Lamoignon, Christian Francis De

, eldest son of the preceding, was born at Paris in 164-4, carefully educated by his father, and at a proper age placed in the Jesuits’ college, under the particular tuition of the celebrated father Rapin, whose favourite disciple he was. Having finished his studies, he travelled through different countries, and in 1666 was admitted a counsellor of parliament. In 1674 he was appointed to the office of advocate general, which he held during the space of twenty five years, with the highest and most unblemished reputation, distinguished as much for his eloquence, as by his zeal for justice and the public good. In 1690 the king nominated him to a post of more ease, and better adapted to his health, but his love of employment retained him several years longer at the bar, till at length, being urged as well by his own feelings, as the representations of his family and friends, he sought for an honourable repose, He then indulged in the love of letters, and, in 1704, was admitted a member of the academy of inscriptions, of which he was sooti appointed the president. In this station he displayed as much talent and readiness in discussing a literary question as he had formerly done a point of jurisprudence. He died in 1709. Many of his speeches were published, but the only work which he sent to the press was “A Letter on the Death of father Bourdaloue.” He was father to the chancellor Lamoignon, and grandfather to Lamoignon-Malesherbes, of whom an account will be given hereafter. ²