AMYRAUT, MoYsE, 1596,1664; an eminent French Protestant theologian and meta physician, of an illustrious family from Alsace. His father set him to study law, and lie made rapid progress in the university of Poictiers; but on his way home met at Sauniur the Protestant minister, Bonchereau, who took him to Plessis-Mornay, governor of the. city, and the two persuaded A. to leave law for theology. lie dwelt at Saumur, and " sat at the feet of the great Cameron," a pupil as great as his master. His fame became such that universities and churches in Sauniur, Paris, and Rome competed for his presence. A. referred all to the synod of Anjou, and its decision settled him at Saumur, both as professor and pastor. ' His co-professors were Louis Cape]] and Josua de In Place; and their life-long friendship was beautiful and remarkable, as is their memory as joint authors of the Theses Salmuriensis. In 1631, A. published Traite des Religions, still a living work; and thenceforward he was foremost in provincial and national synods. His character was largely shown when the Charrenton synod of 1861 chose him to present to the king the Copy of the Complaints and Grieranres for the Infractions and Violations of the Edict of _Nantes. Before this time all save Roman Catholic deputies had addressed
the king on their knees; but A. refused to speak unless he could stand as did the Romanists. A warm debate ensued, and even Richelieu consented to visit privately the y stout Protestant, and reason with him; but he insisted and carried the da; and, iu presence of the sovereign, his rehearsal, given with suavity and dignity, charmed even his adversaries. His oration was at once published in the Mercury, and is a historic landmark in French Protestantism. He took part in all the great controversies on pre destination, Arniinianism, etc., of the time; holding fast to Calvinism, but with a liber ality not usual in that severe sect. The university at Saumur became the fountain-head of French Protestantism, and A. had as many as 100 students in attendance upon • his prelections. He left many works which are still the religious consolation of humble French homes. In 1657, lie was hurt by a fall which perhaps hastened his death.