AMYRAUT, MoisE. (1506-1664). AFrench Protestant theologian and metaphysician. He was born at neaBourr•ueil• •rTours. His father set him to study law, and he made rapid progress in the University of Poitiers. He became a licentiate in law (1616). but the reading of Calvin's Institutes induced him to leave law for theology, and he studied at Saunmr, and "sat at the feet of the great Cameron." a pupil as great as his master. There he became a pastor in 1626; in 1633 professor of theology. He was co-professor with Louis Cape! and Josua de In Place. Their life-long friendship was beautiful and remarkable, as is their memory as joint au thors of the Theses SalmuriensiR. In 1631 Amy raut published Traitt's des religions ( Sanmor), still a living work; and thenceforward he was foremost in provincial and national synods. The esteem in which lie was held was shown when the Charenton synod of 1631 chose him to present to the King the Copy of the Complaints and Grievances for the Infractions and Violations of the Edict of Yantes. Before this time all save
Roman Catholic deputies had addressed the King on their knees; but Amyraut refused to speak unless he could stand as did the Romauists, and carried the day, his rehearsal charming even his adversaries. His oration is an historic landmark of French Protestantism. He held fast to Calvin ism, but with an unusual liberality. He was re peatedly accused, but never convicted, of heresy, because in his Traite de la predestination (1634) he advocates a modification of the strong predes tination theory of the Synod of Dort by the "Universalism us hypothetieus," i.e.. the theory that God offers salvation to all under the con ditions of faith. This is known as Amyraldism, and found many adherents—among them Baxter. Andrew Fuller, and the New England divines. He died at Saumur, January 8, 1664. He left many religious works.
AN, or ON. The Egyptian name of Helio polis (q.v.).