Quakerism a-la-mode, or, A history of quietism particularly that of the Lord Arch-bishop of Cambray and Madam Guyone ... also an account of the management of that controversie (now depending at Rome) betwixt the Arch-bishop's book / writ by Messire Jacques Benignes Bossuel [sic] ... ; done into English from the original printed at Paris.

SECTION VIII.

Ʋpon Gentle Methods and Amicable Conferences.

IF it be said that we should have tried all ways of Mild∣ness, before we had come to a Solemn Declaration; this we did also. The Arch-bishop of Paris has demon∣strated it so clearly for himself, and for us, that I should have nothing to add upon that Fact, were it not for the particular Accusations whereby they attack me.

2. But if any one has a Mind to be satisfied by his own Eyes, as to the fairness of my Conduct; let him but read the Writing I addressed to M. de Cambray, before the sending of our Declaration. If the Reader thinks it tedi∣ous to be referred to other Writings, and would find all in this; here's in short what I said: That after so many Writings, we must take a shorter way, and where also we may explain our selves more precisely, which is a Conference Viva Voce; that this way was always used, and even by the Apostles, as the most efficacious and gentle, to agree about any thing, this being often proposed him, I did again propose it my self by writing, upon condition to put far away from me all manner of Contention, and to be declared an Enemy of Peace, if on my side it was not amicable and re∣spectful. As for what he seemed to fear my quickness, as he called it, I alledged to him the Experience, not only of my Conferences with the Ministers, but also those we had sometimes together upon this Occasion, without having raised my Voice so much as half a Note higher.

3. If there were any Expedients to be found, they could not but issue from such Conferences, but I plac'd my hope in another thing; I conceiv'd hope I say, from the strength of Truth, and from a perfect Acquaintance with the Disposition of M. de Cambray, that I could bring him again to right Principles; God is my Witness, clearly and amicably, I durst say so, certainly and without reply; in a few Conferences, and perhaps in one only, and in loss than two hours time.

4. All that M. de Cambray objected was, that I had en¦gaged my self to answer to 24 Demands in Writing▪ which I thought fit afterwards to defer, by reason said I, of the Equivocations of the 24 Demands, which would take too much time to disintangle, and by reason of the long time that must have been employed in writing the Consutations and Proofs: Adding notwithstanding, that I would readily write all the Proposition I should have advanced in the Confe∣rence, if desired; but that we were to begin at what was most short, most decisive, and most express, I added also most charitable; nothing being able to supply Verbal Conference, and a lively tho' plain Discourse on the presence of Jesus Christ in the midst of us, when we should be assembled in his Name to agree upon the Truth.

5. Every body was amazed at the inflexible Refusal of M. de Cambray during six Weeks, we have undeniable Wit∣nesses for it, and they earnestly desired to have us confer together. I refused no Conditions; a Clergy-man of Note being moved, as every Body else was, with the cha∣ritable desire of re-uniting the Bishops, oblig'd me to give my Word to agree to a Conference, where he should be. If he had told the Answer he brought me, to me alone; perhaps we should have left it with himself: It was in a word, that M. de Cambray would not have it said, that he changed any thing by the Advice of M. de Meaux. If this Prelate won't grant that this was his Answer, let him make such an one as he pleases; but we may see that he cannot make any that's good. However, I my self sent him the Writing, the Extracts whereof you have just now heard: It is not long, one may read it over in less than a quarter of an Hour, amongst those I have collected: M. de Cambray does not deny that he received it. Here's five great Letters he addresses to me, where he only re∣prehends me for having said in my Writing, that I bore him in my Bowels; he does not believe it possible for a Man to bear in his Bowels, such as he reproves for the sake of the Truth, nor to deplore their State, but by shedding artificial Tears to tear them the more in pieces. Why did he not come to the Conference, to try the Strength of such brotherly Tears and Discourses, which Charity, I dare say so, the Truth had inspired us with. We expected three Weeks the effect of that new Invitation, and the Declaration was not sent, 'till at last we had made use of

all the mild ways imaginable, of which Declaration we must yet speak a Word.