A Huguenot, he studied theology at the seminary of Lausanne, Switzerland and received a certificate of consecration on 18 June 1784.

He went on to hold the position of secretary at the provincial synod of Haut-Languedoc (1 May 1788) and served as a Protestant minister at Castres Elected (30 August 1791) as a representative of the Department of Tarn to the Legislative Assembly (1791–1792).

He was sent on a mission to Nice, a city recently conquered by the French armies, and called its unification with France.

He made many powerful enemies, including Georges Danton, whom he accused of complicity in the treason of General Dumouriez (1 Apr 1793).

Jean Bon Saint-André and Jean-Paul Rabaut Saint-Étienne changed their names under similar circumstance.