2 memoirs of Ahhe Blanchet. March 7. 



long ill discovering the sweet disposition and talents 

 of this young man, who very soon became the confi- 

 dant of his companions, and the friend of his masters. 

 These last so overloaded him with kindnefs and dis- 

 tinction, that through gratitude he mistook his voca- 

 tion ; and in 1724 he began his novicefliip, but did 

 not remain there long. Already governed by a se- 

 cret ascendant, by a restlefsnefs, the principle of 

 v/hich he was ignorant of, but which was nothing else 

 but that natural desire of man for liberty and inde- 

 pendance, he quitted his masters, or rather his be- 

 nefactors, but with so much feeling, that they regret- 

 ted his Ibfs, and they never lost sight of him. He re- 

 quested their friendfhip, but did not speak of protec- 

 tion. Being his own master, but without support, 

 without fortune, he never doubted, but that among 

 his school fellows, providence had reserved him ^ 

 friend to console and afsist him. One sees every day 

 so many reputations falsely usurped, that it appears 

 but just to speak of that merit which was desirous 

 of concealment. But is it proper to occupy the public 

 attention with one who had condemned himself to ob- 

 scurity, and which will not fail to be made a reproach 

 to his historian ? It fnall be fliown whether the Abbe 

 Blanchet had sufficient virtue, talents, or originality, 

 to deserve that after his death his portrait ftiould be 

 drawn ; and it is to be hoped that this picture will 

 be a stronger resemblance because he himself will 

 furnifb che principal features and the colouring. 



To judge of the gloomy affections which, from the 

 age of twenty, poisoned his life, it is necefsary to 

 Lear him when he converses with the keeper of aU 



