Life of Fenelon, Archbp. of Cambrai (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1810. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... maxims of Fenelon contained in themselves the greatest justice and truth, he possessed sufficient magnanimity of character to have rewarded rather than have punished him. He had always approved, and even encouraged the austere zeal of the ministers of religion, who had declared to him the strongest truths, but with the respect which was due to his rank; the truths of religion, however, as applied to morals are simple, clear, and incontestable, and the monarch was profoundly pious. But, it is hot the same with principles of government and with maxims of policy; they are so variable and so uncertain in their application, and the theory is sometimes so enticing, and the practice so delicate and so difficult that' we can hardly be astonished to find Louis XIV, who had reigned with glory for forty years, believing himself to be more skilled in the art of governing than Ferielbn, who could riot possess the same knowledge of mankind, nor the same experience of circumstances. Had not the author of Telemachiis been the preceptor of 'his grandson, he would have been contented to consider him as a chimerical writer..: but, he became Mm grateful and dangerous, in His' eyes, because, he seemed, to have forgotten the kindness that had been shewn him, and to have mistaken the teal principles of government. ' Unfortunately; this prejudice against the ATchbishpp of Gambrai was nourished by every one who approached 4iimy or wtievhad any share in his confidence. It' may be observed/' in a private memoir which Madame de Maintenon. wrote' for M/ 'de ChamiHard; a: /short time after the publication ' of Telemachus, that she was top much infected with the general dislike towards Fenelon. M. de Chamillard, who had been called to the ministry by the influence of Madame de Main ...