Nicolas Letourneux (1640–86) was a French preacher and ascetical writer known for his Jansenist tendencies and contributions to religious literature. His works emphasized Christian morality, devotion, and asceticism, shaping 17th-century French theology.
Born in Rouen, France, he showed early intellectual promise, securing benefactors who enabled his studies at the Jesuit College in Paris. He later pursued philosophy at the Collège des Grassins, developing Jansenist views. Ordained in 1662, he served as a curate in Rouen before moving to Paris around 1670, joining the Port-Royalists.
Letourneux’s sermons gained recognition, earning him the Balzac Prize for eloquence (1675.) Notable works include Histoire de la vie de Jésus-Christ (c.1673,) Le catéchisme de la pénitence (1676,) and Principes et règles de la vie chrétienne (1688,) all focusing on Christian doctrine and moral guidance.
His most ambitious work, L’Année chrétienne (1686,) a multi-volume liturgical text, was later condemned for its Jansenist views and placed on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (1695.) His Bréviaire Romain en latin et français (1687) faced similar scrutiny but was not banned by Rome.
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Be avaricious of time; do not give any moment without receiving it in value; only allow the hours to go from you with as much regret as you give to your gold; do not allow a single day to pass without increasing the treasure of your knowledge and virtue.
—Nicolas Letourneux
Topics: Time
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