Reasons for writing these memoirs — Noble origin of our family — John de la Fontaine born — Obtains a commission in the household of Francis I. — Embraces Protestantism — Persecution — January Edict — John de la Fontaine resigns his commission — Assassination — Flight of his sons to Rochelle — Marriage of James de la Fontaine —…

James Fontaine — Fond of study — Travels abroad — Called to the churches of Vaux and Royan — First marriage — Children by it — Second marriage — Children by it — My father’s person — Habits — Labors in the ministry — Summons before the governor — Second summons — Death. I continue the narrative with what I…

My birth — Lameness — Imitation of my fathers prayers — Meditations upon the heavenly bodies — Sent to school — Anecdotes of boyhood — Disgusted with study — Letter to sister — Mr. De la Bussier — Admirable preceptor — College — Take degree of Master of Arts — My mother’s death — Division of property. I have now…

Study with Mr. Forestier — His persecutions — His wife’s firmness — Return home — Pray with neighbors — Absent at Easter — Poor people assemble in the woods — A spy — Warrants issued — A mason taken up — Recantation — Repentance — My return home — Warrant against me — Grand Provost and archers appear — Prison…

Provost and archers make another tour — Twenty country people brought to prison — Well supplied by Protestant brethren — Prayer — Indictment — Confrontation — Recollement — Examination of witnesses — Apply to be set at liberty — Accusation of the King’s advocate — Dungeon — Removed to Town Hall — Bribery proposed to me. When I had been…

Trial before the Presidency — Digression — Defense — Angry discussion with the President — Query — Reply — Sentence. The month of August had come round by the time that the process was ready to be brought before the Presidency in the Hall of Justice. In this court, the prisoner has to depend upon himself, he is not allowed…