Memoirs of Philippe de Mornay

vile acts against those of the Religion the Reformed or Huguenot faith; and generally how wisely
he conducted himself in most matters of importance
for the Religion and for the State, which occurred in those times. In
all of these matters, even the most thorny and difficult to handle
that could be seen, Monsieur du Plessis Philippe de Mornay showed such pru-
dence in speaking of them, such moderation and dexterity in treat-
ing them, such zeal for the service of the King, such frankness in re-
minding him of his duty, such love for peace and the public good,
that his most passionate enemies were finally constrained to ac-
knowledge it and praise him for it. This being the principal subject of the letters
and discourses contained in his Memoirs, it is easy to recog-
nize their utility, how much they can serve the history of our time,
and the training of a good statesman and a prudent theologian. For
regarding history, in order to write of it pertinently, not only
must one have had a part in the conduct of affairs, but also
be endowed with a great spirit, so as to be able to penetrate the depths
of the counsels of Princes; and possess a singular integrity, so as not
to be carried away by the passions that blind the judgment. And as
for Politics, there is no better lesson for profiting
greatly in little time than a good history, where the truth of
its precepts is illustrated by a multitude of examples. Likewise
does it go for Theology; I do not mean that which stops at
speculation, (in which nevertheless M. du Plessis has also shown
how learned he was, in several fine and great works
that he published on it:) but that which is employed in the external government
of the Church, of which Princes and Magistrates, as well
as Ministers of the Gospel, must have knowledge.
All these parts having met in an excellent degree
in our Author, and appearing openly in his Memoirs,
one must hold them as a storehouse of history, of
Politics, and of Theology. And he who will take the trouble to leaf through