[Jacques-Bénigne BOSSUET (1627-1704). Abbé Jean PHÉLIPEAUX (†1708) tutor of abbé Bossuet, nephew of the bishop of Meaux. 3 L.A.S., Rome September 1697-July 1698, to Bossuet; 10 pages in-4, addresses (qqs small tears by broken seal; some autographs of Bossuet. Very interesting and important correspondence addressed to the bishop of Meaux during the trial in the Court of Rome of Quietism and of the book of Fénelon, favorable to this doctrine, Explication des Maximes des Saints. Bossuet had sent, with the approval of the King and Mrs de Maintenon, his nephew the abbot Bossuet to Rome to follow and take part in this lawsuit, charging the abbot Phélipeaux to accompany him. This last reports to Bossuet of all that occurs in the Vatican concerning this judgement, by taking care to code all the proper names, that Bossuet deciphers then of his hand in margin and top of page, or between lines; thus 3 indicates Chanterac, the agent of Fénelon in Rome, 65 is the cardinal of Bouillon, ambassador in Rome, and protector of Fénelon, Ste Clotilde is the King, Aurelien the Father La Chaise, etc. September 3, 1697. He thinks that it is necessary to remain still in Rome, in view of the present conjunction: "It is necessary to submit to the orders of the providence, too happy if I can serve for the defense of the truth". He hopes that this one will soon be recognized by everyone: "I am seriously studying the matter", from which he thinks of drawing a memorandum "in which I will give more extent to the articles noticed in the declaration and will make see the falseness of it by the principles that I will draw from your book. For it is necessary to instruct the examiners and even the cardianux in metaphysical things and that one will not fail to confuse and disguise as much as one can. [...] I will try to profit from your lights, and will spare nothing to make the truth triumph ", and he does not doubt of success, in spite of all the efforts of the party of Fénelon.... The indisposition of the Pope slows down the things, and one risks to have to return to France in spring... 29 April 1798. "Tomorrow one will examine the last five articles and the warning, so one will finish the examination in the time ordered by His Holiness". On the one hand, those who want to censor the book have met to agree on the points they wish to censor, on the other hand, it is not known if the opposing party will justify the book entirely, "and if they will persist in finding no censurable proposal in it"... It is said that the bishops of France are divided on this matter... ". On Sunday they distributed a first letter from Mr. Camb. [I believe it was printed in Cambrai. In it I admire the artifice of his boldness in denying what is most certain. He gives the change everywhere and always reasons on the principle of his natural love"... Etc. July 22, 1698. On the manner in which the examiners voted in the last congregations, the astonishment of the supporters of Fénelon at the publication of Bossuet's essay Relation sur le quiétisme, and the measures taken by the Pope after this reading...". The Cardinals on the end of a pontificate do not want to take anything upon themselves they believe that it is up to the one who presides to have this care and to have it regulated by the Pope. [It has been published here that the king asked the nuncio if it was true that the Jesuits had asked him to write in favor of the book, and that he replied that it was true that the religious of all orders had asked him to do so, but that the Jesuits had not made any representations about it. It is good to clarify this fact which tends to persuade us that there is a large party in France in favor of the book. The Jesuits would now like to make believe that they did not solicit, seeing the inevitable condemnation. The most eminent protectors have been frightened by the Report that we have distributed in its entirety and which is having a marvelous effect here. .... Etc. Former collection of President Robert Schuman (autograph folder) Some autograph notes of Bossuet.