A Letter from a Gentleman at London, to his Friend in the Country, etc.  
SIR,  
AS pressing as I perceive by your Letter, your desire is, to be throughly informed of the Truth of what has passed, concerning the Counterfeit Luzancy; I can assure you mine is no less, to satisfy you in a business, which has made so much noise, and which is yet so much talked of. I cannot choose but commend you in this, as in all other occasions for believing no more, then comes from good hands: In which Proceeding I observe the true Character of a man of worth, one who judges not by noise, and who far from letting himself be carried with the stream, hearkens to the common cry with suspicion. I perceive by this exact prudence, you have not forgot, though you have quitted the world, and that 'twas long experience and weariness of the impertinencies of it, which made the resolution you have taken, to spend the rest of your days in a Retreat. Where cured of the disease of vulgar opinions, you feed on what Philosophy affords, of most pure, and most free, from the errors of the age. If all those who are obliged to continue in the trouble and confusion, from which you have been so wise as to disengage yourself, had their souls as well set, and dispositions as rational as yours, they would examine matters with consideration: and to avoid engaging every day to condemn their Neighbour without a hearing, would not judge of, and decide the merits of the Cause, purely on sight of his Breviate. But we live in an age where people are far from doing justice to themselves, that they might render it to others, and I am but to acquaint you with what I know of the business in question, to show you into what an abyss of confusion, man is capable of falling, when he has for Guides, these two Monsters, which tyrannize over all conditions, high and low, I mean Passion and Prejudice.  
I will touch the less material points but slightly, and since you have heard of the Vagabond in the Country, it will be sufficient to tell you, that he came to London, without clothes, without shoes, without money, and without any recommendation from France: That upon his own word, and at the instance of some, who solicited in his behalf, he was permitted to get into the Pulpit, there to declare the motives of his Conversion. The discourse he made, and which he delivered with much boldness, gained him the esteem of his Auditors, who for the most part charmed with his Eloquence, and full of compassion for his misery, soon cast about to put him into a condition of appearing in a decent habit and subsisting.  
This happened when the Court was upon removing to Windsor, that journey gave occasion to the Lady Marques de Ruvigny Embassadress of France, to desire this new Proselyte to go and Preach at her house at Windsor. A Request so obliging as that of this Lady, could not fail of success, Luzancy was too sensible of the advantage, and his best friends (who at present are against him) were ravished at an occasion so favourable, which furnished him with convenience to make himself known. Their hopes did not prove vain, his Sermons made a noise at Court, as well as at the Savoy, and much forwardness there was in Persons of Quality to do him good: witness the favours he rceived from my Lord Duke of Lauderdale, and the Marquis of Ruvigny, who honoured him with a place at his own Table, noon and night, and gave him all the marks of esteem which could be expected from one of his rank, so many expressions of kindness, which he daily received from that Ambassador and his Lady, in my opinion ought to have obliged Luzancy to Confide in them, and tell them truly who he was, or at lest who he was not, for he was all this while taken for the Abbot Luzancy of Sorbon, but by an unparallelled impudence, never to be forgot. They are the two whom he has the most abused, and who yet by a Prodigy, whereof I cannot yet dive into the bottom, have most contributed to save his Honour, when it was upon the point of being cast away, of which you will find convincing proof, and such as will surprise you in the sequel of this Letter.  
At this time all went with the counterfeit Luzancy even to his wish, and his friends saw from far his Fortune hastening on a pace towards him: His Sermon being Printed, had got him credit with the Bishop of Oxford (at present of London) to whom he had Dedicated it: The Duke of Lauderdale had presented him, the Lady Marques de Ruvigny besides diet and lodging, allowed him a Lackquey to wait on him: in a word there was vying who should do most: Nay there were some who kept their distance with him, believing that they had to do under the name of Luzancy of Forborn, with a Man of Quality; for no body doubted but he was what he said himself to be; In fine, one would have thought nothing had been able to trouble the calm he then enjoyed: but his Mask being soon pulled off, he was notoriosly known to be Hippolytus Chastlett Son to a famous common Woman named Beauchasteau a Player belonging to the Hostel de Burgoyn at Paris. By it we came also to know that among the Fathers of the Christian Doctrine at Vitry, he had been a small Usher of the 5th. Form: that afterwards he had been with some Bishops, and a Preacher Errand, here and there, in little Towns, whereof the most considerable is Montdidier in Picardy, and that at last having played divers Pranks which exposed him to the pursuit of Justice, his safety had obliged him to quit France, and seek Shelter in England, which served him for a Stage to act all sorts of Persons upon; whereof I am about to make you a description, having taken care to inform myself exactly, and conversed with Friends, Enemies, and Neuters of all sorts both English and strangers.  
Notwithstanding the Evidence of all this matter of Fact, this Cheat dextrous at Lying, and with a Tongue well hung, for a while shifted off all these Truths, and told his tale with so many specious circumstances, that the wisest Men were imposed upon, but at his business with St. Germayne the Jesuit, things appeared so grossly forged, that his most intimate Friends opened their Eyes, and those who by too hasty Zeal had assisted towards his raising, were Convinced of his Impostures by their own knowledge, and soon deserted him and published his Villainies.  
When Fortune has once undertaken the Advancement of a Favourite, she never fails of her design whatever opposition can be made, she has Arts to blind Men withal, and to give even Vice a tincture of Virtue, enough to keep it from appearing, and if her own tricks will not serve, she can take Advantage of the prejudice of a Nation, and the circumstance of time. It was sufficient for Luzancy to accuse a Jesuit, to swear his ruin, and like an impudent Tartuff to appear in his Majesty's Privy Council and all this while the Parliament was sitting; These things I say were sufficient to make his Oaths, at first dash be taken for Truths, fit to be published by sound of Trumpet, and set up at the corners of all the Streets; in a Conjuncture so nice People would be sure enough not to apply themselves to a through examination of so great a Trifle in respect of those things which at that time busied the Court and Parliament. Neither was the action imputed to St. german, to stand in Competition with the important affairs of State, which endured no delay to allow Convenience for clearing an Accusation which concerned only a single Man, and he a Jesuit: This kept the business from being searched to the bottom. And I conceive that those, who as you know then meddled with it, Acted with much prudence upon that maxim of Tacitus, Omne magnum exemplum habet aliquid ex iniquo quod utilitate publica compensatur. For my part, who am but a cipher in the World, and who go on my great Road without being diverted by the Prospect of any worldly Policy, I have made a resolution for the sake of Truth, and to do you a pleasure, to Examine in few words, both the Crime laid to the charge of the Jesuit, and the person of the Informer, the Counterfeit Luzancy.  
To give a clear and distinct Idea of the Accusation in question, and discover it's either force or weakness, we are to consider it in three respects. First, of the Accuser. Secondly, of the Crime. Thirdly, of the Circumstances which attend it.  
If we cast our Eye on the Accuser there is good assurance to be had, that he is a Cheat, and a notorious Liar, whose Life hitherto has been made up of Impostures; and this, when there shall be Judges Commissionated to examine what he has done beyond and on this side the Sea, shall be Legally proved: If we look on the Crime it is so pitifully contrived that one must be a perfect Idiot not to perceive its weakness; (and for the Circumstances (the best means to discover the Truth in such cases) they all make for the Jesuit: we must run over some of them, to judge well of the Crime.  
First, it was a Month or five weeks before Luzancy made a noise of the pretended Assassinat to be committed on him, nay he said not so much as a word of it to Mr. Ruvigny or his Lady, with whom he was as one of the Family, and for this, 'tis but enquiring of them. This Circumstance alone is decisive.  
Secondly, They threatened him, says he, with a Pistol at his Throat, he does whatsoever they desire, and after all suffers them to depart with all the quietness in the World, without crying out when they were gone, and without mentioning a word to any body till more than fifteen days after.  
Thirdly, He entertains Correspondence both by word and writing with this very Jesuit, his Mortal Enemy; he writes him Billets, he visits him several times: he promises him the Theses of monsieur Le Blane Professor of Divinity, lately printed, and which a Minister of the Savoy had nicely presented to him; he Communicates to him the Certificates he had from two French Bishops; In fine, there passes a considerable time before Luzancy dreams of contriving his Tragedy.  
Fourthly, In seventeen days he speaks not of the Assassinate to his dear Friend the Sieur Corbiere, who itching to be seen at Court and in Parliament would needs make a studied Certificate in his favour. This Corbiere is a Frenchman, the story of whose Life rejected him from an Honourable Employment which he should have had with Mr. Skelton, whom the King has sent to the Emperor's Court.  
Fifthly, Luzancy goes to a Merchant to desire him to find a Convenience for Luzancy to return into France; and at the same time persuaded a Proselyte to return to the Church of Rome, and this when Judges shall be appointed, that Proselyte will depose.  
Sixthly, The Devilish writing which he says was extorted from him by Pistols and Daggers, is written in a hand natural and free, 'tis his very style, 'tis in some place razed; signs rather of the Attention of one studying alone, than the confusion of a Man Transcribing with a Dagger at his Throat.  
Seventhly, Is it likely a Jesuit, whose name is so Odious in England, durst venture on so strange an action, and this in the middle of London, and for no greater advantage then to gain a simple private Man? To gain a King, or save a Kingdom a Jesuit possibly might venture hanging, and so horrible an Action as Assassinate, otherwise a Jesuit does not undervalue his Life so much, as to cast it away for a Trifle, especially one so well at Ease as St. german was.  
In fine, whoever would sift the pitiful Evasions, contained in the written Discourse, which Luzancy gave to Sir Joseph Williamson Secretary of State, would find things so absurd and gross, that they who have countenanced them with Authority, would be without excuse if Reason of State did not free them from blame.  
Mean time this Admirable Reason of State, or the Zeal without knowledge of some Men, wrought so, that all England almost was possessed with the pretended crime of the Jesuit, and false innocence of Luzancy; Those who have no other knowledge of him then by the Proclamation look upon him as a Martyr, some who began to have other thoughts of him are resettled in their good opinion, while they see my Lord Bishop of London openly protect him; Others to lay on an Occasion to embroil things and make their Zeal to the Protestant Religion appear, have gone far in this business, and contributed much to the success which you know he has had yet there remains a considerable number of those who look purely after Truth, and separate themselves from the Crowds, to follow and never swerve from her.  
I had Enlarged myself farther on this Subject, if I did not think I had said enough to give you an Idea of all this Farce. Let us now pass forwards and trace Luzancy step by step, in the remaining Acts of a piece, which includes I know not how many incidents of a different nature, and which 'tis fit the World should know, that he may the better be understood.  
St. german having been without hearing, as soon condemned as accused, Luzancy's Advancement was powerfully carried on, My Lord Bishop of London took care to have him Ordained and made him Preach immediately, designing to put him into a Condition of becoming one day a great defender of the Church of England, And because he wanted the Language of the Country to make his Talents appear, he was sent to Oxford to Learn it. All this was done in an unimaginable Hurry: 'Twas to much purpose for the Pastors and several Masters of Families of the Church at the Savoy to cry out. Nothing could stop the impetuous Current of my Lord Bishop's resolution, and as if it had been a matter of main import for the upholding of the Orthodox Faith, they drive on his Preferment without observing the least Measure in the world.  
While this was a Brewing an English Minister belonging to the French Church; named Mr. du Maresq, full of Zeal for the Truth printed a Sermon which he had Preached during these Bustles, and this for the reasons which he gives in his Preface, they were no sooner come abroad but my Lord Bishop of London thought both the one and the other deserved the Thunder of his Ecclesiastical tribunal: To this purpose he caused all the Copies to be seized. The Minister was cited to the Bishop's Court, where at first they wrangled with him about a Licence to Preach, which neither he nor any of his Colleagues had ever heard of: At last after much ado they discovered where the shoe truly pinched; My Lord Bishop was offended by his falling upon Luzancy: And would needs have the Minister to ask forgiveness of God, his Neighbour, the Church, and his Superior: This is not enough; the Minister must also acknowledge, that he is Convinced in Conscience that he has offended God, and his Neighbour, by printing Scandalous things: Yet we have not all, a Declaration too must be Signed and Sealed, otherwise the Minister is undone. And because he refused a Motion so extraordinary, My Lord Bishop presently caused him to be publicly Interdicted the functions of his Charge, upon a Sunday in the midst of his Congregation.  
A proceeding so severe against a Minister very well spoken of opened the Eyes and understandings, of divers who want none: they set themselves to inquire attentively, what these scandalous things were, which were imputed to him, but their search was Fruitless, they found nothing that looked towards it. In fine, like the five Propositions which heretofore at Rome they maintained, were in the Book of Jansenius, they perceived these Scandals owed their birth to sharpness and prejudice.  
Mean time this Minister of the Gospel, because he stood firm to the maintenance of Truth, was openly suspended for reasons reserved to my Lord Bishop and his Officers. They had a care not to say what these reasons were, they were too frivolous, and would have covered the Authors with Shame and Blame: But by a slight not welbecoming a Bishop they concealed the Account of a proceeding so defective. They had much rather People should have Occasion to believe horrible things of this Minister, than publish his fault it was so light. And my Lord Bishop of London doubts not but Men will judge by the prerogative of his Dignity, that the right is on his side, and that 'twas enough to make one pass for Criminal to be accused and punished by a person so venerable as himself Quis sanctum dubitet, quem apex tantae Dignitatis attollit?  
All this as I have been informed, passed in the most unusual manner in the World. The Minister is Condemned without being heard according to the formalities of Law: 'Twas much to purpose for him to offer to justify himself. The Bishop refuses to see him; slights the submissive Letters which the Minister writes to him; and by his Order the Judges of his Court pass Sentence without saying or knowing wherefore: who would have believed a Bishop of London, one of a Noble Family, and who has no small pretensions to the Archbishoprik of Canterbury, had been capable of such a Carriage. After so much noise what could we expect from a proceeding so rigorous? It was believed my Lord Bishop would never have restored this Minister at least on easier terms than very ample satisfaction, such as might hold proportion with the Offence; which People were made believe the Bishop had received. Notwithstanding against the opinion of many (by the good Offices of Monsieur Durel, together with those of Monsieur Ruvigny who had a mind to Oblige the Bishop, and was pleased to Interpose without being entreated.) The Minister was restored to the exercise of his charge upon a bare acknowledgement that he was in the wrong to print his Preface without Licence from his Superior, or any else in Authority, etc. a poor and dry satisfaction in my opinion after so much ado, and which justifies the Minister, for as much as he has published against Luzancy, and the Monks, and condemns the rigour used to him.  
Behold Sir, whither Passion carries Men, behold a Signal example in the person of a Bishop! The Sanctuary is not privileged, and we are not afraid to set it a-work even in that Holy Place: Where is that Charity whereof so unseasonably in respect of Knaves we pride ourselves when to uphold them we overwhelm a Minister of the word of God? What a horrible use do we in these days make of it? When the matters treated on in the Preface were without Reply, must a whole Kingdom for a pitiful point of Honour, needs have cause to believe, that the Minister was a Liar, and Luzancy and the Monks unjustly Attacked? Must it needs be I say, that on a pretext so slight, so heavy a Blow should fall on a Man, whose carriage has always been without Reproach, and who without consulting Flesh and Blood resolved in discharge of his Duty to speak Truths likely to displease more than one, and he be punished so outrageously for a design so generously executed? we see well enough how the world goes. My Lord Bishop of London had undertaken the protection of Luzancy: He had a mind to cherish this Plant which he had newly set in the Garden of the Church, and could not endure that England should be informed it was of the nature of those Herbs which show handsomely and yet are full of Poison. He could not see the Child of his care and study wounded, especially in that part where Men are most tender, without receiving the blow upon himself; and the Arrows justly shot at the reputation of his Neophyte, have lighted on him. Behold the true cause of the Bishop's anger. To offend a Knave was to attaque him; to attaque him was to blemish the dignity of his See, and those immature and hasty decisions were made both to uphold his Person and his Mitre. Had my Lord Bishop in the design he had to declare himself the support of this Counterfeit Proselyte consulted the Commands of him from whom he holds both this Life and Character, he would have learned not to do ill that good may come of it. And that the use of pious frauds is proper only for those places where Religion being destitute of Truth, which is its Basis, cannot subsist but by foul Play, with which those of Wit Amuse; and make Shittlecocks of the Common People.  
After all how can we henceforward reproach the Papists with their Inquisition when I have acquainted you with things as strange: In good earnest, when the wit of Man takes pleasure in blinding itself how considerable soever our Rank is in the world whether in Church or State, and whatever we deserve on the account of Learning, and Mastery in those commendable Sciences which distinguish Men one from another, we are notwithstanding subject to strange slips, and if the fall be so much greater as the place is higher from whence we fall, what grief must it be to a good Bishop when every one sees him so far out of his Sphere, and so imprudently derogating from his Character.  
But let us leave my Lord Bishop a while, for since this business has made way for several other incidents, we must examine some of them with care, as being no less material than those with which I have entertained you.  
The Minister du Marresq seeing himself prosecuted with so much heat, and being yet uncertain whether it were for having printed his Preface without Licence or for having said what he says there, thought it convenient to provide himself of all that might serve for his defence and justification. To this purpose having understood a good while before from Monsieur Blancard Secretary to the Ambassador of France, that druing the time the Court was at Windsor, there had passed certain Scandalous and infamous Discourses betwixt Luzancy and Mary Grimplet Jammarte waiting Woman to the Lady Marquis Ruvigny, which had come to Criminal Actions if both parties had been agreed; He dealt earnestly with him to desire of this woman, that she would set down in writing what had past that the Truth might be known and a passage of the Preface justified: Monsieur Blancard having at first word easily procured this writing, gave it to Mrs. Ann Maresq, and the whole Court coming by chance to see it, It made such a noise, that my Lord Bishop of London found in it a new subject of anger; He would gladly have had the Woman unsay herself, and often spoke to Monsieur de Ruvigny about it. Monsieur de Ruvigny called for her, and she after a great deal of Talk acknowledged she had said the Truth at the request of Monsieur Blancard, in the interim as plain as the Truth was the Minister Breval would needs be meddling: He often visits this woman whom he had never seen before; Feign would he have brought her to recant, but perceiving she stood to the Truth of her writing, had the impudence to say wherever he came, that Mr. Blancard had forced her to make that Writing. This was believed by divers considerable Persons, and the rather because it was alleged that Monsieur de Ruvigny said that 'twas true, that his Secretary had made the Woman do it. These four words were taken as they sounded, and without reflecting that there was in them a double sense, the greatest part la●d hold on the worse as being conformable to the Reports of Breval, and the disposition in which People were to judge favourably of a Knave, whose Emissaries gave out, that Mr. Blancard was a Papist, and who to oblige Monsieur du Maresq might be like enough to suborn a Woman.  
To rescue this business from the Confusion in which they have entangled it, we must state it right, and say, That 'tis indeed true that Monsieur Blancard did get the writing in question from the Woman: but only by the plain ordinary way, the way which all the world proceeds by, (viz.) by Request. So that in this sense Mr. de Ruvigny was in the right when he said his Secretary had made the Writing be made, all the Mischief is in the Equivocation of the words, and the false consequence which they draw: he made the Writing be Signed, therefore he did it by force and subornation: Divers who are not acquainted with Mr. Blancard have been wonderfully pleased to exercise their wit on this subject, and on this is grounded the Calumny which has been published against him. I must confess that monsieur Ruvigny himself has contributed something to it, by those words of two senses, and to oblige my Lord Bishop of London who had recourse only to him. The side which the Ambassador took from the beginning to favour Luzancy allowed him not to explain himself clearly, and perceiving the Babble pleased the humour of My Lord Bishop, and divers others; he chose rather dextrously to assist them to wear it and deceive themselves then discover to them his true thoughts; For it is certain that in this business, this Old Court Politician would rather keep to himself all the just resentments which without doubt he had of the tricks played him by Luzancy, then strive with the stream which favoured him, by declaring what he truly thought in public as he did to his particular friends: Behold the main reason why Luzancy has not been shamefully thrown out of his Doors; why he, and his Lady more, have countenanced him, and why this refined Minister of State, has always dissembled the better to gain an Ascendant over those who were pleased with the Chimaera, and by that means better serve the King his Master.  
To clear this point yet more, is there any likelihood that if Monsieur de Ruvigny had been truly persuaded of so wicked an Attempt practised by his Secretary, one who has served him these many years, he would continue to employ him in his business, and trust him with the Secrets of the King his Master? can this enter into the Brains of any Man of common sense? were people's eyes not blinded with Passion, they would never run their heads against this Post.  
But to make an end of clearing the business is it not true after the endeavours used by my Lord Bishop and Breval to persuade People that Mr. Blancard was culpable, that if he truly had been so, they would have caused the force of the first Writing, which has so much shocked them to be voided, by a second of the same hand, why was not the Woman brought before a Judge and put to declare the Tru●h upon Oath, and by that means render it indisputable? Since this was not, may not we say it could not be done? For it was the only means to decide the Question, she who was an honest woman and a Protestant was sure enough not to unsay herself, since at that very time when Luzancy had that devilish discourse with her, she spoke of it to several persons who if need be will witness it: And I have been informed that Mr. Blancard himself who passes for a sincere and good friend, was not wanting to give warning to Luzancy of it, whom he had likewise formerly advised to leave off that name as he had quitted that of dela March a Month after his Arrival in England.  
Notwithstanding as weak and pitiful as the reasons are which they allege, there are some who give credit to them and believe that Mr. Blancard has suborned this Woman, and I am informed they have the credit to be Abetted by a Noble Lord. I am sorry that Noble Man, one of such excellent parts should fall into such a Bogg as this.  
Methinks he might remember a certain famous Juggler, whom time was he sheltered against Wind and tide, and has sufficiently repent since, Aliquando bonus dormitat homerus.  
Let us now pass on to the sequel of Luzancy's Story, and his witnesses. It may easily be imagined how much joy the suspension of Mr. du Maresq brought him: fierce as a Caesar to have a Bishop for his defender, he undertook some weeks since to justify himself in a long Letter Addressed as they say, to a Lady of Quality, as he proceeds in a manner peculiar enough, I thought it convenient to examine this Letter, and acquaint you with the reflections I have made which will serve for a Conclusion to my discourse. This worthy piece being like the last Act of of the Comedy of this Hypocrite. His Letter is written in show to a Lady of Quality, but in truth to a French Woman named Mistress Rene Wife to a Scotch Tailor living in Suffolk-street, who was one of Luzancy's Witnesses, and one of the Actors in St. German's Tragedy, This Woman is a curious piece to look on, and one of the most infallible remedies of Love that can be met with. A couple of Fellows, that have no employment whose names are Le Comte, and Champion, kept a terrible Pother in dispersing copies of this Letter, both in French and English and by their means, it may be called public, though it were not Printed, as having gone through as many hands in Manuscript, as if it had passed through the Press, Le Comte the first of these two Frenchmen, is an old Factionist, one who is always an Enemy to the present Government, and who incessantly affecting what is past, is still forming frightful Imaginations of what is to come, one of a mutinous humour of the same temper with Rene the Tailor, a great Partisan of Brevals as well as he who made himself head of the Rabble for the bringing that Capucin into the Savoy, whom Mr. Durel, and divers other sober Men judged unworthy of the office of a Protestant Preacher, for reasons which shall be alleged hereafter. For Champion he is a little pitiful Wretch, heretofore a Monk, now an idle Fellow whose tongue is always employed in detracting, and Pen in fouling of Paper, Witness that impertinent Paltry Answer, which he made to the Preface of Monsieur du Maresq, and which with the Arrogance of an Author that deserves a Whipping he went from house to house to read himself; 'tis a pitiful Writing void of common sense, and which has as many faults as words. He is besides the worthy Copier of all those pieces which Luzancy made to be presented to the Privy Council.  
I thought fit to acquaint you what kind of People they are, of whom Luzancy makes use, to vent his Tricks, that you may be ignorant of nothing which has happened in this abominable Intrigue.  
Let us now go on to examine the substance of this Cheat's Letter, and to begin, Imagine with yourself a Man who makes an Abridgement of his Life, and undertakes himself to make an Elegy of it, exactly imitating the Pharisee in the Gospel, who gave thanks to God that he was not like other men, but not the Publican, who frankly confessed his faults: So he sets off his Righteousness after a very boasting manner, every where he makes protestations of the innocence of his Conversion, and purity of his Manners. He flantingly sets forth the employments which he says he had both, among Societies, and under Bishops even beyond his age, as if this pretended Just Man were arrived at Christian Perfection, he impudently maintains that his life has been free not only from great, but even from the least crimes. After such an assurance as he gives us of his virtue, will not a Manrun great hazard of being thought saucy if he should slander him with an imputation of Gild. And he whose words according to his own saying are so true, whose actions are so innocent, whose Qualities so rare, ought he not rather to be an object of every body's admiration? And yet all this while if we believe our own Eyes, if the testimony of our Ears may be relied on, and the inquiries of all Paris of both Religions, and a number of People of London afford any certainty, this false Muster which he makes of so many Virtues, serves but to confirm us that he is a through paced Knave, a Rogue capable of any Villainy to compass his ends, a Cheat, a Makebate, a Vagabond to day at Vitry, Regent of the fifth Form, to morrow among the Monks at Vendosme, a little after in the service of a Bishop, then in the Abbey of Trape, next with another Prelate, at last a Preacher Errand, here and there, but chiefly at Montdidier, where counterfeiting the name of Luzancy, by a Bill signed with that name he cheated the Damoizele Cartier of a piece of Money: All this is very easily proved if there were Judges Commissionated to take Information and execute Punishment. This in few words is the Man who descirbs himself in his Letter as one exempted from the least Crimes, and who says it could not be that he has embraced the Protestant Religion, but upon good Motives since in the Roman Church he wanted nor occasions of Debauch, was not tied by any Rule nor subject to any Law; In fine, he would make us believe 'twas the pure love of Truth, which has carried him from his Country, his Estate, his Friends, and all pretences of advancing himself which he might have in his Eye; who is able to resist expressions so forcible, and who would not let himself be persuaded by such Emphatical Figures of Rhetoric? This crafty Hypocrite draws too, a Convincing Proof that he has never done any thing worthy of reproach, from the silence of the Romanists, in as much as they, say he, stir so little in producing Proofs of what they affirm.  
To hear him chatter and read his Letter, would not one think all the world were bound to busy themselves either in making Apologies for him, or setting him out for what he is? would not one say likewise, that he who is justly charged with taking upon him another Man's name, who can be proved a Liar, Wencher, an Adulterer, a Deceiver, a Rook, Profane and Perjured, is a poor Innocent whom the silence of the world Acquits of all these crimes? was the like impudence ever heard of? And this Wretch who has no defence but his Tongue against Proofs of Facts which are brought against him, makes loud Brags of want of Ability in his Enemies, to verify what they affirm?  
Whereas it were to be wished he would if he could answer the Preface of Mr. de Maresq: He is so glad to find in his way my Lord Bishop of London, thundering at that Minister, that he makes that serve for a reason of his silence in that respect. He says the actions of that Prelate are all for him: That they justify him but too much; and that to go about to defend himself; were to wrong the Dignity of his Patron, whose proceedings are so favourable to him. And thus the Gallant wards the blow. He contents himself with bemoaning by way of Raillery, the fate of that Minister and only says that to answer bad Writings is to bring them into request.  
Concerning the Testimony in writing about the Devilish Discourse which he had with the Woman, wherewith I have already entertained you at large, he says the carriage of my Lord Bishop and Mr. Beval justify him so fully from that horrible Calumny, that ravished to see himself so well supported, he ventures with an unmeasureable impudence to affirm that the Ambassador of France, has discovered that the Woman and her Husband were wrought upon by money: And thereupon Protests, that in case such a deposition were true he deserved to be burnt alive. But 'tis not amiss to observe, that he talks not of that kind of Punishment till after he was well informed that the Ambassador, the Bishop, and Breval, had secured him from that Deposition, otherwise he would have taken good heed not to condemn himself. Mean time the Woman who is at London may depose upon Oath whether the writing be true, and whether Luzancy had that Devilish discourse with her at Windsor, or not. 'tis hoped Judges will one day examine this Circumstance, and give him satisfaction according to the sentence pronounced by himself in his Letter, provided he do not disavow it.  
In the sequel he tells us he could allege twenty Accusations brought against him, but that he will deal with Patience yet protesting withal, that if this remedy prove unsuccessful, he will write so as to make his Adversaries repent. This is what is desired by abundance of People provided there be Judges to make him prove what he brings against them, and them what they bring against him. Mean time we must pass forward, and see what more the Gentleman has put into his Letter.  
Of the other two Ministers of the French Church at the Savoy, for as for those of the Church in London, they would never come much into his company, nor suffer him to Preach among them; The one he says is too wise to Print what he hints concerning him, both in Conversation, and in the Pulpit. And the other Mr. Breval is his intimate Friend, one much esteemed by the English, and to whom he has the greatest Obligations possible. As for the first Luzancy acknowledges, and in this observe his weakness, that he is no more of his side, he does not tell the reason, but 'tis easily guessed at. Mr. the Langle at the request of his Friends, gave him the liberty of the Pulpit, and took much pains to get him some Clarity from the Consistory: He had for some time an esteem for him, and changed with the rest of his best friends, when they perceived his Cheats, and part of his Vices. For Breval he is his bosom friend, his right hand, They understand one another as Thiefs in a Market, they two contrived the business against the Jesuit, Breval thrived by the trouble it caused at the beginning he was made Prebend of Westminster. And now say whether he be not an able Man, and whether he do not look more handsomely in a Canons far, than in a Capucins Rags. He is for all that at present well at ease, well Lodged, well Clothed, well provided of a Wife, courts well the Bishops, half begs, half commands Alms at good houses, makes good Cheer, causes himself to be paid from the Savoy out of the money designed for the Poor. This is the Man whom Luzancy sets out as one strangely persecuted by the French at his settlement in the Church, and hints the cause thereof to have been his great Learning, what he says in this particular is Lamentable, since it is certain, that Breval Preaches pitifully: although as is ordinary with Monks he be ready enough; He knows almost no Protestant, and but little Roman Divinity. He made his entrance into the Church with a plump Concubine, and a Bastard, and some Money stolen from the Poor of that Communion, which he came from deserting. Notwithstanding, all these Crimes as Novelty is taking he was by cabal settled in the Savoy: Mr. Durel after he had done what became an honest Man to hinder him, sat down quietly: The Consistory allowed him a Pension as to the other Ministers, and because the Contribution of particulars was not sufficient, he makes bold with the stock of the Poor, although his present Incomes amount to more than Two hundred and fifty pounds per annum, and his Wife maintained besides by a Knight, one of his dear friends, who never stirs from her. For the rest he is a Man who Counterfeits so exactly, that he plays all parts both in the World and Pulpit, and is a much better Tartuff than Luzancy: This is his Associate, their Crimes make them friends, and both the one, and other are paid for having made sport with the World.  
In fine, not to cast away more time in Confuting things not worth the while Luzancy says in his Letter, that he wonders how of a hundred Proselytes there remains one with us? this is to answer one of the Articles of Mr. du Maresq's Preface which you know well enough. To this it may be said, that the Sober Papists who change upon good Motives, stay with us tied by the chains of the Spirit which binds them to the Orthodox. Of the bad, some leave us to follow the Torrent of their Libertine humours; Others leave us not because they are throughly fastened by the allurements of the Flesh, I mean Advancement and Marriage as Breval. We have for Examples of the first sort, Mr. Cottereaw, Mr. de la Motte, and some others, but very few where Life and Conversation are without Reproach. As for run away Monks their number is too great to be confined to the bounds of a Letter, and Mr. de Maresq has not exaggerated in his Preface. For the last sort we see to our great Grief and the shame of the Church, Breval's, Luzancy's, Solomon's, whose Manners are a mixture of all Vices.  
I forgot one Reflection upon Luzancy's Letter to show the ●orce of his Judgement, he is so afraid one passage of his Writing to the Jesuit should not be believed, because the Jesuit says it was not his, that he will needs put in a word in his Letter to persuade People of what he had affirmed in his famous Retractation, after he had drawn Mr. Breval's Picture in a hideous shape, which yet in Truth is very like him, he passes to Mr. du Maresq, whom he accused to love Wine and Tobacco. And in the Letter which I am now examining, he unwarily says the same thing, alleging for one of the reasons why that Minister loves him not that he neither loves Wine, nor the places where it cannot be drunk without scandal: He must be blind who cannot in this Conformity of Sentiments perceive a circumstance which makes strongly against Luzancy, & draw an evident proof that in the dealing betwixt him and the Jesuit there was nothing of force, since what he wrote at Oxford a little while since, and with a settled Judgement has so much conformity with the Retractation which he ' sworn was extorted from him with a Dagger at his Throat.  
From all that has been said it may in my opinion be easily gathered that St. german the Jesuit is innocent of the Capital Crime of which he is accused: That the Counterfeit Luzancy is a bad Man who invented the Calumny when he saw he could neither get the Retractation which he had voluntarily given, back from the Jesuit, nor money which he expected to carry him back into France, whether he had resolved to return, out of despair when he saw himself discovered for the Son of Beau Chastean the Player, a quality which he had always denied, and that with a Thousand Oaths, chiefly at the French Ambassadors when the Secretary affirmed the contrary, and Luzancy rather than acknowledge it, chose to desert the Protestant Religion, For this was the true reason which obliged him to make his Retractation which was not to have been seen till after his departure. It may also be easily gathered that in all this Diabolical Invention he has made use of none but unworthy People, whether for Councillors, Witnesses, or Transcribers: That Mr. du Maresq had reason in his Sermon, his Preface, & Discourses to sound the depth of this horrible Tragedy: That Mr. Blancard did not suborn, the Woman, nor her Husband, to Sign the Paper which has so much troubled my Lord Bishop of London.  
And lastly, That the carriage and passion of that Bishop were not suitable to his birth and Character. God preserve him from new Injustice, and protecting Luzancy a second time, if he befound so ill at Oxford as at London, 'Tis feared his affection and unwillingness to see faults, will incline him rather to cover his Crimes if he fall into new ones, then give glory to Truth by discovering them, and having no more to do with him.  
I have but one word more to say concerning Luzancy 's Confidence when he speaks to His Majesty, After what I have said to the King, says he to the Tailor's wife, If my Enemies be so certain of what they report against me, let them appear in a Legal Trial, let the Accuses produce his Proof if he can, and I be punished at the Stake, and if not, let him undergo the same Penalty.  
If it come to such a Trial (the only way in my opinion to make at end of so many disputes) it will be seen who fears most, Luzancy, or those who accuse him; however it be, 'tis a thing which good Men ardently desire: They would gladly see an end of this business, and would wish that Judges might without delay be appointed at London to take full Cognizance of a matter which has hitherto produced nothing but Disorder and Scandal, and the clearing whereof would be so great ● good to the Church, It being she who had the greatest Concern in it.  
I might Sir enlarge on a Subject so Copious, if I did not fear to urge your patience to the utmost; I have but one Reflection more to make on th● conclusion of his Letter. He tells the pretended Lady of Quality to whom he writes, that only the French speak ill of him, but that the English 〈◊〉 all inclined to favour him, after which he adds that this Nation is the most civil, and most charitable in the World, making a Panegyric upon 〈◊〉 in terms the most flourishing which Art could suggest. Truly I am ashamed this Knave his so much reason to praise the English, and tha● the prejudice is so great that divers in imitation of the Bishop, put 〈◊〉 their eyes that they may not see how things go.  
As this Mischief is largely spread, I do not think it is easy to remedy it at present. God alone is able to change the blind zeal and errors o● many good Men. In expectation of so great a good I would advise you on your side to endeavour what you can, that the truth of this business be known, while I on mine act according to the same spirit, Not without gathering every day considerable Fruits of the Labour, which I have deliberately undertaken, without being any way startled at the contradiction of the World.  
I am Sir, as you know, Your most humble Servant.   


JE soussignée Mary Grimpelé, femme du S r. Jamart Chyrurgien, qui ay esté domestique de Madame La Marquise de Ruvigny, Certifie que Mr. de Luzancy m'a tenu des discours fort Libres, & mal honnestes à un homme de sa Profession, m'ayant dit entr'autres choses, qu'il avoit un secret pour empecher les silles de devenir grosses, & pour les faire avorter lors qu'elles le s●nt, & que lors qu'une femme avoit un Mary ce la n'empechoit pas qu'elle n'eut un Galand. C'est ce que je certifie veritable.  
Fait à Londres, &c. Mary Grimpelé.   

I Underwritten Mary Grimpelé, wife to Mr. Jamarta Chirurgeon, who have been of the Household of my Lady Marquis of Ruvigny, do certify that Mr. Luzancy hath held some very indecent Discourses with me, and unworthy of a Man of his profession, having amongst several other things told me, that he had a secret to hinder Women from being with Child, and to make them miscarry when they were so, and that when a Woman was married, there was no difficulty for her to have a Gallant. This I do maintain to be true:  
Done at London. Mary Grimpelé.