CHAPTER V.

DEATH OF LOUIS XIV. REACTION AGAINST THE PROTECTIVE SPIRIT, AND PREPARATIONS FOR THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.

English literature unknown in France in the reign of Louis XIV. 213-214

But began to be studied after his death, when the most eminent Frenchmen visited England. This caused a junction of French and English intellects 215-227

Admiration of England expressed by Frenchmen 228-229

Hence liberal opinions in France, which the government attempted to stifle 229

Consequent persecution of literary men by the French government 230-242

Violence of the government 242-246

In France literature was the last resource of liberty 246-247

Reasons why literary men at first attacked the church and not the government 247-253

Hence they were led to assail Christianity 254-258

But until the middle of the reign of Louis XV. the political institutions of France might have been saved; after that period all was over 258-259