Lot 336: BOSSUET, Jacques-Bénigne (1627-1704, preacher and theologian). Autograph letter signed (as bishop of Meaux, 'J Bénigne de Meaux'), to [Henriette-Thérèse d'Albert de Luynes], Paris, 24 November 1691, 4 pages, 8vo (slightly browned, 3 small nicks

BOSSUET, Jacques-Bénigne (1627-1704, preacher and theologian). Autograph letter signed (as bishop of Meaux, 'J Bénigne de Meaux'), to [Henriette-Thérèse d'Albert de Luynes], Paris, 24 November 1691, 4 pages, 8vo (slightly browned, 3 small nicks in lower margins, tiny splits in edge in horizontal folds, stitch holes at central vertical fold). Advice to a nun on her confession of certain troubles which must not keep her from communion and should be made to himself alone and in person. 'Vous aves tres bien fait de communier sans vous confesser de ces peines: M. le curé a toujours les mesmes approbations; mais ie vous ai défendu et ie vous défends de vous confesser de ces peines a luy ou a dautres'; this is to be his last letter on the subject; if she writes of it again he will burn her letter unread, being aware of the effect of allowing her always to return to it. Bossuet, the most famous preacher of his day and an important figure at the court of Louis XIV, was the author of many works defending or expounding the catholic faith. He was bishop of Meaux from 1681 until his death. Madame d'Albert de Luynes (1664-1699), daughter of the Duc de Luynes, was one of his chief protégées as her spiritual father and confessor. With her sister, known as Madame de Luynes, she was educated at Port Royal and in 1664 they both entered the convent at Jouarre. Approximately 280 of Bossuet's letters to her are known ( Correspondance , ed. E.Levesque, 1911, vol.IV, no. 659)

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