But let him be judged not by a skeptical suspicion that doubts from the
habit of doubting of virtue, but by the spirit of his whole life. That
life, from beginning to end, was an example of the virtue commended by our
Lord in his charge to his apostles. Sent forth like a lamb in the midst of
wolves, he blended the wisdom of the serpent with the gentleness of the
dove. Whatever failings he may have had he conquered. His course was ever
onward to the mark whither he deemed himself called of God.
We probably have often felt, on reading Fenelon, as if his sweetness of
temper were sometimes at the expense of his manliness, and we could easily
spare some of his honeyed words for an occasional flow of hearty, even if
bitter, indignation. To his credit, however, be it said, that with him
gentle speech was often but the smooth edge of faithful counsel most
resolutely pointed and sharpened at the consciences of the great whom
rudeness would offend and inelegance disgust. Recent discoveries have
given ample proof of his unflinching boldness to the French Court. During
his banishment (1694-97) he wrote that masterly and fearless letter to
Louis XIV.
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