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The True Idea Of Jansenisme, Both Historick And Dogmatick

By T. G. [Gale, Theophilus, 1628-1678.]

London, Printed, for E. Calvert, at the West End of St. Pauls, and G. Widdows at the Maiden-Head in Aldersgate-Street. 1669.


[Wikipedia article on Theophilus Gale]

Preface by John Owen
A Premonition
Part I. The Historick Idea of Jansenisme
Part II. The Dogmatick Idea of Jansenisme

 

THE PREFACE.


Christian Reader,

THERE is not any thing, which those of the Roman Church do more commonly and constantly boast of, (as there are many things, which they boast of to little purpose, and with less truth;) than the Vnity and Agreement in Doctrines, which they have among themselves; and the most superlatively excellent way, that they enjoy, for the preservation and continuance thereof. This Story, wit[...] a tragical exaggeration of differences amongst Protestants, serves constantly to fill up many Pages in their Writings: and is the principal subject of their Popular Declamations, where they have opportunity to vent them. And they have told this Tale so often, that many of them, especially those of the common sort, seem to believe it. Verùm ad Populum phaleras. Those who are wise amongst them, cannot but know the vanity and falshood of this pretence. It hath been already demonstrated, and may be again if need require, that there is not one point in which they differ from Protestants, wherein they are agreed among themselves. However it cannot be denyed, but that they industriously improve all imaginable artifices to conceal, at least to give a colourable pretence unto their intestine wranglings and debates: being herein, as to their design, wiser than the children of Light; though the means, whereby they pursue it, are remote enough both from wisdom and honesty. Where different Opinions, and contradictory Assertions have already been vented, and have firmed their station in the Writings of the Doctors of their Church; (as multitudes have done, and that in and about Articles of great importance;) they are ready with their Plea, that these differences, as managed by their Catholick Masters, are not of Faith, or do not impugn it, which way soever they are determined. As though the Faith of their Church were comprehensive of gross contradictions, in and about the principal Articles of Religion: and those, some of them, such, as that for Opinions of less importance they are ready to brand others for Hereticks, and to endeavour their extirpation from the face of the earth. This is the whole of what can be pretended for what is past; and therefore remediless. How destitute of truth and modesty their plea herein is, hath been declared by many. If any single Person, or lesser number of Men among them, begin at any time to apprehend and divulge sentiments different from what is generally received, (unless it be to make some advance in the furtherance and promotion of their own Secular Interest and advantages; as all the late inventions and bold attempts of the Jesuits, both in their Mystical and Moral Divinity, openly and plainly do;) they have wayes in readiness to cast them and their Opinions out of all notice and consideration; where they must lye untill the Earth give up its dead, and disclose the bloud that is secretly poured into its womb. They seem indeed, at present, signally resolved to obviate all progression in Opinions, true or false, unless they have a direct tendency to the establishment, or adoreing of their Papal Omnipotency, and the increase of their own Interest in the Consciences, and over the outward concerns of men. And herein are they so blindly zealous, as to endeavour, at this day, to fix and gild the Weather-Cock of Papal Personal Infallibility, yea, in matters of Fact, on the top of that Tower, the visible rottenness of whose Foundations threatens them with a downfall every moment. Some of their present differences, as was observed, they know, are fixed beyond all possibility of reconciliation, or hopes of removal. Such are those contradictory Opinions, which are the inseparable adjuncts of some of their Religious Orders: which as they more and more discover themselves to be irreconcileable, so the relinquishment of any of them by their respective Assertors, is so remote from all expectation, that an Age scarce produceth an Instance of any one individual Person, renouncing the Opinions of his own, and entertaining those of another Order; and if any such should be found, he would be looked upon as a Fugitive, if not an Apostate. The sense, I confess, of these differences seems to be taken from them by their commonness and certainty. It passes for granted amongst them, that in some things, wherein both sides esteem Religion deeply concerned, the Jesuits must be of one Opinion, and the Dominicans must be of another: so must it be, in other matters, between the Dominicans and Franciscans; the Hildebrandine Jesuits and the Sorbonists also. They must believe contradictory assertions and propositions in Religion; and write and preach contradictions, and confute the Opinions of one another: and on that account endlesly pursue mutual feuds and quarrels among themselves; and yet they are all at perfect agreement. But the relief herein is, that these Orders being confirmed and established, all of them, by the Pope, let them differ and contend whilst they please, so they fall not into excesses evidently beyond the tedder of former strifes, their contentions are to pass for agreements, and a part of that unity of Faith, which they boast in. But yet notwithstanding all palliating pretences, and the use of their utmost diligence, their differences sometimes arise to such an height, being animated with strong and vigorous spirits; as, if forcibly shut up too long, may threaten thei[...] whole Church State with an Earthquake; that they are necessitated t[...] forego their ordinary Artifices an[...] Excuses, and to bring their batta[...] ad Triarios, by venturing to seek fo[...] relief from the Papal See. This usually is done by one of the Parties litigant; yet not untill they find, o[...] the one hand, their own weakness[...] or that of their cause, not to b[...] maintained against the impression[...] of their Adversaries: and, on th[...] other, are sufficiently prepared to manifest, that upon the consideration of the Persons engaged; of th[...] state of all things in the places where the Controversies are agitated; and the Opinions themselves, whose confirmation they endeavour; that the determination of the points in difference, according to their desire, is not only suitable unto, and compliant with the present Interest of the See and Court of Rome; but lyes also in a handsome tendency to the enlargement of its Authority and Reputation; little or no danger being to be feared from the dis-satisfactions of the Adverse Party. These are the things, which, upon any such address, the Court of Rome doth heedfully and scrupulously enquire into. Nor will it engage towards a decision of any controverted points, untill it hath received full and ample satisfaction, that the determination of them hath an evident consistency with its honour, interest and advantage. Vntill it can come to a Resolution herein, a thousand tergiversations, delayes, pretences of avocation, and diversions by more important occasions, difficulties about the things themselves, shall be pretended and pleaded.In the mean time, by their Agents, Nuncioes, Emissaries and Confidents of all sorts abroad, they of the Court endeavour to sound the minds of the great and the many, where the Controversies are managed; and to take a just measure of the Interests of the several Parties, engaged in the contest depending before his Holiness. If upon search, inquiry and mature deliberation, it appears, that there is any thing looking towards a ballance between the Parties litigant; the managers of the Politicks of the Roman See proceed as warily, as if they feared a Scorpion under every stone in their way; or should tread on deceitful ashes, that might burn, if not consume them. For the most part, in such cases, his Holiness would be glad, on any terms, to be freed from making a decision: and is oftentimes more than half angry with those, whom he most favours, that they should bring him into any straits, by their importunity to have an interposition of his Authority on their behalf. But yet it may be things come at last to that pass, that a continued suspence, or absolute refusal to determine any thing, is judged to be more noxious and dangerous; than a determination against the Interest of that Party, which the Court is fully satisfied to be ruinable, though at present some way considerable. In this case a decision shall be made; not direct, express or absolute, in terms and propositions affirming or denying, with respect unto the controverted Opinions: but in words and terms loose, ambiguous and general; only with a favourable aspect towards them of that Party, to whom the Golden Ball of Conquest is finally intended. The use of this forlorn is only to attempt the waters o[...] strife, and to try whether they ar[...] fordable or no. If the Partie supposed the most numerous, and of th[...] most prevailing Secular Interest be[...]fore, being now reinforced and en[...]couraged by the noise of the Bull[...] which they bring home in triumph[...] can drive their Adversaries from any of their former Posts, and ge[...] ground against them: that ground shall be firmed to them speedily by new Briefs, Orders or Decrees from the Court; and so accordingly their whole progress shall be established, untill they arrive at a compleat Conquest and Victory. But if, beyond expectation, the adverse party do make a stand; and either by their number, ability, reputation, popular favour, or Soveraign influence, seem probable to keep their ground: the Court will not in haste engage into [...]ny further process; but rather [...]eave the first Bull to be reverently [...]talled for a further occasion. In the mean time it is not imaginable, with what crafts, subtilties, artifices, false promises, and pretences; by what endless Legal intricacies, Forms, Processes, Orders, Rescripts, those, who have conduct of the Roman Court, do manage themselves, and those, with whom they have to do on such occasions: all which are laid open, and discovered unto the world, by men of their own Party and Profession. And unto such a full evidence and manifestation are these things arrived, that I much question, whether any man, of tolerable Learning and observation amongst them, can be so unhappily and prodigiously stupid, as to look upon the Papal determination of Controversies in Religion, any otherwise, than as a thing utterly forreign to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; or a meer P[...]litical Engine, introduced by in [...] rest, managed by fraud, for the pr[...]servation of such an agreeme[...] amongst them, as may serve the a[...]vantage of those that are entrust[...] with it. Were it not, but that [...] power and efficacy of prejudice, [...] love of this present world, wi[...] other corrupt lusts and affection[...] do continually manifest themselve[...] in the wayes of the Children of men [...] a man could not but be astonished, tha[...] all rational men should not nause[...] ate this abominable Pageantry [...] deciding Controversies in Religio[...] by the Roman Tripos. An addre[...] made by crafty interested men, arm[...]ed with Commendatory Letters from great Men and Princes, provided with money to gratifie or bribe Officers of all sorts; unto an Old Pope, who sometimes is so ingenious as[...] to confess, that he understands little in Divinity, and knows nothing of the matter proposed to his decision: He, to take care of the interests of the Holy See, which comprehends whatever is desirable to the carnal minds of men, in power, wealth and pleasure, commends the matter to the craftiest of his Cardinals and his Courtiers, so to manage it, as no detriment may arise thereunto: Whatever the experience of Rule, Diligence, Dissimulation, false Promises, spirited by distance and veneration of greatness, pomp and power, can enable them to compass, these men will not fail to effect, so as to secure the concerns of the Court. When this is done, and it appears upon advice, which way they may steer safely and advantagiously for themselves, as to the various Interests of the persons litigant; they advise the Pope what he is to determine in a matter, that neither he, nor they have any tolerable understanding in, or comprehension of. It may be, for the farther solemnity of the business, thre[...] or four Friers of a side shall be admitted to dispute the matter in con[...]troversie, before, the Pope himself or some of the Cardinals: wherei[...] yet it shall be so provided, th[...] those, on whose side the Conclav[...] is resolved to determine, shall hav[...] one way or other, advantage enough to give countenance to the senten[...] before fixed on. When all is concluded and ready, a devout Bull [...] drawn up in a due form of La[...] wherein all these preceding jugling[...] and deceits, with others innume[...]rable, are Fathered upon the Inspi[...]ration and assistance of the Hol[...] Ghost, given unto the Pope, who ha[...] the least hand, it may be, in th[...] matter. I dare not, I will not sa[...] with that Papal Legat, Quonia[...] Populus vult decipi, decipiatur. But this I am apt to think; that strong delusion doth assuredly possess the minds of those, who can believe, that such lyes have any footstep or foundation in the Religion of Jesus Christ. And herein consists that great means of agreement amongst themselves, whereof they boast: which how long it will yield them relief in that kind, God only knows: its foundation being in the sin and blindness of the world, its continuance may be long, for ought I know. Now, Reader, that thou maist not suspect thy self imposed on, or any thing in the preceding Discourse to be asserted either partially, or without due evidence of Truth: behold here an Instance in the ensuing Treatise, wherein not only everything, that I have declared, is exemplified to the full; but also sundry other ffects of the old mysterious Iniquity the Roman See are plainly discovered. This is the Instance of Jansenisme; the Rice, Progress, State and condition whereof the ensuing Treatise giveth an Historical account. There are very few, I suppose, amongst us, who so little concern themselves in Religion, especially when it once comes to bear a share in the publick and political transactions of the Nations of the world, who have not taken notice of the discourses and reports concerning Jansenisme from the Neighbour Kingdom of France. To some, it may be, it is a murmur, which they know not well what to make of, nor what is intended by it. Others, in general, conceive it to be an expression of some differences in Religion: but of what nature, importance or tendency; how or by whom agitated or maintained, they know not. But whereas it comes under a double consideration, there are two sorts of Persons, who judge themselves concerned to obtain an acquaintance with it. For it is not only considerable as a Controversie in Religion; on which account contemplative persons, or men of Learning, professing the Truth of the Gospel, esteem themselves obliged to inquire into it to the utmost: but also as it hath an influence into the Civil affairs of that Kingdom, and may have so into those of the whole Papal World; in which respect men that are, or should be Politically wise and Counsellors do suppose, that the knowledge of the true state of it is not to be neglected by them. But certain it is, that hitherto neither of these sorts could, in any competent measure, attain their ends, without such an expence of time, pains and diligence, as very few have either will, leisure or ability to be at. For as the Theological part of this Controversie is, by th[...] industry of engaged persons, diffuse[...] through Writings and Books (man of them bulkie and voluminous almost innumerable; the greate[...] number of them written in the Frenc[...] Tongue, whereunto the generality [...] Scholars amongst us are strangers[...] that very few have been able [...] make that accurate enquiry in[...] them, as is necessary to give a ju[...] comprehension of the whole matte[...] under debate: so the Political trans[...]actions, wherein it hath been con[...]cerned, having been in the Court of Princes forreign and remote from us, in Assemblies of Prelates, in A[...]cademical Disputations and Processes it is no common or ordinary wor[...] for any to obtain an acquaintanc[...] with them. Now I am greatly mi[...]staken, if both Divines and Politicians will not find themselves muc[...] relieved, assisted and directed i[...] their inquest, by the ensuing Historical narration; as well as others, who had hitherto but a slender and uncertain report of this matter, will find themselves brought out into the clear light of such an apprehension of it, as to have in readiness a just measure of those future reports or Discourses concerning it, that they may meet withal. Now whereas any long account of the matter, treated of in this place, would but prevent the Reader in what he will meet withal in the Discourse it self; I shall only add some such remarks upon the whole, as may manifest, what hath been before discoursed concerning the unity of Doctrine in the Papal Church, and their Artifices to preserve a pretence thereof, to be exactly exemplified in this one Instance of Jansenisme. The System of Doctrines concerning the Grace of God, and the wills of men, which now goes under the name of Jansenisme, as it is in general agreeabl[...] unto the Scripture; so it had firmed it self in the common profession o[...] Christians, by the Writings of some excellent persons, especially Augustin, and those who followed him, unto such a general acceptation· as that the belief and profession of it could never be utterly rooted out from the minds of men in the Roman Church it self. For although it was variously depraved, vitiated, obscured and opposed in and by the Writings of many of the School-Men; yet alwayes, in every Age, some or other Persons of signal Learning and ability stood up, and pleaded for its vindication and confirmation, as to the substance of it. Amongst whom our Renowned Bradwardine, who with singular diligence and scholastick ability opposed the spreading of Pelagianisme in and over the Roman Church, (which by various degrees had been, for a long season, insinuating it self thereinto, and insensibly invading the remaining vitals of its Doctrine;) deserves on all occasions a peculiar mention. Moreover, one whole Order of their Fryers, out of zeal for the Doctrine of Thomas, (who was less averse from the Sentiments of the Antients in this matter, than the most of that litigious crew of Disputers, whom they call Schoolmen;) did retain some of the most material Principles of this Doctrine, however not a little vitiated with various intermixtures of their own. Not a full Age since, as will appear in the ensuing account, after the lesser attempts of some more private persons, Jansenius, a Bishop in Flanders, undertakes the explication and the vindication of the whole Doctrine of the Effectual Grace of God, with the annexed Article[...] principally out of the works of A[...]stin. This honest endeavour of h[...] being well resented, accepted an[...] approved by very many Learn[...] Persons in Flanders, and Fran[...] especially; and looked on by other[...] as an inroad made into the Kingdo[...] of Darkness and Error, which mig[...] open a way to further light an knowledge among the Papists them[...]selves; was immediately violent[...] and virulently impugned by the Jesuits, and those of their Party an[...] Faction. But whereas, in thei[...] wonted manner, they contented n[...] themselves to oppose the Opinions [...] Jansenius and his Followers, (wh[...] knowing the small Reputation [...] Truth and the Scripture now in [...] Papacy, durst not so much as avo[...] them; but chose to shelter themselve[...] under the name of Augustin, and [...] call themselves his Disciples;) in[...] Theological or Scholastical way; but endeavoured by artifices to reproach their persons, and to render them odious, and greatly to be suspected by the Church and State: they, on the other side, were necessitated, in their own defence, to make a discovery of the Arts, Treacheries, immoralities, Errors, Frauds, Lying, Calumniations, practised and defended by the Fathers of that Society, to the great satisfaction, and indeed benefit of the Christian World. The Jesuits hereby enraged, endeavour yet farther by false insinuations, complaints, Libels and suspicious Tales, managed principally by the Confessors of Kings, Queens, and great Princes, most of their Society, in a manner all of their Party and Faction, to oppress their Adversaries, and to enrage the Powers of the Kingdom against them. This work going slowly on, as being obstructed by some disputations with Conferenc[...] in and among Assemblies of th[...] Clergie, the matter was devolved [...] the Court of Rome. How the who[...] cause was there transacted, how de[...]termined, on what motives, grounds[...] Reasons and considerations the Pop[...] and Conclave proceeded, with wha[...] cunning and caution as to the se[...]curing of their own secular inte[...] rest, are exactly reported and pub[...]lished by Monsieur St. Amour th[...] Jansenist, in the Journal he hat[...] written of his own and their proceedings in that cause. How th[...] Jesuits have since pursued their success, by what wayes and stratagem[...] they have managed their tottering cause and Interest; as also of other things before mentioned, the Reader will have a faithful account in the following Narration, composed by the Judicious Author, (enabled thereunto by all sorts of Advan[...]ges) and written for his benefit. [...]his I was desired, and this I thought [...]eet to acquaint thee withal: be[...]g one, who in all things desires [...] direction unto and establishment [...] that Truth, which is according un[...] Godliness.


John Owen.

 

A PREMONITION.

THis little Treatise owes [...] Production to a sober [...]riosity the Author had, to satis[...] himself and some inquisiti[...] friends, touching the [...]rue Id[...] Rise, and Progress of Jansenism [...] which has, for well nigh the[...] thirty years, made so great noise in Europe; and in all like[...] hood, will yet prove more dif[...]sive. And that which more ef[...]ctually engaged the Author in [...] Inquisition, was some advanta[...] he had to informe himself the[...] in, from his personal Conversat[...] among the different Parties, co[...]cerned in this Controversie.

The Author himself being a person disinteressed, he conceives he may, with a greater liberty, and exactitude of Spirit, make some Reflections on, and Relation of this Affair. Neither does he act the part of a Disputant, but Historian; with endeavours nakedly and faithfully to relate matters of fact, and Doctrine, according to the best Memoires he could procure, both from one & t'other Partie: wherein if he has failed of his design, it must be imputed to the defects of his Intelligence, and not to any voluntary injustice of Spirit.

Such was the Original of this little Piece; which was, in its first lines, formed into a Letter, not exceeding the bounds of one Sheet, for the private satisfaction, or rather divertisement, of some friends; but since enlarged upon the perswasion of intelligent persons, that the subject may be o[...] use, to awaken mens expectations, &c. The Author has con[...]sidered, that this small tract i[...] like to meet with as many Judges as Readers; neither is he ignorant what an hazard he runs, by committing it to publique view [...] but that, which he mostly affects· is such an exact and just Temperament of spirit, as not to be moved or influenced by the various Judgements, much less humors of men, farther than they tend to correct what is defectuous, and render him more serviceable to the Publique: and so far he hopes, that the most severe Censures will not be less welcome, than advantageous.

 

THE TRUE IDEA OF JANSENISME, BOTH HISTORICK AND DOGMATICK.

 

PART I.

 

The Historick Idea of Jansenisme.

The Original of Jansenisme amongst the Ancients. 2. Baius the first Founder of Jansenisme. 3. C. Jansenius's character, and formation of Jansenisme. 4. San Cyran's assisting Jansenius, &c. 5. Jansenius's proper sentiments. 6. His condemnation. 7. The more full relation thereof, &c. 8. That which made Jansenius odious to the Romans, was his opposing Austin to the Popes Bull. 9. The Jansenists Deputies at Rome, and their Agitations an. 1652. 10. Other Memorials presented, by the Agents of the Jansenists to the Pope. 11. The Popes Confession in behalf of the Jansenists. A Letter from a Doctor of the Sorbon, prognosticating the little good succes which the Jansenists might expect from Rome. Two Conferences at Paris in the behalf of the Jansenists. 12. The Jansenists two first Papers prepared for the Congregation at Rome. 13. The Dominicans interpose for the Jansenists, and accord with them. 14. The Jansenists Agents, their Audience and Apologies to the Pope. 15. The condemnation of the Jansenists an. 1653. The French Formularie ensuing upon th[...] condemnation of the Jansenists; and their arguments against the Imposition there of. The Provincial Letters. The Jansenists Apologies against the Imputation of Schisme and Heresie. 16. An. 1662 Endeavors for Accommodement betwixt the Jansenists and Molinists. Th[...] Jansenists caution against Signature an[...] Formularie. 17. The main Article, that the Jansenists conforme to the Thomists 18. How far the Jansenists yield herein 19. The breaking off the Treatie. 20. The Jansenists Vindication by the Bishop of Comenge; his Letter to the King. 21. The Molinists persecution of the Jansenists. 22. The Jansenists multiplication and acceptation with Papists and Protestants. 23. Their Affairs· an. 1668, 1669.

THE design of this Discourse being to give an Idea of Jansenisme, it will be necessary to take a concise view of its original; which sprang out of the ashes of that old Controversie, 'twixt the Assertors of Free Grace, and those who asserted Free Will. For Pelagius and his Adherents having made it their busines to advance corrupt Nature, and place it on the Royal Throne of Soveraign Grace, the Lord raised up Austin and other Worthy Instruments to give check to these Antichristian Infusions· whose Indeavors did, for some Ages, set bounds to this flood of Pelagianisme. But when Antichrist arrived to his [...] or perfect stature of a Man of Sin, this Pelagian torrent grew so violent: as that it diffused its Malignant influences, throughout all the European Churches.

Yet were there not wanting some Gallant and brave Spirits, who opposed themselves to these Pelagian Infusions. Amongst these we may reckon Godescalcus, Grosthead Bishop of Lincoln, Joh. Bacon, alias Baconthorpe, Tho. Bradwardine, John Wicliff, Gregorius Ariminensis, and generally all such as follow the Determinations of Tho. Aquinas, commonly called Thomists and Dominicans; who, though in other points they have sufficiently approved themselves Devoti of Antichrist, yet in these Articles relating to Free Grace, they do generally adhere to Austin, and Thomas their Master. These Dominicans or Thomists (who have bestowed good endeavors, and that succesfully, for the suppressing of the Pelagian Dogmes) have been herein greatly opposed by the Jesuits; a generation of men, who started up about the year 1540. and have ever since made it a great part of their work, to defend, though covertly, the Pelagian Principles, as that which they conceive would prove the most effectual instrument to support the declining interest and Supremacie of the Roman Church.

The Head of this Jesuitick Faction was Molina, who is said (by the Jansenists) to have outgone the Semipelagians, in that these held, that only the beginnings of the first disposition to Grace proceed from the power of man; but as for the rest they assented readily, that man is governed by the motion and power of efficacious Grace; but Molina holds, that man is the primum mobile, and chief Master of his own salvation, from the beginning to the end: hence it was that he was condemned both in Spain, and at Rome: only the execution of the Popes Bull was, upon the importuni[...]le of the Jesuits, suspended as hereafter, §. 9. This Jesuitick design, for the reviving of Pelagianisme, being discovered by some sober Reforming Papists, they put forth their most vigorous endeavors, for the timely preventing thereof, and confirming the Doctrine of Free Grace, asserted by Austin, &c.

The first who ingaged in this nobl[...] design, for the vindication of Efficacio[...] Grace, was Michael Baius Doctor, and Professor of Theologie at Louvain; who, i[...] his Lectures and Writings, stoutly de[...]ended the corruption of Human Nature· the Sovereintie and Efficacie of Divin[...] Grace, with other Articles appenden[...] thereto. In so much that at last the[...] were 78. Propositions collected out of [...] works, which, tending to the Advanc[...] of Free Grace, and Degrading of Fr[...] Will, were condemned by a Bull [...] Pius 5th, an. 1570. and afterward by a[...]nother Bull of Gregorie 13th, an. 157[...] And moreover Francis Tolet, the Jesuit[...] was sent, by the said Pope, to Louvain, [...] settle the Vniversitie: by whose endea[...]vors, Michael Baius was induced to r[...]tract, and that by a solemne recantatio[...] the said condemned Propositions; yet so as that he still continued his privat[...] persuasions touching the same; whic[...] he ceased not to infuse into the Spirit of his Disciples, &c. Cornelius Janseni[...] as 'tis said, received the first impression of his Doctrine touching [...]fficaciou[...] Grace from Jac. Jansonius an Adherent of this Baius, who is thence made to be the first Founder of Jansenisme. Concerning Baius's 78. Propositions, for the Vindication of Efficacious Grace, and the corruption of Human Nature, and their symbolization with Jansenius his Doctrine, See Lud. Bail Articul. de Grat. Part. 1 Art. 1. &c.

The immediate Parent of Jansenisme was Cornelius Jansenius (Bishop of Ipre in the Low Countries) borne at Leerdam, an obscure Town amongst the Dutch: who having spent his first studies in Humanitie at Vtrecht, acquired his Philosophie and Theologie at Louvain from Jacobus Jansonius, a stiffe defender of Baius's opinions. Cornelius Jansenius having been throughly principled with Baius's Principles at Louvain, he was made Moderator of the College of Baion; where having contracted a friendship with John Vergerius, then Canon of Baion, and afterward Abbot of San Cyran, they enter into a strict Confederation, for the confirming and propagating the revived Doctrine of Efficacious Grace, now called Jansenisme. Jansenius returning again to Louvain, was made Prefect of S. Pulchers College· and soon after, Professor for the explication of the Sacred Scriptures. Abou[...] which time also he writ a Book· stiled Mars Gallicus, in favor of the Spanish Interest; which, they say, was the ground of his being preferred to the Bishoprick of Ipre. He writ also three Books containing the bodie of Jansenisme, collected out of Austins works, wherein he was incomparably verst: For, as 'tis said, he read over the whole of Austin ten times, and his Books of Grace thirty times. And indeed his design seems to be no other than that of Austin, for the depressing of Corrupt Nature, and advancing of efficacious Grace: whence he stiles his Book Augustinus; which he thought not meet to publish in his life time, but left it to his followers, dying, as his adversaries avouch, of the Plague in the fifty eighth year of his Age, greatly esteemed and beloved by the more serious Papists.

The great imputation the Jesuits cast upon Jansenius is his symbolizing with Calvin, wherefore to purge himself, he writ, with some sharpnes, against the Presbyterian Discipline; which Voctius has answered in his Desperata Causa Papatus. His adversaries say,

it is a most certain truth, that for the hatching of Jansenisme the Port Royal (a Covent in Paris) formed a Cabal in private for thirty years space; whereof John Vergerius Abbot of San Cyran, and Corn. Jansenius Bishop of Ipre, were the Heads.

And it is apparent that Jansenius had a very great ass[...]stance, for the forming and perfecting of his Augustine perswasions, from San Cyran. These having brought their design to some ripenes, began to publish their opinions, first at Paris, about 1637. both in Latin and French, thereby to awaken and in[...]orme, not only the learned, but also Vulgar Capacities: wherein they proved very successful; for in some few years a great part of France, as well Ecclesiasticks as others, was levened with Jansenisme.

In the Preface to Jansenius's works, we find this account of him. Cornelius Jansenius was borne an. 1585. at Leerdam, a small Town of the Netherlands.---When he entered on the Studie of Theologie, he was brought into the C[...]lege of Adrian 6. at Louvain, by Ja[...] Jansonius the Moderator. After sharpe a[...] assiduous studies, for some years, he [...] into a consumtion, and danger of his lif[...] whence, by the advice of Physicians, [...] purposed, for change of Air, to go in[...] France. He first went to Paris, whe[...] he instructed some youth. He then[...] went into Cantabria, now called Bisca[...] in Spain; where, by conversation wi[...] learned men, and familiar communic[...]tion of Studies, he made great Progr[...] in the understanding of the Father[...] especially of St. Austin.

Being afterwards recalled to Louvai[...] he was made Prefect of S. Pulchers Co[...]lege; which he greatly adorned and a[...]vanced. Afterwards finding the care [...] youth to hinder his studies, he retired [...] a private life, admitting only the societ[...] of a familiar Doctor. He thence was cal[...]led to be Regius Professor, of the Sacre[...] Scriptures: which he performed wit[...] great learning and profit, as it appea[...] by his Commentaries. But his Magnanimitie appeared most after his being made Bishop of Ipre, in his Meditation and attemts to Reforme the Bishoprick: which undoubtedly he had perfected, had not he been taken away by a contagious death (with in one years space after his being Bishop) an. 1638.

He was of a most sharpe, acute ingenie; a most profound judgement, and capacious memorie. He had somewhat of a subtile Choler; which he was wont pleasantly to compare to cornes of Gunpowder; which in one and the same moment, are inflamed and expired. To these endowments of Nature, he added an immense desire of Truth, and Indefatigable Studie. Being asked by a companion, what Attribute of God he most adored? he answered, his Truth. In the beginning of his Theologick Studies, he mixed with the Scholemen, the Lecture of the Fathers, especially of S. Austin; whence he learnt, how much the Scholemen erred from Austin, in the head points of Grace and Free Will. He told his familiars, he had read Austin's Works diligently, ten times over: and has Books against the Pelagians thirty times. He said, that next to God and the Scriptures, A[...]stin was to him instar omnium.

He strugled, for many years, with [...] old opinions, before he could reach th[...] intimate sense of S. Austin. He said [...] depended upon that one first principl[...] [...]ouching Grace. And he added, ther[...] could be no truly spiritual life formed[...] but according to this Doctrine of Grac[...] taught by Austin: and that Christian hu[...]militie was in a more particular regar[...] founded hereon.---Whence he oft consulted souls spiritual and truly humble, touching their sentiments of Divine Adjutorie, the infirmitie of Free Will, and the necessitie of Divine assistance to every good Act. He affirmed, that no one could be truly humble, without the like Opinions of Divine Grace. He ended the last period of his Book with his life, as though he had been borne for that design. He was not superstitious, or scrupulous, but burned with masculine pietie, and fervent charitie towards God and men. He prepared himself in the morning by Meditation, and the whole day was but a continued Meditation of God, &c.

 

As for John du Verger, Abbot of S. Cy[...]an, I find him to have gained a great [...]putation amongst the more serious [...]atholicks. They say, that through the [...]bundance of Grace, which possessed his [...]eart, he extinguished, even from his [...]ore tender years, all Ambition, all love [...] riches, with all desire of human fa[...]r, and Ecclesiastick Dignitie; and having [...]onsecrated the whole of his Spirit, la[...]ors, and life, for the defence of truth, [...]e lived in great solitude, even in Pari[...] [...] self, for more than twenty years; af[...]ecting to have his Spirit free from all [...]rouble, inquietude, vanitie, and complea[...]ance; thereby to obtain the more leisure for the Studie of Wisdom. Thus did his Sanctitie darken the lustre of his Science; and his Humilitie draw a veil upon all his Intellectual and Moral accomplishments; and, as 'tis said, he labored as much not to seem eminent, as to be so in truth. Which affected retirement and concelement of his excellent qualities, made him to be esteemed by some, as Melancholick and Morose: but this imputation was sufficiently removed by his Imprisonment; which rendred him mo[...] famous and serviceable, in that all so[...] of persons had recourse to him for a[...]vice. He had indeed, as they say, a ma[...]vellous fecunditie of Spirit, joined with[...] natural eloquence, and noblenes of speec[...] which rendred him very useful; he b[...]ing capable, without long meditatio[...] to expres the highest Truths, and re[...]der them familiar and easie. He was v[...]ry skilful in comforting, and establishin[...] troubled Consciences; directing them [...] the blood of Christ, and his Grac[...] which Jansenius also was wont to do.

S. Cyran usually founded his advice o[...] the Scriptures, which he ever commend[...] as the best Rule and Guide for Christian[...] He would often, in his life time, discour[...] of the Grandeurs of God; of the N[...]thingnesses of the world, and of the d[...]ties of Christianitie. His sage instruct[...]ons were generally reputed by the Devo[...] Catholicks, as Evangelick and Apostoli[...] Counsels. Neither did he propose a Ple[...]tonick Idea of Soverein perfection, whic[...] might be better admired than imitated[...] but he gave counsels, general and particu[...]lar, most easie and familiar for execut[...]on, by the Grace of God; of which he was a great Admirer; acknowledging still, that without Efficacious and Soverein Grace, we could do nothing.

He prescribed the most excellent method for bearing afflictions, not with a Philosophick Generositie, but with a Christian Constance, which he himself also practised, in an eminent degree, for the space of five years, whilest he was in Prison, au Bois de Vincennes, near Paris; whence most of his Letters extant were written, which seem very warme, and sparkling with that Divine fire which burned in his heart. In these his Letters he gives us many sublime and choice instructions; yet such as are most familiar and practicable. He exhorts much to self emptines, spiritual povertie, humilitie, faith in Christ, and more especially to love God more than our selves, and our neighbors as much as our selves; which, according to his Master Austin, conteins the Morals, Logick, Physicks, and Politicks of true Christian Wisdom. He is very much in shewing the usefulnes of afflictions; asserting, that it is the greatest temtation to have no temtations. He also acquaints us with the Art and Skil[...] of bearing Christs Crosse, wherein h[...] himself seems to have been familiarly and feelingly versed, especially for th[...] time of his Imprisonment, which wa[...] very severe and strict; besides many and very great infirmities of bodie, under which he labored; yet with a very great vigor and vivacitie of Spirit; which his Discourses, Letters and Actions sufficiently testified. During this time of his imprisonment, notwithstanding the strictnes of his Guard, he was possessed with a great calmnes and tranquilitie of Spirit, without fear or trouble.

Touching the proper sentiments of Jansenius, and S. Cyran, and their mutual combination; we have a pretty true, though invective, account given us by the Jesuit Gautriche, Histoire Sainte (pag. 325. edit. 1661.)

In our Age, (saies he) which is the seventeenth, Jansenius Bishop of Ipres, incited by Du Verger Abbot of S. Cyran, as the Letters which they have reciprocally written testifie, has brought to light the errors of Godescalcus, founded upon some passages of S. Austin, taken in the sense, and after the fashion of Calvin. For after having supposed a terrible sort of Predestination in God, by the which he chooseth some of those whom he sees envelopped in Original Sin, to save them; entirely abandonning the others unto eternal damnation, he teacheth consequently that Jesus Christ has not died for these latter, nor merited any Grace sufficient for to save them; and that therefore it is impossible, in this case, for them to observe the Christian Law, to the observance whereof they are notwithstanding obliged: and farther, that they cannot, saies he, resist the movements of concupiscence; which hurries them into sin; and that they sin necessarily; nevertheles he teacheth, against all sort of common sense, and against the holy Scripture, that they cease not herein to have the Libertie required to merit or demerit; and that the Predestinated cease not to be likewise free in the actions of Grace, albeit they cannot resist, when they are prevented therein, &c. Thus Gautruche.


Wherein we have much truth, thoug
[...] mixed with much sinister interpretati[...]on. We have the whole of Jansenius[...] Doctrine, for which he was condemned[...] reduced by his Adversaries to these fiv[...] Propositions, composed by M. Corne[...] as Denis Raimond affirmes.

1. Some Precepts of God are impossib[...] for persons just, willing, and endeavoring according to the present strength they hav[...] to performe; and there is wanting to the[...] Grace, by which they may be made possible.

2. Interior Grace in the state of lapse[...] nature is never resisted.

3. To merit and demerit, in the state [...] lapsed Nature, there is not required in man a Libertie from Necessitie; but a liberti[...] from coaction sufficeth.

4. The Semipelagians admitted a necessitie of preventing, interior Grace to all acts, even to the beginning of faith; but in this they were heretical, that they made this Grace such, as that the human will might resist or obey it.

5. It is Semipelagian to affirme, that Christ died, and poured out his blood universally for all men.

These Jansenian Propositions were sent, by the Jesuits, together with an Epistle to the Pope, with desires, that the whole might be determined by his Apostolick Authoritie. The Heads of the Jansenists had recourse also to Rome, and after long contests, the Jesuits obtained, May 31. 1653. a Bull from the Pope, whereby these five Propositions, conteining as they pretend, the substance of Jansenius's Errors, were condemned, as rash, impious, and blasphemous. This Decree was received by the Prelats of France, with the Kings approbation, July 15th of the same year. The Jansenists finding themselves oppressed by calumnies and [...]inister dealings, durst not openly oppose the Popes Bull, only they contend that the five Propositions were not condemned in that sense in which Jansenius asserted them. Whereupon their Adversaries the Molinists (so stiled from Molina their Head) procured a Declaration from the Bishops of France, that the said five Propositions were taken out of Jansenius's Augustinus, and condemned in his sense. Which Judgement of these Bishops was confirmed by Innocent, an. 1654. as also by a new Bull of Alexander the 7th, As Horat. Tur[...]illinus the Jesuit, in his Epist. hist. on the year 1653.

But we have a more faithful and full relation, of these transactions 'twixt the Molinists and Jansenists at Rome, by M. de Saint Amour, in his Journal: where he sheweth how this contest began first amongst the Sorbonne Doctors about the year 1646. and continued very warme and violent in the several Assemblies of the Facultie, from that time unto the year 1650. especially an. 1649.

We find a good account of the Reasons and Motives, which induced the Jesuits to condemne Jansenius's Augustinus, in the Confession of M. Albizzi (the Jesuits Patron) unto St. Amour, in these words:

He told me (saith S. Amour) that the Jesuits held themselves greatly offended by Jansenius S. Augustinus, especially by the third Book, which I should find was nothing but a continued detraction against Vasquez, Suarez, Gregorius a Valentia, Bellarmine, &c. He added, that that Bishop was full of venom against those Fathers, and the whole societie; that he broke out into unimaginable exorbitances against them; that this greatly provoked them against his Book, and obliged them to solicite Vrban VIII. for the prohibition which he made of it; that had not he first assaulted them, perhaps they would not have thought fit so to do; but after he set upon and outraged them as he did, it is no wonder that they have endeavored to be revenged on him. He continued to exaggerate to me the exorbitances of that Author, who not only fell foul upon the Societie, but even broke forth against Popes; as among other places of his Book, that shews it, where he saith: Haereo fateor, &c.

In the year 1650. the Jesuits or M[...]linists<