sums expected by persons in a higher position, and able to draw large families after them.
Prelates and others who are disposed to devote themselves to this charitable work, may rest assured that in no way can they better recommend themselves to the favor of the King, who sees all the lists, than by imitating what has been done in Grenoble, where the sum of 100 francs was scarcely ever paid, generally very much less.
Nevertheless, there is no objection to giving large sums to attain great objects, but the said large sums cannot be sent without submitting the case for his Majesty to decide upon himself.
Proclamation of the King forbidding those of the pretended
Reformed Religion to act as Accoucheurs or Nurses.
Louis, by the grace of God, King of France and Navarre, to all who shall see these presents, greeting.
We have been informed that great abuses have arisen, in this our kingdom, from permitting the attendance of persons of the pretended Reformed religion upon women in childbirth, because, according to the principles of their religion, baptism is not absolutely necessary, and besides they not having the liberty to baptize, the administration of baptism being reserved to their ministers and to take place in their Temples, it happens that when children are dangerously ill, the absence of the minister, or distance from the Temple, makes it impossible to have them baptized before death. Likewise, when persons of said pretended Reformed religion are employed about Catholic women they do not give timely notice when they see life in danger, because they do not believe in the Sacraments of the Church, and death takes place without the administration of said sacraments. We wish to remedy this abuse, and also to provide against illegitimate children of Roman Catholic parents, whose birth is concealed, being brought up in the pretended Reformed religion, as they often are from the nurture and education being confided to those who attend upon the mothers. For these and other causes, by the advice of our Council and of our own free will, fall power and royal authority, we say and declare that it is our royal will and pleasure, that henceforth no person of either sex, making profession of the pretended Reformed
