Les Œuvres diverses 3/4 - Rapin, René 1621-1687 (Amsterdam Roger, 1710)
René Rapin (1621–1687) was a French Jesuit and writer. He taught rhetoric, and wrote extensively both in verse and prose.
The first essay, L'esprit du christianisme, is dedicated to the not named "abbess" of the Royal Abbey of Our Lady of Fontevraud or Fontevrault, a monastery in the village of Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, near Chinon, in the former French duchy of Anjou. The abbesess during Rapin's lifetime were Jeanne-Baptiste de Bourbon (1637–1670) and Gabrielle de Rochechouart de Mortemart (1670–1704).
FIrst published in 1693
Rapin was, amongst other, the author of several theological and ascetic treatises like De nova doctrina dissertatio seu Evangelium Jansenistarum (Paris, 1656), L'esprit du christianisme (Paris, 1672), La perfection du christianisme (Paris, 1673), La foi des derniers siècles (Paris, 1679). These books and many other pamphlets were collected in Oeuvres complétes published at Amsterdam, 1709–10, a compilation of various works by the author, including poems, essays and speeches. The subjects covered in the book are varied, ranging from politics and religion to literature and philosophy. Rapin's writings are known for their elegant style and erudite content. Les Oeuvres Diverses is considered an important work of eighteenth-century French literature.
Ex libris Carmelites de Tours (plate and manuscript)
Qui contiennent L'Esprit du christianisme, La perfection du christianisme, L'Importance du Salut, La foy des derniers siècles, La vie des prédestinés. Nouvelle édition augmentée
Keywords: Jesuits; 18th Century (1701-1800); 17th Century (1601-1700); Religion; Theology; Catholicism; France