, a learned Jesuit, was born in the diocese of Toul in Lorrain, in 1589; he entered
, a learned Jesuit, was born in the diocese of Toul in Lorrain, in 1589; he entered into the society of Jesus in 1609, and took the fourth vow in 1623. He taught the belles lettres, and was made divinity professor in the university of Pont-a-Mousson, which place he enjoyed 17 years, and died Sept. 7, 1655.
, a Spanish Jesuit and missionary, was born at Burgos, 1597. He was sent on a mission
, a Spanish Jesuit and missionary, was born at Burgos, 1597. He was sent on a mission
to the American Indians, and on his return in the year
1641, published in Spanish, by permission of the king,
“Nuevo Descubrimiento del gran rio de las Amazones,
”
4to; but the projects expected from his discoveries respecting this river, were discountenanced afterwards by
the house of Braganza, and Philip IV. ordered all the
copies of this curious work to be destroyed, so that for
many years two only were known to exist; one in the
Vatican library, and another in the possession of Marin
Leroi de Gomberville, who translated it into French, and
published it, under the title of “Relation de la riviere des
Amazones,
” Paris,
, a Flemish Jesuit, and a native of Antwerp, entered into the society of the Jesuits
, a Flemish Jesuit,
and a native of Antwerp, entered into the society of the
Jesuits at Louvain, in 1544, and was principal for many
years before they had a college. In 1551, he made solemn
profession of the four vows. After the death of St. Ignatius,
he was called to Rome to assist in a general congregation
for the election of a second general of the society. But,
finding himself here involved in disputes and intrigues not
suited to his disposition, he retired to Flanders, where he
appears to have led a studious and useful life. He died at
Louvain, October 18, 1580, after having published, in
German, several works of the ascetic kind, one of which,
“De Divinis Inspirationibus et de Confessione,
” was translated into Latin by Gerard Brunelius, and printed at
Cologn, 1601, 12mo.
, a learned Jesuit, born at Naples in 1621, and for many years teacher of divinity,
, a learned Jesuit, born at Naples
in 1621, and for many years teacher of divinity, and governor of the colleges of Monte-Pulciano, Macerata, and
Ancona. He passed the last thirty years of his life among
the society of Jesuits at Rome, where he wrote many
works, and died Oct. 8, 1706. Of these works, the most
celebrated is “Il parrochiano instruttore,
” Rome,
, a Spanish Jesuit, and voluminous writer, was born 1566, at Torrejon, a village
, a Spanish Jesuit, and voluminous writer, was born 1566, at Torrejon, a village near Madrid, and entered the society of Jesuits at Alcale, in 1588, being then M.A. He was governor of several houses of the order in Spain, twice presided over the province of Toledo, and was twice sent as deputy to the congregations at Rome. The king, Philip IV. chose him for his preacher, and the count Olivarez, Philip’s prime minister, appointed him his confessor. He died at Madrid, Jan. 15, 1654. His works consist of six folios, in Spanish, printed at Madrid in 1629, 1638, 1640, 1641, 1643, 1646, 1653, on various religious topics; and a life of father Goudin, the Jesuit, 8vo, 1643. He left also many treatises which have not been published.
, was a Jesuit of Brussels, and professor of philosophy at Doway, and of theology
, was a Jesuit of Brussels, and professor of philosophy at Doway,
and of theology at Antwerp. He was one of the first that
introduced mathematical studies at Antwerp. He wrote a
book entitled “Opticorum lib. VI. Philosophicis juxta
ac Mathematicis utiles,
” printed at Antwerp by Plantin in
1613, in fol.; and a treatise “Of Projections of the Sphere.
”
He was employed in finishing his “Catoptrics and Dioptrics,
” at the time of his death, which happened at Seville,
in 1617. He appears to have been a man of great learning,
and of great piety.
library of Gonvil and Caius college in Cambridge. The following were published by Richard Gibbons, a Jesuit, at Doway, in 1631, and afterwards in the “Bibliotheca Cistertiensis,”
Of his works, the following have been printed in the
“Collection of ten English Writers
” by Roger Twisden,
Lond. De Bello Standardii tempore Stephani
regis, anno 1138;
” “Genealogia Regum Anglorum;
”
“Historra de Vita et Miraculis S. Edwardi Regis et Confessoris;
” “Historia de Sanctimoniali de Watthun.
” Ailred wrote another “Life of St. Edward
” in elegiac verse,
which is extant in manuscript in the library of Gonvil and
Caius college in Cambridge. The following were published
by Richard Gibbons, a Jesuit, at Doway, in 1631, and
afterwards in the “Bibliotheca Cistertiensis,
” and in the
“Bibliotheca Patrum;
” namely, “Sermones de Tempore
etde Sanctis;
” “In~Isaiam Prophetam Sermones XXXI;
”
“Speculum Charitatis libris III.
” “Tractatus de puero
Jesu duodecenni in illud Luc. ii. cum factus esset Jesus,
&c.
” “De spirituali Amicitia.
” He wrote also “Regulse
ad Inclusas, seu Moniales,
” which is erroneously ascribed
to St. Augustin, and usually printed with his works; and
among the works of St. Bernard is “Tractatus de Dominica
infra octavas Epiphaniae, et Sermones XI. de oneribus
Isaiae,
” which was written by Ailred. Leland, Bale, and
Pits, have enumerated his unpublished writings, as has
Tanner under the article Ealredus.
and all correspondence with him was considered as a species of high treason; and Thomas Alfield, 'a Jesuit, was executed for bringing some of his writings into England,
In England, he was justly reputed an enemy to the state,
and all correspondence with him was considered as a species of high treason; and Thomas Alfield, 'a Jesuit, was
executed for bringing some of his writings into England,
and particularly his “Defence of the Twelve Martyrs in
one Year.
” In this work he insinuates, in language which,
in those days, must have been very well understood, that
queen Elizabeth, by reason of her heresy, had fallen from,
her sovereignty. The indictment of Alfield, taken from
the treasonable expressions in these writings, was among
the papers of the lord treasurer Burleigh.
ious controversy, was now determined to measures of more open hostility. The celebrated Parsons, the Jesuit, who was his great friend and counsellor, is supposed to have
Alan therefore, having overstepped the bounds of religious controversy, was now determined to measures of
more open hostility. The celebrated Parsons, the Jesuit,
who was his great friend and counsellor, is supposed to
have suggested to him the project of invading England.
For many years there had been differences, discontents,
and even injuries committed between the English and
Spaniards; and now Alan, and some fugitive English noblemen, persuaded Philip II. to undertake the conquest of
England. To facilitate this, the pope, Sixtus V. renewed
the excommunication thundered against queen Elizabeth
by his predecessor Pius V. While this was in agitation,
sir William Stanley, commander of the English and Irish
garrison at Daventer, betrayed it to the Spaniards, and
went into their service with 1200 men; and Rowland York,
who had been intrusted with a strong fort in the same
country, performed the same act of treachery. Alan, no
longer the conscientious controversialist, wrote a defence
of this base proceeding, and sent several priests to Stanley,
in order to instruct those he had drawn over to the king of
Spain’s service. Alan’s defence, which appeared the year
after these transactions, 1588, was first printed in English
in the form of a letter, and afterwards in Latin, under the
title of “Epistola de Daventrise ditione,
” Cracov. His
only argument, if it deserve the name, was, that sir William Stanley was no traitor, because he had only delivered
to the king of Spain a city which was his own before; and
he exhorts all Englishmen, in the service of the states, to
follow his example.
ing the Catholic faith. Some have asserted, that he and sir Francis Inglefield assisted Parsons, the Jesuit, in composing-his treasonable work concerning the succession,
No part of the failure of this vast enterprize, however, was attributed to Alan, to whom the king of Spain now gave the archbishopric of Mecklin, and would have had reside there, as a place where he might more effectually promote the popish and Spanish interests in England; but the pope had too high an opinion of his merit to suffer him to leave Rome, where, therefore, he continued to labour in the service of his countrymen, and in promoting the Catholic faith. Some have asserted, that he and sir Francis Inglefield assisted Parsons, the Jesuit, in composing-his treasonable work concerning the succession, which he published under the name of Doleman, in 1593, and which was reckoned of such dangerous consequence, that it was made capital by law for any person to have it in his custody. Others, however, maintain that he had no hand in it, and that he even objected to it, because of its tendency to promote those dissentions which had for so many years distracted his native country; and this last opinion is probable, if what we have been told be true, that towards the close of his life he had changed his sentiments, as to government, and professed his sorrow for the pains he had taken in promoting the invasion of England. It is even asserted, by a very eminent popish writer (Watson), that when he perceived that the Jesuits intended nothing but desolating and destroying his native land, he wept bitterly, not knowing how to remedy it, much less how to curb their insolence. Such conduct, it is added, drew upon him the ill-will of that powerful society, who chose now to represent him as a man of slender abilities, and of little political consequence. On his death-bed, he was very desirous of speaking to the English students then at Rome, which the Jesuits prevented, lest he should have persuaded them to a loyal respect for their prince, and a tender regard for their country. He is generally said to have died of a retention of urine; but, as the Jesuits had shown so much dislike, they have been accused of poisoning him. Of this, however, there is no proof. He died Oct. 6, 1594, in the sixty-third year of his age; and was buried with great pomp in the chapel of the English college at Rome, where a monument was erected to his memory, with an inscription setting forth his titles and merits. What these merits were, the reader has been told. We have seen cardinal Alan in three characters: that of a zealous propagandist; of apolitical traitor to his country; and lastly, repenting the violence of his endeavours to ruin his country on pretence of bringing her back to popery. In the first of these characters he seems to have acted from the impulse of a mind firmly persuaded that every deviation from popery was dangerous heresy; and the only weapons he employed were those of controversy. As a writer, the popish party justly considered him as the first champion of his age; and both his learning and eloquence were certainly of a superior stamp. But in his worst character, as a traitor, there is every reason to think him influenced by the Jesuits, who at that time, and ever while a society, had little scruple as to the means by which they effected their purposes. Yet even their persuasions were not sufficient to inspire him with permanent hostility towards the political existence of his country. Some writers, not sufficiently attending to his history, have called him a Jesuit; but in all controversies between the Jesuits and the secular priests, the latter always gloried in cardinal Alan, as a man to whom no Jesuit could be compared, in any respect.
, Alçazar, or Alcasar, (Louis D'), a Spanish Jesuit, was born at Seville in 1554, and entered among the Jesuits
, Alçazar, or Alcasar, (Louis D'), a Spanish Jesuit, was born at Seville in 1554, and entered
among the Jesuits in 1569, against the will of his family,
who were in possession of a large estate. After he had
been a teacher of philosophy, he taught divinity at Cordova and at Seville, for abov e twenty years. M uch of his
life was spent in endeavouring to explain the book of the
Revelations, and his first volume on the subject, “Vestigatio arcani sensus in Apocalypsi,
” is said to have been
the result of twenty years’ study and investigation. This
work was printed at Antwerp, fol. 1604 and 1619, and at
Lyons, 1616, fol.; and is accounted one of the best commentaries which had been produced by any writer of the
Romish church. It is said that Grotius was considerably
indebted to it; but neither Grotius, nor any other writer
has followed him in supposing that the prophecies of the
Apocalypse have been accomplished to the twentieth chapter. Pursuing this investigation, however, his next work
was a commentary on such parts of the Old Testament as
have any connexion with the Apocalypse; this was published in 1631, Lyons, fol. under the title, “In eas veteris
Testament! partes, quas respicit Apocalypsis, nempe Cantica Canticorum, Psahnos complures, multa Danielis aliorumque librorum capita, libri V.
” There is a supplement to the first, on weights and measures, and to the second, on bad physicians. He died at Seville, June 16,
1613.
, a native of Rome, and a Jesuit of great reputation for learning. Urban VIII. who highly esteemed
, a native of Rome, and a Jesuit
of great reputation for learning. Urban VIII. who highly
esteemed him, thought him worthy of the rank of cardinal,
but he died before that honour was conferred upon him, in
1651, leaving some curious materials for a history of the
council of Trent, to which he gave the title of “Historic
concilii Tridentini a veritatis hostibus evulgatae elenchus.
”
His object, which was countenanced by the pope, was to
refute or answer father Paul Sarpi’s history of that celebrated council; and his collections were made use of, after
his death, in a new history of the same by cardinal Pallavicino.
acter on account of his learning, as to be appointed first professor at Salamanca, and was the first Jesuit on whom the university, jealous of the power and ambition of
, a native of Zamora, in the
kingdom of Leon, towards the end of the reign of Philip II.
deserves some mention, to distinguish him from the preceding. He entered when very young into the society of
the Jesuits, and attained so much character on account of his
learning, as to be appointed first professor at Salamanca,
and was the first Jesuit on whom the university, jealous of
the power and ambition of that order, conferred the degree of doctor. He died, at Salamanca in 1657. He wrote,
1. “Commentaria et disputationes in tertiam partem S.
Thomas, de incarnati verbi mysteriis et perfectionibus,
”
Lyons, 2 vols. fol. 2. Separate treatises, “De visione et
scientia Dei De voluntate Dei De reprobatione et
praedestinatione,
” afterwards printed together at Lyons,
, a Flemish Jesuit, born at Brussels the 22d of January 1592, was trained in polite
, a Flemish Jesuit, born at Brussels the 22d of January 1592, was trained in polite literature in his own country. He went afterwards to Spain,
and entered into the service of the duke of Ossuna, whom
he attended to Sicily, when the duke went there as viceroy. Alegambe, being inclined to a religious life, took
the habit of a Jesuit at Palermo, the 7th of September
1613, where he went through his probation, and read his
course of philosophy. He pursued the study of divinity
at Rome, whence he was sent to Austria, to teach philosophy in the university of Gratz. Havhig discharged th
duties of this function to the satisfaction of his superiors,
he was chosen professor of school-divinity, and promoted
in form to the doctorship in 1629. About this time the
prince of Eggemberg, who was in high favour with the
emperor Ferdinand II. having resolved that his son should
travel, and being desirous he should be attended by some
learned and prudent Jesuit, Alegambe was judged a proper person; and he accordingly travelled with him five
years, visiting Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
In 1638, the young prince with whom he travelled, being
appointed by the emperor Ferdinand III. ambassador of
obedience to the pope, invited Alegambe to go with him,
who accordingly accompanied him to Rome, in quality of
his confessor. After he had discharged this office, the
general of the Jesuits retained him as secretary of the
Latin dispatches for Germany. Alegambe, having spent
four years in the discharge of this laborious office, was
obliged to resign it, the continual application to writing
having considerably weakened his sight. He was now appointed president of spiritual affairs in the professed house,
and had the office also of hearing confessions in the
church, in which capacity he acquitted himself with reputation. He died of the dropsy, at Rome, the 6th of
September 1652. He is now principally known by hi
1. “Bibliotheca scriptorum societatis Jesu,
” Antwerpise,
Vita P. Joannis Cardin. Lusitani, ex societate Jesu,
” Romae, Heroes et victims charitatis societatis Jesu,
” Romse, victims
”
were such as lost their lives in attending persons who died
of the plague. 4. “Mortes illustres et gesta eorum de
societate Jesu, qui in odium fidei ab hsreticis vel aliis occisi sunt,
” Romse,
, a Jesuit, born, in Brescia, in the republic of Venice. He travelled into
, a Jesuit, born, in Brescia, in the republic of Venice. He travelled into the eastern countries,
and arrived at Maca in 1610, where he taught mathematics.
From thence he went to the empire of China, where he
continued to propagate the Christian religion for 36 years.
He was the first who planted the faith in the province of
Xanfi, and he built several churches in the province of
Fokien. He died in August 1649, leaving behind him
several works in the Chinese language: 1. “The Life of
Jesus Christ,
” in eight volumes. 2. “The Incarnation of
Jesus Christ.
” 3. “Of the Sacrifice of the Mass.
” 4. “The
Sacrament of Penitence.
” 5. “The Original of the World.
”
6. “Proof of the Existence of a Deity.
” 7. “Dialogues.
”
8. “The Dialogue of St. Bernard betwixt the Soul and
Body,
” in Chinese verse. 9. “A Treatise on the Sciences
of Europe.
” 10. “Practical Ge metry, in four books.
”
11. “The Life of P. Matthew Ricci.
” 12. “The Life of
Dr. Michael Yam, a Chinese convert.
” 13. “The Theatre
of the World, or Cosmography.
”
, a learned French Jesuit, was born ia 1656, at St. Guy, in the Luxemburgh, studied at
, a learned French Jesuit, was born ia
1656, at St. Guy, in the Luxemburgh, studied at Cologn,
and in 1676 entered the order of St. Ignatius. He was
professor of philosophy, theology, and the belles lettres,
at Cologn, until the year 1691. He was afterwards, in
1701, invited to the university of Treves, where he gave
his course of lectures on theology, and was appointed, in
1703, regent of the gymnastic school, and about the same
time he was employed in the organization and direction of
the gymnastic academies of Munster, Aachen, Treves,
and Juliers. He died in 1727, at Dueren, in the duchy
of Juliers. His principal works are: 1. “Tractatus de
artibus humanis,
” Treves, Philosophise
tripartite, pars 1. sive logica,
” Cologne, 1710; “pars 2.
sive physica,
” 1715; “pars 3. seu anima et metaphysica,
”
1724. 3. “Gradus ad Parnassum,
” a book well known in
all schools in Europe, and of which there have been a great
number of editions. 4. Some Latin tragedies, as Joseph,
Tobias, &c.
7. “An apology for the Dominican Missionaries in China, or an Answer to a book of father Tellier the Jesuit, entitled a Defence of the new Christians; and to an Explanation
, a learned
ecclesiastical writer of the 17th century, born at Roan in
Normandy, Jan. 19, 1639. After finishing his studies at
Roan, he entered into the order of Dominican friars, and
was professed there in 1655. Soon after he went to Paris,
to go through a course of philosophy and divinity in the
great convent, where he so distinguished himself, that he
was appointed to teach philosophy there, which he did for
twelve years. This however did not so much engage his
attention as to make him neglect preaching, which is the
chief business of the order he professed. His sermons
were elegant and solid: but as he had not that ease and
fluency of speech requisite in a preacher, he soon forsook
the pulpit; and his superiors being of opinion that he
should apply himself wholly to the study of the scriptures
and ecclesiastical history, he followed their advice, and
was created a doctor of the Sorbonne in 1675. Mr. Colbert shewed him many marks of his esteem; and being determined to omit nothing to complete the education of his
son, afterwards archbishop of Roan, he formed an assembly of the most learned persons, whose conferences upon,
ecclesiastical history might be of advantage to him. Father Alexander was invited to this assembly, where he exerted himself with so much genius and ability, that he
gained the particular friendship of young Colbert, who
shewed him the utmost regard as long as he lived. These
conferences gave rise to Alexander’s design of writing an
ecclesiastical history; for, being desired to reduce what
was material in these conferences to writing, he did it with
so much accuracy, that the learned men who composed
this assembly advised him to undertake a complete body of
church-history. This he executed with great assiduity,
collecting and digesting the materials himself, and writing
even the tables with his own hand. His first work is that
wherein he endeavours to prove, against Ai. de Launoi,
that St. Thomas Aquinas is the real author of the Sum,
ascribed to him: it was printed in Paris 1675, in 8vo. The
year following he published the first volume of a large
work in Latin, upon the principal points of ecclesiastical
history: this contains 26 volumes in 8vo. The first volume
treats of the history of the first ages of the church, and
relates the persecutions which it suffered, the succession
of popes, the heresies which arose, the councils which
condemned them, the writers in favour of Christianity,
and the kings and emperors who reigned during the first
century: to this are subjoined dissertations upon such
points as have been the occasion of dispute in history,
chronology, criticism, or doctrine. The history of the
second century, with some dissertations, was published in
two volumes in the year 1677. The third century came
out in 1678; in this he treats largely of public penance,
and examines into the origin and progress of the famous
dispute between pope Stephen and St. Cyprian, concerning the rebaptizing of those who had been baptized by
heretics; and he has added three dissertations, wherein he
has collected what relates to the life, manners, errors, and
Defenders of St. Cyprian. The history of the fourth century is so very extensive, that Alexander has found matter
for three volumes and forty-five dissertations; they were
printed at Paris in 1679. In the three following years he
published his history of the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,
ninth, and tenth centuries; and that of the eleventh and
twelfth centuries in 1683; in these volumes are several
Dissertations against Mr. Daille; and in some of them he
treats of the disputes between the princes and popes in.
such a manner, that a decree from Rome was issued out
Against his writings in 1684. However, he published the
same year the history of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, in which he continued to defend the rights of kings
against the pretensions of that court. He at last completed
his work in 1686, by publishing four volumes, which contained the history of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Jn 1689 he published a work, in the same method, upon
the Old Testament, in six volumes 8vo. In 1678 he published three dissertations: the first concerning the superiority of bishops over presbyters, against Blondel; the
second concerning the celibacy of the clergy, and
reconciling the history of Paphnutius with the canon of the
council of Nice; and the third concerning the Vulgate.
The same year he printed a dissertation concerning sacramental confession, against Mr. Daille“, in 8vo. In 1682
he wrote an apology for his dissertation upon the Vulgate,
against Claudius Frassen. He published likewise about
this time, or some time before, three dissertations in defence of St. Thomas Aquinas; the first against Henschenius and Papebroch, to shew that the office of the holy
sacrament was written by him; the second was in form of
a dialogue between a Dominican and a Franciscan, to con
fute the common opinion that Alexander of Hales was St.
Thomas Aquinas’s master: and that the latter borrowed
his
” Secunda Secundse“from the former: the third is a
panegyric upon Aquinas. In 1693 he published his
” Theologia dogmatica,“in five books, or
” Positive and
Moral Divinity, according to the order of the catechism
of the council of Trent.“This Latin work, consisting of
ten octavo volumes, was printed at Paris and at Venice in
1698; in 1701 he added another volume; and they were
all printed together at Paris, in two volumes folio, in 1703,
with a collection of Latin letters, which had been printed
separately. In 1703 he published tf A commentary upon
the four Gospels,
” in folio; and in Statuta facultatis artium Thomistiæe collegio
Parisiensi fratrum prsedicatorum instituta,
” Paris, Institutio concionatorum tripartita, seu praecepta et regula ad praedicatores informandos, cum ideis
seu rudimentis concionum per totum annum.
” 3. “Abre‘ge’
de la foy et de la morale de l‘eglise, tiree de l’ecriture
sainte,
” Paris, Eclaircissement des
prétendues difficultés proposeés a mons. l'archevêque de
Rouen, sur plusieurs points importans de la morale de
Jesus Christ,
” A Letter to a Doctor
of Sorbonne, upon the dispute concerning Probability,
and the Errors of a Thesis in Divinity maintained by the
Jesuits in their college at Lyons, the 26th of August,
”
printed at Mons, A second letter upon
the same subject,
” An apology for the
Dominican Missionaries in China, or an Answer to a book
of father Tellier the Jesuit, entitled a Defence of the new
Christians; and to an Explanation published by father
Gobien, of the same society, concerning the honours which
the Chinese pay to Confucius and to the dead,
” printed at
Cologn, 1699, 12mo. 8. “Documenta controversiarum
missionariorum apostolicorum imperii Sinici de cultu praejiertim Confueii philosophi et progenitoruin defunctorum
spectantia, ac apologiam Dominica norum missiones Sinicae
ministrorum adversus Hr. Pp. le Tellier et le Gobien societatis Jesu confirmantia.
” 9. “A Treatise on the conformity between the Chinese ceremonies and the Greek
and Roman idolatry, in order to confirm the apology of
the Dominican Missionaries in China,
”
, whose real name is said to be Griffith, an English Jesuit, and a native of London, was born in 1537, and entered into
, whose real name is said to be
Griffith, an English Jesuit, and a native of London, was
born in 1537, and entered into the society in 1607. After
having studied philosophy and theology, partly in Spain
and partly at Louvain, he resided five years at Rome. Returning to England, he was arrested at Canterbury, and
sent to London, but was soon set at liberty. From that
time he resided in England as a missionary from the society upwards of thirty years. He died at St. Omer’s in
1652, and left two books on ecclesiastical history, “Britannia illustrata,
” printed in 4to, at Antwerp, in Annales ecclesiastici Britannorum, Saxonum, et Anglorum a Christo nato, usque ad annum, 1189,
” ibid. 4 vols.
4to. These appear, by bishop Nicolson’s account, to be
performances of very little value.
his last work is methodical and well digested; but he was only the editor of it. It was written by a Jesuit, who gave it to M. Boudot. Allainval lived in great poverty,
, was born at Chartres, and died at Paris the 2d of
May, 1753. He gave to the French theatre several comedies that met with tolerable success; and to the Italian
theatre, “l'Embarras des Richesses,
” which was far better
received; the “Tour de Carnaval,
” and some other pieces.
His “Ecole des Bourgeois,
” abounds in that true comic
humour which characterises the plays of Moliere. There
are likewise of his: 1. “Les Bigarrures Calotines.
” 2.
“Lettres à Milord * * *, concerning the Baron and the
Demoiselle le Couvreur.
” 3. “Anecdotes of Russia, under Peter I.
” Connoissauce de la Mythologie,
”
isitor. He died at Goa in 1646. His works are: 1 “A history of Upper Ethiopia,” to which his brother Jesuit, Bathazar Tellez, added many facts and documents, and published
, a Portuguese historian, was born at Vizeu in that kingdom, in 1580, and
after an education among the Jesuits, was sent to the Indies, where, having completed his studies, he became rector of the college of Bacaim. In 1622, Vitteleschi, general of the Jesuits, sent him as ambassador to the king of
Abyssinia, who received him with much respect; but his
successor having banished the Jesuits from his dominions,
Almeida returned to Goa in 1634, and became provincial
of his order in India, and inquisitor. He died at Goa in
1646. His works are: 1 “A history of Upper Ethiopia,
”
to which his brother Jesuit, Bathazar Tellez, added many
facts and documents, and published it at Coimbra, 1660,
fol. 2. “Historical letters,
” written from Abyssinia to
the general of the Jesuits, and published at Rome, in
Italian, 1629, 8vo. He left also some manuscripts on the
errors of the Abyssinians, and the misrepresentations of
the dominican Urreta in his history of Ethiopia.
e cultivation of the lemon-tree. One other publication remains to be noticed; his translation of the Jesuit Noceti’s two poems on the Iris and the Aurora Borealis, which
, an eminent Italian scholar, was born at Florence, June 13, 1713, and died at Rome
in 1788, where he had been professor of eloquence for
thirty years with great reputation. Most of the present
Italian literati are indebted to him for their taste for study
and the happy manner in which he taught them to employ
their talents. He published a “Translation of Virgil into
blank verse,
” of which the edition printed at Rome, 3 vols.
fol. 1763, a most superb book, is very scarce: he translated likewise some of the tragedies of Voltaire, Florence,
1752, and a selection of Cicero’s epistles; he published
a Latin oration on the election of Joseph II. to be king of
the Romans; but he is principally known for the “Museum Kicheranum,
” in 2 vols. folio, 1765. The care of
this valuable museum was long confided to him, and he
prevailed upon the learned cardinal De Zelada to enrich it
by his collections. He left in manuscript, a Latin poem
on the cultivation of the lemon-tree. One other publication remains to be noticed; his translation of the Jesuit
Noceti’s two poems on the Iris and the Aurora Borealis,
which were printed in the same magnificent manner with
his Virgil.
, a learned Jesuit, born atf Anzo in Lucania in 1562, was professor of philosophy
, a learned Jesuit, born atf
Anzo in Lucania in 1562, was professor of philosophy
and theology in the college at Naples, and its president
for some years. He died in 1649. His fame, as far as
he can now be allowed a share, rests principally on a voluminous work on the writings of Aristotle, entitled “In
universam Aristotelis philosophiam notae et disputationes,
quibus illustriuna scholarum, Averrois, D. Thomae, Scoti,
et Nominaliurn sententiae expenduntur, earumque tueudarum probabiles modi afferuntur,
” 7 vols. fol. 1623 1648.
He wrote other works, of which a catalogue is given by
Alegambe, Bibl. Script. Soc. Jesu.
acy, and extensive knowledge of the antiquities, history, languages, and arts of China. This learned Jesuit arrived at Macao in 1750; and at Pekin, to which he was invited
, one of the most learned French
missionaries in China, and a Chinese historian, was born
at Toulon in 1718. The last thirty years of the last century
have been those in which we have acquired most knowledge
of China. The French missionaries during that time have
taken every pains to be able to answer the multitude of
inquiries sent to them from Europe, and among them
father Amiot must be considered as the first in point of
accuracy, and extensive knowledge of the antiquities,
history, languages, and arts of China. This learned Jesuit
arrived at Macao in 1750; and at Pekin, to which he was
invited by order of the emperor, in August 1751, and remained in that capital for the long space of forty-three
years. In addition to the zeal which prompted him to become a missionary, he was indefatigable in his researches,
and learned in those sciences which rendered them useful.
He understood natural history, mathematics; had some
taste for music, an ardent spirit of inquiry, and a retentive
memory; and by continual application soon became familiar with the Chinese and Tartar languages, which enabled him to consult the best authorities in both, respecting
history, sciences, and literature. The result of these labours he dispatched to France from time to time, either in
volumes, or memoirs. His principal communications in
both forms, were: 1. “A Chinese poem in praise of the
city of Moukden,
” by the emperor Kien Long, translated
into French, with historical and geographical notes and
plates, Paris, 1770, 8vo. 2. “The Chinese Military
Art,
” ibid. Memoires
sur les Chinois;
” and in vol. VIII. is a supplement sent
afterwards by the author. The Chinese reckon six classical works on the military art, and every soldier who
aspires to rank, mttet undergo an examination on them all.
Amiot translated the first three, and some parts of the
fourth, because these alone contain the whole of the Chinese principles of the art of war. 3. “Letters on the
Chinese characters,
” addressed to the Royal Society of
London, and inserted in vol. I. of the “Memoires sur les
Chinois,
” and occasioned by the following circumstance:
in
eat esteem for him, and imparted to him the design he had formed of re-uniting the two churches. The Jesuit who conferred with Mr. Amyraut upon this subject was father
In 1631, he was sent deputy to the national council at Charenton; and by this assembly was appointed to address the king, and lay before his majesty their complaints concerning the infraction of the edicts.: he was particularly charged not to deliver his speech upon his knees, as the deputies of the former national synod had done. He managed this affair with so much address, that he was introduced to the king according to the ancient custom, and in the manner that was agreeable to the assembly: and it was on this occasion that he became acquainted with cardinal Richelieu, who conceived a great esteem for him, and imparted to him the design he had formed of re-uniting the two churches. The Jesuit who conferred with Mr. Amyraut upon this subject was father Audebert. Mr. de Villeneuve, lord lieutenant of Saumur, having invited them both to dinner, took care they should confer in private, but Mr. Amyraut protested, that he could not forbear imparting to his colleagues all that should pass between them. The Jesuit told him he was sent by the king and his eminence, to propose an agreement in point of religion; that the Roman catholics were ready to sacrifice to the public truicjuilJity the invocation of saints, purgatory, and the merit of good works; that they would set bounds to the pope’s power, and in case they met with opposition from the court of Rome, they would lay hold on that occasion to create a patriarch; that the laity should be allowed the communion in both kinds; and that they would give up several other points, provided they found in the Protestants a sincere desire of peace and union. But he declared, when Mr. Amyraut touched upon the doctrines of the eucharist, that no alteration would be admitted there; and Amyraut immediately answered, that then they could come to no aoreement. This conference lasted about four hours: the Jesuit still required secrecy but Mr. Amyraut protested, according to the declaration he had made first to Mr. Villeneuve, that he would communicate the whole matter to his colleagues, and that he would be answerable for their prudence and discretion. About this time he published a piece, in which he explained the mystery of predestination and grace, according to the hypothesis of Camero, which occasioned a kind of civil war amongst the protestant divines of France. Those who disliked the hypothesis, derided it as a novelty, especially when they saw themselves joined by the great du Moulin, who accused Amyraut of Arianism. The authority of this famous divine, to whom the people paid a great respect and veneration on account of the many books of controversy he had published, made so deep an impression in the minds of many ministers, that, though Amyraut had published a piece, wherein he maintained Calvin to have held universal grace, yet many deputies at the national synod of Alengon came charged with instructions against him, and some were even for deposing him. The deputies of the provinces beyond the Loire were the most violent against him; but the synod, after having heard Amyraut explain his opinion, in several sessions, and answer the objections, honourably acquitted him, and enjoined silence in respect to questions of this nature. This, however, was not strictly observed by either side; for complaints were made against Amyraut, in the national synod of Charenton, for having acted contrary to the regulations concerning that silence; and he, in his turn, complained of infractions of the same nature. The assembly, by a kind of amnesty, suppressed these mutual complaints; and having renewed the injunction of silence, sent back Amyraut to his employment, permitting him to oppose foreigners who should attack him, in what manner the synod of Anjou should think proper, and this synod allowed him to publish an answer to the three volumes of Spanhemius upon universal grace, which occasioned the writing of several others.
matiques de Theologie.” 4. “Some sermons.” His works were published at Ingolstadt, 1606, 4to, by the Jesuit Gretser, and inserted in the Biblioth. Pp.
, called the Sinaite, because he was a
monk of mount Sinai, flourished in the seventh century.
We have several writings of this recluse: 1. “Odegos,
”
or the Guide on the true way, in Gr. and Lat. Ingoldstadt,
1606, 4to. 2. “Contemplationes in Hexameron,
” GreecoLat. Londini, Cinq
livres dogmatiques de Theologie.
” 4. “Some sermons.
”
His works were published at Ingolstadt,
h they affirmed, with their usual assurance, that he desired very anxiously before his death, that a Jesuit might be sent for immediately, to administer the sacraments
, a celebrated Lutheran divine of
the sixteenth century, was born at Waibling, a town in
the duchy of Wmemberg, March 25, 1528. His father,
whose name was James Endris, was a smith. He applied
himself to letters with great success for three years; but
his parents, being poor, had resolved to bring him up to
some mechanical profession, and had agreed with a carpenter for that purpose, when several persons of distinction, who discovered marks of genius in him, contributed
to support him in the prosecution of his studies, in which
he made a considerable advance. In 1545, he took his
master’s degree at Tubingen, and studied divinity and
the Hebrew language at the same university. In 1546 he
was appointed minister of the church of Stutgard, the metropolis of the duchy of Wirtemberg; and his sermons
were so well approved of, that his fame reached the duke,
who ordered him to preach before him, which he performed
with great applause. The same year he married a wife at
Tubingen, by whom he had nine sons and nine daughters,
nine of which children survived him. During the war in
which Germany was about the same time involved, he met
with great civilities even from the emperor’s party, till he
was obliged upon the publication of the Interim to retire
to Tubingen, where he executed the function of minister.
In the year 1553 he took his degree of doctor of divinity,
and was appointed pastor of the church of topping, and
superintendant of the neighbouring churches. He was
afterwards sent for to several parts; and in 1557 he wot
to the diet of Ratisbon with Christopher duke of Wirtemberg, and was appointed one of the secretaries at the conference at Worms between the papists and the divines of
the Augustan confession. The same year he published his
first work on the Lord’s Supper, in which he proposed a
method of agreement upon that difficult point of controversy. In June the same year he went with the duke
above-mentioned to Francfort upon the Maine, where he
preached a sermon, though he was publicly opposed by a
Romish priest. In 1558 he replied to Staphylus’s book
against Luther, which was entitled “Epitome trimembris
Theologise Lutheranse,
” and in which he had collected the
opinions of several sects, and ascribed them all to that reformer, as the original author of them. In 1559 he was
sent to Augsburg, where the diet of the empire was held;
and, during the same, preached two sermons before all the
princes of the Augustan confession, one on justification,
the other on the Lord’s supper; both printed at Tubingen,
and very popular. In 1561 he was sent to Paris, in order
to be present at the conference of Poissi, which was broken
up before he came thither. Some time after his return he
was made chancellor and rector of the university of Tubingen. In the beginning of the year 1563 he went to Strasburg, where Jerom Zanchius had propagated several opinions
accounted new, and particularly this, that the regenerate and
believers could not possibly fall again from grace, or lose
the faith, though they had committed sins against the light
of their conscience. Our author at last engaged him to
sign a form of confession, which he had drawn up. In
1565 he was invited to establish a church at Hagenaw, an
imperial city, where he preached a great many sermoni
upon the principal points of the Christian religion, which
were afterwards printed. In 1568 he assisted Julius, duke
of Brunswick, in reforming his churches. In 1569 he
took a journey to Heidelberg and Brunswick, and into
Denmark. In 1570 he went to Misniaancl Prague, where
the emperor Maximilian II. had a conversation with him
upon the subject of an agreement in religion. In 1571 he
went to visit the churches at Mompelgard; and upon his
return had a conference with Flaccius Illyricus at Strasburg, in which he confuted his paradoxical assertion, that
sin is a substance. He took several journies after this,
and used his utmost efforts to effect an union of the
churches of the Augustan confession. In 1583 he lost his
first wife, with whom he had lived thirty-seven years; and
about an year and half after he married a second wife, who
had voluntarily attended her former husband, when he was
obliged to leave his country on account of religion. About
the same time he wrote a controversial piece, in which he
maintained the ubiquity or presence of the whole Christ,
in his divine and human nature, in all things. In 1586 he
was engaged in a conference at Mompelgard with Theodore
Beza concerning the Lord’s supper, the person of Christ,
predestination, baptism, the reformation of the popish
churches, and Adiaphora or indifferent things; but this had
the usual event of all other conferences, which, though
designed to put an end to disputes in divinity, are often
the occasion of still greater. In 1537 he was sent for to
Nordling upon church affairs; and upon his return fell
sick, and published his confession of faith, in order to obviate the imputations of his adversaries; but he afterwards
recovered, and was sent for again to Ratisbon, and then to
Onolsbach by Frederick marquis of Brandenbourg. Upon
the publication of the conference at Mompelgard abovementioned, he was accused of having falsely imputed some
things to Beza, which the latter had never asserted; he
therefore went to Bern to clear himself of the charge. His
last public act was a conference at Baden in November
1589 with John Pistorius, who then inclined to Calvinism,
and afterwards revolted entirely to the Papists. He had a
very early presentiment of his death; and when he found
it drawing near, he made a declaration to several of his
friends of his constancy in the faith, which he had asserted,
and shewed the most undoubted signs of cordial belief, till
he expired on the seventh of January 1590, being sixtyone years and nine months old. His funeral sermon was
preached by Luke Osiander, and afterwards published.
Several false reports were propagated concern ing his death.
The Popish priests in the parts adjacent publicly declared
from the pulpit, that before his death he had recanted and
condemned all the doctrines which he had maintained in
word or writing. Besides, there was a letter dispersed,
in which they affirmed, with their usual assurance, that he
desired very anxiously before his death, that a Jesuit might
be sent for immediately, to administer the sacraments to
him; which request being denied him, he fell into despair,
and expired under all the horrors of it. Of this not a syllable was true, his dying words and actions entirely coinciding with his life and doctrines. His works were
extremely numerous, but his biographers have neglected
to give a list, or to notice any but his “Treatise on Concord,
”
s, a very able teacher, and afterwards for three years at Antwerp, under Andreas Schottus, a learned Jesuit, who taught him Greek; and he was taught Hebrew at the same
, a biographer, to whom works of this description are highly indebted, was born Nov. 25, 15.88, at Desschel, a small town in Brabant, from which he has been sometimes called Desselius. He studied polite literature, first in his own country, under Valerius Hontius, a very able teacher, and afterwards for three years at Antwerp, under Andreas Schottus, a learned Jesuit, who taught him Greek; and he was taught Hebrew at the same time by John Hay, a native of Scotland, and likewise one of the society of Jesuits. After having attended a course of philosophy at Douay, he was appointed Hebrew professor at Louvain in 1612. In 1621 he was created LL. D. In 1628 he was appointed regius professor of civil law, and, in 1638, keeper of the newly-founded university library. His life appears to have been principally devoted to the composition of his numerous works, and the care of the press in publishing other works of celebrity. He died at Louvain, 1656, leaving behind him the character of a man of amiable manners and extensive learning.
, a French Jesuit, born May 22, 1675, at Chateaulin in the comte de Cornouailles,
, a French Jesuit, born May 22, 1675, at Chateaulin in the comte de
Cornouailles, the country which produced the pere
Ardouin, and pere Bougeant, and like them was received
into the order of Jesuits. He settled himself at Caen, in
the chair of professor regius of the mathematics, which
he filled from 1726 to 1759; when, having attained
the age of eighty-four, he found it necessary to seek repose. His laborious life was terminated Feb. 26, 1764.
Nature had endowed him with a happy constitution, and
he preserved it unimpaired by the regularity of his life,
and the gaiety of his temper. No species of literature
was foreign to him; he succeeded in the mathematical
chair, and he wrote lively and elegant verses; but he is
chiefly known by “Essai sur le Beau,
” of which a new
edition was given in the collection of his works in 1766,
5 vols. 12mo, edited by the abbé Guyot. It is composed with order and taste, has novelty in its subject, dignity in its style, and force enough in its argument. Much
esteem is bestowed on his “Traitesur PHomme,
” in which
he philosophises concerning the union of the soul with the
body, in a manner which made him be suspected of an
innovating spirit. He was a great, admirer of Mallebranche,
and corresponded with, him for many years.
ieri, the most eminent Italian scholar in that science in the seventeenth century. He was at first a Jesuit, but that order being suppressed in 1668, he applied closely
, an Italian mathematician,
was educated under Bonaventure Cavalieri, the most eminent Italian scholar in that science in the seventeenth century. He was at first a Jesuit, but that order being
suppressed in 1668, he applied closely to the study of mathematics, and taught at Padua with great success, publishing various works, and carrying on a controversy on the
opinions of Copernicus with Riccioli and others. Moreri,
from a manuscript account of the learned men of Italy,
written by father Poisson, gives a numerous list of his
publications, some of which were in Latin, and some in
Italian. We have only seen his “Miscellaneum hyperbolicum et parabolicum,
” Venice, Delia
gravita dell' Aria e Fluidi, Dialogi V.
” Padua, Considerazioni sopra la forza d'alcune cagioni fisiche matematiche addote dal Pad. Riccioli, &c.
” Venice,
nd highly praised by the Italian critics, but some have attributed it to father Ignatio Angelucci, a Jesuit; others are of opinion that Ignatio left no work which an induce
, in Latin Angelutius, an
Italian poet and physician, who flourished about the end
of the sixteenth century, was born at Belforte, a castle
near Tolentino, in the march of Ancona. He was a physician by profession, and, on account of his successful
practice, was chosen a citizen of Trevisa, and some other
towns. He acquired also considerable reputation by a literary controversy with Francis Patrizi, respecting Aristotle.
Some writers inform us that he had been one of the professors of Padua, but Riccoboni, Tomasini, and Papadopoli,
the historians of that university, make no mention of him.
We learn from himself, in one of his dedications, that he
resided for some time at Rome, and that in 1593 he was at
Venice, an exile from his country, and in great distress, but
he says nothing of a residence in France, where, if according to some, he had been educated, we cannot suppose he
would have omitted so remarkable a circumstance in his
history. He was a member of the academy of Venice, and
died in 1600, at Montagnana, where he was the principal
physician, and from which his corpse was brought for interment at Trevisa. He is the author of, 1. “Sententia
quod Metaphygica sit eadem que Physica,
” Venice, Exercitationum cum Patricio liber,
” Ve
nice, Ars Medica, ex Hippocratis et Galeni thesauris potissimum deprompta,
” Venice, De natura et curatione malignae Febris,
” Venice,
Bactria, quibus rudens quidam ac falsus criminator valide repercutitur.
” 5. “Deus, canzone
spirituale di Celio magno, &c. con due Lezioni di T. Angelucci,
” Venice, Capitolo in lode clella
pazzia,
” inserted by Garzoni, to whom it was addressed
in his hospital of fools, “Ospitale de pazzi,
” Venice, Eneide di Virgilio, tradotto in verso sciolto,
” Naples,
labourer and shepherd, he felt an irresistible impulse towards astronomy and geometry. Pere Hill, a Jesuit, professor in the university of Inspruck, discovered his talents,
, astronomer, geometrician, and mechanic, was the son of a labourer employed in agriculture.
He was born Feb. 22, 1723, at Oberperfuss, a village
about 12 miles from Inspruck, and died Sept. 1, 1766.
While engaged in the menial employments of labourer
and shepherd, he felt an irresistible impulse towards astronomy and geometry. Pere Hill, a Jesuit, professor in the
university of Inspruck, discovered his talents, and enabled
him to cultivate them with such success, that in a short
time he became an able astronomer, and one of the best
mechanics in Europe. He made a pair of globes for the
university of Inspruck, which are acknowledged to be
masterpieces in their kind. He constructed and completed
a great variety of mathematical instruments, and drew
maps and charts of admirable accuracy and neatness.
Snatched away in the flower of his age from the arts and
sciences, he was deservedly lamented by person’s of real
knowledge. The empress-queen, whose subject he was,
and who had granted him a pension of 200 florins, which
he enjoyed but two months, settled a pension of 50 florins
on his sister, to testify her consideration for the deceased.
The maps which he left were published at Vienna in 1774,
“Tyrolis chorographia delineata e Petro An-ich et BlasioHueber, curante Ign. Weinhart.
” His life was published
in German, at Munich,
, confessor to Lewis XIV. was born at Rouergue, in 1590. He became a Jesuit in 1607, and professed the fourth vow in 1624. He taught philosophy
, confessor to Lewis XIV. was born
at Rouergue, in 1590. He became a Jesuit in 1607, and
professed the fourth vow in 1624. He taught philosophy at
Toulouse six years, and divinity seven; and having discharged his duty in each of these capacities with great
applause, he was invited to Rome, to act as censor-general of the books published by the Jesuits, and theologist to
the general of the society. Upon his return to his own
province, he was appointed rector of the colleges of Montpellier and of Toulouse. He assisted as deputy of his
province at the eighth congregation-general of the Jesuits
held at Rome in 1645, where he distinguished himself in
such a manner, that father Vincent Caraffa, general of the
Jesuits, thought no person more fit to discharge the office
of assistant of France, which had been vacant for some
time. The ninth congregation gave him the same post,
under Francis Picolimini, general of the society, upon
whose death he was made provincial of the province of
France. Whilst he was engaged in this employment, he
was chosen confessor to the king 1654; and after having
discharged this office 16 years, he was obliged to solicit
his dismission; his great age having much impaired his
hearing. Father Sotueil, from whom these particulars are
taken, gives him the character of a person of great virtues,
perfect disinterestedness, modesty, and humility; exact in
practising the observances and discipline of his order; extremely cautious in using his interest for his own advantage, or that of his family; and of uncommon zeal for religion. “He was the hammer of heretics,” says he,
“and attacked particularly, with incredible zeal, the new
heresy of the Jansenists. He strenuously endeavoured to
get it condemned by the pope, and restrained by the authority of the king. Besides which, he confuted it with
such strength of argument, that his adversaries had nothing solid to reply to him.
” There are many (says Mr. Bayle) whom father Sotueil will never convince in this last
point; but he seems to agree with him in the character of
disinterestedness which he gives to Annat, who stirred so
little for the advancement of his family, that the king is
reported to have said, he knew not whether father Annat
had any relations.
, an ex- jesuit, was born in 1689, and died at Besancon in 1753. He was the
, an ex-jesuit, was born in
1689, and died at Besancon in 1753. He was the author
of some curious pieces. The first was a collection of
French, Italian, and Spanish proverbs, a scarce little
work in 12mo, Besançon, 1733, and published under the
assumed name of Antoine Dumont, to prevent any unpleasant consequences to the author for some humorous attacks
which it contains on the Jansenists. In 1738, he published under the same name, in Latin, “A treatise on
Grace,
” but his most considerable work is “Le Precepteur,
” Besançon,
, a Spanish Jesuit, was born at Logrona, in Castille, Jan. 17, 1592. He entered
, a Spanish Jesuit, was born at
Logrona, in Castille, Jan. 17, 1592. He entered into the
society Sept. 17, 1606, and taught philosophy with great
applause at Valladolid, and divinity at Salamanca. Afterwards, at the instigation of the society, he went to Prague,
in 1624, where he taught scholastic divinity three years,
was prefect general of the studies twenty years, and chancellor of the university for twelve years. He took the degree of doctor in divinity in a very public manner, and
gained great reputation. The province of Bohemia deputed him thrice to Rome, to assist there at general congregations of the order, and it appears that he afterwards
refused every solicitation to return to Spain. He was
highly esteemed by Urban VIII. Innocent X. and the emperor Ferdinand III. He died at Prague, June 17, 1667.
His works are, “A course of Philosophy,
” fol. Antwerp,
A course
of -Divinity,
” 8 vols. fol. printed at different periods from
1645 to 1655, at Antwerp. Other works have been attributed to him, but without much authority. By these,
however, he appears to have been a man of great learning,
with some turn for boldness of inquiry; but, in general,
his reasoning is perplexed and obscure, and perhaps the
abbé l'Avocat is right in characterising him as one of the
most subtle, and most obscure of the scholastic divines.
Bayle says he resembles those authors who admirably discover the weakness of any doctrine, but never discover
the strong side of it: they are, he adds, like warriors, who
bring fire and sword into the enemies’ country, but are not
able to put their own frontiers into a state of resistance.
i, died at Florence in 1639, and was a man of learning, and skilled in mathematics. There was also a Jesuit of the same name, who published “The theory of Fire,” in 1750,
, a native of Florence, where
he was born in 1582, and died in 1662, was appointed by
pope Urban VIII. canon of the cathedral. He wrote a
great many books, among which are, 1. “The Rhetoric
of Aristotle,
” divided into fifty-six lessons; 2. “A translation of the Poetic
” of the same author; 3. “Four Academical discourses,
” on pleasure, laughter, spirit, and
honour. 4. “A life of St. Francis.
” 5. Some pious writings, particularly a “Treatise on vocal and mental
Prayer.
” His father, Nicholas Arrighetti, died at Florence
in 1639, and was a man of learning, and skilled in mathematics. There was also a Jesuit of the same name, who
published “The theory of Fire,
” in
, a learned writer on music and poetry, was a Spanish Jesuit, and very young when that order was suppressed in Spain. He
, a learned writer on music and
poetry, was a Spanish Jesuit, and very young when that
order was suppressed in Spain. He then went to Italy,
and lived a considerable time at Bologna, in the house of
cardinal Albergati. He afterwards accompanied his friend
the chevalier Azara, the Spanish ambassador, to Paris
and died in his house Oct. 30, 1799. His first publication
was a treatise on “Ideal Beauty,
” in Spanish but that
which has contributed most to his fame, was his “Revoluzioni del teatro musicale Italiano, dalla sua origine, fino
al presente,
” Venice,
the Rebel’s Plea wherein are the most noted anti-monarchical tenets, first published by Doleman the Jesuit, to promote a bill of exclusion against king James I. secondly,
A few years before his death, he was invited to accept
the headship of the college, then vacant, but modestly
declined it. He died at Beckenham, Sept. 1711, in the
seventieth year of his age, and was buried in the chancel
of that church. The writer of his life gives him the highest
character for piety, probity, and inflexible adherence to
the doctrines and interests of the church of England. His
general sentiments and turn of mind may be discovered in
the titles of his various works 1. “Toleration disapproved
and condemned by the authority and convincing reasons
of, I. That wise and learned king James, and his
privycouncil, Anno Reg. II do II. The honourable Commons assembled in this present parliament, in their Votes, &c.
Feb. 25, 1662. III. The Presbyterian ministers in the city
of London, met at Sion College, December 18, 1645.
IV. Twenty eminent divines, most (if not all) of them members of the late assembly; in their Sermons before the two
houses of parliament on solemn occasions. Faithfully collected by a very moderate hand, and humbly presented to the
serious consideration of all dissenting parties,
” Oxford,! 670.
He published a second edition of this book, the same year,
with his name, and the pro-vice-chancellor of Oxford’s
imprimatur, prefixed to it. 2. “The Cases of Scandal and
Persecution being a seasonable inquiry into these two
things I. Whether the Nonconformists, who otherwise
think subscription lawful, are therefore obliged to forbear
it, because the weak brethren do judge it unlawful II.
Whether the execution of penal laws upon Dissenters, for
non-communion with the Church of England, be persecution Wherein they are pathetically exhorted to return
into the bosom of the church, the likeliest expedient to
stop the growth of Popery,
” London, 1674. 3. “The
Royal Apology or, An Answer to the Rebel’s Plea
wherein are the most noted anti-monarchical tenets, first
published by Doleman the Jesuit, to promote a bill of exclusion against king James I. secondly, practised by Bradshaw, and the regicides, in the actual murder of king
Charles I. thirdly, republished by Sidney, and the associates to depose and murder his present majesty,
” London,
A seasonable Vindication
of their present Majesties,
” London. 5. “The Country
Parson’s Admonition to his Parishioners against Popery
with directions how to behave themselves, when any one
designs to seduce them from the Church of England,
”
London, A full Defence of the former Discourse against the Missionaries Answer being a farther
examination of the pretended Infallibility of the Chuvch of
Rome
” or, as it is intitled in the first impression, “A
Defence of the Plain Man’s Reply to the Catholic Missionaries,
” &c. A short Discourse against Blasphemy,
” A Discourse against Drunkenness,
”
A Discourse against Swearing and Cursing,
”
Directions in order to the suppressing of
Debauchery and Proprmneness,
” A Conference with an Anabaptist; Part I. Concerning the subject
of Baptism: being a Defence of Infant-Baptism,
” 1694.
It was occasioned by a separate congregation of Anabaptists
being set up in Dr. Assheton’s parish but the meeting
soon breaking up, the author never published a second
part. 12. “A Discourse concerning a Death-bed Repentance.
” 13. “A Theological Discourse of last Wills and
Testaments,
” London, A seasonable Vindication of the blessed Trinity being an answer to this question, Why do you believe the doctrine of the Trinity
Collected from the works of the most reverend doctor
John Tillotson, late lord archbishop of Canterbury, and
the right reverend doctor Edward Stillingfleet, now lord
bishop of Worcester,
” London, A brief state
of the Socinian Controversy, concerning a Trinity in Unity
” collected from the Works of Dr, Isaac Barrow, London, 1698. 16. “The Plain Man’s Devotion, Part I. In
a method of daily Devotion and, a method of Devotion
for the Lord’s Day. Both fitted to the meanest capacities,
”
A full Account of the rise, progress, and
advantages of Dr. Assheton’s Proposal (as now improved and managed by the worshipful company of Mercers, London,) for che benefit of Widows of Clergymen, and others,
by settled Jointures and Annuities, at the rate of thirty per
cent. With directions for the widow how to receive her
annuity, without any delay, charges, or deductions. ‘ Plead
for the widow,’ Isa. i. 17. 1713. 18.
” A Vindication of
the Immortality of the Soul, and a Future State,“London,
1703. 19.
” A brief exhortation to the Holy Communion,
with the nature and measures of Preparation concerning it
fitted to the meanest capacities,“1705. 20.
” A Method
of Devotion for sick and dying persons with particular
directions from the beginning of Sickness to the hour of
Death,“London, 1706. 21.
” The Possibility of Apparitions being an answer to this question ‘ Whether can
departed souls (souls separated from their bodies) so appear, as to be visibly seen, and converse here on earth’
This book was occasioned by the remarkable story of one
dying at Dover, and appearing to her friend at Canterbury.
22. “Occasional Prayers from bishop Taylor, bishop Cosins, bishop Kenn,
” &c. and “A devout collection of
Divine Hymns and Poems, on several occasions,
” London, A seasonable Vindication of the Clergy
being an answer to some reflections in a late book, entitled
The Rights of the Christian Church asserted, &c. Humbly
submitted to the serious consideration of the nobility and
gentry of Great Britain. By a Divine of the Church of
London,
” 1709. 24. “Directions for the Conversation of
the Clergy collected from the Visitation Charges of the.
right reverend father in God, Edward Stillingfleet, D. D.
late lord bishop of Worcester,
” London,
, a French Jesuit and painter, attached to the mission to Pekin, was born at Dole,
, a French Jesuit and painter,
attached to the mission to Pekin, was born at Dole, in
Tranche-Comté, July 31, 1702, and at first took lessons in
painting, and made considerable proficiency under his father, who was an artist. He then went to Rome, under
the patronage of the marquis de Brossa, and on his return,
painted some pictures at Lyons, which procured him great
reputation. In his thirtieth year he entered among the
Jesuits, in the humble character of a lay- brother, and some,
years afterwards, when the missionaries of Pekin demanded
the services of a painter, he obtained the appointment,
and went to China about the end of 1737. He had no
sooner arrived at Pekin than he offered the emperor a
painting of the Adoration of the Kings, with which the
emperor was so much pleased that he ordered it to be
placed in his interior apartment. Notwithstanding this
promising outset, he underwent many mortifications, in
being obliged to comply with the bad taste of the Chinese
in what paintings he executed for them, and was so teazed
by the emperor himself, that, in order to please him, he was
obliged to take lessons from the Chinese artists but finding that a compliance with their instructions must spoil his
performances, and injure his reputation, he declined painting for his majesty. Ddring the years, however, from
1753 to 1760, distinguished by many victories gained by
the emperor Kien Long, he had frequent orders for battlepieces, &c. which he executed so much to the satisfaction
of that monarch, that he created him a mandarin, and
when Attiret refused to accept it, the minister of state
told him he should have the revenues, although he declined the honour. The missionaries speak in the highest
terms of his talents, modesty, and piety. He died at
Pekin, Dec. 8, 1768, and the emperor defrayed the expences of his funeral the large pictures he painted for
the emperor are in the palace, but never shown the missionaries can exhibit only one picture, “The Guardian
Angel,
” which is in the chapel of the Neophites, in the
French missionary church at Pekin. There is nothing of
Attiret' s in print, except a letter in the “Recueil des Lettres Edifiantes,
” vol. XXVII. which was translated by the
late Rev. Joseph Spence, under his assumed name of sir
Harry Beaumont, entitled “A particular account of the
emperor of China’s gardens near Pekin, in a letter from father Attiret, a French missionary, now employed by that
emperor to paint the apartments in those gardens, to his
friend at Paris,
” London,
rudiments of learning from his father, after which he was put under the tuition of Vincent Glarea, a Jesuit, who then gave public lectures on rhetoric at Florence, with
was born at Florence the 19th of March 1662, the youngest of the three sons of John Francis Averani. Benedict, the eldest, made himself famous for his eloquence and the thorough knowledge he had of the Greek and Roman classics while Nicholas, the other brother, so greatly excelled in jurisprudence and all kinds of mathematical learning, as to be reckoned among the foremost in those studies. Joseph received the first rudiments of learning from his father, after which he was put under the tuition of Vincent Glarea, a Jesuit, who then gave public lectures on rhetoric at Florence, with whom he made uncommon progress. He was taught Greek by Antonius Maria Salvini, and advanced so rapidly in his studies, that, in a short time, whether he wrote in Italian, or Latin, or Greek, he shewed an intimate acquaintance with the ancient writers. Young as he was, however, he did not confine himself to oratorical performances alone, but exercised himself in poetry, for which he had much taste. He next applied to the study of the peripatetic philosophy, taking for his guide John Francis Vannius, the Jesuit. After pursuing a variety of studies, with astonishing success, he at length attached himself to mathematics and natural philosophy. When at Pisa he applied to the study of the law and at his leisure hours, in the first year of his residence there, he translated Archimedes with the commentaries of Eutocius Ascalonita out of Greek into Latin, adding many remarks of his own in explanation and illustration of those books which treat of the sphere and cylinder, the circles, the spheroids and conies, and the quadrature of the parabola. He shortly after wrote a treatise on the Momenta of heavy bodies on inclined planes, in defence of Galileo against the attacks of John Francis Vannius, but did not publish it. He cleared up many obscurities in Apollonius Pergaeus. These and other studies did not retard the wonderful progress he made in jurisprudence, which induced Cosmo III. of Medicis to appoint him public teacher of the institutes of civil law in the academy of Pisa. It is to be lamented that none of the orations which he made in this capacity have reached us, except one on the principles of jurisprudence, medicine, and theology. He published two books of the interpretations of the law. The applause with which these were received, induced him to join to them three more books, in the composition and arrangement of which he passed many years. He made a great variety of discoveries in experimental philosophy. He applied himself earnestly to ascertain the time in which sound is propagated, and to discover whether its velocity is retarded by contrary and increased by fair winds. These and other experiments he made at the request of Laurentio Magoloti, who communicated them to the royal society of London i.nd the society in return admitted Averani as an honorary member. Upon the death of his brother Benedict, he sought for consolation in composing an elegiac poem in his praise, and in writing his life in Latin. He died on the 22d of September 1738, lamented as one of the ablest and best of men.
, a French Jesuit, was born in 1530, at Allernan, a village in the diocese of
, a French Jesuit, was born in 1530,
at Allernan, a village in the diocese of Troyes, and became
noted for his extraordinary skill in the conversion of heretics, that is, llugonots, or Protestants, of whom he is said
to have recovered many thousands to the church. He was
often in danger from his unsought services, and was once
narrowly saved from the gallows by a minister of the reformed church, who hoped to gain him over to his party.
This, however, only served to excite his ardour in the cause
of proselytism, and he distinguished himself very remarkably at Lyons during the ravages of the plague. Henry
III. appointed him to be his preacher and confessor, the
first time in which this latter honour had been conferred.
He was, however, either so conscientious or so unfortunate
as neither to gain the affections of his prince, nor to preserve the good opinion and confidence of the Jesuits.
After the death of Henry III. his superiors recalled him to
Italy, and sent him from house to house, where he was considered as an excommunicated person, travelling on foot in
the depth of winter; and of such fatigues he died in the
sixty-first year of his age, in 1591. He wrote some
controversial works in a very intemperate style. One of
his pieces was published in 1568, under the title of “Pedagogue d‘armes a un Prince Chretien, pour entreprendre
et achever heureusement une bonne guerre, victorieuse de
tous les ennemis de son etat et de l’eglise.
” Father Dorigny published the life of Auger in
, a learned Jesuit of the sixteenth century, was a native of Lucca, in the diocese
, a learned Jesuit of the sixteenth
century, was a native of Lucca, in the diocese of Carthagena, in Spain. His merit preferred him to eminence in
his society, where he was rector of several colleges. He
professed humanity with reputation in many other places,
particularly at Alcala, and at Rome, where he died in
1603. He published “Institutionum Moralium, tomi
tres,
” Rome, In Cantica Canticorum
commentaria juxta historicum et allegoricum sensum,
”
which does not appear to have been printed.
Hague on the title, but really in France, and, according to Niceron, written by father Le Tellier, a Jesuit, all of which order resented Baillet' s partiality to the gentlemen
In 1676, he received holy orders, and passed his examinations with high approbation. Monnoye, one of his
biographers, mentions a circumstance very creditable to his
superiors, that, although they were satisfied with his learning, they would not have admitted him into orders, if they
had not discovered that he was superior to the vanity which
sometimes accompanies a reputation for learning. The
bishop of Beauvais now gave him the vicarage of Lardieres,
which netted only 30l. yearly, yet with this pittance, Baillet, who maintained a brother, and a servant, contrived to
indulge his humanity to the poor, and his passion for books,
to purchase which he used to go once a year to Paris. His
domestic establishment was upon the most temperate scale,
no drink but water, and no meat, but brown bread, and
sometimes a little bacon, and a few herbs from his garden
boiled in water with salt, and whitened with a little milk.
The cares of his parish, however, so much interrupted his
favourite studies that he petitioned, and obtained another
living, the only duties of which were singing at church,
and explaining the catechism. A higher and more grateful
promotion now awaited him, as in 1680, he was made
librarian to M. Lamoignon, not the first president of the
parliament, as Niceron says, for he was then dead, but his
son, who at that time was advocate-general. To this place
he was recommended by M. Hermant, a doctor of the Sorbonne, who told Lamoignon that Baillet was the proper
person for him, if he could excuse his awkwardness. Lamoignon answered that he wanted a man of learning, and
did not regard his outward appearance. To Baillet such
an appointment was so gratifying that for some time he
could scarcely believe M. Hermant to be serious. When
he found it confirmed, however, he entered upon his new
office with alacrity, and one of his first employments was
to draw up an index of the library, which extended to
thirty-five folio volumes, under two divisions, subjects and
author’s names. The Latin preface to the index of subjects, when published, was severely, but not very justly censured by M. Menage, as to its style. After this, he completed four volumes of his celebrated work “Jugemens des
Savans,
” and gave them to the bookseller with no other
reserve than that of a few copies for presents. The success of the work was very great, and the bookseller
urged him to finish the five volumes that were, to follow.
He did not, however, accomplish the whole of his design,
which was to consist of six parts. I. In the first he was to
treat of those printers, who had distinguished themselves
by their learning, ability, accuracy, and fidelity. Of
critics, that is, of those who acquaint us with authors, and
their books, and in general those, who give an account
of the state of literature, and of all that belongs to the republic of letters. Of philologists, and all those who treat
of polite literature. Of grammarians and translators of all
kinds. II. Poets, ancient and modern writers of romances and tales in prose rhetoricians, orators, and writers
of letters, either in Latin, or in any of the modern languages. III. Historians, geographers, and chronologists
of all sorts. IV. Philosophers, physicians, and
mathematicians. V. Authors upon the civil and canon law, poJitics, and ethics. VI. Writers on divinity particularly
the fathers, school-divinity heretics, &c. He published,
however, only the first of these divisions, and half of the
second, under the title of “Jugemens des Savans sur les
principaux ouvrages des Auteurs,
” Paris, Asinus in Parnasso,
” the Ass on
Parnassus, followed afterwards by “Asinus ad Lyram,
”
and “Asinus Judex,
” all in defence of Menage and the
poets and an anonymous poet wrote “Asinus Pictor.
”
It does not appear, however, that these injured the sale of
the work; and in 1686, the five other volumes, upon the
poets, were published, with a preface, in which the author
vindicates himself with ability. M. Menage now published
his “Anti-Baillet,
” in which he endeavoured to point out
Baillet' s errors and another author attacked him in “Reflexions sur le Jugemens des Savans, [envoy 6ez a l'auteur
par un Academicien,
” Jugemens,
” attributes this letter to another Jesuit, a young man not
named. Of these censures some are undoubtedly just, but
others the cavils of caprice and hypercriticism.
hile his tenets were censured. About thirteen years after this transaction, instigated by Tolet, the Jesuit doctor, Gregory XIII. confirmed the sentence, and again condemned
This bold step drew upon Baius the indignation of some
of his academical colleagues, and the heavy censures of
several Franciscan monks. Whether the Jesuits immediately joined in this opposition, and may be reckoned
among the first accusers of Baius, is a matter unknown, or
at most, uncertain, but it is evident that, even at the rise of
this controversy, they abhorred the principal tenets of
Baius, which he had taken from Augustm, and adopted as
his own. In 1567, he was accused at the court of Rome,
and seventy-six propositions drawn from his writings, were
condemned by pope Pius V. in a circular letter expressly
composed for that purpose. The principal doctrines maintained in these propositions were, that unregenerate men
have no ability to perform what is spiritually good, and that
no man’s best works are meritorious of eternal life. The
pope’s condemnation, however, was issued out in an artful
and insidious manner, without any mention being made of
the name of the author for the fatal consequences that
had arisen from the rash and inconsiderate measures employed by the court of Rome against Luther, were too
fresh in the remembrance of the prudent pontiff to permit
his falling into new blunders of the same nature. The
person and functions of Baius, therefore, were spared,
while his tenets were censured. About thirteen years after
this transaction, instigated by Tolet, the Jesuit doctor,
Gregory XIII. confirmed the sentence, and again condemned the propositions. Dreading further severity, or
more probably because his condemnation was vague and
ambiguous, Baius submitted but others exclaimed against
the papal decisions, as manifestly unjust. Baius’s doctrine was propagated with no inconsiderable zeal, in the
flourishing universities of Douay and Louvaine. When
the Jesuits Lessius and Hamelius attempted to preach a
scheme of predestination, different from that of Augustin,
the doctors of these universities condemned their opinions
in 1587 and 1588. The bishops of the Low Countries prepared to do the same, but pope Sixtus V. suspended their
proceedings, and by imposing silence on both parties,
hushed the controversy. Even at this day, many“divin
of the Romish communion, and particularly the Jansenists
declare openly that Baius was unjustly treated, and that
the two edicts of Pius and Gregory are absolutely destitute
of all authority. He died the 16th of September 1589, at
the age of 76. We have his controversial tracts against
Maniix, 1579 and 1582, 2 vols. 8vo. His entire works were
collected in 1696, in 4to, at Cologn, and the following year
were prohibited by the pope. His style is greatly superior
to that of the divines of his time, being simple and close.
Baius had studied the fathers with such care, that it is affirmed he read St. Augustin over nine times a proof of his
patience, if not of his judgment. Baius by his will founded a college for education. His nephew, James Baius,
likewise doctor of Louvain, and who died in 1614, left behind him a tract on the Eucharist, printed at that city in
1605, 8 vo, and a catechism in folio, Cologn, 1620. The
opinions of Michael Baius did not die with him. Cornelius
Jansenius revived a great number of them in his book, entitled
” Augustinus."
, a learned French Jesuit, was born at Metz, June 3, 1667, and received into the society
, a learned French Jesuit,
was born at Metz, June 3, 1667, and received into the
society of Jesuits, at Nancy, in Nov. 1682. In 1700,
when he took the four vows, he was professor of Hebrew
in the college of Strasburgh, and before that, when much
younger, he taught the lower classes at Dijon, and gave
essons on rhetoric at Pont-a-Mousson. In his youth he
studied Greek and Latin with ardour, and afterwards applied with equal zeal to Hebrew and Christian antiquities,
until his continued study had injured his health. With a
view of restoring it by travelling, he was sent from Strasburgh to Dijon, where he had the care of the public library. In 1717 he was called to Rome, and for some
time was censor of the press but the air of Rome disagreeing with him, he returned to France, where he was
successively rector of the Jesuits colleges at Dijon, at
Pont-a-Mousson, and other places. His last employment
was that of librarian, at Rheims, where he died, March 9,
1743. He was in very high esteem among his brethren,
and acquired considerable reputation by his works, which
are, 1. “Oraison funebre de M. Pierre Creagh,
” archbishop
of Dublin, Strasburgh, Reponse a l'histoire
des Onicles de M. de Fontenelle,
” Strasburgh, Suite de la Reponse, &c.
” Strasburgh, Defense ties Ss. Peres accuses de Platonisme,
” Paris,
1711, 4to. Dupin has given a good analysis of this
learned work in the second volume of his ecclesiastical
authors of the eighteenth century. 5. “Jugement des
Ss. Peres sur la morale de la philosophic paienne,
” Strasburgh, 1719, 4to. 6. “Reflexions spirituelles et sentimens de piete ciu II. P. Charles de Lorraine,
” a trans^
hition from the Italian, Dijon, 1720, 12 mo. 7. “La Vie
de Sainte Fabronie,
” from the Greek, ib. Les actes de S. Barlaam,
” from the Greek, ib. These remarks on M.
Huet’s work were addressed to the abbe Olivet, and were
printed in the literary and historical memoirs of father
Molets. 10. ct La religion Chretienne, prouvee par l‘accomplisserncnt des propheties de l’ancien et du nonveau
Testament, suivant la methode des Ss. Peres,
” Paris,
1728, 4to. 11. “Defense des propheties de la religion
Chretienne,
” Paris,
, about twenty years before, in Holland. Banier embarked in this attempt, with l'abbe le Mascrier, a Jesuit, who had assisted in the French translation of Thuanus. This,
The abbe already began to perceive the attacks of a distemper, which seemed to be conducting him insensibly to
the grave, when some booksellers at Paris prevailed upon
him to superintend the new edition, which they designed
to give^ of “A general History of the ceremonies, manners, and religious customs of all the nations in the world;
”
a magnificent edition of which had made its appearance,
about twenty years before, in Holland. Banier embarked
in this attempt, with l'abbe le Mascrier, a Jesuit, who had
assisted in the French translation of Thuanus. This, which
was finished in 1741, in seven volumes folio, is much
more valuable than the Dutch edition as there are in it
numberless corrections, a larger quantity of articles, and
several new dissertations, written by these ingenious compilers. The Dutch author, particularly where he mentions
the customs and ceremonies of the Roman church, is more
occupied in attempting to make his readers laugh, than
solidly to instruct them. The new editors, whilst they
retained these passages, were also careful to amend them.
The abbe Banier died on Nov. 19, 1741, in the 69th year
of his age. An English translation of his Mythology and
Fables of the Ancients, was published in London, 1741, in
4 vols. 8vo.
is entitled “Sentirnens de Cleanthe sur les Entretiens d‘Ariste et d’Eugene, par le pere Bouhours,” Jesuit, in 12mo. This book has been often quoted, and with good reason,
, advocate in the parliament of Paris, and member of the French academy, was
born at Langres, of poor parents, and drew himself out of
obscurity by his talents. He was at first repetiteur in the
college of Lisieux. He then applied himself to the bar
but his memory having failed him at the outset of his first
pleading, he promised never to attempt it again, though it
was thought he might have pleaded with success. Colbert having given him charge of fhe education of one of his sons, Barbier lengthened his name by the addition of d'Aucour. But
this minister dying without having done any thing for his
advancement, he was obliged to return to the bar. Here
he acquired great honour by the eloquent and generous
defence he made for a certain le Brun, the valet of a lady
in Paris, falsely accused of having assassinated his mistress,
but this was his last cause. He died Sept. 13, 1694, at
the age of 53, of an inflammation of the breast. The deputies of the academy, who went to see hirn in his last sickness, were concerned to find him so badly lodged “It is
my comfort,
” said he, “and a very great comfort it is, that
I leave no heirs of my misery.
” The abbe* de Choisi, one of
them, having said, “You leave a name that will never
die
” “Alas, T do not flatter myself on that score,
” returned cl'Aucour “if my works should have any sort of
value in themselves, I have been wrong in the choice of my
subjects. I have dealt only in criticism, which never lasts
long. For, if the book criticised should fall into contempt, the criticism falls with it, since it is immediately
seen to be useless and if, in spite of the criticism, the
book stands it ground, then the criticism is equally forgotten, since it is immediately thought to be unjust.
” He
was no friend to the Jesuits, and the greater part of his
works are against that society, or against the writers of it.
That which does him the most honour is entitled “Sentirnens de Cleanthe sur les Entretiens d‘Ariste et d’Eugene,
par le pere Bouhours,
” Jesuit, in 12mo. This book has
been often quoted, and with good reason, as a model of
just and ingenious criticism. D‘Aucour here distributes
his bon-mots and his learning, without going too great
lengths in his raillery and his quotations. Bouhours was
supposed never to have recovered this attack. The abbe
Granet gave an edition of this work in 1730, to which he
has added two circumstances, which prove that Barbier
would have been as good a lawyer as a critic. The other
writings of d’Aucour are more frivolous, “Les Gaudinettes, l'Onguent pour la brdlure,
” against the Jesuits
“Apollon vendeur de Mithridate,
” against Racine two
satires in miserable poetry. It is not easy to conceive that
he could rally Bouhours in so neat, and the others in so
coarse a manner. It is said that his antipathy to the Jesuits arose from his being one day in their church, when
one of the fathers told him to behave with decency, because locus erat sacer. D'Aucour immediately replied,
Si locus est sacrus. This unfortunate blunder was repeated
from mouth to mouth. The regents repeated it it was
echoed by the scholars and the nickname of Lawyer Sacrus was fixed upon him.
had applied himself so closely to his books, that he was qualified to fill a chair. Edmund Hay, the Jesuit, who was his countryman, and is said to have been related to
, a learned and eminent Civilian,
was born in Aberdeenshire, in 1541, and descended from
one of the best families in Scotland. He was in favour
with Mary queen of Scots but, after that princess was
dethroned, and detained in captivity in England, finding
that he had no prospect of making his fortune in the court
of her son James, he resolved to retire into France, which.
he did about 1573. He was then more than thirty years
of age, and went to Bourges, in order to study law. He
there took his doctor’s degree in that faculty, and had
applied himself so closely to his books, that he was qualified
to fill a chair. Edmund Hay, the Jesuit, who was his
countryman, and is said to have been related to him, procured him accordingly a professorship in civil law in the
university of Pontamousson, by his interest with the duke
of Lorrain, who had lately founded that seminary. And
the duke not only conferred upon Barclay the first professorship, but also appointed him counsellor of state, and
master of requests. In 1581, Barclay married Anne de
Malleville, a young lady of Lorrain, by whom he had his
son John, who afterwards became a writer of considerable
note, and whom the Jesuits endeavoured to prevail on to
enter into their society. But Barclay opposing their
scheme, the Jesuits resented it so highly, and did him so
many ill offices with the duke, that he was obliged to leave
Lorrain. He then went to London, where king James I.
is said to have offered him a place in his council, with a
considerable pension but he declined these offers, because
it was made a necessary condition of his accepting them,
that he should embrace the protestant religion. In 1604,
he returned into France, and accepted the professorship
of the civil law, which was offered him by the university
of Angers. He taught there with reputation, and is said
to have been fond of making a splendid appearance in his
character of professor. But he did not hold this office
long, dying in 1606. He was buried in the church of the
Franciscans. He appears to have been much prejudiced
against the Protestants and was a zealous advocate for
passive obedience, and the divine right of kings, as appears from his writings, of which the following are “the
principal, 1.
” De Reguo et llegali Potestate ad versus
Buchananum, Brutum, Boucherium, et reliquos Monarchoniachos,“Paris, 1600, dedicated to Henry IV. 2.
” De
Potestate Papse, quatenus in Reges et Principes seculares
Jus et Imperium habeat,“Franco!'. 1609, 1613, 1621, Hannovias, 1612, in 8vo, and Lond. in English, 1611, in 4to,
Mussiponti, 1610, 8vo, and Parisiis, 1600, 4to. In this
he proves that the pope has no power, direct or indirect,
over sovereigns in temporals, and that they who allow him,
any such power, whatever they may intend, do very great
prejudice to the Roman catholic religion. 3.
” A commentary
upon the Title of the Pandects de Rebus creditis et de Jure] urando,“Paris, 1605, 8vo. 4.
” Prcemetia in vitam
Agricolse," Paris, 1599, 2 vols. 8vo. This last is said to
be an excellent commentary on Tacitus. There are two
letters from him to Lipsius in Burman’s Sylloges Epistolarum, and four from Lipsius to him.
, a Jesuit and eminent Portuguese divine, was born at Lisbon, 1542. After
, a Jesuit
and eminent Portuguese divine, was born at Lisbon, 1542.
After entering among the Jesuits, he taught a long time at
Coimbra and other places; and, applying himself to preaching, gained the title of “The apostle of Portugal.
” He
died April 14, 1615, in great reputation for sanctity. All
his works were printed at Cologn, 1628, 4 vols. fol. under
the title of “Commentaria in concordiam et historiarn
Evangelicam.
” The most particularly esteemed among
them is, “Itinerarium filiorum Israel ex Ægypto in terram
repromissionis,
” Paris,
, a learned and laborious Jesuit, was born at Ferrara in 1608. After having professed the art
, a learned and laborious Jesuit,
was born at Ferrara in 1608. After having professed the
art of rhetoric, and for a long time devoted himself to
preaching, his superiors fixed him at Home in 1650. From
that period till his death he published a great number of
works, as well historical as others, all in the Italian language.
The most known and the most considerable is a history of
his society, printed at Rome, from 1650 to 1673, in 6 vols,
folio; translated into Latin by father Giannini, and printed
at Lyons in 1666 et seq. All his other works, the historical
excepted, were collected and published at Venice in 1717,
3 vols. in 4to. Both the one and the other are much
esteemed, no less for their matter, than for the purity, the
precision, and the elevation of their diction; and this Jesuit is regarded by his countrymen as one of the purest
writers of the Italian language. Haller praises his philosophical works, and Dr. Burney that on Harmony,
published at Bologna, 1680, under the title “Del Suono
de Tremori Armonici e dell' Udito,
” a truly scientific and
ingenious work, in which are several discoveries in harmonics, that have been pursued by posterior writers on the
subject. He died at Rome, Jan. 13, 1685, at the age of
seventy-seven, after having signalized himself as much by
his virtues as by his literary attainments.
, an Irish Jesuit, was born in Dublin in 1564. It is said that he was of a sullen,
, an Irish Jesuit, was born in Dublin
in 1564. It is said that he was of a sullen, saturnine temper, and disturbed in his mind, because his family was reduced from its ancient splendour. His parents, who were
Protestants, having a greater regard to learning than religion, placed him under the tuition of an eminent popish
school-master, who fitted him for that station of life which
he afterwards embraced. He then removed to Oxford,
where he studied several years with indefatigable industry:
but the inquisitive Anthony Wood could not discover in
what college or hall he sojourned, or whether he took any
university degree. The same writer alledges, that growing weary of the heresy professed in England (as he usually called the Protestant faith), he quitted the nation and his
religion together, and in 1596 was initiated among the
Jesuits, being then between thirty and forty years of age;
though one of his own order says he was then but twentyfive, which certainly is erroneous. Having spent some
time among the Jesuits in Flanders, Ik; travelled into Italy,
and completed his studies at Padua; from whence he
passed into Spain, being appointed to govern the Irish
seminary at Salamanca. He is said to have had a most
ardent zeal for making converts, and was much esteemed
among the people of his persuasion for his extraordinary
virtues and good qualities, though he was of a temper not
very sociable. At length, taking a journey to Madrid to
transact some business of his order, he died on the 17th of
June 1614, and was buried in the Jesuits 7 convent of that
city, bearing among his brethren a reputation for learning;
particularly on account of a work which he published to
facilitate the acquirement of any language, entitled “Janua Linguarum, seu modus maxime accommodatus, quo
patent aditus ad omnes linguas intelligendas,
” Salamanca,
An introduction to the art of Music,
” London, A briefe introduction to
the skill of Song; concerning the practice; set forth by
William Bathe, gent.
” From sir John Hawkins’s account
of both these productions, and his extracts from them, it
does not appear that they have any great merit. The
style, in particular, is very perplexed and disagreeable.
, a learned French Jesuit, was born at Paris, April 15, 1649, and entered the society
, a learned French Jesuit, was
born at Paris, April 15, 1649, and entered the society in
1665. He had taught grammar and the classics in the
Jesuits college of Paris, for five years, and had completed
his theological studies, when about the end of 1677 he
was appointed tutor to the duke of Bourbon, and obliged
to return to his studies again for five years, after which he
was appointed professor of rhetoric, and filled that office
for the same number of years. As soon as he found leisure
from these engagements, he began to collect the works
of father Sirmond, which he published in 1696, in 5
vols. fol. at Paris, and which were afterwards reprinted at
Venice, in 1729. He also intended to have collected the
works of the celebrated Petau, but the weakness of his
sight began now to interrupt his literary labours, and he
was at the same time ordered to Rouen as rector of the
college. Three years after he returned to Paris, whence
he went to Rome, to be present at the general assembly
of the society. The rest of his life he passed partly at
Rouen, and partly at Paris, where he died Oct. 21, 1725.
Besides the edition of the works of Sirmond, we owe to
his labours, 1. “Symbola Heroica,
” Paris, Infunere Gabrielis Cossartii carmen,
” Paris, Panegyrici veteres, ad usum Delphmi,
” ibid. Ludus poeticus in recentem
cometam,
” Paris, Ludovico duci Borbonio, Oratio,
” ibid. Ferdinando de
Furstenberg, pro fundata missione Sinensi, gratiarum
actio,
” ibid. In obitum ejusdem, carmen,
” Ludovico magno liberalium artium parenti et patrono, panegyricus,
” ibid. Augustiss. Galliarum senatui panegyricus,
” ibid. Laudatio funebris Ludovici Borbonii principis
Condaei,
” ibid. Coliegii Parisiensis societ. Jesu, festi plausus ad nuptias Ludovici Galliarum
Delphini, et Marise-Annre-Christianre-Victoriae Bavarse,
”
ibid.
t speak his mind more freely, he concealed his being the author. About this time father de Valois, a Jesuit of Caen, published a book, wherein he maintained that the sentiments
Jn 1680, an affair of the duke of Luxemburgh made a
great noise; he had been accused of impieties, sorcery,
and poisonings, but was acquitted, and the process against
him suppressed. Mr. Bayle, having been at Paris during
the harvest-vacation, had heard many particulars concerning this alfair, and immediately composed an harangue on
the subject, wherein the marshal is supposed to vindicate
himself before his judges. This speech is a smart satire
upon the duke and some o'her persons. He afterwards
wrote one more satirical, by way of criticism upon the
harangue. He sent these two pieces to Mr. Minutoli, desiring his opinion of them; and, that he might speak his
mind more freely, he concealed his being the author.
About this time father de Valois, a Jesuit of Caen, published a book, wherein he maintained that the sentiments
of M. Des Cartes concerning the essence and properties of
body, were repugnant to the doctrine of the church, and
agreeable to the errors of Calvin on the subject of the eucharist. Mr. Bayle read this performance, and judged it
well done. He was of opinion the author had incontestably proved the point in question; to wit, that the principles of M. Des Cartes were contrary to the faith of the
church of Rome, and agreeable to the doctrine of Calvin.
He took occasion from thence to write his “Sentimens de
M. Dcs Cartes touchant Tessence, &c.
” wherein he maintained the principles of Des Cartes, and answered all the
arguments by which father de Valois had endeavoured to
confute them.
, a learned French Jesuit, and classical antiquary, was born in 160U, in the conitat Yenaissin,
, a learned French Jesuit,
and classical antiquary, was born in 160U, in the conitat
Yenaissin, and entered among the Jesuits in 1619. He
taught rhetoric for seven years at Toulouse, and was afterwards rector of the college of Rhodez. He died in the
college of Montpellier, July 26, 1670. His works, which
discover much valuable literary research, are, 1. “Diatribac dux-, prima de partibus templi Atiguralis; altera, de
mense-et die victoria? Pharsalica;,
” Toulouse, Diatriba de Pharsalici conflictus mense et
die, cum accessionibus et prefatione Henrici Leonard!
Schurztleischii,
” Wirtembcrg, Breviculiim cxpeditionis Hispaniensis Ludovici XIII.
” Toulouse,
164:2, 4 to. 4. “Otia regia Ludovici XIV. regis Christianissimi, sive Polyoenus Gallicus de veterum et recentium
Gallorum stratagematibus,
” Clermont, 1658, 8vo, Francfort, 1661, 8vo. 5. “La Vie de M. Frai^ois D'Estaing,
eveque de Rhodez,
” Clermont, Historia de vita.
Bartholomaei de Martyribus,
” Paris, 4to. 7. “Speculum
veri antistitis in vita Alphonsi Torribii archiepiscopi Litnensis in Peru via,
” Paris, 4to.
, a Jesuit, was born at St. Flour in Auvergne in 1674, and died at Toulouse
, a Jesuit, was born at St. Flour
in Auvergne in 1674, and died at Toulouse at a very advanced age in 1758. Preaching, the composition of some
literary works, and the direction of a number of pious votaries, for which he had uncommon attractions and a peculiar talent, took up almost the whole of his life. The
pieces he published are, 1. “Several funeral discourses/'
2. The
” Life of Madame de Lestonac.“3. The life of
” Madame de Chantal“and, 4.
” Letters on the government of Religious Houses," Paris, 1740, 12mo.
imselfa minor poet Francis, the author of some verses on his father’s poems, who became afterwards a Jesuit; Gervase, who died at seven years old, and was lamented by his
He had seven sons and four daughters. Of his sons, the most noticeable were, John, his successor, the editor of his father’s poems, and himselfa minor poet Francis, the author of some verses on his father’s poems, who became afterwards a Jesuit; Gervase, who died at seven years old, and was lamented by his father in some very pathetic verses, in the late edition of the English poets; and Thomas, the third baronet. Sir John, who succeeded his father, is recorded as a man of prodigious bodily strength. He was killed in 1644 at the siege of Gloucester, and dying unmarried, was succeeded in title by his brother Thomas, who, like him, was plundered by the republicans.
st three were poetical the master of the Charter-house, the dramatic writer, and Francis Beaumont, a Jesuit.
, third son of Francis, the judge, was born at Grace-Dieu, in Leicestershire, 1586; and in the beginning of Lent term 1596, was admitted (with his two brothers Henry and John) a gentleman commoner of Broadgate’s-hall, now Pembroke-college, Oxford. Anthony Wood, who refers his education to Cambridge, mistakes him for his cousin Francis, master of the Charterhouse, who died in 1624. It is remarkable, that there were four Francis Beaumonts of this family, all living in 1615, and of these at least three were poetical the master of the Charter-house, the dramatic writer, and Francis Beaumont, a Jesuit.
, an eminent Jesuit, born in 156J, at Hilvarenbec, a small village of Brabant, entered
, an eminent Jesuit, born in 156J,
at Hilvarenbec, a small village of Brabant, entered the
society of Jesuits in 1583. He taught philosophy four
years, and divinity twenty-two years, at Mentz, Wirtzburgh, and Vienna, and was reckoned one of the ablest
professors of his time. The emperor Matthias maintained
him at Vienna, and he was made confessor to the emperor
Ferdinand II. The popish historians say he was happy in
a clear conception, and could express himself so intelligibly to his scholars, even upon the most intricate points,
that several universities contended which shoiil.l receive
him. He published a tract upon scholastic divinity, which
Dupin says is short and clear, and has been much esteemed,
and several treatises of controversy. He was the friend
and follower of Bellarmin, and supported him in his controversy with king James I. and bishop Andrews (see Andrews). It may supply a small defect in bishop Andrews’s
life, to note here that Becan wrote “Refutatio Apologias et Monitorix prefationis Jacobi regis Anglian,
”
Mentz, Refutatio Torturae Torti (bishop Andrews’s book. See his life, p. 219.) ibid. 1610, 8vo.
This was answered by Robert Burhill, in
” Responsio pro
Torlura Torti, contra M. Becanum,“Lond. 1611, 8vo.
3.
” Controversia Anglicana de potestate regis et pontificis, contra Lancelotum Andream,“Mentz, 1612, 8vo.
All Becan’s works were published at Mentz, 1630, 2 vols.
fol.; and at Doway, 1641, but in this collection his
” Analogy of the Old and New Testament," one of the most
esteemed of his productions, is omitted. He died at Vienna, Jan. 24, according to Dnpin, but in May, according to others, 1624. The fate of his works has been somewhat singular. In his opposition to king James and the
bishop of Ely, he carried the power of the pope so far,
that Paul V. was obliged to have his book condemned at
Rome, Jan. 3, 1613; and a century and a half after this,
in 1762, the parliament of Paris ordered the whole of his
works to be burnt.
, an Italian Jesuit, and one of the most celebrated controversial writers of his
, an Italian Jesuit, and one of the most celebrated controversial writers of his time, was born in Tuscany, 1542, and admitted amongst the Jesuits in 1560. In 1569 he was ordained priest, at Ghent, by Cornelius Jansenius, and the year following taught divinity at Louvain. After having lived seven years in the Low Countries, he returned to Italy, and in 1576 began to read lectures at Rome on points of controversy. This he did with so much applause, that Sixtus V. appointed him to accompany his legate into France, in 1590, as a person who might be of great service, in case of any dispute concerning religion. He returned to Rome about ten months after, where he had several offices conferred on him by his own society as well as by the pope, and in 1599 was created cardinal. Three years after, he had the archbishopric of Capua given him, which he resigned in 1605, when pope Paul V. desired to have him near himself. He was now employed in the affairs of the court of Rome, till 1621, when, finding himself declining in health, he left the Vatican, and retired to the house belonging to the Jesuits, where he died the 17th of Sept. 1621. It appeared on the day of his funeral that he was regarded as a saint, and the Swiss guards belonging to the pope were obliged to be placed round his coffin, in order to keep off the crowd, which pressed to touch and kiss the body; but they could not prevent every thing he made use of from being carried away a venerable relic.
, born in 1648 at Pihyriac in the diocese of Nantes, became a Jesuit, and continued of that society for sixteen or seventeen years.
, born in
1648 at Pihyriac in the diocese of Nantes, became a Jesuit, and continued of that society for sixteen or seventeen
years. It is pretended that his attachment to Cartesianism,
at a time when it was no longer in fashion, obliged him to
quit it, and he applied vigorously to his pen for a subsistence, sharing what he got very liberally with the poor. He
died in the community of the priests of St. Francis de Sales,
the 26th of April 1734, at the age of 86. He wrote French
translations of several works of the fathers, of St. John
Chrysostome, of St. Basil, of St. Gregory Nazianzen, of
St. Ambrose, &c. of the works of Thomas à Kempis; of
the Apparatus Biblicus, in 8vo, which for the most part
are very unfaithful nor are his versions of the classics, of
Ovid’s epistles, and others, in greater estimation. There
is also by him a version of Las Casas, on the destruction
of the Indies, 1697, and several moral productions: 1. Reflections on what may please and displease in the world.
2. Reflections on ridicule. 3. Models of conversation, and
other moral writings, forming together 14 small volumes,
all which bear strong marks of the precipitation in which
the author composed them. The abb< de Bellegarde had
an easy and sometimes an elegant style; but his reflections
are little more than trivial moralities, without depth or
ingenuity. A very indifferent translation of his “Models
of conversation
” was published at London in
egular course he was chosen minister of Alenc.on. While there, he had a dispute with father Larue, a Jesuit, on the pretended falsifications in the Geneva translation of
, the son of a Calvinist, who was keeper of the hotel de laTremouille, was born in 1640. In his
youth he appears not to have been exempt from dissipation, but the love of study predominated, and after the regular course he was chosen minister of Alenc.on. While
there, he had a dispute with father Larue, a Jesuit, on the
pretended falsifications in the Geneva translation of the
Bible, and the celebrated Huet took his part so far as to
blame the intemperance of this Jesuit. The letters which
passed on this occasion may be seen in the first volume of
a collection published by the abbe Tilladet. On the revocation of the edict of Nantes, Benoit went to Delft, and
became minister of the Walloon church, in which situation
he remained until his death in 1728. Much of this long
life was embittered by his marrying a woman of a mean,
sordid, and irritable temper, and some part of it was
disturbed by controversy. Besides the dispute already mentioned, he had another with Jacquelot, respecting the union
of the two churches; one likewise with Le Clerc, on the
first chapter of the gospel of St. John, and one with Van
der Honert, on the style of the New Testament. His principal works were, 1. “Histoire de Pedit de Nantes,
”
Delft, Histoire et Apologie
de la retraite des pasteurs a cause de la persecution,
”
Francfort, Defense
” of this apology
against d'Artis, ibid. Melanges de remarques critiques, historiques, philosophiques, et theologiques,
” against some of Toland’s writings, Delft, Sermons et des Lettres.
”
, an Italian Jesuit, physician, and mathematician of considerable eminence, was
, an Italian Jesuit, physician,
and mathematician of considerable eminence, was born at
Leghorn, Feb. 8, 1716. He began his noviciate among
the Jesuits at the age of sixteen, but did not take the four
vows, according to the statutes of that order, until eighteen
years afterwards. He had already published a funeral oration on Louis Ancajani, bishop of Spoleto, 1743, and a
species of oratorio, to be set to music, entitled “Cristo
presentato al tempio,
” but it was neither as an orator or
poet that he was destined to shine. He became professor
of philosophy at Fermo, and when father Boscovich was
obliged to leave Rome to complete the chorographical
chart of the papal state, which he published some years
afterwards, Benvenuti succeeded him in the mathematical chair of the Roman college, and also resumed his lectures on philosophy in the same college. His first scientific
work was an Italian translation of Clairaut’s Geometry,
Rome, 1751, 8vo and he afterwards published two works,
which gained him much reputation: 1. “Synopsis Physics
generalis,
” a thesis maintained by one of his disciples,
the marquis de Castagnaga, on Benvenuti’s principles,
which were those of sir Isaac Newton, Rome, 1754, 4to.
2. “De Lumine dissertatio physica,
” another thesis maintained by the marquis, ibid. Riflessioni sur Gesuitismo,
” Irrefiessioni sur Gesuitismo
” but this answer gave so much
offence, that he was obliged to leave Rome and retire into
Poland, where he was kindly received by the king, and
became a favourite at his court. He died at Warsaw, in
September, 1789.
, born about the commencement of the last century, in the country of Messiii in France, was first a Jesuit, then curate of Ormeville in the diocese of Rouen, and lastly
, born
about the commencement of the last century, in the country of Messiii in France, was first a Jesuit, then curate of
Ormeville in the diocese of Rouen, and lastly canon of
Noyou. He died during the revolution. He commenced
his literary career in 1754, with a small poem on the Canary-bird, “Le Serin des Canaries,
” which was followed
by the translation of Quivedo, and a collection of Idyls.
He published afterwards in 2 vols. 12mo, a poem on the
Promised Land, which had little success, and was justly
censured for containing an absurd mixture of sacred and
profane history. He then attempted a work more suitable
to his profession, had he executed it well, an “Ecclesiastical History,
” 24 vols. 12mo, 1778 and following years.
This had some success, and a second edition was very recently (1811) published at Toulouse, but it is so far inferior to Fleuri, that it is somewhat surprising the French
public should have endured it. He left an abridgment of
it in manuscript, in 5 vols. 8vo. He was also employed
on the “Journal Etranger.
”
, a man utterly unknown, who appeared in Holland in 1670, was thought to be a Jesuit, or a renegade from some other religious fraternity. He got
, a man utterly unknown, who appeared
in Holland in 1670, was thought to be a Jesuit, or a renegade from some other religious fraternity. He got his bread
by sweeping chimnies and grinding knives, and died at
length in a bog, suffocated in a fit of drunkenness. His
talents, if the historians that mention him are to be credited, were extraordinary. He versified with so much ease,
that he could recite extempore, and in tolerably good
poetry, whatever was said to him in prose. He has been
known to translate the Flemish gazettes from that language
into Greek or Latin verse with the utmost facility. The
dead languages, the living languages, Greek, Latin, French,
and Italian, were us familiar to him as his mother tongue.
He could repeat by heart Horace, Virgil, Homer, Aristophanes, and several pieces of Cicero and of the Plinies;
and, after reciting long passages from them, point out the
book and the chapter from whence they were taken. It is
supposed that the “Georgarchontomachia sive expugnatae
Messopolis
” is by him.
His life was written by several authors, by Legauffre, Giry, de la Serre, Gerson, and Lempereur the Jesuit. This last, which was published at Paris, 1708, 12mo, is too
, called Father Bernard, or the
Poor Priest, was born December 26, 1588, at Dijon, sou
of Stephen Bernard, lieut.-gen. of Chalons-sur-Saone. He
had a lively imagination and wit, which, joined to a jovial
temper, made him a welcome guest in all gay companies.
Going to Paris with M. de Bellegarde, governor of Dijon,
he gave himself up to public amusements, and all the vanities of the age, making it his business to act comedies for
the diversion of such persons of quality as he was acquainted with but at length he grew disgusted with the
world, and devoted himself wholly to relieving and comforting the poor. He assisted them by his charities and
exhortations to the end of his days, with incredible fervour,
stooping and humbling himself to do the meanest offices
for them. Father Bernard having persisted in refusing all
the benefices offered him by the court, cardinal Richelieu
told him one day, that he absolutely insisted on his asking
him for something, and left him alone to consider of it.
When the cardinal returned half an hour after, Bernard
said, “Monseigneur, after much study, I have at last
found out a favour to ask of you When I attend any sufferers to the gibbet to assist them in their last moments,
we are carried in a cart with so bad a bottom, that we are
every moment in danger of falling to the ground. Be
pleased, therefore, Monseigneur, to order that some better boards may be put to the cart.
” Cardinal Richelieu
laughed heartily at this request, and gave orders directly
that the cart should be thoroughly repaired. Father Bernard was ever ready to assist the unhappy hy his good offices, for which purpose he one day presented a petition to,
a nobleman in place, who being of a Very hasty temper,
flew into a violent passion, and said a thousand injurious
things of the person for whom the priest interested himself,
but Bernard still persisted in his request; at which the nobleman was at last so irritated, that he gave him a box on
the ear. Bernard immediately fell at his feet, and, presenting the other ear, said, “Give me a good blow on
this also, my lord, and grantmy petition.
” The nobleman was so affected by this apparent humility as to grant
Bernard’s request. He died March 23, 1641. The French
clergy had such a veneration for him as often to solicit that
he might be enrolled in the calendar of saints. In 1638
he founded the school of the Thirty-three, so called from
the number of years our Saviour passed on earth, and a
very excellent seminary. Immediately after his death appeared “Le Testament du reverend pere Bernard, et ses
pensdes pieuses,
” Paris, Le Recit des
choses arrivees a la mort du rev. pere Bernard,
” same year.
The abbé Papillon also quotes a work entitled “Entretiens
pendant sa derniere maladie.
” His life was written by several authors, by Legauffre, Giry, de la Serre, Gerson,
and Lempereur the Jesuit. This last, which was published
at Paris, 1708, 12mo, is too full of visions, revelations, and
miracles, to afford any just idea of Bernard.
, a learned Jesuit, was born at Tarascon in Provence, Feb. 24, 1622. Possessed
, a learned Jesuit, was born at Tarascon in Provence, Feb. 24, 1622. Possessed of a remarkable memory, he made great proficiency in ancient and
modern languages, and acquired much fame as a teacher
of humani r y, philosophy, and divinity in the various colleges of his order. He also engaged in public disputations
at Lyons, with the clergy of Geneva and Grenoble, but
was dismissed from the Jesuits by order of Louis XIV. for
having bad the weakness or curiosity to consult a prophetess who made a noise among the credulous at Paris.
He then entered among the Benedictines, and died at their
college at Otilx, in 1692. He published, 1. “Traite de
la presence reelle.
” 2. “Traite historique de la charge de
grand aumomer de France,
” a very curious work. 3. “TraiUi
sur la chapelle cles dues de Bourgogne.
” He wrote also
several other pieces on the Tuetonic order, the abbey of
Cluni, the rights of the king to Avignon and Venaissin, the
East Indies, the Italian language, and chronology some
of which still remain in manuscript; and various Latin,
French, Italian, and Provencal pieces of poetry. His correspondence with men of learning both in France and foreign countries was very extensive.
ble passages in his essay on general history. The irritated poet declared openly in 1759 against the Jesuit in a sort of diatribe, which he placed after his ode on the
, a French writer of
considerable note, was born at Issoudun en Berri April 7,
1704, and entered among the Jesuits in 1722. He was
professor of humanity at Blois, of philosophy at Rennes
and Rouen, and of divinity at Paris. The talents he displayed in these offices made him be chosen in 1742 to
succeed father Brumoy, in the continuation of his “History of the Gallican Church.
” This he executed with
general approbation. In the worthy rival
of Homer and Sophocles,
” the journalist put coldly in a
note, “We are not acquainted with him.
” But what
raised the anger of Voltaire to its utmost pitch, was a very
just censure of several reprehensible passages in his essay
on general history. The irritated poet declared openly in
1759 against the Jesuit in a sort of diatribe, which he
placed after his ode on the death of the margravine of Bareith. The Jesuit repelled his shafts with a liberal and
manly spirit in the Journal de Trevoux. Upon this the
poet, instead of a serious answer, brought out in 1760 a
piece of humour, entitled “An account of the sickness,
confession, and death of the Jesuit Berthier.
” The learned
Jesuit did not think proper to make any reply to an adversary who substituted ridicule for argument, and continued
the Journal de Trevoux till the dissolution of the society
in France. He then quitted his literary occupations for
retirement. At the close of 1762 the dauphin appointed
him keeper of the royal library, and adjunct in the education of Louis XVI. and of monsieur. But eighteen months
afterwards, when certain events occasioned the dismission,
of all ex-jesuits from the court, he settled at Ossenbourg,
from which the empress queen invited him to Vienna and
he was also offered the place of librarian at Milan, but he
refused all and after residing here for ten years, obtained
permission to go to Bourges, where he had a brother and
a nephew in the church. Here he died of a fall, Dec. 15,
1782, just after being informed that the French clergy
had decreed him a pension of a thousand livres. The
chapter of the metropolitan church gave him distinguished
honours at his interment; a testimony due to a man of
such eminent piety, extensive erudition, and excellent
judgment.
, a French Jesuit, was born Nov. 14, 1723. On the suppression of his order he
, a French Jesuit, was born Nov.
14, 1723. On the suppression of his order he retired to
Senlis, where he had a canonry given him, and where he
died, but when is not mentioned. He wrote the following
books which were much esteemed in France, but would
not suffer his name to appear to any of them 1. “Histoire
poetique tirée des poetes Franais, Paris, 1767, 12 mo, and
a fourth edition, 1786. 2.
” Anecdotes Franchises depuis
l‘etablissement de la monarchic jusqu’au regue de Louis
XV.“ibid. 1767, 8vo. 3.
” Anecdotes Espagnoles et Portugaises," Paris, 1773, 2 vols. 8vo.
, a learned Italian Jesuit, was born at Bologna, Feb. 6, 1582. He entered the order in
, a learned Italian Jesuit, was born
at Bologna, Feb. 6, 1582. He entered the order in 1595,
and was afterwards moral, mathematical, and philosophical
professor in the college of Parma. He died at Bologna,
Nov. 7, 1637. To the study of the more abstruse sciences,
he united a taste for the belles lettres, and especially Latin poetry. He has left, 1. “Rubenus hilarotragoedia satyra pastoralis,
” Parma, Clodoveus, sive Lodovicus, tragicum silviludium,
” Parma, Lycaeum morale, politicum, et poeticum,
” Venice, Urbanitates
poeticae,
” a collection of lyric poetry, which was reprinted
the same year, under the title “Eutrapeliarum, seu Urbanitatum Libri IV.
” Venice, 1626, 4to. It was again reprinted with the addition of the above two dramas, with
the title of “Florilegium variorum poematum et dramaturn pastoralium Libri IV.
” Lyons, 1633, 12mo, the ninth
edition. There is a copy in the British museum, probably
of the eighth edition, dated 1632, 8vo. 4. “Apiaria universae philosophise, mathematics, &c.
” Bologna, Euclides explicatus,
” which was printed separately, Bologna, Ærarium philosophise mathematicae,
” ibid. 1648, 8vo. 6. “Recreationum Mathematicarum Apiaria XII. novissima,
” ibid. 1660, folio, which
is a reprint of the third volume of the “Apiaria.
”
ture, positions which had been denied in a treatise written on the subject by father Cæsar Calino, a Jesuit. When he had completed this work, the elder of his pupils, who
, an Italian scholar of the last
century, was born at Parma, March 12, 1673. Aftertaking ecclesiastical orders, he was engaged in 1702 by the
illustrious house of Sanvitali, both as domestic chaplain
and tutor to the two young sons of that family, and at his
leisure hours cultivated the study of history, chronology,
and antiquities. One of his works was written while in
this family, a very elaborate treatise, “Trattinemento
Istorico e Chronologico,
” &c. Naples, 2 vols. 4to, in which
he endeavours to prove that Josephus’s history is neither
false nor contrary to scripture, positions which had been
denied in a treatise written on the subject by father Cæsar
Calino, a Jesuit. When he had completed this work, the
elder of his pupils, who by the death of his father bad succeeded to the estate, and was very much attached to the
Jesuits, informed Biacca that the publication of it would
not be agreeable to him. On this Biacca entrusted his
manuscript to the celebrated Argelati, at Milan, and either
with, or without his consent, it was printed at Naples in
1728. This provoked Sanvitali to forget his own and his
father’s attachment to Biacca, who had resided twenty-six
years in the family, and he ordered him to leave his house.
Biacca, however, was received with respect into many other
families, who each pressed him to take up his abode with
them. After having lived at Milan for some years, he
died at Parma, 8ept. 15, 1735. Being a member of the
Arcadians, he, according to their custom, assumed the
name of Parmindo Ibichense, which we find prefixed to
several of his works. Besides his defence of Josephus, he
wrote, 1. “Ortographia Manuale, o sia arte facile di correttamento Scrivere e Parlare,
” Parma, Notizie storiche di Rinuccio cardinal Pallavicino, di Pompeo Sacco Parmigiano, di Cornelio Magni, e del conte
NiccoloCicognari Parmigiano,
” printed in vols. I. and II. of
the “Notizie istoriche clegli Arcadi morti,
” Rome, Le Selve de Stazio, tradotte in verso sciolto.
”
He translated also Catullus, and both make part of the collection of Italian translations of the ancient Latin authors,
printed at Milan. In the poetical collections, there are
many small pieces by Biacca.
, a Jesuit, who was born at Compiegne in 1602, and died at Dijon in 1679,
, a Jesuit, who was born at Compiegne in 1602, and died at Dijon in 1679, aged seventyseven published a great number of mathematical works,
of which the “Opus astronomicon,
” Paris,
long.” “That,” answered Blow, “is the opinion of but one fool, and I heed it not.” This provoked the Jesuit so much that he prevailed on the king to suspend Blow, and the
, an English musician of considerable
fame, was born in 1648, at North Collingham in Nottinghamshire, and became one of the first set of children of the
chapel royal after the restoration. In 1673, he was sworn
one of the gentlemen of the chapel, and in 1674, appointed master of the children. In 1685, he was nominated
one of the private music to king James II. and in 1687,
was likewise appointed almoner and master of the choristers in the cathedral church of St. Paul but, in 1693, he
resigned this last place in favour of his scholar Jeremiah
Clerk. Blow had his degree of doctor in music conferred
on him by the special grace of archbishop Sancroft, without performing an exercise for it at either of the universities. On the death of Purcell, in 1695, he was elected organist of St. Margaret’s, Westminster; and in 1699, appointed composer to the chapel of their majesties king
AYilliam and queen Mary, at the salary of 40l. a year,
which afterwards was augmented to 73l. A second composer, with the like appointment, was added in 1715, at
which time it was required that each should produce a new
anthem on the first Sunday of his month in waiting. Dr.
Blow died in 1708 and though he did not arrive at great
longevity, yet by beginning his course, and mounting to
the summit of his profession so early, he enjoyed a prosperous and eventful life. His compositions for the church,
and his scholars who arrived at eminence, have rendered
his name venerable among the musicians of our country.
In his person he was handsome, and remarkable for a gravity and decency in his deportment suited to his station,
though he seems by some of his compositions to have been
not altogether insensible to the delights of a convivial hour.
He was a man of blameless morals, and of a benevolent
temper; but was not so insensible to his own worth, as to
be totally free from the imputation of pride. Sir John
Hawkins furnishes us with an anecdote that shews likewise
that he had a rough method of silencing criticism. In the
reign of James II. an anthem of some Italian composer had
been introduced into the chapel royal, which the king
liked very much, and asked Blow if he could make one as
good Blow answered in the affirmative, and engaged to
do it by the next Sunday when he produced “I beheld
and lo a great multitude.
” When the service was over,
the king sent father Petre to acquaint him that he was
much pleased with it: “but,
” added Petre, “I myself
think it too long.
” “That,
” answered Blow, “is the opinion of but one fool, and I heed it not.
” This provoked
the Jesuit so much that he prevailed on the king to suspend Blow, and the consequences might perhaps have
been more serious, had not the revolution immediately
followed.
, a learned Jesuit, was born at Tillemont, in the Netherlands, Aug. 13, 1596, and
, a learned Jesuit, was born at
Tillemont, in the Netherlands, Aug. 13, 1596, and at
sixteen, a very usual age, entered the society of the Jesuits, and soon became distinguished as a teacher, both in
the Netherlands, and in other countries. What entitles
him to notice here, is the share he had in that voluminous
work, the “Lives of the Saints,
” or “Acta Sanctorum.
”
The history of this work is not uninteresting, although the
work itself, otherwise than for occasional consultation,
defies time and patience. The design of this vast collection was first projected by father Hesibert Koseweide, a
Jesuit of the age of sixty, and consequently too far advanced to execute much of his plan, winch was to extend
no farther than eighteen volumes folio, a trifle in those
days, had he begun earlier. In 1607, however, he began
by printing the manuscript lives of some saints, which he
happened to find in the Netherlands; but death put an
end to his labours in 1629. It was then entrusted to Bollandus, who was about this time thirty-four years of age,
and who removed to Antwerp for the purpose. After examining Roseweide’s collections, he established a general
correspondence over all Europe, instructing his friends to
search every library, register, or repository of any kind,
where information might be found; but becoming soon
sensible of the weight of his undertaking, he called in the
assistance of another Jesuit, Henschemus of Gueiderland,
younger than himself, more healthy, and equally qualified
in other respects. With this aid he was enabled in 1641
to publish the tirst two volumes, folio, which contain the
lives of the saints of the month of January, the order of
the Kalendar having been preferred. Jn 1658 he published those of February; and two years after, his labours
still entreasmg, he had another associate, father Daniel
Paperbroch, at that time about thirty-two years old, whom
he sent with Henschenius to Italy and France to collect
manuscripts, but he died before the publication of another
volume, Sept. 12, 1665. After his death the work was
continued by various hands, called Bollandists, until it
amounted to forty-two folio volumes, the last published
1753, which, after all, bring down the lives only to the
fourteenth of September. In such an undertaking, much
legendary matter must be expected, and many absurdities
and fictions. Dupiri allows that Bollandus was more partial to popular traditions than Henschemus and Paperbroch,
yet it would appear that they found it difficult to please
the taste of the different orders of monks, &c. who were
to be edified by the work. Bollandus published separately:
1. “Vita S. Liborii Episcopi,
” Antwerp, Brevis Notitia Italiae,
” ibid. Breves Notitice triplici status, Ecclesiastici, Monastici et Saecularis,
”
ibid.
hich gave occasion to this pasquinade, Papa Bona sarebbe solecismo, upon which father Daugieres, the Jesuit, wrote an ingenious epigram, which our Latin readers are aware
, an eminent cardinal of the church of
Rome, and author of several derotional pieces, was born
the 19th of October, 1609, at Mondovi, a little city in
Piedmont, of a noble family. Having finished his first
studies with great success, he entered himself in a monastery of the order of St. Bernard near Pignerol in July 1625,
when he was but fifteen years of age, and was professed
there the 2d of August the year following, according to
Bertolot, who wrote his Life; though Moroti, in “Cistercii
reflorescentis Historia,
” places this. in
, a learned Jesuit, who died at Rome in 1725, at the age of eighty-seven, after
, a learned Jesuit, who died at
Rome in 1725, at the age of eighty-seven, after having
honourably filled different posts in his order, left several
works of various kinds, principally relating to natural history, which was his favourite pursuit. He was engaged in
1698 to put in order the celebrated cabinet of father Kircher; and he continued to employ himself in that business
and the augmentation of it till his death. The chief of his
works are, 1. “Recreatio mentis et oculi in observatione
Animalium Testaceorum,
” Rome, History of the Church of the Vatican; with the plans
both antient and modern,
” Rome, Collection of the Medals of the popes, from Martin
V. to Innocent XII.
” Rome, 1699, 2 vols. fol. in Latin.
4. “Catalogue of the Orders, Religious, Military, and
Equestrian, with plates representing their several habiliments,
” in Latin and in Italian, Korne, Observationes circa viventia in non viventibus,
” Rome, Musaeum collegii Romani Kircherianum,
” Rome,
A Treatise on Varnishes,
” in Italian, Paris, Gabinetto armonico,
”
, a learned Jesuit and commentator, was born at Dinau in Liege, 1573. He was admitted
, a learned Jesuit and commentator, was born at Dinau in Liege, 1573. He was
admitted into the society of Jesuits in 1592, and taught at
Doway, philosophy, divinity, and the Hebrew tongue,
which, as well as Greek, he understood critically. He
died at Tournay, May 9, 1643. Dupin says that of all the
Jesuits who have been commentators on the scriptures,
there is no one superior in learning, and clearness of method, to Bonfrerius. His “Commentary on the Pentateuch
” was published at Antwerp in Onomasticon
” of the places and cities mentioned in the Bible,
composed by Eusebius, and translated by Jerome, with
learned notes, was published along with his “Commentaries on Joshua, Judges, and Ruth,
” at Paris in
r this he was appointed at Prague counsellor of the mines. In 1771, he published a small work of the Jesuit Poda, on the machinery used about mines, and the next year his
, Baron, an eminent mineralogist, was
born of a noble family at Carlsburg, in Transylvania, Dec.
26, 1742. He came early in life to Vienna, and studied
under the Jesuits, who, perceiving his abilities, prevailed
on him to enter into their society, but he remained a member only about a year and a half. He then went to Prague,
where, as it is the custom in Germany, he studied law, and
having completed his course, made a tour through a part
of Germany, Holland, the Netherlands, and France, and
returning to Prague, he engaged in the studies of natural
history, mining, and their connected branches, and in,
1770, he was received into the department of the mines
and mint at Prague. The same year he visited the principal mines of Hungary and Transylvania, and during this
tour kept up a correspondence with the celebrated Ferber,
who, in 1774, published his letters. It was in this town,
also that he so nearly lost his life, and where he was struck
with the disease which embittered the rest of his days. It
appears from his eighteenth letter to Mr. Ferber that, when
at Felso-Banya, he descended into a mine, where fire was
used to detach the ore, to observe the efficacy of this means,
but too soon after the fire had been extinguished, and while
the mine was full of arsenical vapours raised by the heat.
How greatly he suffered in his health by this accident appears from his letter, in which he complained that he could
hardly bear the motion of his carriage. After this he was
appointed at Prague counsellor of the mines. In 1771, he
published a small work of the Jesuit Poda, on the machinery
used about mines, and the next year his “Lithophylacium
Borneanum,
” a catalogue of that collection of fossils, which
he afterward disposed of to the lion. Mr. Greville. This
work drew on him the attention of mineralogists, and
brought him into correspondence with the first men in that
study. He was now made a member of the royal societies
of Stockholm, Sienna, and Padua; and in 1774, the same
honour was conferred on him by the royal society of
London.
ifice a monk to the public joy; that the sacrifice would have been more reasonable, if it had been a Jesuit; but that his offering ought not to displease him, though it
, a French minister, and the greatest
preacher in his time among the protestants, was son of
William du Bosc, advocate to the parliament of Roan, and
born at Bayeux, February 21, 1623. He made such progress, after having studied divinity eighteen months at
Montauban, and three years at Saumur, that although he
was but in his three and twentieth year, he was qualified to
serve the church of Caen, to which he was presented Nov.
15, 1645, and received the imposition of hands Dec. 17,
the same year. The merit of his colleagues, and above all
that of Mr. Bochart, did not hinder Mr. du Bosc from acquiring speedily the reputation of one of the first men of
his function; and his eloquence became so famous
throughout the whole kingdom, that the church of Charenton would have him for their minister, and sent to desire him of his church, in the beginning of 1658. The
strongest solicitations were made use of; but neither the
eloquence of the deputies of Paris, nor the letters of persons of the greatest eminence in France amongst the protestants, could engage the church of Caen to part with
him, nor him to quit his flock. It was impossible that such
talents and fame should not give umbrage to the enemies
of the protestant religion, which they shewed in 1664, by
procuring a lettre de cachet, which banished him from Chalons till a new order, for having spoke disrespectfully of
auricular confession. Mr. du Bosc, as he passed through
Paris to go to the place of his banishment, explained to
Mr. le Tellier his opinion on confession, and in what manner he had spoken of it, with which Le Tellier was satisfied, and told him that he had never doubted of the falseness of the accusation. Mr. du Bosc recovered the liberty
of returning to his church October 15, 1664, and the joy
which was at Caen among the brethren, when he came
there, November 8, was excessive, A great many honourable persons of the other party congratulated him; and
there was a catholic gentleman who celebrated the event
in a very singular manner, as thus related by Du Bosc’s
biographer. “A gentleman of the Roman religion, of
distinction in the province, whose life was not very regular, but who made open profes&ion of loving the pastors
who had particular talents, and seemed particularly enamoured with the merit of Mr. du Bosc, having a mind to
solemnize the feast with a debauch, took two Cordeliers
whom he knew to be honest fellows, and made them drink
so much, that one of them died on the spot. He went to
see Mr. du Bosc the next day, and told him that he thought
himself obliged to sacrifice a monk to the public joy; that
the sacrifice would have been more reasonable, if it had
been a Jesuit; but that his offering ought not to displease
him, though it was but of a Cordeiier. This tragical accident, of which he was only the innocent occasion, did
not fail to disturb the joy which he had upon seeing himself again in his family and amongst his flock.
” During
the prosecutions of the protestant churches in 1665, he
defended that of Caen, and many others of the province,
against the measures of the bishop of Bayeux. The king
having published in 1666 a severe proclamation against
the protestants, all the chrrches sent deputies to Paris to
make humble remonstrances to his majesty. The churches
of Normandy deputed Mr. du Bosc, who departed from
Caen July 3, 1668. As soon as he was arrived at Paris,
the other deputies chose him “to draw up several memoirs.
It being reported that the king would suppress some chambers of the edict, all the deputies ran to Mr. de Ruvigni,
the deputy general, to speak with him about so important
an affair, in hopes of procuring leave to throw themselves
at his majesty’s feet; but Mr. du Bosc only was admitted
to the audience. He harangued the king, who was alone
in his closet, November 27, 1668; and after having ended
his discourse, he had the courage to represent several
things, and succeeded so well as to make all the court
speak of his eloquence and prudence. After several conferences with Mr. le Tellier, and many evasions and delays,
in April 1669, he obtained some relaxation of the declaration of 1666. After that time Mr. du Bosc went several
journies about the churches’ affairs, and supported them,
before the ministers of state and the intendants, with
great force and ability, until he was commanded himself,
by an act of the parliament of Normandy June 6, 1685,
not to exercise his ministry any more in the kingdom. It
was, however, universally acknowledged, t.iat if it had
been possible to preserve the reformed church of France
by the means of negotiation, he was more likely to succeed than any one that could be employed. He retired
into Holland after his interdiction, and was minister of
the church of Rotterdam, until his death, which happened
January 2, 1692. He published some volumes of sermons; and after his death, P. Le Gendre, his son-in-law,
published his
” Life, Letters, Poems, Orations, Dissertations," and other curious documents respecting the history of the reformed churches in his time, Rotterdam,
1694, 8vo, dedicated to lord viscount Galloway.
Father Noceti, another Jesuit, and one of his early preceptors, had composed two excellent
Father Noceti, another Jesuit, and one of his early preceptors, had composed two excellent poems on the" rainbow and the aurora borealis, which were published in 1747, with learned annotations by Boscovich. His countryman, Benedict Stay, after having published the philosophy of Descartes in Latin verse t attempted the same with regard to the more modern and more true philosophy, and has executed it with wonderful success. The first two volumes of this elegant and accurate work were published in 1755, and 1760, with annotations and supplements by Boscovich. These supplements are short dissertations on the most important parts of physics and mathematics. In these he affords a solution of the problem of the centre of oscillation, to which Huygens had come by a wrong method; confutes Euler, who had imagined that the vis inertiæ was necessary in matter; and refutes the ingenious efforts of Riccati on, the Leibnitzian opinion of the forces called living.
the Papal territory. In this fatiguing, and often perilous operation, he was assisted by the English Jesuit, Mayer, an excellent mathematician, and was amply provided with
Benedict XIV. who was a great encourager of learning,
and a beneficent patron of learned men, gave Boscovich
many proofs of the esteem he had for him; and both he
and his enlightened minister, cardinal Valenti, consulted
Boscovich on various important objects of public economy,
the clearing of harbours, and the constructing of roads and
canals. On one occasion, he was joined in a commission
with other mathematicians and architects, invited from different parts of Italy, to inspect the cupola of St. Peter’s,
in which a crack had been discovered. They were divided
in opinion; but the sentiments of Boscovich, and of the
marquis Poleni, prevailed. In stating, however, the result of the consultation, which was to apply a circle of
iron round the building, Poleni forgot to refer the idea to
its real author, and this omission grievously offended Boscovich, who was tenacious of fame, and somewhat irritable“in temper. About the same time other incidents had concurred to mortify his pride; and he became at last disgusted with his situation, and only looked for a convenient
opportunity of quitting Rome. While in this temper of
mind, an application was made by the court of Portugal to
the general of the Jesuits, for ten mathematicians of the
society to go out to Brazil, for the purpose of surveying
that settlement, and ascertaining the boundaries which divide it from the Spanish dominions in America. Wishing
to combine with that object the mensuration of a degree of
latitude, Boscovich offered to embark in the expedition,
and his proposition was readily accepted. But cardinal
Valenti, unwilling to lose his services, commanded him,
in the name of the pope, to dismiss the project, and persuaded him to undertake the same service at home in the
Papal territory. In this fatiguing, and often perilous operation, he was assisted by the English Jesuit, Mayer, an
excellent mathematician, and was amply provided with the
requisite instruments and attendants. They began the
work about the close of the year 1750, in the neighbourhood of Rome, and extended the meridian line northwards,
across the chain of the Appennines as far as Rimini. Two
whole years were spent in completing the various measurements, which were performed with the most scrupulous
accuracy. The whole is elaborately described by Boscovich in a quarto volume, full of illustration and minute
details’, and with several opuscules, or detached essays,
which display great ingenuity, conjoined with the finest
geometric taste. We may instance, in particular, the discourse on the rectification of instruments, the elegant synthetical investigation of the figure of the earth, deduce^
both from the law of attraction, and from the actual measurement of degrees, and the nice remarks concerning the
curve and the conditions of permanent stability. This last
tract gave occasion, however, to some strictures from
D'Alembert, to which Boscovich replied, in a note annexed to the French edition of his works. The arduous
service which Boscovich had now performed was but poorly
rewarded. From the pope he received only a hundred sequins, or about forty-five pounds sterling, a gold box, and
” abundance of praise." He now resumed the charge of
the mathematical school, and besides discharged faithfully
the public duties of religion, which are enjoined by his order.
A trifling circumstance will mark the warmth of his temper, and his love of precedence. He had recourse to the
authority of cardinal Valenti, to obtain admission into the
oratory of Caravita, from which his absence excluded him,
and which yet afforded only the bent-fit of a free, but frugal supper. In presiding at that social repast, the philosopher relaxed from the severity of his studies, and shone
by his varied, his lively, and fluent conversation.
n of barbarous Latin epigrams was most grating to Parisian ears. Besides, the name of a priest and a Jesuit did not now command respect; and the sentiments of austere devotion,
The expulsion of the Jesuits from the dominions of
Spain prevented Boscovich from going to California, to
observe the second transit of Venus, in 1769, and which
expedition the royal society of London had strongly solicited him to undertake. And as his rivals began now to
stir themselves again, he sought to dispel the chagrin, by
a second journey into France and the Netherlands. At
Brussels he met with a peasant, famous for curing the
gout, and from whose singular skill he received most essential benefit. On his return to Italy in 1770, he was
transferred from the university of Pavia to the Palatine
schools at Milan, and resided with those of his order, at
the college of Brera, where he furnished, mostly at his
own expence, an observatory, of which he got the direction. But he was still doomed to experience mortification.
Some young Jesuits, who acted as his assistants, formed a
conspiracy, and, by their artful representations, prevailed
with the government to exclude his favourite pupil and
friend from holding a charge of trust. This intelligence
was communicated to him at the baths of Albano, and filled
him with grief and indignation. He complained to prince
Kaunitz, but implored his protection in vain. To the governor of Milan he wrote, that he would not return, unless things were restored to their former footing. He retired to Venice, where, having staid ten months in fruitless
expectation of obtaining redress, he meditated spending
the remainder of his days in honourable retirement at his
native city of Ragnsa. But while he waited for the opportunity of a vessel to convey him thither, he received the
afflicting news of the suppression of his order in Italy. He
now renounced his scheme, and seemed quite uncertain
what step he should take. Having come into the Tuscan
territory, he listened to the counsels and solicitation of
Fabroni, who held forth the prospect of a handsome appointment in the Lyceum of Pisa. In the mean time he
accepted the invitation of La Bord, chamberlain to Louis
XV. accompanied him to Paris in 1773, and through his
influence obtained the most liberal patronage from the
French monarch; he was naturalized, received two pensions, amounting to 8000 livres, or 333l. and had an office
expressly created for him, with the title of “Director of
optics for the marine.
” “Boscovich might now appear to
have attained the pinnacle of fortune and glory; but Paris
was no longer for him the theatre of applause, and his ardent temper became soured by the malign breath of jealousy and neglect. Such extraordinary favour bestowed
on a foreigner could not fail to excite the envy of the
sgavans, who considered him as rewarded greatly beyond
his true merit The freedom of his language gave offence,
his perpetual egotism became disgusting, and his repetition
of barbarous Latin epigrams was most grating to Parisian
ears. Besides, the name of a priest and a Jesuit did not
now command respect; and the sentiments of austere devotion, which he publicly professed, had grown unfashionable, and were regarded as scarcely befitting the character
of a philosopher
”.
Zamagna, his countryman, and also a Jesuit, published a panegyric on him in elegant Latin, and a short
Zamagna, his countryman, and also a Jesuit, published
a panegyric on him in elegant Latin, and a short encomium
of him is to be found in the “Estratto della Litteratura
Europa;
” and another, in the form of a letter, was directed by Lalande to the Parisian journalists. A more full
life and eulogium is in Fabroni’s collection; another is in
the Journal of Modena; a third was published at Milan by
the abbate Ricca; and a fourth at Naples by Dr. Julius
Bajamonte. Fabroni has given the most complete catalogue of his works.
esence of many prelates his friends, and an oration pronounced in his praise by father de la Rue the Jesuit. The same honour was likewise paid to his memory at Paris, in
There are still extant several of his very celebrated funeral orations, particularly those on the queen-mother of
France in 1667, on the queen of England 1669, on the
dauphiness 1670, on the queen of France 1633, on the
princess Palatine 1685, on chancellor le Tellier 1686, on
the prince de Conde, Louis de Bourbon 16S7. These are
printed in the “Recueil de Diverses Oraisons Funebres,
”
5 vols. 1712, a neglected book, but containing the best
specimens of French oratory. Nor, amidst all the great affairs in which he was employed, did he neglect the duty of
his diocese. The “Statuts Synodaux,
” which he published
in
s interspersed, and a certain mixture of gallantry and morality which is altogether peculiar to this Jesuit. This work is inferior to nothing we have seen of father Bouhours.
, a celebrated French critic,
was born at Paris in 1628; and has by some been considered as a proper person to succeed Malherbe, who died
about that time. He entered into the society of Jesuits at
sixteen, and was appointed to read lectures upon polite
literature in the college of Clermont at Paris, where he
had studied; but he was so incessantly attacked with the
head-ach, that he could not pursue the destined task. He
afterwards undertook the education of two sons of the duke
of Longueville, which he discharged to the entire satisfaction of the duke, who had such a regard for him, that he
would needs die in his arms; and the “Account of the
pious and Christian death
” of this great personage was the
first work which Bouhours gave the public. He was sent
to Dunkirk to the popish refugees from England; and, in,
the midst of his missionary occupations, found time to
compose and publish many works of reputation. Among
these were “Entretiens d‘Ariste & d’Eugene,
” a work of
a critical nature, which was printed no less than five times
at Paris, twice at Grenoble, at Lyons, at Brussels, at Amsterdam, at Leyden, &c. and embroiled him with a great
number of critics, and with Menage in particular; who,
however, lived in friendship with our author before and
after. There is a passage in this work which gave great
oifence in Germany, where he makes it a question,
“Whether it be possible that a German could be a wit
”
The fame of it, however, and the pleasure he took in reading it, recommended Bouhours so effectually to the celebrated minister Colbert, that he trusted him with the education of his son, the marquis of Segnelai. The Remarks
and Doubts upon the French language has been reckoned
one of the most considerable of our author’s works; and
may be read with great advantage by those who would perfect themselves in that tongue. Menage, in his Observations upon the French language, has given his approbation
of jt in the following passage: “The book of Doubts,
”
says he, “is written with great elegance, and contains
many fine observations. And, as Aristotle has said, that
reasonable doubt is the beginning of all real knowledge; so
we may say also, that the man who doubts so reasonably
as the author of this book, is himself very capable of deciding. For this reason perhaps it is, that, forgetting the
tide of his work, he decides oftener than at first he proposed.
” Bouhours was the author of another work, “The
art of pleasing in conversation,
” of which M. de la Grose,
who wrote the eleventh volume of the Bibliotheque Universelle, has given an account, which he begins with this
elogium upon the author “A very little skill,
” says he,
“in style and manner, will enable a reader to discover the
author of this work. He will see at once the nice, the
ingenious, and delicate turn, the elegance and politeness
of father Bouhours. Add to this, the manner of writing in
dialogue, the custom of quoting himself, the collecting
strokes of wit, the little agreeable relations interspersed,
and a certain mixture of gallantry and morality which is
altogether peculiar to this Jesuit. This work is inferior to
nothing we have seen of father Bouhours. He treats in
twenty dialogues, with an air of gaiety, of every thing
which can find a way into conversation; and, though he
avoids being systematical, yet he gives his reader to understand, that there is no subject whatever, either of divinity,
philosophy, law, or physic, &c. but may be introduced
into conversation, provided it be done with ease, politeness, and in a manner free from pedantry and affectation.
”
He died at Paris, in the college of Clermont, upon the
27th of May 1702; after a life spent, says Moreri, under
such constant and violent fits of the head-ach, that he had
but few intervals of perfect ease. The following is a list
of his works with their dates: 1. “Les Entretiens d‘Ariste
et d’Eugene,
” Remarques et Doutes
sur la langue Franchise,
” 3 vols. 12mo. 3. “La Manier
de bien penser sur les ouvrages d' esprit,
” Paris, Pensees ingenieuses des anciens et des modernes,
” Paris, You have, it is true, introduced me in your
new work, but in very bad company,
” alluding to the frequent mention of some Italian and French versifiers whom
Boileau despised. 5. “Pensees ingenieuses des Peres de
l'Eglise,
” Paris, too much of
his time Oh profane literature. 6.
” Histoire du grandmaitre d'Aubusson,“1676, 4to, 1679, and lately in 1780.
7. The lives of St. Ignatius, Paris, 1756, 12mo, and of
St. Francis Xavier, 1682, 4to, or 2 vols. 12mo. Both these
are written with rather more judgment than the same lives
by Ribadeneira, but are yet replete with the miraculous
and the fabulous. The life of Xavier was translated by
Dryden, and published at London in 1688, with a dedication to king James II. 's queen. Dryden, says Mr. Malone,
doubtless undertook this task, in consequence of the queen,
when she solicited a son, having recommended herself to
Xavier as her patron saint. 8.
” Le Nouveau Testament,"
translated into French from the Vulgate, 2 vols. 1697
1703, 12mo.
, a Jesuit, and one of the most eloquent preachers France ever produced,
, a Jesuit, and one of the most
eloquent preachers France ever produced, was born at
Bourges, Aug. 20, 1632, and entered the society of the
Jesuits in 1648. After having passed some years in teaching grammar, rhetorick, philosophy, and divinity, his talents pointed him out for the office of preacher, and the extraordinary popularity of his sermons in the country, determined his superiors to call him to Paris in 1669, to take
the usual course of a year’s preaching in their church of St.
Louis, which soon became crowded with multitudes of both
sexes both from the court and city; nor was this a transient impression, as whoever heard him once wished to hear
him again, and even Louis XIV. listened with pleasure, although he appears to have introduced subjects in his discourses which could not be very acceptable in his court.
On the revocation of the edict of Nantz, the king sent him
into Languedoc to strengthen the new or pretended converts from the heresies of the protestant faith, and we are
told the effect of his eloquence was great. His eloquence
was undoubtedly superior to that of his contemporaries, and
he has justly been praised for introducing a more pure
style than was customary in the French pulpips. One effect of his preaching was, that great numbers of his hearers
requested him to take their souls into his hands, and be the
director of their consciences, in other words, to turn father
confessor, with which he complied, and frequently sat five
or six hours in the confessional, completing there, says his
biographer, what he had only sketched in the pulpit. He
was yet more admired for his charitable attentions and the
sick and poor, among whom he passed much of his time, in
religious conference and other acts of humanity. He died
at Paris May 13, 1704, universally lamented and long remembered as the most attractive and eloquent of preachers.
He had preached thirty -four years at court and in Paris.
Father Bretonneau published two editions of his works, the
first of 16 vols. 8vo. 1716, reckoned the best, or at least,
the most beautifully printed; and the second in 18 vols.
12rrio. Comparisons have been formed between him and
Massillon, but several are still inclined to give him the preference. There is warmth, zeal, and elegance in his style
and reasoning, but he is frequently declamatory and verbose. It is difficult, however, for English critics to appreciate the merits of his sermons, calculated as they were for
a class of hearers with whose taste we are unacquainted.
Of his catholic spirit we have an instance on record, that
in an interview with bishop Burnet at Paris, he told the
English prelate that he believed “all honest protestants
would be saved.
”
d been accessary to my flight, the inquisition would have resented it severely on both. For though a Jesuit in France or in Germany is out of the reach of the inquisition,
"Upon the receipt of the general’s kind letter, the rector was of opinion, that I should repair by all means, and without loss of time, to England, not only as the safest asylum I could fly to in my present situation, but as a place where I should soon recover my native language, and be usefully employed, as soon as I recovered it, either there or in Scotland. I readily closed with the rector’s opinion, being very uneasy in my mind, as my old doubts in point of religion daily gained ground, and new ones aroseupon my reading, which was my only employment, :the books of controversy I found in the library of the college. The place being thus agreed on, and it being at the same time settled between the rector and me that I should set out the very next morning, I solemnly promised, at his request and desire, to take no notice, after my arrival in England, of his having been any ways privy to my flight, or of the general’s letter to him. This promise I have faithfully and honourably observed; and I should have thought myself guilty of the blackest ingratitude if I had not observed it, being sensible that, had it been known at Rome that either the rector or general had been accessary to my flight, the inquisition would have resented it severely on both. For though a Jesuit in France or in Germany is out of the reach of the inquisition, the general is not; and the high tribunal not only have it in their power to punish the general himself, who resides constantly at Rome, but may oblige hiuri to inflict what punishment they please on any of the order obnoxious to them.
Wright, Mr. Hill’s banker, as appears from the books of the Old South Sea annuities. Mr. Hill was a Jesuit, but transacted money matters as an attorney, and was in that
By the emoluments arising from his tuition and his writings, it appears that in the year 1740 he had saved the sum
of 1100l. in the Old South Sea annuities, with which he
had resolved to purchase a life-annuity. In the disposition
of this money he was engaged in a negociation for the loan
of it, which afterwards proved fatal to his character. We
shall again have recourse to Mr. Bower’s own account.
Having determined to purchase this annuity, he proceeds
in this manner: “This resolution I imparted to several of
my protestant friends; and, among the rest, to sir Thomas
Mostyn’s lawyer, and to sir Thomas himself, offering at
the same time the above-mentioned sum to him, as he well
remembers, and is ready to attest. But neither sir Thomas, nor any of my other protestant friends, caring to
burthen their estates with a life-rent, I left my money in
the funds till August 1741, when being informed that an
act of parliament had passed for rebuilding a church in the
city of London, St. Botolph’s Aldgate , upon life-annuities, at seven per cent I went upon that information into
the city, with a design to dispose of my money that way.
That this was my intention, Mr. Norris, eldest son to the
late sir John Norris, with whom I advised about it at the
time, still remembers, and is ready if required to declare.
But I came too late, and found the subscription was closed.
This disappointment I mentioned to Mr. Hill, whom I accidentally met in Will’s coffee-house, near the Royal Exchange; and upon his offering me the same interest that
was given by the trustees of the above-mentioned church,
the bargain was concluded in a few meetings, and the sum,
of 1100l. transferred, Aug. 21, 1741, not to Mr. Sbirburn,
as is said in the letter from Flanders, p. 64, but to Mr.
Wright, Mr. Hill’s banker, as appears from the books of
the Old South Sea annuities. Mr. Hill was a Jesuit, but
transacted money matters as an attorney, and was in that
way a very noted man, bore the character of a fair dealer,
and dealt very largely in affairs of that nature with protestants as well as with papists. It was with him I immediately dealt; as is manifest from the orders on his banker
or cashier, Mr. Wright, in p. 72 of the libel, which were
all signed by him, and by nobody else; and he paid me so
punctually, that some time after I added 2501. to the sum
already in his hands, and received for the whole 94l. 10.s.
a year. I afterwards resolved to marry; and it was chiefly
upon that consideration, though not upon that alone, I
applied to Mr. Hill to know upon what terms he would
return me the capital. The terms ho proposed were as easy
as I could expect: for he agreed' at once to repay it, only
deducting what I had received over and above the common interest of four per cent, during the time it had been
in his hands; and he did so accordingly, as soon as he
conveniently could. Thus did this money transaction begin
wth Mr. Hill, was carried on by Mr. Hill, and with Mr.
Hill did it end.
”
the work, and of the manner in which it had been preserved. Mr. De Missy’s remarks on the celebrated Jesuit’s extraordinary production were published about the same time,
In 1744, Mr. Bowyer is supposed to have written a small
pamphlet on the present state of Europe, taken principally
from Pufendorff. In 1746, he projected, what during his
whole life he had in view, a regular edition of Cicero’s
Letters, in a chronological order, on a plan which it is to
be lamented that he did not complete; as an uniform series
thus properly arranged would have formed a real history of
Tully’s life, and those which cannot be dated might be
thrown to the end without any inconvenience. In the same
year he published “The Life of the Emperor Julian,
”
translated from the French of M. Bleterie, and improve^
with twelve pages of curious notes, and a genealogical
table. The notes were not entirely Mr. Bowyer’s, but
were drawn up, in part, by Mr. Clarke and other learned
men. The translation, by Miss Anne Williams (Dr. Johnson’s inmate), and the two sisters of the name of
Wilkinson, was made under Mr. Bowyr’s immediate inspection.
In this year also, he printed, and is supposed to have assisted in thp composition of, “A Dissertation, in which the
objections of a late pampinet (by bishop Ross) to the writings of the anci nits, after the mariner of Mr. Maryland,
are clearly answered: those passages in Tuily corrected,
on which some of the objections are founded; with
Amendments of a few pieces of criticism in Mr. Maryland’s
Epistola Critica,
” 8vo. On the 2d of August, 1747, Mr.
Bowyer entered a second time into the matrimonial state,
with a most benevolent and worthy woman, Mrs. Elizabeth
Bill, by whom he had no children. In 1750, he had the
honour of sharing, with Dr. Burton, in the invectives most
liberally bestowed by Dr. King, in his “Elogium Famse
inserviens Jacci Etouensis, sive Gigantis: or, the Praises
of Jack of Eaton, commonly called Jack the Giant.
” Dr.
King’s abuse was probably owing to his having heard that
our learned printer had hinted, in conversation, his doubts
concerning the doctor’s Latiriity. Mr. Bowyer drew up
strictures in his own defence, which he intended to insert
at the conclusion of a preface to Montesquieu’s Reflections, &c.; but, in consequence ol Mr. Clarke’s advice, they
were omitted. In the same year, a prefatory critical dissertation, and some valuable notes, were annexed, by our
author, to Kuster’s Treatise “De vero usu Verborum
Mediorum;
” a new edition of which work, with further
improvements, appeared in 1773. He wrote, likewise,
about the same time, a Latin preface to Leedes’s “Veteres
Poeta? citati, &c.
” Being soon after employed to print an
edition of colonel Bladen’s translation of Cæsar’s Commentaries, that work received considerable improvements from.
Mr. Bowyer’s hands, and the addition of such notes in it
as are signed Typogr. In the subsequent editions of this
work, though printed by another person, and in our author’s life-time, the same signature, contrary to decorum,
and even justice, was still retained. In 1751, he wrote a
long preface to Montesquieu’s “Reflections on the Rise
and Fall of the Rouian Empire;
” translated the Dialogue
between Sylla and Socrates; made several corrections to
the work from the Baron’s “Spirit of Laws,
” and improved
it with his own notes. A new edition, with many; new
notes, was printed in 1759. He gave likewise to the
public, in 1751, with a preface, the first translation that
was made of Rousseau’s paradoxical oration on the effects
of the arts and sciences, which gained the prize at the academy of Dijon, in 1750; and which first announced that
singular genius to the attention and admiration of Europe.
On the publication of the third edition of lord Orrery’s
“Remarks on the Life and Writings of Dr. Swift,
” in Two Letters from Dr. Bentley in the shades below, to
lord Orrery in a land of thick darkness.
” The notes
signed B, in the ninth quarto volume of Swift’s works, are
extracted from these Letters, which are reprinted at large
in his “Tracts.
” In Vindication of the Histories of the Old and New Testament, in answer to the Objections of Lord Bolingbroke,
”
Mr. Bowyer drew up an analysis of the same, with an intention of sending it to the Gentleman’s Magazine: it is now
printed in Mr. Nichols’s “Anecdotes.
” In Remarks on a Speech made in Common Council,
on the Bill for permitting persons professing the Jewish Religion to be naturalized, so far as Prophecies are supposed
to be affected by it.
” The design of this sensible little tract,
which was written with spirit, and well received by those
who were superior to narrow prejudices, was to shew, that
whatever political reasons might be alleged against the
Bill, Christianity would in no degree be prejudiced by
the indulgence proposed to be gVanted to the Jews. In
the same year, some of Mr. Bowyer’s notes were annexed
to bishop Clayton’s translation of “A Journal from Grand
Cairo to Mount Sinai, and back again.
” In Commentary on the Book of Wisdom,
” and enriched it with the remarks of Mr. Markland.
Upon the death of Mr. Richardson, in 1761, Mr. Bowyer,
through the patronage of the late earl of Macclesfield, was
appointed printer to the Royal Society; and, under the
friendship of five successive presidents, had the satisfaction
of continuing in that employment till his death. In the
same year (1761), appeared “Verses on the Coronation
of their late majesties, king George the Second and queen
Caroline, October 4, 1727, spoken by the Scholars of
Westminster school (some of them now the ornaments of the Nation) on January 15th following, being the Day of
the Inauguration of Queen Elizabeth, their foundress
with a Translation of all the Latin copies The whole
placed in order of the transactions of that important day.
Adorned with the Coronation Medals pf the Royal Pair,
and a bust of our present king. To which is subjoined
the Ceremonial of the august Procession, very proper to
be compared with the approaching one; and a Catalogue
of the Coronation Medals of the Kings and Queens of England.
” The original part of this pamphlet, in which a great
deal of humour is displayed, was entirely Mr. Bowyer' s:
the Latin verses were translated partly by him, but principally by Mr. Nichols. Our learned printer’s next publication was of a more serious and weighty nature, an excellent edition of the Greek Testament, in two volumes,
1763, 12mo, under the following title: “Novum Testamentum Greecum, ad Fidem GrascorUm solum Codicum
Mss. nunc primum expressum, adstipulante Joanne Jacobo Wetstenio, juxta Sectiones Jo. Albert! Bengelii divisum; et nova Interpunctione saepius illustratum. Accessere in altero Volumine Emendationes conjecturales virorum doctorum undecunque collectse.
” This sold with
great rapidity; though Mr. Bowyer, in his advertisements
of it in the public papers, was pleased to add, that it
boasted neither elegance of type nor paper, but trusted to
other merits. The conjectural emendations are a very
valuable addition to the Greek Testament, and were extremely well received by the learned. In a letter of thanks,
from the president and fellows of Harvard college, in Cambridge, New-England, to Mr. Bowyer, in 1767, for several benefactions of his to that college, they express themselves as follows: “It is a particular pleasure to us to
mention your very curious edition of the Greek Testament, in two volumes, with critical notes, and many happy
conjectures, especially as to the punctuation, an affair of
the utmost importance as to ascertaining the sense. This
work, though small in bulk, we esteem as a rich treasure
of sacred learning, and of more intrinsic value than many
large volumes of the commentators.
” A second edition of
the Conjectures on the New Testament, with very considerable enlargements, was separately published, in one
volume, 8vo, in 1772, a third in 4to, 1782, and a fourth
from the interleaved -copy of Dr. Owen, which he bequeathed to the honourable and right reverend Dr. Shute
Barrington, bishop of Durham, is just published (1812).
Bishop Wavbnrton having censured apassage in the first edition, Mr. Bowyer sent him a copy of the second, with a conciliatory letter. In 1765, at the request of Thomas Hollis,
esq. our learned printer wrote a short Latin preface to Dr.
Wallis’s “Grammatica Linguae Anglicanse.
” A larger English preface, which was written by him, and intended for
that work, is printed in his “Tracts.
” Some copies of this
book were sent by him to the rev. Edward Clarke, when,
chaplain to the earl of Bristol at Madrid, to be given to the
Spanish literati. Towards the latter end of the same year,
in consequence of overtures from a few respectable friends
at Cambridge, Mr. Bowyer had some inclination to have
undertaken the management of the University press, by
purchasing a lease of its exclusive privileges. He went,
accordingly, to Cambridge for this purpose; but the treaty
proved fruitless, and he did not much regret the disappointment. In the beginning of 1766, by engaging in a partnership with Mr. Nichols, he was again enabled to withdraw, in some degree, from that close application, which
had begun to be prejudicial to his health. His new associate had been trained by him to the profession, and had
assisted him several years in the management of business. He was very happy in this connection; and it is unnecessary to add how successfully Mr. Nichols has trod in
the steps of his worthy and learned friend and partner. In,
that year (1766) Mr. Bowyer wrote an excellent Latin preface to “Joannis Harduini, Jesuitae, ad Censuram Scriptorum veterum Prolegomena; juxta Autographum.
” In
this preface he gives an account of the nature of the work,
and of the manner in which it had been preserved. Mr. De
Missy’s remarks on the celebrated Jesuit’s extraordinary production were published about the same time, in a letter to
Mr. Bowyer, written in Latin. In 1767, he was appointed
to print the Journals of the House of Lords, and the Rolls
of Parliament. The noble peer to whom he was indebted
for this appointment, and his gratitude to whom is testified
in the inscription which he left behind him, to be placed in
Stationers Hall, was the earl of Marchmont. Mr. Bowyer
was now compelled, from the want of sufficient room, to
exchange White Fryars for Red Lion-passage; and it was
not without reluctance that he quitted a residence to which
he had been accustomed from his infancy. His new printing-house was opened with the sign of his favourite Cicero’s
Head: under which was inscribed, “M, T, Cicero, A Quo
Primordia Preli,
” in allusion to the well-known early editions of Tally’s Offices. Having printed this year Mr.
Clarke’s excellent and learned work on “The Connexion
of the Roman, Saxon, and English Coins,
” he wrote some
notes upon it, which are interspersed throughout the volume with those of the author. Part of the dissertation on
the Roman Sesterce was, likewise, Mr. Bowyer’s production; and the index, which is an uncommonly good one,
and on which he did not a little pride himself, was drawn up
entirely by him. On the 14th of January, 177 J, he lost
his second wife, who died at the age of seventy. His old
friend, Mr. Clarke, who had administered consolation to
him, on a similar occasion, nearly forty years before, again
addressed him with tenderness on this event. In the Philosophical Transactions for 1771, was printed a very ingenious “Enquiry intothe value of the antient Greek and Roman Money,
” by the late Matthew Raper, esq. The opinions advanced by this respectable gentleman, on these
subjects, not coinciding with those of Mr. Bowyer, he
printed a small pamphlet, entitled, “Remarks, occasioned
by a late Dissertation on the Greek and Roman Money.
” The pamphlet was intended as an appendix
to Mr. Clarke’s Treatise on Coins. The opinions of many
excellent writers in Germany and France having been ably
controverted in that elaborate work, Mr. Bowyer transmitted
a copy of it to the French king’s library, and inscribed his
little appendix,
. He is also said to have written a “Defence of bishop Andrews’s Tortura Torti,” against Becanus the Jesuit. The manuscript of his Postils was deposited by his nephew Edward
His “Postils,
” a series of Sermons on the book of Common Prayer, Epistles, and Gospels, &c. were first published in 1614, 4to; and afterwards reprinted in folio,
1622 and 1629, with some additional lectures. The editions of 1622 and 1629 have an engraved frontispiece, with
four portraits of the author in different attitudes. After
his death his remains, viz. “Certaine Sermons,
” were
printed, Defence of bishop Andrews’s Tortura Torti,
” against Becanus the Jesuit. The manuscript of his Postils was deposited by his nephew Edward in the library of Bene't college, Cambridge.
rmer husband. In 1623 he had two public disputations, at North-Allerton, with a secular priest and a Jesuit. The match between prince Charles and the infanta of Spain was
, an eminent prelate, was descended from the antient family of the Bramhalls, of Cheshire, and born at Pontefract, in Yorkshire, about 1593. He received his school education at the place of his birth, and was removed from thence to Sidney-college, Cambridge, in 1608. After taking the degrees of B A. and M. A. he quitted the university; and, entering into orders, had a living given him in the city of York. About the same time he married a clergyman’s widow of the Hally’s family, with whom he received a good fortune, and a valuable library, left by her former husband. In 1623 he had two public disputations, at North-Allerton, with a secular priest and a Jesuit. The match between prince Charles and the infanta of Spain was then depending; and the papists expected great advantages and countenance to their religion from it. These two, therefore, by way of preparing the way for them, sent a public challenge to all the protestant clergy in the county of York; and when none durst accept it, our author, though then but a stripling in the school of controversy, undertook the combat. His success in this dispute gained him. so much reputation, and so recommended him in particular to Matthews, archbishop of York, that he made him his chaplain, and took him into his confidence. He was afterwards made a prebendary of York , and then pf Rippon; at which last place he went and resided after the archbishop’s death, which happened in 1628, and managed most of the affairs of that church, in the quality of sub-dean. He had great political influence, especially in elections, in the town of Rippon, and was also appointed one of his majesty’s high commissioners, in the administration of which office he was by some accounted severe, although far less so than some of his brethren.
, born at Tours in 1660, became Jesuit in 1675, and died at Paris in 1741, at the age of eighty-one.
, born at Tours in 1660, became Jesuit in 1675, and died at Paris in 1741, at the age
of eighty-one. He was revisor and editor of the sermons
of his brethren Bourdaloue, Cheminais, and Giroust, Paris,
18 vols. 8vo, and 12mo. Pere la Rue applied to him on
this occasion the epithet made for St. Martin: “Trium
mortuorum suscitator magnificus.
” He published likewise
an edition of the “GEuvres spirituelles
” of le Vallois, with
a life of the author. Bretonneau was a preacher himself.
His sermons, in 7 volumes 12mo, published in 1743 by
Berruyer, are composed with eloquence. He was deficient in the graces of action; but he had all the other parts
of a good orator. His private virtues gave considerable
weight to his sermons. Bretonneau also wrote, 1. “Reflections pour les jeunes-gens qui entrent dans le monde,
”
12mo. 2. “Abrege
” de la vie de Jacques II." 12mo, taken
from the papers of his confessor. It is a panegyric from
which historians cannot extract much.
be discovered of his progress, nor when he died. It is supposed that in his latter days he became a Jesuit, but neither Pits or Alegambe notice this circumstance. He published,
, rector of Lincoln college,
Oxford, and who in his writings called himself Aqua Pontanus, was born in Yorkshire, but of a Somersetshire family. He was entered a student at Hart-hall, Oxford, and
thence removed to Brazen-nose college, where he was M. A*
1556, and about the same time took orders. Although he
outwardly complied with the reformed religion in queen
Elizabeth’s days, he lay under the suspicions, which he
afterwards confirmed, of being more seriously attached to
popery. While he preserved the disguise, however, he
was, May 1, 1562, made rector of Wooton-Courtney in the
diocese of Wells; and April 14, 1563, was chosen rector of
Lincoln college. On Nov. 28, 1570, he was made master
of Catherine’s hospital, near Bedminster, canon of Wells,
and archdeacon of Rochester. In 1574, however, being
no longer able to conceal his zeal for popery, he quitted
the rectorship of Lincoln, which Wood thinks he could no
longer have retained, without the danger of expulsion, and
after resigning his other preferments, went to the English
college at Doway, along with several students whom he had
instructed in the principles of popery. Afterwards he travelled to Rome, and thence to Germany. He was at Triers
in 1594, but no farther traces can be discovered of his progress, nor when he died. It is supposed that in his latter
days he became a Jesuit, but neither Pits or Alegambe
notice this circumstance. He published, 1. “Concertatio
Ecclesiae Catholicse in Anglia,
” first published by Fenn,
and Gibbons, at Triers, Confutatio virulentae disputationis Theologies, in qua Georgius Sohn, Prof. Acad. Heidelberg, conatus est docere,
Pontificem Romanum esse Antichristum, &c.
” ibid. An account of the Six Articles, usually proposed to the Missionaries that suffered in England.
”
for seditious meetings; others, for magical purposes. He was taken for an atheist, a presbyterian, a Jesuit But Woolaston the painter, and the son of a gentleman who had
Mr. Walpole, in his Anecdotes, says, that “Woolaston
the painter, who was a good performer on the violin and
flute, had played at the concert held at the house of that
extraordinary person, Thomas Britton the small-coal man,
whose picture he twice drew, one of which was purchased
]by sir Hans Sloane, and is now in the British museum:
there is a mezzotinto from it. T. Britton, who made much
noise in his time, considering his low station and trade,
was a collector of all sorts of curiosities, particularly
drawings, prints, books, manuscripts on uncommon subjects, as mystic divinity, the philosopher’s stone, judicial
astrology, and magic; and musical instruments, both in
and out of vogue. Various were the opinions concerning
him; some thought his musical assembly only a cover for
seditious meetings; others, for magical purposes. He
was taken for an atheist, a presbyterian, a Jesuit But
Woolaston the painter, and the son of a gentleman who
had likewise been a member of that club, averred it as
their opinions, that Britton was a plain, simple, honest
man, who only meant to amuse himself. The subscription was but ten shillings a year; Britton found the instruments, and they had coffee at a penny a dish. Sir Hans
Sloane bought many of his books and Mss. now in the
Museum, when they were sold by auction at Tom’s coffeehouse, near Ludgate.
”
, of France, was born at Lyons in 1671. He was at first a Jesuit, but afterwards an advocate, a member of the academy of Lyons,
, of France, was born at Lyons
in 1671. He was at first a Jesuit, but afterwards an advocate, a member of the academy of Lyons, and librarian
of the public library there. In 1716, he published the
works of Boileau, in 2 vols. 4to, with historical illustrations: and, after that, the works of Regnier. He reformed the text of both these authors from the errors of
the preceding editions, and seasoned his notes with many
useful and curious anecdotes of men and things. His only
fault, the fault of almost all commentators, is, that he did
not use the collections he had made with sufficient sobriety
and judgment; and has inserted many things, no ways necessary to illustrate his authors, and some that are even
frivolous. He wrote also “L'Histoire abrege*e de la ville
de Lyon,
” with elegance and precision, resembled Atticus. who kept terms, and
even cultivated friendship, at the same time with Caesar
and Pompey.
” The enmity between Rousseau and Voltaire is well known.
, a learned Jesuit, was born at Arnheim in 1559, and entered among the Jesuits
, a learned Jesuit, was born
at Arnheim in 1559, and entered among the Jesuits at Cologne in 1580, among whom he was distinguished for his
talents. He taught philosophy at Treves, was afterwards
rector of the college of Fulde, and chiefly employed at his
leisure hours in composing his works, which procured him
great reputation, and the esteem of many men of learning,
especially cardinal Baronius, who often mentions Brower in
his annals of the church, with high praise. He died -at
Treves June 2, 1617. His writings are, 1. An edition of
“Venantius Fortunattis,
” with notes and additions, Cologne, Scholia on the poems of Rabanus
Maurus,
” in vol. VI. of the works of Maurus. 3. “Antiquitates Fuldenses,
” Sidera illustrium et
'S. S. Virorum qui Germaniam lebus gestis ornarunt,
”
Mentz, Historia Episcoporum Trevereusium, &c.
” Cologne, 162t>. He had also a principal hand
in the “Antiquities and Annals of Treves,
”
, a French Jesuit, was born at Nantes in 1607, and died at Paris Sept. 1, 1663.
, a French Jesuit, was born at
Nantes in 1607, and died at Paris Sept. 1, 1663. He
wrote many pieces of Latin poetry. The principal are,
1. “The Ignatiad,
” in xii books: the subject is the pilgrimage of St. Ignatius to Jerusalem. This poem forms a
part of his “Virgilius Christianus;
” in which he has imitated, with more piety than taste, the eclogues, the georgics,
and the Æneid. His “Ovidius Christianus
” is in the same
strain: the Heroic Epistles are changed into pastoral letters,
the Tristibus into holy lamentations, and the Metamorphoses
into stories of converted penitents. Father Le Brun also
wrote “Eloquentia Poetica,
” Paris,
ree succeeding emperors, was comprised in four books, and published with a Latin translation, by the Jesuit Poussines, at Paris, in 1661, to which the annotations of Du
, was a native of Orestia, in Macedonia, and married the princess Anna Comnena, daughter of Alexius Comnenus, who raised him to the rank of Caesar, but declined announcing him as his successor in prejudice of his own son. After the death of Alexius, the empress Irene and her daughter Anna attempted to elevate Bryennius to the empire, but he refused to concur in the plot. Having been sent in 1137 to besiege Antiocb, he fell sick, and returning to Constantinople, died in that city. His history of the reigns of Isaac Comnenus and of the three succeeding emperors, was comprised in four books, and published with a Latin translation, by the Jesuit Poussines, at Paris, in 1661, to which the annotations of Du Cange were annexed in 1670.
Coronation of King David, &c.” 4to, 1588. 5. Three or four controversial pamphlets with Parsons, the Jesuit. 6. “The Corner Stone, or a form of teaching Jesus Christ out
, descended from an ancient family in Yorkshire, was born at a house called the Vache,
near Chalfont St. Giles’s, in Buckinghamshire, in 1540,
and when sixteen years old was sent to Oxford, and having
taken his bachelor’s degree, was elected probationer fellow of Magdalen college. He was at this time distinguished for his knowledge of logic and philosophy, and
soon after went to Staple’s Inn, and then to Gray’s Inn,
where he spent about two years in the study of the law,
which profession his father wished him to follow. His own
inclination, however, was for the study of divinity, which
displeased his father so much, that, to use his own words,
he “cast him off,
” although a man of piety himself, and
one that had fled for his religion in queen Mary’s days.
He returned accordingly to Oxford, and took his master’s
degree in 1564. In, the year following he was elected fellow of Merton college, an irregular act of the society,
which, however, Wood says was absolutely necessary, as
there was no person then in Merton college able to preach
any public sermon in the college turn; and not only there,
but throughout the university at large, there was a great
scarcity of theologists. In 1570 he was admitted to the
reading of the sentences, and about the same time became
chaplain to 'archbishop Grindall, who gave him a prebend
in that church, and the rectory of Bolton-Percy about six
miles distant. This rectory he held twenty-five years, and
then resigned it, but retained his prebend. In 1570 we
also find that he was subdean of York, which he resigned
in 1579. In 1585 he was collated, being then B. D. to a
prebend in Carlisle, and had likewise, although we know
not at what period, a prebend in St. Paul’s. It appears
that he preached and catechised very frequently, both in
Oxford and in many other places, travelling over a considerable part of the kingdom, and preaching wherever
there appeared a want of clergy. This zeal, his being a
Calvinist, and his preaching extempore, brought him under the imputation of being too forward and meddling,
against which he vindicated himself in “A Defence of his
labours in the work of the Ministry,
” written Jan. 20, 1602,
but circulated only in manuscript. He died at Cawood in
Yorkshire, Feb. 26 (on his monument, but 27 in archbishop Matthews’s ms diary) 1617, and was buried in
York cathedral. He published, 1. “The Sum of Christian
Religion,
” Lond. Abridgment of Calvin’s Institutions,
” from May’s translation, ibid. Sceptre of Judah,
” &c. ibid. The
Coronation of King David, &c.
” 4to, The Corner Stone, or a form of teaching Jesus Christ
out of the Scriptures,
” ibid.
ble of that inscription to be copied from the marble of a ruined palace, and sent it to Schottus the Jesuit. It may be seen in Gruevius’s Suetonius. Gronovius published
, was
the natural son of the lord of Bnsbec, or Boesbec, and
born at Commines, a town in Flanders, 1522. The early
proofs he gave of extraordinary genius induced his father
to spare neither care nor expence to get him properly instructed, and to obtain his legitimation from the emperor
Charles V. He was sent to study at the universities of
Louvain, Paris, Venice, Bologna, and Padua, and was
some time at London* whither he attended the ambassador
of Ferdinand, king of the Romans, and was present at the
marriage of Philip and Mary. In 1554 he was appointed
ambassador at Constantinople; but made a very short stay
there. Being sent back the following year, his second
embassy proved longer and more fortunate; for it lasted
seven years, and ended in a beneficial treaty. He acquired
a perfect, knowledge of the state of the Ottoman empire,
and the true means of attacking it with success; on which
subject he composed a very judicious discourse, entitled
“De re militari contra Turcam instituenda consilium.
”
Without neglecting any thing that related to the business
of his embassy, he laboured successfully for the republic
of letters, collecting inscriptions, purchasing manuscripts,
searching after rare plants, and inquiring into the nature
of animals, and when he set out the second time to Constantinople, he carried with him a painter, to make drawings of the plants and animals that were unknown in the
west. The relation which he wrote of his two journies to
Turkey is much commended by Thuanus. He was desirous of passing the latter part of his life in privacy, but
the emperor Maximilian made choice of him to be governor to his sons; and when his daughter princess Elizabeth
was married to Charles IX. of France, Busbec was nominated to conduct her to Paris. This queen gave him the
whole superintendance of her houshold and her affairs, and,
when she quitted France, on her husband’s death, left him
there as her ambassador, in which station he was retained
by the emperor Rodolph until 1592, when, on a journey
to the Low Countries, he was attacked by a party of soldiers,
and so harshly treated as to bring on a fever which proved
fatal in October of that year. He was a man of great learning, and an able antiquary. The public is indebted to
him for the “Monumentum Anciranum,
” which would be
one of the most curious and instructive inscriptions of antiquity, if it was entire, as it contained a list of the actions
of Augustus. Passing through Ancyra, a city of Galatia,
Busbec caused all that remained legible of that inscription
to be copied from the marble of a ruined palace, and sent
it to Schottus the Jesuit. It may be seen in Gruevius’s
Suetonius. Gronovius published this Monumentum Anciranum at Leyden in 1695, with notes, from a more full
and correct copy than that of Busbec. Busbec also vyrote
“Letters from France to the emperor Rodolph,
” which
exhibit an interesting picture of the French court at that
period. An edition of all his letters was published by
Elzivir at Leyden, 1633, and at London in 1660, 12mo.
His “Itinera Constantinopolitanum et Amasianum
” was
printed at Antwerp, Legationis Turcicæ Epistolæ,
” Francfort,
, of Nottelen in Westphalia, a Jesuit, who died 1668, wrote a small “Meduila Theologize Moralis,”
, of Nottelen in Westphalia,
a Jesuit, who died 1668, wrote a small “Meduila Theologize Moralis,
” 12mo, which La Croix, one of his brethren, has enlarged to two vols. folio; the last edition is
1757. The idea of the pope’s authority, even over the
persons of kings, is carried, in this work, to the height of
extravagancy: all secular tribunals, therefore, united in
its condemnation. The parliament of Toulouse in 1757,
and that of Paris in 1761, ordered it to be burnt.
, a French Jesuit, was born in 1607, either at Villa Franca in Beaujolais, or
, a French Jesuit, was born in
1607, either at Villa Franca in Beaujolais, or at Lyons,
and became a very frequent and admired writer, although
little of his fame has reached modern times. He died in
1678. His French poetry is now forgot, but his Latin
poetry published at Lyons in 1675, 8vo, still has some admirers; and in his “Scanderbeg,
” an epic poem, and
his “Rhea,
” are some animated passages. He published
also an abridgment of the History of France, and another,
in Latin, of the universal history, called “Floscoli Historiarum,
” which he afterwards translated into French, under
the title “Parterre historique,
” Lyons, Memoires
de Ville Tranche en Beaujolais,
”
ed him many enemies. Huet, although then very young, ventured to censure him; and father Valois, the Jesuit, who was a contemporary professor of philosophy, attacked both
, a celebrated French philosopher, was
a native of Mesnil-Hubert, near Argenton, in the diocese
of Seez. About 165.5, he studied philosophy at Caen,
and afterwards divinity at Paris, but philosophy was his
favourite pursuit, and the foundation of his fame. In
1660 he taught in the college du Bois, in Caen, and became there acquainted with Huet, afterwards bishop of
Avranches, who acknowledged the assistance he derived
from Cally in his studies. Their intimacy, however, was
interrupted by Cally’s avowal of adherence to ttie Cartesian system. CaJly was the first in France who had the
courage to profess himself a Cartesian, in defiance of the
prejudices and numbers of those who adhered to the ancient philosophy. He first broached his Cartesianism in
the way of hypothesis, but afterwards taught it more
openly, which procured him many enemies. Huet, although then very young, ventured to censure him; and
father Valois, the Jesuit, who was a contemporary professor of philosophy, attacked both Cally and his opinions
in a work which he published under the name of Louis de
la Ville, in 1680, entitled “Sentimens de M. Descartes,
touchant Pessence et les proprietes des corps, opposes a la
doctrine de Peglise, et conformesaux erreurs de Calvin sur
I'eucharistie.
” Cally, not thinking there was much in this,
did not answer it until pressed by his friends, when he
wrote an answer in Latin, which, however, was not at
this time published. When the duke de Montausier was
appointed by Louis XIV. to provide eminent classical
scholars to write notes on the classics published for the use
of the Dauphin, Cally was selected for the edition of
“Boethius de Consolatione,
” which he published, accordingly, in Institutio philosophica,
” 4to, which he
afterwards greatly enlarged, and published in 1695 under
the title “Universae philosophise institutio,
” Caen, 4 vols.
4to. In 1675 he was appointed principal of the college of
arts in Caen, on which he began a new course of philosophical lectures, and laid out ten or twelve thousand francs
on rebuilding a part of the college which had fallen into
ruin. In 1684 he was appointed curate of the parish of
St. Martin, in Caen, and the Protestants who were then
very numerous in that city, flocked to his sermons, and he
held conferences once or twice a week in his vestry, which
they attended with much pleasure, and we are told he 'made
many converts to the Popish religion. But this success,
for which every Catholic ought to have been thankful, excited the envy of those who had quarrelled with him before
on account of his Cartesianism, and by false accusations,
they procured him to be exiled to Moulins in 1686, where
he remained for two years. Finding on his return that the
Protestants were still numerous in Caen, and that they
entertained the same respect for him as before, he wrote for
their use a work entitled “Durand cornmente, ou Paccord
de la philosophie avec la theologie, tonchaut la transubstantialion.
” In this, which contained part of his answer
to father Valois, mentioned above, he revives the opinion
of the celebrated Durand, who said, if the church decided
that there was a transubstantiation in the eucharist, there
must remain something of what was bread, to make a difference between the creation and production of a thing
which was not, and annihilation or a thing reduced to
nothing. Cally sent this work in ms. to M. Basnage, who
had been one of his scholars, but received no answer. la
the mean time, unwilling to delay a work which he hoped
would contribute to the conversion of the Protestants, “he
engaged with a bookseller at Caen to print only sixty
copies, which he purposed to send to his friends at Paris,
and obtain their opinion as to a more extended publication.
The bookseller, however, having an eye only to his own
interest, undertook to assure Cally that the work would be
approved by the doctors of the Sorbonne, and he therefore
would print eight hundred. Cally unfortunately consented, and the work no sooner appeared, than he who
fondly hoped it would convert heretics, was himself treated
as a heretic. M. de Nesmond, then bishop of Bayeux,
condemned the work in a pastoral letter March 30, 1701,
and Cally in April following made his retractation, which
he not only read in his own church, but it was read in all
other churches; and he also destroyed the impression, so
that it is now classed among rare books. It was a small
vol. 12mo, 1700, printed at Cologne, under the name of
Pierre Marteau. Cally also published some of his sermons,
but they were too philosophical and dry for the closet, although he had contrived to give them a popular effect in
the pulpit. A work entitled
” Doctrine heretique, &c.
touchant la primauté du pape, enseignee par les Jesuites
dans leur college de Caen," is attributed to him, but as it
bears date 1644, he must have then been too young. He
died Dec. 31, 1709.
himself. This copy came into Calmet' s possession by means of a bramin who had been converted by the Jesuit missionaries. Calmet’s life was written by Dom Fange, his nephew
, a learned Benedictine of the
college of St. Vanncs, was born at Mesnil-la-Horgue, near
Commercy, Feb. 26, 1672, and was first educated in the
priory of Breuii. In 1687 he went to study at the
university of Pont-a-Mousson, where he was taught a course of
rhetoric. On leaving this class, he entered among the
Benedictines in the abbey of St. Mansuy, in the fauxbourg
of Toul, Oct. 17, 1688, and mad,e profession in the same
place Oct. 23, 1689. He began his philosophical course
in the abbey of fcfe. Evre, and completed that and his theological studies in the abbey of St. Munster. At his leisure
hours he studied the Hebrew language with great attention
and success, and likewise improved his knowledge of the
Greek. In 1696 he was sent with some of his companions
to the abbey of Moyenmoutier, where they studied the
Holy Scriptures under P. D. Hyacinthe Alliot. Two years
aftef, in 1698, Calmet was appointed to teach philosophy
and theology to the young religious of that monastery, an
employment which he filled until 1704, when he was sent,
with the rank of sub-prior, to the abbey of Munster. There
he was at the head of an academy of eight or ten religious,
with whom he pursued his biblical studies, and having,
while at Moyenmoutier written commentaries and dissertations, on various parts of the Bible, he here retouched and
improved these, although without any other design, at this
time, than his own instruction. During a visit, however,
at Paris, in 1706, he was advised by the abbe Duguet, to
whom he had been recommended by Mabillon, to publish
his commentaries in French, and the first volume accordingly appeared in 1707. In 1715 he became prior of Lay,
and in 1718 the chapter-general appointed bim abb 6 of
St. Leopold, of Nancy, and the year following he was
made visitor of the congregation. In 1728 he was chosen
abbe* of Senones, on which occasion he resigned his priory
of Lay. When pope Benedict XIII. confirmed his election, the cardinals proposed to his holiness that Calmet
should also have the title of bishop in partibus infiddium,
with power to exercise the episcopal functions in those
parts of the province which are exempt from the jurisdiction of the ordinary; but this Calmet refused, and wrote
on the subject to Rome. The pope in Sept. 1729, addressed a brief to him, accepting of his excuses, and some
time after sent him a present of his works, in 3 vols. fol.
Calmet took possession of the abbey of Senones, January
3, 1729, and continued his studies, and increased the library and museum belonging to the abbey with several
valuable purchases, particularly of the medals of the deceased M. de Corberon, secretary of slate, and of the
natural curiosities of M, Voile. Here be died Oct. 25, 1757,
respected by all ranks, Roman catholics and Protestants,
for his learning and candour, and by his more particular
friends and those of his own order, for his amiable temper
and personal virtues. His learning, indeed, was most extensive, as the greater part of his long life was devoted to
study, but amidst such vast accumulation of materials, we
are not surprized that he was sometimes deficient in selection, and appears rather as a collector of facts, than as
an original thinker. His principal works are, 1. “Commentaire litteral sur tous les livres de l'Aneten et da Nouyeau Testament,
” Dissertations and Prefaces
” belonging to his commentary,
published separately with nineteen new Dissertations,
Paris, 1720, 2 vols. 4to. 3. “Histoire de PAncien et du
Nouveau Testament,
” intended as an introduction to Fleury’s “Ecclesiastical History,
” 2 and 4 vols. 4to; and 5 and
7 vols. 12mo. 4. “Dictionnaire historique, critique, et
chronologique de la Bible.
” Paris, Histoire ecclesiasiique et civile de la Lorraine,
” 3 vols.
fol. reprinted 1745, in 5 vols. fol. 6. “Bibliotheque des
Ecrivains de Lorraine,
” fol, Histoire
universelle sacrée et profane,
” 15 vols. 4to. This Calmet did not
live to finish, and in other respects it is not his best work.
7. “Dissertations sur les apparitions des Anges, des Demons,
et des Esprits, et sur les Revenans et Vampires de Hongrie,
”
Paris, 1754, 2 vols. 4to. 10.
” De la Poesie et Musique des anciens Hebreux," Amst. 1723, 8vo. His conjectures on this subject, Dr. Burney thinks, are perhaps as
probable as those of any one of the numerous authors who
have exercised their skill in expounding and defining what
some have long since thought involved in Cimmerian darkness. Calmet also left a vast number of manuscripts, or
rather manuscript collections, as it had long been his practice to copy, or employ others to copy, whatever he found
curious in books. In 1733, he deposited in the royal
library, a correct transcript of the Vedam, a work which
the natives of Hiudostan attribute to their legislator Brama,
who received it, according to their tradition, from God
himself. This copy came into Calmet' s possession by means
of a bramin who had been converted by the Jesuit missionaries. Calmet’s life was written by Dom Fange, his
nephew and successor in the abbey of Senones, and published in 8vo. It was afterwards translated into Italian by
Benedetto Passionei, and published at Rome in 1770.
of London, with a paper fastened to his hat, on which was written “Edmund Campian, a most pernicious Jesuit.” Afterwards, having been found guilty of high treason in adhering
, an ingenious Roman catholic
writer, was born in London in 1540, and educated at
Christ’s hospital. Being a boy of great parts, he was selected while at school, to make an oration before queen
Mary at her accession to the crown; and from thence
elected scholar of St. John’s college in Oxford by Thomas
White, the founder of it, in 1553. He took his degrees
of B. and M. A. regularly, and afterwards went into orders.
In 1566, when queen Elizabeth was entertained at Oxford, he made an oration before her, and also kept an act
in St. Mary’s church, with very great applause from that
learned queen. In 1568, he went into Ireland, where he
wrote a history of that country in two books; but being
then discovered to have embraced the popish religion, and
to labour for proselytes, he was seized and detained for
some time. He escaped soon after into England; but in
1571 transported himself into the Low Countries, and settled in the English college of Jesuits at Doway, where he
openly renounced the protestant religion, and had the degree of B. D. conferred upon him. From thence he went
to Rome, where he was admitted into the society of Jesuits in 1573; and afterwards sent by the general of his
order into Germany. He lived for some time in Brune,
and then at Vienna where he composed a tragedy, called
“Nectar and Ambrosia,
” which was acted before the emperor with great applause. Soon after he settled at Prague
in Bohemia, and taught rhetoric and philosophy for about
six years in a college of Jesuits, which had been newly
erected there. At length being called to Rome, he was
sent by the command of pope Gregory XIII. into England,
where he arrived in June 1580. Here he performed all
the offices of a zealous provincial, and was diligent in propagating his religion by all the arts of conversation and
Writing. He seems to have challenged the English clergy
to a disputation, by a piece entitled “Rationes decem oblati certaminis in causa fidei, redditse academicis Angliae,
”
which was printed at a private press in Edmund Campian, a most pernicious Jesuit.
” Afterwards, having been
found guilty of high treason in adhering to the bishop of
Rome, the queen’s enemy, and in coming to England todisturb the peace and quiet of the realm, he was hanged
and quartered, with other Romish priests, at Tyburn, December 1, 1581.
e variee,“ibid. 1631. 8.” De Imitatione Rhetorica," ibid. 1631. His life, written by Paul Bombino, a Jesuit, is very scarce the best edition is that of Mantua, 1620, 8vo.
All parties allow him to have been a most extraordinary:
man; of admirable parts, an eloquent orator, a subtile
philosopher and skilful disputant, an exact preacher both
in Latin and English, and a man of good temper and address. Besides the works already mentioned, he wrote,
1. “Nine Articles directed to the lords of the privy-council,
” The History of Ireland,
” noticed above,
published by sir James Ware, Dublin, 1633, fol. The
original ms. is in the British Museum. 3. “Chronologia
universalis.
” 4. te Conferences in the Tower,“published
by the English divines, 1583, 4to. 5 r
” Nar ratio de Divortio,“Antwerp, 1631. 6.
” Orationes,“ibid. 1631.
7.
” Epistoke variee,“ibid. 1631. 8.
” De Imitatione
Rhetorica," ibid. 1631. His life, written by Paul Bombino, a Jesuit, is very scarce the best edition is that of
Mantua, 1620, 8vo.
ublicke) first to restore it by correcting the following errata.“His comedy, called” The pragmatical Jesuit,“came out after the Restoration. The picture before it represents
He published the following sermons: 1. “The perfect
Law of God, being a sermon and no sermon, preached
and yet not preached,
” Astrology proved
harmless, useful, pious; on Gen. i. 14. 'And let them be
for signs’,
” Lond. 1657, 4to; dedicated to Elias Ashmole.
At the end of the epistle dedicatory is Richard Carpenter’s
picture, with a face looking towards him, out of the mouth
of which issues a serpent, and out of the serpent’s mouth
fire. Underneath are written these words: “Ricardus
Carpenterus porcello cuidam Gerasenorum, scilicet in omnia præcipiti, fluctibusque devoto, eidem porco loquaci
pariter et minaci mendacique indicit silentium, et obmutescit.
” 3. “Rome in her fruits,
” preached the 1st of
November 1662, near the Standard in Cheapside; in ansuer to a pamphlet entitled Reasons why the Roman Catholics should not be persecuted,“Lond. 1663, 4to, on
Matth. vii. 16. There is extant by the same author, a treatise entitled
” Experience, History, and Divinity, in five
books,“Lond. 16'I2, 8vo, dedicated to the parliament then,
sitting; with his picture before it. This book was republished in 1648, under the title of
” The Downfall of Antichrist.“It contains several particulars of his personal
history, and exposes many of the practices of the Romish
missionaries, but the style, as in all his works, is quaint
and extravagant. Granger thinks he must have studied the
Spanish romances to produce the following beauty, prefixed to the list of errata:
” I humbly desire all cleanhearted and right-spirited people, who shall readc this
book (which because the prosse was oppressed, seems to have been suppressed, when it was by little and little impressed; but now at least hath pressed through the presse into the publicke) first to restore it by correcting the following errata.“His comedy, called
” The pragmatical
Jesuit,“came out after the Restoration. The picture before it represents him in.a very genteel lay-habit; whereas
that before his
” Experience," &c. exhibits him in the dress
of a formal clergyman, with a mortified countenance. Mr.
Langbainc speaks with some commendation of this play.
, a learned Jesuit, of a distinguished family in Placentia, was born there in 1617,
, a learned Jesuit, of a distinguished
family in Placentia, was born there in 1617, and became
professor of mathematics and theology at Rome. He was
one of the two ecclesiastics who contributed to convert
Christina, queen of Sweden, to the popish faith. She had
desired that two Jesuits might be sent to confer with her
on the subject. In 1652 he returned to Italy, and, as he
had considerable political talents, was appointed superior
to several houses belonging to the society of Jesuits: and
he presided over the university of Parma for thirty years,
and acted as confessor to two successive duchesses of
Parma. Amidst all these occupations he had leisure for
his mathematical studies and publications. He died at
Parma, Dec. 22, 1707. His principal works are, 1. “Vacuum proscriptum,
” Genoa, Terra machinis
mota,
” Rome, Mechanicorum libri octo,
”
De igne dissertationes,
” De angelis disputatio theologica,
” Placentia, Hydrostaticse dissertationes,
” Parma, Opticae disputationes,
” Parma,
no farther than the first book of Polybius, being hindered by death. Thuanus, and Fronto Ducaeus the Jesuit, were so pleased with that Latin version, that they believed
His writings are 1 “In Diogenem Laertium Notae
Isaaci Hortiboni,
” Morgiis, He should like better one note of his upon the holy Scriptures, than all the
pains he could bestow upon profane authors.
” These
potes of Casaubon were inserted in the editions of Diogenes
Laertius, printed by H. Stephens in 15l>4 and 1598, in
8vo, and in all the editions published since. The name of
Hortibonus, which Casaubon took, is of the same import
as Casaubon, i. e. a good garden; Casait, in the language
of Dauphiné, signifying a garden, and bon, good. 2.
“Lectiones Theocriticæ,
” in Crispinus’s edition of Theocritus, Genev. 1S84, 12mo, reprinted several times since.
3. “Strabonis Geographiae Libri XVII. Grsece & Latine,
ex Guil. Xylandri Interpretatione,
” Genevae, 1587, fol.
Casaubon’s notes were reprinted, with additions, in the
Paris edition of Strabo in 1620, and have been inserted
in all other editions since. 4. “Novurn Testamentum.
Grace urn,
” Geneva;, Critici
Sacri.
” V. “Animadversiones in Dionysium Halicarnassensem,
” in the edition of Dionysius Halicarnassensis,
published by our author with Æmilius Portus’s Latin version, Genev. 1588, fol. These were written in haste, and
are of no great value. 6. “Polyseni Stratagematum,
”
Libri VIII.“Lugduni, 1589, 16to. Casaubon was the
first who published the Greek text of this author. The
Latin version, joined to it, was done by Justus Vulteius,
and first published in 1550. 7.
” Dicsearchi Geographica
quaedam, sive de Statu Grascise; ejusdem descriptio
Grrcciae versibus Greeds jambicis, ad Theophrastum; cum
Isaaci Casauboni & Henrici Stephani nods,“Genevac,
1589, 8vo. 8.
” Aristotelis Opera Grasce, cum variorum
Interpretatione Latina, & variis Lectionibus & Castigationibus Isaaci Casauboni,“Lugduni, 1590, fol.; Genevae,
1605, fol. These notes are only marginal, and were composed at leisure hours. 9.
” C. Plinii Caec. Sec. Epist.
Lib. IX. Ejusdem & Trajani imp. Epist. amcebaea?. Ejus* clem Pi. & Pacati, Mamertini, Nazarii Panegyrici. Item
Claudiani Panegyrici. Adjunctae sunt Isaaci Casauboni
Notae in Epist.“Geneva, 1591, 12mo; ibid. 1599, 1605,
1610, and 1611, 12mo. These notes are but very short.
10.
” Theophrasti Characteres Ethici Grasce & Latine,“Lugduni, 1592, 12mo, and 1612, 12mo. This latter edition is the most exact of the two, being revised by the
author. Casaubon’s edition of Theophrastus is still highly
esteemed, and was one of those works which procured him
most reputation. Joseph Scaliger highly extols it. 11.
” L. Apuleii Apologia,“Typis Commeiini 1593, 4to. In
this edition he shewed himself as able a critic in the
Latin, as he had done before in the Greek tongue. It is
dedicated to Joseph Scaliger. 12.
” C. Suetonii Tranquilli Opera,“Genevas, 1595, 4to, and Paris, 1610, an
enlarged edition. 13.
” Publii Syri Mimi, sive sententiae
selectae, Latine, Graece versas, & Notis illustrate per Jos.
Scaligerum; cum prefatione Isaaci Casaubon i,“Lugd.
Batav. 1598, 8vo. 14.
” Athenaei Deipnosophistarmn,
LibriXV. Graece Latine, Interprete JacoboDalechampio,
cum Isaaci Casauboni Animadversion um Libris XV.“Geneva, 1597, 2 vols. fol.; ibid. 1612, 2 vols. fol Casaubon’s notes take up the second volume, and are copious and learned, and constitute the most valuable part
of this edition. 15.
” Historiae Augustae Scriptures, “Paris,
1603, 4to, reprinted at Paris in 1620, with Saiivmsius’s
Commentaries on the same autnors, fol. and at Leyden,
in 1670, 2 vols. 8vo. 16.
” Diatnba ad Dionis Chrysostomi Orationes,“published in the edition of that author
by Frederick Morel, at Paris, 1604, fol. 17.
” Persii
Satyrae ex recensione &- cum Commentar.“Pans, 1605,
8vo; Lond. 1647, 8vo. These notes upon Persius ar
Lectures he had formerly read at Geneva. They were
enlarged in the edition of 1647. Scaliger used to say of
them,
” That the sauce was better than the fish.“18.
” De Satyrica Graecorum Poesi, & llomanorum Satyra
Libri duo,“Paris, 1605, 8vo. In this work Casaubon
affirms, that the satire of the Latins was very different from
that of the Greeks, which Daniel Heinsius contradicts in
his two books,
” De Satyra Horatiana,“Lugd. Batava.
1629, 12mo. But the learned Ezekiel Spanheim, after
having examined the arguments of these two learned men,
declares for Casaubon. Crenius has inserted this tract
of Casaubon, in his
” Musceum Philologicum & Historicom,“Ludg. Batav. 1699, 8vo; and also the following
” piece, which was published by our author at the end of
his two books, “De Satyrica Poesi,
” &c. 19. “Cyclops
Euripidis Latinitate donata a Q. Septimio Florente.
” 20.
“Gregorii Nysseni Epistola ad Eustathiam, Ambrosiam, &
Basilissam, Gr. & Lat.
” Paris, De
Libertate Ecclesiastica Liber,
” Collectanea de Monarchia S. Imperil,
” torn. I. p. Inscriptio vetus dedicationem fundi continens, ab Herode
rege facta, cum notis.
” This small piece, published in
Musoeum.
Phiiologicum.
” Casaubon’s notes are short, but learned;
however, he appears to have been mistaken in ascribing
the inscription on which they were made to Herod king
of Judaea, instead of Herodes the Athenian. 23. “Polybii Opera Gr. & Lat. Accedit Æneas Tracticus detoleranda obsidione, Gr. & Lat.
” Paris, Josephi Scaligeri Opusculavaria,
” Paris, Ad Frontonem Ducseum
Epistola, de Apologia, Jesuitarum nomine, Parisiis edita,
”
Londini, la Reponse Apologetique a I'Anti-coton, par Francois Bonald.
” Au Pont,
1611, 8vo. 26. “Epistola ad Georgium Michaelem Lingelshemium de quodam libello Sciopii,
” Epistola ad Cardinalem Perronium,
” Londini, Ad Isaacum Casaubonum Paraenesis,
”
Racoviae, De Rebus sacris & Ecclesiasticis Exercitationes xvi. Ad Cardinalis Baronii Prolegomena in
Annales, & primam eorum partem, de Domini nostri Jesu
Christi Nativitate, Vita, Passione, Assumtione,
” Londini,
that he had materials ready for that purpose.
” Accordingly, king James
employed him in that work, which was finished in eighteen
months’ time. Niceron thinks that Casaubon was not equal
to this work, because he had not sufficiently studied divinity, chronology, and history, and was not conversant
enough in the fathers, and is charged with having committed more errors than Baronius in a less compass. Besides, as he comes no lower than the year 34 after Christ,
he is said to have pulled down only the pinnacles of Baronius’ s great building. It appears from letter 1059th of
our author, that Dr. Richard Montague, afterwards bishop
of Norwich, had undertaken to write against Baronius at
the same time with himself; and he threatens to complain
of him to the king, who had engaged him in that work.
29. “Ad Polybii Historiarum Libruni primum Commentarius,
” Paris, Isaaci Casauboni Epistohp,
” Hagie Comin. Is. Casauboni Epistolae,
” &c. Curante
Theodore Janson ab Almeloveen,“Roterodami, 1709, foL
The letters in this volume are 1059 in number, placed
according to the order of the time in which they were
written; and 5 1 without dates. Niceron finds in them
neither elegant style, nor fine thoughts; and censures, as
very disagreeable, the mixture of Greek words and expressions that are dispersed throughout; affirming besides,
that they contain no particulars tending to the advancement of learning, or that are of any great importance. In
the
” Sorberiana“it is said that there is in them the history of a man of probity and learning; but nothing otherwise very remarkable, excepting the purity of the language,
and the marks of a frank and sincere mind. Argonne,
however, in his
” Melanges d'Histoire,“assures us that
they are all perfectly beautiful; and makes no scruple to
compare them to those of Grotius and Scaligerwith regard to
learning; and to assert that they exceed them for the easiness and purity of the style, which is entirely epistolary,
and not at all affected. 31.
” Casauboniana," Hamburg!,
1710, 8vo. There is nothing very material in this collection.
Paris in 1658; which pretends to confute “Archbishop Laud’s relation of a conference with Fisher the Jesuit.” 24. “An answer concerning the new way of Infallibility lately
1660, 4to. 21. “The Question to whom it belonged anciently to preach? And whether all priests might or did?
Discussed out of antiquity. Occasioned by the late directions concerning preachers,
” Lond. Notse & emendationes in Diogenem Laertium de
Vitis, &c. Philosophorum
” added to those of his father,
in the editions of Laertius printed at London 1664, fol.
and Amsterdam in 1692, 4to. 23. “Of the necessity of
Reformation in and before Luther’s time, and what visibly
hath most hindered the progress of it Occasioned by some
late virulent books written by papists, but especially by
that, entitled, Labyrinthus Cantuariensis,
” Lond. 1664, 4to.
This is chiefly an answer to “Labyrinthus Cantuariensis,
”
printed at Paris in Archbishop Laud’s relation of a conference with Fisher
the Jesuit.
” 24. “An answer concerning the new way of
Infallibility lately devised to uphold the Roman cause; the
ancient fathers and councils laid aside, against J. S. (the author of Sure-footing) his Letter lately published,
” Lond.
Of the necessity of Reformation,
” &c. and was printed at the end of Sarjeant’s Surefooting in Christianity. 25. “A Letter of Meric Casaubon, D.D. &c. to Peter du Moulin, I). D. &c. concerning
natural experimental philosophy, and some books lately
set out about it,
” Cambridge, Of Credulity and Incredulity in things natural, civil, and divine;
wherein, among other things, the sadducism of these
times in denying spirits, witches, and supernatural operations, by pregnant instances and evidences is fully
confuted; Epicurus his cause discussed, and the juggling and false dealing lately used to bring him and
atheism into credit, clearly discovered; the use and necessity of ancient learning against the innovating humour
all along proved and asserted^
” Lond. Of Credulity and Incredulity in things divine
and spiritual: wherein (among other things) a true and
faithful account is given of the Platonic philosophy, as it
hath reference to Christianity: as also the business of
witches and witchcraft, against a late writer, fully argued
and disputed.
” The late writer, attacked only in the two
last sheets of this book, was Mr. John Wag-staff, who published “The question of Witchcraft debated; or a discourse
against their opinion, that affirm witches,
” Lond. A treatise proving Spirits, Witches, and supernatural
operations by pregnant instances and evidences, &c.
”
London, Notse in Polybium,
” printed for the
first time in Gronovius’s edition, Amsterdam, 1670, 8vo.
28. “Epistolae, Dedicationes, Prsefationes, Prolegomena,
& Tractatus quidam rariores. Curante Theodore Janson
ab Almeloveen;
” printed at the end of Isaac Casaubon’s
Letters, Roterodami, 1709. 29. “De Jure concionandi
apud antiques.
” This seems to be the same as the treatise
mentioned above No. 22, or perhaps it was a Latin translation of it.
ric at Mohilow, for the spiritual government of her subjects of that persuasion, and also gave him a Jesuit coadjutor. But the spoils of Paraguay never found their way
The independence of Cam Tartary, however, soon occasioned an open rupture between the Turkish and Russian
parties; and in 1778 it produced a declaration of war.
From the measures that were pursued, it sufficiently appeared, that the ambition of the empress would not be
satisfied till she had gained entire possession of that peninsula. Her intrigues in the neighbouring courts of Denmark
and Sweden tended to render these powers little more than
dependencies on her crown; however, in 1780 her influence
over them was employed in establishing the famous “armed
neutrality,
” the purpose of which was to protect the commercial rights of neutral states, then continually violated
by the belligerent powers, and particularly by England,
which availed itself of its superiority at sea, in preventing
France and Spain from receiving naval stores from the
Baltic. In this year Catherine had an interview at Mohilow with the emperor of Germany, Joseph II. and they
travelled together in familiar intercourse into Russia; the
prince of Prussia (afterwards Frederic William II.) also
visited her court; and it was customary for the neighbouring princes to make visits of policy or curiosity to Petersburgh, where they were always treated with extraordinary
magnificence. In 1782, Catherine, with a view of affording an asylum to the proscribed order of Jesuits, and probably imagining that all the Jesuits of Europe and America
would bring into White Russia their treasures and their industry, erected a Roman catholic archbishopric at Mohilow,
for the spiritual government of her subjects of that persuasion, and also gave him a Jesuit coadjutor. But the spoils
of Paraguay never found their way to Mohilow. This
year was marked by an event which indicated Catherine’s
respect for the memory of Peter the Great, whom she affected to imitate: it was the erection at Petersburgh of his
famous equestrian statue, which was executed by Stephen
Falconet of Paris. This, artist conceived the design of
having for the pedestal of his statue a huge and rugged
rock, in order to indicate to posterity, whence the heroic
legislator had set out and what obstacles he surmounted.
This rock, the height of which from the horizontal line
was 21 feet by 42 in length, and 34 in breadth, was conveyed, with great labour, from a bay on the gulf of Finland
to Petersburgh, through the distance of 11 versts, or about
41,250 English feet. On the side next the senate it has
this Latin inscription, which is in a style of sublime and
proud simplicity: “Petro primo, Catharina secunda;
”
“Catherine the second to Peter the first.
”
, a French Jesuit, and confessor to Lewis XIII. was born at Troyes, in Champagne,
, a French Jesuit, and confessor to Lewis XIII. was born at Troyes, in Champagne, in 1580, and entered into the order of Jesuits when he was twentysix years of age. He taught rhetoric in several of their colleges; and afterwards began to preach, by which he gained very great reputation, and increased it not a little by his publications. At length he was preferred to bje confessor to the king; but, although pious and conscientious, did not discharge this office to the satisfaction of cardinal Richelieu, and the cardinal used every effort to get him removed. A little before his death, he is said to have delivered into the hands of a friend some original letters; from short extracts of which, since published, it appears that he "fell into disgrace because he would not reveal some things which he knew by the king’s confession; nor even take advice of his superiors how he was to behave himself in the direction of the king’s conscience, when he could not do it without breaking through the laws of confession. There are also some hints in the same extracts, which shew that he did not approve Lewis the Thirteenth’s conduct towards the queen his mother; and there is a probability that he caballed to get Richelieu removed. If we may believe the abbe Siri in his memoirs, this Jesuit, in his private conversations with the king, insisted upon the cardinal’s removal, for the four following reasons: 1. Because Mary de Meclicis, the queen-mother, was banished. 2. Because he left Lewis only the empty name of king. 3. Because he oppressed the nation. 4. Because he powerfully assisted the Protestants to the prejudice of the Catholic church. According to this author, he even engaged to maintain these four articles against the cardinal in the king’s presence; and he offered the cardinal’s place to the duke of Angouleme. This plot was the occasion of his disgrace, according to the abbe* Siri. Others have asserted, that the queen-mother obliged him to leave Paris, to gratify cardinal Mazarine, whom he had displeased; and that his disgrace was occasioned by his Latin piece concerning the kingdom and bouse of God, published in 1650, in which be had freely spoken of the qualities with which princes ought to be adorned. It is certain, however, that he was deprived of his employment, and banished to a city of Lower Britanny. He got leave to return to Paris aftr the cardinal’s death, and died there in the convent oi the Jesuits, July 1651.
, a French Jesuit, was born at Paris in 1670, and was early distinguished by spirit,
, a French Jesuit, was
born at Paris in 1670, and was early distinguished by
spirit, vivacity, and a turn for poetry, which, while he
wrote in Latin, procured him considerable reputation.
This, however, he forfeited by his French verses, in imitation of Marot, in which he mistook burlesque and trifling,
for the familiar and simple. He wrote also some theatrical
pieces of an inferior order but was more successful in his
“Defense de la Poesie Francoise,
” and other dissertations
on the same subject. He wrote also, 1. “L'Histoire de
Thamas Kouli-Kan, sophi de Perse,
” Amsterdam, Histoire de la Conjuration de Rienzi,
”
12mo, which was completed by father Brumoy. 3. A criticism on the abbé Boileau’s “History of the Flagellants.
” He contributed also a great many papers to the Journal de
Trevoux, and was long engaged in a controversy with one
of the authors of the Journal des Savans, occasioned by
two dissertations printed at the end of the second volume
of Sannadon’s Horace, relative to a passage in Horace
concerning the music of the ancients. This produced from
Cerceau some valuable essays on the subject. His Latin
poetry was published in 1696, 12mo, under the title
“Varia de variis argumentis Carmina a multis e societate
Jesu.
” The other authors in this volume are Vaniere and
Tarillon. In 1807, his dramatic pieces were reprinted at
Paris, in 3 vols. 18mo, under the title “Theatre à l'usage
des colleges,
” He died suddenly in
, a Spanish Jesuit, and native of Toledo, who entered among the Jesuits in 1574,
, a Spanish Jesuit, and native of
Toledo, who entered among the Jesuits in 1574, was a
man of great learning, and, as his brethren have represented him, of as great simplicity and candour. He distinguished himself by several productions; and the fame of
his parts and learning was so great, that Urban VIII. is
said to have had his picture in his cabinet; and, when that
pope sent his nephew cardinal Barberini ambassador into
Spain, it was part of his business to pay Cerda a visit, and
to assure him of the pope’s esteem. Cerda’s “Commentaries upon Virgil,
” Paris, Tertullian,
” begun in 2 vols. but not finished, have not been
so much esteemed; Dupin says, they are long and tedious, full of digressions and explications of passages
which are too clear to need any explaining. There is also
of Cerda’s a volume of “Adversaria Sacra,
” printed in
folio at Lyons, in
, a Jesuit of uncommon abilities, and confessor to Lewis XIV. was born
, a Jesuit of uncommon abilities, and confessor to Lewis XIV. was born in the chateau
of Aix, in 1624, of an ancient but reduced family. He
gave early indications of talents when at school, and performed his philosophical exercises under father de Vaux,
who was afterwards advanced to the highest employments in
his order. When he was arrived at a proper age, he was
ordained priest; and became afterwards professor of divinity in the province of Lyons, and rector and provincial of
a college there. He spent at several seasons a good deal
of time in Paris, where his great address, his wit, and love
of letters, made him almost universally known: and in
1663, the bishop of Bayeux introduced him to cardinal
Mazarine, who shewed him many marks of favour, and
offered him his patronage. In 1665, he presented la
Chaise to the king, as a person of whose great abilities
and merit he was well convinced, and afterwards got him
admitted into the council of conscience, which indeed was
no less than to make him coadjutor to the confessor, and
when the cardinal died, he was made, in 1675, confessor
to the king; and about ten years after, was the principal
adviser and director of his marriage with madame de Maintenon. The king was then arrived at an age when confessors have more than an ordinary influence: and la Chaise
found himself a minister of state, without expecting, and
almost before he perceived it. He did business regularly
with the king, and immediately saw all the lords and all
the prelates at his feet. He had made himself a master in
the affairs of the church; which, by the disputes that often
arose between the courts of France and Rome, were become affairs of state.
Yet, in spite of all his address and the influence which
he had gained over the king, he was sometimes out of
favour with his master, and in danger of being disgraced.
Provoked at the ill success of the affair concerning the
electorate of Cologn in 1689, the king shewed his displeasure to the confessor, by whose counsels he had been influenced. La Chaise excused himself, by laying the blame
upon the marquis de Louvois; but the king told him with
some indignation, “that an enterprise suggested by Jesuits
had never succeeded; and that it would be better if they
would confine themselves to teaching their scholars, and
never presume to meddle in affairs of state.
” La Chaise
was very solicitous to establish an interest with madam e de
Maintenon; but does not appear to have done it effectually, till that favourite found herself unable, by all her
intrigues and contrivances, to remove him from the place
of confessor. The Jesuit, it has been said, had not religion enough for this devout lady. He loved pleasures,
had a taste for magnificence, and was thought too lukewarm in the care of his master’s conscience. The jealousy
and dislike with which she regarded him were expressed in
her letters; but her unfavourable representations of his
temper and character were counteracted by those of the
duke of St. Simon, who describes him as mild and moderate, humane and modest, possessed of honour and probity, and though much attached to his family, perfectly
disinterested. La Chaise died Jan. 1709, and possessed
to the very last so great a share of favour and esteem with
the king, that his majesty consulted him upon his death-bed about the choice of his successor.
ural history. The only work besides, that we find ascribed to Mr. Chambers, is a translation of the “ Jesuit’s Perspective,” from the French; which was printed in 4to, and
Although the “Cyclopædia
” was the grand business of
Mr. Chambers’s life, and may be regarded as almost the
sole foundation of his fame, his attention was not wholly
confined to this undertaking. He was concerned in a
periodical publication entitled “The Literary Magazine,
”
which was begun in Moral Philosopher.
” He was engaged likewise, in conjunction with Mr. John Marty n,
F. R. S. and professor of botany at Cambridge, in preparing for the press a translation and abridgment of the
“Philosophical history and memoirs of the royal academy
of sciences at Paris or an abridgment of all the papers
relating to natural philosophy which have been published
by the members of that illustrious society.
” This undertaking, when completed, was comprised in five volumes,
8vo, which did not appear till 1742, some time after our
author’s decease, when they were published in the joint
names of Mr. Martyn and Mr. Chambers. Mr. Marty n, in
a subsequent publication, passed a severe censure upon the
share which his fellow-labourer had in the abridgment of
the Parisian papers; which, indeed, he appears to have
executed in a very slovenly manner, and to have been unacquainted with the French terms in natural history. The
only work besides, that we find ascribed to Mr. Chambers,
is a translation of the “Jesuit’s Perspective,
” from the
French; which was printed in 4to, and has gone through
several editions. How indefatigable he was in his literary
and scientific collections, is manifest from a circumstance
which used to be related by Mr. Airey, who was so well
known to many persons by the vivacity of his temper and
conversation, and his bold avowal of the principles of infidelity. This gentleman, in the very early part of his life,
was five years (from 1728 to 1733) amanuensis to Mr. Chambers; and, during that time, copied nearly 20 folio volumes, so large as to comprehend materials, if they had
been published, for printing 30 volumes in the same size.
Mr. Chambers however acknowledged, that if they were
printed, they would neither be sold nor read. His close
and unremitting attention to his studies at length impaired
his health, and obliged him occasionally to take a lodging
at Canonbury-house, Islington. This not having greatly
contributed to his recovery, he made an excursion to the
south of France, of which he left an account in ms. but
did not reap that benefit from the journey which he had
himself hoped and his friends wished. Returning to England in the autumn of 1739, he died at Canonbury-house,
and was buried at Westminster; where the following inscription, written by himself, is placed on the north side of
the cloisters of the abbey:
, a learned and industrious French Jesuit, was born at St. Quintin in 1684, and died in 1761, aged 78.
, a learned
and industrious French Jesuit, was born at St. Quintin in
1684, and died in 1761, aged 78. His fame rests chiefly
on the histories of his travels, which were extensive, and
his accounts, although diffuse, are in general reckoned
very godd authority. They consist of: 1. “Histoire et
description gene*rale du Japon,
” Histoire de PIsle de St. Dominique,
” Histoire generale de la
Nouvelle France,
” Histoire générale du Paraguay,
” Journal of a Voyage to North America,
” Letters
to the duchess of Lesdiguieres, giving an account of a
voyage to Canada,
” &c. The History of
Paraguay,
” 1769, 2 vols. 8vo. Charlevoix also published in
1724, “Vie de Mere Marie de l'Incarnation,
” 12mo; and
he was for twenty-four years employed on the “Journal
de Trevoux,
” which he enriched with many valuable articles.
appeared his translation and abridgement of the controversies and magical researches of Delrio, the Jesuit, 8vo. In 1612 and 1613, he was employed on his “Histoire d'
Du Chesne’s first attempt as an author, was a duodecimo
volume, printed in 1602, and dedicated to Boulanger,
entitled “Egregiarum seu Electarum Lectionum et Antiquitatum liber.
” The same year he dedicated another to
M. de Cerisy, archbishop of Tours, entitled “Januariae
Kalendae, seu de solemnitate anni tain Ethnica quam
Christiana brevis tractatus,
” with a Latin poem “Gryphus
de Ternario numero.
” In Les figures mystiques
du riche et precieux Cabinet des Dames,
” apparently a
moral work. In his twenty-third year he began a translation of Juvenal, which he published with notes, in 1607.
This is a work of very rare occurrence. In 16-09 he published “Antiquitez et Recherches de la grandeur et
majeste des Rois de France,
” dedicated to Louis XIII. then
dauphin. In 1610 he wrote a poem, “Chandelier de
Justice,
” and also a panegyrical discourse on the ceremonies of the coronation of queen Mary of Medicis, with
a treatise on the ampulla and fleur-de-lys, &c. but owing
to the assassination of the king, which happened after this
ceremony, these productions were lost. The same year
he published a funeral discourse on king Henry IV. and
the first edition of his “Antiquitez et Recherches des
Villes et Chateaux de France,
” which has been often reprinted. In Histoire d'Angleterre,
” the first edition of which was
published in Bibliotheca Cluniacensis.
” This was followed in Histoire des Papes,
” fol. reprinted in Works of Abelard,
”
with a preface and notes/ which are rarely found together.
gion, and afterwards conveyed to the English seminaries beyond sea. Among these there was the famous Jesuit, John Fisher, alias John Perse, for that was his true name,
The conversation and study of the university scholars, in his time, turned chiefly upon the controversies between the church of England and the church of Rome, occasioned by the uncommon liberty allowed the Romish priests by James I. and Charles I. Several of them lived at or near Oxford, and made frequent attempts upon the young scholars; some of whom they deluded to the Romish religion, and afterwards conveyed to the English seminaries beyond sea. Among these there was the famous Jesuit, John Fisher, alias John Perse, for that was his true name, who was then much at Oxford and Chillingworth being accounted a very ingenious man, Fisher used all possible means of being acquainted with him. Their conversation, soon turned upon the points controverted between the two churches, but particularly on the necessity of an infallible living judge in matters of faith. Chillingworth found himself unable to answer the arguments of the Jesuit on this head; and being convinced of the necessity of such a judge, he was easily brought to believe that this judge was to be found in the church of Rome; that therefore the church of Rome must be the true church, and the only church in which men could be saved. Upon this he forsook the communion of the church of England, and cordially embraced the Romish religion.
ngaged in several disputes with those of the Homish; and particularly with John Lewgar, John Floyd a Jesuit, who went under the name of Daniel, or Dan. a. Jesu, and White.
As, in forsaking the church of England, as well as in
returning to it, he was solely influenced by a love of truth,
so, upon the same principles, even after his return to protestantism, he thought it incumbent upon him to re-examine the grounds of it. This appears from a letter he
wrote to Sheldon, containing some scruples he had about
leaving the church of Rome, and returning to the church
of England; and these scruples, which he declared ingenuously to his friends, seemed to have occasioned a report that he had turned papist a second time, and then
protestant again. It would have been more just, perhaps,
to conclude that his principles were still unsettled, but, as
his return to the protestant religion made much noise, he
became engaged in several disputes with those of the
Homish; and particularly with John Lewgar, John Floyd
a Jesuit, who went under the name of Daniel, or Dan. a.
Jesu, and White. Lewgar, a great zealot for the church
of Rome, and one who had been an intimate friend of our
author, as soon as he heard of his return to the church of
England, sent him a very angry and abusive letter; to which
Chillingvvorth returned so mild and affectionate an answer,
that Lewgar could not help being touched with it, and
desired to see his old friend again. They had a conference
upon religion before Skinner and Sheldon and we have a
paper of Chillingworth printed among the additional discourses above-mentioned, which seems to contain the abstract or summary of their dispute. Besides the pieces
already mentioned, he wrote one to demonstrate, that
“the doctrine of infallibility is neither evident of itself,
nor grounded upon certain and infallible reasons, nor warranted by any passage of scripture.
” And in two other
papers, he shews that the church of Rome had formerly
erred; first, “by admitting of infants to the eucharist,
and holding, that without it they could not be saved;
” and
secondly, “by teaching the doctrine of the millenaries,
viz. that before the world’s end Christ shall reign upon the
earth 1000 years, and that the saints should live under him
in all holiness and happiness;
” both which doctrines are
condemned as false and heretical by the present church of
Rome. He wrote also a short letter, in answer to some
objections by one of his friends, in which he shews, that
“neither the fathers nor the councils are infallible witnesses of tradition and that the infallibility of the church
of Rome must first of all be proved from Scripture.
” Lastly,
he wrote an answer to some passages in the dialogues published under the name of Rush worth. In 1635 he was
engaged in a work which gave him a far greater opportunity to confute the principles of the church of Rome, and
to vindicate the religion of protestants. A Jesuit called
Edward Knott, though his true name was Matthias Wilson,
had published in 1630 a little book called “Charity mistaken, with the want whereof catholics are unjustly charged,
for affirming, as they do with grief, that protestancy unrepented destroys salvation.
” This was answered by Dr.
Potter, provost of Queen Vcollege, Oxford, in 1633, in
a tract entitled “Want of Charity justly charged on all
such Romanists as dare without truth or modesty affirm,
that protestancy destroyeth salvation.
” The Jesuit in
Mercy and Truth, or
Charity maintained by catholics with the want
whereof they are unjustly chargetl, for affirming that
protestancy destroyeth salvation.
” Knott being informed of Chillingworth’s intention to reply to this,
resolved to prejudice the public both against the author
and his book, in a pamphlet called “A Direction to be
observed by N. N. if he means to proceed in answering
the book entitled Mercy and Truth, &c. printed in 1636,
permissu superiorum:
” in which he makes no scruple to
represent Chillingworth as a Socinian, a charge which has
been since brought against him with more effect. Chillingworth’s answer to Knott was very nearly finished in
the beginning of 1637, when Laud, who knew our author’s
freedom in delivering his thoughts, and was under some
apprehension he might indulge it too much in his book,
recommended the revisal of it to Dr. Prideaux, professor
of divinity at Oxford, afterwards bishop of Worcester; and
desired it might be published with his approbation annexed
to it. Dr. Baylie, vice-chancellor, and Dr. Fell, lady
Margaret’s professor in divinity, also examined the book;
and at the end of the year it was published, with their approbation, under this title: “The religion of Protestants
a safe way to Salvation: or, an answer to a book entitled
Mercy and Truth, or Charity maintained by Catholics,
which pretends to prove the contrary.
” It was presented
by the author to Charles I. with a very elegant dedication i
from whence we learn this remarkable circumstance, that
Dr. Potter’s vindication of the protestant religion against
Knott’s books was written by special order of the king 5
and that, by giving such an order, that prince, besides
the general good, had also some aim at the recovery of
Chillingworth from the danger he was then in by the change
of his religion. This work was received with general applause; and what perhaps never happened to any other
controversial work of that bulk, two editions of it wer6
published within less than five months: the first at Oxford,
1638, in folio; the second at London, with some small
improvements, the same year. A third was published
in 1664 to which were added some pieces of Chillingworth a fourth in 1674; a fifth in 1684, with the
addition of his Letter to Lewgar, mentioned above. In
1687, when the nation was in imminent danger of popery,
and this work was in its Cull popularity, Dr. John Patrick,
at the request of the London clergy, published an abridgment of it in 4to, with the additional pieces, which we
have taken notice of already. The sixth edition of the
original appeared in 1704, with the “Additional Discourses,
” but full of typographical errors; the seventh
edition in 1719; the eighth in ———; and the ninth in
1727. This last edition was prepared from that of 1664,
carefully examined and compared with the two preceding
editions. The various readings of these editions are. taken
notice of at the bottom of each page, with the words Oxf,
or Lond. after them. The tenth and last edition is of the
year 1742, with the “Life of Mr. Chillingworth,
”by Dr. Birch',
which life was copied into the General Dictionary, 10 vols.
fol. The Jesuit Knott, as well as Floyd and Lacy, Jesuits,
wrote against Chillingworth; but their answers were soon
forgotten.
as a life of true happiness, the royal cum dignitatc. Some time before this step, Anthony Macedo, a Jesuit, was chosen by John IV. king of Portugal, to accompany the ambassador
In 1652 she first proposed to resign in favour of her successor, but the remonstrances of the States delayed this measure until 1654, when she solemnly abdicated the crown, that she might be at perfect liberty to execute a plan of life which vanity and folly seem to have presented to her imagination, as a life of true happiness, the royal cum dignitatc. Some time before this step, Anthony Macedo, a Jesuit, was chosen by John IV. king of Portugal, to accompany the ambassador he sent into Sweden to queen Christina; and this Jesuit pleased this princess so highly, that she secretly opened to him the design she had of changing her religion. She sent him to Rome with letters to the general of the Jesuits; in which she desired that two of their society might be dispatched to her, Italians by nation, and learned men, who should take another habit that she might confer with them at more ease upon matters of religion. The request was granted; and two Jesuits were immediately sent to her, viz. Francis Malines, divinity professor at Turin, and Paul Casati, professor of mathematics at Rome, who easily effected what Macedo, the first confidant of her design, had begun. Having made her abjuration of the Lutheran religion, at which the Roman catholics triumphed, and the protestants were discontented, both without much reason, she began her capricious travels: from Brussels, or as some say, Inspruck, at which she played the farce of abjuration, she went to Rome, where she intended to fix her abode, and where she actually remained two years, and met with such a reception as suited her vanity. But some disgust came at last, and she determined to visit France, where Louis XIV. received her with respect, but the ladies of the court were shocked at her masculine appearance, and more at her licentious conversation. Here she courted the learned, and appointed Menage her master of ceremonies, but at last excited general horror by an action, for which, in perhaps any other country, she would have been punished by death. This was the murder of an Italian, Moualdeschi, her master of the horse, who had betrayed some secret entrusted to him. He was summoned into a gallery in the palace, letters were then shewn to him, at the sight of which he turned pale, and intreated for mercy, but he was instantly stabbed by two of her own domestics in an apartment adjoining that in which she herself was. The French court was justly offended at this atrocious deed, yet it met with vindicators, among whom was Leibnitz, whose name was disgraced by the cause which he attempted to justify. Christina was sensible that she was now regarded with horror in France, and would gladly have visited England, but she received no encouragement for that purpose from Cromwell: she therefore, in 1658, returned to Rome, and resumed her amusements in the arts and sciences. But Rome had no permanent charms, and in 1660, on the death of Gustavus, she took a journey to Sweden for the purpose of recovering her crown and dignity. She found, however, her ancient subjects much indisposed against her and her new religion. They refused to confirm her revenues, caused her chapel to be pulled down, banished all her Italian chaplains, and, in short, rejected her claims. She submitted to a second renunciation of the throne, after which she returned to Rome, and pretended to interest herself warmly, first in behalf of the island of Candia, then besieged by the Turks, and afterwards to procure supplies of men and money for the Venetians. Some differences with the pope made her resolve, in 1662, once more to return to Sweden; but the conditions annexed by the senate to her residence there, were now so mortifying, that she proceeded no farther than Hamburgh, and from Hamburgh again to Rome, where she died in 1689, leaving a character in which there is little that is amiable. Vanity, caprice, and irresolution deformed her best actions, and Sweden had reason to rejoice at the abdication of a woman who could play the tyrant with so little feeling when she had given up the power. She left some maxims, and thoughts and reflections on the life of Alexander the Great, which were translated and published in England in 1753; but several letters attributed to her are said to be spurious.
rament of the Altar.” Translated by another hand, from the original French of F. Toussain Bridoul, a Jesuit," Lond. 1687, 4to. Besides these, after his decease, his brother,
, eldest son of the preceding,
was born at St. Edmundsbury, in Suffolk, September 14,
1646, and educated in the free-school there, under the
care of Dr. Thomas Stephens, author of the notes on Statius’s Sylvse, who took very early notice of the promising
parts of his scholar. Before he was full thirteen years of
age, he was admitted a pensioner in Emanuel-college, in
Cambridge, September 5, 1659, under the tuition of Mr.
Thomas Jackson, where he took his degree of A. B. 1663,
A.M. 1667, and commenced D. D. in 1683. He was
then chosen one of the preachers of St. Edmundsbury,
which office he discharged for seven years with universal
reputation. From thence, at the instance of some considerable men of the long robe, whose business at the assizes there gave them opportunities of being acquainted
with his great worth and abilities, he was thought worthy
by the society of Gray’s-inn, to succeed the eminent Dr.
Cradock, as their preacher, which he continued to be all
the remaining part of his life, much to the satisfaction of
the society. He was also presented by the lord keeper
North (who was his wife’s kinsman) to the rectory of Farnham-royal, in Buckinghamshire, into which he was instituted May 14, 1683; but what he most valued next to his
preacher’s place at Gray’s-inn, was the lectureship of St.
Michael Bassishaw, to which he was elected by that parish
about two years before his death. He was also chaplain in
ordinary to his majesty. He was cut off, however, in the
prime of life. He was seized with the small-pox on a
Sunday evening, March the 16th, after having preached
at St. Martin in the Fields, in his Lent course there; and
died March 28, 1638. He was buried in a vault under part
of the church of St. Michael Bassishaw, in the grave
with his wife, Mrs. Thornasin North, a most virtuous and
accomplished woman, who died eighteen days after him,
of the same disease. We are assured by the testimony of
Dr. Sharp, that no man of a private condition, in the last
age, died more lamented, and his private virtuesand
public services are spoken of by all his contemporaries in
the highest terms. Bishop Burnet ranks him among those
worthy and eminent men whose lives and labours in a great
measure rescued the church from those reproaches that
the follies of others drew upon it; nor ought it to be forgotten, that he was one of those excellent divines who
made that noble stand against popery in the reign of king
James II. which will redound to their immortal honour.
The several things published by Dr. Clagett, are as follows: 1. “A Discourse concerning the Operations of the
Holy Spirit; with a confutation of some part of Dr. Owen’s
book upon that subject,
” Part I. Lond. A Reply to a pamphlet called
The Mischief of Impositions, by Mr. Alsop, which pretends to answer the dean of St. Paul’s (Dr. Stillingfleet’s)
Sermon concerning the Mischief of Separation,
” Lond.
An Answer to the Dissenters’ Objections
against the Common Prayers, and some other parts of the
divine service prescribed in the Liturgy of the Church of
England,
” Lond. The Difference of the
Case between the Separation of Protestants fromthe
Church of Rome, and the Separation of Dissenters from
the Church of England,
” Lond. The
State of the Church of Rome when the Reformation began, as it appears by the advices given to pope Paul III.
and Julius III. by creatures of their own.
” 6. “A Discourse concerning the Invocation of the Blessed Virgin
and the Saints,
” Lond. A Paraphrase,
with notes, upon the sixth Chapter of St. John, shewing
that there is neither good reason, nor sufficient authority
to suppose that the Eucharist is discoursed of in that
chapter, much less to infer the doctrine of Transubstantiation from it.
” Lond. 1686, 4to. Reprinted in 1689,
8vo, at the end of his second volume of sermons. 8. “Of
the Humanity and Chanty of Christians. A Sermon
preached at the Suffolk Feast, at St. Michael, Cornhill,
London, November 30, 1686.
” 9. “A Discourse concerning the pretended Sacrament of Extreme Unction,
&.c.
” in three parts. “With a letter to the Vindicator of
the bishop of Condom,
” Lond. A second letter to the Vindicator of the bishop of Condom,
”
Lond. Authority of Councils, and the
Rule of Faith, with an answer to the Eight Theses laid
down for the Trial of the English Reformation.
” The first
part, about Councils, by Hutchinson, esq. the rest
by Dr. Clagett, 4to. 12. “Notion of Idolatry considered
and confuted,
” Lond. Cardinal Bellarmine’s
seventh note, of the Union of the Members among themselves, and with the Head.
” 14. “His twelfth note, Of
the Light of Prophecy, examined and confuted.
” 15. “A
View of the whole Controversy between the Representer
and the Answerer; in which are laid open some of the
methods by which Protestants are misrepresented by Papists,
” Lond. An Answer to the Representer’s Reflections upon the State and View of the Controversy. With a Reply to the Vindicator’s full Answer;
shewing that the Vindicator has utterly ruined the new
design of expounding and representing Popery,
” London,
Several captious Queries concerning
the English Reformation, first in Latin, and afterwards by
T. W. in English, briefly and fully answered,
” Lond.
A Preface concerning the Testimony of
Miracles, prefixed to The School of the Eucharist established upon the miraculous respects and acknowledgements,
which Beasts, Birds, and Insects, upon several occasions,
have rendered to the Sacrament of the Altar.
” Translated
by another hand, from the original French of F. Toussain
Bridoul, a Jesuit," Lond. 1687, 4to. Besides these, after
his decease, his brother, Mr. Nicolas Clagett, published
four volumes of his sermons: the first in 1689, contained seventeen sermons; one of which was greatly admired by
queen Mary, who desired to have it read more than once
during her last illness: Text, Job ii. 10. The second
volume, printed in 1693, contained eleven sermons; a Paraphrase and Notes upon the first, second, third, fourth, fifth,
seventh, and eighth Chapters of the Gospel of St. John.
The Paraphrase, and Notes on the sixth Chapter, which had
been published before: A Discourse of Church- Unity, with
Directions now, in this divided State of Christendom, to keep
within the Unity of the Church A Discourse of Humanity
and Charity And a Letter concerning Protestants Charity
to Papists published by Dr. Clagett. The third and fourth
volumes did not come out till 1720, at so great a distance
of tune from the two former volumes, that the booksellers
would not call them the third and fourth volumes, but the
first and second volumes, as well as the former; only notice was given, that they were never before published.
undertook to refute Claude’s book, and published a large volume in 1669. Father Nonet also, a famous Jesuit, engaged in the controversy, and published a book against Claude,
During this journey, he wrote a little book, which gave
rise to the most famous dispute that ever was carried on in.
France between the protestants and Roman catholics.
Mess, de Port-Royal in their endeavours to make a convert
of Mr. de Turenne to the Romish religion, presented hin
with a work in which they pretended to shew that the protestant churches had always believed what is taught in that
of the Romanists concerning the real presence, and that a
change of belief, such as the protestants suppose, is impossible. Mr. de Turenne’s lady, who always dreaded,
what happened after her decease, namely, that her husband
would turn Roman catholic, was very anxious to confirm
him in the protestant faith, and employed Claude to write
an answer to the piece of Mess, de Port-Royal, which he
executed with so much ability, that several copies were
taken and circulated as extensively, both in Paris and in
the provinces, as if it had been printed. Mess, de PortRoyal, hearing of this, thought themselves absolutely obliged to answer it, by publishing in 1664, the famous work
entitled “The perpetuity of the catholic church in regard
to its doctrine of the Eucharist.
” It contains the first
piece, and a reply to Claude’s answer, who was then at
Montauban; and published in 1666, with his first answer,
a work entitled “An answer to two treatises, entitled The
perpetuity, &c.
” There is no doubt but the intrinsic
merit of Claude’s book contributed greatly to its fame;
but he had also the Jansenists on his side, who hoped that
it would vex the gentlemen of the Port-Royal; and therefore, for their own sake, they spread in all places his name
and merit. Arnauld undertook to refute Claude’s book,
and published a large volume in 1669. Father Nonet
also, a famous Jesuit, engaged in the controversy, and
published a book against Claude, who wrote an answer to
it, which was printed in 1668, and which some prefer to
his other pieces; and we are told it was his own favourite
piece. The author of the “Journal des S^avans
” opposed
Claude, by inserting an extract of that Jesuit’s book, which
induced Claude to publish an anonymous letter, entitled
“A Letter from a provincial to a friend, occasioned by the
journal of the 28th of June, 1667
” and this obtained a
reply from the journalist some time after, which terminated
this contest; but as Arnauld had added two more volumes to
the former, Claude was forced to engage in a very laborious
study, in order to examine the tenets of the Greek church,
and those of the eastern schismatics, and shewed great learning and abilities in the answer he made to him. The Jansenists only made a general reply to Claude’s book. They
published their “Just prejudices against Calvinism:
”
which Claude refuted by one of the ablest vindications of
protestantism, entitled -“' Defense de la Reformation,
”
Roan, 1673, and Hague, 1682.
, a German Jesuit, was born at Bamberg, in Germany, in 1537. He became a very
, a German Jesuit, was born at Bamberg, in Germany, in 1537. He became a very studious mathematician, and elaborate writer, his works making five large folio volumes; and containing a complete body or course of the mathematics. They are mostly elementary, and commentaries on Euclid and others; having very little of invention of his own. His talents and writings have been variously spoken of, and it must be acknowledged that he exhibits more of industry than genius. He was sent for to Rome, to assist, with other learned men, in the reformation of the calendar, by pope Gregory; which he afterwards undertook a defence of, against Scaliger, Vieta, and others, who attacked it. He died at Rome, the 6th of February, 1612, after more than fifty years close application to the mathematical sciences.
y 27, 1606, at the trial of the gun-powder conspirators, and March 28 following, at the trial of the Jesuit Garnet, he made two very elaborate speeches, which were soon
In May 1603, he was knighted by king James; and the
same year managed the trial of sir W. Raleigh, at Winchester, whither the term was adjourned, on account of
the plague being at London; but he lessened himself
greatly in the opinion of the world, by his treatment of
that unfortunate gentleman; as he employed a coarse and
scurrilous language against him hardly to be paralleled.
The resentment of the public was so great upon this occasion, that as has been generally believed, Shakspeare, in
his comedy of the “Twelfth Night,' 7 hints at this strange
behaviour of sir Edward Coke at Raleigh’s trial. He was
likewise reproached with this indecent behaviour in a letter
which sir Francis Bacon wrote to him after his own fall;
wherein we have the following passage:
” As your pleadings
were wont to insult our misery, and inveigh literally
against the person, so are you still careless in this point
to praise and disgrace upon slight grounds, and that suddenly; so that your reproofs or commendations are for the
most part neglected and contemned, when the censure of
a judge, coming slow, but sure, should be a brand to the
guilty, and a crown to the virtuous. You will jest at any
man in public, without any respect to the person’s dignity,
or your own. This disgraces your gravity more than it
can advance the opinion of your wit; and so do all your
actions, which we see you do directly with a touch of vainglory. You make the laws too much lean to your opinion;
whereby you shew yourself to be a legal tyrant, &c.“January 27, 1606, at the trial of the gun-powder conspirators, and March 28 following, at the trial of the Jesuit
Garnet, he made two very elaborate speeches, which were
soon after published in a book entitled
” A true and perfect relation of the whole Proceedings against the late most
barbarous traitors, Garnet, a Jesuit, and his confederates,
&c.“1606, 4to. Cecil earl of Salisbury, observed in his
speech upon the latter trial,
” that the evidence had been
so well distributed and opened by the attorney-general,
that he had never heard such a mass of matter better contracted, nor made more intelligible to the jury.“This
appears to have been really true; so true, that many to
this day esteem this last speech, especially, his masterpiece.
It was probably in reward for this service, that he was
appointee! lord chief justice of the common-pleas the same
year. The motto he gave upon his rings, when he was
called to the degree of serjeant, in order to qualify him for
this promotion, was,
” Lex est tutissima cassis;“that is,
” The law is the safest helmet.“Oct. 25, 1613, he was
made lord chief justice of the kingVbench; and in Nov.
was sworn of his majesty’s privy-council. In 1615 the
king deliberating upon the choice of a lord- chancellor,
when that r-ost should become vacant, by the death or resignation of Egerton lord Ellesmere, sir Francis Bacon
wrote to his majesty a letter upon that subject, wherein
he lias the following passage, relating to the lord chiefjustice:
”If you take my lord Coke, this will follow: First,
your majesty shall put an over-ruling nature into an overruling place, which may breed an extreme. Next, you
shall blunt his industries in matter of finances, which
seemeth to aim at another place. And lastly, popular men
are no sure mounters for your majesty’s saddle." The
disputes and animosities between these two great men are
well known. They seem to have been personal; and they
lasted to the end of their lives. Coke was jealous of Bacon’s reputation in many parts of knowledge; by whom,
again, he was envied for the high reputation he had acquired in one; each aiming to be admired particularly in
that in which the other excelled. Coke was the greatest
lawyer of his time, but could be nothing more. If Bacon
was not so, we can ascribe, it only to his aiming at a more
exalted character; not being able, or at least not willing,
to confine the universality of his genius within one inferior
province of learning.
ety, of which he was now become a member, he fully explained and demonstrated the- rule given by the Jesuit De Billy, for” finding the number of the Julian period for any
, an eminent accomptant and mathematician, was the son of a nonconformist divine, and horn
at Wood Eaton near Oxford in March 1624. At sixteen
years of age he was put apprentice to a bookseller in Oxford; but soon left that trade, and was employed as clerk
under Mr. John Mar, one of the clerks of the kitchen to
prince Charles, afterwards Charles II. This Mar was eminent for his mathematical knowledge, and constructed those
excellent dials with which the gardens of Charles I. were
adorned: and under him Collins made no small progress in
the mathematics. The intestine troubles increasing, he
left that employment and went to sea, where he spent the
greatest part of seven years in an English merchantman,
which became a man of war in the Venetian service against
the Turks. Here having leisure, he applied himself to
merchants accompts, and some parts of the mathematics,
for which he had a natural turn; and on coming home, he
took to the profession of an accomptant, and composed
several useful treatises upon practical subjects. In 1652
he published a work in folio, entitled “An Introduction
to Merchants’ Accompts,
” which was reprinted in with an additional part, entitled
” Supplements to accomptantship and arithmetic.“A part of this work, relating to
interest, was reprinted in 1685, in a small 8vo volume In
1658 he published in 4to, a treatise called
” The Sector
on a Quadrant; containing the description and use of four
several quadrants, each accommodated for the making of
sun-dials, &c. with an appendix concerning reflected dialling, from a glass placed at any inclination.“In 1659,
4to, he published his
” Geometrical dialling;“and also
the same year, his
” Mariner’s plain Scale new plained.“In the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, of
which he was now become a member, he fully explained
and demonstrated the- rule given by the Jesuit De Billy,
for
” finding the number of the Julian period for any year
assigned, the cycles of the sun and moon, with the Roman
indiction for the years being given.“To this he has
added some very neatly-contrived rules for the ready finding on what day of the week any day of the month falls for
ever; and other useful and necessary kalendar rules. In
the same Transactions he has a curious dissertation concerning the resolution of equations in numbers. In No.
69 for March 1671, he has given a most elegant construction of that chorographical problem, namely:
” The distances of three objects in the same plane, and the angles
made at a fourth place in that plane, by observing each
object, being given; to find the distances of those objects
from the place of observation?“In 1680 he published a
small treatise in 4to, entitled
” A Plea for the bringing in
of Irish cattle, and keeping out the fish caught by foreigners; together with an address to the members of parliament of the counties of Cornwall and Devon, about the
advancement of tin, fishery, and divers manufactures.“In
1682 he published in 4to,
” A discourse of Salt and
Fishery;“and in the Philosophical Transactions, No. 159,
for May 1684, is published a letter of his to Dr. JohnWallis,
oh some defects in algebra. Besides these productions of his
own, he was the chief promoter of many other valuable
publications in his time. It is to him that the world is indebted for the publication of Barrow’s
” Optical and geometrical lectures;“his abridgment of
” Archimedes’s works,“and of
” Apollonius’s Conies“Branker’s translation of
” Rhonius’s Algebra, with Pell’s additions“” Kersey’s
Algebra“Wallis’s History of Algebra
” “Strode of Combinations
” and many other excellent works, which were
procured by his unwearied solicitations.
, a famous Jesuit, born at St. Symphorien, two leagues from Lyons, in 1641, acquired
, a famous Jesuit, born
at St. Symphorien, two leagues from Lyons, in 1641, acquired great reputation among his order by his extraordinary talents in the pulpit. He was preacher for two
years at the court of James II. of England, who listened to
his sermons with great pleasure, and, as it is said by the
Romanists, with edification; hut, falling under the suspicion, though not convicted, of being concerned in a conspiracy, he was banished England, and betook himself to
Parai, in the Charolois, where he died, Feb. 15, 1682. In
conjunction with Marie Alacoque, he recommended the
celebration of the solemnity of the heart of Jesus, and
composed an office for the occasion. The first inventor of
this rite, however, was Thomas Goodwin, president of
Magdalen college, Oxford, an Arminian, who excited great
notice in England, in the middle of the seventeenth century,
by his ascetical and theological writings. His book entitled
“Cor Christi in ccelis erga peccatores in terris,
” printed
in Moral
Reflections,
” and “Spiritual Letters.
”
, a Jesuit, was born March 25, 1625, at Amboise, where his father kept
, a Jesuit, was born March 25, 1625,
at Amboise, where his father kept a tennis-court. The
study of the ancients, joined to his natural abilities, imbued
his writings with a considerable share of taste, beauty, purity, and eloquence. He also taught the belles lettres,
and divinity, and died at Paris, December 25, 1702. There
is extant a volume of his Latin poems, and a collection of
his posthumous works, 1754, 2 vols. 12mo. The odes and
fables are particularly admired. He appears to have meditated a history of the “Wars of the English,
” but it
probably was never completed.
, a Jesuit of Bourdeaux, was sent to China, as a missionary and mathematician
, a Jesuit of Bourdeaux, was sent
to China, as a missionary and mathematician in 1685, and
published a book in considerable reputation before that of
Du Halde appeared, entitled “Memoires sur la Chine,
”
2 vols. 12mo, to which was added a history of the emperor’s edict in favour of Christianity. His “Memoirs
”
were censured by the faculty of divinity at Paris, because
of his uncommon prejudices in favour of the Chinese,
whom he equalled to the Jews, and maintained that they
had worshipped the true God during two thousand years,
and sacrificed to him in the most ample temple of the universe, while the rest of mankind were in a state of corruption. The parliament for the same reason ordered the
work to be burnt, by a decree passed in 1762. Le Comte
died in 1729.
, a learned Italian Jesuit, was born in Alexandria de la Paglia in 17u4. He was the second
, a learned Italian Jesuit,
was born in Alexandria de la Paglia in 17u4. He was the
second son of the count of Calamandrana, descended from
an ancient and noble family, originally from Nice. He
was educated in the Jesuits’ college at Rome, and in 1718
entered the society, where his progress in learning was so
rapid that in the twentieth year of his age he was employed
as a teacher in the college of Viterbo, and then gradually
preferred to those of Fermo and Ancona, and lastly to that
of Rome. Although regularly instituted in universal literature, he evinced a peculiar predilection for oratory,
poetry, and history. At the age of twenty-three he firs
appeared before the public in an elegant discourse on the
political and literary merit of the founder of the Roman
college, pope Gregory XIII. which was soon followed by
an equally elegant Latin satire, “In fatuos numerorum
divinatores, vulgo Caballistas.
” This procured him admission into the academy of the Arcadia, by the name of
Panemo Cisseo, under which he afterwards published several of his poetical works.
, called Borgognone, was a Jesuit, born in Franche Comte, 1621, who carried the art of battle-painting
, called Borgognone,
was a Jesuit, born in Franche Comte, 1621, who carried the art of battle-painting to a degree unknown before or
after him. M. A. Cerquozzi himself did justice to his power,
and dissuading him from the pursuit of other branches of
painting, fixed him to that in which he could not but perceive that Cortesi would be his superior rather than his
rival. The great model on which he formed himself was the
“Battle of Constantine
” in the Vatican. He had been a
soldier, and neither the silence of Rome, nor the repose
of the convent, could lay his military ardour, He has
personified courage in attack or defence, and it has been
said that his pictures sound with the shouts of war, the
neighing of horses, the cries of the wounded His manner
pf painting was rapid, in strokes, and full of colour; hence
its effect is improved by distance. His style was his own,
though it may have been invigorated by his attention to
the works of Paolo at Venice, and his intercourse with
Gnido at Bologna. He died in 1676, leaving a brother
William Cortesi, like him called Borgognone, who was
the scholar of Pietro da Cortona, though not his imitator.
He adhered to Maratta in the choice and variety of his
heads, and a certain modesty of composition, but differed
from him in his style of drapery and colour, which has
something of Flemish transparence his brother, whom he
often assisted, likewise contributed to form his manner.
A Crucifixion in the church of St. Andrea on Monte Cavallo, and the Battle of Joshua in the palace of the Q.uirinal, by his hand, deserve to be seen.* He died in 1679,
aged 51. The brothers are both mentioned by Strutt as
having etched some pieces.
le life; and that was, his only son’s turning papist. This son was educated in grammar learning in a Jesuit’s school, as were! many others of our youths during the civil
Here, by the king’s order, he officiated as chaplain to such of the queen’s household as were protestants; and with them, and other exiles daily resorting thither, he formed a congregation, which was held first in a private house, and afterwards at the English ambassador’s chapel. Not long after, he had lodgings assigned him in the Louvre, with a small pension, on account of his relation to queen Henrietta. During his residence in this place, he continued firm in the protestant religion; reclaimed some who had gone over to popery, and confirmed others who were wavering about going; had disputes and controversies with Jesuits and Romish priests, and about the same time employed himself in writing several learned pieces against them. One accident befel him abroad, which he often spoke of as the most sensible affliction in his whole life; and that was, his only son’s turning papist. This son was educated in grammar learning in a Jesuit’s school, as were! many others of our youths during the civil war; and occasion was thence taken of inveigling him into popery. He was prevailed upon, not only to embrace popery, but also to take religious orders in the church of Rome: and though his father used all the ways imaginable, and even the authority of the French king, which by interest he had procured, to regain him out of their power, and from their persuasion, yet all proved ineffectual. Upon this he disinherited him, allowing him only an annuity of 100l. He pretended indeed to turn protestant again, but relapsed before his father’s decease.
, a learned Jesuit, was born at Pontoise in 1615, and after being educated among
, a learned Jesuit, was born at
Pontoise in 1615, and after being educated among the
Jesuits, taught rhetoric at Paris with much reputation for
seven years. He then joined with father Labbe, who had
commenced his vast collection of the “Councils;
” and
Labbe dying when the eleventh volume was printing, Cossart completed the whole in 1672, in eighteen volumes.
Cossart also wrote some orations and poems, a collection
of which was published in 1675, and reprinted at Paris in
1723, 12mo. He was thought one of the best orators and
poets which the society of Jesuits had produced. He died
at Paris, Sept. 18, 1674.
, a Jesuit, born in 1564, at Neronde near the Loire, of which place his
, a Jesuit, born in
1564, at Neronde near the Loire, of which place his father was governor, distinguished himself early in life by
his zeal for the conversion of protestants, and by his success in the pulpit. He was called to the court of Henry
IV. at the instance of the famous Lesdiguieres, whom he
had converted, and the king pleased with his wit, manners,
and conversation, appointed him his confessor. M. Mercier censures the king, for “having too peculiar a
deference for this Jesuit, a man of very moderate talents, solely
attached to the narrow views of his order;
” and it was
commonly said, “Our prince is good, but he has cotton in
his ears.
” Henry was desirous of making him archbishop
of Aries, and procuring him a cardinal’s hat; but Cotton
persisted in refusing his offers. His brotherhood, after
their recall, unable easily to settle themselves in certain
towns, that of Poitiers especially, started great difficulties,
and Cotton wished to persuade the king that this opposition was the work of Sulli, governor of Poitou; but Henry
having refused to listen to this calumny, and blaming Cotton for having adopted it with too much credulity: “God
forbid,
” said Cotton, “that I should say any harm of those
whom your majesty honours with his confidence! But,
however, I am able to justify what I advance. I will
prove it by the letters of Sulli. I have seen them, and I
will shew them to your majesty.
” Next day, however,
he was under the necessity of telling the king that the letters had been burnt by carelessness. This circumstance is
related in the “Cours d'histoire de Condillac,
” tom. XIII.
p. 505. After the much lamented death of Henry, Cotton was confessor to his son Louis XIII, but the court
being a solitude to him, he asked permission to quit it, and
obtained it in 1617, so much the more easily as the duke
de Luynes was not very partial to him. Mezerai and other
historians relate, that when Ravaillac had committed his
parricide, Cotton went to him and said: “Take care that
you do not accuse honest men!
” There is room to suppose that his zeal for the honour of his society prompted
him to utter these indiscreet words, and his notions on the
subject appear to be rather singular. We are told that
Henry IV. having one day asked him, “Would you reveal the confession of a man resolved to assassinate me?
”
he answered “No; but I would put my body between
you and him.
” The Jesuit Santarelli having published a
work, in which he set up the power of the popes over that
of kings, Cotton, then provincial of Paris, was called to
the parliament the 13th of March 1626, to give an account
of the opinions of his brethren. He was asked whether
he thought that the pope can excommunicate and dispossess a king of France “Ah
” returned he, “the king
is eldest son of the church and he will never do any thing
to oblige tae pope to proceed to that extremity
” “But,
”
said the first president. “are you not of the same opinion
with your general, who attributes that power to the pope?
”
—“Our general follows the opinions of Rome where he is
and we, those of France where we are.
” The many disagreeable things experienced by Cotton on this occasion,
gave him so much uneasiness, that he fell sick, and died a
few days afterwards, March 19, 1626. He was then
preaching the Lent-discourses at Paris in the church of St.
Paul. This Jesuit wrote, “Traite du Sacrifice de la
Messe;
” “Geneve Plagiaire,
” Lyons, L'Institution Catholique,
” Sermons,
” La Rechute de Geneve Plagiaire;
” and other
things, among which is a letter declaratory of the doctrine
of the Jesuits, conformable to the doctrine of the council
of Trent, which gave occasion to the “Anti Cotton,
”
, a French Jesuit, who died at Paris Aug. 4, 1774, at an advanced age, connected
, a French Jesuit, who
died at Paris Aug. 4, 1774, at an advanced age, connected
himself with the Jansenists, and particularly with the
learned abbé Boursier. His sentiments on the bull Unifrenitus occasioned his being imprisoned for some weeks at
Vincennes in 1755, and for more than a year in the Bastille in 1758-9. He wrote some works in defence of his
opinions, and some political tracts; but his most celebrated
publication was his “History of the Jesuits,
”
, a Jesuit, born at Malines, went to China in quality of missionary in
, a Jesuit, born at Malines, went
to China in quality of missionary in 1659, and returned in
1680. Being embarked in the intention of making a second voyage, he died on his passage in 1693. He composed some works in the Chinese language, and many in
Latin; of which are: 1. “Confucius Sinarum philosophus; sive Scientia Sinica Latine exposita,
” Paris, Historia Candidue Hiu, Christianas Sinensis,
” translated into
French at Paris The catalogue (in Latin, Paris, 1688) of the Jesuits that have gone as missionaries
to China.
”
guishing genuine from fictitious writings, and wrote against Mabillon’s antagonist, father Germon$ a Jesuit, “Vindicise ms. codicum a R. P. Barth. Germon impugnatorum,
, a learned Benedictine of the
congregation of St. Maure, was born at Compiegne in
1654, and died at Paris October 18, 1721, in the abbey of
St. Germain des Pres, of which he was dean. He employed much of his time, as was the case with other learned
men of his order, in preparing editions of the fathers. In
1693, he published an edition of St. Hilary, folio, and in
1706 undertook the defence of Mabillon on the subject of
establishing rules for distinguishing genuine from fictitious
writings, and wrote against Mabillon’s antagonist, father
Germon$ a Jesuit, “Vindicise ms. codicum a R. P. Barth.
Germon impugnatorum, cum appendice in qua S. Hilarii
quidam loci ab anonymo (the abbe Faydit) obscurati et depravati illustrantur et explicantur.
” In 1715 he published
“Vindiciae veterum codicum confirmatae,
” against another
work of the same Germon’s, “De veteribus hrcreticis ecclesiasticorum codicum corruptoribus.
” He also assisted
in the Benedictine edition of St. Augustin’s works, and
published “The Letters of the Popes,
” at Paris, folio, with
a preface and notes,
es-Nones in Franche-Comtt;, and died at Paris July 18, 1782, in an advanced age, was for some time a Jesuit. Having quitted that society, he repaired to the capital about
, who was born at Baumeles-Nones
in Franche-Comtt;, and died at Paris July 18, 1782, in an
advanced age, was for some time a Jesuit. Having quitted
that society, he repaired to the capital about 1751, and
sought a livelihood by his pen. He began his career by
certain fugitive pieces, of which some, as the “Discovery
of the Philosopher’s stone,
” in imitation of Swift, and the
“Miraculous year,
” had the most success. These trifles
were collected under the very suitable title of “Bagatelles
morales.
” Some of the pieces in this collection are written,
with ease, delicacy, and sprightliness; but irony being the
favourite figure with the author, the style of it is too monotonous, and the witticisms sometimes too far fetched.
There was visible in the writings of the abbe Coyer, as
well as in his conversation, a perpetual effort at being
agreeable, which he was unable to sustain to any length.
Besides some temporary pieces, the abbé Coyer also wrote,
1. “The History of John Sobieski,
” Travels in Italy and Holland,
” New observations on England,
” Noblesse Commenjante,
” 2 vols. 8vo, and a little
romance entitled “Chinki, histoire Cochin-Chinoise,
”
which made more noise in France than his “Bagatelles,
”
and are said to have contributed to two important changes
in France, the granting of letters of noblesse to eminent
merchants, and the abolition of wardenships. 5. “Plan
d'education publique,
” Mons. Abbe, do you know the difference which I find
between you and Don Quixote It is, that he took inns for
castles, and you take castles for inns.
”
et these points in the fairest and fullest light possible. He had before him the example of a famous Jesuit, Michael Alford, alias Griffith, who had adjusted the same history
After the restoration, and the marriage of king Charles II.
queen Catharine appointed our author, who was then become one of the mission in England, her chaplain, and
from that time he resided in Somerset-house, in the Strand.
The great regularity of his life, his sincere and unaffected
piety, his modest and mild behaviour, his respectful deportment to persons of distinction, with whom he was formerly acquainted when a protestant, and the care he took
to avoid all concern in political affairs or intrigues of state,
preserved him in quiet and safety, even in the most troublesome times- He was, however, a very zealous champion in the cause of the church of Rome, and was continually writing in defence of her doctrines, or in answer
to the books of controversy written by protestants of distinguished learning or figure; and as this engaged him in
a variety of disputes, he had the good fortune to acquire
great reputation with both parties, the papists looking
upon him to be one of their ablest advocates, and the protestants allowing that he was a grave, a sensible, and a
candid writer. Among the works he published after his
return to England, were: 1. “A non est inventus returned to Mr. Edward Bagshaw’s enquiry and vainly boasted
discovery of weakness in the Grounds of the Church’s Infallibility,
” A Letter to an English gentleman, dated July 6th, 1662, wherein bishop Morley is
concerned, printed amongst some of the treatises of that
reverend prelate,
” 3. “Roman Catholic Doctrines no Novelties; or, an answer to Dr. Pierce’s court-sermon, miscalled The primitive rule of Reformation,
” The Church History of
Britanny,
” Roan, upon account of some nice controversies between the
see of Rome, and some of our English kings, which might
give offence.
” While engaged on this work, he found leisure to interfere in all the controversies of the times, as
will presently be noticed. His last dispute was in reference
to a book written by the learned Dr. Stillingfleet, afterwards bishop of Worcester, to which, though several answers were given by the ablest of the popish writers, there
was none that seemed to merit reply, excepting that
penned by father Cressey, and this procured him the honour of a very illustrious antagonist, his old friend and
acquaintance at Oxford, Edward earl of Clarendon. Being
now grown far in years, and having no very promising scene
before his eyes, from the warm spirit that appeared against
popery amongst all ranks of people, and the many excellent books written to confute it by the most learned of the
clergy, he was the more willing to seek for peace in the
silence of a country retirement; and accordingly withdrew
for some time to the house of Richard Caryll, esq. a gentleman of an ancient family and affluent fortune, at East
Grinstead, co. Sussex, and dying upon the 10th of August 1674, being then near the seventieth year of his age,
was buried in the parish church there. His loss was much
regretted by those of his communion, as being one of their
ablest champions, ready to draw his pen in their defence
on every occasion, and sure of having his pieces read with
singular favour and attention. His memory also was revered by the protestants, as well on account of the purity
of his manners, and his mild and humble deportment, as
for the plainness, candour, and decency with which he
had managed all the controversies that he had been engaged in, and which had procured him, in return, much
more of kindness and respect, than almost any other of
his party had met with, or indeed deserved. It is very remarkable, however, that he thought it necessary to apologize to his popish readers for the respectful mention he
made of the prelates of our church. Why this should require an apology, we shall not Inquire, but that his candour and politeness deserve the highest commendation will
appear from what he says of archbishop Usher: “As for
B. Usher, his admirable abilities in ‘chronological and historical erudition,’ as also his faithfulness and ingenuous
sincerity in delivering without any provoking reflection*,
what with great labour he has observed, ought certainly at
least to exempt him from being treated by any one rudely
and contemptuously, especially by me, who am moreover
always obliged to preserve a just remembrance of very
many kind effects of friendship, which I received from,
him.
”
We have already taken notice of his inclination to the
mystic divinity, which led him to take so much pains about
the works of father Baker, and from the same disposition
he also published “Sixteen revelations of divine love,
shewed to a devout servant of our Lord, called mother Juliana, an anchorete of Norwich, who lived in the days of
king Edward Hi.
” He left also in ms. “An Abridgment
of the book called The cloud of unknowing, and of the
counsel referring to the same.
” His next performance,
was in answer to a famous treatise, written by Dr. Stillingfleet, against the church of Rome, which made a very
great noise in those days, and put for some time a stop to
the encroachments their missionaries were daily making,
which highly provoked those of the Roman communion.
This was entitled “Answer to part of Dr. Stillingfleet’s
book, entitled Idolatry practised in the church of Rome,
”
Fanaticism fanatically
imputed to the Catholic Church by Dr. Stillingfleet, and
the imputation refuted and retorted,
” &c. Question, Why are you a Catholic? Question, Why
are you a Protestant?
” Animadversions
” upon our author’s answer; in which he very plainly
tells him and the world, that it was not devotion, but necessity and want of a subsistence, which drove him first
out of the church of England, and then into a monastery.
As this noble peer knew him well at Oxford, it may be
very easily imagined that what he said made a very strong
impression, and it was to efface this, that our author thought
tit to send abroad an answer under the title of “Epistle
apologetical to a person of honour, touching his vindication of Dr. Stillingfleet,' 1 1674, 8vo. In this work he
gives a large relation of the state and condition of his affairs, at the time of what he styles his conversion, in order
to remove the imputation of quitting his faith to obtain
bread. The last work that he published was entitled
” Remarks upon the Oath of Supremacy."
ercises of piety and penance, the 2d of December 1615, at the age of seventy-four. Francis Bening, a Jesuit, pronounced the discourse at his funeral: a piece of burlesque
, of an illustrious
family of Italy, established in the comtat Venaissin, knight
of Malta, and one of the greatest generals of his age, was
born in 1541, and entered into the service in 1557. At
the age of fifteen he was at the siege of Calais, and contributed greatly to the taking of that place, by a brilliant
action that brought him to the notice of Henry II. He
afterwards signalized himself against the Huguenots, or
protestants, at the battles of Dreux, of Jarnac, and of
Moncontour, in 1562, 1568, and 1569. The youthful hero
so greatly distinguished himself in his caravans, especially
at the battle of Lepanto in 1571, that he was made choice
of, though wounded, to carry the news of the victory to
the pope and to the king of France. We find him two
years afterwards, in 1573, at the siege of la Rochelle, and
in almost all the other considerable rencontres of that
period. He every where shewed himself worthy of the name
usually given him hy Henry IV. of the Brave Crillon.
Henrv Hi. who was well acquainted with his valour, made
him knight of his orders in 1585. The specious pretences
of the league, the mask of religion which it put on, could
never shake the fidelity of the brave Crillon, however great
his antipathy to the Huguenots. He rendered important
services to his prince in the affair of the Barricades, at
Tours, and elsewhere. Henry III. ventured to propose to
Crillon to assassinate the duke de Guise, a rebellious subject whom he was afraid to put to death by the sword of
the law. Crillon offered to fiorht him; but disdained to
hear of assassination. When Henry IV. had made the
conquest of his kingdom, Crillon was as faithful to him as
he had been to his predecessor. He repulsed the leaguers
before Boulogne. The army of Villars having invested
Villebceuf in 1592, he vigorously defended that place,
replying to the besiegers, on their summoning the besieged
to surrender, “Crillon is within, and the enemy without.
”
Henry, however, did but little for him; “because,
” said
he, “I was sure of the brave Crillon and I had to gain
over my persecutors.
” The peace of Vervins having put
an end to the wars that had troubled Europe, Crillon retired to Avignon, and there died, in the exercises of piety
and penance, the 2d of December 1615, at the age of
seventy-four. Francis Bening, a Jesuit, pronounced the
discourse at his funeral: a piece of burlesque eloquence,
printed in 1616, under the title of “Boucher d'Honnenr,
”
the “Buckler of Honour,
” and reprinted not many years
since, as a specimen of ridiculous jargon. Mademoiselle
de Lusson published in 2 vols. 12mo, 1757, the life of this
hero, called by his contemporaries I'homme sans peur (the man without fear), le brave des braves (the bravest of the brave). This was translated into English by Miss Lomax,
of Hertfordshire, and after being revised by Richardson,
the author of Clarissa, was published at London, 1760, 2
vols. 12mo. Crillon appears to have been a second chevalier Bayard, not on account of his fantastic and sullen
humour, but from the excellence of his heart and his attachment to religion. It is well known that being present
one day at a sermon on the sufferings of Christ, when the
preacher was come to the description of the flagellation,
Crillon, seized with a sudden fit of enthusiasm, put his
band to his sword, crying out, “Where wert thou,
Crillon?
” These sallies of courage, the effect of an exuberant
vivacity of temper, engaged him too frequently in duels,
in which he always came off with honour. Two instances
are recorded of an intrepidity highly characteristic of Crillon. At the battle of Moncontour in 1569, a Huguenot
soldier thought to serve his party by dispatching the
bravest and most formidable of the catholic generals. In
this view he repaired to a place where Crillon, in his return from pursuing the fugitives, must necessarily pass.
The soldier no sooner perceived him than he drew the
trigger of his piece. Crillon, though severely wounded in
the arm, ran up to the assassin, laid hold on him, and was
instantly going to thrust him through with his sword, when
the soldier threw himself at his feet and begged his life.
“I grant it thee,
” said Crillou; “and if any faith could
be put in a man that is at once a rebel to his king, and an
apostate to his religion, I would put thee on thy parole
never to bear arms but in the service of thy sovereign.
”
The soldier, confounded at this act of magnanimity, swore
that he would for ever shake off all correspondence with
the rebels, and return to the catholic religion. — The young
duke of Guise, to whom Henry IV. had sent him at Marseilles, was desirous of trying how far the fortitude of
Crillon would go. In this design he caused the alarm to
be sounded before the quarters of his brave commander,
and two horses to be led to his door. Then, running up
to his apartments, pretended that the enemy was master
of the port and town, and proposed to him to make his
escape, that he might not swell the triumph of the conquerors. Though Crillon was hardly well awake when he
heard these tidings, he snatched up his arms without the
least trepidation, maintaining that it was better to die
sword in hand, than survive the loss of the place. Guise,
finding it impossible, by all the arguments he could use, to
alter his resolution, accompanied him out of the chamber;
but, when they were about the middle of the stairs, he
burst out into a violent laughter, which plainly discovered
the trick to Crillon. He then put on a graver countenance
than when he thought he was going to fight; and griping
the duke of Guise by the hand, he said, with an oath, according to his custom, “Young man, never again amuse
thyself with putting to the test the heart of an honest man.
Par la mort! if thou hadst found me weak, I would have
poignarded thee!
” After these words he retired without
saying any thing more. We will conclude with the laconic billet written to him from the field of battle by Henry
IV. after the victory of Arques, where Crillon was unable
to be present: “Hang thyself, Crillon! We have been
fighting at Arques, and thou wert not there. Adieu, brave
Crillon! I love thee whether right or wrong.
”
, an Italian Jesuit, was born at Cesena in the ecclesiastical state in 1554, and
, an Italian Jesuit, was born at
Cesena in the ecclesiastical state in 1554, and was the
first of his order who taught philosophy at Paris. He bore
several honourable offices in the society; for, besides teaching divinity at Padua, he was rector of the several colleges
at Ferrara, Forli, Bologna, Parma, and Milan; visitor in
the provinces of Venice, Toulouse, and Guienne; provincial in Poland, and in the Milanese. He taught philosophy
in Perugia, 1596, when he was appointed by Clement VIII.
to be his nuncio to the Maronites of mount Libanus. He
embarked at Venice in July the same year, and returned
to Rome in August the year following. The French translation which was made of his journey to Mount Libanus
by father Simon, was printed at Paris in 1675, and reprinted at the Hague in 1685. Dandini’s book was printed
at Cesena in 1656, under the title of “Missione apostolica al patriarcha e Maroniti del Monte Libano.
” It contains the relation of his journey to the Maronites and to
Jerusalem; but father Simon has left out the journey to
Jerusalem in his translation, because, he says, there is
nothing in it but what has been observed by travellers already. Dandini died at Forli, 1634, aged eighty. His
commentary on the three books of Aristotle “de Anima
”
was printed at Paris, 1611, in folio; and after his death
his “Ethica sacra, de virtutibus et vitiis,
” was printed at
Cesena,
he had studied at vacant hours for 30 years) the book of “Resolution,” written by Robert Parsons, a Jesuit.
, D. D. an eminent writer and antiquary, was born in the latter part of the sixteenth century
in Denbighshire, and educated by William Morgan, afterwards bishop of St. Asaph. He was admitted a student of
Jesus-college, Oxford, in 1589, where he took one degree
in arts, and afterwards became a member of Lincoln-college in the same university. He was rector ol Malloyd, or
Maynlloyd in Merionethshire, and afterwards a canon of
St. Asaph, to which dignity he was promoted by Dr. Parry,
then bishop, whose chaplain he was. He commenced
doctor in 1616, and was highly esteemed by the university,
says Wood, as well versed in the history and antiquities of
his own nation, and in the Greek and Hebrew languages;
a most exact critic, and indefatigable searcher into ancient
writings, and well acquainted with curious and rare authors. The time of his death is not known. His works
are, 1. “Antiques Linguae Britannicse nunc communiter
dictae Cambro-Britannicoe, a suis Cymrascae vel Cambricee,
ab aliis Wallicoe rudimenta,
” &c. Dietionarium Latino-Britannicum,
” Dictionarium Latino-Britannicum,
” which was
begun and greatly advanced by Thomas Williams, physician, before 1600. It was afterwards completed and
published by Dr. Davies. 3. “Aclagia Britannica, authorum
Britannicorum nomina, & quando floruerunt,
” Adagiorum Britannicorum specimen,
” ms. Bibl. Bodl. He
also assisted W. Morgan, bishop of Landaff, and Richard
Parry, bishop of St. Asaph, in translating the Bible into
Welsh, in that correct edition which came out in 1620.
He also translated into the same language (which he had studied at vacant hours for 30 years) the book of “Resolution,
” written by Robert Parsons, a Jesuit.
, a French Jesuit, of some fame, was born at Auxerre October 21, 1648, and aftt-r
, a French Jesuit, of some
fame, was born at Auxerre October 21, 1648, and aftt-r
performing his noviciate, became a member of the society
of Jesuits at Nancy in 1683. After preaching with much
success for some time, his health obliged him to desist,
and he was chosen companion or assistant of the provincial.
He was afterwards elected rector of the college of Strasburgh, and promoted to be provincial of Champagne.
He would have been advanced to another ecclesiastical government, had not Louis XIV. requested that he might
continue in the college of Strasburgh, more effectually to
establish some regulations which he had begun when-first
appointed rector. In 1700 the king appointed him confessor to Philip V. of Spain, and he remained in high favour with that prince until the courtiers, grown jealous of
his power, prevailed upon the king to send him from the
court in 1706. He was, however, recalled again in 1716,
and being reinstated in his office, gained a still greater
ascendancy over the mind of Philip V. This prince, when
disgusted with his throne, and wishing to abdicate it, confided his design to Daubenton, who is said to have betrayed
the secret to the duke of Orleans, which conduct terminated in his disgrace a second time, but the manner of
it is variously represented by historians. He died, however, in 1723. His character is doubtful, some main.aining that he was a man of intrigue, and others that he made
no improper use of his talents or influence. His works
consist chiefly of funeral orations, and a life of St. Francis
Regis, Paris, 1716, 4to, which was translated and published in English, Lond. 1738, 8vo, a work full of absurd
miracles. He published likewise a more enlarged account
of the merits of this saint, entitled “Scripta varia in causa
beatificationis et canonrzationis J. F. Regis,
” Rome,
, a learned Jesuit, was born at St. Omer’s in 1566, and became canon, of Tournay,
, a learned
Jesuit, was born at St. Omer’s in 1566, and became canon,
of Tournay, where he died Jan. 17, 1644. He was an excellent Greek and Latin scholar, and a good critic, but
wrote in an affected and obscure style. Some of his works
are still valued, although their rarity prevents their being
generally known. Among these are, 1. “Antiqui novique Latii Orthographies,
” Tournay, Terra
et aqua, seu terrae fiuctuantes,
” Tournay, Orations of St. Basil of Seleucia,
” with notes,
, a pious and learned Jesuit, was born about 1559, at Hazebruck in Flanders, and taught philosophy
, a pious and learned
Jesuit, was born about 1559, at Hazebruck in Flanders,
and taught philosophy and scholastic theology at Douay,
and afterwards at Louvain. He was then sent on an embassy into Stiria, and became chancellor of the university
of Gratz, where he died in 1619, aged 69. His principal
work treats of the year of the birth and of the death of
Christ. It is entitled, “Velificatio, seu theoremata de
anno ortds ac mortis Domini; cum tabula chronographica,
a capta per Pompeium lerosolyma, ad deletam a Tito
xirbem;
” Gratz,
l agitations of mind. Deleyre, however, did not long continue in this state of mind, but quitted the Jesuit society, and with this, we have no small reason to believe,
, one of the French Encyclopaedists, was born at Portets, in the vicinity of Bonrdeanx, in January 1726; was at an early age admitted into the college of the Jesuits, and, when only fifteen years old, was invested with their order. He was a youth of much imagination and sensibility, and at the same time strongly addicted to mental melancholy; during which he almost uninterruptedly directed his thoughts to the two great extremes of futurity, heaven and hell, which distressed him with perpetual agitations of mind. Deleyre, however, did not long continue in this state of mind, but quitted the Jesuit society, and with this, we have no small reason to believe, every religious faith whatever. As he was of plebeian birth, he could have no expectations from the court; his only alternatives were philosophy and the law; and the latter did not exactly correspond, we are told by his eulogist, either with his sensibility or his independence of mind. Montesquieu was at this time the Miecenas of Guienne, and became the patron of Deleyre from a thorough conviction of his talents: he introduced him to Diderot, d'Alembert, J. J. Rousseau, and Duclos; and his destiny was fixed: he decided for philosophy, and became a writer in the Encyclopedic. In this new capacity his hardihood was not inferior to that of his colleagues; the famous, or rather infamous, article on fanaticism was soon known to have been of his production, and it was likely to have been essentially detrimental to him; for he had now fixed his attention upon matrimony, and had obtained the consent of a lady; but the priests of the parish in which the ceremony was to have been celebrated, refused to unite them, in consequence of their having heard that Deleyre was the author of this article. His patronage, however, was at this time increased, and he had found a warm and steady friend in the due de Nivernois, who interfered in the dispute, and Deleyre obtained the fair object of his wishes. The duke had before this solicited, and successfully, the appointment for him of librarian to the infant prince of Parma, who was at this period committed to the immediate care of Condillac. In this situation he continued for some considerable time; and although a dispute respecting the mode of educating their pupil at length separated him from this celebrated logician, he appears to have always entertained for him the highest degree of respect.
, a very learned Jesuit, was born at Antwerp of Spanish parents, in 1551. The progress
, a very learned Jesuit, was
born at Antwerp of Spanish parents, in 1551. The progress he made in letters, while a very boy, is recorded
with wonder. He was taught grammar in the Low Countries, and then sent to Paris to learn rhetoric and philosophy under the Jesuits. Afterwards he went to study civil
law in the new university of Do way; but removing from
thence to Louvain, he laid aside that pursuit, and applied
himself to polite literature, which he cultivated with so
much ardour and success, that he surprised the public,
when he was only nineteen years of age, with some good
notes upon the tragedies of Seneca. “What is more,
”
says Baillet, “he cited in this work almost 1100 authors,
with all the assurance of a man who had read them
thoroughly, and weighed their sentiments with great judgment and exactness.
” The reputation he acquired by
this first essay of his erudition was afterwards increased.
He is said to have understood at least ten languages, and
to have read every thing, ancient and modern, that was
thought worth reading. He was admitted LL. D. at Salamanca in 1574; and was afterwards a counsellor of the
parliament of Brabant, and an intendant of the army.
In 1580 he became a Jesuit at Valladolid; from whence
going into the Low Countries, he taught divinity and the
belles lettres, and contracted a firm friendship with Lipsius. He taught also at Liege, at Mentz, at Gratz, and at
Salamanca. He died at Louvain, in 1608, about two years
after his friend Lipsius.
ion of the young philosopher. At eight years of age he was committed to the care of Dinet, a learned Jesuit, under whom he made uncommon proficiency in learning. But an
, a modern philosopher of high distinction, was born at La Haye in Tourain, France, April 1, 1596, of an ancient and noble family. Whilst yet a child, he discovered an eager curiosity to inquire into the nature and causes of things, which procured him the appellation of the young philosopher. At eight years of age he was committed to the care of Dinet, a learned Jesuit, under whom he made uncommon proficiency in learning. But an habit of close and deep reflection soon enabled him to discover defects in the books which he read, and in the instructions which he received, which led him to form the ambitious hope that he should, in some future time, carry science to greater perfection than it had ever yet reached. After spending five years in the diligent study of languages, and in reading the ancient poets, orators, and historians, he made himself well acquainted with the elements of mathematics, logic, and morals, as they had been hitherto taught. His earnest desire of attaining an accurate knowledge of every thing which became a subject of contemplation to his inquisitive mind, did not, however, in any of these branches of science meet with full satisfaction. Concerning logic, particularly, he complained, that after the most diligent examination he found the syllogistic forms, and almost every other precept of the art, more useful in enabling a man to communicate to others truths already known, or in qualifying him to discourse copiously upon subjects which he does not understand, than assisting him in the investigation of truths, of which he is ignorant. Hence he was led to frame for himself a brief system of rules or canons of reasoning, in which he followed the strict method of the geometricians, and he pursued the same plan with respect to morals. But after all his speculations, he was not able to attain the entire satisfaction which he so earnestly desired; and, at the close of eight years’ assiduous application in the Jesuits’ college at La Fleche, he returned to his parents, lamenting that he had derived no other benefit from his studies, than a fuller conviction that he, as yet, knew nothing with perfect clearness and certainty. Despairing of being able to discover truth in the paths of learning, he now bade adieu to books, and resolved henceforth to pursue no other knowledge than that which he could find ti'ithin himself, and in the great volume of nature.
reduce his power within bounds. Thus a dangerous and treasonable book, written abroad by Parsons, a Jesuit, and published under the name of Doleman, with a view of creating
At his return, however, he soon recovered her majesty’s good graces, but again irritated her by a private match \ttth Frances, only daughter of sir Francis Walsingham, and widow of sir Philip Sidney. This her majesty apprehended to be derogatory to the honour of the house of Essex; and, though for the present, little notice was taken of it, yet it is thought that it was not soon forgot. In 1591, he went abroad, at the head of some forces, to assist Henry IV. of France: which expedition was afterwards repeated, but with little or no success. In 1592-3, we find him present in the parliament at Westminster, about which time the queen made him one of her privy-council. He met, however, in this and the succeeding years, with various causes of chagrin, partly from the loftiness of his own temper, but chiefly from the artifices of those who envied his great credit with the queen, and were desirous to reduce his power within bounds. Thus a dangerous and treasonable book, written abroad by Parsons, a Jesuit, and published under the name of Doleman, with a view of creating dissension in England about the succession to the crown, was dedicated to him, on purpose to make him odious; and it had its effect. But what chiefly soured his spirit, was his perceiving plainly, that though he could in most suits prevail for himself, yet he was able to do little or nothing for his friends. This appeared remarkably in the case of sir Francis Bacon, which the earl bore with much impatience; and, resolving that his friend should not be neglected, gave him of his own a small estate in land. There are indeed few circumstances in the life of this noble person, that do greater honour to his memory, than his patronage of men of parts and learning. It was this regard for genius which induced him to bury the immortal Spenser at his own expence; and in the latter part of his life, engaged him to take the learned sir Henry Wotton, and the ingenious Mr. Cuffe, into his service: as in his earlier days he had admitted the incomparable brothers, Anthony and Francis Bacon, to share his fortunes and his cares.
his gift, made him take the tonsure. But his father, seeing that he was not inclined to be either a Jesuit or a canon, sent him to Paris to prosegute his studies. He then
, of the academy of Berlin, an eminent French writer, was the son of a cutler, and was bora
at Langres, in 1713. The Jesuits, with whom he went
through a course of study, were desirous of having him in
their order, and one of his uncles designing him for a canonry which he had in his gift, made him take the tonsure. But his father, seeing that he was not inclined to
be either a Jesuit or a canon, sent him to Paris to prosegute his studies. He then placed him with a lawyer, to
whose instructions young Diderot paid little attention, but
employed himself in general literature, which not coinciding with the views of his father, he stopped the remittance of his pecuniary allowance, and seemed for some
time to have abandoned him. The talents of the young
man, however, supplied him with a maintenance, and
gradually made him known. He had employed his mind
on physics, geometry, metaphysics, ethics, belles-lettres,
from the time he began to read with reflection, and although a bold and elevated imagination seemed to give him
a turn for poetry, he neglected it for the more serious
sciences. He settled at an early period at Paris, where
the natural eloquence which animated his conversation
procured him friends and patrons. What first gave him
reputation among a certain class of readers, unfortunately for France, too numerous in that country, was
a little collection of “Pensees philosophiques,
” reprinted
afterwards under the title of “Etrennes aux esprits-forts.
”
This book appeared in Pensees de Pascal.
” But
the aim of the two authors was widely different. Pascal
employed his talents, and erudition, which was profound
and various, in support of the truths of religion, which
Diderot attacked by all the arts of an unprincipled sophist.
The “Pensées philosophiques,
” however, became a toiletbook. The author was thought to be always in the right,
because he always dealt in assertions. Diderot was more
usefully employed in 1746, in publishing a “Dictionnaire
universelle de Medecine,
” with Messrs. Eidous and Toussaint, in G vols. folio. Not that this compilation, says his
biographer, is without its defects in many points of view,
or that it contains no superficial and inaccurate articles;
but it is not without examples of deep investigation; and
the work was well received. A more recent account, however, informs us that this was merely a translation of Dr.
James’s Medical Dictionary, published in this country in
1743; and that Diderot was next advised to translate
Chambers’ s Dictionary; but instead of acting so inferior a
part, he conceived the project of a more extensive undertaking, the “Dictionnaire Encyclopedique.
” So great a
monument not being to be raised by a single architect,
D'Alembert, the friend of Diderot, shared with him the
honours and the dangers of the enterprise, in which they
were promised the assistance of several literati, and a variety of artists. Diderot took upon himself alone the description of arts and trades, one of the most important
parts, and most acceptable to the public. To the particulars of the several processes of the workmen, he sometimes added reflections, speculations, and principles
adapted to their elucidation. Independently of the part
of arts and trades, this chief of the encyclopedists furnished in the different sciences a considerable number of
articles that were wanting; but even his countrymen are
inclined to wish that in a work of such a vast extent, and
of such general use, he had learned to compress his matter, and had been less verbose, less of the dissertator, and
less inclined to digressions. He has also been censured for
employing needlessly a scientific language, and for having
recourse to metaphysical doctrines, frequently unintelligible, which occasioned him to be called the Lycophron.
of philosophy; for having introduced a number of definitions incapable of enlightening the ignorant, and which
he seems to have invented for no other purpose than to
have it thought that he had great ideas, while in fact, he
had not the art of expressing perspicuously and simply
the ideas of others. As to the body of the work, Diderot
himself agreed that the edifice wanted an entire reparation; and when two booksellers intended to give a new
edition of the Encyclopedic, he thus addressed them on
the subject of the faults with which it abounds: “The
imperfection of this work originated in a great variety of
causes. We had not time to be very scrupulous in the
choice of the coadjutors. Among some excellent persons,
there were others weak, indifferent, and altogether bad.
Hence that motley appearance of the work, where we see
the rude attempt of a school-boy by the side of a piece
from the hand of a master; and a piece of nonsense next
neighbour to a sublime performance. Some working for
no pay, soon lost their first fervour; others badly recompensed, served us accordingly. The Encyclopedic was a
gulf into which all kinds of scribblers promiscuously threw
their contributions: their pieces were ill-conceived, and
worse digested; good, bad, contemptible, true, false, uncertain, and always incoherent and unequal; the references
that belonged to the very parts assigned to a person, were
never filled up by him. A refutation is often found where
we should naturally expect a proof; and there was no exact
correspondence between the letter-press and the plates.
To remedy this defect, recourse was had to long explications. But how many unintelligible machines, for want
of letters to denote the parts!
” To this sincere confession Diderot added particular details on various parts; such
as proved that there were in the Encyclopedic subjects
to be not only re-touched, but to be composed afresh;
and this was what a new company of literati and artists undertook, but have not yet completed. The first edition,
however, which had been delivering to the public from
1751 to 1767, was soon sold off, because its defects were
compensated in part by many well-executed articles, and
because uncommon pains were taken to recommend it to
the public.
, a Jesuit of Sienna, who died at Rome April 23, 1640, published in that
, a Jesuit of Sienna, who died
at Rome April 23, 1640, published in that city in 1639,
in 4to, a description of ancient and modern Rome,
“Roma vetus & recens utriusque edificiis illustrata.
” It
is far more accurate and better composed than all those
that had been given before to the public. Grsevius has inserted it in the 3d volume of his Roman Antiquities. We
have likewise Latin poems of his, Cologne, 1631, 8vo, and
three books on the art of poetry.
, a French Jesuit, a native of Vernon, who died at Orleans Sept. 21, 1716, filled
, a French Jesuit, a native of Vernon,
who died at Orleans Sept. 21, 1716, filled several high
offices belonging to his order, and was said to have been
the author of the famous problem levelled at the cardinal
de Noailles, “Whom are we to believe? M. de Noailles,
archbishop of Paris, condemning the exposition of faith,
or M. de Noailles, bishop of Chalons, approving the moral
reflections?
” alluding to an apparent change in Noailles*
opinions of the disputes between the Jansenists and Jesuits.
Doucin was a member of the club or cabal which the Jansenists called the Norman cabal, and which was composed
of the Jesuits Tellier, Lallemand, and Daniel; and his zeal
and activity were of great service to them. During the
dispute on the famous bull Unigenitus, he was sent to
Rome, and was a powerful advocate for that measure. He
wrote a very curious piece of ecclesiastical history, entitled
“Histoire de Nestorianisme,
” Paris, Histoire de I'Origenisme,
” 4to, and “Memorial
abrege touchant l'etat et les progres de Jansenistne en
Hollande,
” written in 1697, when he accompanied the
count de Creci to the congress at Ryswick. He was also
the author of many pamphlets of the controversial kind,
strongly imbued with the spirit of party.
cting to religious minds. His controversial works are 1. “The Jubilee” 2. “The Roman Combat” 3. “The Jesuit’s Owl” 4. “An Answer to father Coussin” 5. “Disputes with the
, minister of the Calvinist
church of Paris, was born July 1595, at Sedan; where
his father had a considerable post. He passed through
the study of polite literature and divinity at Sedan, but
was sent to Saumur, to go through a course of philosophy
there under professor Duncan. He was admitted minister
in 1618, and discharged his function near Langres, till he
was called by the church of Paris in 1620. He had all the
qualifications requisite to a great minister. His sermons
were very edifying; he was assiduous and successful in
comforting the sick; and he managed the atTairs of the
church with such skill, that he never failed of being consulted upon every important occasion. His first essay
was a “Treatise of Preparation for the Lord’s Supper.
”
This, and his “Catechism,
” the “Short View of Controversies,
” and “Consolations against the fears of Death,
”
have, of all his works, been the most frequently reprinted.
Some of them, his book upon death in particular, have
passed through above forty editions; and have been translated into several languages, as German, Dutch, Italian,
and English. His “Charitable Visits,
” in 5 volumes, have
served for a continual consolation to private persons, and
for a source of materials and models to ministers. He
published three volumes of sermons, in which, as in all
the forementioned pieces, there is a vein of piety very
affecting to religious minds. His controversial works are
1. “The Jubilee
” 2. “The Roman Combat
” 3. “The
Jesuit’s Owl
” 4. “An Answer to father Coussin
” 5.
“Disputes with the bishop of Bellai, concerning the honour due to the Holy Virgin
” 6. “An answer to La Milletierre
” 7. “Dialogues, against the Missionaries,
” in
several volumes 8. “The False Pastor Convicted,
” 9.
; 'The False Face of Antiquity;“10.
” The Pretended
Nullities of the Reformation;“11.
” An Answer to prince
Ernest of Hesse;“12.
” An Answer to the speech of the
clergy spoken by the archbishop of Sens;“13.
” A Defence of Calvin." He wrote some letters, which have been
printed; one to the duchess of Tremouille, upon her husband’s departure from the protestant religion; one of consolation, addressed to Madam de la Tabariere; one upon
the restoration of Charles II. king of Great Britain; some
upon the English episcopacy, &c. He published also certain prayers, some of which were made for the king, others
for the queen, and others for the dauphin. Bayle tells us,
that what he wrote against the church of Rome, confirmed
the protestants more than can be expressed; for with the
arms with which he furnished them, such as wanted the
advantage of learning, were enabled to oppose the monks
and parish priests, and to contend with the missionaries.
His writings made him considered as the scourge of the
papists; yet, like mons. Claude, he was much esteemed,
and even beloved by them. For it was well known that he
had an easy access to the secretaries of state, the first
president, the king’s advocate, and the civil lieutenant; though
he never made any other use of his interest with them than
to assist the afflicted churches. He was highly esteemed
by the great persons of his own religion; by the duke de
la Force, the marshals Chatillon, Gascon, Turenne, and
by the duchess of Tremouille. They sent for him to their
palaces, and honoured him from time to time with their
visits. Foreign princes and noblemen, the ambassadors
of England and France, did the same; and he was particularly esteemed by the house of Hesse, as appears from the
books he dedicated to the princes and princesses of that
name. He died Nov. 3, 1669.
, a celebrated Jesuit, was born at Augsburgh in Germany, in 1581, 2nd after a classical
, a celebrated Jesuit, was born
at Augsburgh in Germany, in 1581, 2nd after a classical
education, entered the society of the Jesuits in 1598. He
taught rhetoric for some time, but was most distinguished
for his talents as a preacher. The elector of Bavaria was
so struck with his manner, that he appointed him his chaplain in ordinary, which office he held for twenty-three
years. He died at Munich April 19, 1638. Notwithstanding his frequent preaching, and a weak state of
health, he found leisure and strength to write a great many
volumes for the use of young persons, most of them in a
familiar and attractive style, and generally ornamented
with very beautiful engravings by Raphael Sadler and
others, which made them be bought up by collectors with
avidity. Some of them have been also translated into
several languages, and one of them, his “Considerations on
Eternity,
” has been often reprinted in this country from a
translation made by S. Dunster in 1710. The whole of
Drexelius’s works were collected in 2 vols. folio, Antwerp,
1643, and Lyons, 1658. Many of his pieces have very
whimsical titles, and are upon whimsical subjects. In one
of them, entitled “Orbis Phaeton, hoc est, de universis
vitiis linguæ,
” chapter XLI. in which he treats of those
who employ their time on trifles, he enters upon a calculation to resolve in how many ways six persons invited to
dine may be placed at table, and after six pages of combinations, he gives 720 as the result.
h of Milton’s Paradise Lost, in 4 vols. 12mo, containing also the Paradise Regained, translated by a Jesuit, with Addison’s remarks on the former. This version, in which
, master of
the accounts at Paris, was born there in 1696, and died in
that capital Dec. 1, 1774. He was admitted of the French
academy in 1733, and was much esteemed as a man of
general knowledge and taste. He attempted to give his
countrymen an idea of English poetry, by a translation
into French of Milton’s Paradise Lost, in 4 vols. 12mo,
containing also the Paradise Regained, translated by a Jesuit, with Addison’s remarks on the former. This version,
in which great liberties are taken with the original, is written in an animated and florid style. The last edition of
the Diet. Hist, however, robs him of the whole merit of
this translation, and ascribes it to Boismorand, whose name
was not so good a passport to fame as that of Dupre. He
wrote also, an “Essay on the Coins of France,
” Inquiries concerning the value of Monies, and
the price of Grain,
” The Table of
the duration of Human Life,
” in the Natural History of M.
de Buffon. The author, who had cultivated in his youth
the flowers of imagination, devoted his old age to studies
relative to rural oeconomy, to agriculture, and other sciences of importance to mankind.
satisfy his own inclination.” Elliger was then placed at Antwerp in the school of Daniel Segers, the Jesuit; where he learnt to paint flowers and fruit, and at length equalled
, an artist, was the son of an able
physician, and was born at Gottemburg the I 8th of September 1633, according to Houbraken, and in 1632 by
Weyermann’s account. Ottomar’s father centred all his
views in making his son a scholar, and he therefore put
him to study the languages under the most famous professors. It was soon perceived that he relaxed in his progress in every other of his lessons, in proportion as his
taste for painting was unfolded: and that in the very classes
and school-hours he was secretly practising with the crayon.
Chastisements were even found ineffectual to his correction, notwithstanding the obstinacy of his mother in not
altering her purpose. A lucky accident delivered our
young man from this disagreeable situation. One day a
poor person desired to speak in private with the physician:
the beggar displayed to him his extreme distress in several
languages. The wife of the physician, who was present
at this conversation, said to her husband, “Since I see
that there are men of learning in indigence as well as
painters, I think it altogether indifferent to which profession my son applies; let him satisfy his own inclination.
”
Elliger was then placed at Antwerp in the school of Daniel
Segers, the Jesuit; where he learnt to paint flowers and
fruit, and at length equalled his master. He was called to
the court of Berlin, where he was highly honoured for his
talents, and the elector Frederic William appointed him
his principal painter. This prince found great amusement
in conversing with Elliger, and his smart replies on all
occasions pleased him so much, that he made frequent
visits to his lodgings. This agreeable life, in which he
found much profit as well as pleasure, continued till his
death, the year of which is not known. Elliger’s works,
which are as much sought after as those of his master,
are principally in Germany, where they are preserved
with the utmost care.
nons of the synod of Dort,” but he also disputed with great strength of argument against Wadingus, a Jesuit; who treated him very kindly, and, taking an advantage of the
In 1614, he began his comment upon the first epistle of
St. John, which gave occasion to various rumours, all of
them tending to prove him a Socinian. The year
taking the opportunity of the vacation, he went to Paris,
for the sake of seeing that city; but his object was immediately misrepresented, and on his return home, his adversaries published, that he had had secret conferences with
father Cotton, in order to concert the ruin of the protestant
church and the United Provinces that he avoided all conversation with Peter du Moulin, minister at Paris or, as
others say, that the latter declined all conference with him,
seeing him so intimate with the enemies of his country,
and of the protestant religion; and although there was little
truth in these reports, it was not easy for Episcopius to
prove his innocence. The states of Holland having invited
him to come to the synod of Dort, that he might take
his place in that assembly, as well as the other professors
of the Seven United Provinces, he was one of the first that
went thither, and was accompanied by some remonstrant
ministers. But the synod would not suffer them to sit in
that assembly as judges, nor admit them but as persons
summoned to appear. They were obliged to submit, and
appear before the synod. Episcopius made a speech, in
which he declared, that they were all ready to enter into
a conference with the synod; but was answered, that the
synod did not meet to confer, but to judge. They excepted against the synod, and refused to submit to the
order made by that assembly: which was, that the remonstrants should neither explain nor maintain their opinions,
but as far as the synod should judge it necessary. Upon
their refusing to submit to this order, they were expelled
the synod and measures were taken to judge them by
their writings. They defended their cause with the pen
and Episcopius composed most of the pieces they presented
on this occasion, and which were published some time
after. The synod then deposed them from their functions;
and because they refused to subscribe a writing, which
contained a promise not to perform privately any of their
ministerial functions, they were banished out of the territories of the commonwealth in 1618, and took up their
residence at Antwerp: as thinking themselves there in
the best situation to take care of their churches and families. Episcopius was not now so much taken up with the
affairs of his party, as not to find time to write against the
church of Rome in defence of those truths which all the
protestants in general maintain. When the war between
tho Spaniards and United Provinces began again in 1621,
he went to France; and there laboured by his writings, as
much as lay in his power, to strengthen and comfort his
brethren. He not only composed, in common with them,
“A confession of faith;
” and published, soon after, his
“Antidote against the canons of the synod of Dort,
” but
he also disputed with great strength of argument against
Wadingus, a Jesuit; who treated him very kindly, and,
taking an advantage of the difficulties he saw him under,
endeavoured to persuade him to enter into the pale of his
church. The times being grown more favourable, he returned to Holland in 1620; and was made a minister of
the church of the remonstrants at Rotterdam. He married
the year after, but never had any children by his wife, who
died in 1641. In 1634 he removed to Amsterdam, being
chosen rector of the college which those of his sect had
founded there, and continued in that post till his death,
which was preceded by a tedious and gradual decline.
August 1640, hiring a vessel, he went with his wife to
Rotterdam but in the afternoon, while he was yet upon
Ins voyage, a fever seized him and, to add to his indisposition, about evening came on such a storm of thunder and
fain as had not been known for many years. All these
hindrances made them arrive so late at Rotterdam, that
the gates of the city were shut: and the long time he was
obliged to wait, before he could get them opened, increased his disorder so much, that he was confined to his
bed for the four following months. He recovered; yet
perceived the effects of this illness, in the stone and other
complaints, as long as he lived. He died the 4th of April,
1643, having lost his sight some weeks before. Limborch, with the partiality of a friendly biographer, tells
us, that the moon was under an eclipse at the hour of his
death; and that some considered it as a fit emblem of the
church, as being then deprived of much light by the disappearing of such a luminary as Episcopius. He tells us
also, with more truth, that Episcopius’s friends and relations had some medals struck with the images of Truth and
Liberty upon them, in remembrance of him. Yet Episcopius did not always write with that moderation 'which becomes the patience and humility of a Christian; and his
friends who have defended him against this charge, have
not been very successful.
, surnamed of Mendoza, a Spanish Jesuit, and famous casuist, who died July 4, 1669, aged eighty, is
, surnamed of Mendoza, a Spanish Jesuit, and famous casuist, who died July 4, 1669,
aged eighty, is author of several theological works, in
which he professes to smooth the way to salvation. His
principles of morality have beeo turned into ridicule by
the ingenious Pascal: they are convenient, he allows;
but, says he, the gospel proscribes all conveniencies. The
most known of his books are, 1. “His Moral Theology,
”
Lyons, His Commentaries
on the Holy Scriptures,
” Lyons,
, a pious and learned Jesuit, born at Seville in 15.58, of a noble and ancient family, possessed
, a pious and learned Jesuit,
born at Seville in 15.58, of a noble and ancient family,
possessed a large estate, which he employed in works of
charity: His zeal led him to the Indies, where he took
the habit of a monk, and died at Lima in 1624, at the age
of sixty-six. He published, 1. “Condones quadragesimales et de adventu,
” fol. 2. “De festis Domini.
” 3.
“Sermones de historiis Sacrse Scriptune;
” but these works
are scarcely known out of Spain.
, a learned Jesuit, was a native of Crete, and supposed to be descended from the
, a learned Jesuit, was a
native of Crete, and supposed to be descended from the
imperial family of the Palseologi. He went to Rome in
pursuit of knowledge, and entered himself a member of the
society of Jesus. He was afterwards professor of philosophy, and then of theology in the university of Padua, rector of the Greek college in Rome, and censor of the inquisition. He was honoured with the esteem and friendship
of pope Urban VIII. who appointed him chaplain to his
nephew cardinal Francis Barberini, when he was sent papal
legate into France. He died at Rome Dec. 24, 1625. He
was suspected to be the author of a work entitled “Admonitio ad Regem Ludovicum XIII.
” which attacked the
authority of the kings of France, in matters of an ecclesiastical nature. This treatise brought the Jesuits into general disrepute; it was likewise censured by the faculty of
the Sorbonne, and the assembly of the clergy at Paris in
1626, and condemned by the parliament. He merits notice here, however, chiefly for having frequently entered
the lists of controversy with many eminent English divines,
who wrote against popery about the beginning of the
seventeenth century, particularly Burhill, Prideaux, Abbot, and Collins, but the titles of his works may now be
spared.
reprinted at Paris, 1628, in 2 vols. fol. with a new version of the book “De Praeparatione,” by the Jesuit Francis Vigerus, and with Donatus’s translation! of the book
Eusebius did not long survive Constantine, for he. died
about the year 33 o, according to Dupin; or the year 340,
according to Valesius. He wrote several great and important works, of which among those that are extant we
have, 1. “Chronicon
” divided into two parts, and carried down to A. D. 325 in which, not long before the
council of Nice, Cave supposes this work to have been
finished. The first part, which is at present extremely
mutilated, contains an history of the Chaldeans, Assyrians,
Medes, Persians, Lydians, Jews, Egyptians, &c. from
the creation of the world. In the second part, which is
called “Canon Chronicus,
” he digests the history of the
several nations according to the order of time. St. Jerom
translated both parts into Latin: but we have remaining
of the version of the first part, only some extracts, containing the names of the kings, printed with the translation of the second part. It was printed at Basil, and afterwards published more accurately by Arnauld de Pontac,
bishop of Baras, at Bourdeaux in 1604. But no person ever
undertook to collect the Greek fragments of the original,
till Joseph Scaliger published them at Leyden, 1606, in
folio, under the following title: “Thesaurus temporum,
complectens Eusebii Pamphili chronicon Latine, S. Hieronymo interprete, cum ipsius chronici fragmentis Graecis
antehac non editis, et auctores omnes derelicta ab Eusebio
continuantes. Edente Josepho Justo Scaligero, qui notas et
castigationes in Eusebium, nee non Isagogicorum Chronologix canonum libros tres adjecit.
” There, was another
edition, much enlarged, printed at Amsterdam in 1658,
in 2 vols. fol. under the care of Alexander Morus. Dupin
says, that “this work of Eusebius displays a prodigious
extent of reading, and consummate erudition. It is necessary to have read an infinite number of books and ancient monuments, in order to compile an universal history;
and to have been master of a very clear understanding at
the same time, in order to collect such a multitude of facts,
and dispose them in their proper order. This is an immense labour, which is a strong proof of the vast reading
and prodigious memory of Eusebius. It must be owned,
indeed, that Africanus’s Chronicle was of great service to
him, and that he has copied that author throughout his
work. However, he has corrected several of Africanus’s
mistakes, though he has fallen into others himself. But
it is almost impossible not to err in a work of such vast
extent and difficulty as an universal chronicle. Mistakes
are excusable in a performance of this kind; nor can they
hinder it from being deservedly considered as one of the
molt useful works of antiquity.
”
His next work is, 2. “Prseparationis Evangelicae, Hbri
XV.
” Valesius tells us that this book, as well as his
treatise “De Demonstratione Evangelica,
” was written before the Nicene council, since they are expressly cited in
his “Ecclesiastical History,
” which Valesius affirms to
have been written also before it; but Cave is of opinion
that the book “De Prseparatione Evangelica
” was written
after that council, undoubtedly after his “Chrdnicon,
”
since his “Canones Chronici
” are expressly cited in it.
3. “De Demonstratione Evangelical
” We have of this
work only ten books extant, though Eusebius wrote twenty.
A beautiful edition of this and the former book was printed
in Greek by Robert Stephens in 1544 and 1545, in 2 vols.
fol. They were reprinted at Paris, 1628, in 2 vols. fol.
with a new version of the book “De Praeparatione,
” by
the Jesuit Francis Vigerus, and with Donatus’s translation!
of the book “De Demonstratione.
” 4. “Historic Ecclesiasticae, libri V.
” containing the history of the church
from the beginning to the death of Licinius the elder,
which includes a period of 324 years. Valesius observes,
that he wrote this after almost all his other works; and
Cave says, that it was written after the Nicene council,
since he mentions in it not only his “Chronicon,
” but
likewise his treatise “De Demonstratione.
” At the end
of the eighth book we find a small treatise “Of the
Martyrs of Palestine;
” in which he describes the martyrdom of those who suffered for the faith of Christ iri
that province. This has been erroneously confounded
with the 8th book of the history; whereas it is a separate
tract, which serves for a supplement to that book. The
Ecclesiastical History has been often translated and printed:
but the best edition is that of Henry Valesius^ who, having
remarked the defects of all the former translations, undertook a new one, which he has joined to the Greek text
revised by four manuscripts, and has added notes full of
erudition. Valesius’s edition was printed at Paris in 1659
and 1671, and at Francfort in 1672, with the rest of the
ecclesiastical historians. It was printed again at Cambridge
in 1720, in three vols. folio, by William Reading, who has
joined to the notes of Valesius such observations of modern
authors as he could collect; but, in Le Clerc’s opinion,
somewhat too harsh, “they might as well have been placed
at the end of the book, since they are much interior to
those of Valesius, both for style and matter; and appear
with the same disadvantage as an ordinary painting placed
by the work of an eminent master.
”
in the easy way of translation, and from a book so justly as well as generally admired as the French Jesuit’s has ever been. The title of our author’s little treatise was,
, third son of the former, was born at his
father’s house at Sayes-court, near Deptford, January 14,
1654-5, and was there very tenderly educated in his infancy, being considered (after the death of his brother Richard Evelyn, January 27, 1657, who, though but five years of age, was esteemed a kind of prodigy) as the heir
of the family. He was likewise universally admired for
the pregnancy of his parts, of which he gave a pleasing
proof in a Latin letter written to his father in Dec. 1665,
and which induced his father to send him in 1666 to Oxford, where he remained in the house of the ingenious and
learned Dr. Ralph Bathurst, then president of Trinity-college, before he was admitted a gentleman-commoner, which
was in Easter term 1663. It is not clear at what time he
left Oxford; but Mr. Wood seems to be positive that he took
no degree there, but returned to his father’s house, where
he prosecuted his studies under the directions of that great
man. There is, however, good reason to believe that it
was during his residence in Trinity-college, and when he
was not above fifteen years of age, that he wrote that elegant Greek poem which is prefixed to the second edition
of the Sylva, and is a noble proof of the strength of his
genius, and wonderful progress in learning in the early
part of his life. In Nov. 1675, he set out for Paris with
lord Berkley, ambassador to the French court; and in May
1676, returned to England. He discovered his proficiency
soon afterwards, both in the learned and modern languages,
by his elegant translations, as well as his intimate acquaintance with the muses, in some original poems which were
very justly admired. If we consider the father’s turn of
mind, we need not wonder that he should employ his pen
first upon gardening, especially in the easy way of translation, and from a book so justly as well as generally admired as the French Jesuit’s has ever been. The title of
our author’s little treatise was, 1. “Of gardens, four
books, first written in Latin verse, by Renatus Rapinus;
and now made English by John Evelyn, esq.
” Sylva,
” and it must be allowed that the sense is very
faithfully rendered, and the poetry is more easy and harmonious than could have been expected from a youth of
his age. 2. “The life of Alexander the great,
” translated from the Greek of Plutarch, printed in the fourth
volume of Plutarch’s lives by several hands. 3. “The history of the grand visiers, Mahomet and Achmet Coprogli;
of the three last grand signiors, their sultanas, and chief
favourites; with the most secret intrigues of the seraglio,
”
&c. Lond. 1677, 8vo. This was a translation from the
French, and has been esteemed an entertaining and instructive history. Our author wrote also several poems
occasionally, of which two are printed in Dryden’s Miscellanies, and more are in Nichols’s Collection of Poems.
The one entitled “On virtue,
” has been esteemed excellent in its kind by the best judges and the other, styled
“The remedy of love,
” has been also much admired. On
Feb. 24, 1679-80, he married Martha, daughter and coheiress of Richard Spenser, esq. Turkey merchant, whose
widow married sir John Stonehouse, of Radley, in Berks,
bart. Mr. Evelyn, who had a turn for business as well as
study, and had been introduced to the prince of Orange
in 1688, was in 1690 made one of the chief clerks of the
treasury, and quitting that situation in 1691, became one
of the commissioners of the revenue in Ireland, which
country he visited in 1692. He would probably have been
advanced to higher employments if he had not been cut
off in thd flower of his age, dying at his house in Berkeleystreet, London, March 24, 1698, in the forty-fifth year of
his age. He had by his wife two sons and three daughters.
His eldest son, Richard, -died an infant at Sayes-court, as
did his eldest daughter Martha Mary. His second daughter, Elizabeth, married Simon Harcourt, esq. eldest son
and heir of Simon lord viscount Harcourt, lord high chancellor of Great Britain, by whom she became mother to
the first earl Harcourt. Jane, his third daughter, died an
infant at his house in the parish of St. Martin’s in the fields,
and was interred at Kensington. John Evelyn, his second
and only surviving son, born at Sayes-court, March 2,
1681, succeeded to his grandfather’s estate. He was married at Lambeth chapel, September 18,- 1705, to Anne,
daughter of Edward Boscawen, of Worthivil, co. Cornwall, esq. He was by letters-patent bearing date July 30,
1713, created a baronet. This worthy gentleman, who inherited the virtue and learning as well as the patrimony of
his ancestors, made several alterations and additions to the
family-seat at Wotton, in 1717, one of which was the
erecting a beautiful library, forty-five feet long, fourteen
feet broad, and as many high, for the reception of that
large ajtd curious collection of books made by his grandfather, his father, and himself, and where they still remain. He was long one of the commissioners of the
customs, a fellow of the royal society, and was succeeded by
his eldest son, John, who dying in 1767, was succeeded
by sir Frederick Evelyn, on whose death, in 1812, the
title descended to Mr. John Evelyn, the grandson of
Charles, a younger son of the first baronet of the Wotton
branch.
, a Spanish ex- jesuit, was born at Balbastro, in the kingdom of Arragon, in 1732,
, a Spanish ex-jesuit, was born
at Balbastro, in the kingdom of Arragon, in 1732, and at
the age of ten, went to Salamanca, where he began his
studies with great ardour, and made extraordinary proficiency in mathematics and physics. In 1764- he was appointed to teach mathematics and engineering in the royal
military school founded at Segovia. On entering into this
office, he delivered a speech, shewing the necessity of cultivating the art of war upon fixed principles; and with a
view to exhibit examples as well as precepts to his scholars,
he published the lives of all the eminent Spanish heroes,
under the title of “The Spanish military History,
” Segovia,
The
Engineer’s Manual,
” 8vo. Both these works were much admired, the first particularly, for the elegance of the language, and the impartiality of the narrative. At what time
he entered the order of the Jesuits is not known, but after
their expulsion, he lived at Rome, and devoted his attention chiefly to music, of which, from his infancy, he was
passionately fond. After six years’ labour and study, he
produced a work on the subject, which contributed, although without much reason, to his reputation in the musical world. This appeared at Rome in 1774, and was
entitled “Dell' Origine e della regole della Musica, &c.
”
4to, in which, says Dr. Burney, too confident of his own
powers, he imagined himself capable, with four years’
study only, intuitively to frame a better system of counterpoint than that upon which so many great musicians had
been formed. Possessed of eloquence, fire, and a lively
imagination, his book has been called in Italy, “a whimsical romance upon the art of music, in which is discovered
a rage for pulling down, without the power of rebuilding.
”
The author has certainly, with shrewdness and accuracy,
started several difficulties, and pointed out imperfections
in the theory and practice of music, as well as in the particular systems of Tartini and Rameau; but his own resources and experience are totally insufficient to the task
of correcting the errors of the old system, or forming a new
one that is more perfect. He has more eloquence of language than science in music. His reasoning is ingenious
and specious, even when his data are false; but his examples of composition are below contempt; and yet they
are courageously given as models for students, superior to
those of the old great masters of harmony.
of a maintenance, he undertook the education of some children, and had recourse to father Tellier, a Jesuit, the king’s confessor, who twice supplied him with money. In
, a voluminous French writer,
or rather compiler, was born April 25, 1668, at Paris, the
son of an eminent surgeon. He was subdeacon, and bachelor of the Sorbonne, and had been second teacher at
St. Quintin, when he entered the congregation of the oratory at Paris. He rose to be successively professor of philosophy at Itumilly in Savoy, at Toulon, Riom, Mans, and
Nantes; afterwards taught theology three years at Riom,
and during three more at the seminary of the congregation at Lyons. While he lived in the last named city, he
published a small dictionary, Latin and French, 8vo, compiled from the best classical authors, which has passed
through several editions; and he also published at Lyons,
in 1709, a new edition of Richelet’s dictionary, 2 vols. folio,
under the title of Amsterdam, which edition was suppressed
on account of several theological articles respecting the
affairs of the times; and because in his list of authors, he
bestowed great encomiums on Messrs, of Port Royal, but
none on their adversaries. This obliged him to quit the
oratory, and retire to Clermont in Auvergne, where, being
destitute of a maintenance, he undertook the education of
some children, and had recourse to father Tellier, a Jesuit,
the king’s confessor, who twice supplied him with money.
In the latter end of 171 Fabre again entered the congregation of the oratory, and was sent to Douay, where he
wrote a small pamphlet, entitled “Entretigns de Christine^
et de Pelagie, sur la lecture de PEcriture-Sainte
” which
is still in request. Having afterwards preached the Sunday sermons of the oratory of Tragany with great credit (for he had also talents for preaching), he went to reside at
Montmorency, towards the end of 1723, and there began
his “Continuation de l'Histoire Ecclesiastique, de feu M.
TAbbe Fleury;
” and published 16 vols. 4to or 12mb, which
induced his superiors to invite him again to their houses,
Rue St. Honore*, at Paris, where he died, October 22, 1755,
aged eighty-five, much lamented by his brethren and
friends, for his mildness, candour, modesty, and virtue.
The discourse “Sur le renouvellement des etudes ecclesiastiques,
” &c. at the beginning of the thirteenth volume
of the Continuation, is by the abbe Goujet. This Continuation discovers great learning, and facility in writing,
but has neither the wit, penetration, character, style, nor
accuracy of judgment possessed by the abbe Fleury. Fabre
would have carried it on much farther, but was forbidden
to print any new volumes. He made the index to M, de
Thou’s history translated into French, 4to, and had begun
one to the “Journal des Sgavans,
” but soon gave up his
undertaking to the abbe* de Claustre, to whom the public
owes that useful work, 10 vols. 4to. Fabre also left a moderate translation of Virgil, 4 vols. 12mo, and a translation
of the Fables of Phaedrus, Paris, 1728, 12mo, with notes.
, an industrious and learned Jesuit, was born in the diocese of Bellay in 1606 or 1607. He for a
, an industrious and learned Jesuit,
was born in the diocese of Bellay in 1606 or 1607. He
for a long time held the chair of professor of philosophy in
the college de la Trinit at Lyons; but in consequence of
his profound knowledge of theology, he was called to
Home, where he was made a penitentiary. He died in
that city on the 9th of March, 1688. He was a man of
most extensive and universal knowledge, and studied medicine and anatomy with considerable ardour. He assumed
the credit of the discovery of the circulation of the blood,
and father Regnault, and other credulous persons, have
supported his assumption, on the grounds that he had main*tained the fact of the circulation in a discussion in 1638:
but Harvey had published his discovery in 1623. The
medical works of this Jesuit consist of an apology for the
Peruvian bark, in answer to Plempius, which he published
at Rome in 1655, under the title of “Pulvis Peruvianus
Febrii'ugus vindicatus;
” and two other essays, one, “De
Plantis, et Generatione Animalium,
” the other, “De Homine,
” published at Paris in
, an English Jesuit, was born in 1554, at Foston in Leicestershire, and entered
,
an English Jesuit, was born in 1554, at Foston in Leicestershire, and entered a student in Merton college, in 1568,
under the tuition of John Potts, whom Wood calls a noted
philosopher. In 1570, Potts, who was a concealed papist,
being detected, conducted his young pupil, whose parents
were of that persuasion, to the Jesuits’ college at Louvain.
In this seminary he continued till he had taken a bachelor
of arts degree, and then went to Paris. From thence he
travelled to Munich in Bavaria, where duke William allowed him a handsome salary to prosecute his studies, and
Ivhere he took the degree of M. A. In 1575 he proceeded
to Rome, and became a member of the English Jesuits’
college, of which he was soon after appointed divinityreader. He was much distinguished and favoured by several princes, and particularly by pope Gregory XIII. who,
as a token of his affection and confidence, gave him a seal
which empowered him to grant a pass to any of his countrymen travelling through the catholic dominions. In 1581
he was appointed president of the Jesuits’ college at Posna
in Poland, in which country he spent the remainder of his
life. He died at Ulna, in the province of Lithuania, Feb.
18, 1591, much regretted by his fraternity, amongst whom
he had the character of a prudent, learned, and ^pious divine. His works are: 1. “.De Christi in terris ecclesia,
”
Posna, 1584, 4to. 2. “Contra Antonium Sadeelem Calv:nistam, libri III.
” 3. “Theses de variis fidei eontroversiis,
”
Posna, Doctrina catholica de Sanctorum
Invocatione, &c.
” ibid. Apologia Libri
sui de Invocatione, &c. contra Danielem Tossanum,
” Colon.
Coenae Lutherana? et Calvinistee oppu<rnatio,
” Posna, Apologia Thesium de CcBUtt
Lutherana, &o.
” ibid. Oratio de causis
Haeresis, &c.
” 9. “Tractatus de Controversiis inter ordinem Eccles. et Secularem in Polonia,
”
, an ex- jesuit, was born at Brussels Aug. 18, 1735, and became professor of
, an ex-jesuit, was born
at Brussels Aug. 18, 1735, and became professor of rhetoric at Liege, Luxemburgh, and Turnau in Hungary, after
which he travelled in Italy, Poland, Austria, and Bohemia.
After the suppression of the society of the Jesuits in 1773,
he took the name of Flexierue Reval, which he exchanged
afterwards for that of Feller, under which he published
at Luxemburgh, from 1774 to 1794, a political and literary journal, entitled “Clef des cabinets,
” in which he is
said to display considerable knowledge, riot unmixed with
bigotry. The profits of this work not being adequate to
his wants, he endeavoured to derive emolument from the
less reputable employment of literary piracy. In this way
he republished Vosgien’s Geographical Dictionary and the
“Dictionnare Historique,
” of which last he published three
editions, with his name, the third a little before his death,
in 8 vols. When he wished to steal the contents of a
book, and make them pass for his own, he generally began
by an attack upon it in his journal, as a work good for nothing. He usually resided at Liege, but when the French
revolution broke out, he went to Maestricht, and afterwards to other places of safety; in 1797 he went to Ratisbon, where he died May 23, 1802. Whatever trutti there
may be in this character of Feller as a compiler, his original works are creditable to his talents. Among these
are: K “Jugement d'un ecrivain protestant touchant le livre
de Justinus Fabronius,
” Leipsic, Lettre,
sur le diner du comte de Boulainvilliers.
” 3. “Examen
critique de THistoire Naturelle de M. de Buffon,
” Internal evidence of
the Christian religion, with notes and observations, which
he published in 1779, under his assumed name of Flexier
de Reval. 5.
” Observations philosophiques sur le systeme de Newton, le mouvement de la terre, et la pluralite
des mondes,“1771 and 1788, in which he attempts to
prove that the motion of the earth has not been demonstrated, and that a plurality of worlds is impossible. La
Lande answered this work. 6.
” Examen impartial des
epoques de la nature de M. de Buffon,“Luxemburgh,
1780, 12mo, and reprinted a fourth time at Maestricht in
1792. 7.
” Catechisme philosophique,“a collection of
remarks in favour of the Christian religion,
” Paris, 1777,
8vo. 8. “Discours sur divers sujets de religion, et de
morale,
” Observations sur les rapports
physiques de Phuile avec les flots de la mer,
”
, a Jesuit of Sienna, was the author of a Syriac Dictionary, published
, a Jesuit of Sienna, was the
author of a Syriac Dictionary, published in 1622, in 4to,
under the name of “Nomenclator Syriacus.
” The chief
object the author is to explain the Syriac words in the
Bible, in which he was assisted by some learned Maronites. He wrote also, “De Malorum aureorum cultura,
”
De Florum cultura,
”
. In 1630 he published at Leyden, “Vindiciae pro Scholastico Orthodoxo,” against Perinus, an eminent Jesuit, who had published in 1619 a book entitled “Thrasonica Pauli
, in Latin Ferrius, a most learned divine of Germany, was born of a considerable family at
Metz, in 1591. He was sent to study divinity at Montaban, and made so uncommon a progress, that he was
admitted a minister at Metz in 1610. Though he was
but nineteen, he had then published a book of poems; the
advertisement to which he finished in these words, “sat
ludo nugisque datum.
” He had eminent talents for preaching: his graceful presence, his venerable countenance,
and fine delivery, adding great force to his eloquence,
which was very powerful and moving. His enemies reported, falsely, that he was one of the ministers whom
cardinal Richelieu had bribed to procure a coalition of the
two religions; however, it is certain that he was grieved
at the division of the p'otestants, and hoped that he could
contribute somewhat to forward a re-union; and it is
supposed that with this view he kept a correspondence
with Dury (See Dury). His death happened in 1669,
when above fourscore stones were found in his bladder,
which had occasioned it. He had a very fine library,
which he increased by several works of his own. In 1616
he published “Scholastic} Orthodox! Specimen,
” in which
he shews, that the protestant doctrine of grace has been
taught by the schoolmen. This treatise gained him the
esteem of Du Plessis Mornay, who wrote him a letter upon
it, in which he advised him about another work he was
upon, entitled “Le dernier desespoir de la Tradition,
”
&c. In Vindiciae pro
Scholastico Orthodoxo,
” against Perinus, an eminent Jesuit, who had published in 1619 a book entitled “Thrasonica Pauli Ferrii Calvinistae.
” In General Catechisme de la Reformation,
” which was
answered by Bossuet; and left behind him collections for a
history of Metz, which are referred to by Calmet, as
abounding in curious researches; and a vast number of
sermons, of which about eleven hundred are on the epistle
to the Hebrews.
, a French Jesuit, and a native of Rouergue, and confessor to the king of France,
, a French Jesuit, and a native of
Rouergue, and confessor to the king of France, was born
in 1614, and turned a Jesuit in 1632. He had taught
philosophy fonr years, divinity twelve years, and ethics
two years. He had been principal of the college of Toulouse, and had acquitted himself very well of that employment. The Jesuits probably looked upon him as a very
able man, since they designed to make him the king’s
confessor, to which office he was promoted in 1670. He
died in the convent of the Jesuits at Paris, October 29,
1674. He was one of the ablest antagonists of Jansenius’s
followers, and his thesis concerning probability, which hq
maintained at Toulouse the 8th and the llth of June 1659,
made a considerable noise. He wrote a Latin answer to
father Baron’s objections against the “Scientia media,
”
entitled “Responsio ad Objectiones Vincentianas,
” Toulouse,
, a man of considerable learning, was born about 1589, and becoming a Jesuit, was appointed professor of classics and rhetoric in the college
, a man of considerable learning,
was born about 1589, and becoming a Jesuit, was appointed professor of classics and rhetoric in the college of
the Trinity at Lyons. The time of his death is not mentioned. He is known principally for an edition of the
whole body of poets, which he corrected and published
under the title of “Chorus Poetarum,
” Lyons, Musaeum rhetoricum et poeticum,
” which seems
to be a collection of the beauties of the poets. He published also, “Arcana studiorum omnium methodus, et
bibliotheca scientiarum,
” Lyons, Favus Patrum,
” a
collection of the thoughts of the fathers, in 12mo, above
1000 pages, and some other works.
, an English Jesuit of the seventeenth century, whose true name was Piercy, was
, an English Jesuit of the seventeenth
century, whose true name was Piercy, was born in Yorkshire, and admitted in the English college at Rome,
whence he removed to Louvaine, and became a Jesuit in
1594. Afterwards he was sent on a mission to England,
and laboured several years in endeavouring to make proselytes, until he was imprisoned and banished. Those of
his order then made him professor of divinity at Louvaine,
and vice-provincial of the English Jesuits. Returning thence
to England, he made a considerable figure in the reigns of
James I. and Charles I. in various controversies and conferences with some noted divines of the church of England.
His most remarkable conference was with Dr. Francis
White, dean of Carlisle, and afterwards bishop of Norwich, which was held in the king’s presence in 1622, at
three different times, at the request of the duke of Buckingham, on account of his duchess being a Roman catholic.
At the conclusion of these conferences, king James desired
Fisher to return an answer to nine points, proposed by his
majesty, which Fisher did in writing, except an article
concerning the supremacy, about which he desired to he
excused. He had conferences also with Laud, Featley,
and othrrs. He was alive in 1641, but how long afterwards we do not find. He published 1. “A Treatise of
Faith,
” Lond. A Defence of the preceding against Wooton and White,
” St.
Omers, A Challenge to Protestants; to shew
the succession of their pastors, from Christ down,
” ibid.
An Answer to nine points of Controversy proposed by king James I. with the censure of Mr. White’s
reply,
” The Romish Fisher caught in his own net,
” by Dr.
Featley, Lond. A Conference between bishop Laud
and Fisher,
” ibid. Reply to the relation, of the conference between Laud and Fisher,
” by an
anonymous author, Reply to Fisher’s
answer to some questions propounded by king James,
”
Orthodox faith and the
way to the church explained,
” by the same, Fisher’s folly unfolded,
” &c. by George Walker, Catalogus protestantium before Luther,
” by George
Webb, An answer to Mr. Fisher the Jesuit,
&c. in a dialogue,
” by Henry Rogers, The
Protestant church existent, and by whom their faith professed in all ages,
” by the same, A
Dialogue about this question, Where was your church before Luther?
” by C. W.
, a celebrated Jesuit, was the son of a merchant in Dublin, and born in that city
, a celebrated Jesuit, was the
son of a merchant in Dublin, and born in that city in 1569.
He was educated in the protestant religion, and sent to
Oxford, where, in April 1583, he was matriculated as a
member of Hart-hall, and in December following appears
to have been elected student of Christ Church; but having
conceived an inclination for popery, he left the university,
and went to Louvaine, where he entered among the Jesuits,
and had for his tutor the celebrated Jesuit Lessius. Here,
by acute parts and much application, he acquired great
distinction, and was appointed to teach philosophy publicly. Having furnished himself with missionary zeal and
artifice, he returned to Ireland, where he became very
active in gaining proselytes, and for some time laboured
publicly, and without an opponent, being accounted a
very able disputant. He was, however, committed to prison in Dublin castle in 1599, where he continued, some
say two, and some five years, without any alteration in
his courage or resolution. On the contrary, having thrown
out something like a challenge to the protestants, the celebrated Usher, then a young man of only nineteen, undertook to dispute with him, and weekly meetings were appointed for the purpose. Their first subject was Antichrist, and after they had met twice or thrice, Usher was
ready to have proceeded, but Fitzsimons declined any
farther engagement. Afterwards, being set at liberty, on
his promise to behave quietly, and give no disturbance to
the king and kingdom, he went into the Low Countries,
where he spent his time in performing offices requisite to
his function, and in writing books, particularly “A Catholic Confutation of Mr. John Rider’s Claim of Antiquities,
and a calming comfort against his caveat, with a reply to
Mr. Rider’s Postscripts, and a discovery of puritan partiality
in his behalf.
” To which is annexed, “An Answer to
certain complaintive Letters of afflicted Catholics for Religion:
” all printed together at Rohan, in
his name so long as the satire of Dryden, entitled “Mac Flecnoe,” is said to have been originally a Jesuit, and to have had connections with some persons of high distinction
, an English poet and dramatic
writer in the reign of Charles II. whose productions, although not without some proportion of merit, would not
have preserved his name so long as the satire of Dryden,
entitled “Mac Flecnoe,
” is said to have been originally a
Jesuit, and to have had connections with some persons of
high distinction in London, who were of the Roman catholic persuasion. What was the cause of Dryden’s aversion
is not determined. Some have said that when the revolution was completed, Dryden, having some time before
turned papist, became disqualified for holding his place of
poet-laurcat. It was accordingly taken from him, and
conferred on Flecknoe, a man to whom Dryden is said to
have had already a confirmed aversion; and this produced
the famous satire, called from him Mac Flecknoe, one of
the most spirited and amusing of Dryden' s poems; and,
in some degree, the model of the Dunciad. That this is a
spirited poem is as certain, as that all the preceding account from Cihber and his copiers is ridiculous. Shadwell
was the successor of Dryden, as laureat, and in this poem
is ridiculed as the poetical son of Flecknoe. However con.temptibly Dryden treated Flecknoe, the latter at one time
wrote an epigram in his praise, which, with his religion,
might have conciliated both Dryden and Pope. Perhaps
Dryden, says a modern critic, was offended at his invectives against the obscenity of the stage, knowing how much
he had contributed to it. Be this as it may, Flecknoe himself wrote some plays, but not more than one of them was
acted. His comedy, called “Damoiselles a la mode,
” was
printed in For the acting this comedy,
those who have the government of the stage have their
humours, and would.be in treated and I have mine, and
won't intreat them and were all dramatic writers of my
mind, tljeyshould wear their old plays thread-bare, ere
they should have any new,till they better understood
their own interest, and how todistinguish between good
*nd bad.
”
, an English Jesuit, who merits some notice from his controversial connections,
, an English Jesuit, who merits some
notice from his controversial connections, was born in
Cambridgeshire, and going abroad, became a Jesuit in
1593, and returned to England as a missionary. After
some years spent in this employment, he was apprehended
and banished; but his sufferings and his talents procured
him great respect in France, where he was employed by
his superiors to teach humanity and divinity at St. Omer’s
and Louvaine. He was alive at St. Omer’s in 1641, but
the time of his death is not on record. In his publications,
written in controversy with Chillingworth, Antonius de
Dominis, Crashaw, sir Edward Hobby, and other learned
protestants, he assumed the fictitious names of Daniel a
Jesu, Hermannus Loemelius, and Annosus Fidelis Verimontanus. Under these he wrote, 1. “Synopsis Apostasiæ
M. A. de Dominis,
” Antw. Detectio hypocrisis M. A. de Dominis,
” ibid. Censura decem Lib. de republica ecclesiast. M. A. de Dominis,
” Cologne, Apologia sedis Apostolicæ,
” &c. Rothomag. The church conquerant over human wit,
” against Chillingworth, St.
Omer’s, The Total Sum,
” against the same,
ibid. Answer to William Crashaw,
” ibid.
A treatise of Purgatory, in answer to sir
Edward Hobby,
” ibid. Answer to Francis
White’s Reply concerning Nine Articles offered by king
James I. to F. John Fisher (See Fisher), ibid. 1626.
10.
” Spongia,“against the bishops of France, and the
censure of the Sorbonne. 11.
” Answer to a book entitled `Instructions for the Catholics of England'," with
several other small treatises relative to the bishop of Chalcedon’s case; which attack of his on that bishop, and on
the clergy of France, was repelled in various pamphlets
by his brethren, who took part with the bishop. Floyd
also published a translation of St. Augustine’s Meditations,
and of some other religious works.
, a celebrated Portuguese Jesuit, was born about 1528, at Cortisada. He taught philosophy at
, a celebrated Portuguese Jesuit,
was born about 1528, at Cortisada. He taught philosophy
at Coimbra, and theology at Evora, where he took a doctor’s degree, 1570, held several important offices in his
order, and laboured zealously fora reformation of manners
in Portugal. He died November 4, 1599, at Lisbon, aged
seventy-one, or, as others say, in 1619, He left various
philosophical works and his “Metaphysics,
” 4 torn. fol.
claims the glory of having first invented the opinion of the
Middle Science, which being afterwards adopted by Molina, excited a violent controversy between his followers
and the Dominicans and Jansenists, who maintained the
doctrine of St. Augustine relative to the divine prescience.
It remains to be added that his translation of Chrysostom involved him in trouble. Father Daniel, a Jesuit, accused him of Nestorianism, and denounced, him in a letter
, a voluminous French writer,
the son of a scrivener at Paris, was born in 1625, and received at the age of twenty into the: society of the celebrated solitaries of Port Royal, in a subordinate office, but
in the course of time obtained the^ chief superintendance
of the young men who were sent there for education; He
employed his leisure hours in severe literary labours, such
as transcribing the works of several of these solitaries. He
followed Nicole and Arnauld, to whom he had been a kind
of secretary, into their different places of retreat; in 1664
he was shut up in the Bastille with Sacy, and came out of
it with him in 16f>8. After the death of Sacy, in 1684, he
frequently changed his retreat, but established himself
finally at Mel un, where he died in 1709, at the age of
eighty-four. His works are principally, 1. “Lives of the
Saints of the Old Testament,
” 4 torn. 8vo. 2. “Lives of
the Saints
” in general, the same number of volumes, or
1 in folio. 3. “Les figures de Bible,
” or a history of tha
Bible, in short chapters, which has often been printed
under the title of “Bible de Royaumont,
” and there is
an English edition in 4to, with above Memoirs of the Solitaries of Port Royal,
” 2 vols. 12mo. 5.
“Translation of St.' ChrysostonVs Homilies on St. Paul’s
Epistles,
” 7 vols. 8vo. His versions are written with fidelity, but not always with vigour. He was far inferior to
Arnauld and Nicole, whom he admired; but his piety was
worthy of Port Royal. He was distinguished for innocence of manners, laborious, edifying simplicity of life,
sincere modesty, unparalleled disinterestedness, and a
steadiness of faith superior to all trials. A man of so many
virtues deserves to be recorded, though not among the
first class of authors. It remains to be added that his
translation of Chrysostom involved him in trouble. Father
Daniel, a Jesuit, accused him of Nestorianism, and denounced, him in a letter to the Sorbonne. Fontaine made
a very humble and respectful retraction, and substituted
several new pages in those parts which had been found reprehensible; but, as this did not prevent M. de Harlai
from condemning his translation, he undertook its defence
in a work where he asserts, that he has faithfully translated St. Chrysostom, and not fallen into heresies.
, a French Jesuit, was born at Paris in 1683, and entered on his noviciate in
, a French Jesuit, was
born at Paris in 1683, and entered on his noviciate in the
order whcn he was fifteen years of age. Having completed his initiatory studies, he was employed some time
to furnish extracts and remarks on books relating to religion and ecclesiastical history in the “Journal de Trevoux.
” He was engaged for some years in collecting materials for writing a history of the popes, in which, however, he made but small progress; and what he left was
too imperfect for publication. Having a turn for polite
literature, he published various small poems in the collections of the day. His talents and learning pointed him
out as a fit person for rector of the Jesuits’ college at Orleans, win-re he continued till 1735, when he was recalled
to Paris, and appointed to continue Longueval’s “History of the Gallican church,
” of which he wrote the 9th,
10th, and part of the 11th volumes. He was then interrupted by a paralytic stroke, and died at the college La
Fleche, in 1742, in the fifty-sixth year of his age.
e Portuguese language. It was published in folio, and was translated into Latin by Rotto, an Italian Jesuit. He wrote also a small number of poems in the same language,
, an elegant Portuguese writer in prose and verse, was born in 1597, at Beja
in Portugal, and became abbé of St. Mary de Chans. He
appeared at first with some distinction at the court of
Spain, but his attachment to the house of Braganza impeded his advancement. In 1640, when John IV. was
proclaimed king of Portugal, he went to his court, and
was well received. Yet it was found difficult to advance
him, for he was of too light and careless a character to be
employed in diplomatic business; and though the king
would have gone so far as to make him bishop of Visieu,
this dignity he had the wisdom to refuse, well-knowing
that the pope who did not acknowledge his master as king,
would never confirm his appointment as bishop. He did
not choose, he said, merely to personate a bishop, like an
actor on a stage. He died at Lisbon in 1657. Notwithstanding the levity of his character, he had a generous
heart, and was a firm and active friend. He wrote with
much success; his “Life of Don Juan de Castro,
” is
esteemed one of the best written books in the Portuguese
language. It was published in folio, and was translated
into Latin by Rotto, an Italian Jesuit. He wrote also a
small number of poems in the same language, which have
considerable elegance, and are to be found in a collection
published at Lisbon in 1718, under the title of “Fenix
Renacida.
”
, known by the name of Fronto Duc.Eus, a learned Jesuit, was the son of a counsellor of Bourdeaux, where he was born
, known by the name of Fronto Duc.Eus, a learned Jesuit, was the son of a counsellor of Bourdeaux, where he was born in 1558, and made a Jesuit in 1577. He studied with unwearied application the Greek tongue, and became one of the ablest translators and editors of Greek works in his time. He published notes and corrections, both on the text and on the translations of many of the works of the Greek and Latin fathers, particularly St. Clemens Alexandrinus, St. Basil, St. Gregory de Nazianzen, and St. Gregory of Nyssa, Zonaras, Bulsamon, &c. But his principal work is his edition of the works of St. Chrysostom, 6 vols. fol. Paris, 1609 1624, and reprinted there in 1636, and at Francfort in 1698. He was also engaged in controversy, and wrote against Philip du Plessis Mornay. He died at Paris, Dec. 12, 1624. Dupin informs us that he was as much esteemed for his prudence and modesty as for his learning and judgment, that his merit was equally acknowledged by catholics and protestants, and that there was scarcely a learned man in either communion with whom he did not correspond.
, an Italian Jesuit, was born at Macerata in 1593, and in his thirteenth year entered
, an Italian Jesuit, was born at
Macerata in 1593, and in his thirteenth year entered the
Jesuits’ college, where he was educated, and where he
afterwards taught rhetoric for twenty-four years. He died
at Rome, Feb. 28, 1674. He is the author of some Latin
orations, but principally of a history of the wars of the
Netherlands, “Commentarii de Bello Belgico,
” including
the period from
, an Italian Jesuit, was born at Sabina, in Italy, in 1574, and was for some years
, an Italian Jesuit, was born
at Sabina, in Italy, in 1574, and was for some years a celebrated professor of rhetoric at Roma. He was then made
rector of the Greek college in that city, where he died
July 28, 1649. He published a small volume of orations
on various literary arguments, an oration recited by him at
the funeral of cardinal Bellarmine, also “Virgilianx VinUicationes,
” with three commentaries on tragedy, comedy,
and elegy, Rome, 1621, 4to. He was a strenuous defender of Virgil, in whose behalf, against Homer, he contended with madam Dacier. His most considerable publication was a commentary on Aristotle’s Morals, published
at Paris, 2 vols. fol. 1632 1645.
, a French Jesuit, and the author of the enmity between the Jesuits and the Jansenists,
, a French Jesuit, and the author
of the enmity between the Jesuits and the Jansenists, in
the church of Rome, was born at Angouleme in 1585, and
having laid a good foundation of grammar-learning, entered of the Jesuits’ college in 1600. It was the special
care of those fathers, to admit none into their society but
youths of genius; and Garasse was not wanting in good
natural parts, nor did he neglect to improve them by
reading and study; of which he gave an admirable proof
in his book of elegies on the death of Henry IV. and in
a poem in heroic verse, addressed to Louis XIII. upon
his inauguration, in the name of the college at Poictiers.
The titles of these two pieces are, 1. “Elegiarum de funesta morte Henrici magni liber singularis,
” Pictavii,
Sacra Rhemensia Carolina Heroica nomine Collegii Pictavensis oblata Ludov. XIII. Regi Christianissimo in sua inauguratione,
” ibid. The two following
pieces are also ascribed to him: 1. “De la.Resemblance
de la lumiere du Soleil & de la Justice,
” Bourdeaux, Les champs Elysiens pour la Reception du Roy Louis
XIII. lors qu‘il entroit a Bourdeaux a l’occasion de son
Marriage.
”
ty stepped in, and procured such mediators as found means to end the dispute in an amicable way. The Jesuit prevented his antagonist by a letter full of civilities, which
Garassethe next year, 1628, published “La Doctrine
curieuse des beaux esprits de ce temps, &c. The curious
doctrine of the wits, or pretenders to wit, of this age,
containing several maxims pernicious to the state of religion
and good manners, refuted and overthrown.
” He took
occasion in several places of this work, to throw out rough
and abusive raillery upon Pasquier; and went on in the
same strain, in a third production, printed in 1625, 4to.
The sons of Pasquier were at last provoked beyond all patience, to see the manes of their father so irreligiously
disturbed. Resolving to revenge his memory, and to pay
our author in his own coin, they published a treatise, in
which Garasse was thus accosted: having recounted the
words of his dedication just mentioned; “This,
” say they,
in the singular number, “has made me use the same freedom with you, and forced me to address this packet to
you, in what place soever you may be. For, not knowing
whether you may be at the service-tree, which you call a
tavern of honour, and where you confess you have had
many a good meal free-cost; or at the town of Clomar,
in the suburbs of St. Germain, where your name is written
in such fair characters on all the mantle-trees of the chimnies; or in some other place of the same kind; -I am constrained to send you this book at a venture, and to direct
it to you in what place soever you be.
” The truth was,
that in general the free course of Garasse' s life ran parallel
to that of his wit, which he had indulged to such a height
in his “Doctrine Curieuse,
” that notwithstanding the specious title against atheists and atheistical libertines prefixed
by the author, a very different one was bestowed upon it
by others, particularly Naude, who distinguished it by the
title of “Atheism reduced to an art.
” Prior Ogier, in
particular, having observed that our author was better
qualified for a satirical poet or a merry Andrew, than for
a catholic doetor, exclaimed against the whole order, for
making choice of such a champion. This was made public
the same year; and in the following our author issued a
defence, entitled “Apologie de F. Garasse,
” &c. To
this the prior immediately prepared for a reply; but here
the fraternity stepped in, and procured such mediators as
found means to end the dispute in an amicable way. The
Jesuit prevented his antagonist by a letter full of civilities,
which was answered in the same way by the prior, 1 and care
was taken to let the public see those letters, as soon as they
were written, in 1624. By the same method our author
was also reconciled to Balzac, with whose character he
had made free, having provided a seat, for him among the
atheists of the times.
born in Nottinghamshire in 1555, and bred at Winchester school; whence he went to Rome, and took the Jesuit’s habit in 1575. After studying under Bellarmin, Saurez, and
, a person memorable in English
history for having been privy to the celebrated conspiracy
called “The Gunpowder Plot,
” was born in Nottinghamshire in Whether, for the sake of promoting the catholic religion, it
might be permitted, should necessity so require, to involve the innocent in the same destruction with the guilty?
”
to which this casuist replied without hesitating, that, “if
the guilty should constitute the greater number, it might.
”
This impious determination gave the first motion to that
horrible conspiracy, which was to have destroyed at one
stroke the king, the royal family, and both houses of parliament; but the plot being providentially discovered,
Garnet was sent to the Tower, and was afterwards tried,
condemned to be hanged for high-treason, and executed at
the west end of St. Paul’s, May 3, 1606. He declared
just before his execution, that he was privy to the gunpowder plot; but, as it was revealed to him in confession,
thought it his duty to conceal it. But besides this miserable subterfuge, it was proved that he knew something of
it, out of confession. He has been placed by the Jesuits
among their noble army of martyrs. He was pyobably an
enthusiast, and certainly behaved at his execution in a
manner that would have done credit to a better cause. It
is said, however, upon other authority, that he declined
the honour of martyrdom, exclaiming, “Me niartyretn
O quale martyrem
” “I a martyr! O what a martyr!
”
Dodd’s account of his execution is rather interesting. He
published some works, among which are enumerated, i.
“A treatise of Christian Renovation or Birth,
” London,
Canisius’s Catechism, translated from the
Latin,
” ibid.
, a Jesuit, professor of classical learning, philosophy, and rhetoric,
, a Jesuit, professor of classical
learning, philosophy, and rhetoric, was born at Paris ifl
1612, and died at Bologna in 1681, in a deputation to
Rome from his order. His principal works are, 1. An edition of “Mercator,
” folio, Liberat,
” in 8vo, Paris, Liber diurnus,
” or Journal of the Popes,
with historical notes, and very curious dissertations, 168Q,
4to. 4. “The supplement to the works of Theodoret,
”
Systemæ Bibliothecæ Collegii Parisiensis,
societatis Jesu,
” Paris,
d classical scholar, was born at Orleans June 17, 1667, whence he v/ent to study at Paris, and was a Jesuit for ten years; but returning back to the world, became one of
, a French writer and classical
scholar, was born at Orleans June 17, 1667, whence he
v/ent to study at Paris, and was a Jesuit for ten years; but
returning back to the world, became one of the friends of
the celebrated Ninon de PEnclos, and figured as a man of
wit and letters, which, however, did not impede his
ecclesiastical career, as in 1701 he was appointed canon of thfe
holy chapel at Paris. In 1711 he was received into tho
academy of belles lettres; in 1719, into the French academy; and 1732, he was named to the abbey of Notredame de Beaugency. He died Aug. 10, 1744. He is
distinguished by two excellent French translations, of Quintilian, 4to, or 4 rols. 8vo, and Pausanias, 2 vols. 4to.
There were also published in 1745, “CEuvres diverses,
”
or a collection of little essays by him upon subjects of morality and literature, edited by the abbé Olivet, with a
life of the author, by Bachaumont. Gedoyn was besides
author of many ingenious dissertations in the memoirs of
the French academy.
st, in Latin, 8vo; “Le veritable Penitent, ou Apologie cte ja Penitence,” 12mo, against P. Hazard, a Jesuit “La verit6 Catholique victorieuse, sur la Predestination et
, a famous writer in favour of
Jansenism, was born at Saint Calais, in the French province of Maine, in 1628, and was first of the oratory, and
then became a Benedictine in the congregation of St.
Maur, in 1649. He there taught theology for some years
with considerable success, but being too free in his opinions
in favour of the Jansenists, was ordered to be arrested by
Louis XIV. in 1682, at the abbey of Corbie. He contrived,
however, to escape into Holland, but the air of that country
disagreeing with him, he changed his situation for the Low
Countries. In 1703 he was taken into custody by the
bishop of Mechlin, and being condemned for errors on the
doctrine of grace, suffered imprisonment at Amiens, and
in the castle of Vincennes. No sufferings could shake his
zeal for what he thought the truth, and in 17 10 he was
given up to the superiors of his own order, who sent him
to the abbey of St. Denis, where he died in 1711. He
was author of many works on the subjects of controversy
then agitated, particularly a general History of Jansenism,
3 vols. 12mo, Amsterdam, 1703, for which he was called
a violent Jansenist. His other principal works were, edi->
tions of Marius Mercator, St. Anselm, and Baius; the
Apology of Rupert, abbot of Tuy, respecting the Eucharist, in Latin, 8vo; “Le veritable Penitent, ou Apologie
cte ja Penitence,
” 12mo, against P. Hazard, a Jesuit
“La verit6 Catholique victorieuse, sur la Predestination
et la Grace efficase
” “Traité historique sur la Grace
”
“Lettres a M. Bossuet, Eveque de Meaux
” “La confiance Chretienne
” “Le Chretien disabuse
”“” La Regie
des Moeurs contre les fausses Maximes de la Morale corrompue,“12mo;
” La Defense de l‘Eglise Romaine’.'
and “Avis salutaires de la Sainte Vierge a ses Devots indiscrets.
” This last is a translation of the “Monita Salutaria
” of Adam Windelfels, a German lawyer* Many others
are enumerated by Moreri.
, one of the Jesuit missionaries in China, and author of some historical observations
, one of the Jesuit missionaries in China, and author of some historical observations on great Tartary, and accounts of some of his travels,
inserted in Du Halde’s History of China, was born in 1654,
became a Jesuit in 1670, was sent to China in 1685, and
arrived at Pekin in 1688. He obtained the highest favour
with the emperor, for whom, he wrote “Elements of Geometry,
” from Euclid and Archimedes; and a practical and
speculative geometry, which were splendidly published
at Pekin in the Chinese and Tartarian languages. The
emperor permitted him to preach, and to appoint preachers
throughout his vast dominions, bttt was always desirous to
have him about his person. He died at Pekin in 1707,
superior general of all the missions in China. He wrote
an account of his journey to Siam, which has not been
published.
, a celebrated Jesuit, was born at Orleans June 17, 1663, and entered the society
, a celebrated Jesuit, was
born at Orleans June 17, 1663, and entered the society of
Jesuits in 1680. Much of his life appears to have passed
in controversy. He was a man of unquestionable learning,
and an elegant Latin writer, but not so much admired as a
critic. He entered the lists of controversy, with two men
of great abilities, Mabillon and Coustant, in consequence
of father Mabillon' s work on diplomas, in which he thought
he discovered that Mabillon had advanced some things on
the authority of forgeries. This produced Germon’s first
work, “De veteribus regum Francorum Diplomatibus, et
arte secernendi antiqua' diplomata vera a falsis,
” Paris,
Supplement a la Diplomatique,
” Traite Theologique
sur les 101 propositions enoncees dans le bulle Unigenitus,
” 2 vols. 4to, published by the cardinal de Bissy, as
his own. One of his most curious publications appears to
be “De Yeteribus Hsereticis Ecclesiasticorum codicum
corruptoribus,
” Paris,
change, in whatever light it may be considered, he imputes principally to the works’ of Parsons the Jesuit, who in his opinion had urged all the best arguments in favour
When he first left Magdalen-college, he informs us that
his taste for books began to revive, and that “unprovided
with original learning, unformed in the habits of thinking,
unskilled in the arts of composition, he resolved to write a
book.
” The title of this first essay was “The Age of Sesostris,
” the sheets of which he afterwards destroyed. On
his return to college, want of advice, experience, and occupation, betrayed him into improprieties of conduct, late
hours, ill-chosen company, and inconsiderate expense.
In his frame of mind, indeed, there appears to have been
originally a considerable proportion of juvenile arrogance
and caprice. At the age of sixteen he tells us that his
reading became of the religious kind, and after bewildering
himself in the errors of the church of Rome, he was converted to its doctrines, if that can be called a conversion
which was rather the adoption of certain opinions by a boy
who had never studied those of his own church. This
change, in whatever light it may be considered, he imputes principally to the works’ of Parsons the Jesuit, who
in his opinion had urged all the best arguments in favour
of the Roman catholic religion. Fortified with these, on.
the 8th of Jdne 1753, he solemnly abjured what he calls
the errors of heresy, before a catholic priest in London,
and immediately announced the important event to his
father in a very laboured epistle. His father regretted the
change, but divulged the secret, and thus rendered his
return to Magdalen college impossible. At an advanced
age, and when he had learned to treat all religions with
equal indifference, our author speaks of this conversion
with a vain respect, declaring himself not ashamed to
have been entangled by the sophistry which seduced the
acute and manly understandings of Chillingworth and
Bayle. The resemblance is more close, however, in the
transition which, he adds, they made from superstition to
scepticism.
, a learned English Jesuit, was born in Winchester in 1549, and going abroad, became a
, a learned English Jesuit, was
born in Winchester in 1549, and going abroad, became a
man of considerable consequence in his order. Besides
filling some 'ecclesiastic posts, he was professor of philosophy and divinity in Italy, Spain, Portugal, at Toulouse in
France, and lastly at Doway, where he lived during his
latter years, and employed his leisure time in publishing
editions of various works from Mss. illustrated with notes.
He died there June 21, 1632. His works are, 1. “Nicolai
Harpsfeldii Hist. Eccles. Angliae.
” 2. “Opera divi jElredi,
abbatis Riavallensis, Cisterciensis,
” Doway, Divi Amaduei, Episc. Lausannae, de Maria virgine
matre, Homilia? octo,
” Audomaropoli (St. Omer’s), 12mo.
4. “Vita bead Gosvini, &c.
” 5. “Summa casuum conscientiae Francisci Toleti cardinalis,
” with notes. 6. “F.
Riberee Comment, in duodecirn prophetas minores,
” Doway,
, a learned Jesuit, and secretary to the Chinese missionaries, was born at St.
, a learned Jesuit, and secretary
to the Chinese missionaries, was born at St. Malo in 1653,
and having been educated in the academies belonging to
his order, was made professor of philosophy and classics,
which he taught for eight years with reputation. He then
came to Paris, where he was appointed secretary and procurator to the Chinese missionaries. He died May 1708.
He wrote many tracts on the progress of religion in China,
and entered warmly into the disputes between the missionaries on the worship of Confucius. The best known of
his works are, his “Lettres sur les Progres de la Religion a
la Chine,
” Hist, de PEditde P empereur
de la Chine en faveur de la religion Chretienne,
” Hist, des Isles Mariannes,
” Lettres edifiantes et
curieuses,
” written by the Chinese missionaries. Of these
letters there was afterwards a collection made, extending
to 34 vols. 12mo; and in 1780, the abbe de Querbeuf published a new edition in 26 vols. They are still consulted
as affording information respecting the natural history,
geography, and politics of the countries which the Jesuits
had explored, although they are not unfrequently mixed
with improbable tales.
as given a criticism in the preface to “An Essay towards a Paraphrase on the Psalms,” 1709, 8vo. The Jesuit, Vavassor, wrote a piece on purpose to prove that our author
He was a very voluminous author, both in prose and
verse. Moreri, after giving a list of fifty works, adds
many fugitive pieces of devotional poetry. One of his
principal works is his “Ecclesiastical History,
” intended
to be comprized in 3 vols fol. The first appeared in 1653,
containing the “History of the first eight centuries;
” but
as he did not finish the other two, they remained in manuscript. He was, however, the first person who gave a
“Church History
” in the French language. He was the
author also of a “Translation of the Psalms into French
verse,
” which were so well approved, that those of the
reformed religion have not scrupled to use them at home
in their families, instead of the version of Marot, which is
adapted and consecrated to the public service. Of this
work Basil Kennet has given a criticism in the preface to
“An Essay towards a Paraphrase on the Psalms,
”
, a Scotch Jesuit, of the noble family of Gordon, was born in 1543, and educated
, a Scotch Jesuit, of the noble family of Gordon, was born in 1543, and educated at Rome,
where he became a Jesuit, Sept. 20, 1563, and was created
D.D. in 1569. He was professor of Hebrew and divinity
for nearly fifty years in several parts of Europe, Rome,
Paris, Bourdeaux, Pont a Mousson, &c. and acquired
great reputation for learning and acuteness. He was employed as a missionary in England and Scotland, and was
twice imprisoned for his zeal in making converts. He was
also frequently employed by the general of his order in
negociating their affairs, for which he had every requisite
talent. Alegambe describes him as a saint, without a particle of human frailty, but Dodd allows that he lived very
much in a state of dissipation, yet was regular in all the
austerities of his profession. He died at Paris, April 16,
1620. His only writings are “Controversiarum Fidei Epitome,
” in three parts or volumes, 8vo, the first printed at
Limoges, 1612, the second at Paris, and the third at Cologn in 1620. There was another James Gordon, of the
family of Lesmore, also a Scotch Jesuit, who was born at
or near Aberdeen in 1553, and died at Paris, Nov. 17,
1641. He wrote a commentary on the Bible, “Biblia
Sacra, cum Commentariis, &c.
” Paris, 3 vols. fol. 1632,
which Dupin seems to think an useful and judicious work.
He wrote also some historical and chronological works,
enumerated by Alegambe, and a system of moral theology, &c.
, a celebrated Spanish Jesuit, was born at Catalaiud, formerly Bilbilis. He taught the be
, a celebrated Spanish Jesuit,
was born at Catalaiud, formerly Bilbilis. He taught the
belles-lettres, philosophy, and theology, in his society,
preached during some years, and was rector of the college
at Tarragona, where he died December 6, 1658, leaving a
considerable number of works in Spanish, published at
Madrid in 1664, but which are not much suited to the present taste, 2 vols. 4to. The chief of those that have been
translated into French are, “Le Heros,
” by P. de Courbeville, a Jesuit, Rotterdam, Reflexions
politiques sur les plus grands princes, et particulierement
sur Ferdinand le Catholique,
” by M. de Silhouette, Amsterdam, Le Politique Dom. Ferdinand le Catholique,
” Paris, L'Homme
Universel,
” by P. de Courbeville, 12 mo. “L'Homme
detrompe, ou le Criticon,
” by Maunoy, 3 vols. 12mo.
“L'Hornme de Cour,
” by Amelot de la H^oussaye, with
notes, 12mo. P. de Courbeville has likewise translated it,
with the title of “Maximes de Balthasar Gracian, avee
des Reponsesaux Critiques de L'Homme Universe!,
” Paris,
Manual on the Art of Prudence,
” was
published in English, in
celebrated “Tour to Auvergne,” which province he visited the preceding year, at the entreaty of his Jesuit brother Peter Theodore Lewis Augustin, who was then prior of
, was born at Amiens, June
3, 1737, and was surnamed d'Aussy, because his father
was a native of Auxy-le-Chateau, in the department of
Pas-de-Calais. He received his education in the college
of the Jesuits at Amiens at the age of eighteen entered
into the society of his preceptors and, a few years afterxvards, had the honour of being elected to the rhetorical
chair at Caen. At the age of twenty-six he was thrown on
the world by the dissolution of the order, and was soon
employed in the elaborate work of the French Glossary,
projected by Lacurne de Sainte-Palaye, and in an examination of the very rich library of the marquis de Paulmy.
In 1770 he was appointed secretary in the direction of the
studies of the military school. He afterwards co-operated,
under the marquis de Paulmy, and again with the count
de Tressan, in the “Bibliotheque des Romans;
” after
which he became still deeper engaged in collecting, translating, extracting, and commenting upon the “Fabliaux,
”
or tales of the old French poets of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. In 1782 he published, in three volumes,
8vo, his “Histoire de la Vie privee des Frangais;
” and in
Tour to Auvergne,
” which
province he visited the preceding year, at the entreaty of
his Jesuit brother Peter Theodore Lewis Augustin, who
was then prior of the abbey of Saint Andre, in the town of
Clermont. This Tour he first published in one volume,
ivo; but he afterwards enlarged and republished it in
1795, in three volumes of the same size. His contributions
to the Institute were numerous, and, for the most part,
possessed of merit. For some years before his death, he
had conceived the plan of a complete history of French
poetry, and had even begun to carry it into execution; and
as he stood in need of all the treasures of the national library, he was fortunately nominated, in 1796, conservator
of the French Mss. of this library and he now not only
renewed his intention, but enlarged his scheme he included in it the history of the French tongue that of literature in all its extent, and all its various ramifications as
well as that of science, of arts, and their utility in different
applications a monument too vast for the life and power
of an individual to be able to construct. He had, however,
accomplished some part of his design, when, after a slight
indisposition which caused no alarm, he died suddenly in
1801. He was upon the whole a retired and taciturn scholar. “His life,
” says his biographer, “like that of most
other men of letters, may be comprized in two lines What
were his places of resort The libraries. Among whom did
he live His books. What did he ever produce Books.
What did he ever say? That which appears in his books.
”
g at Noyon and Amiens. At the age of seventeen he came to Paris, where he studied divinity under the Jesuit Mairat, and afterwards taught a course of philosophy in the
, a learned French divine, was
born at St, Quentin, Nov. 11, 1604, and was educated ia
classic.il learning at Noyon and Amiens. At the age of
seventeen he came to Paris, where he studied divinity
under the Jesuit Mairat, and afterwards taught a course of
philosophy in the college of cardinal Le Moine. He was
then admitted a doctor of the Sorbonne, and in 1638
appointed professor of divinity, which office he retained
until his death, Nov. 16, 1691. He was a man of piety
and talents, and an elegant and correct speaker. His
course of theological lectures was published by M. du
Plessis d'Argemre, 1710—1712, in 6 vols. 4to, under the
title of “Opera Theoiogica.
”
, a Flemish geometrician, was born at Bruges in 1584, and became a Jesuit at Rome at twenty years of age. He studied mathematics under
, a Flemish geometrician, was born at Bruges in 1584, and became a Jesuit at Rome at twenty years of age. He studied mathematics under the learned Jesuit Clavius. He afterward became a reputable professor of those sciences himself, and his instructions were solicited by several princes he was called to Prague by the emperor Ferdinand II. and Philip IV. king of Spain was desirous of having him to teach the mathematics to his ion, the young prince John of Austria. He was not less estimable for his virtues than his skill in the sciences. His well-meant endeavours were very commendable, when his holy zeal, though for a false religion, led him to follow the army in Flanders one compaign, to confess the wounded and dying soldiers, in which he received several wounds himself. He died of an apoplexy at Ghent, in 1667, at eighty-three years of age.
rincipally known for his share in the *' Lettres edifiantes et curieuses,“or correspondence from the Jesuit missionaries, which he published from collection 9th to the
the historian of China, was
born at Paris, Feb. 1, 1674, and entered into the society
of the Jesuits. In 1708 he was removed to one of their
houses in Paris, where he was employed in collecting and
publishing the letters received from their missionaries
abroad. He was also secretary to father Tellier, the king’s
confessor, and director of the corporation of artisans. In
the latter part of his life he was much afflicted with the
ague, but bore it with great resignation. He was a man of
an amiable temper, and of great zeal in his profession.
He died at Paris, Aug. 18, 1743. He published various
complimentary Latin poems, and some pious works; but
was principally known for his share in the *' Lettres edifiantes et curieuses,“or correspondence from the Jesuit
missionaries, which he published from collection 9th to
the 26th; and for his
” Description geographique, historiqae, chronologique, et physique de Tempire de la Chine,
et de la Tartarie Chinoise," Paris, 1735, 4 vols. fol. which
has been often reprinted, and considered as the most ample history we have of the Chinese empire. It was translated into English soon after its appearance, by persons
employed by Cave, the printer, and another translation
having been attempted at the same time, occasioned a
controversy, the particulars of which may amuse the reader.
st having been published before he set out. At Brussels he entered into a conference with Coster the Jesuit, and confirmed his own religious persuasion by what he had occasion
Soon after his entering into the church, he was recommended by Dr. Chaderton to the lord chief justice Popham,
to be master of Tiverton -school in Devonshire, then newly
founded by Mr. Blundel; but he had scarcely accepted the
appointment, when lady Drury of Sufteld offered him the
rectory of Halsted near St. Edmundsbury, which induced
him to relinquish the school. Two years after his settlement at this place, he married a daughter of sir George
Winniff of Bretenham. In 1605, he accompanied sir Edmund Bacon to the Spa, where he composed his “Second
Century of Meditations,
” the first having been published
before he set out. At Brussels he entered into a conference with Coster the Jesuit, and confirmed his own religious persuasion by what he had occasion to see of the
practices and actual state of the Romish church, which he
states as the principal object that induced him to take this
journey. About a year and a half after, happening to be
in London, he was invited to preach before prince Henry
at Richmond palace, which he performed so much to his
highness’ s satisfaction, that he made him one of his chaplains f,
, a learned Jesuit, born at Liege in 1572, acquired great reputation by his critical
, a learned Jesuit, born at Liege in
1572, acquired great reputation by his critical knowledge
of the learned languages, and of ecclesiastical history. He
was also an admired preacher in his day. He died in 1656.
His principal works are; 1. “Anthologia poetica, Gr. Lat.
”
Douay, Illustrium ecclesiae orientalis
Scriptorum Vitae et documenta,
” Douay, Acta Sanctorum,
” and other collections.