[394] Ibid., VII. p. 106., cf. Ibid., 110, 111. February, 1752.
[395] The "Considérations." See Chap. VI.
[396] The "advanced" views privately held among the wealthier clergy are well known. On hearing of a diocesan sermon on the subject of "infidelity, d'Argenson observes that it is an absurd theme upon which to preach to the clergy of France. It was very necessary, however.
[397] D'Argenson did not disguise his sympathy with the "philosophers." When the Abbé de Prades was fleeing the country he took refuge in the neighbourhood of d'Argenson's château; and the latter wrote to his powerful brother to intercede for the indiscreet ecclesiastic (Journal, Rathery, VII. p. 57, note). D'Argenson was naturally proud too of his friendship with d'Alembert.
[398] Journal (Rathery), VII. p. 424. March, 1758.
[399] D'Argenson had a personal reason for ill-feeling against the Sorbonne. It proposed to condemn a "Histoire du droit public ecclésiastique français," published (1737) in two large quarto volumes by a Jesuit, de la Motte. It was based upon some papers which had been read by d'Argenson before the Entresol (Journal, Rathery, VI. p. 168), and afterwards given as an act of charity to la Motte, who was one of d'Argenson's old masters at the Collège Louis-le-Grand. The book was published without d'Argenson's sanction, but his share in the work was pretty generally known—far too generally for his peace of mind. Cf. p. 57.
[400] Journal (Rathery), VIII. p. 289. May, 1754.
[401] "Les deux philosophies."
[402] Journal (Rathery), VIII. p. 291.
[403] References to what appear to be the most important passages bearing on the great public questions of the time are given in [Appendix D].