CHAP. I.

YOU may possibly promise your selves a great deal of Pleasure in the Account of my Life, but lest I should frustrate your Expectations, must assure you, you'l find but little that's diverting [...] it, it being almost wholly made up of such acci­ [...]ents as are sad and tragical: This I thought fit to in­ [...]rm you of, that you might not reproach me after­ [...]ards with having deceived you.

I was born in the Dutchy of Burgundy, of a Family [...]at had Professed the reformed Religion for above 150 [...]ears, whose Nobility was sufficiently ancient. My Fa­ [...]ers Name was Monsieur d' Ombreval, who had been [...]amp-Master, and enjoyed many Offices, and might, [...] may be, have been advanced to the highest, had he [...]een, as many others, less scrupulous about Religion. [...]e was generally accounted as eminent in Prudence, Wisdom and Piety, as most in France: He had per­formed [Page 2]such things as made him considerable; yet none excelled him in mildness and sweetness of Car­riage in his Family. My Father had never but one Sister, for whom he had always an extraordinary love, and this Sister is styled Madam de Prosses, who is here with me; and though my Mother were still living, yet I am more obliged to my Aunt than to my Mother, as you will hereafter see.

Love, which sometimes delights to shew its force on the wisest spirits, made my Father himself do what he would certainly have disliked in another. For he fell in love with my Mother, who was in her time one of the handsomest and compleatest Ladies in all the Province, and was besides of a very Noble and Rich Family; but that would have made no Im­pression at all on him, had his Mind been free. At first he only loved out of Gallantry, that he might not differ from all other young men, who have always, some Inclination; but at length his Love got such a victory over him, and made him so Earnest in his suit, that he engaged my mothers affections towards him, who heard him universally commended, and their Marriage was discoursed of.

Love hath indeed in it somewhat very wonderful, it finds Expedients for all things, and easily surmounts the greatest difficulties. My Father was always, even to his Death, so resolute an Huguenot, as that the Flames were not capable of altering him. My Mo­ther was a most obstinate Catholick: Both were so far from embracing each others Religion, as that they would fain have had each other take up their own. But at length some Mediators (whereof Love was the chief) made up an Agreement between them on these three Conditions, viz. That they should be married first by a Priest, and afterwards by a Mi­nister. That they should never discourse of Religi­on. And, That of the Children they should have, the Sons should be educated in the Religion of their Father, and the Daughters in that of their Mother. [Page 3]All these Articles were very punctually observed on both sides, especially that of silence in matters of Religion, out of prudence to prevent Contentions [...]nd Heats, each knowing the other to be resolved [...]n that Point.

The first Year of this Marriage gave Birth to the only Brother which I have, and the fourth to me; There were other Children, but God was pleased to [...]ake them all away in their Infancy. My Father [...]ook a great deal of Care in the Education of my [...]rother, especially to get him well Principled in Matters of Religion, and to this end got him a Tu­ [...]or, who instilled the Principles of Religion into him [...] he learnt to read and write. My Mother was as [...]reful of me, to get me educated in the Romish Re­ [...]gion, and provided a Governess for me that was an [...]complished Hypocrite. My Brother from his In­ [...]ncy discover'd a great aversion and abhorrence of [...]e Romish Religion, and although he most tender­ [...] loved me, could not sometimes forbear calling me [...]tle Idolater: Once he got into my Closet, where [...] had divers Pictures of Saints of both Sexes, on [...]ich he made Beards, Asses-Ears, and Horns; some­ [...]es he would play a thousand tricks with my Be [...]ds, [...]owing them from one end of the Chamber to the [...]er, and making such sport with them, as had the [...]ther Maimbourge seen it, he would certainly have [...]ed out, See how the Spirit of Heresie shews it self [...] his Childhood: I might quarrel with him as long [...] I would, but were sure to get nothing by it, 'till length he was surprized by my Mother in the dis­ [...]se of a Jesuite, who so dealt with him as that he [...]st not come thither for three days after. In a [...]rd, one would have thought that how young so­ [...]r he was, he had a design to render the Catho­ [...] Religion contemptible to me.

These first Follies of his Childhood being over, he [...]fited so well by the Instructions he had received, [...]t at twelve Years of Age he could read, write, [Page 4]speak the Latine and the German Tongues indifferently well, so that my Father being fully satisfied with his In­clinations, and his Tutors love, resolved to send the [...] both to Saumur, with a Servant to wait on them, when I shall leave him to speak of what concerned my sel [...] My Mother educated me exactly according to the Prescriptions of her Confessor; I shall not relate all tha [...] was daily done and said to me, nor all the Arge [...] ments nor stories that they made use of to prejudi [...] me against Calvinism. My Mother often entertaine [...] thoughts of placing me in a Convent, Paying for m [...] Table; but knowing that I could learn nothing the [...] suitable to my Quality, she laid that Design aside.

I shall not spend more time in giving an accou [...] of what befell me 'till I came to the Age of seventee [...] when I attained the Stature I now have, and were very passable Catholick. 'Tis true, I began to ha [...] many Doubts, which I durst not reveal to any, bo [...] about the Eucharist, the Merit of Works, Purgato [...] and Auricular Confession, and though I did all th [...] I could, I found it impossible to submit either to th [...] Authority of the Church or of the Curate; and [...] Mother knowing me to be somewhat curious, a [...] fearing least my Curiosity should lead me to kno [...] more than was convenient for those of the Rom [...] Religion, thought it necessary to find some Impl [...] ment for my spirit, she therefore caused me to lea [...] to Dance, Sing, Play on the Claricords or Harpsic [...] and to draw; made me read Romances, Comed [...] and Poetry, and suffer'd me to wait on her in all [...] Visits she made to such as were most eminent [...] quality near our House. After this my Mother ga [...] me leave to take a Journey to Paris, my Father c [...] senting to it, to see all the Curiosities that the Co [...] afforded. I returned with my Aunt and Cousins ab [...] the beginning of Winter, and my Mother seeing have a more free and genteel Carriage than befo [...] loved me the more, and made me her Confident [...] matter sufficiently pleasant.

My Brother having been six Years at Saumur, where [...]e had made a good Progress in the Languages and Philosophy, my Father resolved to send him to ano­ [...]her Place, where he might learn to ride the great [...]orse, and be exercised in fears of Arms, and also [...]et an insight into the Mathematicks: My Brother [...]ecame accomplished in these things in six Months, [...]fter which he desired leave of my Father to go in­ [...]o the Army; who knowing that should he deny it, [...]e was of sufficient Years to take it himself, granted [...]is desire; and having given him Money for his Ex­ [...]ences, sent him away with one of our near Relati­ [...]ns, who gave him many good Instructions, which [...]y Brother so exactly followed, that in a short time [...]e was accounted by the whole Army to be a Man [...]f Courage, Vertue, Honour and Merit.

My Father had constant News brought him of the [...]eputation my Brother had gotten, and of the offers [...]hat were made him of an Office, very honourable or a young Man, on condition he would change his [...]eligion, which my Brother generously refused; but [...]ur Relation doubting least he might be at last over­ [...]ome by the Violence of the Temptation, sent him [...]ack to his Father. Thus my Brother returned home [...]fter ten Years absence, and you may easily guess at [...]e joy and satisfaction we had to see him, adorned [...]th the many excellent and genteel Qualities he had [...]equired. My Brother also discovered an obliging [...] prize to find me what I were, and we soon re­ [...]ewed that affection to which the nearness of our [...]lood obliged us, which was much increased by a [...]utual esteem we had for each other.

On the other hand my Brother was very exact in is Carriage towards my Mother, which was full of [...]gular respect and tenderness. 'Twas here that I [...]ound that the Love of Mothers is more towards their [...]ons than their Daughters, for my Mother could [...]ardly endure my Brother out of her sight, but con­ [...]ersed with him with the greatest familiarity and [Page 6]freedom, yet durst not speak one word to him about Religion, for fear of violating the agreement made with my Father, and of encouraging him by her ex­ample, to do the same thing to me; yet this extort­ed some s [...]ghs from her, as I observed when I was with her about 15 days after my Brothers return, who at that time humbly withdrew.

The Familiarity of my Mother with me, embol­dened me to demand the Cause of her Affliction: I am, said she, one of the happiest Women in France, I only want one thing, which yet is not im­possible, but I dare not hope it. Madam, replyed I, this is so mysterious a Riddle, that I can't com­prehend it. I believe so, said she, but I [...]ll tell you its meaning: You know how tenderly I love your Father and Brother, and indeed their excellent Qualities command the Affections both of a Wife and of a Mother; but when I think that they are both Hereticks, and have no Part in the Catholick Church, out of which there's no Salvation, and that if they dye in the Estate in which they are, they are Eternally damn'd, it breaks my very Heart, and my Compassion is augmented by the Consideration of their Merit and Virtue, so that I could wish them l [...]ss good than they are, that I might be dispensed with from loving them as I do, for then the Affli­ction would be less sensible and grievous to me: As for your Father, the Assurance that I have of his Obstinacy in his Error, doth in a great measure si­lence my Complaints, but is there no way left to draw your Brother, who is yet young and tender, out of this Gulph in which he is? And a little after, fixing her Eyes earnestly upon me, Will not you, said she, assist me in this matter, and speak to your Brother? for neither your Father nor I dare vio­late the solemn Oaths that we have made, though my Confessor hath often Promised me a Dispensation. But Mother, said I, my Brother is Learned, and should I discourse with him about this, we must come [Page 7]to a Dispute, in which he would soon put me to a non­plus. Enter not my Daughter, said she, into Dis­pute with him, but only Propose to him some Worldly Advantages, and you'll see what he'll say to you.

Though my Mother was a Woman of spirit, yet she did not penetrate into the Consequences of this business, which were yet visible enough, for by my urging my Brother to change his Religion, I gave him opportunity to make me the same Proposals, and he had this advantage over me, in that he could speak what he knew, (for he had diligently study­ed both Religions) which I could not do, because they had taken more Pains to fill my mind with Prejudices against the Hugonots, than to fortifie me with solid and powerful Reasons against them. The same day we had a singular Conversation, for my Brother who conversed familiarly only with my Mother and my self, spent whole days in our Com­pany, and if I were in my Chamber, would come thither to seek me, where we either plaid at Chess, or discoursed on variety of Subjects; for, as for my Father, his Gravity and Seriousness was such, that we durst not familiarly Converse with him. My Brother found me reading over my Horary; What are you doing Sister? said he, I am, (answer­ed I,) Praying God for your Conversion: That's well done indeed, (replyed he) there's a good Sister that takes Care of her Brother's Salvation; but, added he, with a kind of mocking smile, In what Language is it, good now, that you Pray? Is it in Latine or in French? and taking my Book out of my Hand, he found that all my Prayers were in­deed in Latine; whereupon he said, I doubt not Sister but you speak Latine, since you read it; and f [...]ll a speaking of what seemed to me perfect Gib­berish: Despite and Shame hindered me from re­turning any Answer, for I must Confess, that this Praying in an unknown Tongue, was the first [Page 8]abuse I took notice of in the Roman Communion, and [...]o [...]d never get my self heartily to approve of it.

I would (sa [...]d I) pray God for your Conversion, but I k [...]ow that 'twould be an offence to the Di­vi [...]e Majesty to pray for a Scoffer, for which rea­son I forbear it as a great sin. My Brother saw well enough that I was displeased with him, yet this did not hinder him from proceeding in his jo­ [...]e manner. My dear Sister, said he, I am obli­ged to you for your Care of my Salvation, yet be­ware least while you imagine you are endeavour­ing the Salvation of my Soul, you do not ruine it; [...]t I hope God will not hear such Requests, as should they be granted, would prove fatal to me. B [...] Sister, continued he, that I may not for my part t [...] my s [...]lf defective in Charity, I earnestly beg God that he would to [...]ch your Heart, that you [...]y no longer persist in the Superstitions in which you have been bred. He spake these last words with so much seriousness, that I had no Power to re [...], [...]r did he give me time to do it.

I mu [...]t, added he, speak freely to you, as to a Sister whom I dearly love: What do you mean in Praying to God in Latine? think you that he is bet­ter pleas [...]d with this Language than with your own Mother Tongue? Why was it that our Saviour caus­ed his Holy Spirit to descend on his Apostles in the form of Tongues of Fire, but to shew us that his Name might be invoked, and his Praise sung in all Languages? what then makes your doting Doctors prescribe us a Model of Prayers, and a form of Wor­ship all in Latine? certainly the Jews have better reason than the Catholicks, for they say their Pray­ers in Hebrew, which is the Holy Tongue which God himself used; but as for the Latine; we have no reason in the World to believe it better pleasing to God than any other Language.

I see Brother, said I, that I am far from Con­verting you, and yet (added I, smiling) this Task [Page 9]is imposed upon me: And who imposed it, (said her) She that gave you Life, (said I) and would fain give you Eternal Life if it were possible. 'Tis then my Mother, (replyed he) who disdaining to [...]mploy her own Learning against me, thinks it enough to send her Daughter to convince me: But Sister, added he, laughing out [...]loud, take Cou­rage, execute the Commission that hath been given [...]ou; quote me the Explication of the Fathers on the Scripture, the Decrees of General Councils, the Hi [...]ry of all Ages; bring Aristotle and▪ Des­ca [...]tes into the Field, and if you will, all the School­men; show me by convincing Arguments that your Church is the true Church, and I shall account it my Honour to obey you.

At the [...]e words my Passion grew so violent, that I could not master it, and striking him a smart blow on the fingers with my busk, Ile teach you, said I, to jear [...]e. Well done Sister, said he, bursting out into a Laughter, I see well that you have learned to imitate the Persecutors of our Churches, who when [...]ir artifice and cunning fails them, have re­course to force. This gentle reproach filled me with Contusion, which might easily be read in my Coun­tenance. This is nothing, said he, I pardon you with [...]l my heart, but you must tell me plainly all that my Mother said to you. My Mother ( [...]eplyed I) [...]eves that you may one day become a good Ca­th [...]ck, provided a little care be taken of you: And what▪ said [...]e, could induce her to think so? That which you have said your self, answered I, that too ma [...] of the Ceremonies were laid aside in the Re­fo [...]ed Church, and this makes her believe that you are much d [...]gusted with the Religion of Calvin. Alas good Woman! (cryed he) how [...]ast her imagination [...]es n [...]r! how easily doth she believe what she de [...]es! But (added he) did she command you to u [...]ge me in this Point, and did you promise her to do it? I promised that I would spe [...]k to you about [Page 10]it, and that I would not amuse my self to dispute with you. You intend then Sister, said he, to make me yield without an Engagement, which I'll never do either in temporals or spirituals. You may dis­pute against me if you please; I'll not dispute at all, (said I) I had rather leave you in your Error. Ah (said he) if you will not dispute with me, I'll dis­pute with you, and therefore now prepare to de­fend your self.

Immediately, without giving me time to answer, he took up a little Crucifix that was on the Table, what do you intend to do with this? Of what use is it? It brings my Saviour (replyed I) to my mind; is it possible, (answered he) that you need such helps as these to mind you of your Saviour? Can't you think on him without having a Crucifix before your Eyes? indeed your Devotion must needs be at a low ebb, if you can't mind God unless you have this be­fore you: But you know (said I) that our mind is apt to be distracted, and to run out after variety of things, and that we must often reduce it to its proper Object by the sight of such things as fix its thoughts. I shall turn (said he) your own Ar­gument upon your self. 'Tis the Crucifix that you look on, that distracts you in your contemplation of Jesus Christ: For Sister (added he) when you be­hold the Crucifix, you cannot chuse but say in your self, there's the Image of Jesus Christ, and when you think on the Image, you think not directly on Jesus Christ. And, as you know, it is impossible at once to look upon a man and his Picture; so 'tis im­possible to have an Image before your Eyes, and yet to think only on the Original. If you cannot think on Jesus Christ unless you have a Crucifix before you, 'tis a plain Evidence that your Piety is very miserable, since it owes its support and maintenance to such wretched means. 'Tis as much as if you had said, that you stand in such absolute need of an Image, that you cannot awaken your Zeal without it: But if [Page 11]you pretend that your spirit is carried out after your Saviour, that you do not at all mind the Image; of what use then is it? Could you not without it do what the Word of God Commands, ( viz.) Worship God in Spirit and in Truth? Think you that a Mar­mouser, or Image can inspire you with such thoughts as are necessary for your Salvation? and ha'n't you reason to expect from converse with God in Spirit by means of Prayer, such blessings as are much more great and singular? Come then to your self, and be ashamed of using what Christ never approved of, and which disturbs the mind in, and turns it from its best Meditation.

Such things as are the Objects of sense, and have an External resemblance given them, which depend on the will or skill of the Painters or Engravers, are far more capable of sinking man into vain and frivo­lous Imaginations, than of freeing them from them. Thus we see that most Catholicks do insensibly suffer their Devotion to run out after the Image rather than the Original. You say what you please Brother, (said I) and charge us with such things as are very remote from our true sentiments; I'll charge you (said he) with nothing but what I'll prove. Is it not certain, that amongst all the Images of Jesus Christ and Cru­cifixes, some are more honoured than others? You see great Crucifixes in Churches, before which eve­ry Body prostrate themselves; these are great Lords in comparison of the poor Crucifixes, that are on Brigdes and high-ways, who are happy enough, if one amongst a thousand moves his Cap at them.

If all Crucifixes serve to represent to you your Sa­viour nailed to the Cross, they have all one and the same dignity, nor ought you to show more respect to some, than to others; seeing their dignity results not from the matter whereof they are made; nor the skill of the Workman, who gives them what Figure he pleaseth; why then do you make so great a difference between them, that you'll scarce youch­safe [Page 12]some of them so much as a look, when you fall on your knees before others? what answer will you make to this? I say (replyed I) if we make any di­stinction between these Images, 'tis because some of them do more naturally and livelily represent our Saviour, than others do, and consequently are more capable of warming our Zeal: So that (replyed he scoffingly) your Zeal depends in part on the hand of Carver or Painter; I believe (added he) you your selves would laugh at such reasons: But know, that if it be good to make use of Images, as helps of Devotion, according to your Principles the same ho­nour must be rendred to all: To those whose work­manship discover least skill as well as others; be­cause, as I said before, their dignity results not from their Matter or Figure, but from the Original, whose Images they are, or rather from the End men aimed at in setting them up, to represent Jesus Christ: So that if you make any difference between Images, ei­ther as made of more excellent materials, or with greater Art, and if you honour some more than you do others, you thereby show that your mind is more fixed upon the Image, than on the Original, and consequently can't free your selves from being guilty of a kind of Idolatry.

Idolatry, said I, (interrupting him,) I am not yet so ignorant, but I know the difference between Ima­ges and Idols; and I believe none can justly charge me with Idolatry, for having before me the Image of my Saviour, when I adore him. They are Ido­laters who believe there is some Deity in the Images themselves; but for such who regard them only as representations, and whose mind tend only to the Original, they certainly can't deserve this Name. Many Catholicks, (replyed my Brother,) yea even most, believe that there is an hidden Vertue in some Images, whether Crucifixes or others, which work Miracks, which others don't do. Every body runs after these Miracle-working Images, whereas the [Page 13]others are comparatively but little regarded. I ask on now, whether such as flock to these Images, don't [...]deed believe that they have some divine Vertue, or [...]se reverence them only as simple Images? If they say [...]at God hath chosen th [...]se Images to manisest his [...]ower by rather than others. God looks on Images on­ [...] as wood▪ stone, or any other matter, and 'tis injurious [...]o his Infinite Majesty to make him accompany with [...]is eff [...]cy dead things, the works of mens hands, [...]nd such as mens hands can also destroy: And whence [...]aid I come the Miracles which are wrought by [...]em? Most of them (answered he) are meer cheats, [...] I might prove by innumerable Examples, and as [...]r others, God suffers them to happen as Evidences [...] his wrath against a People given up to a repro­ [...]te Spirit, and the Efficacy of Errour, as he suffer­ [...] the Magicians of Pharaoh to work Miracles: I am [...]ling to believe that some Crucifixes have wept, [...]hers have spoken, others have laught, and others [...]ve bowed their heads. The Devil is the Author [...] all these operations, and not God; for when [...]od discovers any miraculous work, he makes no [...]e of Images or Idols made by men, unless it be [...] cause them to fall to the ground, as he did Da­ [...] before the Ark of the Covenant. But he snows [...] power on men themselves, making them accord­ [...]g to what they are, whether proud or humble, [...] Objects of his terrible Justice, or else of his In­ [...]e Mercy.

'T has been always the Devils great design to esta­ [...]sh Idolatry in the World, and this design he ma­ [...]geth according to what he finds men to be, whe­ [...]r more refined, or gross and blockish. At pre­ [...]t seeing that men are grown more subtile than [...]er, he proposeth to them an Idolatry more de­ [...]ate and disguised. I scruple not to affirm, that [...]e Guides of the Church of Rome, concur to pro­ [...]te the Devils work: For what do they so ear­ [...]stly press the People to the worship of Images▪ [Page 14]but only to hinder them from forming an Idea [...] a Religion that's purely Spiritual? For according t [...] their Maxim, Mens minds must be kept low, th [...] they may be the better governed, and may the mor [...] quietly and without contradiction bear the Tyran­ny of their Spiritual Rulers: And this is the Devi [...] Maxim too, And seeing that People are grow [...] more refined than ever they were, he would not ofte [...] them so gross an Idolatry as reigns amongst the barba­rous Pagans, but a subtile Idolatry, which is acted unde [...] another Name, and in different ways, and consists i [...] the worship of Images, as 'tis practised in the Churc [...] of Rome: For the Spirit of darkness very well knows th [...] the Spirit of Man is too weak of it self to attain to [...] Spiritual Worship, and that on the contrary 'tis e [...] ­sie to make it embrace a grosser Worship, by d [...] ­guising things under other shapes. And 'twas f [...] this End that he introduced the worship of Image [...] pretending at first that he only offered them as help [...] whereby men might be enabled to serve God t [...] more easily, but he well knew that Images wou [...] certainly pr [...]ve a stumbling-block; so that m [...] would insensibly pass from the adoration of Go [...] and from his worship to the adora [...]on and wors [...] of Images. directly and simply, without ever min [...] ­ing the Original.

The Church of Rom [...] deals with the People, ju [...] as Nurses do with Children, busying them with Ba [...] ­bies and Poppets. Thus it amuseth the People wi [...] Images, as though there were some Deity inclosed [...] them, or that God chose to man [...]est his Power [...] such Organs. And indeed those Biggots of bo [...] Sexes that are mad after these follies, deserve [...] be dealt with as Children are. Oh my Sister, (a [...] ­ded he) did you know how God acts by his Wor [...] and how it raiseth our Souls up to Heaven to see [...] Christ, who reigns there eternally, you would no [...] delay one moment to burn your Crucifixes, and [...] your Images.

Burn them! (said I, startling at the very expres­ [...]on,) that's Devilish advice indeed, and well be­ [...]oming an Heretick; who ever spake of burning the [...]icture of him whom he honoured, respec [...]ed, and [...]ved above all others? what greater affront to Je­ [...]s Christ than this? Yes Sister, added he, burn 'em, [...] say, burn 'em, and let not this alarm you. Ought [...]e not to get rid of that-which knits and tyes our [...]pirits to m [...]ater, and so to get rid of it, as never [...]ore to see it? Hath not our Lord said, If thy right [...]and offend thee cut it off, and if thy right eye offend thee [...]ck it out? Much more ought we to cast away [...]ose stones of offence, if they are any wise the oc­ [...]asions of sin: and we need not fear offending God [...] so doing, under pretence that the Images we destroy [...]e his, for God never commanded us to make these [...]mages, or to worship him by them; Men have [...]ade them according to their own Fancies and Ima­ [...]nation, and have set them them up, not for the [...]lory of God, but for their own secret designs, and [...]e ought to destroy all that is contrary to God's [...]lory.

You have doubtless heard of that wonderful bra­ [...]en Serpent, which God himself caused to be made [...]r the cure of those that were bitten by the fiery [...]erpents: for upon their looking towards it, all that [...]ere bitten were immediately cured. This Serpent [...]ad three great Prerogatives, which none of your [...]mages ever had; for first it was made by Gods ex­ [...]ress Command, which can be said of no other I­ [...]age; then by means of it many great Miracles, in­ [...]ubitable Miracles were wrought in the sight of all [...]e People, after an easie and effectual manner; for [...]was but to look upon it, and they were immediate­ [...]y cured of what was in it self very painful and grie­ [...]ous, and would otherwise have been in its conse­ [...]uences very fatal. The finest Crucifix that ever [...]as made, can do nothing worthy to be compared with this. Lastly, 'twas a Type of Jesus Christ him­self, [Page 16]by looking on whom by Faith, we are deliver­ed from the real fiery Serpe [...]s: For thus saith S. Jon [...] in the 14 [...]h Chapter of his Gospel, As Moses litte [...] up the Serpent in the de [...]art, so must also the Son [...] man be lifted up.

These Reasons seem to plead strongly not only fo [...] its preserva [...]ion in M [...]m [...]ry of the past Miracles, and to be an Ima [...] [...] [...]im th [...] wa [...] to come; but also for its being [...]everenced. A [...] the People of Israel seeme [...] mor [...] [...] us [...]e in ad [...]ring [...] than you are in adoring your Cru [...]isixes [...]ecause twas to them an Image of hi [...] of whom [...]ey [...]ad a v [...]ry imperfect Knowledged; where­as now Christ is come, and we have a much more per­fect kn [...]ledge of him than the Ancient Jews had, an [...] therefore have no need of a material Image to repre­sent to u [...] our Sa [...]our? But what became of this braze [...] Serpent' [...]z [...]ias who was a good Princ [...] a Prince fear­ing God, [...]ing th [...]t the People offered inc [...]nse to it▪ broke it and s [...]a [...]ed [...] t [...] powder; had he done ill▪ he would have [...]een punish [...]d, [...]r at lea [...] [...]ep oved, wh [...]re is on the contrary his [...]eign was [...] happy▪ and blessed of God▪ because without amusing him­self wit [...] the s [...]les o [...] [...]he Vulgar, he had taken away from this People the subject or occasion of Ido­latry. We may lea [...]n hence how good 'tis to de­stroy all that may cause us to err, not sp [...]ring i [...] [...] any reason, or specious pretence whatever.

God was pleased to manifest his pres [...]nce in a p [...]ar manner in his A [...]k of the Covenant; so tha he caused the wonders of his Majesty to ap­pe [...] where ever it was carried; he divided Riv [...]rs, threw down the Walls of Cities, caused the Idols to fall before it, smote thousands of those that durst look into it, afflicted the Philistin [...] w [...]th grievous and shameful Distempers, slew such as presumed only to touch it, and blessed those with whom it was lodged: Yet that he might re­move every thing that might occasion any breach in the true Devotion of his People, especially when [Page 17] [...]e G [...]spel was to be preached, he suffered this Ark [...] perish in the burning of Jerusalem, that the Jews [...]i [...]ht not have any thing to hinder them from em­ [...]acing the Gospel.

Yet Sister (added he) I don't say these things [...] perswade you to burn your Crucifixes and Images, [...]ut only to justifie the expression I made use of; for [...]is unreasonable to burn any thing, unless we have [...]eason to fear it may cause our fall; we may keep [...]em as things that are indifferent, and I cannot ap­ [...]rove of the indiscreet Zeal of some Hugonots, that [...]usie themselves in breaking in pieces all the Images [...]d Statues they meet with. True Piety shows not [...] self outragious, it contents its self with withdraw­ [...]g its own foot, without [...]candalizing the weak. [...]is true, God often inspired his People to cast away [...]ch things as might cause them to err, according [...] the Prophesie of Isaiah, Ch. 2. v. 20. In that day [...] man [...]hall cast his Idols of silver, and bis Idols of gold, [...]hich t [...]ey made each one for himself to worship, to the [...]es, and to the Bats. This Prophesie was fulfilled [...]hen the darkness of Paganism began to be dissipa­ [...]ed, I may also say, when the true light caused the [...]adows of Popery to f [...]ee away.

My Brother seeing that I took a singular delight [...] hearing him, and that I were somewhat touched [...]ith his Discourses, was about to have continued, [...]hen we heard a noise at our Chamber door, a [...] [...]hich I looked pale with fear; for had my Mother [...]ard us, I must have paid dear for our Discourse, [...]d perhaps my Brother too. But he being▪ more [...]old than I, w [...]nt to open the door, and found that [...]was my Father, who came into the Chamber with [...] smiling Countenance: I confess, my Children, said [...]e, that I made you very much afraid, but I am [...]ot come to disturb you, nor to break off a Conver­ [...]tion with which I am extreamly delighted. Af­ [...]rwards, turning to me, I am, said he, very well plea­ [...]ed with your Brother for what he hath-said, and [Page 18]with you for hearing him; I shall only add this on [...] word: If God by his means touch your heart, don' [...] kick against the Pricks, nor be obstinate against the Holy Spirit, when he speaks to your Conscience▪ Your Brother doth what I ought to have done were it not for the solemn Oath I kave too rashl [...] taken, Never to discourse of Religion with my Daugh­ters, with which I might well dispense, did I no [...] consider that God hath given me a Son who hat [...] Knowledge and Zeal enough for the performanc [...] of this Duty.

Indeed Father, (said my Brother,) you may we [...] allow me this Liberty, seeing my Mother command­ed my Sister to tempt me to change my Religion Then you conspire, Justine, with your Mother (sai [...] my Father) to seduce your Brother; I am ver [...] glad I know it, we will make use of Reprisals: Bu [...] my Children, use more prudence another time wh [...] you discourse, for had your Mother heard you, [...] she might have done, there would have been [...] dreadful adoe, and Ferdinand would have had n [...] more reason to boast of his Mothers Favour. Af­ter this my Father retired, leaving us to discourse i [...] ­quiet; in the mean time my Brother placed th [...] Chess-board on the Table, with some Verses whic [...] he took out of his Pocket.

This Precaution was not needless, for my Mothe [...] had her Spies, who informed her that both my Fa­ther and my Brother were in my Closet; she who [...] was distrustful enough in matters of Conscience, feared least in attempting to gain my Brother sh [...] should lose me, and therefore came to listen to o [...] Discourse; but my Brother having left the Door o [...] my Closet open, I could easily discover all that cam [...] nto my Chamber; and seeing my Mother, I gav [...] my Brother notice of it by signs, who seemed eng [...] ­ed in Play: my Mother seeing that she was disco­vered, came into my Closet, and said to us smi­ling, Ah Youth, youth, can you find nothing where­with [Page 19]to imploy your selves but Plays and Trifles? I [...]i [...]ve (answered my Brother very readily,) that [...]ou have made an agreement with my Father to [...]ide us: And why did he chide you, (said she) he [...]med me that I did nothing but lose my time, [...]d told me that in three days he would send me [...] the Army; Did your Father say so, replyed my [...]other, but he shall not be Master of his own Reso­ [...]tions. I have but one Son, and have been ten [...]ars without seeing him, and would he now he is [...] iust returned snatch him again out of my Arms; [...]swear he shall never do it; and I would fain know [...]hat he intends you should do in the Army, unless [...]ve your Brains knockt out. Indeed your Father [...] very unnatural.

Ah, F [...]rdinand, Ferdinand, your Mother loves you [...] more tenderly; she would not only have you [...]e to be her Comfort, but would willingly give [...]e better part of her blood, that you might obtain [...]other Life that endures for ever, which you can [...]ver hope for, while you remain what you are. I [...]ank you, Mother (said he) with all my heart, for [...]e Charity you discover towards me; 'tis enough [...]y Mother, that 'tis by you I enjoy this Life, as [...] the other I expect it from him who hath formed [...] Soul: But Son (said she) you are not in the [...]y to obtain it. I understand you Mother, reply­ [...] he, you would perswade me that the Roman Re­ [...]ion is the only Religion that leads to Heaven; but [...]w can you desire me to believe it, since it or­ [...]ins all Catholicks to be in a perpetual doubt of [...]eir Salvation. I can never believe, that that will [...]ing me to happiness, which requires me to doubt [...]ether ever I shall partake of it.

Here my Mother was struck dumb, and though [...]e was a Woman of spirit, yet she could not carry [...]f this stroak. And my Brother who saw that he [...]d spoken too freely, began to mollifie what [...]e had said, by telling her that he would [Page 20]not absolutely condemn the Catholick Religion, in which were many things that he approved of, though they were much disliked by other Hugo­nots. On the contrary, said he, the Religion of Calvin seems to me a little too N [...]ked and void of Ceremonies. Hereupon some came to call my Mother, who then only said, I pray God and the Holy Virgin to Enlighten you, and so left us. Yet seeing it was somewhat late, we were forced to break off our Conversation for this time.

I thought fit, dear Ladies, said Madamoiselle de St. Phale, to rehearse these things at large, to show you the means which it pleased God to make use of to bring me to the Knowledge of his Truth what I have further to tell you, is more curions than the beginning. I perceive, said Madamoisell Leonora, by what you have already said, that the History of your Life must have somewhat very sin­gular in it, which I impatiently long to hear from you; but seeing it is somewhat late, and you have spoken enough, I believe you would be willing to Dine before you continue your charming Relati­on: Indeed Dinner was found to be just ready, which was over in an instant. They walked some time after Dinner on the Deck, and then returned into the Cabbin, where Madamoiselle de St. Phale continu­ed her Relation.

CHAP. II.

I Could not once close my Eyes for sleep the whole Night after I had had this Discourse with my Brother; I knew not what reason I had for my Religion, I was convinced that he had some for his, and even before he had said any thing to me, I was disgusted with many things in the Church of Rome. In the Morning I fell into a short Nap, in which I had such a Dream as disturbed me more than all the rest. Methought I saw my Father sick unto Death, who said unto me, Justina, God who takes from you your earthly Father, will himself be a Fa­ther to you, on Condition that you serve him in Spirit and Truth, which you cannot do, whilst you make Profession of those Superstitions in which you have been Educated; if you rencunce it, and sin­cerely embrace the Religion of our Churches, you shall indeed be terribly Persecuted and stript of your Estate, but yet you shall end your days in happiness and tranquility of spirit, and when you leave this Life, shall enter on another, in comparison of which, the choicest Enjoyments in this World are but Vanity and Emptiness: But if you obstinately resist the Will of your God, you shall dye miserably, in the most grievous Troubles and Despair, which shall be the forerunners of Eternal Torments. These words methought were his last, Death preventing his speak­ing any more. When I awoke, my Eyes were full of Tears, and I was terribly disquieted for three days with this Dream, so that I resolved to get my self instructed by my Brother, both in my own Reli­gion, and in that of the Hugonots.

I was scarce got out of my Bed, before I saw my Brother coming into my Chamber; as soon as I saw him, I sent my Waiting Gentlewoman on an [Page 22]Errand, and he without losing any time, said Sister, I am come to wish you a good Morning, not do I come empty handed, seeing I bring you what is more worth than the Crown of our King. You are then (said I) much inriched this Night, re­ceiving his Present, which was the New Testament very neatly bound. You said yesterday, (added he) that you Worshiped your Crucifix to excite [...] Piery, lay aside your Crucifix and read the Holy Scripture, you will soon find whether the Word of God be not much more powerful than an im­potent Image. I thanked him, and promised to follow his Advice; after which he left me, to sa­lute my Mother, towards whom he was very exac [...] ­in his Carriage.

In the mean time I opened the New Testament, and found that he had Written in the Frontispiece of the Book, these words of the Revelation, Behold I stand [...] the Door and knock, if any one hear my Voice and open to me, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me. I well understood my Bro­thers Intention in writing this Passage, which I soon applyed to my self. After this I withdren into my Closet, where I read the History of our Lord's Passion, Death and Resurrection, as 'tis writ­ten in the twenty sixth, twenty seventh and twen­ty eighth Chapters of St. Matthew. This reading so affected me, that I never Prayed to God so heartily in all my Life. After my Prayer I continued to read still, and I found that as I read, the Word made a passage into my Soul, which filled me with un­expressible Joy. Hereupon my Brother came to me, to Conduct me into my Mothers Chamber, who was astonished at my negligence, but before I left my own Chamber, I carefully lockt up my New-Testament, which many Reasons obliged me to keep safe.

My Mother as soon as she saw me, said unto [...]e, You have been very sluggish to day, and [...]oking more earnestly upon me, What Langour said she) is that that I see in your Eyes? I dare [...]y a Wager that you have not slept, but have [...]ent a good part of the Night in reading some [...]omance: I was very loath to undeceive her, for [...]hich Reason I returned no Answer. Hereupon my [...]ther came to us, inviting us into the Garden, [...]here as he walked on the one side, my Brother [...]d I walked on the other. 'Twas there that I [...]inked him yet again for his Present, and opened [...] Heart to him, declaring that I found many [...]ings in the Church of Rome which I could not bear, [...] could not as yet resolve to forsake it. Sister, re­ [...]ed he, 'tis fit to examine things seriously before [...] forsake any thing, especially in matters of Reli­on; hold fast your Religion in which you have been [...]ucated, till you are convinced that it is not the [...]t, and that there is another far more excellent, [...] then you cannot in Conscience adhere to what [...] are perfwaded is more defective, and neglect [...]at is more perfect. This day we had a Discourse two hours, about Transubstantiation, and the day [...]owing another about Justification by Works. [...] another day she spake to me about the Sacri­ [...] for the Living and the Dead, offered up by [...] hands of the Priest; but that which he most [...]l endeavoured to prove, was, That the Church Rome could not be the true Church. 'Twould be [...] tedious, should I relate all that he said to me, [...] the arguments which he urged to prove his asser­ [...]s, which made me doubt least I were in the false [...]reh, and resolve to enter into the true one.

Three week, passed in these Discourses, and when [...]und any Arguments to oppose against my Bro­ [...]s, I always resisted him; but he soon answered [...]n; at length I declared to him the disposition of [...] Spirit, which much rejoyced him: Yet he [Page 24]judged this business to be of such Importance, th [...] he thought fit to make my Father acquainted wi [...] it, which he did: So that as my Mother was one day employed in looking over some certain Ac­counts, my Father called me into his Chamber where I found my Brother: Daughter, said he, hear some News that pleaseth me extreamly, ma [...] I believe it? Yes Father, answered I, and if yo [...] please to hear me, I shall give you full satisfaction Hereupon he asked me several Questions, to which I returned such Answers, as did not at all displea [...] him. 'Tis enough (said he) for the present, re­turn now to your Mother; yet my Daughter, ad­ded he, if you constantly persist in this holy Re­solution, I assure you that come what will, the Bless [...] of God will never fail you, and your heavenly Fath [...] will accomplish in Heaven the Prayers which yo [...] Earthly Father hath here made for you. The lo [...] and tenderness of these Expressions forced te [...] from my Eyes. I find, answered I, that G [...] opens my understanding more and more, I reco [...] ­mend my self to your good Prayers, that he wou [...] make fuller discoveries of his Truth to me. Y [...] Justine, yes my Daughter, said he very affectionated I'll go into my Closet to pray for you. But this not enough, you your self must also address yo [...] humble prayers to our good God, who abounds Eternal Grace and Mercy, that he would finish [...] work in your Heart: And you Ferdinand, fail [...] to do the same thing; and ascribe not to your [...] the Glory of having converred your Sister, but gi [...] it all to God, who alone hath dominion over [...] Heart.

My Mother being still imployed, I went is my Closet to perform what my Father had co [...] ­manded, and to recommend my self to God, which after I had finished, I found my self more firm resolved, and more chearful than I was befor expecting till God should give me a favourable [Page 25] [...]ortunity to put my Design in Execution: on the [...]ther hand my Mother was not idle, being earnesily [...]ent on my Brothers Conversion. My Brother who [...]d prudence and subtilty enough for the manage­ [...]ent of such an Aff [...]ir, did not absolutely reject [...]is Proposition, nor did he approve of it, but [...]ffered her to entertain some hopes, that he might [...]e time or other be wrought upon. How often [...]ve we laugh'd about this Intricate adventure, in [...]at my Mother hoping to change her Son, made [...]e of her Daughter to this end; and my Father [...]ade use of his Son to convert his Daughter, which [...] last suceeded, whereas all my Mothers designs [...]ned into smoak!

We had need to be very careful to hide all these [...]ings from my Mother, who was a Woman of that [...]mper, that had she had the least notice of what [...]sled, she would have caused me to have been car­ded away by force, and kept in a Convent all my [...]. There happened at that time two things, which [...]ped much to deceive my Mother; one was, that Catholick Gentleman endeavoured to get me in [...]rriage. Although my Mother had resolved in her [...]n Mind to bestow me on him, yet she would [...]clude on nothing till she had made my Father quainted with it, with whom she always lived in [...]at Love and Peace. My Father would not in [...]s business act as Master; seeing (said he) my [...]ughter hath been educated in your Religion, I [...]n mit the management of her wholly to you, you [...]y do with her what you please. Yet Madam, [...]ing you are pleased to Consult me about this [...]rriage, I shall freely declare my Judgment. The [...]ung Man of whom you speak is indeed of a good [...]mily, yet this Family is much in Debt: And I informed, That this Young Man is too great a [...]a [...]chee for a Virgin of that worth as our Daugh­ [...]s who deserveth a better Lot. Yet Madam▪ [Page 26]you are wholly Mistress of her; she is intirely a [...] your disposal, and I know that you'l do nothing tha [...] is a disparagement to your Prudence, seeing that I free­ly consent to whatever you shall judge requisite. Indee [...] said my Mother, since you deal so freely with m [...] in this matter, I assure you that you shall be Maste [...] of her destiny, and provided she marry a Catholick my Will shall be wh [...]ll [...] resigned to yours. I had [...] mind, answered my Father, to propose to you [...] Catholick Gentleman, whose Manners, Wisdom and sweetness of Disposition extreamly please me [...] 'tis Madam the Son of your Cousin German, Mada [...] de —This was what my Mother most desire [...] for she tenderly loved this Gentleman her Cous [...] who indeed had all the Qualities that comma [...] Esteem. I thank you, replyed my Mother, that yo [...] are pleased to prefer my Relations before othe [...] but since I see you have so good an opinion of hi [...] I desire that they may be Married as soon as pos [...] ­ble. I desire it as well as you, answered my Fathe [...] but we must endeavour that he first get some Off [...] in the Army; and to this end we must declare th [...] we will not give her to a simple Volunteer; and [...] Friends, whose Interest is very great, will not fail [...] getting him some Employment. My Mother lik [...] this Advice extreamly well, and resolved to confi [...] in my Father, more than ever she had hithe [...] done.

The other thing was, that my Father seemed [...] make my Mother his Confident, in some things [...] lating to my Brother. It much troubles me, sa [...] he, that Ferdinand thus loseth his time her [...] and were it not for the respect which I see y [...] have for him, I had sent him before now back i [...] ­to the Army, or into Germany or England. At a [...] ­other time my Mother would have returned a [...] ­ry sharp Answer to this Discourse, but my Fath [...] had showed so much complaisance for her, that [...] [Page 27] [...]urst not contradict him to his face. Sir, said she, I had [...]ot seen my Son these ten years, and would you [...]ake [...]m from me again, when I have scarce enjoyed his [...]ompany two Months? No Madam, replyed my [...]ather, I will not take him from you, but I am [...]raid hee'l go away himself, for I see that this un­ [...]ive idle life which he leads in this Country, doth [...]ot at all suit with his humour: 'Tis natural with him [...] be in action, and the contrary must needs be tedi­ [...]s; he can't always Play, or Walk, or Hunt, or Dis­ [...]urse, these things serve to refresh the Mind, but [...]nnot satisfie it. Let me speak with him, said my [...]other, it may be I may induce him to change his [...]ind; where is he? I [...]ll talk with him by and by. [...]hink, replyed my Father, he is in the Garden. [...]mediately my Mother called me to walk with her [...] my Brother.

We found my Brother sitting near a Fountain, [...] a Prosound Meditation, for he was considering the [...]urse he ought to take to make me abjure the Er­ [...]urs of the Church of Rome. We surprized him in [...]s Posture, and my Mother raised him from his [...]ep study, by giving him a gentle blow on the [...]oulder with her hand: What are you thinking [...] Ferainand, said she, that you are in such a study. [...] declare my Mind to you, (Mother said he,) [...]ugh I dare not do it to my Father. I would [...] return to the Army, what would you have me [...] here to pick Straws? Lay aside these thoughts, [...] my Mother, why would you return thither to [...]e your Brains knockt out, and make me the [...]st miserable of all Mothers? What think you [...]uld I do, should I lose my only Son, on whom [...] best hopes are placed? 'Twere indeed some­ [...]g if you had any grounds to expect Preferment; [...] things are at that pass at present, that there [...] be nothing hoped for in favour of those of your [...]igion; for should you perform the bravest Acti­ons, [Page 28]and do the King all i [...]ina [...]le Service, 'twou [...] all be lookt on as nothing whilst you are an Hugo [...] My Brother replyed only with a deep sigh, wh [...] made my Mother believe she saw what was in [...] bottom of his heart, but she was deceived. Y [...] sigh Ferdinand, said she, and say nothing, but I [...] you once again, that as long as you are an Hugo [...] you will never get any Advancement: But I'll d [...] course with you more to morrow Morning, fail [...] to come to me to thy Chamber; go for the pres [...] and think on what I have said to you.

When he had left us, my Mother said to m [...] Your Brother dislikes several things in the R [...]l [...]g [...] of Calvin, and approves of many things in o [...] moreover he is somewhat ambirious, let us go [...] my Daughter, and strike whilst the Iron is hot, [...] shall certainly make s [...]me impression on aim one [...] or other. 'Tw [...] [...] b [...] a difficult work, (answered [...] he is more s [...]xed than [...]ou imagine. No matter [...] plyed my Mother) the merit of it will be [...] great before God, and the honour before men; [...] you do [...]our part, and I'll no mine; we daily [...] Conversions wrought that seemed far more diff [...] than his; yea, were at [...]rst accounted imposs [...] If your Brother will be guided by Reason, ra [...] than by the Coun [...]ls of your [...]a [...]her, I ll set [...] Learned Men upon him, as must needs conv [...] him: And if he hath any Am [...]i [...]ion, I ll get h [...] discourse with such, as have at present all the po [...] i [...] their own hands, who will not sail of m [...]king [...] Fortune, whereof the [...] give him all the assurance [...] can desire. Only let it be your endeavour to [...] him capa [...]le o [...] good Advice, and above all to [...] v [...]nt his giving my Fa [...]her an Acc [...]unt of [...] p [...]ss [...]th.

In the mean time m [...] [...]other, as so [...]n as he [...] lest us went into my Fathers Appar [...]e [...]t, and [...] ­ted all that my Mother had [...]d to him; my Fa [...] [Page 29]To gave him an account of that that passed between [...]n and my Mother, to prevent her discovering [...]eir De [...]igns, adding, That he saw well enough [...]t this [...]od Woman intended, but that by the [...]ace of God all her Designs should come to no­ [...]ing, and his have their desired success. Some [...]rt time after as I returned from the Garden with [...] Mother, seeing her busie in giving Orders about [...]e Concerns of the Family, I [...]an immediately to [...] F [...]thers Lodgings, where I found my Brother▪ [...] [...]on as my Father saw me, So, said he to me, [...]u act in concert with your Mother, for the Conver­ [...]n or rather perversion of your Brother: Two Wo­ [...] a [...]wered I, are too weak to encounter one [...]n; but my Mother resolves to send some Doctors [...] my Brother, against whom he shall never be able [...] defend himself, and hereupon I related all that [...] Mother had discovered of her De [...]ign. You have [...]e very well, said my Father, to inform us of this; [...] now, added he, I would have you to return, [...] fear least your Mother should perceive you have [...]ken with me. Thus my Father and Mother [...] ployed their utmost artifice to deceive each [...]er; but in the end my Mother found her self [...] taken in her reckoning. My Brother told me [...]e, that my Father seemed somewhat troubled [...]he Methods which my Mother resolved to follow: I [...]esee (said he to my Brother,) that you wi [...]l be [...]osed to great temptations. I am not so much [...]aid of the arguments of the Learned, as I am of [...]se of such as are in Power, when they shall re­ [...] sent to you the Offices, Prosperi [...]y and Pleasure [...]ch you shall enjoy. if you embrace the Romish [...]n. You are young, and the fumes of Ambi­ [...] more easily seize on the minds of such as are [...]ing, than of theirs that are farther advanced in [...]: Be not confident of your own strength, but [...]t only in God. I know, said my Brother, that [Page 30]if I trust in my own strength, I am the weakest of a I men, but if I place my confidence in the Lord, I am stronger than the whole World. After this my Father gave him leave to retire. Nothing more considerable happened this day.

But the next Morning my Brother went to my Mothers Appartment, and found her in her Closet; she no sooner understood that he was come, but she commanded him to come in and sit down by her, which he at first modestly refusing to do, Fer­dinand, said she, I now lay aside my Character of [...] Mother, to speak to you as a Friend; and therefore without any more adoe sit down by me, which my Brother doing without returning any Answer; she shedding some tears, spake thus to him in a ton [...] that argued a great deal of tenderness.

I can never, said she, look upon you without hav­ing my Heart agitated with contrary Passions, whe [...] I consider that I have in you a Son, both Wise, Ho­nest, and Valiant; I cannot but rejoyce and accoun [...] my self the happiest of all Women, this being a fa­vour which God doth not vouchsafe to all Mothers but when I consider on the other hand, That th [...] Son whom I love, who is so proper a Person, and [...] much esteemed by all, and who hath such Nob [...] Inclinations; hath been brought up in a false a [...] Heretical Religion, and persists in it, it extorts from me the bitterest tears, and it grieves me that I ev [...] brought you into the World. O Ferdinand, Fer [...] ­nand, did you know all that passed in my Heart o [...] this account, and the Compassion that I have for yo [...] you would have more Complaisance for me than no [...] you have. More she could not speak, her sighs stop­ping her Discourse.

Mother, replyed my Brother, (who was touche [...] to see her so much concerned) there's not a te [...] you shed but is worse than a Dagger to my Hear [...] why do you thus give way to your Sorrow. I kno [...] [Page 31]Mother, that 'tis a maternal Compassion which you have for me; but it may be 'tis a blind Compassion, that flows only from your Prejudices: I wish you knew how far the respect your Son hath for you will carry him, and therefore I declare, That if any can convince me that I am in a false Religion, I am ready to embrace the Religion which shall be pro­ved to be better, for I will not be led by Obstinacy, but by Reason: To this end I now lay aside all my Prejudices which I may have taken up in favour of my Religion, and against yours; and am ready to embrace freely your Religion if I find it better, or [...]o persist in my own, if it appears to be the true Religion. My Mother was mightily well pleased at this Declaration, and said, I take you to your word, [...]emember to keep it: Yes Mother, (said he) I shall [...]lwa [...]s remember this, That if any can convince me [...]hat I am in an Errour, I must not rest in it: That [...], replyed my Mother, that if I bring you a Man [...]hat shall remove all your Doubts and Scruples, you [...]ill come over to us. Yes Mother (answered he) [...]ith all my Heart; for I should be very unhappy, If [...]nowing I were in an evil way I would not be per­waded to leave it: If you will (added my Mother) [...]ll bring you acquainted with such as can advance [...]ou, and bestow honourable Offices on you, if you [...]ill embrace our Religion: Every thing hath its [...]roper season, (answered my Brother smiling) I [...]ust not be exposed to so many assaults at once. [...]ereupon my Brother rose up, and paying his re­pects to my Mother, left her abundantly satisfied [...]ith this Conversation, for she believed she had gotten [...] kind of Conquest over him; and flattered her [...]elf with hopes, that all that he said, was only that [...]e might turn his Coat with a better Grace, as those [...]laces who expect the Canon before they Capi­ [...]late.

Nothing now remained to be done, but the as­s [...]gning the day for the Dispute; for the person whom my Mother had chosen to oppose my Bro­ther, was her confessor, the Father Matthew, a Je­suit, one that was Learned enough, but yet bette [...] s [...]ored with Malice than Learning. (I my self hav [...] f [...]lt some [...]ffects of his Malice, which is the reaso [...] why I hate the whole Order, and dealt so roughl [...] y [...]t [...]day with those two disguised Brothers). A [...] l [...]gth the day was appointed, which was to be th [...] Mo [...]ow after my Father should go to Dijon to fo [...] low a Suit he had depending before the Parliam [...] of t [...]at P [...]ace; for my Mother took special c [...]re [...] conceal all her Contrivances from my Father, wh [...] for his part, was as careful to pretend that he kne [...] n [...]hing of them: As for my Brother and I, we d [...] [...]mbled our intention [...] well enough. At length, th [...] E [...]ening before my Father was to take his Jou [...] n [...], as we were about to sit down to Suppe [...] [...]y Father said to my Brother, As soon as you ha [...] s [...]nt, put up such things as will be necessary in yo [...] J [...]u [...]ey, for you shall ride with me: My Mothe [...] [...]ring this, was very much alarmed; How S [...] (said she) do you intend that Ferdinand shall go wi [...] you? will you leave us all alone? 'Tis time, Mada [...] sa [...]d my Father, that he be acquainted with the A [...] fairs of our Family, you know of what Consequen [...] the Suit is that I go a [...]out, I must have some bo [...] to help me. My Mother was struck dumb wi [...] these words, and knew not what answer to mak [...] Methinks Madam (said my Father) you are more co [...]cerned at Ferdinand's absence than at mine. I woul [...] answered she, comfort my self with the Son, d [...] ring his Fathers Absence; but since you are resolve [...] to carry him with you, you may do what you thi [...] fit. Well Madam (replyed he) I'll leave him wi [...] you, since you so earnestly desire it; but one thing [...] charge you, that you suffer him not to go from our hou [...] [Page 33] [...]ill my return, for I will not have him depart 'till [...] have d [...]scoursed more largely with him. After [...]s we sa [...]e do [...]n at Table, having a great mind to [...] at the Trouble which my Father's Discourse [...]ad caused m [...] Mother.

Supper [...]eing ended, my Mother withdrew into [...]r Chamb [...]r to write to Dijon, where some of her R [...]l [...]i [...]ns were Members of the Parliament, to whom [...]he re [...]ommended h [...]r Husbands Business; in the m [...]an t [...]e my [...]a her caused my Brother and me to [...]alk u [...] i [...]o his: When we were come before him, [...] s [...]ood some time without speaking one word; at [...]ngth. My Ch [...]ldren, (said he) I am not ignorant [...]f what is designed to be done in my House during [...] a [...]s [...]nce; I know, Ferdinand, that your Perseve­ [...]ance will be tr [...]ed; you are walking in a Path in [...]hich many Persons have fall'n, and the falls of most [...]ave proved deadly; they will promise you Moun­ [...]ns and Mi [...]acles, but know that Temporal advan­ [...]ges as well as Eternal Riches are in God's disposal. [...]bove all, I advise you to humble your self before [...]im, begging him to instruct, assist and maintain [...]ou, by the invincible force of his Holy Spirit.

My Brother answered with a modest boldness, Fa­ [...]her, said he, God hath vouchsafed me to enjoy the [...]ght by your means, and I believe he'll give me the Grace to imitate you in your Perseverance; and give [...]e leave to say, that though you should be to me [...]n example of Weakness as you are now of Constan­ [...]y, I would no longer follow your Example, that [...] might follow those of my Ancestors. Yes, my Son, [...] replyed my Father) if God so far forsake me, I [...]eely permit you, not only not to follow me, but [...]lso to hate me; but the Spirit of God assures me, [...]hat this shall neither be mine nor your Case, and in [...]his Hope I beg the Lord to bless you. Immedi­ [...]tely my Father went into his Closet, and brought [...]ut a Sword of Damascus Mettal, whose Handle was [Page 34]enriched with Stones, but its greatest Preciousness lay in the Excellency of the Steel whereof it was made. After my Blessing, said he, this is the rich­est Present that I can make you, 'tis my Sword, and it hath been the Sword of your Grandfather, and great Grandfather, with which they have gloriously served the true Religion and the King, and have bathed it in the Blood of the Enemies of the Faith and of the State; and I also have made some use of it with good success in my time. Hereupon my Bro­ther fell on his Knees, and my Father drawing the Sword out of its Scabbard, said to him, I now give you this Sword on the same Conditions on which I received it, viz. That you never use it but in the Service of God and the King, your Master and law­ful Sovereign: Follow not the Course of those Te­porizers and base Politicians, who abandon our poor Churches; maintain them to the utmost of your power, and if they perish, perish with them: But the Lord of Hosts grant that it may prosper in your hands, and that it may be as honourably delivered into the Hands of your Children, as it hath been in­to mine, and as I have delivered it into yours. Here­upon he struck him a soft blow with the flat side of the Sword on the Arm, and putting it up into the Scabbard, delivered it to him, and abliged him to arise. My Brother after having received it, drew it once again, and kissing the middle of the Blade, laid it on the ground, and falling again on his Knees, said to my Father, After the two Presents which you, Sir, have made me, you have no reason to be sur­prized if I want words wherewith to thank you; suffer me therefore to embrace your Knees, but my Father raising him from the ground, embraced him, and afterwards gave him some Advice relating to his Behaviour.

I was present when all these things passed, and was much affected with them. My Father fixing [Page 35] [...]is Eyes on me, said to me, Be not jealous of the Present I have made your Brother. I love my Brother too well (said I) to envy him the Favour you are pleased to show him. I'll give you also my Blessing and a Present, replyed my Father, which [...] esteem no less than that I have bestowed on your Brother; and immediately gave me a very curious Picture, drawn in small, representing a Woman who [...]n her time was an admirable Beauty, the Box also [...]n which 'twas kept was set with Diamonds. This (continued he) was the Picture of my Mother, who was in her Life an Example of Virtue and Piety, and [...] hope you will imitate a Grandmother of such great Merit: I must tell you this of her, that she was Edu­tated in the Romish Religion as you have been, by [...]n Aunt that brought her up, yet God having given [...]er a penetrating Spirit, she easily distinguish'd the Truth from Lyes. I hope Daughter (added he) [...]hat you will imitate her more ways than one, and [...]hat what I give you is well bestowed. I intended [...]o have fallen on my Knees to have received this Gift with the greatest Respect, as my Brother had done, but my Father perceiving my Design, would not suffer it, but embraced me most tenderly, gave me his Blessing and some serious Advice.

Immediately after this Mystery was finished, my Mother entred the Chamber, and pleasantly seemed [...]o blame my Father with having fallen into the same [...]ault for which he had accused her, in not being [...]ble to part with his Children. My Father made [...]s tho he had not heard her, and said to her, Will [...]ou Madam, that I take my leave of you this Night [...]r to Morrow Morning: To Morrow Morning, said [...]y Mother, for we'll Break-fast with you before you go: Be it so, answered my Father. Thus he left [...]is House, to give my Mother the opportunity of do­ [...]ing what he very well knew, though he seemed to be [...]gnorant of it.

My Father was not a Mile off, when my Mother sent for her Confessor, who whilst my Mother, my Brother, and my self, were in the Garden, came to us. Brother, said I, look well to your self, I doub [...] you will hardly be able to hold out against an ol [...] Man, who hath spent his Days in Disputations an [...] Books. Why should I not be able to do it? (replyed my Brother;) David who was but a Youth, an [...] had nothing but a Sling and Stones, smote dow [...] Goliah, who was a Gyant compleatly armed. Thi [...] one Example is not enough to make a Rule, said I 'tis a rare thing for the weak to overcome the strong but 'tis very ordinary for the strong to vanquish th [...] weak.

My Brother would have answered me, but the Jesuite prevented him, by coming to salute him; ther [...] were abundance of Civilities passed between them and the Father who was well skill'd in Flattery, spak [...] the most obliging things in the World to my Brother, who returned a modest Answer: But whe [...] his turn came, he fell upon the Praises of the Fa­ther in so curious a manner, that the Jesuite judged from that time, that his Conversion would co [...] him more Pains than he at first imagined. My Mo­ther seeing that the Place in which we were, wa [...] not proper for our Discourse, caused us to enter [...] little Summer-h [...]use, in which were Seats, and a Ta­ble of Slate: She placed her self on the one side with the Jesuite and my Brother, and I on the other. This was the Order of our sitting in this famous Conference.

My Mother, as soon as we were settled in our Places, addressed her self to the Jesuite; Father▪ said she to him, here's my Son, whom I bring to you, as a sick Man to the Physitian, for the reco­very of his Health. I believe (said my Brother) [...] am not sick in mind, and as for my Body, I am as you see, by the Grace of God very well. Ther [...] [Page 37]is no Distemper, said the Jesuite, more dangerous or contagious than Heresie, which intirely infects the [...]est Spirits, and hurries them in [...]o Damnation. I [...]nderstand your meaning, said my Brother; you would prove that I am fallen into this horrible sick­n [...]ss of the Soul, viz. Heresie, and would have me b [...]l [...]ve that you are able to deliver me from it, by bringing me over to your Party. As for the for­mer, I can't see how you dare call me Heretick; D [...] I believe any thing that is not conformable to [...]he Holy Scripture, or that is Condemned by it? Neither I nor any o [...]her of the Reformed could ever be Convicted of this.

You must not think (said the Father) that Here­ [...]icks are only such whose Sentiments are Condemn­ [...]d by the Scripture, but also such as forsake the [...]aith of the Church; for the Church is the Sove­ [...]eign Judge of Hereticks, and the Scripture is a [...]ead thing which Hereticks wrest, giving it what [...]ense best agrees with their own Fancy, and out of [...]hich they sometimes take Pillars to support their [...]ost pernicious Opinions. But as for the Church, [...] is living, it makes Orders and explains them her [...]elf, and whoever departs from the Foundations [...]hich she hath laid, is an Heretick, and out of the [...]ay o [...] Salvation.

I see Father, said my Brother, that you are of the [...]pinion of all Roman Catholick Doctors, and that [...]e Holy Scripture not being favourable to you, [...]ou will not accept of it as a Judge, but will ravish [...]s Authority from it, to give it to your Traditions, [...]hich after all are nothing else but Mens Inventions.

Hereupon the Jesuite made a long Discourse of [...]raditions, and the unwritten Word; he endeavour­ [...]d to prove that the Scripture was not perfect, and [...] this end quoted the Scripture against it self; Je­ [...]s wrought many Miracles which are not written in this [...]ok; and again, There are many thing which J [...]sus [Page 38]did, which had they been all Written, I suppose the World it self could not contain the Books that should be written: Hence he passed to the Citation of the Ancient Do­ctors of the Church, as Tertallian, Cyprian, Hierom, and divers others: He proceeded so far as to say, that the Church was above the Scripture, whose Books are only Authentick, said he, because she hath declared them so; from whence he came to draw this Conclusion from the Principle he had lai [...] down, That if the Church had Power to Authorize a Doctrine, to distinguish it from what is Apocry­phal or Profane, and to give it all its Force and Ver­tue, much more hath she a right to interpret it, and therefore there needs no other Interpretation of th [...] Scripture than what is found in the Church. Th [...] Father urged so many Arguments to prove what h [...] said, that I cannot remember them, but as for m [...] Brothers Answer, which I heard with a great de [...] of Pleasure, and which he afterwards gave me in Ma­nuscript, so that I often read it, I have it now almo [...] by heart.

Father, said he to the Jesuite, you have spoke [...] as much as you please, nor have I at all interrupte [...] you in your Discourse; I now beg the same Liberty I protest (said he) against all the things that yo [...] have said, and maintain that those Holy Book [...] i [...] which the Word of God is written, are the foun­dations of Salvation; and the Church ought to dra [...] all its Instructions out of this Fountain, as having i [...] themselves and of themselves sufficient Authority [...] decide all Differences and Controversies. I shall sa [...] more, that the Scripture carries with it its sole an [...] true Interpretation, which 'tis not lawful to seek an [...] where else: This, Father, I intend to prove by A [...] ­thority, History and Reason, after which you m [...] draw what Conclusion you please.

God himself speaks thus in Deuteronomy: You sh [...] add nothing to the Word that I have Commanded y [...] [Page 39]neither shall you take away any thing from it: All that I [...]a [...]e Commanded you, you shall observe to do it; you shall [...] and nor take away any thing. Certainly these [...]e terrible Words, and hath not your Church act­ [...]d against them? the Doctors of the Church of Rome [...]ave just Cause to hang their Heads and to be cover­ [...] with shame and confusion, when they see that [...]eir Predecessors had added not only one Iota, not [...] single Article, but a Third Table to the Law of [...]od, and have composed a fifth Gospel, and for one [...]gle Passage have Canonized such Books as are [...]pocryphal, and contrary to the Holy Spirit; but let [...] hear how this Divine Spirit expresseth it self in St. [...]; He whom God sent, declared the Words of God, [...] God gave him not his Spirit by Measure. And Je­ [...]s Christ saith in the same Place, I receive not Wit­ [...]ss from Men; which Passage as a Cannon-shot over­ [...]rns at once all that can be said in favour of Tra­ [...]tions: See also what our Lord saith after Isaiah the [...]ophet; This People draweth nigh unto me with their [...]uth, and honours me with their lips, but their heart is [...] from me: In vain do they worship me, teaching for [...]ctrines the Traditions of Men; which shows, that 'tis [...]t only now that Men endeavour to bring Traditi­ [...]s into the Church, but they have always been re­ [...]ted. I remember that I have read an excellent [...]ord in the Proverbs on this Subject; All the Word [...] God is pure, 'tis a Buckier to all that hope in it; [...]d not to this Word, least the Lord reprove thee, and [...]u be jound a Lyar. And what will you (Gentle­ [...]n) who are Advocates for Tradition, say to that [...]atbema of St. Paul, who Writing to the Galathians, [...]th, If we or any other Preach any other Gospel than [...]at we have preached, let him be Anathema? Must [...] say here that the Doctors of the Church have [...]eater power than St. Paul had, for they Preach [...] other Gospel than this great Apostle of the Nati­ [...]s did? 'Tis in vain to pretend that St. Paul Ana­thematizeth [Page 40]such as preach a contrary Gospel, for he only saith, Another Gospel; that is to say, a diffe­rent Gospel, as those do who relate Miracles, and ascribe them to Jesus Christ, although we find n [...] mention at all of them in the Gospels. In fine, St [...] Peter whom you qualifie with the Title of Prince o [...] the Apostles, and to whom you pretend the Lor [...] gave a supream Authority, saith, that The Prophe [...] came not of old time by the Wi [...]l of Man, but holy men [...] God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. This Father, is express, this is clear and plain, and th [...] great Apostle was perswaded that what was pro­nounced by the Holy Spirit, could not be Authori­zed by men, as some pretend to give Authority [...] the Scriptures, by their Glosses and Approb [...] ­tions.

'Tis notoriously evident, that the Apostle neve [...] believed, that 'twas lawful for men, how many, ho [...] Learned and Wise soever they were, to add to t [...] Scripture; and certainly, if the Doctors have th [...] Priviledge, the Apostles who were the Basis an [...] Pillars of the Church, had a far better pretence [...] it; yet they never claimed it, but look't on such a [...] Attempt as both impious and sacrilegious. Ho [...] guilty then are such, who coming after the Ap [...] ­stles, and having neither the Dignity nor the Me [...] ­sure of the Spirit which the Apostles had, have [...] made bold to carry their follies into the Sanctuar [...] and joyn humane Imaginations to the Holy Word [...] God! There's no Man in the World who is able [...] keep Servants, that will suffer them to add to, [...] take from his Commands as they please; and yet m [...] thinks you would have us believe that God did [...] well mind all that he ought to have said for our Sa­vation; and that in his Law he forgot some Article which he afterwards left to Mens good Intention [...] Is this, Father, to be suffered? The Holy Spi [...] saith, that All the Wisdom of Man is but folly b [...] [Page 41]God; that God hath confounded it: And yet God it [...]ems suffers this humane Wisdom to interpret and [...]d Traditions to his Word, and to judge sove­ [...]ignly of it.

There are no Doctors in the World, how Learned [...]ever they are, that can show a reason for all the [...]r [...]umes, Sacrifices, and Purifications, which are at [...]ge expressed in the Ceremonial Law, and yet [...]se are but the smallest matters: How then can [...]e who are utterly in the dark about the least things [...]ch God hath commanded, presume to dispose [...] [...]h [...]se that are the greatest? For the Roman Church [...]ublished these Traditions only to enlarge her Pow­ [...], and so establish what she pleased; for having [...]n this Point, she built an Infinity of things upon [...]: for she disposeth of the Habitations of souls af­ [...]r Death, puts a price upon their Punishments, [...]ts Salvation to sale, and offers Paradice to him [...]at bids most for it; and all this, because for­ [...]oth it pleaseth us, and we have thus invented [...]; we must have the Holy Scriptures, spite of them, [...]onfirm and ratifie.

The Disproportion between the sublimity and ex­ [...]llency of the Holy Scriptures, and the weakness [...] our understandings, is so great, that we can find [...]othing in the World to parallel it: Canst thou by [...]a [...]ching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty [...] p [...]r [...]tion? It is higher than Heaven, what canst [...] know? it is deeper than Hell, what canst thou do? [...]his is sp [...]ken in the Book of Job, concerning Di­ [...]ne Providence; I may say the same thing of the [...]ord of God, which we ought not to pretend to [...]etrate, much less to judge of it.

I have often been astonished at that Impu­ [...]ence and Blasphemy, which our Enemies are guilty [...]f, in saying that the Word of God is not perfect. [...] will only produce two Examples to show its per­ [...]ection, the one taken from the Law of Rigour, the [Page 42]other from the Law of Grace. The first are t [...] Ten Commandments contained in two Table [...] the second is the Lords Prayer, contained in six A [...] ­ticles. What Man amongst all the Church of M [...] durst pretend to authorize this? For we plainly s [...] that God alone could be the Author of such a wor [...] and that were all the [...]gislators of the World tog [...] ­ther, they could never have composed a Law, co [...] ­sisting only of Ten words, and comprehending all t [...] sins of the World. And all the Doctors of the U [...] verse together could never have composed a Pra [...] ­er, in which in six Articles are contained all the D [...] ­sires that can enter into a reasonable Soul; and wh [...] ever heard that the greater received his Authori [...] from the less?

I know you'l plead that the Church is inspired [...] the Spirit of God, and therefore may judge wh [...] Books are Canonical, and what are not: But Fathe [...] that which you call the Church is not always a [...] mated with the Divine Spirit; and though it we [...] yet this would not prove her Power of judging t [...] Holy Scriptures soveraignly, so as that there shou [...] be no Appeal from her Judgment; the Spirit [...] not given her for this end, but that she may w [...] reverence submit her self to them. The Spirit [...] given her properly to prevent private persons fro [...] judging whether a book be Authentick or no, s [...] in this case we must submit to the Judgment of th [...] Church, who distinguisheth the Books that were d [...] ­ctated by the Spirit of God from those which m [...] would add to them, which are called Apocrypha [...] and which she rejects. This is all the Authori [...] which the Church can have; nor must we ascrib [...] to her a power of adding to the Scriptures, but o [...] ­ly of teaching the People which are Canonical an [...] with that of our Parliaments, who receive the Le [...] ­ters-Patents of his Majesty, and know his signi [...] [Page 43] [...]d Seals; they publish them abroad to be really [...]e Kings Letters, and they declare their contents to [...]e People. But they do not compose them, they [...] not sign or seal them, they dare not add any [...]ing to them, whether contrary or different: But [...]me men do that with respect to God, which no [...]uncil durst do to its Prince.

Tell me, Father, cannot Goldsmiths distinguish [...]ld from Copper? yet they cannot make Gold to [...] Gold, for 'tis so already of its own Nature, with­ [...]t their assistance. They may indeed mix Siver [...] Lead with Gold, but they can never make this [...]ver to become true Gold, because mixed with it. [...]hus the Church may indeed know what is the true [...]ld, the real Word of God, and what is not; but [...]e cannot make a new Word of God: Men may [...]o compose Writings, and have Impudence enough [...] add them to the Word of God; yet it doth not [...]low that by so doing they give them the Charecter [...] the Word of God.

They preach amongst you, Father, with a great [...]al of earnestness, that the Church gives Authority [...] the Scriptures, and consequently that she must [...] above them, so as to have Power to add her [...]aditions to the sacred Writings: But when all's [...]ne, the Church hath only Authority to declare [...] the People, that what is called the Holy Scrip­ [...]e is indeed the Word of God: for as Gold would [...] cease to be Gold, though there should be none [...] say this is Gold, so the Holy Scripture would not [...]se to be the Word of God, and Authentick, thô [...]ere were no Church to tell men, that this Word [...]ich you read is the Word of God. Moreover I say, [...]t the Canon of the Holy Scripture being owned [...]d declared in the first Councils, we ought with­ [...]t any hesitation or difficulty to receive their de­ [...]minations; nor are we to question in the Church [...]e Authority of the Holy Scripture, but to submit [Page 44]our selves to its Decrees, which are Truth and Righ­teousness its self:

Indeed Father, if the Church hath Power [...] judge sovereignly of the Doctrine contained in th [...] Holy Scriptures, it must be supposed that in th [...] Church there are, and always wil [...] be men that are [...] full of the Holy Ghost as those that wrote these s [...] ­cred Books, which is utterly false; for the weakness blindness, ignorance and malice of those that oppo [...] the Holy Scripture, shows that they have not th [...] least spa [...]k of that Divine Spirit: So that it belong [...] not to men [...] iudge of the Doctrine, or to inte [...] ­pret what is contained in those Hol [...] Books. If yo [...] say, that such as have re [...]eived the Holy Spirit m [...] do it: I answer, that all those that have receive [...] the Holy Spirit in these latter times, show it by su [...] ­mitting themselves humbly to the Word of God.

But Father, I have other Arguments of great [...] force than those already urged; what likelihood [...] there that men who know themselves too weak to b [...] saved, should yet have Power togive Authority to tho [...] Books in which are contained the means: of the [...] Salvation? hath God who is jealous of his own Glo [...] given Men his Word to be abandoned to their Di [...] ­cretion▪ to be controuled and contested, and to hav [...] what they please added to it? Is it possible, or is [...] lawful, that such as are ignorant should judge [...] Knowledge? Is it proper for those that are bo [...] blind to discourse of the principles of Light? woul [...] not every Body laugh at them should they attemp [...] it? Much more ridiculous is it for such as are blin [...] and ignorant, to pretend to judge of the Heaven [...] light, and of the sublim [...]st of all sciences.

Is it not certain Father, that under the Old T [...] ­stament, God spake once to his People, but 'twas o [...] ­ly to give them his Law; so that this Law being on [...] given, 'twas not left to the People to add new Poin [...] to it, but they were obliged to yield obedience to [...] [Page 45]'Tis true, the Levites preached this Law to the Peo­ple, but how did they do it? they consulted the [...]aw it self to explain it, without seeking Interpreta­ [...]ions in their own Brains, as they do amongst you. And although this unbelleving Nation was often assu­ [...]ed of the truth of Gods Promises, and God had to this End sent them many great Prophets, which [...]ere his Embassadors to bring them word of the coming of the M [...]ssiah, yet there was never one that [...]aid to the People, Do this or that more than the Law [...]es: because in it self it is no sufficient Remedy: But [...]his was what they said; Keep the Law and the Ordi­ [...] w [...]ich the God o [...] your Fathers gave to M [...]s [...]s his [...]ant. These great Men were all extraordinarily [...]sp red, yet they never undertook to contest the [...] [...]f [...]od, nor to forge any new Commandments; [...] pressed Obedience to the Law only. I say [...]i [...] [...]o an [...]er those that say, that the same Spirit which spake by the mouths of those that spake, and [...]ded the hands of those that wrote, doth now al­ [...] animate the Doctors of the Catholick Church, [...]na [...]ing them to pass a right Judgment on the Do­ [...]r [...]ne of the Faith con [...]ained in the Holy Scripture; [...] methinks they owe the same r [...]spect to the Word [...] God which the Prophets show [...]d it, who never [...] touch a thing so sacred, nor ever presumed to [...] an [...] thing new to it.

I [...] say the same thing of the Gospel; God ha­ [...]i [...] spoken by his Embassadors, and by them re­ [...]cal d his Will to the People, hath withdrawn his [...]pirit of Reve [...]ation as well as the Power of working [...]a [...]les, and [...]ath left us only the Spirit of Obedi­ [...]nce: [...] God knew the wicked Disposition of [...]n too [...]ll, to leave him the liberty of diminish­ [...]g, adding, or changing what he pleased. 'Tis cer­ [...], that though there a e many Heres [...]es in the [...]ld, there would be infinitel [...] more if men had [...] to give A [...]thority to t [...]e Scrip [...]ure, s [...]eing [Page 46]they now have salsifyed it, corrupted it, and mad [...] such Glosses on it as are contradictory to the Text.

'Tis true Father, the old Church of the Jews ha [...] a Tradition; Eleazar, Phineas, and all those wh [...] had been Eye-witnesses of the wonders which Go [...] had wrought by the hand of Moses, informed the [...] Children of them; and these things were hande [...] down from Father to Son, in those Families th [...] kept the true Worship of God: But this Traditio [...] had nothing new in it, nothing more than was co [...] ­tained in the Law and the written Word of God: we [...] the Traditions of the Church of Rome of the sam [...] Nature with respect to the Gospel, they would n [...] have been so much disliked as now they are; y [...] as men cannot long handle any thing without fouli [...] it, the Jews abused this Tradition of their Father and a ided to it their own Inventions: So that 'tw [...] extreamly corrupted in the time of our Lord Jes [...] Christ, for which we find that he often blames the [...] in the Gospel.

The Catholick Doctors do in my mind exactly im [...] ­tate the Ancient Rabbins, Scribes, Pharisees, an [...] Jewish Doctors; and as they boasted that they se [...] ­ved God, not meerly according to what God ha [...] ordained in his Law, which they judged too ligh [...] a matter, and too easie a means to be saved, an [...] had attained that pitch of Presumption, that the [...] thought it the greatest perfection to obey God ac­cording to their Traditions; so according to th [...] Doctors of the Church of Rome, 'tis a small matte [...] to embrace the Gospel, in which many materi [...] things were omitted which they have added, an [...] thereby rendred that work compleat, which S [...] Paul, S. Peter, and all the other Apostles, ye [...] Christ himself left imperfect. What Impious absu [...] ­diry is it, to cry down the Holy Scripture, and pro­claim it imperfect, only to give the greater reputat [...] ­on to Tradition [...]!

My Brother intended not to have ended so soon, Though the Father would often have interrupted [...]im: But my Mother, who could no longer dissem­ [...]e her displeasure against my Brother, discovered [...] by crying out, Must you have all the Discourse? [...]ust no Body speak but you? No Madam, (said [...]ather Mathew) let him say what he pleaseth, we [...]ill answer him afterwards: For my part I seemed sleep during all, this Conference, which lasted from [...]oon [...]till near four of the Clock, in which my Mo­ [...]er was very well pleased, fearing least I should [...]ve been taken with my Brother's Discourse; and [...] speak ingenuously, I never in all my life heard [...]y thing that pleased me better, which (methought) [...]s too learned for my Brother; but I do not much [...]nder at it, when I consider his love to Learning, [...]e excellency and vivacity of his Parts, and the [...]re my Father took to get them improved. Thus, [...]dies, if I seem more learned than Virgins usually [...]e, ascribe it to the Happiness of my Memory, and [...]t to the strength of my Judgment.

The Father believing thereby the better to accom­ [...]sh his design on my Brother, told my Mother, that [...] would fain discourse with him in private: As [...]ch as you please, said my Brother, and thereup­ [...] they both arose, and spent two large hours in [...]eir Conference▪ In the mean time my Mother [...]aining in the Summer-house with me, said to [...], I [...]t possible Justine (said she) [...]ha [...] you should [...]ar nothing of the Conference? A little, Madam, [...]nswered I) of the Beginning, but I desire no more [...] be present at it, because 'tis none of my Business. [...]u have no reason (answered she) to speak ill of [...] for methinks you have slept well enough at it. I [...]ow not what to think of your Brother, (added she) [...] Discourse doth not accord well with the hopes [...] had given me; besides, your Father hath, in my [...]nd, made him study so hard, as though he in­tended [Page 48]him for a Minister. Mother, answered [...] smiling, my Brother is too good a Souldier to be [...] Minister, but Learning doth no injury to any b [...] Women, whose brains it hurts.

I endeavoured by Discourses of this Nature [...] all [...]y my Mothers displeasure against my Brother, [...] reason of his freedom of speech, but the return [...] the Jesuit spoiled all, who drew my Mother asid [...] and discoursed with her for near half an hour. [...] the mean time my Brother gave me an account of th [...] p [...]ivate Discourse he had had with the Jesuit, whic [...] he concluded, saying, We shall have a fine ra [...] by and by. Nor indeed was he mistaken, for [...] Mother having conducted the Jesuit to the Gate [...] our house, returned immediately to us, with a Co [...] ­tenance that bespake Fury. Her face was successi [...] ­ly red and pale. I trembled to see her in this P [...] ­sture, but her words much increased my disple [...] ­sure. Let us go into the house, Justine (said sh [...] and I forbid you ever more to discourse with yo [...] Brother; and I forbid you, Ferdinand, ever to co [...] into my Presence as long as I live; you have unha [...] ­pily deceived me, and this is the least punishme [...] that your treachery against me deserveth.

Though these were very bloody reproaches, y [...] my Brother seem'd not much surprized at the [...] but without answering a word, respectfully reti [...]e [...] The same Evening he lodged at a Farm, which b [...] ­longed to my Father, about a League from us, [...] spent most of the next day in Hunting, not retu [...] ­ing to our Castle 'till the Evening, to play a Stra [...] ­g [...]m which had good Success.

My Mother when the first brush of her Anger [...] over, began to be troubled for her Emportme [...] for the Affection she had for her Son was so stro [...] that it soon got the Victory-over all other Passio [...] Do you kno [...], said she, what your Brother dot [...] he went hence on Horse-back, with a Servant and [...] [Page 49] [...]acquey, and they have taken the Dogs with them, [...] believe he intends to hunt in the Countrey. 'Tis [...]ery well, (said she) seeming to be much better [...]eased than indeed she was. We supped together without saying any thing one to another, only she [...]ontinually sighed, and for my part, my head was [...]ontinually working on variety of subjects.

I spent this Night in a great deal of Trouble. You may easily imagine that [...]twas impossible▪ for one of [...]ny Sex, who had entertained so great a Des [...]gn, that [...]as like to have such troublesome Consequences, [...]ot to be very much astonished, when I saw my self [...]eprived of all that was my support. My Mother [...]ad her disquietudes as well as I; she would fain [...]ave had my Brother make application to her first, [...]ut she had forced him away, and 'twas not likely [...]at he would expose himself to the danger of a new [...]front, and she judged it a condescention much be­ [...]eath her to seek after him; she continued in Pain [...]l the day. As for my Brother he returned to our [...]astle in the Evening, with his Servant, and instead [...] coming into the Dining Room, went immediately [...] his own Chamber. My Mother sent me thither as [...]e had done the day before, I found him in his [...]amber with his Servant, his Boxes and Males all [...]en, his Linnen and Cloaths taken out, and he [...]athing himself as though he designed immediately [...]r the Army, whilst his Servant assisted with a [...]cquey, was packing up such things as he intended [...] take with him. Well, said he, as soon as he saw [...]e, I was troubled to think how I should take my [...]ve of you, but now you are here 'tis well enough. [...]w Brother, (said I hastily) what do you intend [...] do? you'l see that (replyed he) by and by. Ah [...]id I) will you leave us? And immediately I went [...]wn to carry the News to my Mother, towards [...]om I never fail'd of respect in all my Life till now▪ [...]ell Mother, (said I to her) you now see the Effect of [Page 50]your Passion, my Brothers going, what will you say to my Father when he shall require him at your hands, who charged you to keep him with you till his re­turn? You have broken the Promise you made my Father, never to extort his Son to change his Religi­on, which when you could not prevail on him to do, you have cruelly driven him from your Presence. Ah my Father hath far more religiously kept his Pro­mise, for he never spake to me of his Religion, or mine.

My Mother, whilst I uttered these reproaches, seemed rather dead than alive. I should have spo­ken more bitterly, but she was not in a Capacity o [...] hearing them. Immediately some came to call me, telling me, that my Brother desired to speak with me. At my return I found his Servant that carried his Maile and Pistols, just about to mount his Horse Friend, (said I) don t make so much haste, stop ti [...] I have spoken with your Master. Do what I bid you cryed my Brother to his Servant in a seeming Passi­on: Hereupon I went up into his Chamber, and found him accoutred for his Journey, and that [...] only staid to speak with me. What do you me [...] Brother (said I) by this Emportment? are you re­solved to leave us? be perswaded to change you Mind, I'll make your Peace with my Mother; yo [...] brag of more than you are able to perform (said [...] Brother) with a kind of impatience, I know my Mo­ther too well to hope for so sudden a Change. Yo [...] know Sister, that I gave her no provocation to spea [...] what she hath said to me, or to treat me as she ha [...] done: But Sister, you see 'tis late, I pray God [...] bless you; (added he, embracing me) and not bei [...] able to speak a word more, he shook me off from him, who could not hold him, and immediately l [...] the Chamber. My Mother who heard him, calle [...] him, Ferdinand said she, come hither to me. [...] presently obeyed her, and my Mother looking [...] [Page 51]him, In what Equipage is it that I see you (said she?) [...]hither are you going? I am going so far (answer­ [...]d [...]) that you'l have no reason to fear my coming [...] into your presence, or that you'l ever more have your Eyes offended with a fight that's odious [...]o you, though I have not deserved to be so. Dare [...]ou then (said she) go away without your Fathers [...]ons [...]nt. My Father (answered he) will easily par­ [...]on me when he knows what moved me to it, and [...]ill readily give his Consent that I leave these Parts; [...]s for yours, you have given it already, and that in [...]ch a manner as pierceth my very Soul, for you [...]ave driven me from your presence with reproaches. [...] have therefore nothing more to do in this Castle, [...]hich will henceforth be more dreadful than a Pri­ [...]on, seeing I have lost the Affection of my Mother, [...]d it may be the love of my Sister. If you'l grant, [...]e one Favour, give me leave to kiss your haud, 'tis [...]e last I shall ever ask of you.

No, said my Mother, pretending very unseasonably [...]at she was much more displeased than indeed she was­ [...]h Mother (said he) do you refuse me so small a mat­ [...]? Yet continued he. I beg God to take you always to his Holy Protection, and to inspire you with [...]ore tender sentiments for my Sister; but I dare [...]ear it will not be thus, and that she will live very [...]serably with you: Yet Mother, Heaven will one [...]y require of you an account of your Children: Ha­ [...]g said this, he embraced me a second time, who [...]s not able to speak one word, and having made [...]rofound reverence, he withdrew and went down [...]o the Court. 'Twas then that my Mother, who [...]ing on a large Chair, abandoned her self to her [...]ief, being able to say nothing but O my God, [...]at shall I do? You are (said I) one of the happi­ [...] Mothers that live, in having such a Son, and are [...] a little time like to become the most miserable [...]d wetched. You know Mother, that you have [Page 52]not done well, why should you refuse him that sma [...] Favour of Kissing your Hand? At any other time durst not have spoken so freely, but I was now redu­ced to that pass, that I did but little value my Mo­thers Anger. I did not stay for any Answer, b [...] ran down into the Court, to use my last Endeavo [...] to stop my Brother: My Mo [...]ner arose hastily out [...] her Chair to the Window, where she saw my Bro­ther on Horse-back, fitting his Stirrops, and crye [...] out to the Servants, Shut the Gates, hinder hi [...] from going. My Brother, as though he had no heard my Mother, said with a menacing Voice, if an [...] one dares to oppose my Passage, I'll trample him u [...] ­der my Horses Feet. By this time I was come in [...] the Court, and laying hold on the Bridle, It shall [...] me then (said I) that you shall thus deal with, se [...] ­ing I am resolved never to let go my hold. Ha [...] Sister, my dear Sister, said he, shedding some Tea [...] Let these Tears suffice you; Judge you whether can possibly remain in this Castle. In the m [...]an ti [...] my Mother came down into the Court her self, [...] Face covered with Tears, forgetting all her Rese [...] ­ments; Are you not very unnatural, Ferdinand, s [...] she, to leave me for a Word I spake to you in [...] Passion? God's my Witness (said he) that I le [...] you with the greatest regret in the World; but M [...] ­ther, you have very unjustly driven me away only [...] speaking according to my Conscience.

'Twas on this delicate Point that this agreea [...] Narrative was Interrupted by the Master of the Sh [...] who obliged us to go to Supper; for these sort [...] Men do not abound with Complaisan [...]e. We wai [...] for the next Morning with a great deal of Impatien [...] but the Consideration we had for Madamoiselle de [...] Phale, made us vanquish our Curiosity.

CHAP. III.

THe next Morning, as soon as Madamoiselle de St. Phale, and the rest of our Company were met [...]ogether, she continued her History in this manner. [...] left off last Night at the Answer which my Brother [...]eturned my Mother. If you, continued he, would [...]ot have had me answer the Father Mathew, you [...]ould have told me so, and then I would have been [...]nt; but you gave me liberty to speak freely, be­ [...]eving that he would easily stop my Mouth, but he [...]iled of this, and I made good my Ground against [...]im, and this is all my Crime. 'Tis only for this [...]at you reproach me with having deceived you, and [...]etrayed you; 'tis for this, that you have forbidden [...]e your Presence, and all Discourse with my Sister, [...] though I were the greatest Criminal in the World. [...]nd indeed, Mother, 'tis for ever that I leave you, [...]at I lea [...]e this Land, that I renounce all my Pre­ [...]nsions in France, of which I now take an eternal [...]arewell. Grant me only the Favour of kissing your [...]and, which I cannot forbear to begg, though you [...]ave already refused it me. My Mother fell not now [...]o the fault she had committed before, but held [...]th her hand, saying, My Son, you have over­ [...]me me; May not she who hath driven you away, [...]ll you back? Is it not possible for me to soften [...]our hard Heart? Intend you to seek a Reparation [...] your Honour on her that bare you, or would [...]ou have her begg your Pardon on her Knees? She [...]d hardly finished these words before my Brother [...]pt off his Horse, cast himself at my Mothers Feet, [...]dewed them with his Tears, and embraced them, [...]ithout being able to say any thing; but my Mother [...]on raised him from the ground, and emb [...]aced [Page 54]him. All those of the Family that were in the Court could not forbear Weeping any more than we that were immediately concern'd. We thought that the whole business had been at an end, and I who had all the while held the Horse by the Bridle, delivered it to a Servant, commanding him to return it to the Stable: Stop, cryed my Brother; Why so? said my Mother; what means this? I must, answered he, either leave this House for ever, or the Father must; chuse which of us two you will retain, and which you will banish.

You urge me too far, Ferdinand, said my Mother, altering both her Voice and Countenance: Insolent that you are, dare you propose that I drive away my Confessor? you abuse my▪ tenderness and tears but you shall not always abuse them: And I, said my Brother, should I not leave a Mother that p [...] no difference between a pernicious Jesuite and a [...] [...]dient Son? Ah! I have staid too long in this House, said he, as he remounted his Horse. Fo [...] my part, I despaired of any agreement, when I saw how my Mother dealt with him, and therefore I [...] go my hold in the B [...]idle. Go Brother, said I, your resentment is just, be gone from the Place where you are so unworthily treated, for my part I'le no [...] be long behind you, I'le soon be in a Convent. N [...] Sister. (said he) do you stay to be a Comfort [...] my Father; It may be my Mother becoming sensi­ble of her fault, will not deal with the Daughter a [...] she hath dealt with the Son. Farewell my Friends said he to the Waiting-Gentlewomen, and Serving Men and Maids, and Lacqueys, who all fell on their Knees before the Horse, and made so lamentable [...] cry, that I never heard any like it; for my Brothe [...] was very well beloved. Be gone, Children, (said he) I should be sorry to hurt you now, having never do [...] you ought but good; my Horse may chance to in­jure some of you. Be gone, (said I in a Passion) [Page 55]would you have my Brother stay to be daily affront­ed, whil'st a damnable Jesuite is here absolute Ma­ster?

When I spake these Words, my Mother earnest­l [...] lookt upon me with Eyes that discovered that her Soul was divided between two contrary and violent Passions. She called me to her, and I, though I doubted not but that she would deal severely with me, yet went to her. Justine, (said she) I Pardon what you have said, but Counsel me, What shall I do? I do not hesitate between your Brother and the Confessor, as though I knew not which to chuse, but Daughter, I know no Confessor alive can better di­rect me in the way of Salvation than this Father can: On the other side the Voice of Conscience and Na­ture make me most cruel Reproaches for suffering my Son to depart for so slight a matter. I will not advise you Mother, (said I) but if you please I'le whisper my Brother what you say, it may be it may win upon him. Do (said she) what you think fi [...]. My Brother came the second time off his Horse, and went to my Mother, and discoursed with her in private, none being admitted to hear it but my self.

You know Son (said she) how delicate I am in what regards Conscience, you would have me to banish immediately either my Confessor or you: I would sa [...]n keep you both: But, Ferdinand, you will have me declare my Resolution: The Voice of Nature pleads for you, and the Voice of Conscience for the Father. Advise me what to do, Ferdinand; I have asked your Sisters Advice, but she refuseth to give it me; speak to me as a disinteressed Person, as though you were not concern'd, and speak rather as a Friend than as a Son. Mother, replyed he, to conform my self to your Will, I shall tell you, that in the general 'tis better to hear and obey the Voice of Conscience than that of Nature; but as it [Page 56]often happens that Conscience is guided by pr [...] ­dice rather than Justice, [...]o 'tis often more safe to hear the Voice of Nature than that of Con­science.

To come to the Father Mathew, you would retain him because he seems necessary for the Direction of your Conscience. Certainly the Condition of Men must be very miserable. when they believe that their Salvation depends on the W [...]ll of certain men▪ and on the Caresses that they make them. There are s [...]me [...]ick People over whose Spirits-their Ph [...] ­sitians have gotten such an absolute Empire, that they believe their Life or Death lyes in their hands▪ We may justly term such Physitians as these the Ty­rants of the Sick, as we may most Confessors the Ty­rants of the Conscience. The Father Mathew is one of those, he hath got the ascendant of your mind, so that you receive his savings as so many Oracles, and you are afraid of falling out with him, because you imagine him to be God's great Friend and Favourite.

But Mother, (continued he) if you will give me leave to speak, your Conscience ought not to be en­tangled for a man who himself hath no Conscience at all. For besides that be is a Jusuite, which very word contains a multitude of mischiefs: Was it not he that suggetted part of what you said to me, and advised you to banish me your Presence? To sow Discord between a Mother and her Son is the true Work of the Devil; so that Mother, you will find, that your Conscience, if you will Consult it as you ought, will exhort you to rid your Hands of so dangerous a Person: And if you'll be advised by me, take for a Confessor one that is no Jesuite, for these Gentlemen are never satisfied 'till they have imposed an intollerable Yoke on Mens Consciences, which is all the good Fruit of your Auricular Confessions; be­cause knowing all that a Person doth or thinks, 'tis [Page 57]easie for them to turn him to their Pleasure, and to [...] on him what burdens they think fit.

Whether my Mother was really convinced by my D [...]ers Arguments, or only seemed to be so, is un­ [...]r [...]; yet she promised my Brother to turn off the Father Mathew, and at the sa [...]e time sent to h [...]m to acquaint him with this Resolution. In the m [...]n time we: [...]turned to the House. where as soon [...] [...]y Brother had pluckt off his Boots, he came to [...] Mother who knew no bounds either of Ha­ [...] or [...]ove, caresled my Brother at such a rate as [...] ex [...]ed [...]d his Expectations: And as for you, [...] she to me, I remember all that you have [...]ind, and m [...]thinks you ought rather to have taken [...] your Mother than with your Brother; but I [...] you for his sake.

During all the Supper my Brother entertain'd my [...]her with D [...]course concerning the Mischiefs wrought by Confessore in [...]amilies, Cities and King­doms. I [...] Confes [...] said he, that the Confession of Sins and Infirmities in the Ears of a Priest was [...] in the P [...]tive Church, but 'twas abolished al­ [...]st throughout all the East by Nectarius, Patriarch of [...]or [...]e, because of a Deacon, who hearing the Confessions of a young Widdow, and knowing [...] Infirmities, took occasion thence to seduce her: Nor is there any reason to doubt, but a Woman who discovers all her sins and Passions to a Priest, is in a ready way to be seduced by him. On the other hand, Confessions serve to draw what the Priest will cut of Families for the Building of Religious Houses, and the singing of Masses, and many other things of the like Nature, as also the Prying into the secrets of Kings, which the Confessors use for their own ad­ver [...]ge. My Mother was well enough satisfyed of the Truth of what my Brother said: if you will Mo­ther, added he, follow my Advice, though I am yo [...]r Son, and of a contiary Religion, Never make [Page 58]any Jesuit your Confessor more, but content your self with the Curat, as many others, who have try­ed both, have at last done.

Here the Discourse of Mademoiselle de St. Phale was interrupted by the coming of several Gentle­men into the Room where the Conversation was held, she not being willing to give an Account of her Life before so many witnesses.

CHAP. IV.

ALL the Company whom Mademoiselle de St. Phale honoured with the History of her Life, being again met, she thus continued her Relation.

My Brothers Discourse had made such Impressi­on on my Mother, that she was almost perswaded to make choice of another Confessor. And had he but pursued his design, he had certainly accomplish­ed it; But Love, which at this time seized on his heart, made him neglect so advantageous an Enter­prize, and the Consequence of this Neglect proved very mischievous and fatal, and hath forced me out of France.

My Father having in fifteen days finished his busi­ness at Dijon to his satisfaction, wrote us the day on which he resolved to leave that place, and our Castle being but three good days Journeys from it, we ex­pected him on the fourth: But he neither coming then, nor the fifth, nor the sixth, nor the seventh, my Mother and I began to be very much concerned, and my Brother resolved to ride to seek him. But on the eighth day, my Brother having rode out Early in the Morning, we saw both him and my Fa­ther enter the Court about Noon, at which we very much rejoyced; and I leave it to you judge, whe­ther for my part I had not reason, considering the [Page 59]dispositions of my Spirit. After our Caresses were over, my Mother desi [...]ed to know the Cause of his stay. He told her that at Dijon he had met with one of his old Acquaintance in the Army, who living but a short days journey from Dijon, and being bet­ter acquainted with the ways than I were, said my Father, undertook to be my Guide, and in one day we came to his Castle, and he earnestly pressed me to lodge there, which at length with some regrett I comented to: He seeing that I were somewhat un­willing to stay with him, said, I'le shew you some­what that you have seen before, and which you will not be troubled to see again. The Castle was well seated, adorn'd and furnished, so that I was much pleased at the sight of it. This is not, said Monsieur De Roche Blanche, (for so was this Gentleman named) What I intend to show you; and being informed that his Wife was in the Garden, and desiring to surprize her before the had any notice of our coming, we went thither together.

We found her in a Walk that had Maples on both sides of it, with her Son, and three of her Daughters. I confess I was much surprized to see her so fresh and beautiful, having Children which were marriageable, but much more when I saw somewhat in her Face, that I seem'd, I had seen before. For her part, she beh [...]ld me with the same attention, and it may be with the same surprize. Monsieur de Roche Blanche, laught heartily to see us viewing each other with a profound filence, which at length my Father broke: Monsieur de Roche Blanche, faid he, had reason to pro­mise me to show me that which I should never te­pent having seen. The Lady answered that Gallan­try with a great deal of Civility, and her Husband, after having sufficiently entangled both of them by this Interview, and diverted himself, resolved to tell each of them, who the other was. Ah Sir, said he to my Father, is it possible that you have forgotten [Page 60] Mademoiselle de Grassans, and you Madam, Monsieur De Ponsins, (which was my Fathers Name in his Youth, and my Brothers also, which he left but eight or nine months since, to take that of Ombreval.) These words awakened both Mademoiselle De Roche Blanche and my Father out of their surprize, so that pre­sently knowing one another, they began to embrance and Compliment each other; but my Father was in­terrupted by the Civilities of the Son and Daughter of Monsieur De Roche-Blanche.

To explain this Mystery, you must know, that my Father during the Wars in Catalonia, where he per­formed his first feats of Arms, being in his Winter Quarters, fell acquainted with Madamoiselle de Gras­sans, who was then one of the most Eminent Personages of the Religion in all Guyenne, and who, not to speak of her great Estate, had without dis­pute a perfect Beauty, with other wonderful Quali­ties above her Sex. My Father loved her, and it may be his Love would have been accepted if this Lady had not disposed of her Heart before to a Man of great merit. Yet she still retained a great deal of Esteem and Friendship for my Father; which length of time could not destroy, as she had often told her husband, who knowing how acceptable it would be to her, brought my Father to his house, to renew this Ancient Friendship. For although Mounsier de Roche-Blanche was of Poiton, yet he came to live in Burgundy, because of a great Estate which his Uncle had left him, who made him his Heir. And the reason why my Father and he were not acquainted, as Gentlemen use to be, especially when they are of one Religion, was because they they had both chan­ged their Names.

My Father was nobly entertained in this house four days, nor was this Journey without any effect, for he was so much taken with the Son and Daughter of Mounsier de Roche-Blanche, that he resolved on some­what [Page 61]in their favour, which yet he did not declare, [...]ause he expected to see them at his own house; [...] M [...]si [...]r de Roche-Blanche resolved in a short time [...] a Kinswoman, whose Lands were but two [...] from ours, and to carry his Son and Daughter [...] him▪ and at their return promised to be with us.

My Brother, in a short time was more in favour [...] my Mother than ever, and was still urging her [...] c [...]ange her Confessor. I had also now much more [...] than before, for I spent whole days in my Fa­ther Closet, who fully perswaded me to renounce [...] Romish Superstitions, in which he proved unan­ [...]rably there was the greatest Folly and Impiety; [...]d seeing that I delighted much in reading, would [...] give me the Key of his Closet, where I used to [...]ad whole days together, in the Books of Martyrs, [...] Mother thinking all the while that I played at [...]ess with my Father and Brother, which indeed I [...]metimes did. The Book of Martyrs fixed me in [...] design of embracing the reformed Religion.

My Father perceiving me very earnest one day in [...] reading of this Book, said to me, You may there [...] admirable Examples of Constancy, not only in Men [...] Age and Resolution, but God hath also perfected [...]s Praise in the weakness of Women and Children. [...]oung Virgins, such as you now are, who it may be [...]ve been more tenderly educated than you have [...]en, and of higher Quality, have joyfully endured [...]e most cruel Deaths; neither the heat of Flames [...]or the sharpness of Swords could overcome the [...]agnanimity of their Hearts: Would you, were you [...]lled to it, be as constant as those Young worthy [...]adies were? Father, answered [...], I confess I look [...]pon Death as somewhat most dreadful and horrible, specially a Death in the midst of Flames; and there's [...] Heart so Generous, or Spirit Philosophical, but [...]ust needs tremble at the thoughts of such a Punish­ [...]ent: 'Twas not therefore by their own strength [Page 62]that these young Virgins conquered Death and all [...] horrours, but by the Assistance of the Holy Spiri [...] so that Father, said I, how weak and fearful soe [...] I am, yet I firmly trust in our Lord, that if he c [...]ll [...] to such sufferings, hee'l give me strength to overco [...] them all. Yes, my Daughter, answered he, yo [...] reply is very good, for we have seen that most lea [...] ed Doctors and Bishops have basely fallen, when po [...] Pesants, Women and Children have stood it out. Forth former pres [...]ming too much on themselves, and the [...] own strength, being left to themselves have falle [...] whereas the others trusting only on their Saviou [...] have been maintained and strengthened, because the [...] were built upon a rock.

'Tis good, continued he, to be prepared for the mo [...] cruel sufferings; for besides that when we are prepare [...] for the greatest evils, we shall find them less, and mo [...] tolerable when they are come upon us, than we im [...] gin'd; we shall also be thereby the better enabled [...] bear those lesser evils, which would appear very gre [...] and dreadful if they found us unprepared. I foresee th [...] you will be exposed to great temptations, you will be a [...] tacqued on the one hand by the Flatteries, Caresses a [...] Tears of a Mother that loves you, and on the oth [...] hand by the Persecutions of your Relations, Miseri [...] Imprisonment, or Banishment, and it may be De [...] it self, for all these things are the Lot of new Co [...] verts. You will leave those Crosses of Gold, Silve [...] Wood and Stone which you now adore, to bear th [...] true Cross of the Lord, the Afflictions and Reproaches of this World. I hope, said I, that God wh [...] hath wrought in me this Holy Desire, will not lea [...] his work imperfect, but will carry it on to his Glo [...] and my Salvation. This was all the Conversation w [...] had at that time, only my Father told me, that [...] wisht that he could discourse with me again abo [...] these things, but added, that he could not be able [...] do it so soon as he desired; for, said he, I am co [...] [...]ned [Page 63]for your Welfare more ways than one. Here­ [...]on [...] withdrew, without making any reflexion on [...]ese last words. The mean while the time passed [...]ay very insensibly, till the day came, which to [...] pr [...]ved very fatal.

One day the Weather being very fair, my Father [...]d Mother went to walk in the Garden, and invited [...]y Brother and me to accompany them, which we [...]d; and as my Father and Mother were discour­ [...]g of some new Knots and [...]eds to be made in the [...]rden, we not much minding this discourse, left [...]em, and went to walk in some of the shaded Al­ [...]s; and after having talk't of divers things, the heat [...]o [...]ing insupportable, we went towards a Summer­ [...]use that stood at the lower end of the Garden, [...]hich my Father had been very carefull to adorn [...]th variety of curious Pictures, and in one Frame [...]ere was my Brothers Picture in the habit of a War­ [...]or, and mine in that of an Amazon; nor could any Pi­ [...]ures be more exactly drawn than these were. We [...]ere just about to have entred the house, when we [...]eard two Persons discoursing together, but their [...]oice was unknown to us. Our Curiosity led us to [...]earken, and we immediately heard the voice of a [...]an saying, Don't you remember the Painter that [...]dged at our house, that told us he had drawn Moun­ [...]r de Ponsins, and Madamoiselle de St. Phale, like a Warrior and an Amazon? What say you, Sister, of [...]hese Eyes, of this Mouth, of the Majestick air of all [...]he Countenance? If your liberty (answered a most [...]harming voice) be lost by the sight of a Picture, what will become of you when you have seen the Original, I believe you'l certainly dye at the first [...]iew of it. But observe also the Picture of the Bro­ [...]her, which is no less worthy to be taken notice of than that of the Sister. I believe, answered the mans voice, the Picture of the Brother hath had no less in­fluence on you, than that of the Sister hath had on [Page 64]me; and if you dye not at the sight of it, you [...] least be shrewdly wounded by it. You are not [...] wise, replyed the other voice, they are both in [...] Garden, and it may [...]e hear all that we say, let [...] go h [...]nce, least they surprize us busie about trifle You sh [...]uld never, answered the Brother, draw [...] from th [...] lovely Picture, if I were not sure to fi [...] the Original in the Garden; after which they imm [...] ­diately left the house, and we made as though [...] had not heard a word of what passed.

In the mean time my Brother and I had a gre [...] desire to laugh and ra [...]lly each other on what we ha [...] heard; we went not into the house as we at first de­signed, but continued our walk, at length we percei [...] ed at the end of another Ally, a Young Man lea [...] ing a Damsel, both very richly clad, and of a mo [...] illust [...]ous Gate and Carriage? this surprizing re [...] counter, though at a considerable distance, cause us all four to stop for some time, being under [...] great Astonishment; after which we went forward and the nearer we approached each other, the m [...] lovely the new Commers appeared to us; at length my Brother and the strange Gentleman doubled the [...] p [...]ce, and leaving us both behind them, met in th [...] midst of the Alley where admiring each other, [...] thousand Caresses and Civilities passed betwee [...] them. In the mean time the Lady and I aso me [...] and the more I look'd on her the more beau [...]iful [...] found her; and she also considered me very atten­tively, but we were interrupted, she by my Brother, and I by hers, who came to salute us. What wa [...] said by these Gentlemen, was spoken with so much disorder that we ea [...]ly perceived it; but for the Ladie [...] part and mine, we accosted each other though with much tenderness and sincerity, yet with more rea­diness of Spirit.

'Tis easie to divine, that these two were Mo [...] ­sier de Haut-Cour, and Madamoiselle de Garisolles his Si­ster, [Page 65]the Son and Daughter of Mounsier and Madam [...]-Blanc [...]e. I shall say nothing of these two [...] but only that Madamoiselle de Garisolles is the [...]e Picture of her Mother, in Beauty, Spirit, and [...]. As for the Brother, besides that he is a very [...] Person, having nothing in his Carriage but what [...]. Noble, and is loved and esteemed by all that [...] him; I believe that we shall see him at Ham­ [...]; for which reason I shall not give you a more [...] description of him, and it may be should I do [...] [...]u [...]n [...]y judge me guilty of partiality.

We continued our Walk, without minding the [...] which was then extream; My Brother, who at [...]e first rencounter was smitten with the most vio­ [...]t Passion in the World, as he since confessed, en­ [...]n'd himself with Madamoiselle de Garisolles, as [...] de Haut-Cour did with me; we had hardly [...]un a discourse, before a La [...]quey came to call us [...] the rest of the Company: I cannot express the Ca­ [...]es which Mounsier and Madam de Roche-Blanche [...]de me, nor the Civilities that passed between them [...]d my Brother. My Mother was extreamly ra­ [...]hed at the sight of such admirable Persons as Moun­ [...]r de Haut-Cour and his Sister were; this latter she [...]ssed an hundred times, and spake the most obli­ [...]ng things in the World, to which Madamoiselle de [...]s always replyed like a Person of Spirit, and [...]od sence.

Never was there more joy, or greater Union among [...]ght Persons, the Fathers and Mothers laying aside [...] i [...] Gravity, return'd to the old Pastimes of their [...]u [...]h, such as Dancing, Musick and Plays, and by [...] [...]mulation, which one would have thought con­ [...], but it was not, Mounsier de Haut-Cour endea­ [...]ured to insinuate into my Mothers Favour, and [...]ded, and my Brother was very much respected [...] Madam de Roche-Blanche, with whom he had much [...]course in private. As for Mounsier de Roche-Blanche [Page 66]and my Mother, they were presently gre [...] Friends, by the knowledge which they had in [...] secrets of Nature. Mounsier de Roche-Blanche, [...] had been a great Traveller, and had read much; [...] had also a very penetrating Spirit, informed my M [...] ther of many curious Secrets; so that they resol [...] to maintain a correspendence by Letters, to imp [...] their secrets to each other, and resolve the Dou [...] that might arise about them; My Father also [...] Madam de Roche-Blanche had many long Conversati [...] together: So that there was none of us but was [...] employed, and took a great deal of Pleasure [...] be so.

I shall not give you a particular Account of all [...] Diversions we had for an whole week together, [...] of the Masque that we played, in which Mounsier Haut-Cour and his Sister appeared under the Fig [...] of Apollo and Diana, the first in Cloath of Gold, [...] the latter in Cloath of Silver: My Brother represe [...] ed the God Mars, and I the Goddess of Arts [...] Sciences, for we had those Habits in our house [...] fresh as they were the first day they were ma [...] though that were in the days of Henry the 4th. A [...] my Father whom I had always seen very Grave, [...] the first that put us upon these sports.

Yet were not the Hearts of all so filled with joy as hinder my Father, and Madam de Roche-Blanche fr [...] contriving something in which we can never be too [...] ­rious, which Madamoiselle de Garisolles and I thus di [...] ­vered: Our two Brothers and Lovers, I may well te [...] them so, one day rose very early in the Morning ride a Hunting, so that we saw them not till towa [...] the Evening. In the mean time my Father intend to regale his Guests in a Grotte which was in [...] Garden, where my Mother with Mounsier de Ro [...]-Blanche were, whilst his Wife was with my Fath [...] in a green Cabinet on the other side. Madamois [...] de Garisolles and I walking by chance near the gre [...] [Page 67] [...], I distinctly heard my Fathers voice, and she [...] well knew that of her Mother. A sudden Cu­ [...]os [...]ty of hearing their Discourse seized us both at [...], and being in a private place we silently listned [...]d heard my Father speak thus:

As for my Son (said he) I have no reason to be [...]tis [...]yed with him; he hath Judgment and Spirit [...]ough, and his Inclinations lead him to Justice and [...]r [...]de, and to confess the Truth. I would fain see [...] provided for as soon as possible, both because [...] my only Son, whom I would have married [...] his Life: And because I fear least the Relati­ [...] of my Wife engage him in a Match I should [...] approve of. You know Madam with what Pas­ [...]on I once loved you, but Divine Providence hath [...]therwise disposed of us, but it may be it will bless [...]d prosper what I am about to propose, viz. The [...]arriage of my Son with Madamoiselle your Daugh­ [...]r. Your Proposal replyed Madam de Roche-Blanche [...] too advantageous, not to be accepted; and I be­ [...]eve you will find a great deal of comfort in having [...]r with you. Yes Madam, answered my Father, [...]e Vertues of the Mother shine forth in the Daugh­ [...]r; and this is what hath made me desire her to be [...] my house, and the inseparable Companion of my [...]on. It [...]ay be, Madam, in these times of Misery [...]ou were at a loss how to find out a suitable Match [...]r her▪ You are in the right, (answered she) and [...]ou have fr [...]ed me from a great deal of Care and [...]rouble, the Lord bless our good Intentions; and [...]ereupon they struck hands in token of Agreement, [...] Madam de Roche-Blanche engaged her Husband [...] [...]a [...]i [...]ie: And my Father promised the like for [...] Wife: And shall we not, said my Father, discover [...]is to our Children, who are the Parties concern'd? I [...]elieve, answered Madam de Roche-Blanche, they are [...]re troubled how to get our consent, than they will [...]e to find that we have engaged them without discour­ [...]ng them about it.

During this Discourse, which Madamoiselle de G [...] ­risolles and I distinctly heard, she blush'd extreamly which much added to her Beauty, and fixed h [...] Eyes in the ground, being ashamed to look me in the Face: But I drew her cut of this surprize, by [...] bracing her, saying, My dear Sister let me give yo [...] the first kiss, she also embraced me, but with som [...] confusion. But the Curiosity we had to hear th [...] rest of Madam de Roche-Blanche's Discourse, oblige [...] us to break off our Caresses for the present.

You have made me one Proposal, continued she I'le now make you another, about another Marriage I understand what you mean, (said my Father [...] and consent to it with all my Heart; 'tis of Monsieu [...] your Son, with my Daughter; but in this Ensine [...] we must use a great deal of circumspection. M [...] Daughter is, as I have told you, of the Reforme [...] Religion in her Heart, but her Mother is a bigotte [...] Roman Catholick; I expect only a favourable op­portunity to make my Daughter declare her se [...] and in this I beg you to help me as need require [...] with your Counsel and Assistance. The Relations [...] my Wife are powerful, and she is almost Mad in the [...] Point of Religion, but it may be we may find mea [...] to get her Consent. Although you did not engag [...] me, replyed Madam de Roche-Blanche, by the hop [...] you give me, yet I were obliged to this as a Chri­stian, and let Madam your Wives Relations be a [...] powerful, and have as much Authority as they wi [...] they shall find that neither Monsieur de Haute-Cour no [...] I will show our selves base in this matter, and her [...] they struck hands again.

Well, my double Sister, said Mademoiselle de G [...]rissolles to me, we have nothing now wherewith [...] reproach each other, and you blush as well as I; thes [...] words were followed with a second Embrace, afte [...] which we found so strange an Inclination to laug [...] that we were forced to leave the Place we were [...] [Page 69] [...]eft we should be discovered by the noyse. As soon [...] we were gone a considerable distance, and were [...] full liberty, we had a hundred pleasant discourses [...]n what we heard. In the mean time our two Bro­ [...]hers being returned from Hunting, came to seek us [...] the Garden, where they found us. As soon as we [...]w them, we had much adoe to forbear breaking [...]ut into another laughter, however we conquered [...]ur Inclination for the Present, and promised each [...]ther to discover nothing of what we knew; which [...]romise you may easily guess how well we kept.

My Brother taking Mademoiselle de Garissolles by [...]e ha [...] walked into another Alley, and left me [...]ith M [...]e [...]eur de Haute-Cour, who looking earnestly [...]on [...] ▪ You are very pleasant, Modemoiselle, said [...]e; how happy should I be, if you could commu­ [...]cate to me a little of that Joy that shines in your [...]es! Ah! Monsieur, answered I, I cannot commu­ [...]ica [...]e this Joy to you only by seeing me: If this were [...]ssible, (said he, interrupting me) I might also [...]mmunicate to you what passeth in my heart, but [...]u are so happy, and I so miserable, that you can­ [...]ot partake of my Melancholly, nor I of your Joy. [...]ut (said I) since my Joy hath no other Founda­ [...]on but a Trifle, it may be your Melancholly is oc­ [...]sioned by somewhat of no greater Importance; so [...]at you have no reason to judge me very happy, [...]r your self very miserable. I feel (answered he) [...]ine own Misery, and none besides can be sensible [...] its Greatness. Yet (said I) you are jocose, you [...]ng, you dance, you hunt, you perform a thousand [...]easant Actions; your Melancholly must either be [...]ery bashfull, not daring to show it self; or a very [...]pocrite, that knows so well to conceal it self. 'Tis [...] [...]ruelty of my Fate (said he) that I must laugh, [...]ng and Dance, whilest my Heart groans under its [...]ons, yet am I not so unhappy now as I shall be, [...]en I have left this Castle. In the first Moment [Page 70]that I saw you, I loved you, and Protested to do [...] Eternally. This is what I was willing to inform yo [...] of, it being but just that you should know befo [...] my departure for the Army, that you are the fir [...] Person to whom I have given my Heart, and th [...] you shall be the last; for either you must accept [...] my Vows, or the invisible Dangers of the War, wi [...] soon take me out of the World.

This Plain Declaration, abated the pleasant H [...] ­mour that I was in, in an instant; and I could na [...] for my life prevent discovering it. Is it, answered [...] boldly, is it to Mortifie me that you speak thus [...] but assure your self that your Railleries [...] [...]all neve [...] rob me of my good Humour: If, sai [...] [...] wh [...] I have spoken offend you, I am sorry for [...], but [...] cannot repent my having spoken it. I assure you [...] speak with as great sincerity as ever any Heart wa [...] possessed of: Do me the favour to believe it, 'tis [...] that I ask at present, and if you find one word [...] what I have said to be false, judge me eternally u [...] [...] worthy of your Presence. I loved you as soon a ever I saw your Picture, the sight of your admirabl [...] Person augmented in my heart a Passion that w [...] never be Extinguished, and the Consideration of yo [...] Vertue perfected what your Beauty had begun.

I had a great mind to seem angry; but the know­ledge which I had of the agreement between [...] Father and Madamoiselle de Roche Blanche, the gre [...] Love my Brother had for Madamoiselle de Garissoll [...] and the excellent qualities of Monsieur de Haute-Cor [...] disarmed me in a moment, and left me quite sile [...] You'll not speak to me, said he, with a passionate A [...] What would you have me to say? (said I, looki [...] fixedly on him) since you tell me things so ne [...] that I am quite surprized at them: Let it soffi [...] you, that you are the only Man in the World tha [...] durst thus speak to me without angring me, th [...] esteem that I have for your Person forceth me t [...] [Page 71]keep within the bounds of Moderation, and were [...] Soul capable of any Passion, you were him of all [...]ers to whom I would give the preference in my [...]art: But Madamoiss [...]lle, said he, may I hope that [...]ny touch your illustrious Heart, it shall be me? I [...]e you, said I, leave to put the most favourable [...]ce you please on my Words, after this ask no far­ [...]r. He would have cast himself at my Feet, the [...]ter to express his thankfulness, but he was afraid being seen in this Posture. Indeed at that very [...]ant we perceived those four Persons, to whose [...]thority we were subject, which made us joyn

Brother and Madamoisselle de Garissolles; as soon we came together, we viewed each other, and [...]ged we had all been engaged in the same Ad­ [...]ture, nor could we hinder our selves from smiling.

Brother who was more airy than Monsieur de [...]-Cour: Ah, said he, I imagine why you laugh, [...]at our Cost, but this is not generous. We were [...] about to have replyed, when Monsieur and Ma­ [...]ne de Roche-Blanche, my Father and Mother came [...] to us: Though, said my Mother, the Discourses [...] have together, may possibly give you some sa­ [...]tion, yet they are but Crude Meats; and hereup­ [...]e all walke into the House.

Never was there more good humour discovered at [...] Table than now, and I may say, that the Parents passed their C [...]ildren. After all was ended, Mon­ [...] de Roche B [...]he, who was naturally of a chear­ [...] temper, I [...] [...]nd he, with Monsieur and Ma­ [...] d' Ombreva [...] [...] [...]ntertain my self at present [...] Madamoiselle de St. [...]: Agreed, said my Mo­ [...]r, provided you leav [...] [...] Monsieur de Haut-Cour, [...] which he readily consented. Since, said my Fa­ [...]r, you thus choose your Company, I'le take Ma­ [...]oiselle de Garissolles, I know [...]shall displease some [...]ly, but I cannot help it. There are none left, [...] Madame de Roche-Blanche to my Brother, but we [Page 72]two, shall I enjoy your Company? I should be, ree­plyed he, a very degenerate Son, should I not fin [...] a singular satisfaction in having the Honour of a Per­sons Company, for whom my Father hath had su [...] ­tender sentiments. After this Division we all wall [...] ­ed in an Alley of Maples which encompassed the Ga [...] ­den, at a sufficient distance from each other, an [...] 'twas there that Monsieur de Roche-Blanche discourse [...] me thus.

Madamoiselle, said he, as soon as ever I saw yo [...] I could but frame two Wishes, the one is, That yo [...] would abjure the Superstitions of Rome, and th [...] other is a Wish so rash, and you may judge it selfis [...] that I scarce dare speak it. As for the first Wish [...] answered I, 'tis Sir half accomplished, for I hav [...] such advantageous Sentiments for the Religion whic [...] you profess, that I desire to dye in it; and seein [...] the Hour of Death is uncertain, I desire from th [...] very moment to enter into your Church: As fo [...] your other wish, I can return no answer to it, be­cause I know not what it is. I am exceeding glad said he, to hear your good Inclinations, which em­boldens me to declare to you the other part of my desire.

My Son, continued he, must want Eyes if he di [...] not observe those Perfections which I see in you, an [...] I should never Pardon him a Fault so great, as 'two [...] be to refuse you the homage of his Heart, a Fa [...] of which I believe him uncapable of being guilty And I who am his Father, assure you, that what [...] most passionately desire in the whole World, is th [...] you would accept of his Vows. Daughter, added h [...] for 'tis impossible for me to call you otherwise, yo [...] shall always find me a second Monsieur d' Ombrev [...] who shall be as tender of you as 'tis possible for h [...] to be. Whilst he discoursed thus, I perceived th [...] blushes had seized my Face. Ha Daughter, (sa [...] he, smiling) pray tell me, whether this blush whi [...] [Page 73]I see painted on your Face, be favourable to my In­tentions or no? You well know Sir, answered I, that I am not at my own disposal, but depend on my Father and Mother, to whose Will I am obli­ged to yield an entire Obedience. Well Daughter, (replyed he) if those on whom you depend, con­sent to what I desire, will you Obey them without any repugnance? Ah Sir, answered I, you press me too hard. I Confess my Fault, (said he) I earnest­ly desire to see you in my House; your Vertue, Prudence and Sweetness have charmed me much more than your Beauty, Birth and Estate, so that I dare promise you by God's assistance you will find there Pleasure and Peace all your Life. Were it proper for a Father to boast of his Children, I might tell you that my Son hath all the qualities of a well-born Gentleman, nor would I say so if the Publick did not witness it; and I shall do that for him for your sake, which I would not were he to Marry any other.

I being much entangled by this Discourse, were willing to divert it, and to speak in favour of my Brother. You have no need, said Monsieur de Ro [...]he-Blanche to speak for him; and I am ex­treamly pleased with the Passion he hath for my Daughter, and I wish my Son were in as fair a [...]a [...] for the Establishment of his Happiness as my Daughter is; but I have too long pryed into [...]he secrets of your Heart; but this was not the [...]nes Reason that made me desire to Discourse [...]i [...]h you; but this, Your Father having inform­ [...]d me of your Good Inclinations to reject the [...]nish Errors, I offer you my Person, my House, [...] E [...]ate, my Family, and my Son for your assist­ [...]ce in this matter; make as soon as you can [...] A [...]juration, which cannot but turn much to [...]o [...]r Advantage. After this we had much other [...]ourse, and he gave me a great deal of good [Page 74]Counsel, for which I was very much obliged to him. At length we joyned the rest of the Com­pany, and immediately after Mounsieur and Madan de Ro [...]he-Blanche, my Father and Mother, left us, to Discourse among themselves, at which none of the younger Persons were at all [...]ro [...]bled.

I shall not repeat all that passed between us four, nor what Mounsi [...]ur de Haute-Cour said to me but I must not pass over in silence a Discourse I had in the Evening with my Mother, when every Body was retired to their Chambers. Well Justine, said she, Monsieur de Haute-Cour loves you, and without doubt hath not failed of declaring it to you. My Mother had a mind to try whether I would not be moved at so close a Question, but I had this day heard things so new both to my Ears and Heart, that nothing was capable of purting me out of Countenance. Monsieur de Haute-Cour (said I) is a Man both Gallant and Handsome, and thinks it his Duty to show his Gallantry to all those of our Sex. And what Answer did you give him, said she? An Answer (said I) so little serious, as assured him that I was none of those Girls that suffer themselves to be easily transported with Flat­teries. You (replyed my Mother) give me a Cha­racter of Monsieur de Haute-Cour quite different from the Idea I had of him: I judged him wise and honest, and found in him by that Discourse I have had with him all the Characters of a M [...] of Spirit and Parts, and you would have me be­lieve by the Picture you draw of him, that he i [...] one of those Impertinent Fools that Court ever [...] one they see: I am sure you now speak agains [...] your own sentiments. Such as he is, (answere [...] I coldly) are wise with the wise, and young wit [...] the young. My Mother return'd no answer, bu [...] only snook her Head and smiled. I took my leav [...] of her, and was about to withdraw, which she see­ing, [Page 75]said, I have one word more to say about Monsieur de Haute-Cour, whom I sind so honest and so well qualified, that were it not for his Religi­on, I should wish him for your Husband above all others in France. Mother, said I, don't you remember that you have disposed of me already in favour of your Cousins Son? Ah, replyed she, if Monsieur de Haute-Cour would but turn Catho­lick, my good Kinsman of whom you speak, should soon be forced to look out for another Match. At that instant an untoward Fancy took me to abuse my Mother, which succeeded well enough. I'le tell you one thing, Mother, added I, Monsieur de Haute-Cour is indeed a Man of worth, and hath an extream Passion for me, and would do any thing to get me, even what is in its self most difficult, and I have a great Esteem for him, but I neither can, nor ever shall be able to love him, though he should turn Roman Catholick for my sake: It may be I might have loved him, but my knowing that you have destined me for your Re­ [...]ation, makes me very indifferent as to any other Men but him: You have declared your Resoluti­on, that I should in this be Obedient to your Will, nor can my Inclinations turn as the Wind doth. What say you, Madamoiselle Justine, (replyed my Mother in a rage?) know Insolent, that I'le teach you to conform to my Intentions; Get out of my Presence, lest I make you feel to what degree you have enraged me. Which I did, without re­ [...]urning a word of Answer, for I knew her well enough.

Immediately I went to Bed, having my mind silled with the Idea's of those things that this day happened unto me: I shall not relate all the Motions of my Heart, the Principal of which was Love, to which my Soul now began to yield. The admirable Qualities of Mounsieur de Haute-Cour [Page 76]made an impression on me; the Knowledge that I had of my Fathers Will▪ and of my Mothers, the Passion of my Brother, all these things together made me entertain an affection, which otherwise I should not so soon have done: Besides, I saw that as Af­fairs stood with me at present, I must dispense with some forms of Love. Nevertheless, I had indiffe­rent good rest this Night, the multitude of my thoughts did not disturb my sleep, which they would have done, had I been under the Power of one single Person.

I was but just awake when I saw my Mother come into my Chamber; Mother, said I, I believe you are come to chide me for being so sluggish: No J [...] ­s [...]ine, said she, I would have you lye still, and ha­ving commanded my waiting Gentlewoman to leave the Chamber; Yesterday said she, you put me into a little Passion, but let that pass; you spake some­what concerning Mounsier de Haute-Cour, which I have thought on all this Night, you said that he loved you passi [...]nately, and would do any▪ thing to get you. Do you think (said my Mother) that the Love he hath for you is capable of making him to embrace, the Catholick Religion? I cannot (replyed I) give you a positive answer in this matter, but I know that his Love is as fervent as ever any was; and that he is not so obstinate an H [...]gonot as my Father or Bro­ther, I can assure you that he is one that will heark­en to good Counsel. Well Daughter (said she) see­ing it is so, would you not be glad to be Instrumen­tal in saving so illustrious a Person as Mounsier d [...] Haute-Co [...]r is? How meritorious will it be in the sigh [...] of God, to be engaged in bringing him into the true Church! On the other hand, how happy will you be in having such a Husband as he is! Have you no Eye [...] to see that Mounsier de Masse (that was the Name of her Rela ion) hath nothing that comes near Mon­sieur de Haute-Cour? I have considered all these things [Page 77]faid I; but the Opinion which I had that you de­signed me for Monsieur de Masse, makes me look on him in another manner than I did on any other Man: but now I know your mind, favour me so far as to tell me how I may please you? Ah Daughter, (reply­ed my Mother) this is not the Insolence that provo­ked me Yestrrday. This therefore is what I would have you to do, to carry it so towards your Lover, that he may never lose the Love he bears you; so that to get you, he may do whatever you would have him. Go, think well of what I have said, and be sure keep it secret: Having said thus, she embra­ced me, and left my Chamber.

My Brother was gotten into my Chamber I know not how, and hid himself behind the Hangings, from whence he came forth as soon as he perceived my Mother had left the Chamber: And is it thus, Sister (said he) that you are an Instrument in perverting of Souls? Know, that what you are ordained to do [...]s but the part of a Spiritual Bawd, 'tis so indeed; but what Name shall we give it. when the Spiritual Bawd must deliver her self Corporally, or to speak [...]ut, must be Married to him whose Mind she hath Debauched from the Truth? Stay (Monsieur Impu­dent, said I) till I am up, and we shall then see whe­ther you'l dare talk as now you do, in the mean [...]ime leave my Chamber: Ha Sister (said he) he that [...]id not know you would think you very Angry, but [...] am not come hither to quarrel with yo [...]. Me­ [...]hinks knowing my Natural Temper, you should [...]ave put a better interpretation on my words, than [...]o take them as though they had been spoken out [...]f Malice. I am come to take you for my Confident, [...]nd to be yours. We [...]l discourse of that by and by [...]d I, this Chamber is not proper for such a Con­ [...]ersation, do you be in the lower Hall, and I'll meet [...]ou there in a short time: my Brother hearing this, [...]ent out of my Chamber the same way that he came [Page 78]in. Immediately my waiting Gentlewoman came to dress me, after which I went down to the Hall, where I found my Brother expecting me.

As soon as he saw me, he said, I must confess that since the coming of Mounsier de Roche-Blan [...]h [...] and his Family, I have found a great alteration in my Person. I believe, (said I) smiling, 'tis only Madamoise [...]le de Ga [...]i [...]olles hath wrought this change, her Father and Mother having contributed nothing to it. 'Tis true, said he, but do you think that 'tis only the Beauty of this Charming Girle, that hath cap­t [...]vated me, her Spirit, her Humour, and a thou­sand other rare qualities which she possesseth, have conqu [...]red me; and so conquered me too, that if I am not united to her in an indissoluble Bond, I shall never enjo [...] any Contentment in this World. As far as I see (answered I) I know more good News re [...]ating to you, than you do your self: And why, [...]aid he, wicked Creature that you are, did you not tell it me? And why, said I, are you grown so proud, that since you have had a Mistris, you disdain to re­member that you have a Sister; and immediately I told him all that I had heard in the Garden. And Madamoiselle de Garisolles, said he, was she with you? Yes Brother, said I▪ she was: And what said th [...], (said he) with a kind of Transport? Madamoi­selle de Gariolles▪ said I, heard all the Discourse, as a Person of much Merit and Vertue.

I had no sooner spak [...] these last words, but she came into the Hall with her Brother; Ah, (said she,) I have surprized you both in a very earnest Confe­rence. 'Tis true, said my Brother, my Sister hath told me some things so pleasant, and in which I am so much concern'd, that any other besides your self would have very much disobliged me to have inter­rupted me. Then we [...]ll withdraw again, said she▪ no Madamoiselle by no means, (replyed my Bro­ther) I must impart our secret to you, though you [Page 79]knew it long before I did. You have done amiss, said she to me: I have done like a good Sister, said I, who could no longer forbear to assure a Brother whom she loves, of his happiness; my greatest trou­ble was how to do it conveniently: But — But said Mounsier de Haute-Cour, interrupting us, I have a Sister as good and faithful as Mounsier de Ponsins. Madamoiselle Garisolles and I looked on each other, and should possibly have reproached each other, had we n [...]t been both guilty: At length we judged it the best way to pardon each other mutually. We renewed our Amity, and our Brothers swore an Eternal Union: for my part, I could no longer con­ceal my sentiments for Moun [...]er de Haute-Cour. And the beautiful Eyes of Madamoiselle de Garrisolles, spake so plainly in favour o [...] my Brother, that 'twas easie for him thence to judge of the Motions of her Heart.

I shall not relate all the Discouse that passed this day, which was the last of Mounsieur and Madam de Roche-Blanche's abode with us. My Brother had a private Conference with Mounsieur de Haute-Cou [...], concerning the Method they ought to take to de­ceive my Mother. He was with her about an hour and half in the Afternoon, and she seemed very well satisfyed with the Conversation she had with him. We all of us went into the Garden, but were no­thing so chearful as formerly, the thoughts of a se­paration spoiling all our Mirth. My Mother had another Discourse with Mounsieur d [...] Haute-Cour, and one with Mounsieur de Roc [...]-Blan [...]he. My Father e [...]tertuned himself with Madamoiselle de Garisolles and [...]e, and my Brother with Madam de Roche-B [...]an [...] [...]; what passed it's not worth relating. The next Morning being come, our dear Guests, after many tender Adieu's took Coach to return, and left u [...] v [...]ry well satisfied with their Company, but very much [...]fflicted at their departure.

My B [...]other having acquainted my Father with my Mothers d [...]gsins on Mounsieur de Haute-Co [...], [...]e judg [...]d the c [...]njunc [...]ure very favourable, and th [...] 'twas si [...] [...]o an [...]use her with some such hopes, with the d [...]i [...]g o [...] which I were entrusted. My Brothe [...] h [...]d communicated his thoughts to Mounsieur [...] Ha [...]- [...]o [...]r, who acting in concert, wrote me such Passiona [...]e Letters, as though he would have stuck at not [...]ing to obtain me. My Brother on the other hand, al [...]hough be was assured of my Fa­thers Consent with respect to Madamoiselle de Ga [...]i­ [...]; yet he prayed my Mother to speak of it to my Father, who returned a favourable answer In a word, all things went well enough, when I sound my se [...]f u [...]erly s [...]ript in a moment, of all that Tran­ [...]ity which I enjoyed, expecting a favourable op­p [...]i [...]y [...]o make my Declaration.

This stroke so sad, that I have reason for ever [...] lament it, was the Death of my Father, with w [...]om I may truly say, all my Joy oved too, and a [...]l my pl [...]a [...]ures are buried. He sell sick some [...] [...]fter the departure of Mounsieur de Rocht- [...]. His Distemper was so sharp and violent, that we begun to doubt of his Life almost [...]as [...]on as he c [...]mplained; and the first day that he [...]k his Bed, he foretold that he should never rise m [...]re. This sudden and violent Sickness so over­whe [...]d my Mothers Spirit, that we thought she would have accompanyed my Father, who in the height of his Distemper, discoursed always with the same Moderation and Judgment that he used when he was in perfect Health. My Mother was so weak­ned, that she could be carried but twice to see my Father, and that with all imaginable Inconve­niences; yet she would have me always with him, to serve him; and I believe that God ordained it should be thus, that I might have opportunity to discourse more familiarly with my Father, who [Page 81]spake such things as I shall never forget. Particu­larly on a certain day when he saw me by his Beds­side, he spake thus:

My dear Daughter, I should joyfully leave this Life, if I saw your Body out of the sink of Super­stition, as your Mind is. I always thought God would have made use of me in so good a Work, but I now see that in his Eternal Council he hath decreed to finish this great Work by another hand, f [...]r which I bless his H [...]ly Name, as indeed we ought to bless him for all things: And because I feel my Life stealing away by little and little, and that in a short time you'l see me only a dead Car­kass, take care to remember and profit▪ by what you shall now hear.

Never had any one the design that you have, and persisted in it, but found himself surrounded with a multitude of Calamities. When men resolve to embrace the Truth, they must also resolve to enter into a vale of Tears, and into a Path covered with Thorns; that is to say, they must resolve to bear such hard and cruel Tryals and Afflictions, as that [...]twere impossible to bear them without the special Grace of God. This hath made many who began to walk in the way of Truth, withdraw upon the sight of the many Labours, Miseries, and Reproaches wherewith they must encounter, and return to their old course of Mirth and Pleasure, whose End is yet wee [...]ing and gnashing of teeth.

How many things must you suffer, before you can put your good Design in Execution! It may be it will be discovered; it may be your Mother when she once hears of it, will cause you to be carried by [...]orce into a Nunnery, besides other severities which [...]hee [...]l use towards you. It may be also your Relati­ons will try by all imaginable Flattery and Kindness to turn you from your Re [...]olution, and will not have recourse unto rigour, till they find all their [Page 82]promises and allurements uneffectual. Try your self, J [...]stine, whether you are able to resist this va­riety of temptations; for if you find you cannot bear these Tryals, 'twere better for you to abide what you are, than after having embraced the Truth to Apostatize from it, by which▪ you would far more grievously scandalize men, and offend God.

But suppose you escape all those Miseries and Vio­lences wherewith you are threatned by the Papists, yet you must undergo others from the Reformed, which are no less terrible and inevitable: Don't ex­pect that the Integrity of their Manners should al­ways correspond with the Holiness of their Religion. You'l find amongst them neither that Piety nor Chari­ty, nor Modesty nor Patience, nor Weanedness from the World, which you may fancy they have. Very few amongst them will take notice of what you have done; and such as do, will yet do it with so much feebleness, coldness▪ and as it were constraint, that you I be in great danger of being scandalized to see their hearts so destitute of Zeal as they are.

You▪ (my Daughter) have been tenderly Educa­ted in [...]ur Fathers House, of a very Ancient and Illustrious Family in Provence, nor were you in like­lihood to have left your Fathers House, unless to enter into that of an Husband worthy of you: But ala [...], I [...]ar you [...]l find it very hard to be forced from your Countrey and Inheritance, to go into strange Countries, where you may be attacqued with Mi­sery or Sickness, or the persecutions of your Rela­tions, or it may be with all these Evils together. Can your Heart which hath been used to Grandure, Delicacy, and P [...]ea [...]ures, endure to be in Contempt, by reason of that Want and Indigence to which you may be reduced? will it not regrett the Oynions and Flesh-pots of Egypt? Have you Resoluti­on enough to bear the being thrown from the highest Prosperity, into the lowest Abysse of Ad­versity [Page 83]in a moment? Speak, Justine, are you re­ [...]lved to bear all these, and it may be such evils as [...]re yet more terrible, which it may please God to [...]y you with?

One of the first Reflections (said I) that I ever [...]ade after I began to read the Holy Scripture, was, That I must prepare to bear the Cross of the Lord [...]esus, if I would follow him▪ and although I repre­ [...]ented to my Mind all the Tribulations which may [...]efall us, under the most terrible Idea's in the world, [...]et they could not hinder me from desiring to be [...]oyned to our Lords Invisible and Catholick Church.

God strengthen you (continued my Father) in [...]his Holy Resolution, and support you by the effi­ [...]acy of his Holy Spirit. If you earnestly pray un­ [...]o him▪ hee'l bestow on you such Consolations as [...]i [...]l make you regard all your Afflictions as light and easie. Remember Daughter, that nothing can be more honourable than to abandon the Pomps and Pleasures of the World, to follow Jesus Christ in Reproach and Shame; and nothing can be so ex­ [...]e [...]lent and lovely as to range your self under his Conduct, in a time when such as are his seem about [...]o leave him. Let no difficulties discourage you, [...]nd though your whole Life should be spent in Contempt and Misery; yet your Troubles are but [...]or a Moment, compared to that Glorious Immor­ [...]alit that waits for you.

I repre [...]nt these things to you in their blackest Colours, to prepare your Spirit for Constancy under [...]h [...] most terrible Afflictions, but it may be God [...]ill graciously prevent your being exposed to them, [...]et 'tis good to be prepared for whatever may hap­ [...]en▪ You have often found a great deal of Plea­ [...]ure in reading the History of the Martyrs, 'tis the [...]est Book you can read next the Holy Scriptures. Continue still to read it, you'l therein find what will instruct and confirm you in the Truth; you [...]l [Page 84]also find Examples of all sorts of Persons, to help yo [...] to persevere in the true Religion to the death.

During this Discourse of my Father, I fell on my knees and kissed his hands, not being able to spea [...] a word: But my Father went on, and laying h [...] right hand on my Head, gave me his Blessing in these words. My Daughter, said he, God who be­stows excellent favours on such dying persons as be loves, hath in a manner absolutely Incomprehensi­ble to Flesh and Blood, revealed to me, That you will accomplish all my hopes concerning your entire Conversion, and your perseverance in that Truth which you have already internally embraced; where­fore I beseech our good Lord, abounding in Eternal mercies, that he would bless you with Spiritual Bles­sings through Jesus Christ our Lord; that his Power may shine forth in your Infirmities, and his Praise in your Weakne s; that he would make you victori­ous over all the S [...]a [...]agems and Ambushes, and all the open Violences of your Enemies; that he would be [...]our Father, and his Holy Spirit your Guide in al [...] your ways, to the end that you may finish your l [...]f [...] to the Glory of your God. ‘Heavenly Father, (said [...]e, lifting up his hands,) I recommend to thy Protection this poor Sheep, which thou hast begu [...] to draw to thy self. Deliver her from the Mouths of ravenous Beasts; she is thy Creature, she is thine Image; she hath been redeemed by the precious Blood of thy well-beloved Son, leave not thy work imperfect, but vouchsafe her an entrance into thy Spiritual Sheepfold, that she may have an assurance of entring into thy Glory. Hear, O Lord, the Pray­ers of thy dying Servant, who calls on thy Name through the Merits of thine only Son our Saviour.’

When my Father had ended, I again kissed his hand, and had only Power to say thus. Monsieur, said I, I will not (said he) have you call me thus, I am your Father. Father, then said I, I am so en­tirely [Page 85]resigned to your Will, that I am ready to o [...]ey you immediately, without any farther delay or precaution, happen what will. No, my Child, (said he) you must know that true Piety doth not make Persons rash in their Actions: I'le give your Brother such Directions as I judge fit, do you obey him, and you'l do well enough.

At this very instant my Brother came into the Chamber: I am very glad to see you, said my Fa­ther, to recommend your Sister to your Care, to whom you must for the future be a Father, what­ever it cost you. Mounsieur and Madam de Roche Blanche will assist her in making her Abjuration, which as soon as she hath done, take care to send her into Germany to our Relations there. I know your Mother will be mightily enraged at it, but 'tis better to obey God than Men. Use such se­crecy in what you do, as a business of this im­portance requires; especially let none know which way your Sister is gone, nor where she is: I have taken Care that you shall be sufficiently pro­vided with Money for this Expedition: In other things follow your own judgment. Above all, begg God that he would direct you to such means as are most proper for the accomplishment of this Design. As for other Affairs, follow my Directi­ons; especially show all imaginable respect to your Mother, as your own Duty, her Virtue, and that tender Love she hath for you requires.

My Father would have continued his Discourse, but was seized with a fainting Fit, without doubt occasioned from his speaking beyond his strength. I was so affrighted at it, that I cry'd out so loud that all the Servants of the House ran to our as­sistance. At length he revived again, and requi­red that a Minister might be called. I have (said my Brother) sent for one, but he cannot possi­bly be here this Night: Well (said my Father) [Page 86]this shall not hinder my dying like a good Chri­stian. He desired to see my Mother, and I went to call her, and she came into my Father's Cham­ber so pale and disorder d, that I thought she would have Dyed before him. Madam, (said he) this is the time, the Moment of our Separation, after having lived a long time very happily toge­ther: I desired to see you for two Reasons, the one to thank you for the Care you have taken of me, and that Affection you have shown me; and the other that you might be a Witness of my Death, and that you may judge whether it be possible that such as dye in the Lord, as I am sure through Grace I shall, should be damn'd, as your Confessors oblige you to believe.

My Mother could not hear these sad words with­out sinking down on my Father's Bed, through Grief: Alas, Sir, said she, may I not Dye with you! What should I do in this World, having Iost you, after having lived so sweetly with you! I Conjure you, Sir, (said she) if I have failed in serving you according to your Merit, that you would Pardon my Ignorance. I have, Madam, (said [...] Father) no reason at all to complain of you; on the contrary, I have been very happy in you, and therefore I Command my Children to obey you to the Death, (saving in Matters of Conscience) and if they do otherwise, they shall be d [...]prived of my Blessing. But, Madam, I must end this Discourse to think on what is much more important, for time is very precious; and remain­ing f [...]nt for some time, and having taken a small draught of a Cordial Potion, he with an intelli­gi [...]le Voice Prayed thus, after he had desired my Mother to be attentive to it, and not to be dis­pleased with his words.

A Lorighty God, and Merciful Father of our Lord J [...]s Christ, I humbly prostrate my self before [...] [...]ine Majesty, to thank thee for the many Fa­ [...]o [...]s [...]ods and Protections thou hast vouchsafed me during [...]he whole Course of my Life, so that I have nothing else [...] say, but O Lord thy Blessings are upon me, what shall I render thee for all thy Mercies; and yet O my God I have offended thee a thousand ways, my sins ex­ [...]ed been a continual series of Iniquities; I have sinned against thee, O Lord, even against thee, and have de­ [...]ed to have languished under the severest stroaks [...]y [...]igour; if thou shouldest deal with me as thou [...] Justice mightest do; I must necessarily bear in my So [...]y and Soul the marks of thy most dreadful Anger and Wrath: Yet though my sins have abounded, thy Grace doth much more abound, and hath surpassed thy Justice: Wherefore what terror soever my sins cause in [...]e, yet I trust that through Jesus Christ my Saviour, t [...]ey shall all be pardoned, and remembred no more; [...]at the Blood of thy Son shed on me shall cleanse me [...]om all my filthinesses, and that I shall with boldness appear before thy Throne, which will be to me a Throne of Grace, and my Heart anticipating my Deliverance from this Prison of the Body of Death, flyes towards thee:

Break those feeble B [...]nds, O my God, that bind [...] yet to the World, raise up my Soul to thee, and let the sacred Inspirations of thy Holy Spirit accompli —

He would have gone on, but could not then: He only said to my Brother, Ferdiaand, read me the 17th. Chapter of St. John, with the 25th, 26th, 27th. Psalms, in prose, and as my Brother read these words of the 27th. Psalm, Seek my Face, saith the Lord, my Father rendred them in Verse after him:

Immediately his Speech and Life left him. My Brother who had 'till now suppressed his Grief, gave himself up to it, and fainted under it, as also did my Mother and I: Some of the Servants that were come into the Chamber, used their utmost whole House was full of nothing but grief and sor­row. My Father governed his House with such Order and severe Sweetness, that all the Servants loved him, and yet trembled in his Presence: They were therefore exceeding sorrowful for the loss of so good a Master: But besides, they saw the Wise little different from her Husband, and the Son and Daughter from their Father. My Brother being of the strongest Nature, was the first that recover­ed, and came to himself, and took a special Care of my Mother, and also of me, who was longer reason to be, for I had been happy, had I dyed that very moment.

Never was there greater desolation than that my Fathers Death caused in our Family; my Mother spent whole Days and Nights in Complaints, my Brother who was of a very active Spirit, seemed [...]o have lost all his Vivacity, and for my part I led [...] very languishing Life, hoping that in the end I [...]hould be overwhelmed with Grief, and thereby [...]scape the Miseries which my Father had foretold, [...]hose Predictions the event fully confirmed. In [...]he mean time my Brother took Care for my Fa­ [...]hers Funeral, which was a very honourable one, [...]nd at which were many persons of the highest Quality, whom my Fathers Virtue and Integrity had [...]ade his Admirers.

This was but the beginning of my sorrows, for I [...]on sound my self in a Labyrinth of such pressing [...]siscries, that 'tis a kind of Miracle, that I could [...]ear up under them; for I found my self at once [...]eprived of my Father by Death, of my Brother [...] Absence, and separated from my Mother by an [...]mplacable hatred which she had conceived against [...]e, which it seemed probable she would never [...]y aside.

My Mother had provided me with a Waiting- [...]aid that was a Gatholick, and withall the most wic­ [...]ed and dangerous Hypocrite in all the Kingdom. [...]y Father and Brother had often advised me to be­ [...]are of her, which I did, so that she could never now what passed between my Father, my Brother [...]d me, what diligence soever she used to pry into [...] which vexed her exceedingly; for my Mother [...]d placed her with me as a Spy over all my acti­ [...]s, and had promised her a large Reward if she [...]ould discover what she knew, both concerning me [...] particular, and all the rest of the House. Yet was [...]once so imprudent as to lock up some Papers in [...]er sight in a little Box, (with the Key of which would never trust her) which Papers were written [Page 90]with my Brothers hand, and contained the Discourse [...] that he had with the Father Matthew, and some Notes on divers poynts of Controversie.

When I was sick my Maid resolved to steal m [...] Key from me, and I was so low, that I neglected a [...] my ordinary Precautions, nor did I when I opene [...] my Box observe that any thing had been taken ou [...] of it. In the mean time this cunning Slut Soubrett [...] knowing that should she have carried these Paper [...] to my Mother during the height of her affliction [...] she should not at all please her, did what was fa [...] more devilish, carrying these Papers her self to th [...] Father Matthew, adding what she thought fit b [...] word of Mouth. The Father having these Papers resolved to lose no time, to revenge himself on my Brother, and to prevent me from Executing my de­signs.

The first thing he did was to visit my Mother and only discoursed her in the General, and at [...] distance, without discovering all that he had in h [...] mind. My mother took but little notice of what he said, whil'st he was with her, but having better con­sidered it after his departure, sent to desire his Re­turn; and the Good Father, who Expected such a message, would not let slip the opportunity, but made a full discovery of what he knew. If I knew my mother aright, I believe that she had made him acquainted with all that she was resolved to do especially about my Marriage with Monsieur de Haute-Cour, and being very well assured that the Father Matthew was an old crafty Fox, I believe that h [...] she wed my Mother that she was abused. Yet because I cannot be positive in this. I shall only discourse [...] the Consequences of this affair.

I observed, that my mother did not seem so much afflicted as she used to be, and that she converse not with me or my Brother with her ordinary [...] miliarity, and that she would sometimes enter hasti [...] [Page 91]into my Chamber, and view all places in it, and that she had frequent discourses with my maid. All these things made me open my Eyes, and begat in me a suspicion lest I were betray'd by this Wretch. My Brother also was gone from home, being obliged to look after the affairs of the Family, so that I had none that I could confide in. At length I was despe­rately allarmed by one of our servants, who came to me and said, I know not, Madamoiselle, what mis­chief is contriving in this Castle, I see some prepa­rations which don't please me; and your Waiting-mard was heard to say, That within three days we should see a Great alteration here. At the first hear­ [...]ng of this, I was terribly surprized, and knew not what to say, but at length I said to this Person, Thou knowest where my Brother is, take the best Horse in the Stable and go after him, and what­ever business he is about, let him lay it all aside, and return immediately hither. If you please (said [...]he) to write a Note to him, it will be better; upon which I hasten'd into my Chamber to write [...]t, which I did in these words.

I had left the Door of my Chamber open, and my Traitress seeing that I wrote, hid her self, [...]o see what I would do after I had written, and seeing that I delivered a Billet to the Servant, [...]ho was ready to take Horse when I brought it him, she ran and acquainted my Mother with it, who sent after him immediately to stop and search [Page 92]him; but he was gone too far, so that 'twas to no [...] purpose When my Mother saw this, she doubt­ed lest I had discovered some of her Designs, fo [...] which reason she lookt athwart on me for a long time without saying a word to me: She had also fresh Discourses with my Maid, who did such things in my Presence that I had but too much reason to suspect that I was just upon the brink of ruine I spent this Day in a great deal of perplexity; fore­seeing the Afflictions that were like to befall me, which made me imploy all my time in reading the Holy Scriptures and in Prayer.

About Sun-set my Mother sent for me into the Garden to speak with me there. This Message filled me with trembling and terrour, yet I went down to her. I found my Mother alone in one of the Al­leys, as soon as she saw me, she looked on me with Eyes that seemed to sparkle with Indignation, yet said nothing to me, as neither did I to her; so that for some time we both were silent. At length, your heart is very proud, Madamoiselle Justine, said she, to oblige me to speak first. Oh good God, (said I) what may this mean! is it my part, Mother, to speak before you? or not rather to expect your pleasure? She made no reply, but continued on her Walk, and I with her. But immediately I saw two Men enter the Garden, whom I knew not, (where­of one seemed of a good Carriage.) as also my Maid with some other men, bringing with them such things as belonged to me.

I saw all these things without being able to gue [...] what they meant, when my Mother asked the [...] aloud, whether all things were ready? Yes Madam answered the Gentilest, they are. Then my Mo­ther turning toward me, spake to me in such term as were most bitter and cruel. Ingrateful and per [...] ­dious Daughter, said she, You have made it you business to deceive your Mother, the day is com­in [Page 93]which I'll revenge me on you, for all the Treasons which you and your Brother have acted against me, and hinder your damnable Projects. An Iron Grate shall secure you, and answer for all your actions du­ring your life. Go, follow those Men, to whom I have given Orders what to do, unless you would have them dragg you to the place where I would have you be. The Passion that seized me on these [...]ast words, quite transported me. Drag me! said [...], your Anger, Madam, hath blinded you; and [...]ifting up my hand to Heav [...]n, I said, I call God [...] witness of the perfidiousness and treachery which hath been acted against me, and I pray him to de­ [...]iver me out of your hand, which I hope he will do. [...]arewell Madam, after this baseness the worst place [...]n the World will be better to me than to be with [...]ou: And having said thus, I turned about, and gave my hand to the Gentilest of the two, and went out of the Garden by a Gate that led towards [...]he High-way, where I found a Coach with four Horses, and four Troopers to guard it: I went in­to the Coach with my Maid and the two Men. It [...]as above two hours after before I spoke one word, [...]nd I was so overwhelmed with weariness, vexati­ [...]n and rage against my Ravishers, that I did not [...]oncern my self to enquire who they were, nor what [...]d obliged them to take my Mothers part, and be­ [...]ome the Ministers of her Violence.

My Maid was grown so impudent, that she durst [...]sult over my Miseries, laughing at my very face. [...]ake Courage, Madamoiselle, (said she) your con­ [...]tion is not not so bad as you imagine. 'Tis bad to [...]tremity answered I coldly, in that I am obliged [...] have before my Eyes such a Traiteress as you [...]e; and which it may be hath not her like in all [...]e World. See (said she) what Persons get by [...]ing their Duty! they are abused for doing good, [...]u are only enraged against me because. I opposed [Page 94]your Intentions, which would have ruined your So [...] If (said I) you make not this insolent Wretch ho [...] her Tongue, I'll throw my self out of the Coa [...] though it cost my Life. Ah Madamoiselle, said she▪ you speak very loftily, as though you were still [...] Ponsine, it may be you would not do amiss to use your self to other Language. The insolence o [...] these words made me turn pale with Anger, which one of the Men perceiving, imposed silence on So [...] ­brette, If you hold not your Tongue, (said he to her) I shall find a means to force you to it, which you [...] may repent of: This threatning stopt her mouth.

During this, the Night grew so dark, that in [...] Wood through which we were to pass, the Coach­man mistook his way. The Troopers that guarde [...] us called on all sides, to find some House where the [...] might refresh themselves; but none answered their Calls but the Eccho of the Wood: At length 'twas resolved to spend the Night where we were; the two men had the discretion to leave the Coach▪ after having shut it fast, rather to prevent my flight, than to secure me from the injuries of the Cold and Wind as they pretended. I had this day endured so many fatigues, and had taken so little rest some Nights before, that I slept very soundly till the Morning, when our Atteddants were in [...] greater trouble than before, seeing themselves in [...] unknown Countrey in the midst of a vast Forrest, the Weather very misty, the ways exceeding bad, with­out Guide or Victuals, and without hopes of being able to reach to any other place.

They unharnessed the Horses of the Coach, and unbridled those of the Troopers, who were mo [...] happy than their Masters in that they had whe [...] with to fill their Bellies. This Accident rejoyced me exceedingly in my Troubles: Well, my Friend [...] (said I) you have carried me away by force to [...] me with hunger: I shall take my Death very p [...] ­tiently, [Page 95]for I desire nothing else but to have you [...]eep me Company; this I am sure goes against the [...]ain with you. My Maid was upon the point of [...]espair; in the mean time I had the comfort of in­ [...]lting over her in my turn. Wretch that thou art, [...]d I. thou art the cause of my Death, but righte­ [...]us Heaven will that thou dye with me; and where­ [...]s I shall receive Consolation and Joy, thou art to [...]xpect nothing else but the Torment due to thy Treasons.

These words filled her with Confusion and De­pair, for she had not a word to answer. After some [...]me we again set forward; but 'twas past Noon by [...]y Watch, when we found our selves in the same [...]ace, and the mist was so thick that we could dis­ [...]ern our way no better than in the Night. At length was resolved to send our four Troopers into four [...]arts of the Wood to enquire the way, and to get [...] some Victuals. Three of them returned to us, [...]ter having rid a great way, and taken a great deal [...]f Pains to no purpose, 'Twas then that I believed [...] earnest that we should be all starved; and having [...]ten but little for two days before, I was so very weak [...]at I sainted, and they had a great deal of trou­ [...]e to bring me to my self, though they threw [...]undance of water on my Face.

Just as I was recovered, the fourth Trooper re­ [...]rned▪ and told us that about a League and half off, [...]e should find a good Village; whereupon I went [...]to the Coach again, but not having strength to [...] upright, I was forced to lye along; those that [...]ept me Company placed themselves as well as they [...]uld, that they might not incommode me; and [...] the end of some Hours we came to the Village, [...] the great joy of all our Company besides my [...]f. In this Village we had some New Adventures, [...]t you must give me leave to deferr the Relati­ [...]n of them 'till another time.

CHAP. V.

THe whole Company being again met, one [...] them desired Madamoiselle de St. Phale to pur­sue her History; for, said she, we left you in [...] Wood, dying for Hunger, favour us so far as to acquaint us how you recovered your Life and Li­berty.

There are some, answered she, that take such [...] Delight in relating their Miseries, that when t [...]ey find no Men to hear them, will utter their Complaint [...] to inanimate Creatures: I am not of this Humour, for 'tis to me a doubling of my Afflictions to re­late them; yet I will deny my self to please you, if you can indeed find any pleasure in hearing that which so little deserves to be heeded by you.

The fourth Trooper that was sent to enquire the way, had indeed better success than the othe [...] three, but was so imprudent as not to take with him any Victuals, or a Guide to direct us, which [...] knews not whether to call an Happiness or Mise­ry, because I rather desired Death than feared i [...] I lay in the Coach imployed only in Prayers and spiritual Meditations. Be of good Courage Mada­moiselle, said the elder of those two to whom m [...] Mother had committed me, we are told there i [...] a Village within a League and half, in which yo [...] may rest and refresh your self. I hope, said [...] I shall dye before I come thither, and that there­by God will del [...]ver me from my Mothers Va­lence, and you from the reproach of being its Mi­nisters. Madam d [...] Ombreval, answered he, loves yo [...] tenderly, and what she has done is only o [...]t [...] fear, least you should ruine your self, and she d [...]ires [Page 97]nothing else but to place you where you may entertain better Thoughts than those you had, and which have obliged her to use you as she doth. Though these words were somewhat insolent, yet I contented my self with saying, That God is righte­ous, and will sooner or later reward men according to their wicked Designs.

Possi [...]ly you may wonder that my Mother should have so far lost her reason, as to abandon an only Daughter to the discretion of two men, four Troop­ers, and a Chamber-maid whose damnable wick­edness she well knew. I must say thus much in her [...]ustification, that these two men were in a sence al­ [...]d to our house, that the Elder had always a great [...]eal of passion for my Mothers interest, who for [...]er part loved him and did him many kindnesses: [...] that he whose Name was Monsieur de Rabours, [...]aving but a mean Estate, and being driven to [...]ome straits, had reason to keep in m [...] Mothers Fa­ [...]our, who paid him well for his Services. My Mo­ [...]her sent for him, discovered her Design to him, [...]nd furnished him wi [...]h necessary Directions and Pro­ [...]sion for carrying me into a Cloister till further [...]rder. The Younger was a very honest Youth, [...] a good Car [...]iage, and the others Nephew, and [...]ould [...]ain have discoursed with me, had I not been [...] carefully watch'r by his Unkle and my Maid

The Evening approaching, my Maid left the [...]ach, and the Unkle went to give some Direction to [...]e Troopers and the Coach-man for their being ready [...]e next Morning, which gave the young Rabours [...]e opportunity of speaking thus. I [...] you, Mada­ [...]o [...]elle (said he) have been deceived, so have I, [...] I could never have imagined that they had e [...] ­ [...]ged me in so base an action as this is. To con­ [...]ce you of my Repentance, command me any [...]g in which I may serve you, and I'll readily do [...]as become a Man of Honour. Do you, said I, [Page 98]speak sincerely? for after such baseness I have reason to distrust the whole World. If I deceive you, said he, may Heaven crush me with its Thunder, but my Actions shall free you from suspecting my since­rity. And for my part, said I, if God be so gracious to me as to free me out of these Troubles by your Means, I promise you as great an acknow­ledgment as you can expect from a Virgin of my Birth. Go, do the best you can, I give you full power to take what Course you can for my De­liverance.

We had hardly ended this short Discourse, when my Maid returned, and immediately after the Old Rabours, and a Country-man with him. Here's a good Man said he, which is as it were an Angel sent from Heaven, who offers to guide us to the Town of — will you go thither to Night (said he?) You know, (said I very coldly) that I have no will left me, do what you please. I believe, Madamoi­selle, (said the Nephew) that we had best go thi­ther this Evening, and am certain that all of us shall be better there than here: Do what you will, said [...] you have no power ever me but what God hath gi­ven you, and which he can also take from you. Hereupon the Unkle and the Nephew discoursed to­gether some short time, and the result of their Con­sultation, was, That the Troopers were commanded to bridle their Horses which fed at large, and th [...] Coachman to harness his, which was all done in [...] quarter of an hour. When every thing was read [...] the Country-man who perfectly knew all the tur [...] ­ings of the Forrest, got upon the Coach, and a [...] that a small wind had dissipated the Fogg, the Moo [...] s [...]ne very bright, so that all things seemed to co [...] cur for our Deliverance, out of what seemed to [...] an enchanted Forrest.

We had an hours riding before we could [...] the Village; but when we were on [...] o [...] out of [...] [Page 99]Wood, every one of us seemed somewhat comfor­ted, in the hopes we had of refreshing our selves when we came to our Quarters, whither at length we came, though 'twas after Eleven at Night. As soon as we were come, I fell into a deeper swoon than ever; so that they could not bring me to my self, either by throwing water on my face, or by any torment they inflicted on me. At length we arrived at the Gate of the best Inn in the whole Place, where the old Rabours demanded whether there were any Lodg­ings for us: the Landlady of the House replyed, That all her Chambers were taken up by the Company of another Coach, except two, which, if we liked them, were at our service, and invited us to see them: For my part, (said the Nephew) I judge it best to take any that we can have; for seeing she now lyes in a swoon, if she should happen to dye under our hands, we shall be accused of being her Murderers; and her Mother who hath committed her to you, will not fail of re­quiring the Life of her Daughter of you, and make her self a Party against you. You say well, Cousen, said the Unkle, (as I was since told) let us carry her up, her indisposition is caused only by weari­ness, fasting, and the fatigues that she hath endured; one moments rest and refreshment will recover her, and to morrow wee'l continue her Journey.

Having said thus, they took me out of the Coach, more like a dead Person than a living, and laid me on a Bed, where I found my self as soon as I revi­ved, encompassed with a great many People, who were very earnest to help me; amongst others there were two very beautiful Ladies that sate on my Bed­side, and a Lady that seemed to be their Mother. I look't upon them with a great deal of disturbance, which Persons use to be under upon their recovery out of a swoon: Is it possible (said I) that I am yet alive? Oh how much better for me is Death than Life! Madamoiselle, said the old Lady, consi­der [Page 100]I pray you, that seeing we are ignorant of what God hath determined concerning us, 'tis the Duty of a Christian to resign her self entirely to his Will, and to follow the Example of Jesus Christ our Lord, and to say with him, Not my Will, but thy Will be done.

Madam, (answered I,) I am extreamly obliged to you, for your Civilities towards a poor Stranger, who was the day before yesterday, happy amongst all those of her Birth and Quality, and whom you now see to be a wandring Vagabond, ready to dye under the Cruelty of her Mother, who intends to force her into a Convent: But Madam, added I, may I know to whom I am obliged for the care you have taken of me, for methinks you speak not the Language of Roman Catholicks. No Madamoiselle, replyed she, neither I nor my two Daughters do, nor by Gods assistance ever shall speak it. Blessed be the Lord, said I. that hath made me meet with some of the [...]oushold of Faith, such as are enlight­ened by his Truth. Hereupon I remembred what I had heard my Father say on his Death-bed. Oh the depth of the Riches, of the Wisdom, and of the Know­ledge of God! How wonderful are his Judgments, and his ways past sl [...]ng n [...]t! I have been hurried out of my Fathers House to be cast into an Abysse, out of which I am hardly escaped; and God hath by his good Providence cast me into such Company, as were capable of returning me into the way of Life, had I s [...]raved from it.

In the mean time the Unkle and the Nephew look's on each other with some surprize: At length the Unkle impatient of any further delay, and vext at our discourse, Madamoiselle, said he, I believe you are now strong enough to eat, for we must go hence in two hours. And for my part, said I, I am weary of travelling by N [...]ght, and declare that I will not leave this place ti [...]l the M [...]ning. Madamoi­selle, [Page 101]said he, I shall only tell you, that I dare not transgress the Orders your Mother hath given me. Hath my Mother (said I in a Passion,) hath my Mo­ther commanded you to kill me with Misery and Hunger on the Road? and hath she obliged you to be my Executioner, as you have almost been al [...]ea­dy? I cannot (replyed he with some heat) be your Executioner, since I endure the same fatigue that you do, your swooning excepted. But to tell you plainly, know, that I have Orders not to stop in any place where there are any H [...]gono's, and I am resol­ved not to transgress them; wherefore, Madamoi­selle, prepare your self for your Journey, in two hours at farthest. If you drag me hence, said I, you shall do it by piece-meal, for I had ra [...]h [...]r dye than be any longer in the hands of such a Fruite a [...] you are.

The Nephew hearing this Discourse, Unkle, (said he) you must not too strictly follow the Orders, which Madam d' Ombreval gave you, who never imag­ned that such Acciden [...]s wou'd have befallen her Daugh­ter. There are certain occasions in which we must be governed by Prudence. Monsieur Nephew, (said the old Rabours, with a kind of forc'd smile) you are but a Young Man 'tis not your part to give Counsel, neither will I take it. 'Twill appear in the end (said the young Rabours) who will have most thanks: Hereupon he arose and left the Chamber for a quarter of an hour.

Whilst he was out of our Company, he went in­to a lower Room where the Troopers were, who eat and drank very heartily, thereby endeavouring to make amends for their former trouble. They did not [...]a [...]l observe him so that he took their Carbines and Pistols, and made the Powder that was in their [...] [...]o wer, that 'twere impossible to discharge them without a Miracle. He would also have seized on their Hungers, but he could not find them. Having done thus, he returned towards the Chamber, and met at the Stair-head a Gentleman that said thus unto [Page 102]him: Is it possible, Sir, that this Lady is the Daugh­ter of Monsieur d' Ombreval, formerly Camp-Master, who dyed some months since? The very same, Sir, said the Nephew: If so, said the Gentleman, your Life or mine shall go, before you shall carry her any where against her Mind. There's no need of that, said the young Rab [...]urs, and if you are a Person of Honour, I desire your [...]ssistance. Explain your self (replyed the Gentleman): I'll explain my self in this Chamber (answered he,) and immediately they came both into the Chamber where we were.

He found his U [...]kle, who still earnestly urged me to arise, I don't know what he would have done at length, but the sight of his Nephew, who came and sate at my B [...]ds foot, stopt his mouth. Madamoiselle, (said the Nephew to me) set your mind at rest. I assure you I will dye at your feet be [...]ore th [...] shall offer you any Violence. I have been drawn in to be a Partner in a base Action; I was utterly ignorant of the Design, but now I plainly see the injustice they have done you, I a [...] resolved to make a reparation for a fault that I have against my Will committed. Then I am delivered, cryed I, with a transport of Joy, I see how God doth from time to time provide means for my assistance. You don't know all, said he, for Mounsieur here (shewing me the Gentleman) was about to have fought me, thinking that I had been one of your Ravishers. Immediately the Gentleman came to salute me, and made me many obliging Protestations, whom I answered with such Civilities as were suitable to my present Necessity, and as so generous a Gentleman deserved In the mean time the old Rabours left the Cham­ber, and his Nephew believed that he was gone to work no ordinary mischief, which caused him to have a secret Conference with this Gentleman and another that was his Companion, a man of great [Page 103]honesty and bravery: The result was, that the La­dies were to retire into a Chamber, where they might be free from all Insults. The old Lady was afraid some mischief would be done, but Ra­ [...]rs assured her, that all the mischief would be [...]me [...]ise and a vain fear, and that he had ta­ken sufficient care to prevent all other. They led me therefore into their Chamber, the Door of which we bolted, where instead of going to Bed, we fell to Prayers, that God would prevent the Misery where­with I was threatned.

We were but just gone away when the old Ra­ [...]rs came up the Stairs, followed by the four Tro [...]pers, with their Pistols at their Girdles, and their Carbines in their Hands, in [...]ending to carry me away by force, and to kill all that should op­pose their Design; they found the young Rabo [...]s, to whom the Gentlemen had lent a Pistol, which he held in one hand, with his Sword drawn in the other, and the two Gentlemen were in the same Posture: They had left the Door open, so that they might freely enter; the old Rabours rushed in first, asking for me: She is, (said one of the Gentle­men named Mounsier d' Arbaux,) gone to her rest, with Persons of honour, with whom 'tis fitter she should be than with such as you. If she comes not immedlately and go with me, assure your selves that it shall cost you dear, be you what you will, especially that Traytor there, (pointing to his Nephew.) We have had to do with worse Lads than you are, (said the Gentleman very boldly) and you are not such as we should be afraid of.

The old Rabours stayed not to return any Answer, but presenting his Pistol to his Nephews Breast, Ras­k [...], said he, bring me Madamoiselle de St. Phale, or thou art a dead Man. Unkle, replyed the Nephew pray address your self to some body else, for I would not have the honour of fighting with you. This [Page 104]scorn [...] Answer enraged the old Rabours beyond mea­s [...] so that be endeavoured to have discharged h [...]s Pistol on his Nephew; but as the young Rabours kn [...]w very well before, it took not fire. However this Attempt of his Unkle so enraged him, that he fell upon him, threw him to the ground, and wrest­ed his Sword out of his hand. The Troopers en­deavoured to assist the Unkle, but the Gentlemen hindered them, which forced him to cry out, Fire [...]ou cowardly R [...]skals, fire upon them. They need­ed not many words to move them to this, but im­ [...]d [...]ly attempted to discharge their Carbines, [...] had no m [...] effect than if they had been load­e [...] and pr [...]m [...]d with Shot, which made them be­t [...] [...]elves to their Pistols, but the thing was [...]ll the same. The Gentlemen irritated with th [...]se affronts, gave them many blows with the [...]s of their Swords, threw them to the ground, and [...]rod them under their Feet; all which they did with ease, as having to do with Persons that were half Drunk; they also took from them their Carbines and Pistols: In a word, the young Rabours told me the next Morning, that there was never seen a more furious Combate without any Blood shed.

The old Rabours, who was much more vexed for having l [...]st me, than for all the ill success of his En­terprize, knew not what measures to take: for my Mother, on whose Charity he lived, he concluded would for ever banish him her presence; and this was what he feared more than any thing else in the World. He found the Landlady of the House, and enquired of her what the Name of the Judge of that Village was, but he happened to be from home. This mock-fight being over, as I have re­lated it, the three Gentlemen came laughing into our Chambers, and showed us the prey they had got­ten from their Enemies. After they had been with us for some time, the Old Lady said to us, Let us [Page 105]not laugh yet, for I am still afraid of some unhap­p [...] of this business; not that those who attac­qu [...]d you can do us any injury, but Madam d' Om­ [...] will certainly arm all the whole Church of R [...]e against us, to revenge this Affront, as soon a [...] she shall hear of it. You have no reason to fear ( [...]d I) for none of them knows my Deliverers: A [...]d if the storm must fall on any Body, 'twill be on the young Rabours, whom yet I hope to find a [...] to secure from it. Let us only consider (said M [...]sieur d A [...]bau [...]) what course to take to mor­ [...] [...]r Madamois [...]lle de St. Phale must, if she a [...]p [...]ve it, go with us. This offer was too advan­t [...] us to be refused, so that I embraced it with a [...] my heart.

Whilst we were discoursing of these things, one of the Troopers came up to our Chamber, desiring to speak with the young Rabours, who would not [...]ear him, but in the presence of all the Company, to which he consented, and confessed that he had been unhappily engaged in a shameful Action; and t [...]at if he would restore his Carbines and Pistols, [...]e would immediately retire to his own home. And why should we take your word, answered he? have we not just reason to believe, after the At­tempt you have made on us, that should we deli­ver [...]ou your Arms, you would employ them against us: I confess, replyed the Trooper, you have rea­son to suspect me; but if I immediately return home, I believe you are generous enough to send them me, and in this hope I leave them with you.

Methought the Troopers offer was very reasona­ble, so that I answered in Rabours his stead, that he should certainly have his Arms restored, if he would keep his Promise. I also fancyed that this Trooper might be of farther use to me; and there­fore, Friend, (said I) how much were you pro­mised [Page 106]for your Pains? tell me freely. Madamoiselle, (answered he) I'll conceal nothing from you: Ma­dam your Mother promised each of us four Louis d'ors, whereof we received one in hand, besides all Charges, which were to be paid by Monsieur Ra­bours. You know, (said I) that not having carried me to the place appointed, you will be frustrated of the rest of your payment, and God grant that she deal not more severely with you, for you may easi­ly imagine that now you shall never carry me with you, and hat those who have delivered me out of the hands of Rabours, will defend me from his Vio­lence I have told you already, Madamoiselle, (re­plyed the Trooper,) and I again assure you, that I'll not [...]e any more concerned with them, but imme­diately retire home: And to convince you that I tru­ly repent of the Crime I have committed, I am ready, if occasion offer, to spend my Life in your Defence.

I thank you, said I, yet I have thought upon a way in which you may advantageously serve me, with­out exposing your self to any danger, and I assure you, you have reason to promise your self a better gra­tuity from me, than you could expect from my Mo­ther, though you had succeeded in your project. Go to your Companions, show them the impossibi­lity of carrying me hence; and that consequently they must expect no further Reward from my Mo­ther, but assure them that if they will all of them return home, they shall receive the four Louis d'ors from my Brother, to whom I'll write in their Fa­vour; and for my own part I promise you six, be­sides what you may expect from my Liberality. My Companions (said he) are so drunk and mad, that they talk of nothing but of burning the house, to revenge themselves of the Affront which they have received; but were they once come to them­selves, I might possibly work somewhat upon them. [Page 107]You may assure them, that my Brother will not fail of pursuing us, according to the Advice that I have given [...]im; who, if he find them before they have ma [...] their peace with me, will deal with them without any mercy.

Indeed, Madamoiselle, replyed the Trooper, you have brought a very pleasant Stratagem into my head, and which may have good success. Let some one of the Gentlemen that are with you, feign him­self to be sent from Monsieur de Ponsins, and let him enquire at this house whether you are, or have been here, or any can discover where you are gone? I'll [...]n [...]r [...] the Landlady in what she ought to say, and i [...] the Gentleman ask for you, come to your Cham­ber-door and answer him according to his Demands. In the mean time I'll place my Companions in a place where they shall hear all that passeth, and I'll so terrifie them with the coming of Monsieur de Pon­sins, that they shall immediately take Horse and flye with all imaginable speed, leaving Monsieur Rabours with the Coach in pawn for the reckoning.

This Device was very well approved of by all our little Assembly, and something also was added to it, and one of the Gentlemen offered to act the part of the Trooper that was to be sent out upon the Enquiry; he immediately drew on his Boots, and fitted himself for the Journey, and having got­ten his Horse in a readiness, he went down by a private pair of Stairs, mounted, and having fetcht a compass, about Day-break he returned by the High-way to the House in which we were, where being come, he desired to speak with the Land­lord, upon which the Landlady appearing, Madam, (said he) is there not a Coach lately come to your House? There are two, answered she: But is there not one, (replyed the pretended Troop­er) in which is a young Lady cloathed in mourn­ing, accompanied with two Men and a Chamber­maid, [Page 108]and guarded with four Troopers? There is such a one, (said the Landlady,) but would to God I had never seen it, it hath caused such uproars in my House. What, (said he) have these People been guilty of any Disorder? hereupon the Land­lady gave him a full Account of what he knew very well before, with many pleasant Exaggerati­ons. Madam, answered Monsieur de Chables, (for so was the Gentleman called,) don't trouble your self, they shall pay for the damage they have done you; and if you have any resentment against these Wrete [...]es, you shall have the pleasure within these two Hours to see your self fully revenged on them: You but jest with me, (said she.) To convince you (answered he) that I speak sincerely, know that I belong to Monsieur de Ponsins, the Brother of Madamoiselle de St. Phale, who is but a little way off with a number of Troopers, whom he hath sent into all Parts to enquire for the Coach which he seeks; I have been so happy as to find it, and will now return to inform him of it. But I would first speak one word with Madamoiselle de St. Phale, you can hardly do that Sir, (said the Landlady,) she is in Red, and I dare not disturb her. My Busi­ness to her (said the Trooper) is of the greatest im­portance, hold, there's a Crown for you, do me this favour. The Landlady made him a low reverence, and readily taking the Crown, said, she would do what she could: All these things were contrived be­fore; so that I was up, and seemed very willing to discourse with the Trooper, who came up the Stairs, taking his Pistols with him, and met me at my Chamber door. I am (said he) beyond expectati­on happy to find you and discourse with you. Your Brother is but two short Leagues off, well accompa­nyed: So that if you can but retard your Journey two hours, you will be absolutely delivered. I be­ [...]ieve, (answered I) that those who have so gene­rously [Page 109]assisted me in my need, will not leave so [...]urable an Action imperfect, but will continue [...]eir assistance till that time; but yet I beg you let [...]ere be no delay. No Madamoiselle, said he, you [...] [...]re no need to fear that: After this he went [...], remoun [...]ed his Horse, and returned by the [...] [...]e came a swif [...] Gallop; and having fetch d a [...] Compass came into the back-door of the House, [...]ere a Servant waited for him, pluck'd off his [...]s, and came up to the Chamber where we [...]e [...]e, by the private Stairs, none perceiving any [...]ng of this farce but those that were made acquain­ [...] with it.

In the mean time Gonjou played his Game well [...] [...]he other hand, (for so was the repenting Troop­ [...] [...]ed) for he took care to make his Compani­ [...] hear the Dialogue between Monsieur de Chables [...] the Landlady, and afterwards that between [...] and me, for we spake aloud on purpose. The [...]dlady told me, when I spake to the pretend­ [...] Trooper, that I need not be afraid the other [...]pers would hear me, for said she, being drunk [...]e P [...]ggs, they'l sleep like Piggs. Yet they hear­ [...]ned very attentively, the first vapours of their [...]ne being spent, so as they were capable of Rea­ [...]n▪ and it may be of Fear. For my part, said [...], I'll be gone, I am not mad to wait the com­ [...]g of Monsieur de Ponsins, 'twill be dreadful to [...]eet him when he is in a rage: I am sure if I can [...]id meeting him here, I shall make my peace [...]th him; but if I should meet him here, I shall [...] dealt worse with than I have already been. Fare­ [...]ll my Friends, I'll advise you nothing, you know [...]at you have to do; for my part, I am resolved [...] retire while I may, without staying any longer [...] the Storm.

These words spoken by the bravest of the four, [...]uck them all with amazement, and made them [Page 110]resolve to be gone. But how shall we do this? (said one of the three [...] we have not only lost all hope of the four I [...]s [...] [...]s, but they have taken also from us our Carb [...]es and P [...]: I dare not return a [...]ter such an A [...]ront. I ha [...] r [...]ther tarry till Mons [...]ur de Pon [...] comes, though I hazard my Life by it. We ma [...] do what's much better▪ said [...]onjou, Madamoiselle d [...] St P [...]a [...]e is Good and Generous, let's beg her Par­don▪ a [...]d submi [...] our selves to her Will▪ we can get [...]o [...]rt b [...] doing thus Let' [...] go, said the other, my m [...]nd gives m [...] all will [...]e [...]ell [...] ▪ he two other Troop [...]rs rea [...]y emb [...]aced this Advice; so that Go [...] who [...]ught them to me, and who spa [...]e the [...]e [...]t of the four, spake for all the rest, as near as I can remember in these words. Madamoiselle, said he▪ here are we four penitent Crimina s, come to implore [...]our Mercy: We confess we have done a [...]ss, and those that sedu [...]ed u [...] never told us that we were to [...]e Assistants in so [...]ase a Violence muc [...] les [...] ga [...]nst a Per [...]n of your Merit. But though we mig [...] [...]ather have recourse to your Clemency, and beg y [...] to pa [...]don us, and we shall immediately re [...]urn to our own homes, it you please to order our Arms to be restored to us.

I would not (said I) do you any hurt for what you have done against me, both because you were seduced, and because you never lost the respect you owed me, but when you were not your selves, so that I pardon you with all my heart. Your Pistols shall be restored you, but for your Carbines, you are not to expect them till you are a [...]vour own homes, Prudence obligeth me to deal thus with you. I assure you also of my Brothers Pardon, who will pay you more than my Mother promised you, for which I pass my word before all these worthy Persons present They seemed very well satisfied with wha [...] I said. After this they withdrew, and went to see the Old Rabours, who [Page 111]was almost mad at this Change. They quarrelled s [...]me time about the Reckoning; but I sent them [...]d that they should be gone, and that I would d [...]rge [...]t, and keep the promise I had made them. They therefore left us about s [...]x in the Morning, it [...]eing day all a [...]road.

H [...]therto all things went well, [...]ut the excess of my happ [...]ness had like to have caused me greater trou­b [...]e than that which I had escaped. My Brother was indeed in the Country making a dil [...]gent search for us▪ accompanyed with Monsieur de Haute-Cour, and twelve Troopers, who were all of them either of [...]he Reformed Relig [...]on, or extraordinary Admi­rers [...]f my Brother They foun [...] out the wa [...] that we [...]ad taken, and hav [...]ng Guides they passed through the Wood without los [...]g themselves as we [...]ad done, they rode hard all N [...]ght▪ and were but a quarter of a League from this fatal Village, when they met our four Troopers, who were surrounded with their twelve, and Monsieur de Haute-Cour and m [...] Brother were about to have sacrificed them to their Fury; which Gonjou seeing Monsiour de Pon­sin [...], (said he) I [...]eg you not to follow the first mo­tions of your Anger, but hear me. We are going back by Madamoiselle de St Phales leave, who is at Liberty, and hath promised us, upon Condition that we would leave her▪ to make our peace with you. And where is my Sister? (said my Brother,) She is (continued Gonjou) in the Vi [...]lage that is be­fore you in very good Company. If you please wee'l guide you thither. Yes (answered my Bro­ther) you shall go with us, either freely or by con­straint; for, said he, if you ha [...]e given her the least reason to complain, or have lost that respect you owed her, your Lives shall answer it. We are very well pleased (said Gonjou) with what you say, wee'l go with you with all our hearts. Hereupon they were all four placed in the midst of the t [...]elve [Page 112]Troopers, and making what convenient haste they c [...]uld towards the Village▪ came thither just as we were about to break our Fast, we having had no great de [...]e to eat any thing in so trou l [...]some [...] Night. As s on as [...] heard the noise of the Hor [...]s in the Court, I l [...]oked ou [...] at the Window, and saw Monsieur de Haute-Cour and my Brother. I immediatel [...] made the greatest haste imaginable do [...]n, and ran to embrace my Brother: Al [...] S [...]s [...]r, (said he) are you at liberty? Yes Brother, (sa [...]d I) thanks be to God I am. At this very insta [...]t Mon­sieur de Haute-Cour came up to me, and discovered by his Joy the terrible fear he had been under of los [...]ng me, at which I was extreamly pleased

In the mean time the two Gentlemen who had so gen [...]rously defended me, together with the O [...]d Lady and [...] t [...]o Daughters, came down to us: I presen [...]ed th [...] to m [...] Brother and Lover, and gave them an acc [...]nt of their kindn [...]ss towards me, to which th [...]y re [...]urned the most obliging answers in the World. The young Rabours thought not fit to appear with them; [...]ut I declared his Carriage to­wards [...]e, which so touched them, that they were imp [...]ie [...]t till they saw him. At length he came, and my Brother and Lover affe [...]tionat [...]ly embraced and thanked him for his Nobl [...] and Generous Actions, with many sincere Protestations never to forget them as long as they lived.

All this while the Old Rabours lay upon a Bed, having his Mind tormented with a thousand cruel imaginations, he had not served my Mother accord­ing to her Expectations, and had mortally offend­ed my Brother and me; not to mention Monsieur de Haute-Cour who had reason to be enraged with him; and his fear was increased, when he un­derstood that my Brother, with all his Company, was come to the house in which we were. The Young Rabours intreated for him, that my Brother would [Page 113]pardon him: For your sake, said my Brother, I [...]u [...]d do harder things than this, though he hath [...]amly f [...]rgot himself and his Duty; but seeing God ha [...]h been pleased to restore my Sister, I am [...]ent to pass by all. You are at Liberty, my Friends, (said he) to the Troopers, whom he had [...] to come ba k with him. But there's more [...] done, said I; I promised them four Louis d ors [...] if they would go home, and leave me at Li­ [...], which they did. Well Sister, I'll add to wh [...]t [...]u have promised them, and give each of t [...] Six. If (said I) you give them six a piece, [...] must have ten; upon which I gave him an a [...]nt of the Industry and Artifice which Gonjou [...]d made use of in serving me. I'll our bid you [...]n [...]e more, Sister, (said my Brother) he shall have t [...]ve. But this is not all yet, said I, I must begg your Pardon for my waiting Maid. Indeed, an­swered; my Brother, [...]tis against her that I am most enraged; this Wretch to whom you have shown so much kindness, and on whom you have laid so [...]any o [...]l [...]gations, hath yet been so wicked to be­t [...]ay you, I can hardly resolve to pardon so base a C [...]a [...]ure; yet since you desire it, I will do it, how­ [...]ver, I am resolved to terrifie her a little for my [...]a [...]i [...]faction.

As soon as we first came to this Village, this Wretch gat her immediately into the Kitchin, and [...]d so heartily on what first came to hand, that she [...]ver thought on me; afterwards find [...]ng her self, [...]ewhat sleepy, she thr [...]w h [...]r self upon a Bed, [...]o that I saw her no more: She slept so heartily [...]at she heard nothing of all the disorders of the [...]ght. The People of the house showed us the Lam [...]r in [...]h [...]h she lay, into which we should [...]e gone, had not the Young Rabours, who went [...] s [...]k his Unkle, brought h [...]m to us, partly wil­ [...]gly, and partly by force. He was as pale as a [Page 114]Malefactor, that every minute expects the stroke of Death — I perceived the Confusion he was under, and pityed him; Monsieur de Rabours, (said I to him) lay aside your fear, my Brother hath already Pardoned you, and is disposed to bestow on you greater marks of his Generosity than ever you re­ceived from my Mother. Hereupon my Brother spake to him thus:

Monsieur de Rabours, said he, God who knows the secret of my Heart, is my witness, that I now have no grudge against you. 'Tis enough for me that I see your Designs frustated, as they were un­happily con [...]eived. What did you think when you made your s [...]lf the Instrument of my Mothers Fur [...], to act this V [...]ol [...]nce against my Sister, and drag her (as it were) aga [...]nst her Consent into a Convent? Where were those Principles of Generos [...]ty that ought to reign in a Gentleman, when you undertook an Action that many P [...]sants would have abhorr'd as unworthy and base? 'Tis true, you did nothing against the Daughter, but by the Mothers Order; but should you not have considered, that there are some Comman [...]s which Justice obligeth us not to obey? What right had [...]ou in my Sister, that [...]ou should presume to imprison her during her Life, or at least so long as her Mothers rigour [...]h [...]uld endure? What benefit could you ex [...]e [...]t from this? possi [...]ly some recompence from my Mother. But [...]ad [...]u not reason to believe that in time her displeasure would give place to the voice of Nature; and that when my Mother should come to her self, she would be extreamly t [...]oubled a [...] what she had done, and vent all her rage on th [...]se that had been too prompt and offi [...]ious in serving her in it? What a shame is it that Monsieur you [...] Nephew should teach you your Duty, and that he should be the first that was sensible of the Injury he did, in pursuing so base an Enterprize? I'll say no more of this mat­ [...]er, [Page 115]bu [...] I assure you for your Comfort, that you [...]a [...] promise [...]our self more kindness from me, [...]n ev [...]r my Mother show'd you: And having said [...]u [...], my Brother gave him his hand in token of [...] p [...]rfec [...] Reconciliation.

The [...]d Rabours would have return'd an Answer, [...]ut my Brother perceiving the trouble he was un­der, s [...]pt him, saying, I'le hear you another time. [...]mmed [...]ately he went into the Chamber, where my [...]d lay asleep; he had with him my Lover, [...]r of his Troopers, and the Landlady of the [...] use: This Wretch was still in a deep sleep, when [...] Brother awak'd her, pulling her violently by t [...]e Arm, Trayterous Wretch, said he, Where's my S [...]er▪ Upon this she started up, and was for some [...]e not able to speak a word: Speak, said my Brother, Where's my Sister? unless thou wilt be immediately put upon the Back, and have thine accursed Life torn from thee by Violence; I'le wait no l [...]nger; Ropes there, presently; I am resolved to have the Pleasure of seeing the wickedest Creature the Sun ever saw, dye in the midst of Torments. Ah Mounsieur, (cryed she) she is at rest in a [...]hamber here by. No, Mistriss, said the Landla­dy, you are our in that, she went away above three hours ag [...]e, in the Coach with the Gentlemen that [...]me wi [...]h her, and the four Troopers: And why ( [...]d she weeping) did no Body call me, that I might have gone with them? The old Mounsieur de Rabours, replyed the Landlady, told me, that he had Orders from Madam d' Ombreval, to leave you in the first Quarters they should lodge at, and to con [...]inue their Journey without you; 'tis true▪ they pay'd for you, so that you may go where you will, I have nothing to demand of you.

It may be (said my Brother) you may have no­thing to demand of her, but I have, I'le force her to tell me where my Sister's gone, for she knows [Page 116]the place to which they have carried her. No, Mounsieur, said she, I'le swear I know nothing of it. Thou wilt not tell me, thou Wretch, (said he) bind her fast, I'le extort it from her by force; hereupon the Troopers came towards her with Ropes and red hot Pincers, which she seeing, screeche out aloud, wept, fell down at my Brothers Feet, embraced the Knees of my Lover, rolled her self on the ground, tare her Hair, Cursed her Destiny and Wickedness, which had reduced her to so much Misery. Confess, treacherous Wretch, said my Bro­ther, where's thy Mistress. Alas, Mounsieur, (said she) I cannot tell: If you are resolved to kill me, yet what will it profit you to torment me, to force me to Confess what I do not know. I believe in­deed (said the Landlady) that she doth not know, for the Reasons I have already told you. I am in­clined to think so too, said my Brother, but she shall dye, she shall be hanged at the first Tree we come to, let some Body call: Priest to Coufess her. This Sentence filled her with Despair. ‘Alas, my God, (said she) I have betrayed those that con­fided in me, and never did me any Injury, and I am betrayed by those whom I trusted; as I dealt with my good Mistress so am I now dealt with: Ah, Madamoiselle de St. Phale, Ah my good Lady, wherever you are, I begg you to believe, that I dye with infi [...]e [...]gret for having betray'd you: Alas, you said but two days ago, that God is just, and that he would reward me according to my Deserts; I mockt you then, but I see now 'tis not good mocking any, especially those that have the Gift of Prophecy.’

Mounsieur de Haute-Cour and my Brother were forced to turn away their Faces, to hinder them­selves from laughing; for my part, I heard all from the next Chamber, which was only parted from hers by a Cieling of Boares, and I laught as heartily as [Page 117]ever I did in my Life. Madam de Garde, her two Daughters, and the Mounsieurs d' Arbaux and de Chables, were of the same Humou [...] At length I could hold no longer, but cryed out aloud, Pardon, Pardon. Ah, cryed the Cr [...]minal▪ 'tis the Voice of [...] good Mistress: For God's sake Madamoiselle de St. Phale, come to my assistance, for I hope only [...]n you [...] Look▪ said Mounsieur d' Arbaux, you are made a Saint while you are alive, notwithstanding [...]ou are an Hugonot, you cannot but assist a Devoto that Pra [...]s with so much earnestness, you will have [...]o Cust mers if you neglect the first invocation that's addressed to you. I did not tarry to return [...] Answer to this raillery, but went immedra [...]ly [...]nto the Chamber where my Brother and m [...] [...]over [...]ere. As soon as my Maid saw me, the washed [...] [...]ee with her Tears, she kissed them, and made me [...]n hundred Prayers, which I answered ma [...]f [...] words. [...] I would not, said I, speak for thee till now, be­ [...]use I was sure they would do thee no other In­ [...] but aft [...]ght thee, though indeed I might justly [...]venge me on thee: But God [...]orbid that I should [...]over any Animosity against any one, on a day [...] which he hath miraculously delivered me out of [...] Enemies han [...]is. I pardon thee, and I do it sin­ [...]trely, I am sorry that thou hast made thy sel [...] in­ [...]able of living with me, 'twere a breach of Pru­ [...]ce ever to trust thee more; but I'll give thee [...]he Testimony not only of my Goodness, but also [...] my La [...]ral [...]ry. You are my Good Mistris, an­ [...]e [...]ed she, you can do nothing but what is Good [...] Generous, I now feel my self sensibly touched [...] an extream regrert for having offended you, a grett that will eternally abide with you. I cau­ [...] her to arise from the Ground, where she lay [...] [...]ra [...]e; afterwaads she begg [...]d my Brothers and [...] Lovers pardon; they both pityed her and gave [...] Money: I also opened a Coster which I had, [Page 118]and gave her somewhat of a good value, with [...] promise that I would give her more hereafter.

During these and some other passages, dinner wa [...] ready, which if it were not very delicate in it self yet the good Stomacks which we all had, made i [...] seem to be so. There were two Tables, at th [...] largest of which sate the sixteen Troopers, my Bro­ther having strictly charged all that came with hi [...] not to say any thing to the others about what had pa­sed, for fear of some new disorder. At the othe [...] Table were Madam de Garde, her two Daughters the two Gentlemen her Sons in Law, viz. the Monsieurs d' Arbaux and de Chables, my Lover, Bro­ther, and my self, with the two Rabours. All th [...] passages of the last Night were buried in silence, fo [...] fear of rubbing upon those wounds which coul [...] not yet be well healed.

After Dinner we were much concern'd to thin [...] what course we should take, especially with resp [...] to me, where 'twas fit I should retire; and als [...] with respect to the Old Rabours, what he should say to my Mother, who we knew was not a Wo­man to be put off with bare pretences.

As for what concern'd me, Madam de Garde ge­nerously offered me her House, where I might safe­ly make my retreat, till we should have more le­sure to take new measures: This offer she made i [...] such an obliging manner, that I could not but a [...] ­cept it. Concerning the excuse of the Old Ra [...] 'twas thought fit that he should pretend that he [...] ­fallen sick in a certain Village, and that during his S [...] ­ness, I had made my escape in a Disguise; and [...] they could get no News of me, notwithstanding [...] the Diligence they used. I confess I had some r [...] pugnance at passing in the World for a Run-awa [...] but my Brother told me that I must go out [...] France Incognito, and that 'twas fit I should su [...] ­mit to what I knew in my Conscience to be [...] ­innocent, [Page 119]to which at length I consented, because my Brother and Lover approved of it, as done out of pure necessity.

After these Resolutions were taken, and all the Troopers except the four first were sent back, and the reckoning discharged, we resolved to stop there all that day and the Night following, to refresh and rest our selves. My Brother had a Conversation with Madam de Garde, and her two lovely Daughters, (who were the Wives of Monsieur d' Arbaux, and Mousieur de Chables,) who with the two Rabours spent some time in play, so that Monsieur de Haute-Cour and I were left alone.

My Lover was extreamly glad to see me deliver­ed, because he was terribly afraid least he had lost me for ever, which he would have done, had they carried me into the fatal Cloister where I was to have been buried alive. My Joy was not, it may be, in­feriour to his, though I had a greater command over my self than he had. Ladies (said Madamoiselle de St. Phale to the two Gentlewomen of Hamburgh,) when your time to Love is come, possibly you will excuse my Sentiments, it may you may be more a [...]ficial Hypocrites than I am, in denying them. I won't tell you, said Madamoiselle Leonora, what I would do; I believe it, added Madamoiselle de St. Phale, for it may be you would do worse than I did. P [...]ay Madamoiselle, replyed the other, continue your Relation, and afterwards I'll answer you.

I shall not, (continued Madamoiselle de St. Phale) give you an account of all that passed between us, for there's a certain sweetness in the Discourses of such as are in Love, which cannot be found in such as are not under the power of this passion. I shall [...] tell you, that depending on none but my Bro­ther, whose Consent I had as well as my Father s before his Decease, I was not so Ceremonious with [Page 120]Monsieur de Haute-Cour, as I should have been, had we not been engaged. 'Tis true, one thing much troubled me, that Monsieur de Haute-Cour would not find those advantages with me, which he might have promised himself, were not the Refor­med in France so outraged as they are. I dis­covered my regrett to my Love, who by his sin­cere words convinced me, that he only minded the qualities of my Person, that would I suffer him, he would have followed me wherever I went. He would also have given me indubitable Evidences of his [...]idelity, but I would not receive them, satisfy­i [...]g [...] self with his word, as he did with mine.

Our Conversation together was so long, that my Bro­ther interrupted us, inviting us to take a little Walk. Immediately we went into the Garden, where my Brother taking Monsieur de Haute-Cour aside, discours­ed a considerable while with him and the Old Raboars, who discovered a great many things to him which I could never perswade him to tell me, for fear of grieving me. Thus much only I learn'd, that my Mother had resolved to leave me in the Convent du­ring my Life, to disinherit my Brother, and to be­stow the greatest part of her Estate on the Jesuites, all at the instigation of the Father Matthew, who had made himself more absolutely than ever, Ma­ster of her Spirit.

This Resolution which my Mother had taken up against my Brother, vex't me more than all that she had done to me, for methougt 'twas horribly unnatural. My Brother heard it with a great deal of Indifferency, and (as he told me) made only this re­ply, These are the ordinary effects of Bigottry, which makes Persons rob their own Children to enrich Strangers, especially Counterfeit and dissem­bling Monks. My Brother thanked Rabours for this Discovery, and was resolved to take such measeres as might save his Paternal Rights. At length Mon­sieur [Page 121] de Haute-Cour, who understands the Mystery of [...]agaging mens minds, discoursed the Old Rabours [...]ith so much Affection and Reason, that he made him as Zealous for mine and my Brothers service, as [...]e had formerly been for my Mothers Interest.

The Evening we sup't together with greater cheer­fulness than we had discovered at Dinner. Madam de Garde and I contracted an inviolable amity. I [...]odged with her in the same Bed, where she made me give her an account in what manner, and by what means I had embraced the Reformed Religion, at the relation of which she shed many Tears of joy and tenderness; and exhorted me to continue in the good way into which I had entred, and to make my Declaration as soon as I could, which I also resolved to do.

The next Morning my Brother gave our Land-Lady what she demanded: We sate out very early, as we had need, because this dayes Journey was very long, so that we could not reach the Castle of Madam de Garde till 'twas Night. At our en­trance she did us all possible honour, receiving us with respect, and a thousand Caresses. I must con­fess that this house was a true School of Piety, in which the Holy Scriptures was daily read, and the whole discourse was employed about such things as are high and sublime. The Lady her self took a great deal of delight in conversing with my Brother, who had not mispent his time in the Academies. I abo [...] in this house fifteen days with much pleasure [...] sweetness. Monsieur de Haute-Cour and my [...] [...] ­ther, with the two Rabours's, to the Elder of [...] I was perfectly reconciled, stayed but two days with that As for the Troopers they were lodged at another Pl [...]o's At the end of this time my Brother and L [...] minds turn'd to their own houses, the one whereo [...] fear; but two days Journey, the other three from [...] [...] ­dam de la Gardes Castle, promising to m [...] aga [...] [Page 122]in a short time, and return thither. 'Twas resol­ved that I should some days after write a Letter to my Mother, dated from London, not so much out of hopes to re-obtain her favour, as to testifie the deference which I still had for her.

Madamoiselle de St. Phale would have proceeded farther in her Narrative, but the approach of a Danish Vessel to that in which she was, obliged her to deferr it till another time.

CHAP. VI.

THE little Society whom Madamoiselle de St. Phale was pleased to honour with the Account of her Life, being again met, she continued her Relation in these words:

I was (said she) in the Castle of Madam de la Garde, to whom I gave an account of all the Acci­dents that had befallen me, before those whereof she was an Eye-witness. This account augmented the ten­derness which she and her two illustrious Daughters had for me. I received such kindnesses from them as I shall never forget, and had fresh Consolations every mo­ment. I shall not relate all that passed in my Heart, which, notwithstanding the Favours I received, enjoyed but little rest and quiet. 'Tis enough that I tell you, [...] they daily invented a thousand innocent plea­ [...] [...] to divert me, as walking, hunting, Consorts [...] [...]ck, in which Madam de la Garde, and her [...] [...]ughters bare a part, together with the Gen­ [...] [...]en her Sons in Law, who sung Psalms every day [...] [...]ther. I was extreamly taken with this exer­ [...] [...]g charmed with the force of the words, [...] sweetness of the Harmony, which moved [...] read the Psalms, and get them by heart; and to study the Airs for my own Consolation. But [Page 123]this Discourse of singing of Psalms, brings to my mind a singular Adventure, which I cannot but give you an Account of.

About two short Leagues from Madam de la Gard's Castle, is a Mountain, famous for the large Caves that are in it: We were resolved to see it, and to this end ordered our Dinner to be sent early in the Morning, and by Ten a Clock in the Forenoon we also came thither. We were provided with a Tin­der-box and Torches to see these Caves, and only made a short Collation, reserving our Dinner 'till we should return. We entred into the Caves by the assistance of our Torches, but before we had gone sixty Paces, going into the Mountain from one Cave to the other, the Daughters of Madam de la Garde and I began to be afraid. Madam de la Garde laught at our fear, and continued on her way 'till we came to a certain place, where there were so many Con­cavities, that many Eccho's repeated the least noise that we made. The Primitive Christians, said Ma­dam de la Garde, Praised God in Caves and Holes of the Earth, in this we ought to imitate them, be­ing on the Point of being reduced to the same ne­cessity; and having said thus, she began to sing the 90th. Psalm, in which we all bare our parts.

We made a short pause between every Verse, that we might have the pleasure of Hearing the Eccho's repeat what we had sung, which so ravisht our minds with admiration, that we began to lay aside all sear; when we had sung this last Verse,

we heard a miraculous Voice that came from a Con­cavity aside of us, which finished the Couplet or Stave of the Psalm, and distinctly sung this Verse—

The fear that seized us was so terrible, that I al­most wonder we had not been Converted into Stones by it: Madam de la Garde, as Couragious a Woman as she was, and our two Gentlemen, were struck dumb: But we were awaked out of this Lethargy, by hearing the Voice again, which sung the second Couplet of this Psalm.

This second Singing removed the terrible appre­hensions that we were under. We have no need to fear (said Madam de la Garde) where the Praises of God are sung; And yet I Pray thee, added she, whoever thou art, be thou an Angel or a Man, to continue thy singing. The Voice answered this Re­quest, by singing those words of the 137 Psalm,

The more we heard of this Voice, the more were [Page 125]we ravisht with it. Are we (said I) in a Roman­tick Countrey, that we hear such Angelical Voices in Desart Places? No, (said Madam de la Garde) Psalms, or the Praises of God are but little minded there, which makes me confident that here must be somewhat very mysterious, which I have an car­nest desire to discover, so that I am resolved to see from whence this Voice comes. She had no sooner said thus, but the Voice began again, but in so dole­ful a Tune, as I fancyed capable of softning the very Rocks.

This mournful Voice having sung these Words, we heard no more, except some soft Groans and Sighs. I verily believe, said Madam de la Garde to me, that this is some afflicted Christian of our Bre­thren, let's go and help him. Hereupon we went towards the place whence the Voice seemed to come, [Page 126]where we saw somewhat like a Man, of a proper Sta­ture, cloathed with such Garments as appeared to have been once very genteel and handsome, but so torn and covered with dust, that 'twas impossible for us to judge what Stuff or Colour it was of: The Countenance of this Apparition was lean, pale, and dejected; he had on his Head a Cap, like those that are usually worn by Polanders, which covered his grey Hairs, which were all ruffled, and a great Beard, grown quite our of Fashion, of the same colour with his Hait. In a word, every thing both in the Person and Habit of this Solitary, was extraordinary and astonishing. We were much afraid at the sight of him, and had it not been for Madam de la Garde, who on this occasion had more Courage than the Gentlemen that accompanied us, we had certainly fled; but our Fear vanished as soon as we heard him begin to Discourse with Madam de la Garde.

Blessed be God, faid he, that being confined to this Cave for the rest of my days, God hath been so gracious to me as to give me the sight of some good Christians, that have not bowed the Knee to the Roman Idols, nor been partakers of their abo­minations: Indeed, added he, I had forgotten what Joy means, before I saw you, but now my Heart is full of it, for I see that God hath not forsaken me, seeing I am visited by Persons that fear his Name, and call on him in Purity and Truth.

Good God, replyed Madam de la Garde, without making any other reflection on what he said, me­thinks I should know your Voice, which much re­sembles that of a Man of great worth of our Religi­an, who hath been for some time lost, and was thought to be made away privately, since none could give any Account of him. She spake these last words so low, that none but the Solitary could hear them. I believe, Madam, answered he, that you know me, for I know you very well, you are Ma­dam [Page 127]de la Garde, a true Pattern of Virtue, Piety and Constancy to all those of the Religion, and I am — 'Tis enough, said she, interrupting him, not suffering him to tell who he was, because of the Lacqueys that were present, and bare the Torches: After which she took him aside, and they discoursed together a large hour, during which we visited se­veral of the little Caves, in which we found nothing of Curiosity; so that we came back as soon as we heard that Madam de la Garde had ended her Con­versation with the Solitary, whom she earnestly invi­ted to eat with us; but he excused himself very handsomely, and with much Civility, and returned to his dark Habitation.

As soon as we were out of the Cave, and Madam de la Garde had sent away the Lacqueys, about some little business: You would never think, (my Chil­dren) said she, that this poor Man I discoursed with but now, was not only famous once for Zeal, Piety, Vertue and Charity, but also for his Riches and Reputation. We may truly say, that he was the support of such poor men as were persecuted for their Religion: Such as were spoiled of their Estates he maintained out of his own; such as their Enemies endeavoured unjustly to oppress he defend­ed; the Afflicted found a great deal of Comfort from him. He made good his Ground for a long time against Doctors, Great Men and Soldiers, against Priests and Monks. When the greatest Tempest began to arise against us, and the Pastor of his Church being terri­fied with the Apprehensions of Danger, left it to the Discretion of the wild Boars of the Forrest, he alone stood fast, and bear the shock of all the As­saults that were made upon this poor Flock. In­somuch that the Rage of the Enemies of the Truth against him grew so great, that the least Injury they did him was to take his Estate from him. He was forced to flye from his home, and to wander many [Page 128]days in continual danger of being seized and ruin­ed. In the mean while the Members of his Church were scattered, many of them fled, some into Hol­land, others into England, and some that were un­sound revolted from the Truth. For his part he was resolved not to tarry in France, but to retire into Germany: And whilst the Clouds were ga her­ing, and the Tempest, with which he was at last over [...]aken, was at a distance, he gathered a pretty good summ of Money, which he took with him, re­solving to go directly for Germany, accompanyed with a very honest, faithful young Man; but being somewhat in [...]mmoded on the way, in a place remote from all Habitation, he saw these Caves, and retired into them; but 'twas not long e're this solitude to which necessity had at first forced him, began to please him, so that he resolved to spend the rest of his days in it. He found conveniences beyond his Ex­pectation, as certain Steps that lead up to the top of the Rock [...] where he chose his Lodging in a place that's dry and wholesome, whereas the Air of the lower part of the Cave is moist and choaking. As for his provisions the Young Man that's with him, goes from time to time to buy them for him. But wee'l speak more largely of him another time; con­s [...]der 'tis late, and if we intend to dine to day, 'tis time to begin.

In the mean time the Lacqueys took care to spread our Provisions on the Grass, so that we di­ned after the Turkish Mode: And we should have been much inclined to Mirth and Pleasure, had not the surprizing adventure of the Solitary made us se­rious. 'Tis indeed so rare a thing for Persons of the Reformed Religion to retire from the World, after this manner, that one Example may pass for a Mi­racle. You wonder at this, said Madam de la Garde, for my part I don't at all. They use us as they for­merly did the Primitive Christians; and is it strange [Page 129]if some amongst us imitate those holy Persons, who retired into Desarts, and holes of Rocks? May not the same Calamities inspire Persons with the same Resolutions, how ridiculous soever they may seem to the Men of this World.

Dinner being ended, Madam de la Garde, sent Monsieur d' Arbaux, and Monsieur de Chables into the Rock, to see if they could meet with the Soli­tary, with whom she earnestly desired to have ano­ther Conference. They soon met him, for he hear­ing their voice, and even what they said, (the voice easily running from one end of the Rock to the other,) came to them, and had the complaisance to meet us at the entrance of the Cave, notwith­standing the disorder he was in. Madam de la Ga [...], as soon as as she saw him, sent away the Lac­que [...]s, and begun a discourse with him thus.

'Tis not without Reason, said she, that Truth is said to be found in the Desarts and Caves of the Earth, whilst falshood too often establisheth her a­bode in the Palaces of Kings; since we see such as love the Truth, both in Faith, and in Discourse, chuse the most savage places to dwell in. It may be, replyed the Solitary, that Truth would be found in the Palaces of Kings, did not the greatness of its splendor offend them, and disturb their quiet, they would not have its beams so near; nor would they be told, that after all they are but men, composed of the same materials, and as necessarily obnoxious to Death as others are. How much less can they endure to be told of their Vices, Debau­cheries, Imperfections, Infidelity and Falshood.

Do us the Favour, said Madam de la Garde, to give us an Account of the Motives that have obliged you to embrace so strange a kind of Life as that you now lead: That I shall willingly do, answered he. The first was the deplorable Estate of our Church­es. I reckon their Estate deplorable, not only be­cause [Page 130]of the Persecutions they suffer from without, but because of their own Infirmities and Failures. I will not (Madam) act the Saint, nor make any Pi­ctures to Holiness; for I account my self a great Sin­ner, yet were I not able to behold the Universal Corruption of Manners amongst us, without being filled with Horror and Amazement: Alas, we have imitated the Children of this World, and in some respects have out-done them too; Pride, Luxury, Dissoluteness, have abounded amongst us, as amongst the Heathen; we have offered Incense to our Re­venge, our Animosities, our Covetousness, and our Ambition; yea a great part of our Pastors have sol­lowed the same Course. Alas! Ladies, alas Gentle­men, (added he with a deep sigh) is not this cause enough for a Man to wish for a place far from so scandalous a Society? yet not making any Schism in the Faith, or Worship that we profess.

How often have I said with the Prophet Jeremiah, Oh that I had a Co [...]tage of Travellers in the Wilderness, there would I abide, and there would I bewail the sins of the Daugh­ter of my People. I would indeed have done so, had not my Conscience told me, that 'twas no time to make a Retreat when we are called to the Com­bate; no time to hide our selves when we ought to show our selves to them that are weak in the Faith, to be to them Examples of Constancy and Perse­verance. I stayed therefore in the World, out of a design of serving others; I made use of this time to warn, both Consistories, Pastors, and People, that a dreadful storm was gathering, which would fall upon us e're we were aware: But I was account­ed a Phanatick, a Visionary, a Dreamer, a false Prophet, an Enthusiast, and what else they pleased; yea, men were so far from believing me, that they laugh'd at what I said.

Oh how willingly would I have spent all my Blood, that I might not have been a true Prophet [Page 131]of the Desolation that's come upon us! But had I been silent, that could not have prevented it. 'Tis not without very good reason that the Holy Scrip­ture calls men sometimes brutish, sometimes mad and Foolish; for although they are told, that the danger is inevitable, that the hand is lifted up to strike the deadly blow, unless they repent, yet they will still persevere in their Iniquities, and add to the measure of their Crimes; they are not content to walk leisurably to their ruine, but run headlong in­to it; and any one that did but seriously consider their actions, would imagine that they were afraid they should not be miserable soon enough. We have seen our Miseries coming upon us by degrees. We have had time to have prevented them by our Tears and Repentance, and yet we have been so brutish, so besotted, as that we have neither wept nor repented.

At length those evils that threatned us are come upon us, and have as it were seized us by the Throat when we least expected them. Our Chur­ches are demolished, and our Religious Assemblies interdicted in a thousand places where they were before free. In a word, you know your selves all that hath befallen us, so that there's no need that I should make such a doleful recapitulation of it. How often have I longed for Death, and envied the condition of those that are at rest in the Lord! How often have I accounted those happy that are gone home before the coming of our Anguishes! or those whom Death surprizing in their Cradles, hath pre­vented from seeing those Afflictions wherewith we are at present continually exercised!

Was not this enough to make me hate the world, and retire into some Desart where I might shed tears in abundance, without fear of contradiction? For the Cruelty we are at present under, is so great, that our very tears are made Crimes. We are per­secuted [Page 132]and dare not say so, nor make use of the term Persecution, or Persecutors. We must look p [...]easantly in the midst of Torments, and the bate saying that we are under Afflictions, and groan un­der them, is enough to make us accounted bad Subjects: For my part, having my heart full of Grief, I was forced to leave all commerce with men, and to seek in the thickest Forrests and darkest Caves, a place where I might freely complain of our Miseries.

But that that was the immediate cause of this Vo­luntary Retreat, was a Journey which I made to Court, about the Affairs of our Churches, and my own. I saw such abominable Corruptions there, as were not exceeded under the Regency of Katherin [...] de Medices, who brought the Italians to act on this great Theatre of Europe, who filled the Court with the most horrible Vices that were ever heard of. What vile Discourses did I hear from the highest Nobi­lity of the Kingdom, both at their Tables, and in their Walks, about their horrible and unuatural Debauche­ries. Ordinary Vices are at present accounted Vertues, while such Crimes are perpetrated, as have former­ly brought Torments of Fire and Brimstone from Heaven upon a People; not to speak of those hor­rible Blasphemies that are daily heard, such as the Devils themselves could never have invented, and a thousand other Villanies which I shall not name, and would to God I had never heard.

I was one day thinking upon these things, when a Gentleman came to make this Proposal to me, That if I would abandon the Heresie of Calvin, and submit my self to the true Catholick, Apostolick, and Roman Church, I should not only preserve mine own Estate, but should also be advanced to extraordinary Dignities. He that made me this Pro­posal, was one of the greatest Debauchees of all the Court: He pressed me much to a Complyance, [Page 133]remonstrating that the advantage was very conside­rable, and that 'twould be my Prudence to embrace this offer, whilst the Court was in so good an Hu­mour. Though I were a Catholick already (answer­ed I) yet I would turn Protestant, that I might not [...]e of a Communion of which you are: What's the meaning of this, (added I) that you, who believe not in God, should exhort me to turn Catholick? I a [...]ure you, (said he) that the King will have but [...]ne Religion in his Kingdom, and that such as re­fuse to Conform to his Will, in embracing the Ca­tholick Religion —

The King, (said I, interrupting him with an heat whereof I was not Master) the King would do bet­ter, and act more for the advantage of his State, did he purge it of an infinite number of Debauchees, Blasphemers, Atheists, and such like Trash, than by dealing so severely with so great a number of good Subjects, who are guilty of no other Crime but re­fusing to go to Mass.

These words were too sincere for the Age in which we live, and also exposed me to much Dan­ger, against which I had no other defence but flight. Oh how much safer is it at present for men to reflect upon the Conduct of the Almighty God, than on that of the Kings of the Earth! Every body knew my Accuser to be one of the most Prophane, the greatest Blasphemer, Atheist and Debauchee of all the Court: Yet he had never received any check for his disorders, never was in the least punished for them; but I, a poor Huguenot, could no sooner speak a true and righteous word, but I presently found a Million of Enemies arm'd against me: On the one hand, all the Libertines and Debauchees of the Court were enraged against me, for presuming to reprove their way of living; these falsly accused me for speaking irreverently of the King and Go­vernment: On the other hand, the Society of the [Page 134]Jesuites were resolved to ruine me, making it a point of Honour to do so, as being a most dange­rous Heretick, whom 'twas fit to rid the World of, in order to the accomplishing their Designs on others.

Yet I remained very secure at my own Lodg­ings, never imagining that I was pursued with so much fury; the terri [...]lest of all disgraces was just ready to overtake me, when I did not in the least suspect it; but a Billet▪ that I received from an un­known hand awaked me out of this security, the Contents of it were these:

This (continued the Solitary) was a terrible Billet; yet having made it my business to prepare my mind for the most cruel Events, I was not much surpri­zed at the greatest Threatnings. I prepared my self for my departure with all imaginable Secrecy, taking leave of my most intimate Friends, and returning to my Lodgings Incognito, where I staid some time, 'till I could receive a Summe of Money, which I kept against a time of need, and 'till I had hid some Papers of great Importance; which having done, I resolved to leave France as soon as I could, ac­companied only with a young Man, in whose Vir­tue and Fidelity I entirely confided.

I don't deny but 'twas some trouble to me to think of retiring amongst Strangers, who though [Page 135]they make Profession of the same Religion with me, yet it may be have no more Vertue or Piety than the Reformed in France: And I know by several relati­ons which I had from several Persons yet alive, their [...]kewarmness and indifferency with respect to the most pure religious Worship: But what should I do? I must either resolve on Death or perputual Impri­sonment if I staid in France; or else leave it to se­cure my Life, or at least my Liberty.

In a Town which I passed through in my Jour­ney, dwelt a good Man of the Reformed Religion, above fourscore and ten years of Age. I knew him by report, as he also knew me, and therefore thought fit to visit him in my way, and desire his Advice. If I were of your Age (said he) I would do as you do. I would as carefully flye France, as Sea­men do the Coasts of Algiers and Tunis: Oh how happy are those that leave an house that's full of Cracks, and which every blast of wind threatens with ruine. But Monsieur, replyed I, France is at present in so flourishing a condition, that it gives Laws to all Europe, its power makes all her Neigh­bours trembles: But, (answered he) what more evident and certain Tokens can you desire of ap­proaching Destruction, than the Universal Corrup­tion that reigns in it, from the least to the greatest? Than that insolent Pride, and that cruel persecuti­on which is acted against the Faithful. Assure your self, my Son, that one of these things hath formerly over­turned Empires, that were more illustrious in their beginnings and rise, than France can ever hope to be in the height of its Grandure. Much more reason hath a State in which all those three things are sound, to believe its ruine to be at the Door.

These words, said the Solitary, pierced my Heart, especially when the good Old Man added this: You know, said he, that the Holy Scripture tells us, that the Judgments of God begin at his [Page 136]own house. There's no truth more fully confirmed than this is, by innumerable and most Authentick Examples, whereof we have seen some with our own Eyes. God inflicted his Rod on our Churches in the times of our Fathers, which were miserably ra­vaged and desolated; but when once their T [...]yal was over, God at length avenged himself on their Enemies▪ not only, on the Heads and Authors of their Miseries, but also on all the People, punishing the Children for the Iniquities of their Fa hers. When God had executed his Judgments on his Church in the days of our Ancestors, who were ex­posed to Massacres and Burnings; he turned his hand against our Enemies, and by a just Decree we saw France punished by her self, for the Cruel­ties she had committed; and there was no consi­derable Town in which Innocent Blood had been shed, but was exposed to the terrible stroaks of Plague, War, and Famine, and those who had most cryed out against the Hugonots, were the first that employed their Force and Cruelty against their own Country, and at length God cast these Rods of his Anger into the Fire. 'T had been but a small thing if only the Authors of our Misery had suffered, all France was involved in the same pu­nishment, in the same Indignation of God.

Be confident of this, that the Corruption, the Insolence, and the Persecution of the Clergy of France against our Churches, hath a fixed Period, which when it is once come, the long-suffering of God will be at an end, and hee'l no longer bear with the Oppressors of his Saints, the Blasphemies of his Name, and the Contemners of his Glory. As for this term which God hath fixed, which must expire before hee'l execute his Justice, none knows it; for there are some Wretches to whom God puts a stop in the beginning of their Cariere, and there are others whom he gives a longer scope and space, [Page 137]and seems to have forgotten them, but in the end he will find them, so as to render the Vengeance he executes upon them, glorious.

But not to amuse my self with Arguments, to prove what I say, I exhort you to remember, that every wise Man, if he carefully consider the matter, must fl [...]e out of France. Our Kingdom is sicker than we imagine, and the time in which we may think it to be above all fear, may be for ought we know the very moment that God will take to hum­ [...]e it; and if once he lay his Rod on the French, a [...]sure [...]ur self, the stroke will not be light, or i [...]'s duration short. As for you, my Son, you do well to re [...]ire betimes, and to imitate those Birds, who foreseeing a hard season, prepare themselves against it by changing their Habitations. Go there­fore, and the Lord go with you, for my part I am going the way of all the Earth, and I hope that God will be so gracious to me as to take me out of this World, before he executes his worst and last Vengeance upon us.

When I had (added the Solitary) taken my leave of my Old Man, whose words made so great an Impression on my Spirit, that I could not but think on them day and night, I happen'd to lose my way for want of minding it, and found my self before the mouth of this Cave, into which a hard and long rain forced me to enter, without any other des gn but that of sheltering my self from the Storm. I found in it an honest Country-man, who was c [...]me thither out of the same Design. He told me so many curious things concerning the Cave, that I had a great mind to see it, and promised him a large recompence if he would accompany me: My offers engaged him, and he immediately returned into the Village where he lived, (which is but a quar [...]er of a League hence,) and brought back with him some Torches, together with a Tinder-box, [Page 138]and also a line, which if there were any need we might make use of, as Theseus did of Ariadnes thread.

With these Provisions we entred the Cave, which we visited on both sides, at length he showed me a way where we saw the print of mens feet, we fol­lowed this track, and by a kind of Private Stairs, which Art assisting Nature had made, we, after ma­ny turnings, came to the top of the Rock, which we found open, and sufficiently light. To this open place there was a door, which being shut secured it against the injuries of the weather: There were also other less holes, which were beaten out to admit the light, I imagined that this had been the Habi­tation of some Hermite, that was weary of the world as I were, and had fitted this place for his Accom­modation. The Country-man confirmed me in this Opinion, and told me, that he had heard his Grandfather say, That a Man who had the Reputa­tion of great Holiness had formerly dwelt there.

Immediately I had a Fancy, which the World it may be will judge somewhat extravagant. I resolv­ed to try whether I could bear such a kind of Life as the Ancient Hermites led: I communicated my Design to the Country-man, who in all his Dis­courses seemed more civil and judicious than such People ordinarily are. I gave him ten Crowns, and conjured him to assist me; besides I promised him a double or treble Reward for all the pains he should take for me, and he ravished with his happi­ness, promised to do any thing that I should com­m [...]nd him. This Night I lodged at the Village where he dwelt, and told him all that I would have him do for me.

He presently apprehended my meaning, and being an Industrious Man, returned the next Morning with me to the Cave, where he took measure o [...] the Door, Windows, and the place for the Bed, and wrought so hard, with one of his Compani­ons, [Page 139]that at the e [...]d of two days he returned to put [...]p the things that he had made, and fixed a Lock [...]o my Door. I [...] a word, he wrought so well, that [...] had no reason to complain of the cost: Besides, [...]e bought me divers Provisions, and promised to [...]eep my Counsel Inviolably, and in this he hath [...]een as good as his Word. He constantly comes [...]ice a week to see me, and if at any other time I [...]ant any thing, I send my Servant into the Village, [...]o that I am as well furnished with all Convenien­ [...]ies as I could desire.

It may pos [...]ible seem very rude and severe for a man to live as I do, separated from the whole world, [...]nd from the Company of Friends: But 'tis no such [...]deed Life as you may imagine; and when a man [...]oth once give up his Spirit to Prayer, to the Prai­ [...]es of God, and to Holy Meditations, hee'l find such [...]leas [...]res, as we can never comprehend whilst we [...]re entangled in the Affairs of the World. As for [...]his Young Ma [...] who is obstinately resolved never [...]o leave me, he suits his Inclinations well enough [...]ith mine, nor [...]o I contradict him in his Innocent [...]iversions. I suffer him to enjoy the Pleasures of [...]unting and Walking, as well knowing that when Devotion is not free, 'tis of no value, and doth not [...]serve the name of Devotion.

I never found the least inconveniency by this ex­ [...]aordinary change of Life and Lodging, which I [...]ttri [...]ute to God [...] particular assistance. I never re­ [...]etted my past enjoyments, if any thing afflicts [...]e, 'tis the remembrance of the Ancient Prosperity [...]f our Churches, and the consideration of their pre­ [...]ent misery. One day, as I happened to be thinking [...]ery seriously on his, I fell into so profound a sleep, that [...] dream't a Dre [...]m, which for its rarity I shall never [...]e able to forget, no more than another which I [...]ad some days after. I should, did I not fear be­ [...]ng redious, rel [...]te them to you. You are so rare [Page 140]a Person, replyed Madam de la Garde, that yo [...] very Dreams must have something Mysteriou [...] in them.

This Consideration induced me to recreate m [...] mind, by painting in Enigmatique Tables, the pre­sent State of our Churches and our Enemies, ho­ping, that I may one day have an opportunity t [...] put them into such hands as may make them pub­lick; and that these Pictures may be of some use [...] such as see them. How, said Madam de la Gard [...] were you a Painter too; Yes Madam, answered he I were formerly, with indifferent good success, though [...] curbed mine Inclinations, judging it fit, that a Man wh [...] hath more Noble and Important Employments, should only use this as a diversion. I had indeed left the use [...] the Pencil for above twenty years, but since I became a Voluntary Hermite, I reassumed this Em­ployment to have a sensible Idea of my Meditations I would desire you to see my Study: but since the way is troublesome, and indeed dangerous, I'll g [...] my self and fetch what I would show you. Here upon he went into his Cave, and in a sho [...] time after returned to us, bringing with him sever [...] Pictures rolled up together.

The first that he showed us, was the Prospect [...] a plain Countrey, in which were nothing but Te [...] ­ples, very simple, and without E [...]lls. Some of the [...] were standing, others were half ruined. and of othe [...] we could hardly discern the place where they had on [...] stood. Over against those Temples that were y [...] standing, we saw several Batteries of Cannons, the Equipage of the Cannoneers was very pleasant, [...] some had Miters like Abbots, others had extra [...] ­gant Garbs like Monks, and very many of the had three cornered Caps like Jesuites. But the were rather employed about the Bombs and Mi [...] than about the Artillery. Amongst all those Ban [...] ­ries there was one Principal one, upon which [...] ­ritten, [Page 141] The Great Battery Royal; the Master-Cano­ [...]cers were known to resemble the Father la Chaise, [...]d Mounsier the Arch-Bishop of Paris.

The second Picture represented a Woman, that [...]emed to have been very beautiful, but Affliction had [...]tterly defaced a great part of her Beauty; she was of a dark Complexion, and out of her Mouth came his Writing. Look not upon me because I am black, [...]cause the Sun hath looked upon me: Her Garments [...]okt as though they had once been very rich, [...]ut they were now all rent and torn; in her hands [...]e held a great Book, whose Title was, THE WORD [...]F GOD; several Persons endeavoured to snatch [...]is Book from her, and tare it in pieces; but an [...]and came out of Heaven, and smote them on he Fingers with a little Rod, forcing them to let to their hold: Above the Head of this Woman [...]as written, The Pourtraict of the Christian Reformed [...]ch.

The third Picture represented a Tempest, so ex­ [...]ellently well, that the bare sight of it was enough [...]o fill any one with terror, herein supassing most other Pictures; the Winds were drawn with swoln [...]aces, blowing with such impetuosity, that the Sea [...]emed to be nothing but moving Mountains. I observed that these Winds were drawn much af­ter the same manner as they are described by the [...]oets, except that some of them had Miters, Hats, [...]uare Caps, and Hoods; I perceived that one of [...]em had a tripple Crown, who blew with all ima­ [...]nable carnestness, but produced not half the effect [...]hich another did that had a three-corner'd Cap: [...] the midst of all this Tempest was a small Vessel, [...] which were three or four Persons, she was with­out Oars, Sails, or Rudder, and round about her was [...]ritten thus, Save us, we perish! and in another Writ­ [...]g which came from a certain place of the Hea­ [...]as, which was perfectly clear, were these words, [Page 142] Why are ye afraid, O ye of little Faith?

This third Table (said I) seems more obscure than the two former. This Vessel which you seen replyed the Solitary, is another Picture of the Chri­stian reformed Church: This Tempestuous Sea are the People and Nations of the Earth, who are [...] the Holy Scripture set forth under the Notion [...] abundance of Waters, which move not of them­selves, unless agitated by the Winds, which make them roar and pass their bounds; for the People would never so violently rise up against the Church did not the Pope's Cardinals and all the Clergy continually perswade them, that the most merito­rious Action they can do, is to rid the World of those whom they call Hereticks. As for the Vesse [...] it self, 'tis the Church, in which are the true Re­lievers, who yet are not perfectly freed from the re­mainders of Unbelief, so that seeing themselves in danger, they cry out, Save us, we perish: But what Jesus Christ said to St. Peter, may be very well applyed to them, O thou of little Faith! why art thou afraid? Indeed, did we as firmly trust on Divine Assistance as our Fathers did, we should no more than they want this Assistance.

The fourth Picture represented a beautiful and great Leopard, who having been a long time kept chain'd, had at length broke his Chains. We also saw many Hunters, who did all that possibly they could to take him. Most of these Hunters were ei­ther cloathed in the Habits of Jesuites, or at least bare some Marks of their Devotion to that Order [...] some of them spread their Nets to ensnare him, others compounded Mixtures to stupifie him, and cast him into a sleep, but none durst venture to put the Chain about his Neck, which was in a rea­diness to this end, for this dangerous Beast had strangled some of the Hunters and Dogs that durst come near him. You'l easily imagine what this [Page 143]Picture signifies, added the Solitary, when you un­derstand that this Leopard is nothing else but [...]he Kingdom of England, which the Pope and [...]esuites Passionately desire to reduce to its form­ [...] Slavery.

The firth shewed us two Fantastical Pictures: the first represented a very beautiful Woman in [...]ll respects, which had a Crown on her Head, and Scepter in her Hand; she wore a Gown of blew [...]attin, Embroidered with Flower-de-Luce's of Gold, [...]ut 'twas covered with a kind of Cloak of black [...]loath, which reached down to the ground, having [...] little Collar, like that worn by the Jesuites; On [...] was this Inscription, France is become Jesuite. [...]he other Figure is a Jesuite, cloathed in his pro­ [...]er Habit, except that instead of the Cloak they [...]sually wear, he had a Cloak covered over with Flower-de-Luce's, on which was this Inscription, The [...]uites are become French to make themselves Masters [...] France.

The sixth Figure represented the present Pope, [...]eeping bitterly at the Diminution of his Autho­rity. He had with him some Cardinals, who en­ [...]eavoured to Comfort him: He was preparing the [...]hunder of Excommunication against France, who [...]xpected it with the greatest Scorn in the World; which obliged the Popes Friends to remonstrate to [...]m, that 'twould be in vain to have recourse to [...]e rigour of his Bulls, in a time when the World [...]as no longer afraid of them, which induced the [...]od Father to lay them aside 'till a more favou­ [...]ble opportunity. In the same Picture was re­ [...]esented how the Jesuites abandoned the Inte­ [...]st of the Pope, to adhere to that of France, as [...]ing the strongest; nor will they now any longer [...]aintain their old Maxime, That Popes might depose [...]ings, and free their Subjects from their Oath of Alle­ [...]ance: Not that they have altered their minds, or [Page 144]are become more Orthodox, but because they see the Affairs of the Popes to be in so desperate a Condition, that they can never hope to get any thing by them.

The seventh Figure represented Justice and Peace flying out of France with the Reformed Religion, which were succeeded by a very dark Fog, out of which came Lightning and Thunder in abun­dance. We saw also an hand coming out of Hea­ven, pouring down a mighty Hall, which ruined the hopes of the Labourers, and caused a dreadful Desolation in all the Countrey: This Figure had this Inscription, Thus shall that Nation be dealt with, that tramples Divine Favours under its Feet.

Madam de Brosses, the Aunt of Madamoiselle de St. Phale being seized with a light Indisposition, caused a considerable Trouble to all the Compa­ny, especially to her Illustrious Niece, and obliged her to deferr the Prosecution of her Agreeable Narrative 'till another time.

CHAP. VII.

THe Company being again met and sate, Mada­moiselle de St. Phale thus continued her Relation.

I think, said she, I was the last time Dis­coursing of the Pictures which the Solitary shew­ed us.

The eighth Figure represented some Shepherds, who made a league with the Wolves against cer­tain peaceable Sheep, whom the Shepherds de­prived of the best Pasture, and would not suffer to drink of the clear Springs of Water, but would oblige them to feed on certain bitter and un­wholsome Herbs, and to drink of stinking Water. [Page 145]In another part of the Table we saw the Shep­herds, shearing, killing, and devouring the Sheep: We observed certain Sheep that would not hear their Voice, which so enraged the Shepherds, that they brake down their Folds, and abandoned them to the Discretion of the Wolves, who made a cr [...]el slaughter amongst them. In another part we saw the Wolves, who having no more Sheep, fell upon and devoured the Shepherds themselves. This is in my Judgment, said I, a very mysterious Emblem. I'le explain it to you, replyed the So­litary These Pastors are the Romish Bishops, the term Bishop signifying a Pastor; the Sheep in ge­neral are their Flocks, whom they deprive of the Food and Water of life, which are only to be found in the Holy Scripture; the unwholsome Herbs and stinking Waters are the Traditions and Dog­ma's of the Church of Rome; the Sheep that will not hear the Voice of these strange Shepherds, are the Reformed, who look upon them only as Hire­lings and Robbers. The Bishops being enraged that these Sheep will not own them, break down the Sheep-fold themselves, and abandon them to the Wolves, which are the Jesuites, who soon re­duce them to the extreamest misery: But these Wolves finding no more Sheep to devour, fail upon the Bishops themselves and devour them, after having made them suffer a million of Evils, which will sooner or later force them to repent their Cruelty against the Reformed, and their having assisted the Jesuits in ruining them.

The ninth Picture showed us a great Crucifix, which was presented to a multitude of poor Peo­ple, who turn'd away their heads from it, that they might neither adore, nor so much as look up­on what they called a subject of Idolatry; but as soon as some Crosses of Gold and Silver stamp't up­on [Page 146]Money were shown them, they were presently vanquished, and did all that they were desired, all of them except some old People, on whom the Crosses of Gold had no more Influence than those of Iron: upon this Picture was written in great Let­ters, THE TRUE MIRACLES OF THE CROSS FOR THE CONVERSION OF HERETICKS. In ano­ther part of the Table we saw the Sieur de Marillas, Intendant and Great Converter, or at least his Sta­tue, which the Jesuites had erected in some of th [...]r houses, he was surrounded with Dragoons, Treasurers and Missionaries, and there was carried before him, as the Cross useth to be before Legates, a Purse at the end of a Staffe, and large Patents, which promi­sed such as should be Converts the Purse for this Life, and Paradise for the other; for the perfor­mance of which the Intendant himself would become Surety; but neither he nor his words were much re­garded. We [...]aw also how the Sieur de Marillas suf­fered as it were by way of Pastime, his Dragoons to torment the poor Country Hagonots, to force them to go to Mass. We saw at a distance the Sieurs Maimb [...]urg and So [...]ller, like two Asses in a Quagmire, very bu [...]ly employed about the Justification of the Intendants Conduct, or at least endeavouring to blot out the remembrance of it, but all their time and pains were to no purpose.

The tenth Figure represented a great Fire kindled in the presence of abundance of People, in which was a famous Book, Entit [...]led, The Critique Gen [...] of the H story of Calvinism. The fire was kindled and maintained by the Jesuites, and this poor Book was cast into it with a great deal of Pomp and Ce­remony, all to appease the wrath of an angry old Fellow, which was the Sieur Maimb [...]urge: But a [...] though the Book was burnt, and its ashes thrown into the Air, yet it still appeared with this Inscripti­on, O ye Fools and Distracted, think you to destroy [Page 147]the Truth by burning of Books? At the same time we saw this same Book fall down from Heaven, and was, with several others, carefully gathered up and preserved, at which those that lighted the Fire seem­ed out of their senses, with rage and Fury.

The eleventh Figure showed us an Old Man, with a sad and discontented Countenance, sitting in his Study. The Solitary told us that 'twas the famous Ar­r [...]. Do you see this Old Man, (said he)? he en­deavours to make his Conscience truckle to his Inte­rest: He must of necessity resist the Jesuites, and oppose the Hogonots, and the different method he is forced to follow, entangles him cruelly. Besides, he is very far advanced in years, and his Life hangs by a single thread, so that he dreads at once the In­dignation of the King, and of God, and would fain escape both, but he finds himself under a necessity of being hated of the one or the other. Indeed it goes hard with him with respect to both, for both he and the whole party of the Jansenists are disgraced, and God cannot be well pleased-with such as are lukewarm Neu­ters or Timerous. Above his head were written these words, taken out of the second Epistle of St. Peter, and that of St. Jude. This is a Fountain without water, a [...]lo [...]d driven about with every wind, a Tree without [...], whose fruit, if he hath any, is corrupt. In a few moments he shall be cut down, and cast into the Fire, [...] blackness of Darkness is eternally reserved for [...]im.

The twelfth Picture represented somewhat very like to what is written in the seventeenth of the Revelati­ons, for we saw a Woman holding a Cup in her hand, encompassed about with the Kings and Princes of the Earth, and vast multitudes of People; she obliged them all to drink of this Cup, which made them quite other Persons than they were before: Some of them seemed to be in an extasie, others grew stu­pid, some grew mad and outragious, all in general [Page 148]forgot their Duty to God, to their Countrey, and to themselves, acting a thousand Cruelties against the beloved of God; over her head was written these words of the Revelations, This is the Great Whore, with whom the Kings of the Earth have committed for­nication, and all the Inhabitants of the Earth have been drunk with the Wine of her Fornication. God hath put it into the hearts of these Kings to fulfill her Will, and to agree, and to give their Kingdom to the Beast, till the words of God shall be fulfilled.

This Table, said the Solitary, deserves your mind­ing more than any other, both because 'tis taken out of the Holy Scripture, and because we see it accomplished in our days; but especially I desire you to consider the force of these words, That some of the Kings of the Earth do the pleasure of the Great Whore, and agree in the same thing with her, and give their Kingdom to the Beast. I desire you also to examine the present State of most Christian Princes, and you will soon be able to judge whether the Revelation be not accomplished in this Point.

There were several other Figures, which being not finished he did not shew us. I shall not give you a large Account of our whole Conversation, which would have been much longer than it was, had we not seen that the Sun was near setting, which obliged us to take our leave of the Solitary, whom we left with a great deal of regrett, who also made us promise him to make him another visit. We were so taken with his Discourse, that we promi­sed him not only one, but many. Madam de la Garde pressed him with much importunity to spend some days at her House, where he might be as free as in his Cave; but he constantly replyed, That he would never leave his Solitude, till he saw an end put to the Persecution of our Churches.

At length we parted, and in all our way home­ward we discoursed of nothing but the rarity of this [Page 149]Adventure, That going to visit unhabitable Caves, we should there find a Man of Spirit, Worth, Quality and Religion, who had made choice of this dwelling be­fore any other, to enjoy rest and quiet of Consci­ence. Good God, (said Madam de la Garde) to what a [...]ad condition is France reduced at present, that men preferr the Solitude of Desarts and Rocks, before its Towns and Pallaces! We have no reason (said I) to wonder at this, since in Desarts, and the Caves of Rocks, we are free from those Ene­mies that inflict a thousand Torments upon us, and are more cruel than wild Beasts or High-way Rob­bers. I am of your Mind, (said Madam de la Garde) High-way Robbers are far more merciful and Com­passionate than the Gentlemen of the Clergy are to those of the Reformed Religion, whom they perse­cute with the greatest Fury.

Whilst we were engaged in these and some other Discourses of the same nature, we were insensibly come to the Castle, without perceiving that 'twas Night: As soon as I was come out of the Coach, there came one to me that I knew belonged to my Brother, and delivered me a Letter from him. I was somewhat surprized at this, and he observed it, and said, Let not (Madamoiselle) my Presence astonish you, for I bring you no News but what is good. I opened the Letter, and found that 'twas only a Letter of Credit, by which my Brother or­dered me to hear all that this Man should say. Im­mediately I took him aside in a lower Chamber, where he satisfied my Curiosity, by giving me an Account of all that happened at our House, after my carrying away, which my Brother had not time to do.

Seeing you desire it, Madamoiselle, said he, I shall give you as brief a Relation as I can of all that happened. I was with Monsieur de Ponsins my Master when he came to the Castle. He immedi­ately [Page 150] [...] enquired for you, but none durst return him [...]; this vexed him terribly: He went him­self [...] you in your Chamber, which he found [...] in such a disorder, as 't had never been in [...] there. At length he came into the R [...]l in And where's my Sister, said he, in a rage to [...] that were present? tell me presently, or I'll [...] you to it. But none returned any Answer, and the Servant Ma [...]s fell a weeping so violently that they could not speak a word. Monsieur your [...] it [...] not what to make of this silence and [...] who is a Neighbour of ours, [...] Man, and one that hath a great [...], and who was at that time [...], said [...]oisel [...]e de S [...]. Phale) told [...], Sir. (said he) to dissemble, Ma­ [...] [...] de St. Phale is carried away by force. [...] away, said Monsieur de Posins [...] an [...]? The two Rabourses, (said Abelard) the [...] Nephew, by the Command of Madam your Mother: And hereupon he told him all he k [...]w of your Adventure.

The Auguish which Monsieur your. Brother selt at that time is unexpressible, it obliged him to sit [...], nor could he speak a word but this: Alas my Sister, my poor Sister! He remained in a kind of Astonishment for about half an hour, out of which Monsieur Abelard awak'd him, by saving, Suf­fer not your Mind to be overwhelmed with Grief, for what may yet be remedyed, 'tis not full four and twenty hours agoe that this was done, and they are carrying her into a Convent four days journey hence. I'll go into the Village, and get a dozen of good Troopers that shall accompany you this Even­ing in pursuit of them. And hereupon be gave him an Account of the way they took, in which he had been instructed by the Old Rabours, who had made him his confident in this matter.

This Counsel raised Monsieur your Brother from his Astonishment, and made him come to himself. He sent Monsieur Abelard to prepare his Company, in the mean time he went up into his Chamber, and being in a desperate Passion, wrote a most [...]itter Letter to Madam your Mother, which he caused me immediately to Copy, by means whereof I have got it by heart, and will, if you please, repeat it to you. I bid him do it (added Madamoiselle de St. Phale) and he presently obeyed me; the contents of the Letter were as followeth.

Monsieur de Ponsins having written this Letter in the height of his Passion, when he scarce knew what he did himself, gave it to me, commanding me to deliver it to Madam d' Ombreval, and carefully to ob­serve her Countenance in the reading of it: For there were some private Considerations which made him resolve not to carry me with him. I faithfully dis­charged my trust, though I had but too just reason to fear being mischiev'd by it. I went into Madam d' Ombreval s Chamber as soon as my Master had ta­ken Horse, who found Monsieur de Haute Cour at the Castle Gate, having his Heart full of joy in hopes to see you, but had like to have dyed in the place as soon as he heard of what had be­fallen you. Monsieur de Ponsins comforted him the best that he could, and told him that he was going to pursue your Ravishers, having a certain knowledge of the way they took: This word some­what revived him, and caused him to suspend his Grief, to give place to his Fury.

In the mean time Madam d' Ombreval read her Sons invective with Eyes that sparkled with Rage. Traytor, (said she to me) Hast thou had the Im­pudence to be the Bearer of what I have read? I believe, Madam, answered I, that I have commit­ed no great fault in obeying my Master, and in de­livering you a Letter from him, in which there can be nothing but what is conformable to the re­spect he hath for you. She look't upon me with a severe Countenance, and answered nothing: I made her a profound reverence and withdrew. In the mean time I knew that she had sent for Monsieur Abelard, who was an understanding Man, and able to give good Advice, and that she had shown the Letter to him. Could you have imagined (said she) that this Traytor de Ponsins would have dealt thus with me? Hath he not offended me more than if he had given me a thousand Stabs at the Heart?

I confess, Madam, (answered he,) he hath much violated the respect he owed you. But what will not the just Grief of seeing a Sister carried into a Convent by force, utterly against her Inclination, cause a Man to do? Ah Madam, those that advised you to such an Action, little minded what reflecti­ons the World would make on it, nor how much your Reputation would suffer by it. I see, said Ma­dam d' Ombreval, that you are one of de Ponsins Fa­vourers. No, replyed he, I am not, God keep me from approving of his Carriage towards you, 'tis ve­ry culpable. Yet Madam, I have not such base complaisance, to commend the Violence which hath been acted against your Daughter, nor your follow­ing the Advice of such a Person as no one hath a good Opinion of but your self. What would you have men say of the influence he hath on you, so as to make you become unnatural? I know you'l tell me, that 'tis your Zeal that hath made you act this; but can any Zeal authorize Violence? What censure will the World pass on you, when it hears that Madam d' Ombreval hath caused her Daughter to be hurried into a Convent, obliged her Son to a [...]andon all, and that a Jesuit is become absolute Lord over her Mind, and in her Castle?

Madam d' Ombreval attentively heard Abelards Discourse, and seemed affected with his Reasons, not returning one word of Answer, which encou­raged him to proceed. You have, Madam, been highly esteemed by all the World, during the Life of Monsieur d' Ombreval. Alas, shall it be said that this Esteem is buried with your Husband; and that you your self have cast it into the same Grave with his Bones? Have you well considered that re­morse and anguish which must necessarily follow what you have done? for I foresee that Madamoi­selle de St. Poale seeing her self forced into a Cloyster, will in a short time dye for Grief. As [Page 154]for Mounsier de Ponsins, he will not sail to find what I'm sure he will go to seek: Thus you'l be at once deprived of two Children, who have all the Ac­complishments that you can wish. After their Deaths what will become of Monsieur d Ombrevals and your Estate? without doubt the Jesuites will have it, who have a long time thirsted after this prev. And if the Father Matthew were a Man that would give Glory to God, and confess the Truth, it would soon appear that his sole end in advising you to do what you have done, was to cause your Estate to fall into the hands of that Society.

Though Monsieur Abelard spake only at random, yet he chanced to hit upon the Truth. Madam d' Ombreval answered him very coldly, If I were not, said she, assured of your Affection to me and my Family, I should think that you delighted to vex me. If what I have said, answered Abelard, hath offended you, I am ready to withdraw, after having begged your Pardon. But Madam, (added he) methinks it seems very hard and uncouth to see you here alone without the Children wherewith God hath blessed you, and whom he hath left you to be your Comfort after the sensible Affliction of your Husbands Death. People will be apt to say that you delight to afflict your self, making your self the Instrument of your Childrens Persecution.

But Abelard, replyed Madam your Mother, what would you have had me to have done? My Son had seduced my Daughter, who was become more than half an Hugonot: According to the Maxims of our Church, I believed that being a Hugonot she would be damn'd, I was desirous to secure her Sal­vation: And since she would not be reduced by Arguments, (her Brother having so prejudiced her Mind, that that Method could have no effect upon her,) I sent her into a Convent, where I am much deceived if they do not in time surmount her Ob­stinacy. [Page 155]Madam, said Abelard, I am a good Catho­lick, and therefore you have no reason to suspect me; but I assure you, if Madamoiselle de St. Phale be forced to return to the Catholick Religion, she will be as lyable to Damnation as if she had always lived in the Profession of the pretended Reformed Religion; for I am not so ignorant as not to know, that God requires an hearty, free, and voluntary, and not a forced Service. When he had said thus, he withdrew, to give Madam d' Ombreval opportunity to consider what he had said.

Madam d' Ombreval was touched by nothing more sensibly than what concerned her Honour, o [...] which she was always very tender. She now pla [...]nly law, that never imagining any hurt, she had been drawn by her Confessor into such Actions, as exposed her to the censure of idle and malicious [...]ersons. She could not conceal her Sentiments from Abelard, whom she caused to come into her Chamber the next day, to give her some Advice, I can advise you nothing, said he, but to call home your Children. But how can I do that, said Madam d' Ombreval, my Daughter it may be is at this pre­sent entred into a Convent, and my Son, where shall I send to seek him? Besides, should I find him, I know not whether he would return or no, and how can I suffer him in my fight after so in­jurious a Letter as he hath written me. Ah Ma­dam, said he, I am sure hee'l beg your Pardon with all his Heart, if we were once so happy as to have him here. As for Madamoiselle your Daughter, they'l send her back as soon as you shall desire it, Write but one word to the Convent, and they'll not fa [...]l of contenting you in this matter.

In this Conjuncture there happened somewhat that had a great Influence on Madam d' Ombrevals embracing more favourable Sentiments, than those she formerly had, which was a long and dangerous [Page 156]Sickness of the Father Matthew, which hindered him from returning to the Castle. On the other hand, Madam your Mother, for fear of giving the World occasion to reflect on her, never so much as sent to enquire how he did. Nor did she manifest all her displeasure against him, for having abused the deference she had for his Advice, by drawing into such Inconveniencies as he had done. She went once into your Brothers Chamber, and seeing a Bi­ble on the Table, she opened it, and happened to lite on that place where David bewailing his Son Absalom, cryed out, O Absalom my Son, my Son Absalom. This passage suited her condition, and made her say, O Ferdinand my Son, my Son Ferdinand. I was at that time with her, and saw her shed tears in abundance.

At length she turned towards me, and said, Thou knowest Mark where thy Master is. Yes Madam, said I. And wherefore didst thou not go with him? Because (answered I) he left me behind him to take care of such things as he carried not with him. Wouldst thou not do better (added she) in bring­ing him back? You have, said I, more power over him than I, and you know what 'twas that drove him hence: I spake these words with some confu­sion, which she perceiving, asked me why I was troubled: Because (said I) my Master was under such desperate Grief at his departure, that if he finds not an opportunity to end his days, his Melan­cholly is of it self enough to bring him to his Grave, which if it happen, I shall lose the best of Masters, and you, Madam, the most perfect and accomplish't of all Sons.

Thy Master hath grievously offended me, and I know not whether it be possible to abuse a Mother more than he hath done me, in the Letter which he commanded thee to deliver me. I seem­ed to be astonished at this. My Innocence (conti­nued she) together with the purity of mine Inten­tions [Page 157]bear me witness, for which reason I am not so much offended as it may be I should have been, were I not justified by mine own Conscience. I wish (said I) that my Master were here, I am sure he would begg your Pardon with all imaginable humili­ty and sorrow for what he hath done. And I, (said she) would pardon him with all my Heart, since 'tis tenderness for his Sister was the cause of his offence.

Madam your Mother after she had said these words, left her Chamber, and went into the Gar­den, where I saw her walk all alone in much pen­siveness. 'Twas much otherwise with her now, than when she used to walk there with Monsieur d' Om­breval, and to converse chearfully with her Chil­dren, the remembrance of which filled her heart with such cruel Anguish, that she could not conceal it from Monsieur Abelard, who came to see her. But Madam, said he, if it shall please God to re­store you your Children, may they promise them­selves to live securely with you without fear? And shall the Father Matthew no more move you to torment those whom you have born in your Womb; whom you cannot deal illy with, without violating the strictest Laws of Nature? If their Religion differ from yours, how can you help it? Know, (Madam) that in matters of Religion, the more you endeavour to force a Generous Spirit, such as Madamoiselle's your Daughters is, the further is it from yielding to such force. I promise you (said she) that she shall enjoy all imaginable peace, and if I deal o­therwise with her, I give you leave to account me the most inhumane of all Mothers.

I cannot promise you, said he, that she will re­turn, yet I dare hope it. After some other Dis­course, Abelard withdrew. This was the fifth day after my Master left us, to go to your Assistance. This Evening when it was near Night, he came [Page 158]to Ponsins, and went to Abelard's House, who gave him an account of the Affairs of the Castle, and of what he had done, and also of the seasonable sickness of the Father Matthew. Monsieur d' Om­breval also related the History of your Delive­rance, and how you were retired hither, where you resolved to abide, 'till you could take other Measures. Hereupon they consulted together what Course was fit to be taken, and at length 'twas resolved that my Brother should write a Letter to Mounsieur Abelard, to order me immediately to bring him his Habiliments for War, which he ex­pected two Leagues off.

Abelard carried this Billet to your Mother, who said to him, let him come hither, tell him that I would speak with him before he takes an eter­nal Farewell of me, after which he may do what he pleaseth. Ah Madam, (said he) he is but an Hours riding hence, I'le bring him to you this Night. Immediately he returned to his House, where they supt together, and after Supper they went to the Castle; but 'twas very late before they came thither, and Madam your Mother expected them with a great deal of Impatience.

She had a great mind to show her self some­what cold and severe; but the affecting manner in which Mounsier d' Ombreval threw himself at her Feet, and embraced them, without being able to speak a word, awakened the Voice of Nature in her, in comparison of which all other Voices are weak and impotent. Ah Ferdinand, (said she, raising him up,) I only desired to see you, to hear you condemn your self with your own mouth. I desire no other Judge but your own Conscience. I might (said he) find somewhat to plead in my justification, but Madam, I had rather make a sincere Confession of my fault. But Ferdinand, (said Madam d' Ombreval) if I cause your Sister [Page 159]to return, and leave her in a full and perfect Li­berty, will not this satisfie you? for I see that the great love you have for her, causeth you to fail in the respect you owe me.

Mounsier d' Ombreval seemed satisfied with this Promise, yet he still remained silent. Ah! (said Madam your Mother) I know Ferdinand what 'tis that you are afraid of; you are afraid least I should alter my mind, but for this you may set your Heart at rest, and know, that though the Fa­ther Mathew were not sick unto Death, yet he hath caused me too many troublesome Nights ever to make use of his Advice again: I know what Venom there is in all his Counsels, and I swear I'le never follow them more; I swear this in truth, and in sicerity of Heart; and what is more, I am re­solved to follow no Advice but yours and your Sisters.

Seeing 'tis thus, replyed my Master, I shall free­ly confess that my Sister is delivered, and I should have brought her with me, could I have expect­ed so favourable an Entertainment. Hereupon my Master gave her an Account of the whole success of your Adventure, at which she seemed extream­ly pleased, and desired to see you as soon as she could. Immediately she abandoned her Soul to Joy, and would needs have a Collation with her Son before she went to Bed, who satisfied her as to all the demands she made, except those as required a more certain Assurance, that she would continue in this good temper. My Master hath now sent me hither to give you an Account of all that passed, that your mind may be in quiet, least the uncertain Condition of your Affairs should disturb it.

Here ended the Relation which my Brothers Servant made, whom I dismiss'd; after which I went to see Madam de la Garde and her two in­comparable [Page 160]Daughters, who rejoyced exceedingly at the happy success of my Affairs, for which we heartily blessed God. I had a great mind to re­turn home to my Mother, but Madam de la Garde advised me not to make too much haste; add­ing, that I would do well to make my entrance into the Reformed Church before my return. I'le lend you my Castle, (said she) and I have a Minister in whom we may confide, and we will have no other Witnesses to the Action but my self, my two Sons in Law, and their Wives, my Daughters. I thanked her, and said, that I would not engage her in an Affair whose conse­quences might prove fatal to her; but she would not be put off. Daughter (said she) we are every hour in danger of Death, make use of the opportunity you have to make your Declaration, a time may come when you may exceedingly regret your having let it slip. At length I yield­ed to her Reasons, and we resolved that the Thurs­day following should be the day for this Work. As for the place, we chose a Summer-house that was in the Garden. And the Minister being before advised of it, came at the day appoint­ed.

He was a Man of about fifty Years of Age, of a good Carriage: He desired to Discourse me in private. I gave him an account of what made me desire to enter into the Communion of the Reformed, at which he seemed satisfied, find­ing that I had been pretty well Instructed. Af­ter this we went all into the Garden, which was very large and spacious, the Doors of which we carefully shut, for fear of being [...]er surpri­zed or interrupted, and went into the Summer-house, as we had designed. The first thing our Minister did, was to Pray in general for our lit­tle Assembly, after which he made a Discourse, [Page 161]short indeed, but very full and affecting, of the [...]ecessity of Conversion, and of being sincere, and persevering in it. When he had finished this Discourse, he addressed himself particularly to me, in these Words:

There's no great need (Madamoiselle) that I should represent these things to you, or be more large in them. Know that the Work we are about is of such great moment, that 'tis inferiour to none other in the World. You abandon a Church that is inviron'd with Pomp and Magnificence, and is supported by almost all those that are great and powerful; a Church that hath under it many Peo­ple, Tongues and Nations, which boasts of Anti­quity, and is at present more flourishing than ever: This Church (I say) you abandon, to enter into another, in which you will see nothing but misery, reproach and grief, whose Members are accounted the filth and off-scouring of all things, and are but very few, in comparison of those of the Church of Rome: A Church that is charged with Novel­ty and Innovation, and which is in a word op­pressed and desolated at present more than ever hitherto it hath been. I ask you once more be­fore this small and holy Assembly, Have you well considered what you do? Hath no humane Passi­on or worldly Consideration obliged you to for­sake the Belief in which you were born and bred, to embrace another?

This Question, for which I was not prepared, thinking I had fully satisfied the Minister in our private Conversation, somewhat surprized me, yet I took Courage, and rising up, returned this An­swer. I call God to witness before you, God (I say) who knows the secrets of my heart, and to whom my most concealed Designs are all open and naked, that I forsake the Church of Rome only be­cause [Page 162]it hath fallen into many fundamental Errors with respect to Faith: And because I am sensible that I cannot coutinue in it without putting my Sal­vation on a desperate hazard. This is the sole, the only Motive of my Change, nothing of any private grudge or worldly affection prompting me to it. I will also, and I freely consent that you all should rise up as witnesses against me at the day of Judg­ment, when the most secret imaginations of our hearts shall be discovered, if my Conversion be not sincere, or if any worldly Passion hath moved me to it.

I need not tell you what I shall lose in the world by abandoning the Roman Religion, nor yet the Miseries I must expect in embracing the Reformed. I have made divers Reflections upon it for a long time, and God hath given me Grace to surmount all the allorements of the world, and the Calami­ties I have reason to expect in entring into the Communion of Saints. I shall only say, that this Prosperity, and those delights that are in the Church of Rome have disgusted me, and made me fear to remain in it; for I remember the instructions of my Father, That it would be with the Church of Rome in general, as we see 'tis with the wicked in particular, God suffers them to be advanced and to triumph on the Earth, to render that ruine and fall that will sud­denly overtake them, the more dreadful. I am not so ignorant as not to know, that all those delights and this Pomp of the Romish Church, is a mark of its being a false Church, seeing these things leads men voluntarily to Eternal Misery. This caused me to hate the Church of Rome, even before I was sen­sible of its Errors and Impieties: But now that I plainly see in her all the Marks and Characters of Mystical Babylon, I leave you to judge whether I am not very willing to leave her, to obey this voice that saith, Come out of her my People, least you are par­takers [Page 163]of her plag [...]es: So that though there were no [...]xternal [...]orm of any other Church, as there was [...] three Ages agoe; yet I should earnestly desire to be separated from her, for fear of being invol­ved in her Condemnation in that terrible day, in which God will pour down his Judgments upon her.

Much more reason have I to desire to leave her [...]n present, when I only as it were leave a tempe­stuous Sea, to enter into a safe Harbour: And as [...]e Pomps and Delights of the Church of Rome made me first to doubt whether she were indeed what she pretended to be, and afterwards to hate and de­spise her in my heart; so the Afflictions of the Re­formed Church, and the Machinations of the Great Ones of the Earth against her, made me at first esteem her, and afterwards love her. This is what made me to seek Instruction, which I wanted, to beg [...] of God with tears and cries, who had mercy up­on me, and made use of my Father and Brother to draw me out of the bad way, which I knew to be bad, though as yet I knew not the good or true way, which leads to Salvation, which is only found in Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, who alone hath delivered us from Eternal Death by his Death, and whom we ought to take as our only Mediator, Intercessor, and Advocate, ad­dressing our selves to God by and through him in Faith and Truth.

I made my Declaration to the Minister before I came hither, of all the abuses which I found in the Church of Rome: I now reject them all, and re­solve to adhere to the Faith of that Church which is the true Spouse of Christ, particularly to the Faith of the Reformed Churches of France, without ad­ding to or taking from it, or changing it in any particular; and in this Faith I desire to dye, and I trust in the Mercy of God, that having begun a good [Page 164]work in me, he will finish it to his own Glory, and my Salvation. I have for a long time earnest­ly sighed after what I have now done, and I may say, This is an happy day for me!

Here I ended my Discourse, to which the Pastor returned this Answer: Madamoiselle, said he, I have heard you with a great deal of Joy, as also have those good Christians that are here present. And how can there chuse but be joy on Earth, seeing there's Joy in Heaven when a Sinner repents, or a Wanderer is reduced into the right way? Be­ing perswaded therefore that your Conversion is sin­cere and real, ‘In the Name, and by the Autho­rity of our Lord, I declare you a true Member of his Church. He hath chosen you from Eternity to be his, and as such he hath called you Exter­nally by his Word, and more effectually by his Spi­rit; so that I only publish and make known to men, what God hath done for you.’

You are now entred into a path very thorny, but withal very glorious; you shall suffer all the days of your Life, but at length you shall finish your days in peace and Joy: You must encounter with innumerable Enemies, but the issue of your Com­bate will be your Glory and Triumph. The God of Mercy, who desires not the Death of a Sinner, but rather that he would repent and live, increase in you all the Gifts of his Holy Spirit, and sustain you with his Power from on high, that having in this World received Authentick Evidences of Eter­nal Life, he may indeed bestow it upon you in the Heavens.

Consider seriously, that having entred into this way of Eternal Life, you must not draw back, nor so much as look back, by remembring and regret­ting your past Grandure, and Conveniencies: See­ing you abandon all things to follow the Lord [Page 165]Jesus, you cannot, with a good Conscience return to what you have left, without commit­ting an outrage on him, and alienating your heart from the Lord of Glory, who abhorrs a divided heart, an heart that pretends to adhere to him, and at the same time runs out after the World: Little Children, saith St. John, love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, if any man love the world, the Love of the Father is not in him. Oh how happy is that Soul, who forsaking all other things, makes the Lord Jesus Christ his supream happiness, his All! Having said thus, he prayed again for me with much fervour and affection, during which I shed a thou­sand tears of Joy, the Evidences of an inward joy and satisfaction. Madam de la Garde and her two Daughters wept also, and her Sons-in-law were much affected: This Action was concluded with singing the 85th. Psalm, which begins thus.

This was followed by the Blessing, in which I as a New Commer had a double Portion. I must needs say that the Pastor put up many particular Requests for me; and after having ended all, he came to sa­lute me, as one newly entred into their Communion. Madam de la Garde with her two illustrious Daugh­ters followed him, and embranced me an hundred times; we wept on each other for Joy and love: The Monsieurs d' Arbaux, and de Chables were ex­treamly obliging in their Carriage, which I had as­surance [Page 166]was sincere. At length we all went out [...] the Summer-house, leaving the Minister alone, wh [...] had the Generosity to write me a Certificate, of m [...] having made an Abjuration of the Roman Errors i [...] his Presence, declaring that he own'd me for [...] Member of the Church, and prayed all the Brethren in Christ to receive me as such. I thanke [...] him the best that I could, for he exposed himse [...] to extream Danger, should I happen to lose th [...] Certificate, and it should fall into dangerous hands As an acknowledgment of his kindnesses, I woul [...] have obliged him to have received a Ring of a considerable value, but he would not take it, answering me very pleasantly, That 'twas not the part o [...] Converts to give presents to their Converters, bu [...] of Converters to give presents to their Converts. [...] answered, That 'twas so indeed in the false Church but in the true Church they have contrary Maxims; yet I could never prevail with him to take any thing of me.

After we had walked some time, Madam de l [...] Garde was willing to return into the Castle, where we found in the Hall a stately Collation prepared fo [...] us. Methinks Madam, (said I) you deal with m [...] as they did with the Prodigal Son, for whom the [...] killed the fatted Calf as soon as he came to himself and returned into his Fathers House. She smil'd and said, You humble your self too much, this com­parison doth not suit you. But I pray you, seeing there is now joy in Heaven, why should there no [...] be some joy also on Earth?

We were very chearful during the Collation which being ended, the Pastor took his leave of us I much regretted his departure, seeing God had chosen him to receive me into his Church, and [...] were his Spiritual Child, the Apostle Paul himself calling those his Children whom God had brought into the Church by his Ministry. He promised af­ter [Page 167]a few days to return and see us, and I was much troubled that I had let him go, before he had satisfied me in a scruple which I had, viz. whether in case I did return to my Mother, I ought to con­fess plainly that I were an Hugonot, or else to pre­tend that I were still a Roman Catholick. If I should confess the former, I should be in danger of falling into the same Inconveniences I had been de­livered from, and it may be greater, which I should very hardly escape. If I should deny it, I should wound my Conscience, and show that I were ashamed of Christ and his Gospel, which would be a kind of denying him before men.

At length I resolved, that if my Mother would [...]e me, and my Brother should advise me to re­turn to her, and if she should demand an account of my Faith, I would make a plain Confession of it▪ without dissembling any part of it, preparing [...] self for the most cruel Events, and chusing [...]er to suffer in my Body than in my Consci­ence. I begg'd God to strengthen me in this re­ [...]lation, and to enable me, notwithstanding my own weakness, to overcome all Crafts, Threat­nings, all kind of Temptation, and my proper In­firmities. I imparted my thoughts to Madam de [...]a Garde, who approved of my design, and ex­ceedingly confirmed me in it.

About three days after my Brother with Moun­sier de Haute-Cour came to visit Madam de la Gar­ [...]: This was an addition to my Joy. After the [...]t Caresse; and Civilities were over, they de­clared to them, that I was admitted, received and owned to be a Member of the Reformed Church, [...]d gave them an account of the manner in which this was done. Never was surprize more agreeable. Blessed be God, said my Brother, you have treed me from a great deal of trouble: I [...]ay now call you my Sister, not only in Flesh [Page 168]and Blood, but also in Spirit, and in our Lord Jesus Christ; this obliged him to embrace me [...] second time, and to give me the Hand or Fellow­ship. Mounsieur de Haute-Cour durst not so open­ly declare his Joy at what I had done, yet he pro­tested to me, that nothing ever better pleased him in all his Life.

At length Madam de la Garde, believing that my Brother and Mounsieur de Haute-Cour were not com [...] without having something of Moment to impart t [...] me, left the Chamber in which we were. M [...] Brother took this opportunity to tell me, that my Mother earnestly desired to see me, and that [...] should prepare to return with him. I am ready to do it, said I, but I assure you, that having made my Declaration, I am not in an Humou [...] to dissemble, but am resolved to declare boldly that I am of the Reformed Religion. At this word my Brother was silent for some time: At length he consented to what I had proposed, assuring m [...] that my Mother would never trouble me more o [...] that account, having too sensible remorse for wha [...] she had already done; adding moreover, that sh [...] was so extreamly troubled for having suffered th [...] Father Matthew to usurp such a Power over her mind, that she is (said he) fallen sick with it, and 'tis her Sickness that is one of the Reasons that make me press you to return.

But, Brother, (said I) hath not the injuriou [...] Letter which you wrote her, made her sick? Wha [...] did you mean by Writing such things? I Con­fess (said he) that I was not my self when [...] wrote it; and the trouble of having, as I feared lost you for ever, made me in a manner star [...] mad: Yet this way of Writing hath not want­ed a good effect, for it opened my Mothers Eyes, who immediately saw that her having with­out imagining any hurt suffered the Father Mat­thew [Page 169]to usurp such an Authority over her, was capable to do her an injury, seeing to please this Man she had hurried away two Children, of whom she had never any reason to complain; and that so unnatural an Action would never be ascribed to a scruple and tenderness of Conscience, but to some­thing more odious. It may be, unless I had wrote this Letter, she would have been the same that she ever hath been towards you and me, so absolute a dominion had the Father Mathew over her spi­rit. Moreover I assure you, that the good Wo­man is not at all displeased with me for what I have done, and I have all the reason in the World to be satisfied with the Caresses she hath made me. I'll tell you more, Monsieur de Haute-Cour being come to see me, she shewed him all possible Civilities, called him the Deliverer of her Daughter, and hath given him all the hopes that he could expect for her Consent, being fully convinced as she her self said, that the Union between the houses de Roche Blanche and d' Ombreval, was determined in Heaven, whose Decree 'tis in vain for men to oppose.

I could not chuse but blush at the hearing of such News, especially in the presence of Monsieur de Haute-Cour, who soon perceived the Confusion I was under, and took this opportunity to fall at my feet, and to tell me, that although his Passion had been approved of by my late Father, though it was authorized by my Brother; and though he had also obtain'd the consent of my Mother, yet he was re­solved to owe me to none but my self. I had ne­ver (said I) any aversion from you, nor am I ca­pable of ever having it: You are an honest man, much esteemed by all, you have much Merit and Worth, nor am I absolutely blind. Moreover, you have for you, the Consent of my Father, of my Mother, and of a Brother whom I am obliged by many reasons to Honour and Love. He loves Mada­moiselle [Page 170]your Sister beyond expression; I give you leave to draw what favourable consequences you please out of all these things, and remember that this is the second time that you have forced me to declare the sentiments of my heart, though they were not unknown to you; beware, (said I smiling) you do it not a third time, least you give me just cause to complain of you.

Ah Sister, said my Brother laughing, you would make us believe (did we not know you well enough) that you were worse than indeed you are. I could not chuse but laugh in my turn, and to break off a Conversation so little serious, I entred upon a Discourse of my return. Monsieur de Haute-Cour could not consent to it, being still afraid on my be­half. But my Brother was for it, declaring that he would take such care, and keep-such a strict watch over all passages, that they should never be able to play me such a trick as they had done. For my part I desired it with all my heart, and told them, that seeing my Mother was hal [...] vanquished already, the rest of the Victory must needs belong to me.

Immediately we all three left the Chamber to re­joyn Madam de la Garde, to whom we discovered the result of our Consultation: She consented with some difficulty, fearing the same things that Mon­sieur de Haute-Cour did. But my Brother assured her that she had no reason to fear, seeing Father Mathew was under disgrace, and besides was sick unto Death, which hindered him from regaining the Empire he had once over my Mothers Spirit. We supt this Evening very chearfully, and sate up till it was near Morning, spending the time in a thousand innocent Diversions, at length each withdrew to his Chamber to take some hours rei [...].

My Brother rose early enough the next Morning, considering how late it was when he went to Bed. He discoursed some time with my Lover, at lengt [...] [Page 171]they sent to my Chamber, to enquire whether I was risen, and found that I was ordering my Chamber­maid (who was of the Reform'd Religion, a very honest Girle, whom Madam de la Garde had given me, and I have kept ever since, who is now in the Ship with me) to pack up some things which I had there in order to our Journey. Methinks, said Mon­sieur de Haute-Cour, after the usage you have met with at the Castle de Ponsins, you should not be so earnest to return to it. Methinks, Monsieur, answered I, there is nothing more glorious than to return with Honour to a place from whence we have been shamefully driven, when those who have driven us away, are forced by their own remorse to do us justice, and Caress us a thousand ways, to make us forget the in­juries we have received at their hands.

Just as I had spoken these words, came Madam de la Garde into the Chamber, which prevented Monsieur de Haute-Cour from making any reply. Why Daughter, (said she) are you in such haste to be gone from me? at least spend this day with us. Ah! Madam, (answered I) should I follow the Inclinations of my heart, I should not only spend this day, but my whole Life with you. 'Tis in this House that I have made my entrance into the Church of the Lord, and my open profession of true Christianity: But Madam, I have a Mother to whom I am obliged not only by Blood and Na­ture, but also by a thousand unexpressible tender­nesses: She is sick, she desires to see me, I must they her in all things in which Conscience is not concern'd. Well, (said she) I will not oppose your departure, but earnestly I desire to have some private Discourse with you before you go. Madam, said I, I will presently wait on you in your Chamber, to receive your Instructions, which I shall always va­ [...]e as so many Oracles.

As soon as I had set my Affairs in order, and spo­ken [Page 172]a word or two to Monsieur de Haute-Cour and my Brother, I went into Madam de la Gard's Chamber, I found her alone, she received me with an embrace, which was followed with many most obliging Expressions. My dear Daughter (said she) I admire the fatality of this Adventure; 'twas but a few days since that I first knew you, and yet I love you as tenderly as I can possibly love my own Daughters, which are my own Flesh and Blood, yet the same Fate that hath drawn out my Affe­ctions towards you, snatches you from me now, when I most desire your Presence. We must obey, and submit our selves to Gods Will. All things concur in calling you home to a Mother that loves you, and I will not disswade you from your Du­ty, yet I would as a Mother, and as a Member of the same Society with you, give you some Advice, which as Affairs are at present, cannot but be useful to you.

Consider Daughter, that you are a Member of the true Christian Church, and that this quality of Reformed Christian, obligeth you to renounce all the Pleasures of the World, which ordinarily follow greatness, and seem to be entailed on the Church of Rome. I shall not insist much on this Point, because by what I know of you, you are too wise and Prudent not to make this reflexi­on your self: Yet there is another Point on which I have spoken to you already, and shall now speak what more God hath put into my mind; 'tis con­cerning your Constancy, to shew you, that having embraced the Truth, you are obliged to perse­vere in it to the end, with an invincible firm­ness.

It hath been observed, and the Observation is confirmed by daily expe [...]ence, that when a Per­son renounce h [...] the Errors of the Church of Ro [...]a, to embrace the Purity of Faith, such as the Word [Page 173]of God teacheth us, the Devil and the World seem to be let loose against that Person; God suffers him to be exposed to the sharpest Tryals, to dis­cover his Iniquity and Hypocrisie, if he return again into the false Church: Whereas the true Children of God, having their Duty always before their Eyes, never fail in so essential a Point as per­severance is, but continue in the fear of the Lord unto the end. Thus you see that the same fire of Persecution, the same Furnace of Afflictions show the difference that there is between the Gold and the Dross that is found with it, which can­not be so well distinguished when they are both taken out of the Mines together. But as the Fire distinguisheth Gold from the Earth or Dross, so Calamities distinguish the Children of God from Hypocrites, and Sufferings discover what in Pro­sperity lay conceal'd.

Don't imagine (my Daughter) that your Suffer­ings will only be from the Enemies of the Faith; indeed they'l do the worst they can against you, if you fall into their Hands; and the least mis­chief you are to expect from them is the Confiscation of your Goods, so that you'l be forced to be a poor Fugitive and Vagabond. You may, it may be, promise your self a comforta [...]le retreat amongst those of our Communion; but this is what is worst of all, and a real cause of Lamentation and Mourning: Alas, you will not find them to be such as you imagine. You may think that professing a Reli­gion, which so plainly Commands Charity, Zeal, Humility, and renouncing the World, their man­ners will be conformable to their belief; but 'tis nothing so: Don't lye under this mistake, but be perswaded, that the number of those whose Lives are adorned with Christian Virtues, is very small, in comparison of those that are very Pious in their [Page 174]Discourses, and splendid in their Profession, without ever practising what they profess.

Oh God! What a Scandal is it, to see the great­est part of those that profess the Reformed Religi­on, leading Lives so unbecoming the Gospel, espe­cially in other Countreys where the Rods of Ad­vers [...]ty [...]ve not been yet felt: You will find Pride wh [...]re you expected Humility, Dissoluteness instead of [...]de [...]ty, Hardness of Heart instead of Charity, [...]ness and Indifference instead of Zeal. Oh what anguish will the sight of these things cause in you? I h [...]e known Persons that have bravely born the lo [...] [...] Goods, and have not at all yielded to Threat­ [...]ings, Misery and Imprisonment, whom the sight of the horri [...]le disorder amongst the Reformed through­ou [...] the W [...]ld, have almost vanquishr.

Wh [...]ever you retire, you will have many Spyes [...], who will watch all your words and Acti­on [...] w [...]th greater Care and Malignity than if you [...]te [...]ll a Roman Catholick. Your greatest Ene­ [...]es will be the Women, (I must speak this to the shame of my Sex) who seeing you young and handsome, will not be perswaded that a Person of your Age and Quality could abandon all for the quiet of her Conscience. Hereupon they'l invent a thou­sand idle and ridiculous stories against you, as their envy or jealonsie shall prompt them. Others will relate all that they shall hear, adding Malignant Commentaries of their own, either to vex you, or oblige you to discover some discontent. Yea, they'l be apt enough to iniure you to your Face, either by dull or bitter Railleries, or else by open affronts; so that that from which you may promise your self Joy and Consolation, will be to you the Cause of Grief and Tears.

There have been Persons of Honour and Merit that have also been obliged to seek security amongst the Reformed of other Countreys; but alas! they were [Page 175]much deceived in their Opinion of them, and found that they were only Reformed out of Custome, and because they happened to be born such, and that had they, been born Ranters, or Papists, or Jews, they would not have changed their Religion, what faults soever they had seen in it, and on this dam­nable Principle they hate all those that turn from Error to Truth, as inconstant. Who, ever heard of such a depravation! yet I believe those from whom I had an account of it, who are Persons very sincere and Pious, and who would never have discovered the nakedness of those of their own Com­munion, had not they done it first themselves, by their own Actions.

I speak these things that you may not be sur­prized nor astonished, when you see the Lives of some of the Reformed, so different from their Faith, and that you may not take up an ill Opinion of what they believe from their Practices, by which they are so far from honouring the Father which is in Heaven, that they not only dishonour him them­selves, but also by their horrible Examples pro­voke others to do so too. For my part, seeing the present Fury of our Enemies, and the liberty they take in acting it, I expect some dreadful Calamity, and endeavour to prepare my own and my Daugh­ters minds for the most surprizing and fatalest ac­cidents, knowing that an evil foreseen, and for which Persons are prepared, loseth above half its force.

I shall conclude my Discourse with sincere Vows for your Welfare and Prosperity. May it please our good. God to increase in you daily the Gifts of his Holy Spirit: Pray to him, my Daughter, call on him in your Prosperity, and you'l find him gra­tious unto you in your Adversity; if Men afflict you, he'l fill your Soul with unspeakable Joy; if they wound you, he'll bind up your wounds, and [Page 176]apply to them the most healing Balsome; if they deprive you of your perishing riches here below, he [...]ll heap on you eternal ones above; this is what I wish with my whole Heart. Moreover, that you may remember me, I beg you to receive this small present, giving me several Books of Devotion ve­ry well bound. I intended to have enlarged in my Expressions of thankfulness, but she would not suffer me. I was much pleased with the Present she made me, and carried it my self into my Cham­ber, to look it up in my Gabinet.

As soon as these things were over, we went to Dinner, at which we were not so chearful as we had been last Night at Supper. After Dinner we took our leaves one of another. I shall not give an account of the Tears we all shed: I could ne­ver have thought 'twould have been so terrible to me to part from Madam de la Garde and her two illustrious Daughters, who also made me Presents after their Mothers Example. They all went in­to the Coach to keep me Company; the Messieurs d' Arbaux and de Chables took Horse to accompa­ny my Brother and Lover, who came on Horse­back, though they also brought a Coach with them. They rode with us about a League and half where fresh Tears were shed by us, and ma­ny Civilities passed between our Gentlemen. My Brother and Lover made their Compliments in par­ticular to Madam de la Garde and her two Daugh­ters, because of their extraordinary kindness they had shown me; and after varieties of Expressi­ons denoting thankfulness and affection, our Coaches parted: I was left in mine with none but my Chamber-maid, admiring the strange revoluti­on of this World, that I should return volunta­rily the same way which I had been but a little before carried by force. As for my Lover and my Brother, they chose to ride on Horse-back, for [Page 177]fear of any unhappy accident; they had also with them two Men that were very resolute and well armed.

I shall not give you an account of what hap­pened this Journey, 'till I come to our Castle. My Brother caused the Coach to stop some di­stance from the Gate, because he would not have my Mother know by the noise that we were come. My Brother and Lover alighted off their Horses, and I came out of the Coach; and my Brother having strictly charged all the Family not to give my Mother Notice of our coming, we went up towards her Chamber, and I met her coming out of her Closet, with an extream pale and languishing Countenance, at which I was much surprized: As soon as I saw her, I fell at her feet, saving, God hath been very gracious to me, in suffering me to embrace your Knees with the sa­tisfaction I have of being assured that you are no longer angry with me. At this surprize my Mo­ther cryed out, and was forced to sit down, not having strength to stand up; at length being a little come to her self, she said, Justine, my Daugh­ter! Justine, my Child! Let me say, that God hath been very gracious to me, in restoring me my dear Children, after I had blindly taken such pains to drive them from me: Come, my Daughter, let me embrace you, after which let Death come when it will, I am ready for it.

I would not stir from her Knees, but she for­ced me to arise and sit down by her. The Asto­nishment was so great, that she took no notice of Mounsier de Haute-Cour nor my Brother: At length, I believe, (said she to the former) that your Happiness hath been the sole hindrance of my Daughters Misery, for Heaven would not suffer a Person dear to you, to be carried away, but hath directed you to find her and bring her back. In a word, Heaven hath [Page 178]destin'd her for you, and men can neither suc­cessfully nor honestly oppose its Decrees. You told me a few days since, that you desired no­thing in the World more than to have her for your Wife. I now give her to you, and both Command her as a Mother, and begg her as a Friend to consider you as her Husband, seeing Mounsieur de Roche-Blanche, and Madam his Wife, her dead Father, and her Brother, by whom she ought to be directed since her Fathers death, have desired this Union.

Madam, said I, suffer me to enjoy the Conso­lation of seeing you, without minding any thing else. I believe (answered my Mother smiling) that you are very glad to see me, but one hap­piness ought not to be an Obstacle to another which is greater; and after all, Daughter, I owe you a reparation. I give you to this Gentleman, to whom you have, it may be, given your Heart already, this ought to make you forget the Injury that was done you. And on the other hand I am inde [...]t­ed to Mounsier de Haute-Cour for having restored me my Daughter, though (it may be) he aim'd more at his own satisfaction than at mine.

I confess I was both confounded and vext that these things should be spoken in my Lovers pre­sence, and my Mother perceiving my trouble, arose, and after having recommenced her Civilities with Mounsier de Haute-Cour, and her Caresses towards my Brother; I desire, said she, to allow my Heart a little-Joy, after its being delivered from such cruel Afflictions. Immediately she sent for the two Rabourses and Abelard, who had the Honour to eat with us; the rest of the day was spent in a great deal of Pleasure, 'till Supper, during which they made me sit near Mounsier de Haute-Cour. You may better imagine, than I can tell, what Discourses pass'd between us. In the Evening my Mother ordered [Page 179]my Brother to take Horse the next Morning, and invite Mounsier and Madam de Roche Blanche, and Madamoi­ [...] Ga [...]s their illustrious Daughter, to our Ca­ [...]dding, that [...]n the mean time she would keep Mon­s [...]ur de Haute-Cour with her as a pawn: This Em­ployment my Brother joyfully accepted, and went very early the next Morning towards Roche Blanche.

I never had enjoyed so much Peace and Pleasure since my Fathers Death, as I now did. I was much in my Mothers Favour, who dealt with me more like a Friend than like a Daughter. She loved me very tenderly, and I loved her much after the same manner. I freely enjoyed my Lovers Company without the least jealousie or hinderance. One thing indeed troubled me, which was the assurance I had that there was somewhat I [...] near my Mothers heart which though she endeavoured to conceal from me as much as possible, yet she could not from time to time forbear sighing in my presence. I once resolved to ask her the reason of her so great trouble, of which I feared my change of Religion wa [...] the cause. She perceived my fear, wherefore sh [...] resolved to put me out of doubt: I know, Justin [...] said she, that you believe your sentiments about Religion are the cause of my Affliction: No, no, I a [...] not sorry to see you an Hugonot, or ready to [...] one. What would you say, should I tell you, that am apt sometimes to approve of what you have don [...] and to envy your Condition?

So unexpected an expression struck me silent s [...] some moments, but at length I answered thus. M [...] dam, (said I) I have entirely rejected the Rom [...] Religion, and embraced the Protestant; in whi [...] I hope, according to that assruance which God ha [...] graciously given me, I shall live and dye: But M [...] dam, give me leave to speak one word out of [...] Word of God to you, which I have often he [...] [Page 180]from my Father and Brother; To day ij you will hear his voice, harden not your heart. When they spake these words to me, I was as you at present are, under doubts and much unc [...]rtainty what course to take. They advised me not eto trust to my own un­derstanding, but to begg of God that he would show me what to do. I did so, and God at length de­termined me to do what I have now done, for which I do, and I hope I shall to all Eternity bless his Holy Name. Besides, my Brother gave me a New Testament, which I read several times, and we had some Discourses together, till at length the Spirit of God finished the work he had begun in me. Take, Madam, the same Course, and be as­sured, that the reason why your Priests and Confes­sors forbid you to read the Holy Scriptures, is, be­cause its exceeding great light is abundantly suffici­ent to discover all their Errors and Abuses. Indeed (replyed my Mother) the words that you have spo­ken are very wonderful: To day if you will hear his voice, harden not your heart. Yes, Madam, (said I) you'l find it thus written in the 94th or 95th Psalm, where David exhorts his People not to resist the Voice and Will of God, if they hear him speaking to their hearts or to their Eyes by his wonderful Works. And St. Paul in the third Chapter of his Epistle to the Hebrews, applies this passage to those to whom God had discovered the first sparks of his Truth, either by his Word heard or meditated on, or by holy speculations, for these things are in­deed the Voice of God; so that none can harden their Hearts against it, without becoming guilty in his sight.

If you please, Madam, (added I) I'll fetch you the New Testament which my Brother gave me. Do so; (said she) and if you see Monsieur de Haute-Cour bid him come hither, for I will not con­ceal our Conversation from him. I went, or rather [Page 181]flew, to discharge the Commission my Mother had given me. I called my Lover, to whom I gave a brief account of the disposition of my Mothers Spirit; I [...]egg'd his assistance in perswading her, which he joy­fully promised; so that we went both to her. Mon­sieur, (said my Mother) you cannot but be sensible of the Esteem and Affection that I have for you. I desire that you would sincerely tell me your Mind, without the least complaisance: My Daughter hath confessed, that she is of the same Religion that you are. For my part, I neither love nor value her the less for it; and sometimes I am apt to approve of what she hath done, and believe, that had I been in her circumstances I should have done the same thing. In a word, the farther I look into it, the more abuses I discover in the Roman Religion; but yet I know not what to do, for we ought not to abandon a Belief in which we have been born and bred, unless very weighty Reasons oblige us to it; nor yet can we persevere in a belief whose fals­hood we are convinced of, without wounding our Conscience. These Considerations keep my mind in suspence; pray help me to determine what course to take.

Madam, (replyed Monsieur de Haute-Cour,) since 'tis your pleasure that I speak my thoughts freely, I shall not amuse my self by discoursing largely on the Truth and Purity of the Reformed Religion, nor the Errors of that of Rome, for this would be a work of some hours, yea of some days. The Church of Rome errs in many fundamental poynts, and the Arguments she urgeth in her defence are so weak and captious, that I should never have done, should I give you a particular account of them. I shall therefore turn my Discourse another way, and prove that you have no reason to make any difficulty of leaving the Romish Religion, since [Page 182]those very Persons that press you to persevere in it, are not themselves perswaded of its truth.

Hath it not been told you a thousand times, that A [...]ricular Confession was absolutely necessary, there be­ing dreadful Anathema [...]s pronounced against such as conceal any thing from their Confessor? I shall not insist on this, that this kind of Confession is not to be found in Scripture, without offering abun­dance of Violence to it, and that if the Primitive Church ever admitted it, 'twas never accounted in­dispensibly necessary, as 'tis now. What need is there, (Madam) that a Priest should know all my Heart, and discover all my weaknesses, fears and scruples, whereby he may do what he will with me, especially drain my Estate to enrich Church­es, and Monasteries? This hath occasioned most of those, who have some, sence of the Abuses of Confession, to confess no more than is con­sistent with their Interest: Especially those whose Confessors are Jesuites, will not if they are wi [...]e, confess all they know, do, or think, because they may assure themselves, that their secrets will be revealed, and will pass to other Persons besides their Confessor, notwithstanding the great Corporal and Spiritual Punishments pronounced against those that reveal Confessions▪ Remember (Madam) the Questions that your Confessor ask'd you, and you will find after having examined the Penances and sa­tisfactions that he ordain'd, that he made use of your Confession only to get somewhat or other from you, or else a more absolute dominion over your Spirit. This therefore is an Article, which the Church of Rome hath published for her own pri­vate Interest, I mean worldly Interest: Not to mention the many other mischiefs that are occasi­oned by it, much like those for which it was formerly prohibited in the Greek Church, by Nectarius Pa­triarch of Constantinople.

Again, P [...]gatory, what is it but an Invention to maintain plenty in the Kitchins of their Clergy, who have also found out the Remedy against it, which are Masses for the Dead, and Pilgrimages? What Man, being perswaded that his Soul must s [...]sser the most dreadful Torments for many thou­sand of years, can avoid being terrified at the ima­gination of it, and refuse to give large donations for the singing of multitudes of Masses, by their means to be saved from it? Who sees not that this is nothing else but a meer humane Invention? for Purgatory was invented to cause she Mass to be prized, and the Mass to furnish the Kitchin; whence it follows, that the Roman Religion is part­ly invented, to furnish the Clergy with means to live in pomp and deliciousness. This hath occasi­oned many Roman Catholicks to laugh at Purgato­ry, and contemn the Mass, adhering only external­ly to the Roman Religion for their advantage, but indeed are of no Religion at all, because they judge that all Religions are like the Roman, invented only to awe the People, and keep them in due bounds, as more effectual to this End, than Arms and Cittadells.

As for the Mass, did we but know the multi­tude of Priests that laugh at it in their Hearts, it may be the hundredth part of all the Priests in the World would hardly be found good Catholicks. Did they believe that Christ was really present, and that they could bring him down from Heaven to eat him, they would behave themselves far other­wise in the celebration of the Mass than now they do. Not one of them but would tremble, knowing that he held in his hands Christ the Son of God, God and Man, the Monarch of Angels, he that shall judge him at the last day, and could punish him immediately for his offences against him. They would neither be what they are, nor do what they [Page 184]do, if they were perswaded that they held the Sa­viour of the World in their hands, who is jealous of his own Glory. In a word, (added Madamoi­selle de St. Phale) Monsieur de Haute-Cour said the same things for substance that Monsieur de B. V. said the other day against the Father Maimbourge, who undertook to defend the Prohibition the King had made, That no Catholick should turn Protestant; and that such as had formerly been Protestants, and had turned Catholicks, should not return to their first profession, of which Prohibition or Declaration Monsieur de B. V. shewed the horrible Injustice and Abuse.

My Mother hearkened very attentively to what Monsieur de Haute-Cour said. Indeed he made his Reflections in so curious and sweet a manner, and with so much strength of Judgment, that she heard him without interrupting him at all. We had eve­ry day Discourses of this Nature, till at length I perceived my Mother was more than half conquer­ed, when I saw all the Images that were in her Chamber removed and laid up in a Garret, instead whereof she ordered my Fathers Bible with Lio­dates and Desmarets Annotations to be brought her, in which I very often read to her. Monsieur de Haute-Cour expounded several passages, and shewed her what was believed and practised in the Church of Rome contrary to the Scripture.

On a certain day as we were all together, she took up my New Testament, and read the words which my Brother had wrote in the beginning: Behold I stand at the door at knock, if any one hear my voice and open to me, I will come in unto him, and sup with him, and he with me. Do you know, Madam, said Monsieur de Haute-Cour, what Christ means, when he saith that he stands at the Door and knocks? He doth this when he toucheth an Heart, as he hath done yours, when he makes it know by frequent [Page 185]admonitions, that is must come to him. Hear there­fore his Voice, and open the Door of your Heart to him, conforming your self to his Will, and trust­ing in his Holy Promises; if you let Christ in unto you, he will sup with you, and you with him; that is, he will have a perfect Communion with your Spirit, and will give you an earnest of his Glory.

Your Arguments (replyed my Mother) are in­deed very strong: But cannot the Catholicks turn them to their advantage? and cannot the Priests interpret them in favour of their Church as well as you of yours? They may indeed do it, (said he) but against Reason. For Christ invites us to open to him; 'tis he alone that will come in to us, be­cause he would have as full a Communion with us, as the Head can have with its Members. 'Tis to him alone therefore that we ought to open the door of our hearts, acknowledging him to be our only Saviour and Mediator. We must not open it to He-Saints, or She-Saints: No, not to the Virgin Mary her self, who, though she bare the Lord Je­sus Christ in her Womb, yet hath not the Power to save us. Let us therefore open these doors to Jesus Christ alone. Let us set them wide open, and invite him to dwell with us; let us have an ho­ly confidence in his promises, and we shall be eter­nally united to him. But let us shut the doors of our hearts against all other things; that is, let us put no Confidence in any other merit but his. 'Tis evident, that this was our Saviours Design: And 'tis this that the Reformed Church teacheth, who ex­horts all Persons to hear the Voice of Christ, and give him entrance, and none other. Whereas in the Church of Rome we are called upon to open the doors of our Hearts to Saints of both S [...]xes, especially to the Blessed Virgin. Hence it follows, that to hear the Voice of Christ, and open the doors of our hearts to him, we must adhere to that Church [Page 186]which acknowledgeth his Merit to be alone neces­sary and efficacious for the Salvation of Souls; and if our Church be not this Church, I am out o [...] hopes of ever finding it.

At this very moment my Curiosity grew to [...] strong for me, and made me ask my Mother t [...] what I might impute this great alteration, that she being but a little before so zealous a Catholick, was no [...] become half a Hugonot? God (replyed she) doth won [...]derfully work what pleaseth him, and often suffers us t [...] take some false steps, and to be in danger of falling and the [...] presently bestows upon us sence and spirit of [...]ning and causeth us to withdraw ou [...] foot from the evil way in which we were going Above all, Daughter, that that hath most disabuse [...] me, is, that the Father Mathew, in whom I entirely confided, hath discovered himself all at once 'Twas he that exhorted me to send away my Daughter, and by my severity towards my Son, force him to leave me too; nor had he the Patience to s [...]a [...] till my Son was gone, before he solicited me to bestow my Estate on the Society. 'Twas at this ver [...] instant that your Brother wrote me a most b [...]e and injurious Letter, which enraged me beyon [...] expression: Two days after I examined this Letter in cool Blood, and found that he was far mor [...] excusable than I imagined, and that I had give [...] him but too just a Provocation. You already know without doubt, the issue of that business, so that need not repeat it to you.

Thus I lost the good Opinion I had of my Confessor, and called to mind many other particulars which made but too plain a discovery of his Disposition. The first thing that I desired to do, was to call hom [...] my Children, and afterwards to make use of no othe [...] Advice but theirs, seeing God had been so graciou [...] to me as to bestow on me such as were both wi [...] and Vertuous. About this time I was obliged to g [...] [Page 187]into your late Fathers Chamber, to seek some Papers which I needed. I could not forbear reading in his Books, I found many of controversie, amongst others I saw a little Manuscript, which as far as I could judge by the hand and Style, was of his own Writing and Composure a little before his Death. The Title of this little Book was, The Marks of the [...] Church lately verified in our days.

I may truly say, that the reading of this Piece perfectly changed me, for it disabused me in many particulars. First of all, it quoted expresly those passages, in which it was affirmed, that the Church must be exposed to a thousand sufferings, and there were many curious reasonings on this subject. In the second place he confirmed this Truth, by all the Miseries that had befallen the Ancient Church. He passed on in the third place, to those that the Protestants had endured, by Wars, Massacres, and Torments. In the fourth place, he proved that the Reformed Church was the true Church, which the [...]alse Church endeavoured to oppress; and that the same things would befall her, that befell the Anci­ent Church, and which Jesus Christ had foretold. And in the last place, he undenyably proved that the Church of Rome which made use of Frauds, Violences, Money, and all other ways to promote her Interest, could not be the true Church, be­cause she follows the same Methods that the Devil takes to establish Lyes amongst Men: 'Twas on [...]is last Article that he most insisted. The Con­ [...]sion of this Book was, An Exhortation to such as were separated from a Church that was forced to decl [...]re she had an ill Opinion of her self, never to return into it, unless they would voluntarily be­come the Authors of their own ruine: And to such as were still subject to such a-Church, not to persist in their subjection, but to open their Eyes, since the [Page 188]Church of Rome her self discovers her own weaknesses.

I was much affected with this Manuscript, so tha [...] I was resolved, if God gave me opportunity, to b [...] better inform'd of the means of Salvation than [...] then was. About this time your Brother return'd and made his peace with me. I laid open the stat [...] of my Soul to him, and I leave you to judge whe [...] ther he took not all imaginable pains to perswad [...] me, which yet he could not fully d [...], because [...] could not tell how to think of abandoning a Religion in which I was born and bred.

After she had spoken what she thought sit, Monsieur de Haute-Cour return'd her this Answer, Madam, said he, I am so far from blaming, that I highly approve of your serious considering what you are about to do, before you enter into the tru [...] Church; but remember, that you must not spen [...] your whole Life in these uncertainties. For, Madam, God hates a divided heart, and protestet [...] that he cannot endure those that are lukewarm: Th [...] is what he saith to the Angel of the Church of La [...] dicea: I know thy works, that thou art neither co [...] nor hot, I would thou wert either cold or hot; but because thou art neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm, I wi [...] spew thee out of my mouth. We ought not only t [...] interpret this lukewarmness wi [...]h respect to Devotion, but also with respect to Faith; for as God rejects such as are lukewarm with respect to Piety as well as such as are stark cold; so he also reject those that are unresolved with respect to true Faith as well as those that are plunged in Error. Giv [...] me leave, Madam, to tell you, that the present condition of your Soul cannot please God, fo [...] in the Estate you are now in, it is neither cold no [...] hot, but lukewarm, and this is a terrible word. [...] will spew thee out of my mouth; for 'tis a Decree o [...] Rejection. God spake thus to the Israelites, Ho [...] [Page 189] [...]g, said he, will you halt between two Opinions? if [...]aal be God, serve him, but if the Lord be God, serve [...]im? In the Estate in which you, Madam, now [...]re, you are neither a Catholick, nor of the Reform­ed Religion, and consequently cannot be saved either in the Catholick Religion, or in ours. But, Madam, shall I give you good Advice, after having shew'd you your Danger? Address your self to God [...]n ardent Prayers, 'tis he that must determine you, 'tis he that will overcome all your doubts and scru­ples, and sweetly and efficaciously draw you to him­self; submit your self chearfully unto him, for his Yoke is easie, and his Burden is light. I was extream­ly pleased with Monsieur de Haute-Cours Discourse, for it much affected my Mother, who declared, that [...]he would follow his Advice: We spent some days [...]n these Discourses, till Monsieur and Madam de Roche Blanche, Madamoiselle de Garisolles and my Brother, arrived at our Castle. My Mother, who [...]ad lost her Husband since she saw them last, re­ceived them with much Civility, but also with some [...]ars: and had they not left her to come to me, they would have wept too. I shall not give an ac­count of all the Caresses I received. At length I [...]ad the liberty of saluting Madamoiselle de Garisol­les, for whom my Mother hath expressed a great deal of tenderness. I know not how long we should have continued in our embraces, had they not separated us.

The [...]st serious Discourse Monsieur and Madam de Roche Blanche had with my Mother, was about our Marriages, which we presently concluded, and Articles drawn up and signed. They caused us to be called to them, to tell us this News, at which we were not much troubled, but made Presents one to another. This passed without much Mystery [...]nd Ceremony, because all the Parties were agreed, [...]nd 'twas resolved to conceal our Marriages, till we [Page 190]had set our Affairs in order: Monsieur de Roche Blanche, and Monsieur de Haute-Cour, resolved to act always in concert with my Mother and Bro­ther. This Evening we were as chearful as pos­sibly we could, in an House of Mourning, in which a double Marriage had been concluded on, to the satisfaction of all concern'd.

The next Morning, my Mother discovered the Dispositions of her Mind before us all, at which neither Monsieur nor Madam de Roche Blanche, nor Madamoiselle de Garisolles were surprized, because my Brother had told them of it before. We all prepared our selves with several Reasons to per­swade her, but she did not give us opportunity to mention them. I am, said she, fully resolved and determin'd, I will dye in the Reformed Religion. The Happy, Peaceful, and Pious Death of my Husband, makes me desire to dye like him. Moreover, the Discourse of Monsieur de Haute-Cour, which I have seriously weighed and considered, hath overcome all my scruples. My Daughter hath done that alrea­dy which I should have done before her, did God restrain his Providence to the Order of Nature: But I find, that being more obstinate than she, he was pleased to cause her Conversion to precede, that she might be an instrument in mine. You know my resolution, I beg you to advise me in what manner to make my Abjuration, and my open entry into the true Church.

The Opinions were different, but at length they approved of mine. I told them that in fifteen days there would be the Lords Supper at Madam de la Gardes Castle, where would be the Minister to whom I had made my Abjuration, Incognito, by reason of the unjust rigour that's excercised against those of the Religion: That my Mother and I would go thither under pretence of thanking Madam de la Garde for her Civility towards me, but indeed [Page 191]that my Mother might do what I had done, ad­ [...]ing, That this Lady was so truly generous and de­ [...]out, that she would readily accept of this Propo­ [...]tion; and that afterwards we might communicate [...]ogether, which I had not yet done, but was ex­ [...]eamly desirous to do; besides, that all this might [...]e done with the greatest privacy in the World. [...]very one approved of what I said, so that we [...]ought we had done business enough for this day.

The third day was also spent in Conversations. Monsieur and Madam de Roche Blanche took me [...]om Monsieur de Haute-Cour, to relate the Story [...]f my carrying away; which having done, Mon­sieur de Roche Blanche, who is an ancient Gentleman, [...] a very good Humour, said, When they once come [...] take Romantick Heroines from amongst the Cal­ [...]i [...], you, my Daughter may promise your self large part, for a few days of your Life contain [...]ny curious passages, and show that Heroique Qua­ [...]ies do not wholly owe themselves to other mens [...]ginations and Fancies. But Monsieur, (answer­ [...] I smiling) what would Men say, should they [...]ow that the Heroine in the Romance hath been [...]llied by you? This is so contrary to all Rules, [...]at should an Author advance any such thing, he [...]ld [...]e unmercifully dealt with by the Criticks.

I believe, said Madam de Roche Blanche, should [...] l [...]t you alone, you would write a Comical Ro­mance, that should exceed that of Monsieur S [...]ar­ [...], but wee'll find you some other emloyment. [...]ereupon they had a very pleasant Conversati­ [...] so that I judg d my self happy in having a Fa­ther and Mother-in- [...]aw of so good a Humour, for accounted them such already. 'Twas impossible [...] us to mind [...]y serious business this day. As [...] my Mother, she had a very tender Conversati­ [...] with Madam de Garisolles, and her Affections [...]ere so set upon [...]r, that she seemed to have for­gotten [Page 192]which of us she had brought into the world. I was so far from being jealous at this kindness, that I rejoyced at it with all my heart: Besides, Mon­sieur and Madam de Roche Blanche had such senti­ments for me, that I had no reason to be dissatis­fied.

This Evening at Supper, Madam de Roche Blanche earnestly invited my Mother to go with her to her house. My Mother excused her self for a while, but seeing Madam de Roche Blanche would take no denyal, she at last consented. 'Twas therefore re­solved that Monsieur and Madam de Roche Blanche, my Mother, Madamoiselle de Garisolles, and I, should take this Journey, and that Monsieur de Haute-Cour and my Brother should tarry at Ombreval, to give order concerning some Affairs there; though 'twas somewhat cruel to be separated from my Lover; yet I diverted my self as well as I could all the Road. I found the Castle of Roche Blanche, the Gardens, and all other things there in a better Estate than I could have imagined: We abode in this delicate place four or five days, during which we were admirably treated, and took many plea­sant and diverting Walks. At length we were for­ced to separate, because the time in which we were to be at Madam de la Gardes Castle drew near; my Mother and I took our leaves with many tears which were presages of the end of our mirth, and that we should never all meet again, which indeed we never did. Monsieur de Roche Blanche ordered four Troopers to guard us. My Lover and my Brother rode to meet us, and after having saluted us, came into the Coach to us, and we all arrived at Ombreval almost as soon as it was Night.

The four Troopers abode with us three or four days, for we resolved to make use of them to guard us to Madam de la Gardes, where we came the day before they designed to receive the [...]ord' [...] [Page 193]Supper. Madam de la Garde was exceeding glad to see me. My Mother and she knew each other, ha­ving seen each other at Paris, when they were Vir­gins, but being of a different Religion and Pro­vince, they had no great Acquaintance; besides, they did not know each other by the Names of Madam de la Garde, and Madam d' Ombreval. Our Joy at this meeting was so great, that I wonder we dyed not of it, as 'tis said some have done; especi­ally that of Madam de la Garde was much increa­sed, when she understood by me that my Mother was come hither to abjure the Romish Religion.

That the Domesticks might not suspect their De­sign, they had pitch'd on a week-day rather than the Lords Day, to celebrate the Supper, besides the Garden was an admirable place for such work. The same Minister in whose Presence I had made my Declaration, came the Evening before, and was ve­ry ready to do what we now desired of him, as he had been before with respect to me. The same Evening he had a long Discourse with my Mother, with which he was well satisfied; so that the next morning my Mother was Received, to the common joy of us all, and with the same formalities, and before the same Witnesses that I were, but she would not receive any attestation from the Minister. After which the Minister made a short, but good and Learned Sermon, with which I was much edi­fied; as also was my Mother, who soon perceived a great deal of difference between it and the empty trash that's usually vented by the Preachers of the Church of Rome. Neither she nor I had ever heard such a Sermon before, so that we received the Word of God as hungry Souls. Afterwards we communi­cated with a thousand times more Devotion and Piety than ever we had at Mass, so necessary is the [Page 194]Knowledge of the Truth to make a good Commu­nicant: The singing of Psalms, and Prayers, in a Tongue that we understood, much affected us, we not having been used to hear such things; especial­ly my Mother was ravished at the Song of Simeon, which is ordinarily sung at the end of the Commu­nion, in which she found words that wonderfully suited her Condition.

As soon as all was over: Alas, said my Mother to Madam de la Garde, how singular a Consolation have I been all my Life deprived of, in being kept from the Knowledge of the true Religion! Oh how criminal are those that would destroy so devout, so spiritual, so edifying a Worship! After the un­expressible satisfaction which I have received, I may truly apply to my self, what we but now sung, Oh Lord, now lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace, for mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation. Let Death come when it will, I expect it with Joy. And I hope that God will not suffer me to languish long in this World, seeing I desire the full enjoyment of those Blessings, whereof he hath given me an Earnest at present. Madam, (answered Madam de la Garde▪) we ought to say as our Lord did before his Passion, Father, not my Will, but thy Will be done.

We abode all this day with Madam de la Garde, and the next Morning took our leaves of her, though much against the Consent of this obliging Lady, whom my Mother thanked as well as she could. If I wept formerly when I parted from her, I now wept more, foreseeing the miseries that were like to befall me. My Mother would not suffer them to accompany us. During all our Journey we discoursed of the Excellency of the Worship of the Reformed, above that of the Papists, in stirring up [Page 195]true Piety in the Soul. For my part, (said my mother, the more I examine things, the more I admire the Conduct of Divine Providence. You know, (Justine,) how furious I was in matters of Religion. I remember the time in which had any one assured me that you would have been a Pro­testant, I believe I should have strangled you in your Cradle, and yet God made choice of you to be an Instrument of my Convertion. Madam, (an­swered I) he who converted Persecutors into Apo­stles and Martyrs, could easily make you, who were once fixed in the Belief of the Roman Church, a member of his own Church. We often see mira­cles of this Nature, which God works to show the wonderful Efficacy of his Spirit upon the most obsti­nate Hearts.

These and the like Discourses we had on the Road, till we came to our Castle, where we sent back the Troopers that guarded us, having satisfied them be­ [...]nd their hopes. M [...] de B [...]esses, who was my Fathers Sister by a second Bed, as I told you be­fore, and who had been married in Po [...]e [...]ania, was come into France to take possession of an Estate that wa [...] fallen to her by the Death of a Sister, and was so kind as to afford us the Consolation of seeing her. She was ravish'd with Joy, as soon as she heard of my Mothers Conversion. There were also many Caresses that pass'd between her and Monsieur de Haute-Cour, my Brother and my self, which I shall not now relate.

In the midst of all our Joys my mother fell sick, and her Distemper grew so violently upon her, that in two days we began to be afraid of her; and what was at first but a doubtful fear, was shortly after converted into a cruel certainty. Notwithstanding [Page 196]the Violence of the Distemper, my Mothers Un­derstanding, Judgment, and Speech never failed her. The very first moment that she took her Bed, she was perswaded she should never rise more; for which reason she couragiously prepared her self for D [...]ath. Dispense with me, (said Madamoiselle de S [...]. Phale the tears running down her cheeks,) from relating all the circumstances of her Death, the very remembrance of which pierceth my very heart. I shall only tell you that she dyed a true Reformed Christian, and that she heartily blessed God that he was pleased to discover his Truth to her, and to take her ou [...] of the World, not suffering her to see those Calamities with which his Church was threatned, and in which she might have had a large [...]re. She earnestly exhorted me to Piety and Per­ [...]verance [...] the true Religion: She called for her [...]ewe [...]s, which were of great value, and gave Mon­sieur de Haute-Cour, and m [...] Brother, each of them a very [...]ich Ring: Afterwards she divided her Jew­e [...]s into two parts▪ giving me the one, and com­mi [...]ing the other to my Brother for Madamoiselle de Ga [...]i [...]oi [...]s, for whom she had designed them.

Having made this division, she disposed of the rest of her Estate, making my Brother her Heir, on such terms as neither I nor my Lover had rea­son to be dissatisfied. After which she would think o [...] nothing out the Concerns of another World: And Monsieur Haute-Cour, my Brother, and I were always employ'd in reading some Chapters of the Holy Scriptures, or some of the Consolations of the Faithful against the Fear of Death. But seeing us ve­ry apt to fall into tears from time to time, My Chil­dren, (said she) I have no need of your tears, but of your Constancy. My Brother was no more [Page 197]able to refrain from Tears than I, nor Monsieur de Haute-Cour than either of us, though we used our utmost endeavours to stop them. Some short time after my Mother dyed in our Arms, her last words being that Passage which she had often in her Mouth, Lord, now lettest thou thy Servant depart in Peace, for my Eyes have seen thy Salvation.

'Tis impossible for me to give you a true Ac­count of the Condition in which we then were. Alas, how often did I envy my Mother! I need not take much pains to perswade you that I had reason to be much afflicted. 'Twas well for us that Madam de Brosses was with us, to take some Care about the business of the Family, which was now in a terrible Desolation; for as for Monsieur de Haute-Cour, his time was taken up in Comfort­ing me, who had like to have followed my Mo­ther into the Grave, so that he was incapable of minding any other business; besides, he had a re­al Affection for my Mother, as she had also for him. As for my Brother, whom my Mother had loved so tenderly, he was so affected with this stroak, that for several days he could not rest, nor would he so much as eat, but when forced to it.

Madam de Roche-Blanche, and Madamoiselle de Garissolles came very opportunely to awaken him out of this Lethargy: Their coming caused us all to weep afresh. We buried my Mother without any Ceremony, near my Father, as she had ordered, and we did what discovered not only to all that were in the Castle, but also to all the Village, that my Mother and I were of the Reformed Re­ligion; which was, that we sent for no Priest when [Page 198]my Mother lay on her Death-bed, nor buried her in Catholick and Holy Ground, as they are pleas­ed to term it. These things made a great noise in the Countrey, and stirred up many against us, but I could never fully learn what Mischief they had design'd to do us.

Madam de Roche-Blanche had scarce been with us two days, before she received a Letter from her Husband, in which he gave her an Ac­count that there was a Design form'd to carry me into a Convent by force, and that it be­hoved me to be upon my Guard. The day fol­lowing this Advice was confirm'd, and 'twas said moreover, that Madamoiselle Garissoles was to be carried away with me, and that we were to be shut up in two different Convents. This News terribly astonished us, and we were forced to leave off weeping, to provide for our se­curity.

We dayly received very troublesome Tydings from divers places, but the worst of all was, that a certain Person was coming from the King to demand me, and take me from my Brother and Lover, and that besides this, he was to trouble my Brother for his Estate. Madam de Bresses offered to carry us out of the Kingdom into Pomerania, where we might be safe; this Proposition was accepted with respect to me, as for Madamoiselle de Garissolles it was resolved that she should return home, and that 'twas not likely they would come to snatch her out of the Arms of her Father and Mother. We had no time to lose: I may truly say, that my Eyes are inexhaustable Fountains of Tears, for I shed abundance when I parted from Madam de Roche [Page 199]Blanche, my Lover, and Madamoiselle de Garissolles. Mounsieur de Haute-Cour would willingly have ac­companied me, but I forbad him by all the Au­thority I had over him, for I feared least by do­ing thus he might bring much trouble on his Head. I would not have so much as my Brother go with me, for fear lest it should be said he had convey'd me away.

Thus I was forced to leave those that were most dear to me, and my Miseries were so far from having an end, that they daily seem' [...] to increase; yet I got out of France well enough, not being discovered by any, having taken my Chamber-maids Habit, and given her mine. All my Fardles were also by the Artifice of Ma­dam de Brosses safely convey'd, and had I not been taken sick by the way, I believe we should have been in Pomerania before now. At length we came to Amsterdam, where I found a Ser­vant of my Brothers, with Letters for my Aunt and Me, both from my Lover and Bro­ther.

In these Letters I had an Account of what is too long to relate, for 'twould furnish mat­ter for another History. I shall only tell you, that amongst much sad News, I learnt that my Brother, my Lover, and Madamoiselle de Ga­rissolles were come out of France towards Pomera­nia, and that I should in a short time see them, and that 'twas the Will of Mounsieur and Ma­dam de Roche Blanche that our Marriages should be celebrated as soon as we should meet; so that I hope to find at Hamburgh those three Per­sons whom Love, Esteem, and Nature, oblige me to Honour and Cherish.

Thus, said Madamoiselle de St. Phale, you have heard my History, which I may justly call Sad and Tragical; for, for the few Moments of Joy which I have had, I have felt a thousand Do­lours, and shed tears without Numbe [...]. In this very moment that I now speak to you, my Heart is divided between Hope and Fear, about the News that I shall hear at Hamburgh, so that you would pity me, could you but be sensible of it.

As soon as she had ended, every one of the Company gave her their thanks, and declared the satisfaction they had received in the relation of these Adventures, which furnished matter for a Conversation, concerning the divers Accidents we are in this Life exposed to. The two Hamburgh Ladies took occasion to Compliment Madamoiselle de St. Phale a [...]resh, and to offer her their House; their Father in a very obliging manner did the same thing. The Danish Baron pray'd Madamoi­selle de St. Phale that since he was obliged to lay aside all the Hopes he might have conceived, she would allow him at least a part in her Friend­ship, to which she answered like one very well bred, and that was not unacquainted with the World.

Thus passed this day, and the Company brake up, each retiring to his Cabin, in hopes the next morning to see Hamburgh. 'Twas about Nine a Clock in the Morning before we discovered this famous City, and about half an hour after Ten we entred the Port, where we landed; and whilst we were giving Order for the Carriage of our Fardles, a Coach stopt near the place where we [Page 201]were; at first we took no great Notice of them that were in it, nor they of us, but the action of a Lacquey who came and threw himself at Ma­damoiselle de St. Phale's Feet much surprized us: Ah Joli-Bois, cryed she, Where's thy Master? He is, Madamoiselle, (said he) in yonder Coach, to enquire at the Port whether you are come: Immediately he left us to go to his Master, which was indeed Monsieur d' Ombreval, who came out of the Coach with Monsieur de Haute-Cour, and Madamoiselle de Garissolles; I never saw two love­ [...]r Gentlemen in my life, nor so beautiful a V [...]rgin, except Madamoiselle de St. Phale. The first that came up to us was Mounsieur de Haute-Cour, who being impatient to see the Object of his Vows, ran toward Madamoiselle de St. Phale, while Mounsieur d' Ombreval saluted Madam de Br [...]sses. These Gentlemen highly Complemented us all for her sake and Madamoiselle de St. Phale's. I should never have done, should I relate all that was said 'till there came Coaches for most of us, which carried us to one of the most fa­mous Inns in Hambrough.

We were a good Company of us, and abode there some days to refresh our selves after our Voyage. The Merchant of Hambourgh invited us to go to an House of Pleasure which he had in the Countrey near the Elbe, where we were treated with unexpressible Magnificence for an whole day, with some of the principal Ladies of Hambourgh who spake French: There were also some other excellent Persons for Worth and Beauty, so that there was nothing wanting to make this Assembly perfect.

I must needs say, that the Power of Joy with Love is very wonderful. Madamoiselle de St. Phale is naturally gay, yet she had a certain Languor in her Eyes whilst she was separated from her Lover, which vanish'd as soon as eve [...] she saw him. As for Madamoiselle de Garissolles she was certainly a Virgin that as well deserved to be beloved as any in the World, in whom Wisdom, Modesty and Piety, were accompanied with Spirit, Beauty, Nobility and Youth, which is indeed very rare. Our two Ladies of Ham­bourgh were as much taken with her as they had been with Madamoiselle de St. Phale. Mounsieur de Haute-Cour and Mounsieur d' Ombreval lef [...] their Mistresses for some Moments to Complemen [...] those Ladies, which occasioned one of the plea­santest Conversations in the World.