposed to make their general Confessions, at least from their last general one; and the next day they communicate at high mass.  
They haue 7. houres to repose in by night, and two houres of holy conversation every day, this is after dinner and supper. In which time they read the holy Scriptures, and Molina of the dignity and sanctify of preisthoode.  
Vpon sunday after they haue taken Orders, they assist at high mass, and communicate, in thankes giuing for their holy ordination, and so return to their own homes.  
Thus they are most substantially and piously prepared; which good dispositions are visibly observed to be followed with fuch blessed effects, that huge benedictions of admirable reformations in the whole clergy of France, is seen every where.  
I remember I haue frequently heard from the mouth of that most Illustrious and venerable old Prelate Monseigneur of Chalcedoine( in whose blessed company, I had the honour and happiness to be for above 20. yeares together) who all that time, and before, was ordinarily employed by the archbishop of Paris to give holy Orders, and the Sacrament of Confirmation; I heard, I say, from his mouth, that the primitive times seemed to him to be renewed again in those holy young men; who, said he( with much Emphasis his heart being dilated with ioy and jubilee) approached to me, as tho drunk with the new wine of the Acts: so did the abundance of their hartes, break out in scythes and sobs, intercepting their words; and their joyful tears forcibly burstforth, and watered my hands. This truth, which I often heard that Saintly bishop power out with so much fervour and high approbation, better known to me, then to many others, I thought fitt to register down, to the honour of God, and that holy institution.  
It this most happy Institution, spreed its fruits all over France, and even extend its, flourishing branches into foreign nations too, as here after we shall see, how just occasion doth it not administer us highly to extol the piety and charity of the good three whence they sprung. We may well say of this holy author, what S. Henry spelman said in the beginning of his Councells of one admired in former Ages: he was a star of the first Magnitude, and even indeed a prodigy of piety. If I should undertake to speak of the strength and purity of his faith: the height and confidence of his hope: and the euerburning flames of his charity, I should less want matter then time to deliver it, and withall serve from my design, which is historically to offer a small scantling of a huge abundance; and not to fall into a panigerike which would find noe end. Noe, my aim is not to praise this saintly man, but God in him, since in deed the greatest saint is never praised as he ought, but when we praise God in the saint from whom all sanctity. Nor is it my meaning to praise his virtues at home, in what ever degree of speculation or practise he might possess them, but their profusion abroad vpon his neighbours, that credit may be still given to works, not to words which are liable to deceit. All the praise of virtue, can a pagan tell us, consists in action; nor is virtue any orher thing, as we are taught by a better Master, then the order of charity. And where was charity ever better ordered, then where human respects had noe hand in the distribution, but it streamed indifferently out vpon all, save onely, where it found difference of necessity, and there it still most abounded.  
Nature, or providence, had sorted him out but a small share in the goods of fortune, in his abject extraction: for he was wont frequently to tell the world, that he was but the son of a poor swinheard or cow heard The accession of benefice added but little to his wants, since he never possessed any but a poor Cure, and that for a small time. And as providence had begun with him, so he went on with her, making poverty his portion by his free choice; and the company, and care of the poor, his center all his life long; and himself, and all his, their stewards.   

Of the beginning, and Beginners of the Congregation of the Mission, and Missioners which complied with the care of this stewardshippe. ARTICLE V.  
IN the year of our Lord 1624. March the first, begun the happy establishment of the company of the Congregation of the priests of the Mission, in the college of Bons enfans conferred vpon M. Vincent paul, by the most illustrious John Francis de Gondy archbishop of Paris, to that purpose. To wit, his brother the general of the Galeeres, and his most virtuous lady, being well acquainted what great things Mr Vincent had performed in diuers of their own Lordships, in that kind, for the good of their poor vassals, and Gods glory, they had long conceived a pious desire to concur jointly to be Founders of the said Mission, which they imparted to their brother the archbishop, to make use of his power over Mr Vincents spirit( whom they knew to be as slow in undertaking, as diligent and faithful in performing what he once undertook) to induce him to accept the charge. Which was done accordingly, and he wholly acquieseed to the Archbishops pleasure. Here vpon was 40000. livres tournois, or 4000. pistols put down by the most noble and pious founders in Mr Vincents hands, in ready money. Vpon the following conditions.  
First, that the end and whole employment of these Missionaries should be, to tend to, and to procure the corporal and spiritual good of the poor people of the villages; and that too so wholly, that they were not to meddle to preach or administer facraments in any considerable towns, save in case of extreme necessity, but to go from village to village to instruct and assist those poor abandoned souls. Secondly that they were to renounce all church benefice, dignities and offices, to apply themselves entirely and purely, with the leave of the ordinaries, to the saueing of those poor people, by sermons, catechisms, general confessions &c. And that too at their cost and charges, without admitting of any retribution or reward, in what kind soever.  
Thirdly that the election of proper subiects should be at Mr Vincents pleasure, who should govern them all his life long.  
And that which is worthy of special observation, is, that these blessed Founders, so purely and disintressedly aimed at Gods glory, and the good of the poor alone, that they made noe reserves, of any fixed thing relating to themselves in particular; either in point of honour or profit. In so much, that they imposed noe obligation of masses or other prayers, either in their life time, or after their death, save onely the right of Patronage accorded by the holy canons of the church, part of which also they renounced, as the denomination to offices &c.   

Mr Vincents complying with the Foundation: and of the establishment of the Mission in diuers places. ARTICLE II.  
WITH this virtuous foundation Mr Vincent began to comply, having one onely companion in the beginning, which soon after increased to the number of 10. or 12. and ere this, as we may guess with probability, mounts even to thousands. Here vpon me thinks a reasonable doubt might be moved, whether as there was never holy work begun, with less of man, and more of God in it, so there were never any which God more owned, and bestowed a larger benediction of success vpon, even within the compass of his life time who begun it. For in a short time he saw his children as young plants of olive trees, in great numbers, round about his table, and the oil of heavenly graces streaming down in great abundance vpon that venerable ancient head, it thence plentifully ran down even to the hem of his garments. Hence it was that from that rich source whole colonies did spreedd themselves not onely all France over, but even extended themselves to foreign Lands.  
The first establishment flowing from this fountain, was begun at Toul in the year 1635. by the consent and approbation of the bishop of the place.  
The second at Richlieu 1638. founded by the most Eminent Cardinal of the place, with obligation to preach &c according to their pious institute, to the poor of the Diocese of Poitiers, as also to those of Lucon of which he had formerly been bishop.  
The third was founded by the said cardinal at Lucon itself in the year 1645. with full power granted by the bishop therof to preach, and teach &c. all over his Diocese.  
The fourth at troy, in the year 1638. by the charitable assistance of the bishop of the place.  
The fifth in the Diocese of Geneua in the year 1640. where the Commandour of Sillery founded them a seminarie where they still labour with much fruit. Still with the approbation of the bishop of the Diocese which I shall not hereafter need to mention.  
The Sixth in the year 1641 at Rome, by the duchess of Aiguillon, who also founded seven of the said Missionaries in her duchy of Aiguillon. The eight was founded again by the said duchess at Marceilles: The nighth in the Diocese of Caors in the year 1643. by the saintly bishop therof. The tenth in the Diocese of Reimes by the archbishop Vallancy 1644. The 11. at Montmirail in Brye by the Duke of Rets in the year 1644. The 12. at Zaintes by the bishop and clergy the the same year. The 13. at Mans by the bishop 1645. The 14. in the Diocese of S. Malo at S. mien in the year 1645. The 15. at Genne in italy at the instance of cardinal Durasso, archbishop of the said place, in the year 1645. The 16. at again by the bishop of the place 1650  
The 17. at Crecy in the Diocese of Meaux in the year 1641.  
The 18. was founded at Vasouia in Polognia by the liberality of that most pious queen, in the year 1651.  
The 19. in the Diocese of Montauban by the bishop of the place. In the year 1652.  
The 20. At Treguier in brittany by the. bishop and count of the place. In the year 1654.  
The 21. at Adge in Languedoc by the bishop and Count of the place in the year 1654.  
The 22. at Turin in Piedmont at the instance of Mr le Marquis of Pianezze who founded them. 1654.  
The 23. at Amiens by the bishop of the place, with the perpetual direction of his seminarie.  
The 24. At Noyon by the bishop of the place, with the direction of his seminarie; This was resolved vpon in Mr Vincents life time, but was onely accomplished after his death.  
He sent also Missionaries into Africke to Tunis and Argers to aid, instruct, and comfort the poor Christian slaves, who were there to the number of twenty or thirty thousand. To Madagascar also beyond the line, a voyage of six monthes sail, to endeavour the conversion of those poor infidels, Finally to the Hebrides in the furthest partes of scotland, and into Ireland. O strange benediction vpon the pious labours of one poor priest! of him certainly may that of Ecclesiasticus be verified: blessed is the man who is without spot, and that hath not gone after gold, nor hoped in the heaps of money. Who is this, and we will payse him, for he hath done marvelous things in his life. marvelous things indeed, and such as might hardly gain credit, were not all Paris a witness therof, where it was generally known that he was a person of so little self interest that many had shown themselves more ready to offer great advantages, then he to admit of them. So that of him might truly be said, that having nothing he possessed all: to wit the noblest harts of Paris adheared to his pious counsels, and their purses lay open to his charitable suggestions.  

Of the huge assistance, and charities which Mr Vincent procured to be sent to lorraine.  
HEMCE it is that in the extreme wants and calamities of lorraine, though otherwise an enemy country, he procured to be sent thither at diverse times, and caused it to be distributed amongst the most needy, by his Missionaries, to the sum of sixteen hundred thousand franks( that is 1600. thousand pistols) to which the said Missionaries added noe less large proportion of their solicitudes and pains, who spent their whole time for many yeares together in visiting the poor and the sick, and in fournishing many thousands of them with all things necessary for body and soul. All these things might haue been more amply and authentically testified by the acknowledgements of the persons relieved by those charities, had not humble Vincents care to staue off vanity vpon all occasions, prevented the same: for whereas one of his, employed in the distribution, offered to sand public attestation of his, and his fellowes fidelity therein, he received answer from his modest father that he would not haue him to demand any such testimonies, it being sufficient that God knew their works, and that the poor were assisted, without producing any such attestations, these were his words. Yet his providence who will haue honour to follow those that fly it, and will exalt him who humbles himself, failed not to draw diuers authentical testimonies from the grateful hartes of the obliged persons addressed to him, nor shall they lie in obscurity but shall be placed in the light, to Gods honour in him, and an admirable example to others, according to that evangelical maxim: so let your light shine before men, that they see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven.  
I. John Midot doctor of divinity, Archdeacon, canon, and vicar general of thou the sea being vacant, do certify and atteste, that the priests of the congregation of the Mission, who reside in this town, continue any time these two yeares, to comfort, to cloth, to feed, and give physic to the poor, with much edification and charity. First of all, they haue taken into their own house a matter of sixty sick persons; and haue lodged about 20. more in the suburbs. Secondly they give alms to a number of other bashful poor reduced to extreme necessity, who betake themselves hither for refuge. thirdly they receive a many poor naked and lame soldiers which return from the kings army into their own house, and cure. In which charitable actions, and other their pious comportments, all good people are wonderfully edified. In witness whereof I haue signed and sealed these presents. Toul Decemb. 1639.   

The copy of another letter.  
sir. since a great many yeares that this poor town hath been afflicted with plague, war, and famine; which hath reduced it to this excess of misery wherein now it is, in lieu of consolations, we haue onely met with rigorous dealings from our creditours, cruelty from the soldiers, who forcibly robbed us of the small quantity of bread which we had: so that it seemed that the heauens had nothing but rigours for us, when behold one of your children in Iesus Christ, came loaden with alms, which hugely tempered the excess of our misery; and raised our hopes in Gods mercy. Sr. since our offences haue provoked his wrath, we humbly kiss the hand which doth punish them, as we also receive the effects of his divine mercy, with the resentements of an extraordinary acknowledgement. We bless the instruments of his infinite clemency, as well these who relieve us with these seasonable charies, as those who procure them and distribute them amongst us; and you in particular, dear Sr. whom we look vpon, after God, as the principal author of so singular a blessing. To tell you how well it is applied to this poor place, where the chief persons are reduced to nothing, the Missonaries you haue sent, will relate it with less interest then ourselves. They haue been eye witnesses of desolation, and you will find in the sight of God the eternal obligations we owe you, for having succoured us in this our miserable condition.   

From the officiers and council of Luneuille 1642.  
A copy of another letter.  
sir. you haue so singularly obliged us, in the assistance you haue afforded to our poor begs, to our bashful indigent, and to our sick persons; and more particularly to our religious houses, that we should prove ungrateful if we deferred any longer to testify our sensible acknowledgements, we being able to assure you, that the charities which you haue sent hither, could never be better distributed and employed then vpon our poor people, who are very many in number, and specially vpon the religious women, who are destitute of all human assistance; some of them not enjoying any part of their small revenues ever since the wars; and others not receiving any thing from the richer sort of the town, who formely gave them alms, they, being now, deprived of their own means. Whence we find ourselves obliged humbly to beseech you, dear Sr. as by the presents we do, to continue the same charitable assistances, as well to the poor, as to the Monasteries of this place, which hitherto you haue done. It is a subject of great merit, for those that do these good works, and for you who haue the conduct therof, which you perform with so much prudence and dexterity, to the gaining a great crown in heaven.  
From the Magistrates of Mets Octob. 1664.    

Informations of the calamitous state of Lorraine sent to Mr Vincent by some of his Missonaries. ARTICLE VIII.  
BEING arrived at S. Michel I find so great a number of poor people, that I am not able to give to all; there are above 3. hundred in very great necessity, and 300. more reduced to extremity. Sr. I tell you noe more then a bare truth; there are above 100. of them, who appear onely squelletes covered with skin, and are so gastlie, that unless God did strengthen me, I should even dread to look vpon them. Their skins are like taunie marble, and are so dried up, that their teeth seem to be dry and discovered &c. At our last distribution of bread there were 1052. poor people, besides the sick who are in great numbers, which we assist with food, and convenient medicines &c. O Sr. what a number of souls go to heaven through poverty! since I came first into lorraine, I haue assisted above a thousand poor people at their death, who shewed all of them, that they were perfectly well disposed to die &c.  
In fin to contract much into a little( for should we insist vpon particulars we should never make an end) we may say with truth( to Gods honour and the unspeakable piety of Paris, especially of the Dames of the charity) that the profuse liberalities procured by this saintly priest, were extended by his wise care in the distributing therof, to the relieving of 25. towns, to say nothing of many bourges and villages. O blessed and admirable example of Parisian charity, never haply to be parelled by any other place in christendom? O incomparable power of the rich poverty of one poor priest, who was able piously to pick the purses of thousands of rich people. May his fruitful poverty, and their plentiful possessions and posterity be blessed for ever and ever.   

Of assistance given in Paris, to many of the nobility of Lorraine ARTICLE IX.  
much was done, but here was yet noe end: for the poor ruinated nobility of the same country, having observed how sweetly and comfortably the streams of Paris piety had flowed vpon the poor of their land, while bashfulness permitted them to taste noe parte in the same, however their misery in very deed was so much more sensible, by how much they had been less acquainted with want, and found it less suitable to their condition, the sense of their misery taught them to practise a lesson which they had never learnt, so that they took courage to run up to the fountains head, and cast themselves into the open bosom of that common father of the poor Mr Vincent, who took their misery to heart, by commiseration, and his charity wanted not an invention to relieve them; not now by the ladys of the charity whom he still reserved for a greater employment, but by certain men of known piety, and charity, who had mettings at S. Lazars every month to tax themselves to a certain sum which might reach to the subsistence of that poor nobility, which was carried to their respective chambers by persons of honour, every month for 7. or 8. yeares space; till their country at length began to be in a better condition, at which time too Mr Vincent failed not to furnish them with moneys to return home, and to afford them a liuelihoode for some time after.   

Of the relief procured by the same means for picardy and Champine. ARTICLE X.  
true charity never meets with a non plus vltra: by how much more she gives, by so much more she increases: for the purchase of it, should a man give all his substance, he would esteem it as nothing. One would haue been apt to haue conceived, that this poor priest had performed his part to the full, and that the large distributions made to lorraine, might well nigh haue drained the purses of Paris: but charity which hopeth all things, is never idle, never weary, never with out courage, never without invention; where so ever she meets with equal necessity, she finds in her heart equal compassion, which dilates it to an answerable liberality. What had Mr Vincent then to do but to season the tender hartes of the good ladies of the charity, and other virtuous persons with the crying calamities and miseries of their nearer neighbours of picardy and Champine? And how could he do this with more credit, and effect, then by the fresh informations of his pious Missionaries who were labouring in the midst of desolations? His pious Dames he assemblies once or twice a week to this purpose. reads to them what he had received. There are abundance( writes one) who are afflicted with fluxes and feeuers; others are covered with scabbs, and purple-spotts, tumours and impostumes. Many there are swelled, some in their head, some in their belly, and some again all their body over. These infirmities were caused by eating wild roots and bread of bran which a dog would hardly eat. Our ears are filled with pitiful lamentations, and outcries for bread, and how soever sick they are, they drag themselves through rain and mire two or three legues off to haue a few pottage. Many die without confession and the other sacraments, and even burial itself, the poor dead body being left in their homely cottages till they are eaten up with wildebeasts. Another writes thus, we are newly returned from visiting 35. villages in the deanerie of Guife, where we found near vpon 500. people so excessively miserable, that they seize vpon deade dogges and horses, which are the wolves shavings. And in the very town of Guise, there are above 500. sick persons, who are lodged in caues and dens. Some of them haue eaten noe bread in 6. or 7. dayes, not so much as that which they make of barley bran, which is kept for those which are most at their ease. Their meate is lezards, frogs and wild herbs. This little, of the long relations, of miseries yet more horrid, both for soul and body, issuing from the mouth of that pious priest, who gave life and energy to all that he pronounced, had presently reached the compassionate bowels of those charitable Ladys, who presently undertook the relief of those two provinces, and once again illustrated the piety and charity of Paris. All things were wanting to those poor abandoned persons in the ruinated country. And a provision of all things was also presently made at Paris necessary for body and soul. And that too in such abundance; that the chambers and cabinets of most illustrious Duchesses and marquesses and other great Ladys, might seem to be turned into the magazines of Marchants, or Apothecaries shops; such a number of suits of apparel, shirts, smocks, shoes, stockings, coverlets, sheets, and other linen necessary for the sick, as also drogues for physic confeictures &c. together with chalices and other ornaments for the church &c. which together with corn to sow the neglected fields which lay fallow, and what was sent in dry money, amounted in all to five hundred thousand franks, making halse a french million, to the eternal praise of the charity of Paris be it remembered for ever.   

The establishment of an hospital in S. Lazars suburbs for the children found exposed in the streets. ARTICLE XI.  
WHILE Mr Vincents and the pious Parisian ladys charities, had wrought and were still working, such wonders amongst the poor disstressed people abroad, his pious care did not, the while, overlook Paris, and was wanting at home. For though he well knew that our duty of loving our neighbour ought to be extended all the world over, since as S. Augustine saith, omnis homo homini proximus, that every man is neighbour to each other: yet he knew also that there is an order in charity, whereby we are bound to employ the chief part of our care vpon our nearest relations, whether for blood, place, or dependence: whence that of S. paul: if any man haue not care of his own, especially of his domesticalls &c. he is worse then an infidele. Hence it was that his eyes were fixed, and his wounded heart was bleeding vpon the lamentable condition of poor abandoned new born infants, whose bodies and souls are exposed to utter perdition, either by the unnatural cruelty of naughty women, or by the extreme poverty of necessitous parents, who covertly leave them in the streets at all adventures. Of such kind of deserted innocents it is observed in this vaste world of Paris, that scarce a year passes without three or four hundred in the town and suburbs. Such agrowing nourserie every one will judge cannot be maintained with a little. And indeed the annual maintenance therof mounts to noe less then 4000. pistols. A large proportion truly, which is still growing up to more and more, said charitas nunquam excidit charity too grows still and, knows noe bounds, and she is furnished with a skilful advocate to plead her pious cause, whose charitable heart seemed to be continually breading with S. paul, his patron, and to say with Rachel, give me( these) children otherwise I shall die. And so addressing himself to the good ladies, useth this plea with a voice louder then ordinary, animated with his wonted zeal. Ladys, saith he, compassion and charity haue moved you to adopte these poor little creatures to be your children, you haue hitherto been their mot●ers according to grace, ever since their mothers, according to nature, abandoned them. leave for a while to be their mothers, to become their iudges. Their life and death are in your hands. I am ready to take your votes, it is time to pronounce their sentence; and to know whether you will not any longer take pity of them. If you continue your charitable care towards them, they live: if not, but that you will abandonne them, they infallibly perish and die, as your own experience puts you out of doubt. Noe sooner was this said, but the tender hearted ladys found themselves so struck with the energy of his speech, that they all unanimously resolved, that cost what it would, they would not quit this charitable enterprise. Nor did they; for those poor souls are till this day nourished and brought up under the care and assistance of ten or 12. good sisters of the charity, with the help of a number of ●ouses who live in the said hospital, together with a many more in the country who receive a monthly pay. When they are once wayned, they are delivered back to the sisters of the charity, who in teac●inge them to speak, teach them also to pray, to know God, to love and serve him. As they grow up in yeares, they are taught some little works to keep them out of idleness, till providence sort them with some sit occasion for their future being. Of these poor souls may be truly said, they had perished, if they had not so perished, since they fell out the unworthy hands of stepmothers, into mothers tender hands, nay even into his who saith: hardy is it credible, that a mother should forget the fruit of her womb, yet should she do it, I will not forget you saith our heavenly forter father.   

Of the establis●ement of the Dames and sisters of the charity in Paris and elsewhere. ARTICLE XII.  
THE whole lawe and Prophetes saith S. August. after his master S. paul, are nothing else but love, whence he fears not to say, ama& fac quod vis. Nor doth any endeavours of man so infallybly evince our love to God, as the love we show to our neighbour: whence the same same S. August saith: beleeue it, you never walk in a more secure path towards the love of God, then by the charity of man to man. This certainly he had red in S. john, that loving Apostle, saying: if any man shall say, that he loues God, and yet hateth his brother, he is a liar, for he that loveth not his brother whom he seeth, how can he love God whom he seeth not! And if our love to our neighbour in general be a certain conviction of our love to God, how much more absolutely doth it appear, in applying our charity to those neighbours, who haue nothing hamanly speaking, to gain, our affection or assistance to to them, tho they are otherwise more particularly commended to us by our dear Lord and master then all others. He hath left them to be his receivers of our charitable contributions to himself in their persons, what you give to those least ones of mine you give to me. Nay more he hath left himself in them, to be fed, to be called, to be lodged, to be visited by vs. We haue noe less then his divine word for it: I was hungerie, and you gave me to drink: I was a stranger and you received me; naked, and you covered me; sick and you visited me &c. How could he ever, cries out S. Cyprian( and we with him) haue more forcibly provoked us to the works of iustice and mercy; then in declaring that is given to himself, which is given to the poor and needy? To th'end that they, in the church who are not moved with respect to their brother, may at least be moved in contemplation of Christ: and that they who do not consider their fellow seruant in his calamity and want, may not fail to reflect, that their Lord and master is represented in that very person whom they despise. This reflection was deeply engraven in Mr Vincents heart, as it appeared in all his actions, yet more particularly( were it possible) in this which we are about to relate. There appeared nothing of splendour or magnificence in this business, but contrarily an absolute contempt of it, and an effectual means to make maginficence, and worldly greatness, stoop to the greatest misery that haply ever heaven beholded; and thereby to leave to the world the most admirable, and amiable example of Christian humility, that in the length of time it had ever met with: an example, I say, most agreeable to God, and the Angells: to see Princesses and Duchesses, and other ladies of the prime nobility of Paris, to the number of two hundred and above, deueste themselves of the rich robes ador'ned with gold and diamonds suitable to their Illustrious conditions, and to present themselves in the hospitals in the modest attire of simplo gentlewomen, with aprons before them, to serve and comfort the most despicable creatures alive, as common beggars, portours, and wounded soldiers, most nasty and ghastly to behold. And this they make their business, and go seriously about it, as a thing( you would say) belonging to them, of duty, without discovering the least niceness or disdaing fullness at all. Of this I haue often been an eye witness any time these 32. yeares and upwards, and all Paris will testify it till this day.  
Nor do they go for fashions sake, and by way of diuertisment, but as their hartes are full of compassion vpon the beholding of such sade objects, so are their mouths full of consolation and instruction, and their hands noe less replenished with charitable presents, agreeable to the infirmities of those, otherwise, contemptible creatures( if they did not eye poor christ in them) as confeitures, bisquit, gelee cherries, roasted pairs and apples with sugar, and the like; which the poverty of the hospitals could not ordinarily afford to so vaste numbers. whereas those good Ladys made plentiful provision therof, in every kind, in a chamber near adjoining, which they hired to that purpose: and every day by turns, four of them, performed that pious ministery of going from bed to bed to make the distribution, with an humble meekness, well suited to so Christian a work.  
By these familiar and pleasing corporal assistances, the good ladies gained the harts of those poor people, and in consequence, their souls: for it was observed that in the space of one year, they induced 700. and sixty of those infirm and maimed persons( being some of them Lutherans, some Caluinists, and others Turkes taken at sea) to abjure their heresy, and embrace the Catholi●e faith, to say nothing of mulmultitudes of others who were moved by their virtuous example, and wholesome aduise, to make general consessions, and to resolve of a more Christian life then formerly they had led.  
Nor did this superlative example of christianity, keep within the compass of what these noble ladies performed in their own persons, but as the nature of Good is to be communicatiue, it spread itself not onely all over Paris, but even extended to many remote villages, and Dioceses, to the extreme solace, and relief of poor honest families, who were as little accustomend to beg their bread, as otherwise little able to gain it by their daily labours.  

The institution of the charity in the most of, or even all, the Parishes rf Paris.  
THE blessed example of these great ladies served as the primum mobile under God to incite other ladies of an inferior rank together with many honest and virtuous burgesses of the best sort, to emulate thē in so blessed a practise, and it had indeed so powerful an influence vpon them, that the most, or even all the Parishes of Paris, haue meetings, at least every way( being all associated together in a holy conf●aternitie) to discover and confer vpon the necessities of their respective Parishes, at the Curates house, and accordingly by collections among themselves to provide relief for them. The distribution of their charitable collections was first performed by the good ladys own hands, who took the pains to go visit the poor and sick of the parish, and take a more particular assurance of each ones necessity; but in a small time they were taught by experience, that some other course was to be taken to carry on so pious a work effectually: for they found that partly the care of their family could scarce dispense with their absence, partly their husbands had noe great satisfaction in their conversation with such infirm and nasty poor people; but especially because they saw that their small strength and skill, in that kind, came not home to the necessities of the sick. wherefore they advised of some better way. And Mr Vincent their adiutor in opportunitatibus was consulted; and he who never was at a loss to invent means to promote charity, found out, and settled a constant and effectual way to continue the work, and it was this.    

The institution of the sisters of the charity. ARTICLE XIV.  
MRS. le grass, sometime wife to Mons. le grass secretary to queen Margarite, now widow; Whose maiden name was Marilac of the family of the most virtuous and famous chancellor of that name. Who as she was of an extraction which promised much, so she was bred in a school which taught more: to wit, in that of the most famous, eloquent and pious Camus bishop of Bellay, who was known to haue been a great lover, and practiser of poverty, and might easily theach her what himself practised, he being her spiritual director, till he delivered her up into Mr Vincents hands, where she was like to loose nothing in point of her propension to serve the poor. This virtuous lady, was the person pitched vpon by her present director as the prime instrument for the designed settlement. And certainly divine providence was as much in this choice, as her vndertakings were blessed with admirable success. For she being wholly addicted to the service of the sick, he trained her up in that way, to fitt her for some greater work for the future and made her make he first essays in the villages of diverse Dioceses, where there were otherwise noe hospitals to succour the poor and sick: as in that of Beauuais, Paris, Sanlys, Soisson, Meaux, Chaalons, and Charters. In all which with incredible pains, being only accompanied with some other gentlewomen, and a maid, she settled confraternities which last till this day. But while he and she had noe other design but this lowly way in the villages, God had a greater designs vpon them to bring it into the great town of Paris, where she is made the mother of a company of course country maids, which he invented for certain aids to the virtuous Dames of Paris, to the effect intimated as above.  
They are called maids or sisters of the charity, and were instituted by Mr Vincent to serve the poor, especially those that are sick, as he had already instituted Missions of men to preach to the poor. Mrs le grass was the woman who was put to instruct them in virtue, and to bread them up, and to fashion them to the end for which they are gathered together, to wit, to assist the Dames of Paris to serve the sick in their Parishes, in the hospitals, or where else they may be called. As they are brought up by that good mother in humility, patience, and painful labours, agreeable to their end, so are they suited to it in their attire, which is a plain course gray coat, without welt or gard, made close to their body, with a close plain chief to their head and their employment is to carry the pottage pot betwixt two of them, vpon a staff all up and down the parish( which they keep as bright as the hollander doth his anderns) and to distribute broth and meate, with other necessaries to the needy, according to the exigency of their several wants. This pot is prepared by turns in the burgishesse house of the confraternitie, who are liable to afford fire and seasoning, the rest being supplied by the mutual collections of the parish. Mr Vincents prudence and piety regulated all these proccedings by constitutions which he gave to the congregation or company of the said maids, of the charity, seruants of the poor which by his credit, he got to be approved by the archbishop of Paris, in the year 1642. and to be authorized and confirmed by the kings letters patents verified in the Parliament.   

Of an hospital of old men and women founded in S. Lazars suburbs by Mr Vincent. ARTICLE XV,  
LET him that is just be still more justified, and him that is holy be more and more sanctified, saith the word of truth. In charities commerce there is noe staying at a stand; if she cease to act, she ceaseth to bee, She perfectly well resembles fire which never leaves off burning, as long as it can meet with matter to work vpon. Thus it fared with this holy hart wherein charity reigned: he let noe occasion pass wherein he might render glory to God, and service to his poor neighbour. And as where charity is known perfectly to reign, she easily draws the hartes of all men to her service, so in this behalf, he was not obliged to go abroad to seek the occasion, but it was freely presented to him, without his care, or even the least thought of it. To wit, a good burgess of Paris came of his own accord, to Mr Vincents chamber, who, as it appears, had learnt the true way of trading for the kingdom of heaven( for he was not willing that his left hand should know what his right hand did, least vanity should rob him of some purt of his purchase) his money he was most willing to give him, or even to steal it vpon him; but he was not willing to lend his name to own the gift, but it was freely given, and vpon noe other condition, or obligation then this, that his name should never( be forgotten, would vanity haue indented) be known, as humility would haue it: and indeed it never was known to this day for he had met with a stewards who was noe less religiously careful in that behalf t●en himself: so that one may truly say ama nesciri& pro nihilo reputari, might haue been both their mottos and that so truly, that could the executor of that charitable work, haue been as easily concealed, as the giver therof; neither of their names, I dare well say, had ever been known. Be the glovers of such pure gifts blessed for ever, whose actions are so much more prayse-worthy, by how much the Donours aim at less praise.  
There was, it seems, noe less care used by the trustee to conceal the sum given, then the name of the pious giver, since it is shut up in these indefinite terms: A considerable sum yet the employment which the good steward made of it, will he nill he, discovers it to haue been so considerable, that it must needs haue passed one hundred thousand livres french, or ten thousand pistols: for with it, he purchased two houses, a competent garden, and furnished it with all necessaries, together with an answerable liuelyhoode for forty persons; to wit, twenty men and as many women, which where still to be poor old decayed tradesmen &c. All these he disposed of in two different houses, the women being separated from the men, which yet he contrived so ingeniously, that one mass said in a little chapel, and one reader at table served for them both. He deputed one of his Missioners to say their mass, to instruct them, and to administer the sacraments: and some of the sisters of the charity, to assist and serve them. This house he called the hospital of the name of Iesus; and passed a declaration of this foundation before Notaries, without the name of the Founder at all, that a new name may be given him in heaven. And it was approved by my lord archbishop of Paris, and ratified by the kings letters patents.   

Of the charities which he procured for the poor cryminells condemned to the Gallies. ARTICL XVI.  
WHILE he was setlinge a liuelyhoode for these poor artificers, who through their age were not able to gain their living, his compassion was called vpon, to assist others who are scarce worthy to li●e. These were the Gallislaues, whose double misery he eyd not withstanding with much pity. Comfort of conscience he knew they could haue none, being burdened with crimes: nor comfort of body, being loaden with chains, and excess of want and misery. And yet he knew too, that to eomfort the comfortless, be the subject what it will, never ceased to be a work of mercy. He doubted not but that their crimes well deserved what they suffered, and that a just verdict had condemned them to noe more then a condign punishment, in sending them to the Gallies. Yet he conceived withall that it was not the iudges sense, that they should perish at Paris, who were sentenced to suffer at Marseilles: and iudgement without mercy to those that show not mercy.  
He takes, then, their sad and comfortless condition seriously into his heart. He instantly applies his most humble submissions and suits to king Lowis the 13. and the Magistrates, in their be halse; and obtaynes the old tower at S. Bernards gate for their habitation, till they amount to a competent number to be sent away, according to custom. Thus by his care are they provided of lodgings. But where must food be found for body and soul? There is he called to a further solicitude, and charity, which never fails, finds it out▪ food for their bodys, for a while, issues out of his own, and Mrs le grass small stock. And for their souls, the pious priests of S. Nicholas de Chardonnet, and his own Missioners, plentifully furnishes. But soon after, the divine providence abundantly provides: for a person of Paris of a vaste fortune, left by last will and testament, 6000. l. a year for ever for the relief of those miserable creatures, whose deserts could lay clayne to nothing. This plentiful found is left under the administration of the procurator general of the Parliament for perpetuity. And whereas the said place of their abode, was in the parish of S. Nicholas de Chardonnet, the Curate therof was liable to administer the sacraments to them, and to bury then deade corps, which being a great burden for that poor little parish, Mr Vincent prevailed with the administrators to allow the said priests 300 l. per annum out of the Funde; vpon condition, that they should be obliged to say their mass, to exhort and catechize them; and perform other spiritual functions requisite, which they discharge most worthily, and with very great care and charity.  
Thus were the poor Gallerians well provided for during their stay at Paris. But what may become of them after their departure from their good foster-father, God knows. Yet as his providence reacheth from end to end mightily, and disposeth all things sweetly, he inspires his heavenly designs touching his creatures, into the hartes of second causes, to be executed by them. Tho they seem then to be separated from Mr Vincent, his solicitudes follow them, the golden chains of charity link him to their chains of iron to accompany them: nay his care runs before them to Marseilles to prepare them a better lodging then they could expect, or their unhappy predecessors ever enjoyed. To this indeed he was partly moved by a motive more human then ordinary, though otherwise a most Christian one. He had formerly been taken vpon the mediterranean sea, and carried slave into Barbarie, where he found but rude entertainment, so that he could say with the poet non ignora mali miseris succurrere disco.  

The taste I'ue had of their distress.  
Hath won my heart to their redress   
He forthwith applies himself to the most Eminent cardinal of Richelieu, who was then general of the Gallies, and to madam la duchess of Aiguillon, his virtuous niece: represents to them the miserable state of the Gallie-slaues; and the extreme want of a hospital for them, where they might be assisted in the time of their sickness. Their piety procured that such an hospital was built. Here again was a house, but other helps were, as yet, wanting. where vpon Mr Vincent had resourse to the bounty of that most constantly religious queen Regent, mother( to king Louis the 14. who now haply reigns) whose memory is in eternal benediction, to deal with him to become the Founder of this hospital; which was done accordingly, by his letters patents in the year 1645. and was endowed by his majesty with 12000. livres or 12. hundred pistols. The blessed effects of this royal charity you may partly know by a letter written to Mr Vincent, by a most charitable gentleman of Prouence, called Mr de la Coste, who had much contributed to that work. His letter was as follows.  
These are to give you an account of the progress of the hospital which was especially established by your procurement. You will haue understood by my last, how after much resistance, by the help of our lord and Master, they gave us up those that were sick in the Gallies. Certes I am not able to express the ioy which those poor slaves received, when they saw themselves transported from that hell, to the said hospital, which they term a Paradise, where, at their very entry, they seem cured of half their sickness, when they are freed from their vermin whereof they were full. Their feet are first washed, and then they are laid in a bed, a little softer then the board whereon they were wont to lie. And they are quiter ouerioyed to find themselves lodged, served, and treated, with a little more charity then they were in the galley, whither we haue sent back a number of conualescentes who had been deade if they had remained there. Truly sir we may well say that God hath blessed this work which appears not onely in the conversion of bad Christians, but even of the very Turkes who cry for holy baptism.  
The things which I haue hitherto related are part of the new, fresh, growing works of charity daily practised in Paris; and so placed in the clear light, and exposed to every ones view, that the height of malice hath noe specious ground to lie vpon. And vpon such works I am resolved especially to insist, least I might meet with the old song, the catholics indeed haue formely been very holy, but as truth is perished among them, so hath charity and sanctity forsaken them. As to truth perishing the contrary hath been again and again made good by better pens then mine, however mine hath not been wanting neither according to my smaler talent. But touching piety, &c. we wish noe other trial then the evangelical maxim: by their fruits you shall know them. And vpon this satisfactory way shall the rest of my labour be employed.  
I haue sometimes, vpon the contemplation of the great diversity of the Charities of Paris, passed some solitary moments, to try whether I could invent some new well employed charity which the ingenious piety of some good people had not already found out, and provided for: and truly I hardly find it feasible: whether it be in point of corporal or spiritual works of mercy. Such provisions are made both for body and soul, of persons of all ages, sexes, and conditions, and infirmities of all kindes; as in the series of this discourse will appear. Shall we begin with those which newly begin to fall into the miseries of this world? They are provided for, before they haue yet the sense to know it. Or else with those that haue so long experienced the said miseries, that they are become fitter for the grave then the world? There is provision also made for them, to live comfortably, and to end their dayes happily. To be short, the blind, the lame, the poor, the sick of what curable disease soever, find charitable retreats for their solace and relief. Nay the studious and inuentiue charity of some generous souls, striving to outuie( as it were) all the rest, haue founded a spacious and noble habitation for such as are past all hope of cure; where, in that deplorable and desperate condition, they are assisted and solaced with all the humanity and sweetness imaginable.   

Of the hospital of the holy Ghost situated near the town house, in a place called the grieve. ARTICLE XVII.  
TO begin then to declare the particular charity of Paris, how can we take a better rise then from the God of charity, or even God-Charitie the holy Ghost( whence this hospital takes its name) from whose holy inspirations, both this, and all other works of charity do originally flow. It is he who inspires the first good thought of it, he who works the will, and performance. Ipse facit vt faciamus. Saith S. Augustin.  
They that were thus inspired were a company of burgesses of good note, who were moved to compassion by a miserable spectacle of poor children, who through their parents death, or extreme want, were reduced to such poverty that they were ready to perish with hunger and could. They repaired to the bishop of the place, who erected a many of them into a Confraternitie to haue a joint care to relieve those poor children, which pious office till this day they charitably comply with, as their predecessors had done before them; and that so thoroughly too, that they gave them not onely their cares and pains, while they were strong, and well able; but even themselves too grown old, with all their substance; and so happily ended their dayes among them: and thereby it prospered, and grew up to what it now is.  
The establishment as it was begun for the necessity of the poor children of Parihs, so it is limited to them alone. In such sort that none can be admitted there, but children born in Paris or the suburbs, in lawful marriage, whose fathers and mothers are deade; bastards and others found in the streets being excluded, as well by the Rules of the house, as by the Kings letters patents. How beit these others are well provided for, as you haue seen above, by Mr Vincents care, and his good Ladys cost, which would properly haue belonged to this place, but that I was unwilling to divide what related to that holy man.  
These poor children qualified as above, are even taken from the breast into this hospital, where they are provided of nurses at the cost therof, and are carefully visited and treated. As they grow up, they are put to some trade, as well to masters who reside in the said hospital, as to others abroad.  
Such of the boyes, as they find of good wits, and otherwise capable, are bred up in learning, and become clergymen: or else, as well they, as the girls, are provided for in religion, at the charges of the hospital, if they haue a will and inclination to that holy course of life.  
The rest are disposed of to serve some persons of quality. The boyes which haue learnt any trade, are helped to pass Master. And the girls are assisted with some certain sum of money to mary them. And being come to lawful age, what ever they may haue brought with them, is restored to all of them in general without limitation.  
They are clothed in decent apparel, of a violet colour. There are at this day some 200. in the house. And besides those, as many as make up, in all about 230. or 240. at nurse? To all these the common Charities of Paris give subsistence.   

Of the hospital of the Blessed trinity in S. Denys street. ARTICLE XVIII.  
OCCASIONS, and emergent necessities furnish men with inventions, we being still called vpon by nature, to provide for that which we feel most press vpon vs. By the instinct of the holy spirit, there was already provision made for the poor fatherless children of Paris. But there were an abundance of others, in and about the town, who had both father and mother, and remained yet in a more lamentable condition, then those that are deprived of them both. These might perish indeed through want of succour, yet being in th●●r baptismal innocency, they would be eternally happy. whereas those others, by their necessitous and wicked parents, are trained up in idleness, ignorance, and malice, their parents own trade( made their miserable childs-parte) and by that bad Arte, to which they needed noe master, they become able cheats, cut purses, and theeues, and so by that accursed trading often gain a halter and hell to boot. The provost of the Marchands and Magistrates were excited by this probable occasion of future mischief to the city, to study the prevention of it, and to turn threatening mischief, to ptesent mercy. Which was done as follows.  
Two noble Almans, as it seems to be intimated, had long ago purchased two Acres of Land near S. Denys gate, out of a pious design to lodge poor pilgrims, who coming weary, might sooner meet with a lodging, then, in a manner, with the town itself. To this purpose they raised from the ground a noble faire Hall( together with some other buildings) of twenty one fathom and a half long, six in breadth, and four in height within. This in tract of time being put to idle, impertinent, and even profane uses, the Parliament and Magistrates, out of their wisdom and charity, rescued it out of profaneness, and applied it to the work of mercy, for which it now serves. To wit, they took all the boyes which passed seven yeares of age, out of their poor and ungodly parents hands, and placed them in this hospital, the care whereof was committed to five honest and able burgesses, who provided them of men and maids to serve them.  
As all beginnings are weak, so was this in particular: Their small beginning stock, would hardly reach to two meales a day, till the charity of some burgesses added to their small pittance.  
They are clad in blew coats and capps: and the place affords them food, and instruction, till they grow up to the yeares of discretion, and then they are bound apprentices to certain journeymen of diuers trades, who to this purpose are admitted to live in certain houses all within the compass of the hospital for certain yeares, and by that means to pass Masters. a privilege which the town allowed of, for the good of those poor children, who by this means are enabled to gain their liuelyhoode honestly by their Labours, without being a burden, or a mischief to be town, &c. They amount at present to the number of one hundred and fifty.   

Of the hospital of less enfans rogues, or Gods children, as a king of France would haue them called: in the street Portfoin near the Temple. ARTICLE XIX.  
PROVISION being already made, as you haue heard, for poor orfants of Paris as well boyes as girls; as also for boyes taken out of the hands of wicked parents, inuentiue charity sets vpon another hospital for the assistance of other fatherless, and motherless boyes, of the villages round about Paris, being about ten or twelve yeares of age, or under. This blessed work was founded by that virtuous Lady Margarite queen of Nauarre, and duchess of Bar, whom Bel foreste qualifies, The mirror of the ladies of her time. To this the charity of good people contributed, and intract of time built a new chapel and other lodgings. These are clothed in rede, to intimate charity, and as well these, as the blew boyes, gain parte of their liuelyhoode, by carrying torches at the fureralls of such as desire them. They are now onely about a matter of forty.   

Of the Hofpitall called the Misericorde or work of mercy. ARTICLE XX.  
charity still finds new work, and touches christian hartes to comply therwith. As it did that noble heart of the second President in Parliament Mr anthony Seguier by name, worthy uncle to his greatness the now chancellor of France,( of the same name) who follows his pious footestepps, as shall partly be declared hereafter. This Illustrious Patron left nothing undone which might contribute to the well, and permanent being of this great work, extending itself to the number of one hundred girls, who are plentifully provided of all things necessary. So that certainly this charity could not mount to less, all things considered, then to thirty or forty thousand pounds sterl a vast benevolence to come all from one bountiful hart and purse.  
For in the first place, he raised them a faire and regular house from the ground, with a very decent and competent chapel thereto adjoining. The house consists of three quarters( a body, as it were, and two arms) the fourth quarter being industriously left vnbuilt, to receive the mornings sun, and so to afford a wholesome air to those young children. It contains in the first story( the lower rooms being employed for refectory, worke-house, kitchen, washouse and other offices) four great chambers, singularly well peirsed and aired: in every one whereof there are 25. iron beds with white coverlets, each one having her bed a part. They are, modestly, handsomely, and wholsomely attired in violet cloth, and decent linen, and well fed.  
Secondly he hath ordered that they shall all of them be such as want both father and mother: natives of Paris town or suburbs: begotten in lawful marriage, and destitute of all assistance.  
Thirdly they must be six or seven yeares old before they can be admitted, where they are entertained till they be twenty five( unless haply they haue leave for their own advantage to go to some religious house which desires them, or to some good lady, gentlewoman, or Bourgesse to serve them, or to learn some trade by their means, and assistance) and furnished with all necessaries. They haue over each chamber a mistress to keep good order among them, and to bread them up in virtue, and all convenient works, under the conduct of a grave Gouernante, and learned doctor of Sorbone, the chief governor therof 2 fourthly at their departure, the house allows each one an hundred franks to help to settle them in the world, in marriage, or otherwise.  
Finally the wise Founder of it, bequeathed it to the direction and care of diuers counsellors and Masters of Request, whereof a person of honour Mr Montholon was the chief in his kind; as a grave and learned doctor of Sorbon is always to be the chief and immediate governor, especially in spirituality. The first President of the Parliament, and the procurator general, are also Surintendants( honorary) of this place.   

Of the charities done to the English monastery called our B. Ladys of Sion by Monsiegneur Peter Seguier chancellor of France, Luke and Pair &c. ARTICLE XXI.  
IT had pleased God in his providence to make use of the singular credit which the grave doctor Richard Smith, bishop of Calcedoine had with the great cardinal Richelieu, to procure the English nation an entry into France, in point of foundations of Monasteries of religious women, in the year 1634. which till that time was shut to them. The first that enjoyed this grace, were the Chanonesse Regulars of S. Augustines Order, who now live in the monastery of our Ladys of Sion near S. Victors gate, under the gouuernement of madam mary Tredway of noble extraction, who was their first abbess and even still gouuerns successfully till this day. The foresaid most Eminent cardinal prevailed with the Christian king Lowis the 13. for his letters parents in her name; as also with Mons. de Gondy the most illustrious archbishop for his permission and spiritual establishment: all which were afterward verified in Parliament. under this ample establishment, they went prosperously on in their holy calling, and by much care and frugality, they lived competently and contentedly of the small pensions and portions, which every one brought; without being burdensome to any, here or else where( for settled foundation, or even any thing towards it, they never had any) They wrought indeed at that time, according to their Rule and constitutions, as well to avoyde idleness, as to make ornaments for their young chapel, never for any money at all, till by the calamity of the wars both here and in England, they were reduced to a necessity to practise a lesson which they had never learnt among their noble parents,( who were wont to live in plenty, far above the reach of want, as is well known). That is, to employ their hands to contribute to their lively hood, which they did, and do till this day, w●h much sweet resignation and virtue, and noe less edification to all prudent persons and benedictions from heaven vpon their willing endeavours: for indeed some yeares did pass, wherein they scarce received sufficient to maintain their agent, tho the most of their means was left at perpetuity in their honourable and rich friends hands, to raise a standing subsistence. But where the rage of violent rebells left them but little, much could not be had, nor indeed even any thing for some yeares space, when rebellion was at the height. In the mean time a great number of fifty and more poor gentlewomen, being cut oft from their own, are left to Gods providence among strangers.  
Nor can we justly doubt, but that sweet providence which extends itself to the feeding of the inconsiderable birds of the air, failes not in extremities to assist those who in the first place make it their business to seek the kingdom of God, and his iustice: and fail not withall to contribute what they are able to their necessary subsistence, by the moderate labours of their hands in calamitous times. Worthily therefore may they think, that in that coniunture, Gods providence guided that famous chancellor to their poor house, of which haply he had never heard, till a good neighbour the Apelles, or rather the Raphel, of our Age Mons. le Brune, who had the honour of his presence at dinner with him, out of his own goodness, without any application or knowledge of theirs moved his greatness to hear their music at evensong; which he did, and pleased to seem well satisfied therwith. After which he had the singular goodness, of his own accord, to call for the superior, and rather graciously to offer his charitable assistance, then to stay till he were sued to for it. For madam, says he, I beleeue in this time who says English says poor, the abbess replyd, my Lord, it is but too true. Why then, quoth he, did you make noe application to me? Alas, said she my Lord, our small acquaintaine affords us noe such happiness as to haue access to your greatness: yet in very deed our real wants calling sensibly vpon us, we moved our good friend my Lord montague in it. He is my good friend too, replied he, but truly he never mentioned it, and said merrily, reproach him with it. How beit my said good Lord by his diligence( whose known zeal needs noe spurring in point of charity) prevented our reproach for the next news we heard, brought us one thousand livres from my Lord Chancelours bounty, by his hands, and with in the same year, as much more as made it near vpon 4000. livres or 400. pistols, together with the continuation of his frequent charities, honours, and gainful visits of all his numerous and illustrious family, his powerful favour and protection vpon all emergent occasions; so that to Gods honour and his( be it always kept in a grateful memory by us his most obliged beads women) be it known, that that singularly amiable visit of his, has been worth to there poor house, above a thousand pistols, which still till this day grows to more and more. sweet Iesus grant that he and his, may live prosperously, and in the top of honour, and crown his charities with eternal glory.   

Of the hospital in S. germans suburbs called la petite Maison. ARTICLE XXII.  
THE children of both sexes being well provided for, as above, the charity of the good Magistrates was called to the care of poor aged and distressed persons as well men as women, whose age and impotency hindered them to gain their living. They are divided into two quarters, the men living a part from the women. This house was for the most part as well built as endowed by the bountiful charity of Mr Boulencour counsellor to the king, and President of his Chamber des counts, who erected many lodgings, and chambers for the lame and impotent &c.  
They are furnished with meate, drink, and all things necessary from the Grand Bureaux des pauures, as it is commonly called, which is, in effect the great Court of Audience in order to works of charity: of which I intend to make a particular description here after.  
Further this hospital receives poor vagabonds, as well boyes as girls, who haue gotten scald pates, by lying in the streets, or under shop stalls or otherwise, who are diligently dressed, purged, and frequently cured, as it hath happened to above 200. in this place.  
Here are also received poor women who are subject to the falling sickness, as also others who are distracted, and run up and down the streets in a frantic manner: who yet by good usage, are often in length of time, recovered to their wits.  
The Grand Bureau de pauures, provides this house of a governor who is at present a very able surgeon, who out of his singular charity makes choice to dwell amongst those miserable creatures, the better to be able to assist them. And he is so far from in. riching himself by his loathsome practise, that contrarily he freely spends his own fortunes vpon them, in making many medicaments and compositions, with hopes to cure their desperate infirmities( as it often happens) or at least to solace their pains. This good man has another of the same profession to assist him in that blessed employment. He lives near to the place, and fails not to be with them every day, or even as oft as he is called for, to apply the remedies which the other provides, according to his order.  
And whereas this place serves also for a house of correction, there are two prisons to tame incorrigible persons; and to that effect there are four Porters taken out of charity( by reason of some infirmity) as the rest are, who are ordered to watch over the comportmentes of the poor, in point of words, or actions, or any inveterate 'vice they may haue contracted in their rude education, and accordingly to reprehend them by the Gouernours direction. This is not one of the least charities of Paris, by reason of the strange subiects they are to deal withall, where of some through their decrepit age need continual assistance: others in respect of their irregular and accidental diseases must alwages haue eyes vpon them: others want wit either to assist themselves, or to render themselves capable of assistance without much labour: and others finally through their rudeness and incorrigibleness, deserve noe assistance at all, unless charity taught christians to render good for evil. And to serve jesus-christ in the worst of his members.   

Of the hospital of the 300. blind men commonly called the Quinzevingt, or the 15. times twenty. ARTICLE XXIII  
HITHERTO we haue seen young and old; men and women; fatherless and motherless boyes and girls; well provided for, by the piety of Paris: it must also extend itself to their comfort who are even deprived of the comfort of the light. This was long ago the care of a great king and S. Lowis, who was the first Foundour of this spacious family. The first occasion of it, as is delivered by Belleforest in the first Tome of his annals, was the misfortune of three hundred gentlemen who having been left Hostages in the Holy Land, by the said king, were treacherously and cruelly sent home to him with their eyes put out, for whom he made this place.  
He built them a large church in a place as then a wood, which is in riched with many holy relics. whereof the most precious, are: a piece of our saviours cross Bones of saint Stephen and S. Lambert. A piece of the same S. Stephen first Martyr, as also of S. Matthew the Apostle and S. Blaise. Bones of S. Laurence. Bones of S. John, S. paul, S. Martin and S. hilary, with many more.  
This church is enriched also with may graces and pardons from Rome, granted by Pope Alexander at this holy kings instance, which for the better understanding of Indulgences, so well expressed by this B. Pope, above 400. yeares ago, I haue thought good to give in English word for word as we haue it in the said Bull.  
Alexander bishop, seruant of the seruants of God, health and apostolical Benediction to his most dear and Illustrious ●onne in Christ Lowis king of France. Tho he from whose gift it comes, that his faithful do serve him worthlilye, and laudably, doth, out of the abundance of his piety( which outstrips as well the deserts and desires of the suppliantes) confer more vpon such as serve him, then they can any way merit. Yet desiring to render an acceptable people to God, we invite them to please him, as it were, by certain alluringe presents, to wit by Indulgences, and remissions cte. that they may be thereby more fitted to Gods grace. whereas therfore( as it was exposed to us from you) you haue made a house for the blind of Paris, and built them a church, we desiring that it may be honourably frequented, haue releesed one yeares pardon of the penance which was enjoined, out of Gods mercy, relying vpon the authority of the B. Apostles S. Peter and S. paul, to all those that are truly penitent and confessed, and yearly visit your church to the honour of S. Remy( the Patron therof) vpon the day of his translation, and three monthes immediately following. Datum Anagniae 6. call. Aug. Pont. 6. anno.  

Of the blind men Boterays writes in latin verse to this effect  
With in these walls  
Three hundred blind are found.  
Which holy Lowis  
His charity did found.  
In lyuerie gown  
And st●ffe in hand. O strange!  
They lonely through  
The cities Didalls range.  
Before the day peeps out  
They're up and gone  
( For dayes and nights  
To those poor souls, are one)  
To grope out Churches  
By the guessing aid  
Of their discreeter staff,  
Their way is made.  
It proves their eyes,  
Their whole support and strength  
Through th'Maze of streets  
to bring them home at length.  
They every chapel  
Church, and altar find.  
Each corner of the town;  
Their staffs not blind.  
Tho eyes they'ue none.  
Their learned tongue can prove  
Their crying wants;  
And store of brass is thrown  
Into their brazen dish:  
Which they, at leisure  
Repairing home;  
add to their common treasure.  
So that their staff,  
Their hands and feet, do give  
What eyes refused;  
Enough whereon to live,  
Being joined to that  
Their royal Foundour gave  
Which then sufficd,  
But now more aid doth crave.  
Be Paris blessed,  
Whose pious hartes can find,  
wherewith to feed the sick,  
The lame, the blind.    

Of the hospital called the Preuidence. ARTICLE XXIV  
I had the happiness to be in person at the establishment of this pious place: where I saw a great solemnity, the chapel being very richly adorned, and set out with dainty mathematical devises, the music excellent, and the sermon most eloquent, made by that famous preacher Mr Lingende bishop of Sarlate. To wit. that most imcomparably virtuous queen Regent, Anne d'Austrice, was there present not onely to grace the solemnity, but even bountifully and religiously to found the hospital, bestowing a house and spacious garden vpon the inhabitants, situated in S. Marceaux suburbs, and erecting it into a seminarie, where there are always about 80. in number.  
In this are settled a company of grave maids, who live most regularly and exemplarlie in a secular state, being very gravely and modestly attired, after the manner of good widows in the world.  
Their blessed employment is, to receive, gratis, instruct, and direct( in order to their present and future happiness) certain poor maids, who are destitute of Parents and means, and consequently run great hazard, to loose that which can never afterwards be recovered; and to be put with all, togeitherwith that irreparable loss, into the high way of perdition. But Gods providence so ordered, that they were delivered from the snare of the Fowlers, and they can happily sing with the Psalmist: the s●are is bro●ē, and we are delivered.  
mean while all the other pious inventions of Paris, had not reached to the prevention of this danger: for however there are multitudes of hospitals for the education of poor girls of a meaner condition, yet these being, for the most parte, gentlewomen of noble extraction and condition, hospitals would but very ill suit with hartes born to better, which according to human frailty flesh and blood can not easily forget. This therefore was left to the ingenious and noble charity of a royal breast, Anne of Austrice, who as she had a heavenly patroness, that was the mother of the immaculate virgin, so was she a fitt patroness to protect Virgines in earth.  
It was her care then, and withall liberality, which provided them of this safe sanctuary, where they are secured from the arrow flying in the day, from business walking in the night, from invasion, and the midday devill. And while they happily live in this holy vacancy from danger, they so improve themselves in virtue, and fine works, that some of them become capable thereby, to be admitted into some charitable monastery: others in time, meet with marriages suitable to their conditions, and some finally by their ripeness in virtue, and care to follow the foostepps of their Mistresses, are judged fitt to be made Mistresses themselves, and to remain there, to exhibit the like charity to others, as they themselves had received.   

Of the hospital name la charity in S. Germain● suburbs. ARTICLE XXV.  
THIS is governed by a certain company of Religious men of the Order of a holy man called blessed jean de Dieu, or John of God, the first institutor of the same, under the Rule of S. Augustine. They add to the three essential vows of religion, that of serving the sick all their life long. An excellent Institute, and a resolution worthy of true Christians, who give to the world a convincing testimony thereby, that the love of God is in their hartes, since purely for the love of him whom they see not, they love his little ones whom they see: and not in bare words, and discourse, but in the deed doing, and in truth, since the performance of the work, is an infallible proof of the truth of love.  
The extent of their Charities goes thus far, that they admit of all poor sick, and wounded persons, of the Male sex, without exception, save onely such as haue incurable, or contagious diseases.  
The hospital itself is nobly built, well situated, and as neatly kept as most private houses in the town. What is wholly deputed to the use of the sick, consists of three long galleries or Halls. whereof the greatest conteynes eighty four very handsome beds, with decent curtins, and is especially employed to receive honest poor Burgesses, whose house it may seem to be( so ordinarily are they lodged there.) The second is garnished with 32. beds equal to the former; and it is wholly allotted for wounded men. The third conteynes 22. beds, and is for young boyes who are cut for the stonne.  
As to their manner of receiving the sick, it is full of humility and myldnesse. At their arrival one of the religious washes their feet, which was the ancient and good manner of hospitality. Then they are laid in a bed alone, as all the rest are( save the little children) with faire clean sheets, clean shirts, pillibeers, night-cappes, and a table-napkin: as also a night gown, pantoples, a basin to spit in, and a pot and a cup to drink in.  
Their manner of treating the sick, is, to haue them visited by the doctor every day once at least, accompanied by the Infirmarian, the the apothecary, and the Surgeon, who orders what physic they are to take, what to eat, drink, &c. And still from three houres to three houres, they take some thing or other to refresh and comfort them; as new-layed eggs, broth, a coulis, gelee, or comfeitures. In fine those, good religious never desert them day nor night, but watch with them by turns.  
For the good of their souls they are auertised vpon their first coming, to prepare themselves to make a general confession, as the most excellent and necessary remedy, Gods merciful providence oft permitting our corporal sicknesses, for the cure of our spiritual infirmities. Either then presently, in case they be dangerously sick, or at least the next day, they receive the holy communion, which is brought to them by the priest before mass, being accompaigned by all the religious which go all processionally( with waxe-candles in their hands) singing the pang lingua, and Veni Creator. Afterwards they hear mass every day, which is said in the same place, with many other antems and prayers saying by the Religious. They are also taught their Christian doctrine, thrice a week, and besides that a religious is appointed to instruct them more particularly in point of their prayers, the Sacraments, &c.  
Before dinner and supper they are ordered to say Pater and Aue, for their benefactors, while the Religious recite the Psal. Miserere, and De Profundis, and then they wash their hands, and hear the blessing of the table said with a loud voice.  
When any one is dangerously sick, and drawing towards his agony, all the religious are called together by rynging the bell, and come with lighted tapers in their hands, to say the prayers appointed by the Church in such circumstances. That done there is a religious left with them, to assist and comfort them till death.  
Being deade, they are decently and religiously brought out and butted; all the Religious being present with lighted torches in their hands, who say the office of the deade, and sing the mass of Requiem for the good of their souls.  
And indeed all things are so well disposed in this place, and even so gently, regularly, and religiously, as to all conveniences, which concern either body or soul, that I haue oft times seen, not onely good Burgesses, but withall persons of great quality, make choice of it in their sickness. And some of thē were so much edified with that religious traictement, that a pious Knight of England returned home so well seasoned with the agreeable odour of that excellent charity, which he saw done to any without exception) that by his last will and Testament he bequeathed 900. liu. ster to that blessed place.   

Of the hospital general. ARTICLE XXVI.  
HITHERTO hath my pen been employed in the description of the lesser hospitals, which I looked vpon as the smaler brooks which fruitfully water the poor mans field: but now I am falling into a Vast Ocean of Charities, where it is hard to discover either land or limit It is called, but one( hospital general) but branches itself into six vaste places. That which bears the name, and has the surintendance of all the rest, is situated in S. Victors suburbs( close by the Abbaye of that name) and is known by a more particular name, our Ladys of pity, which the Masters and administrators of the place built, having to that purpose, bought diuers houses and gardens, and allotted them all to receive, lodge, and nourish poor old women, and young girls, whereof there are at this hour twelve hundred and odd.  
The hospitals depending vpon this, are, the Salpetriere, Biscestre, Scipion, the Teignierie, and the Sauonnerie. In which six places, above 8000. poor creatures are contained, and maintained at present, by the care of the king, and the Magistrates, and the free and common charities of all the people, which is received in small trunks or boxes, placed in Churches and shops, all the town over.  
The Salpetriere is far the most ample of all these places, being built from the ground in a faire and regular quadrangle, and is capable of four or five thousand persons. It is finely situated in a meadow, by the ryver side, over against the arsenal. It was especially deputed to the use of vagabonds and beggars, which importuned and infested all Paris, whither they swarmed from all the provinces. It is divided, in the use of it, into three quarters. One quarter is employed to logde poor families not otherwise able to live. Another for men who are obliged to work according to their abilities. And the third for little girls, even from two yeares old.  
Scipion is in S. Marceaux suburbs, and is wholly employed in a work of singular charity. To wit, poor women with child who haue not means at home to be brought to bed, are freely received there, brought to bed, and lie inn, being provided of nurses and all things fitting in such a condition.  
The Castle of Biscestre, is an ancient building standing a little out of S. Victors suburbs. It is for those who haue strength and ability to work. There are in it at this time, about 1800. men, who are kept closely to the exercise of their diuers trades.  
The Teignerie is in S. germans suburbs, and is employed to keep 120. who are troubled with scald heads. As the sauaterie is allotted for the charitable entertainment of 60. poor sicklie boyes.  
Now as this is the thing of most public and general concern of all the rest, as being a royal establishment, and royally endowed by his majesties liberal concessions in many kinds. And as the end of it, is, not onely to relieve the poor for the present but to prevent poverty and beggary for the time to come, great arte and industry is used, to train up the younger sort in such manufactures, as may always afford them an honest liuelyhoode: and others, who though strong and lusty, and well able to work, yet choosed rather to live in idleness, and beg their bread, are now taught, and forced to gain it by their labours. Which, that it might be followed without any interruption, it is ordered by public authority, that when any of them chances to be sick, they are transported to the Hostel Dieu that general Refugium afflictorum which never refuseth any.  
Hence it is that the greatest officers of his majesties Courts of Iustice, Magistrates, &c. are entrusted and take a religious concern in the management of this vaste work, in quality of honourable Suruisours, having store of able, honest, and intelligente Burgesses, to put in in execution, what by their frequent assemblies, and conferences, is found most conduceing to the public wealefare.  
And noe less care is taken for the spiritual aduancement, of those laysie vagabonds, who were too neglectfull of their souls good, and would willingly haue loitered it out, in the streets, and by corners, with too probable hazard of eternal perdition, had they not been forced in, according to the gospel, with faire hopes to gain the day-pennie of Beatitude. This care is principally left to the wise conduct of a doctor of Sorbon of great learning and virtuous reputation. His name is Mr Polier governor of this hospital in chief; director of the visitation; and of the Carmelits. He humbles himself to take a place, and live among these poor beggars. Which as it is a place of little splendour, so proves it to him of less emolument, save onely that it affords him full utterance for ten or twelve thousand franks a year, which he stood possessed of, in patrimony or benefice, before he embraced that dear beggarly inditement. Blessed is the man that walketh not after gold, nor placeth his hopes in the heaps of treasure: Mr Polier is he, and we will praise him. And right well may we, since he gives not onely what he has, but even what he is, himself, which is harder to be partend withall. He gives over his time to the necessities of the poor, and sacryficeth his repose to their rest. He has the solicitudes of all the six places vpon his own shoulders, being assisted with a matter of twenty pious Priests, who incessantly, under his directiones, preach, teach, instruct, comfort, confess, communicate, &c. who but the catholic Church alone, is able to show, such fruits; such men; such manners; such assistances, shown to the poor for Gods pure love alone?  
Here I must not omit to relate to Gods glory, and the honour of those excellent Ladys of the charity, so often mentioned above with deserved commendations; that they were the first mouers to this vaste work: for so I find it, in the first book and 45. chapter of Mr Vincents life, who was often, in their weekly charitable assemblies, solicited, yea importuned by them, to give way to, and accompany their zeal in that kind. But his grave counsel still was, that they went too fast a place for him( whose custom was to walk slowly) to keep company with them, That it was a business of so great importance, and so vast extent, whether one looked vpon the manner how to compass it, or the means to maintain it, that it required a long and mature deliberation. For the rest, that he was singularly edified with their zeal, and infinitely blessed God in it. And truly he had great reason to praise God, who had so inflamed and dilated the hartes of those good ladies, that they used more industry to be delivered of their means to pious uses, then even the most covetous wretch to scrape it together. The first lady that spoken, had a mind to be quit of fifty thousand livres which she freely offered. The second was ready to oblige herself to give three thousand livres annual rent in fine, they assured him again and again, that there should be noe want of means, since many ladies of their acquaintance were resolved to contribute in a very large measure. Good Mr Vincents most tender heart was noe longer able to resist so deliciously wounding assaults, which he so visibly discovered to proceed from their love to God in their poor neighbour, where his saintly soul was inseparably lodged. In a word, he gave way to their invincible fervour to get utterance for their moneys. And to give testimony for his own part that he was noe less sure then slow, and that at long running he was able to overtake the swifteste charity. Where vpon he had presently recouse to that heauen-borne breast, the queen Regente, and obtained, of her free charity, the salpetriere, as he had before the castle of Biscestre, which he and those virtuous Ladys, vpon better consideration, and second thoughts, freely consigned up into the hands of the Magistrates, who had not only stronger arms( for stronger and more courageous hartes they could not haue) to wealde so heavy a frame, but by their power withall they were able to call many hands to lighten the burden.  
mean while those mulieres forts, valiant women, would not be quit beaten back. What they were not able wholly to grasp with weak arms, they would not fail to haue a finger in. Nay they threw notable sums into stronger hands: not much caring, by whom, so God his work were done. By their own, and good fathers, care and coste then, a great quantity of linen, beds, and other movables, together with ten thousand shirts, by number, were provided for Gods new house-keepers, to make the poor welcome never was poverty so competently fitted, by so great Ladys dainty hands; who haue opened them to the needy, and stretched out their palms to the poor. Let their works praise them in the gates, of heaven.   

Of the great hospital called l'Hostel-Dieu, or Gods house in Englishe, ARTICLE XXVII  
THE perfect description of this vaste family may well be called Hic labour, Hoc opus, a work rather to be admired, then to be expressed to the full. It is a sea which still so ebbs and flows, that it is continually high water, still a full sea there. Scarce a day in the year passes, but there are 50. 60. 80. or some times 100 new comers, and haply too, a like number may depart to make place for their poor neighbours, whether as being recovered, and sent back to their own houses, or being sent to their graues. In a word this sea is ever so growing, and so grown, that 20. at least, or 25. thousand, come and return, or die in a yeares space. But who are they who receive all these multitudes of people I pray? who are they, of what town or country? What are they, of what sex age or condition? What kind of infirmity brings them thither? Of what religion must they be? With what letters commendatarie must they come to be admitted?  
The answers to these Querees will fully evidence the boundelesse charity of this blessed house, and show it to be Gods House indeed which is shut up from none. Gods I say, who opens his hand and replenisheth every creature with benediction: who is noe accepter of persons, but maketh his sun to rise vpon the good, and the bad: and raineth vpon the just and the unjust.  
Whence are they whom they receive? That question is never asked in this place. They see them to be men, and consequently to be their neighbours, according to S. Augustins general rule, every man is neighbour to every man, without exception: and if neighbours, those then whom God hath commanded them to love.  
Of what town or country? that they judge not necessary neither, because sith all the waste world is the wise mans country, all the inhabitants of the world, are their country men, unless, haply, that question be asked that they may be better enabled to understand them, and serve them by the help of some interpreter, whom their charity has ready, or endeavours to find out, to which effect I myself haue been sent for.  
Who are they? That again as little troubles the good creatures. They see poor Christ in their infirmity and poverty,& he has just title to enter into his own house. Be they men, be they women; be they old be they young; be they poor be they rich; it imports not; if they be onely sufficiently sick, they are fitt matter for their spiritual commerce, and in that name alone sufficiently commended to them: they haue quarters a part for both sexes, and hartes dilated by charity, even ready to lodge more then their otherwise vast house is capable of. Whence it is that they lay sometimes two, yea or three poor boyes in own bed, vpon which I haue observed some protestant lookeing still a squinte, eye that particular with more scandal, then all those and other excesses of charity with edification. O curuae in terris ainae& coelestis inanis! o animalis homo! o animal, or carnal man, who inderstands not what belongs to the spirit? Did they importune any body to come to oppress them with an overplus of labour? Or must charity be blamed because she has a latitude of heart to suffer all, to solace all, to do good to all? Must they be blamed for choosing rather to save the lives of two in one bed, then to suffer one of them to die on a dunghill, or in a ditch? Credat judeus appella haud ego.  
What kind of infirmity renders them capable of being admitted there? marry even every one. Old age, which is itself a disease; fevers, gouts, proxes, the ston, wounds received in wars, or by misfortune; any thing, in fine, which either Hypocratis or Galian undertook to cure, save onely the plague or pistolence. Nor do they except against them neither for their own particular safety, but for the safety of all, since while they refuse them there, they go to receive, to assist, and serve them, at the hospital of S. Lowis, which is allotted for that purpose alone. In which heroical service, as it is observed, though diuers of them haue been strucken therwith, as some of themselves assured me, yet never any of them dyed therof. Sit nomen Domini benedictum.  
With what commendatarie letters must they come accompanied? Verily with noe other but their crying miseries, seconded with the king of heauens letters patents written by one of the penmen of the holy G. S. Matth. saying, in the person of Christ, What you did to these little ones, you did to me. How can ever a more powerful commendation be addressed to any Christian heart?  
Of what religion must they be? Here indeed, it seems they might make a refusal not irrational; since being sometimes infidels, they haue but a weak claim to Christian charities, while they deny Christ: or being protestants, and not communicating with them in the sacraments, in unity of faith, why should they share with them in the charitable fruits therof? Nay since they obstinately deny the merites of good works, in opposition to holy scripture, they merit not at all to participate therein. How ever, none are refused by them, who haue learnt of their holy father, that to assist and do good to every one, tho they had otherwise hurt us, or wished our harm, is the true, perfect, and onely religion.  
According to this vaste, illimited, Christian way, of charity they proceed. And as they keep always a free and open House, so they never want good store of guests who eat, and drink, and repose therein, without ere reckoning with their Host, its Gods house, and God pays all. Their ordinary numbers are always vaste; they haue rarely less then 1700. or eighteen hundred; often times 2000. nay sometimes they pass three thousand, as I was certainly informed by one of the doctors therof. Yet that great Prouisour who with five barley loaves and two fishes could sociate a far greater multitude in the wild desert, can when he pleaseth, and doth in due time, open the hartes and purses of the good Parisians to feed those huge numbers of his distressed members.  
And however their constant annual revenues mount to an immense sum, to wit, to two hundred fifty eight thousand three hundred and therteene livres french, as it is stated by the administrators of the place, yet are they still obliged to haue their hands up to their heavenly forterfather for sixty seven thousand three hundred livers( some times less, some times more) in common yeares, which yet out of his singular mercy, never fails to rise out of the free charity of particular persons.   

Of the first and principal Founders or benefactors of this place, as I find it in the Antiquities of Paris. ARTICLE XXVIII.  
IN the year 660. S. Landry the 28. bishop of Paris, in the reign of king Clouis the second, was the first who put a hand to this holy work, now called Gods house, where he nourished the poor out of his own reuenus. This we find recorded in these terms: S. Landry commanded the hospital, commonly called the house of God, to be built near our ladys Church, and maintained the poor out of his own stock.  
In the year 1258.( according to Gaguin) S. Lowis king of France, employed a great sum, to enlarge the said hospital, and to augment the reuenus therof, as saith William Nangis in his life.  
The chapel was built by a Bourgisse of Paris name Gudart Mocreux as appears vpon a plate of brass, in old rhymes.  

A certain Mocreux by surname,  
A master changeur of good famed  
This chapel in Gods house did make  
May he in's glory ere partake.   
In the year of our Lord 1535. chancellor Pratte, who was afterward cardinal, and Legate in France, made this hospital be very much amplified, by the addition of one spacious room which is called the Legates Hall. He gave withall a great substance to maintain the poor of the place, the Religious women, who serve them: and the surgeons, doctors, and to buy physic.  
In the year 1602. king Henry the great, caused the great and little Hall of S. Thomas to be re-edified. They were begun the foresaid year and were finished in the year 1606. together with the three massy pillars which were raised out of the river.  
Thus by many hands, and sundry additional endeavours, at diuers times, it grew up at length into a huge bulk: yet for all that, it was neither answerable to their large hartes, who haue the care of it, nor to the vaste number of the poor and needy which continually superabounds. What did provident and vaste charity, which will be confined within noe bounds, suggest in these straittes? marry, whereas the land could allow them noe elbo-roome, the place being limited on all sides( to wit with two streets, our ladys church, and the river) they forced the river to afford them place making a bridge over the back of it, vpon which they haue gained a faire, large, and long gallery, and by that again, they discovered a way open to a greater enlargement: for having purchased a company of old buildings on the other side of the water, they raised vpon their ruins a stately vaste, and even a royal quarter, consisting of three most spacious Halls, all of hewn ston. Nor are these and the old halls divided by the river, but it is even it, which affords a faire large court in the middle of them; which is noe less agreeable to the eye then useful for the ficke to take the air, and to air the whole house.   

Of the number of the diuers halls and offices, and the disposition therof. ARTICLE XXIX.  
ALL the anciët building consists of four great Halls, and seven offices. The legates Hall and the new Hall are appointed for sickewomen. The Hall of women brought to bed, is assigned for their lying inn The Hall of the infirmerie, is allotted for men that are most sick. The office of S. Denys, is for those that are wounded. The office of S. Thomas, for sickemen. The office belonging to Dame prioress and three other Religious, is employed to wind the deade. The office of the washe-house, is used to dry the linen of the sick, and that of the community. The office of the Watchers, for those who watch with the sick fifteenne nights together. The office of her who keeps the trunk and the relics, and dresses the Church, for that use. The office of the Porter, is deputed to receive the sick, to see them visited, lodged, and confessed: who is withall to give out bread and wine for them. There is also an Apothecairerie, where ointments, salves, and medicinal drogues are kept in a readiness. A great wash house for all the clothes in general. A little one, where thrice a day they wash the linen of such as are more grievously sick. The vesterie, out of which the sick are furnished with beds, which yet might rather be called the trash house wherein all the poor people's riches, I mean, their rags, are kept for their use. There are also many more places, for the Priests( who are ten constantly, besides many others who out of their particular devotion come frequently to instruct and comfort the sick) and domestical seruants &c. as every one will easily conceive. There are also four doctors of physic entertained in ordinary, with surgeons to the number of twelve.   

Of the number and quality of those who tend the sick ARTICLE XXX.  
ALL these Halls, and offices, and all these multitudes of sick and lame creatures, are looked to, tended, and provided for, by the painful and perpetual labours of about 100. virtuous Nuuns of S. Augustines order( who make their solemn profession of the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, in the presence of the dean and Canons of our Blessed Lady, who haue all spiritual and temporal jurisdiction in this place). These few religious virgines( few, I say, compared to the vast numbers of the sick) freely renouncing their own liberty, and all hopes of worldly preferment, to become the seruants of the most poor and despicable seruants of God: that I may not say, their slaves, since a more abject and slavish life can hardly be devised. Whence Boterays, an ancient poet, admiring the charity, and constancy of the said Religious women who serve the sick amid so much filth and infection, expresses himself in four latin verses to this effect.  

They make themselves the slaves of sick and lame,  
To dress the loathsome sores, we scarce dare name.  
Their balm is gore; their civet festered wounds;  
Hence th'odour of their virtue more abounds.   
But what do these good religious perform in particular, or rather what disgustfull drudgeries, abiections, and humiliations are they not liable to? They wash all the clothes, of those multitudes of nasty, goarie, impotent, and even, too often, impudent people. I haue some times been a spectator of the painful labours of those poor maids in the most rigorous could of winter, if not with edification, certainly not without confusion to myself and others, to see them strive to purchase the same heaven we all pretend to, at so dear a rate, while we are confident to buy it for a song At so dear a rate, I say, speaking according to flesh and blood, though otherwise it bears noe proportion to that ineffable, eternal, weight of glory we all aim at. Truth out of the Apostles mouth, puts is out of doubt, the passions, afflictions, or sufferances of this time, are not condign, or any way comparable, to the greatness of the future glory which shall be revealed in vs. Thence they stand in the river all the day long in great stiff bootes, not unlike to those of fisher men, be it frost, or snow, or blow what weather it will, they are hard at it, with their beetles in their hands, being many times all garnished round about their habits with isheakles, the rude winters cristalls, or river diamonds. To wit they haue some thousands of sheets and shirts to wash, such( which I leave to every ones imagination) as come from the beds, and backs of those poor, sick, wounded and dying wretches. Certainly nothing but the unction of the holy spirit could ever sweeten, or even render tolerable, such abject and loathsome employments.  
Further they must every one in their turns serve them with their meate, deinke, and all things necessary. They must turn and wind them in their beds, make the same, dress their scabbs, and wounds &c. watch them amid the ghastly horror of the night, where death is domineering in the Hall round about them: finally assist them dying in great numbers, wind their deade bodies, and sand them to their graues.  
This is truly so admirable, as it would hardly be thought credible, were it not every day obvious to the eyes of all comers: and more admible would it yet appear, were it not onely beholded in gross, but looked into in particular. For let us make computation of the numbers of the assistants and the assisted, and we shall discover a strange disproportion. The assistants are one hundred onely, the assisted 2000.( now more, now fewer, as we haue seen above) now 100. compared to 2000. is twenty to one, so that every Nun has twenty to her parte. Which I presume will be judged a sufficient burden by all men who well consider it. One guard or keeper( as we find by experience) has her hands full to tend and watch one sick person, especially if for any long time: what an oppressing burden hath one nun being charged with the care of twenty, not for a small time, not by spirts, and at her own choice and pleasure, but at all times, by obligation of a vow as long as life lasts? Certainly one might truly affirm of those good souls, that they suffer a burden Aetna gravius, did they not experience in themselves what their holy father assures them, that they who love, suffer indeed, the same things, but they are not bordensome to the lever, prae amore non sentiunt love lets them not feel it, which truth all beholders may read in their faces: for never was bride more gay and cheerful amid her parents vpon her marriage day, then they appear amid their beggars every day: so that I hope I may not improperly apply( by way of participation) that of the canticles which is addressed to the whole catholic church, to this illustrious parte of it: multae filiae congregauerunt divitias, many charitable maids, and men of Paris, haue heaped riches together; some by one charitable invention, some by another, but you haue outstripte them all, by the huge unlimited amplitude of your charity, which may seem, at once, to drive the whole commerce or trading of all the works of mercy corporal and spiritual, with the whole world, without exception. And conclude with S. Athanasius that if holy Virgines be a certain mark of the true Church, since none but a virgin mother brings out virgins, you more and more confirm the same truth, since to your virginity, which is truly Angel-like, you join charity which is the God-like virtue indeed, yea God himself. Deus est charitas, which by your holy practices appears to be put as absolutely in her reign, as the condition of this miserable life may permit.  

live ever blessed, dear maids, adorn your state  
And pious sex, and placed at highest rate.   
One would haue thought, after the observing of all that hath been said of this vaste place, that piety had noe more to haue projected in relation to it, yet some zealous soul, conceived that it was not enough, to relieve poor people in their sickness, and to sand them home, being prittie well recovered to make place for others, according to the necessity of the place, unless their charity provided further, for their future well being, and re-establishment in their accustomend strength and vigour; relapses being frequently found more dangerous then the sickness itself. Here vpon it was, that those considerate persons took a house not far distant, where those new conualescents haue liberty, to pass a longer time, in that fresher air, and so wholly to confirm their strength.  
The good sisters of the Hostel-Dieu haue yet two houses more which depend vpon their charitable assistance; to wit S. Lowises in S. Laurances suburbs, a most specious, magnificent, and truly king like building, whose majestical aspect speaks the greatness of the royal Foundour, Henry the great: and an other, called la Santé, a little distant from S. Marceaux suburbs. And they are both allotted to the relief of poor people who may chance to be afflicted with the plague, whom these good souls haue the heroical charity to tend. In their ordinary employ, in the Hostel-Dieu, they freely give themselves over to the most abject and slavish life imaginable. But in this, they sacrifice up themselves to the most dismale death possible, So that they put the highest rate vpon their charity, that man is capable of: as is made good by our saviour himself noe man hath a greater charity then to give his life for his friends. live they happy for even.   

Of the hospital called our Ladys of the Incurables. ARTICLE XXXI.  
HERE I might well haue put a period to this small work, but industrious charity has yet further to go, and more to provide for: if she cannot find a fitt and settled place for the poor incurables in all the great variety of hospitals yet founded, she will haue one founded on set purpose for them alone; where if she cannot cure their desperate diseases, she will, at least, solace them in their continuing afflictions. And this blessed office of christianity, is performed with so much sweetness, and affectionate care in this place, that those poor desolate creatures, observing, that they suffer not alone, but that their brethren in Christ, bear a part of their burden with them, by compassion; they seem to be half cured.  
The illustrious person, who first invented and founded this heavenly habitation, seconded by the bountiful liberalities of his pious majesty Lowis the XIII. who freed them not onely of all duties belonging to the crown as los& vents, main morts &c. but also gave them his rights of entries of wine &c together with a general exemption from all subsidies and impositions &c. By his letters patents of april 1637. This illustrious Patron, I say, did so little affect to feed of the empty husks of worldly reputation that he caused his name not to be put in the kings letters of establishment. Yet to Gods honour, his, and his noble families, I shall not fear to offend, if I publish to the world, that it was the most religious and Eminent cardinal de Rushfaucaud, who lived, beyond the ordinary course of nature, to see a good parte of his design on foot. To which he contributed bountifully. To wit he endowed the place with, a yearly rent in perpetuum of three thousand and six hundred franks, or three hundred and sixty pistols: and laid down where with to build a faire church, and two Halls, in the year 1637.  
The place fixed vpon for this most agreeable work, was in S. Germins suburbs. In a most healthful and delicious air; consisting of noe less then ten akres of ground in one faire piece. There the vaste charity of Paris finds a large field to dilate itself vpon. And in very deed, it seems it will meet with work enough for a long time; since, as I am  told, the design is to build eight or ten faire large Halls, all to be furnished with beds, as we see at present, with comely white fustian courtins with each one a straw bed, a feather bed, and a good quilte; together with an altar to every Hall, where those impotent people may hear mass in their beds. Of all these designed Halls, there are, as yet, onely four perfected. And yet the judicious beholder of the stateliness, and solidity, of what is already completed, will easily judge it was not compassed for a little. said charitas omnia sperat. And the excellent administrators of the place, are yearly improving the revenues; as well by common charities, which by their singular industry and dexterity, they procure, as by the addition of their own means; some of them paying 1500. livres french or 150. pistols for himself and his man per annum, and freely contributing as much more yearly out of pure charity; besides 3000. l. which he gave the first year to plaint and beautify the garden. So far are those holy men from raising themselves a fortune out of their great places, that they do not take a competent, and most just liuely-hoode for their continual cares and pains, but even pay for it, five times over. So that their purely charitable, and successful labours, together with their own liberalities, heighten their hopes to such a degree, that they confidently propose to themselves, to extend that pious foundation which was first made for a dozen onely( six men, and sieve women) to four hundred. Nor will it be much to be doubted of( if God grant life to those admirable Prouisours, in whose management the place now flourishes) since by their care, liberality and prosperous endeavours, they haue abreadie, in a few yeares, multiplied twelve to 160. which are employed at present. If the rest be once accomplished, it may justly be styled the non such of France, and the world, for wholesome air; magnificent Halls; singular order; good diet; amiable treatement, in all things behooffull for body and soul.  
And indeed Gods bliuings haue abreadie so visibly appeared vpon this holy foundation, that since the year 1637. as above, till this present year 1666. it is augmented by the charities of Paris, in point of buildings, to the value of 500. thousand french livres; and as much more in foundation of beds; making in all, a french million, besides sixty thousand livres in annual revenues.  
That parte which relates to the bodily care of the incurables, and the continual assistances which are necessary for those poor creatures which are incapable, in the least to help themselves, is performed by good young men( as to the poor men), who out of devotion subject themselves to that abject employment, taking a reasonable consideration for that holy and hard service: and as to the women, there are modest secular maids, who comply with the like good offices, with much religion, sweetness and compassion.  
The other duty which concerns their souls, is abundantly discharged, by the continual solicitudes of a company of most pious priests, who live in the place, to be ready vpon every call, and who are so absolutely free from all self-interest, that they power out their own substance, in that Christian service, in lieu of gathering together any riches thereby.  
witness Mr despond the Vicar who hath the chief charge of the spirituality of the place, who out of his own patrimony( in a few yeares that he has lived there) hath given the house above 12. thousand livres; with intention to leave his faire and well choysen library, which is worth 10. thousand more for the use therof. So that aurt sacra fames which hath so absolute a reign in the world, among them is turned, to a spiritual prodigality, and holy strife to outuie each other. In a word, the beautiful contriuance of the whole building; the majesty of the Halls( which might rather seem to be Louures, then lodgings fore poor distressed people) the excellency of the situation, and the odour of the admirable charity practised therein, delightfully 'allure persons of great worth and honour, to reside there, as Abbots counsellors &c. who after they haue given ample testimonies of their abilities, in profitably serving the public the best of their yeares, know to make a holy retreat, and to sacrifice up the honourable rest of what they sometimes were, to God alone, in that devout sanctuary, where they build themselves noble quarters, which are looked vpon as donationes inter vivos, during their lives, to be left to the hospital, as monuments of their piety, after their deaths. Most worthily may be added to these, that most famous bishop of Bellay, that lover of the poor and poverty, which he truly practised: for tho he did not actually live with them, yet did his affection and approbation, always accompaignie them, his ambition, as he oft said, never going higher, then to be reputed a poor chaplain of that holy family. Hence he left them what he had, and the relics of what he had been, to be interred in their Church. Requiescat in place   

Of diuers other charities which I cannot so ●el particularize. ARTICLE XXXII  
IF here I make an end, it is not for want of matter further to enlarge myself, but for want of time and health to inform myself of the particulars: for I am not ignorant, that there are many other excellent works of charity exercised in Paris. As in that hospital of the Racquett in the Suburbs of S. Antonies which depends vpon another in the town, behind the place royal: governed by a company of good nuns of S. Augustines order, who receive a many good burgesses, in their infirmities and incommodities, and treat them with much charity and goodness, affording thē handsome beds, good diet, and all things necessary.  
I know there are other two houses, effects of the late charities of Paris. The one for men, the other for women newly converted. The first in S. Victors suburbs: the other near S. Eustaches. They are taken in, and maintained gratis for three monthes space at least, to be thoroughly instructed, and constantly settled in the truth.  
I remember also that above 20. yeares ago, there came a good Lady( from Bourdeaux as I am  told) to Paris, called madam l'Estang, with a heart as full of good will to do works of common charity, as hands empty of means to perform it. Yet God hath so blessed her pious endeavours among the Good people of Paris, that she has procured subsistence for 250. poor young maids,( which her care hath gathered together) who by her grave prudence, are modestly and christianly bred, and carrefully kept out of harms way, to which that sex, and those green yeares, are but too incident.  
All Paris knows, and sees daily, multitudes of girls, taught( for mere charity) to serve God, to read, to writ, to work diuers kinds of works, whereby they are enabled to become good houswiues at home, or to gain their livelihood among the marchands. And this as well at religious houses, especially the visulaines, whose proper profession it is, as in diuers particular congregations( which are common all over Paris) where good widows, and ancient matrons, devote themselves to that pious care.  
To conclude, poor distressed people of the general hospital, the otherwise deserted gallie-slaues, and the desolate prisoners, often experience the comfortable visits of the noblest ladies of Paris, who solace the first with their affability and pious discourse, and, often times, deliver the latter, by paying the sum for which they were imprisoned. These things, I beleeue, will be far from being paralled by the protestants practices. Howbeit there are yet others that much further outspeake thē, which for brevities sake I will onely point at.   

observations to be made of other great works of piety. ARTICLE XXIX.  
SOME of the greatest arguments of true piety, zeal and religion, especially towards God, I haue not yet touched. For what indeed doth antiquity deliver us, which speaks more honour to God, and the noble founders, then the erection of temples dedicated to his name; those royal and permanent monuments of primitive zeal, whose venerable old looks decry profane novelty, and prescribe against it, with Tertulians prior possideo, olim possideo: I possess first, I possess of old. Whose very exterior form( which is ordinarily found the same all christendom about) preaches a crucified God, in a silent languadge, which heresy could never refute, save onely by the new way of pulling them down.  
Hence it was, that the wisest of kings, Salomon: the greatest of Emperours, Constantine the great: the peerless Empresse his mother, Helena; and Edgar the most religious of our kings( whereof the three last are the incomparable ornaments of our olim holy Hand) commended the memory of their most renowned piety( to omit millions of others) in point of building Temples, to perpetual posterity.  
In this point what glorious advantages could I not meet with, should I prosequute it to the full: How rare and lean fruits hath England seen in this kind, in 100. yeares and upwards, that is, ever since the young birth of protestancie? while the catholic piety of Paris, in thirty yeares space, hath produced at least 40. considerable churches and chapells( with faire Monasteries to the most of them) which I am able to give a catalogue of, without stirring my foot out of my study, to inquire them out.  
And firsts in S. james his suburbs are these which follow.  

1. The Institution of the Oratoire.  
2. Port-Royall.  
3. Vall de Grace.  
4. The Fuliantines.  
5. The Vrselines.  
6. The Visitation.   

In germans suburbs.  
7. Caluaire.  
8. The Carmes.  
9. The jesuits Nouiship.  
10. The Misericorde  
11. The dixe virtue  
12. chase Midy  
12. The Incurables  
14. Belchace.  
15. The ●acobins  
16. The Petits Augustins.   

In S. Mercels suburbs.  
17. The Misericorde  
18. The Pitié.   

In the university  
19. S. Stephens re-edified a nev  
20. The Sorbon.  
21. Clarmont  
22. S. Nicolas, nov making all a new.  
23. Bon Enfans.   

In the Isle de notre dame.  
24. S. Lovis.   

In the Isle de palace.  
25. The Bernabits.   

In S. Honories Suburbs.  
26. Villeuesque.  
27. Conception  
28. The Assumption.  
29. The Feulliens.  
30. S. ROCK.   

In the town itself.  
31. The Oratorians  
32. The little Augustins.  
33. Filles de S Thomas.  
34. The Carmelites  
35. S. Eustace re-edified.  
36. The Carmelites Rue Chapon.  
37. The Iesuites S. Antoine.  
38. The Visitation S. Antoine  
39. The minims  
40. The Carmes Mitigez.   
And note by the way, that there are siue or six of the foresaid churches, in particular that of Val de Grace, the monument of a most pious queen, and the worlds Paragon: that of Sorbon, the work of the vnparelled Cardinal Richelisu. And that of the Iesuites in S. Antonies street, whereof the first( which is judged to haue cost some millions) is able to pay fore more churches( to speak sparing) thē all England has built since the fall of catholic religion. A royal munificence! worthy of the daughter, the wife, the sister, the mother of a king: a Deodatus or child of miracle: and grand-mother of a kingly issue. And yet that which outspeakes all, is that this vast and holily profuse liberality, in this kind, hindered her not bountifully to open her hand to the needy, and to stretch out her palms to the poor, so that she was observed( by faithful and knowing persons) annually to contribute twenty, or twenty two thousand pistols, with her own royal hands, to the poor and necessitous, those living, and better Temples of God. And as to the rest, whereas I in my chamber, without further inquisition, count but vpon forty, others better able to stir abroad, and so better versed in the town, make noe difficulty to affirm, that there are many more, which I easily beleeue. How soever it may be, as to the just number, the number I haue specified is most certainly true, and ministers most just occasion to me, to say to your church, what S. Augustine said to the Donatists, producite aliquid simile, produce some thing like to this, for the proof of your piety.  
Now if thus much be said for the piety which appears in the walls, what might not justly be said, for the religious lives of the heavenly inhahabitants? who endeavouring to follow Christs counsel( which certainly was not given by wisdom itself to fall fruitless to the ground; to be neglected by all men, to be imitated by none) of a more perfect way of life then the mere keeping of the commandements, went and sold, or abandoned, all that they had, and all that they could hope for, in this poor world to become thereby the poor of Christ, and took up their cross, that is, a penitential life; gave it to the poor, and followed him, by imitating his divine chastity, poverty and obedience, as far forth as by his grace, they are capable therof. Who haue but one heart, and one soul in our Lord: one common habitation, one purse, one panterie: and live at such a distance from any real propriety, that those cold words meum& tuum, mine and thine( the source of all dissension) are banished out of their society. Whose whole application, as well by profession as practise, is to God and godly studies: whose exercise is to pray, and sing heavenly psalms, hymns, and canticles before the throne of God day and night: in a word, whose conversation is entirely in heaven. Hence monastical persons are styled by S. Cyprian, the most illustrious parte of the church of God: by S. Ambrose an imitation in earth of the Angells in heaven: and S. Augustine, breaten back by the glorious lustre of their Angellicall practices, professeth, that having a mind to praise them, he dare not undertake it, because expression, saith he, would fail him. The like failing might I much more justly fear, should I adventure to praise( whom, in passing by, I onely aim to point at) those infinite numbers of Religious men, and holy virgins, who adorn Paris at this day, with the like sublime piety and sanctity, as he magnified in his time, in the catholic church when he provoked the Manichies to reprehend, if they could, those manners, that life, that order, that institute( which he had described in his book de moribus Eeclesiae Catholicae) and not still to go on in vainly boasting of our chaff, to blind men, who are not capable to judge of light. With him therefore I will conclude with you, humbly beseeching you for Gods love, not to give further ear to your mens slanders of the Catholi●e church in catching an occasion, by the reprehension of their manners, whom she also condemns, and continually strives to correct, as being the faults of naughty children.& yet if they persist in their wichedesse, or even add more grievous faults to the former, they are suffered not withstanding to remain in our Lords field, and to grow up with the good seed, according to Christs order in the gospel: suffer both to grow until the harvest: but a time will come, that the cockle shall be separated, and the pure wheat shall be purged from the chaff. In the interim, dear sir, I leave your equity to judge, whether it appear not a kind of impudence( as saith S. August) in your men, to seek, and as it were, to exact, that perfection in our loser members, and even in the chaff of our Church ( thereby to seduce the ignorant) when they, the while, show not, in the least measure, the same perfection, in theirs, to those whom they seduce.   
FINIS.