I
believe the instances of eminent depravity may be as rare amongst them
as those of transcendent goodness. Examples of avarice and of
licentiousness may be picked out, I do not question it, by those who
delight in the investigation which leads to such discoveries. A man as
old as I am will not be astonished that several, in every description,
do not lead that perfect life of self-denial, with regard to wealth or
to pleasure, which is wished for by all, by some expected, but by none
exacted with more rigor than by those who are the most attentive to
their own interests, or the most indulgent to their own passions. When
I was in France, I am certain that the number of vicious prelates
was not great. Certain individuals among them, not distinguishable for
the regularity of their lives, made some amends for their want of
the severe virtues in their possession of the liberal, and were
endowed with qualities which made them useful in the church and state.
I am told that, with few exceptions, Louis the Sixteenth had been more
attentive to character, in his promotions to that rank, than his
immediate predecessor; and I believe (as some spirit of reform has
prevailed through the whole reign) that it may be true. But the
present ruling power has shown a disposition only to plunder the
church. It has punished all prelates, which is to favor the vicious,
at least in point of reputation.
Pages:
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232