the subject to a merely general reader. Jansenism may then be said to be in doctrine the Calvinism, and in practice the methodism of the Romish church.

Both the Genevese reformer and the Bishop of Ypres derived their sentiments from the same source. Both ascribed their system to St. Austin; though each adopted it under different modifications. Again, both the disciples of Jansenius, and the most strict orders amongst modern dissenters, are distinguished for the disuse of personal ornaments. Both have been remarked for being in prayer, in watchings, and in fastings oft. In many respects indeed the comparison does not apply.

After six years of close study, M. de St. Cyran and Jansenius separated. The latter returned to Louvain; the former established himself at Paris. After an interval of some years, Jansenius was elected to the see of Ypres, of which he was seventh Bishop.

M. de St. Cyran meanwhile gained an extensive reputation at Paris. His simple,

mortified air, and his humble garb, formed a striking contrast with the awful sanctity of his countenance, the holiness of his demeanour, and his native lofty dignity of manner. The Parisians were struck with astonishment. M. de St. Cyran was especially eminent for that force of character, by which men of strong minds, silently but certainly govern those of weak ones. His appearance no sooner arrested the eye, than his character began to gain a powerful but irresistible ascendancy over the mind and heart. Every one felt the strength of his influence, and the conscience of each bore witness that it came from God. Holy, wise, and strictly sincere, none could know him, and not feel the value of such an adviser. Gentle, courteous, and discreet, few could be with him without wishing to repose their confidence in so valuable a friend. On the other hand, a perfect calmness and self-possession, a coolness, equally the result of native strength of character, and of an heart elevated above sublunary things, a certain elevation in his manners, equally

the result of temperament and of education, inspired even his nearest friends with a reverential deference. His firm and pene

trating eye, and his majestic countenance, are adverted to by most of his biographers. Lancelot mentions this expression as peculiarly striking, even after his death.

"The

corpse," said he, " was so full of gravity and solemn majesty, that even his enemies must have been seized with awe on beholding it." M. de St. Cyran's deep selfknowledge gave him equal penetration in discovering, and patience in bearing the infirmities of others. He united the rare talents of being a most discerning, and yet a most wise and faithful director. He was resorted to on every hand as a spiritual guide.

Nor was M. de St. Cyran esteemed alone by the religious. The polite and learned equally valued his society and attainments. Cardinal Richelieu, whilst Bishop of Luçon, had known him at Poitiers. At that early period he had justly appreciated M. de St. Cyran's merits. He now introduced him

at court as the most deeply learned man in Europe. His celebrity daily increased. Eight bishoprics were successively offered him. It was not however preferment which M. de St. Cyran sought.

He industriously shrunk, on the contrary, from popular observation. The more fortune courted him, the more assiduously did he seek the shelter of obscurity.

Their early acquaintance had given him a thorough knowledge of the character of the minister. He received all Cardinal Richelieu's civilities with respect, but with firmness withstood his advances. He at the same time renounced all unnecessary visits.

M. de St. Cyran retired to a remote lodging opposite the convent of the Carthusians, where all his time was occupied in prayer, study, acts of charity and spiritual direction. He was never to be met with at the tables of the great, nor was he visible in the streets but on errands of piety or of mercy.

Though no more to be seen in society,

the influence of M. de Cyran began to be sensibly felt. Effects originating in him were soon perceptible in every circle. The number of those under his direction had increased continually. The fruits of his instruction began to appear. His disciples were soon sufficiently considerable to fix the attention of the public. They were of that variety of description, that caused their influence to be felt in circles of every denomination.

In the midst of a capital distinguished for profligacy, a multitude out of every class were suddenly seen to withdraw from the dissipations of the world, whilst they became doubly assiduous in every duty. Persons, pampered in luxury and self-indulgence, all at once became self-denying, abstemious, and temperate. Others, characterized by the lawless vices attendant on protracted civil wars, were in the course of a few months distinguished for regularity, charity, humility, and gentleness. All of them became remarkable for unfeigned deyotion, prayer, alms-deeds, and all the