Book Review: Jacques Bénigne Bossuet . A Study
1922; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 4; Issue: 19 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1177/0040571x2200401913
ISSN2044-2696
Autores Resumothe French literature of the best age so well, and writes of it so well, as Miss Sanders.Her studies of French ecclesiastical literature and biography are, in their way, masterpieces of solid knowledge and intelligent criticism.It was a little unfortunate that her book on Fenelon came out just at the same time as the singularly brilliant monograph of Lord St. Cyres, but that did not prevent the merits of her work being recognized.It had been hoped that Dr. Figgis had left his lectures on Bossuet sufficiently prepared for publication, but it appears that this is not so, and Miss Sanders has no competition to fear in the biography which now appears from the press.Comparison is natural with the charming essay of M. E. Longuemare (Bossuet et la Societe jranyaise, Paris, 1910), but Miss Sanders, whose aim is more distinctly spiritual, need not fear the association.She has written an excellent book which, in spite of the books with which we were familiar thirty years ago and more, must remain for some time the best English biography of Bossuet.Solidity and intimacy are its marks.She writes from full knowledge, and she understands the character she draws.Briefly to call attention to the leading features of her book, I would say that she lays special stress on three points.The first is the extraordinary influence, compelling, almost hypnotic, which the idea of monarchy as exemplified in the grand monarque exercised upon Bossuet.This did not prevent the preacher using strong and clear language of condemnation, or cause him to relax his efforts to convert his sovereign; but it did cause him always to. expect the best, and to interpret ambiguities favourably-perhaps a priest should always do this.He said of his royal master, " De loin, il etonne, de pres il attache"; and that, as Miss Sanders says, sums up the two stages of his relation to Louis XIV.The second point is the treatment of Quietism and Mme. de Guyon.Here Miss Sanders shows true critical penetration, and her estimate of the positions of the two famous episcopal antagonists is as fair as it is convincing.Perhaps she sees the weakness of Fenelon more clearly than she did some years ago; but she sees the defects of Bossuet too.The third point is the sound judgment of her general estimate of the character of the great Bishop of Meaux.She shows, more
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