Jacques-Bénigne Lignel Bossuet (1627–1704) was a French bishop, theologian, and orator whose literary works, including funeral panegyrics for prominent figures, have left a lasting legacy. Widely regarded as one of history’s most brilliant orators and a master of the French language, Bossuet was an early proponent of political absolutism. He famously argued that government derived its authority from a divine source, asserting that kings were bestowed power directly by God.
Born in Dijon, Bossuet received his education at the Jesuits’ School in his hometown and later at the College de Navarre in Paris. In 1652, he obtained a canonry at Metz, and in 1661, he had the honor of preaching before Louis XIV of France. In 1669, he delivered the funeral oration for Queen Henrietta Maria. His eloquence as an orator gained widespread recognition throughout France, leading to his significant influence in court. Eventually, as the Bishop of Meaux in 1681 and the Court preacher to Louis XIV, Bossuet played a prominent role in resolving the Gallican controversy between the king and the pope in 1682.
Bossuet’s most notable works include the Discours sur l’histoire universelle, widely recognized as the initial endeavor towards a philosophy of history. He is also renowned for his Oraisons funèbres (1669,) a collection of Funeral Orations, and the Histoire des variations protestantes (1688,) a significant work exploring the history of Protestant Churches and their divergences. Additionally, his Politique tiree de l’Ecriture sainte (1709) defends the concept of the divine right of kings, drawing inspiration from the Holy Scriptures.
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O death! We thank thee for the light that thou wilt shed upon our ignorance.
—Jacques-Benigne Bossuet
Topics: Death
The spirit of the world has four kinds of spirits diametrically opposed to charity, resentment, aversion, jealousy, and indifferences.
—Jacques-Benigne Bossuet
Topics: Charity
Honor is like the eye, which cannot suffer the least impurity without damage.—It is a precious stone, the price of which is lessened by a single flaw.
—Jacques-Benigne Bossuet
Topics: Honor
The worst of enemies are flatterers, and the worst of flatterers are pleasures.
—Jacques-Benigne Bossuet
Topics: Pleasure
The greatest weakness of all is the great fear of appearing weak.
—Jacques-Benigne Bossuet
Topics: Weakness
Only great souls know the grandeur there is in charity.
—Jacques-Benigne Bossuet
Topics: Charity
Thirty years of our Lord’s life are hidden in these words of the gospel: “He was subject unto them.”
—Jacques-Benigne Bossuet
Topics: Obedience
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