548 History. [Chap. XVII. 



blished his character as an interesting and instruc- 

 tive writer, and has been more generally perused 

 and praised than most other historians of the age. 

 He was followed by M. Vertot *, who, in several 

 historical M'orks, displayed considerable talents, 

 especially in gracefulness of manner, and in the 

 happy art of rendering his narrative entertaining* 

 Next in order occur the numerous and extensive 

 historical works of M. Voltaire. There can be no 

 question that this writer, in style, in comprehension 

 of mind, in the philosophical cast of his inquiries, 

 and especially in his reflections, exceeded all the 

 former historians which his country had produced. 

 But it requires only a slight acquaintance with his 

 works to perceive that he is partial, uncandid, 

 grossly defective in authenticity, and disposed, 

 upon every pretext, to depart from probability, 

 truth, and decorum, for the purpose of reviling 

 the religion of Christf . The Abb6 Millot:}: suc- 



Revelation, deserves particular notice^ and is one of the numer- 

 ous characterics of this great uork, which recomnaend it to the 

 general perusal and regard of those who love truth, virtue, and 

 piety. 



* Ren<^ Aubert de Vertot was born in Normandy, in 1(555. 

 His principal works are the Rewlutioiis of Portugal, of Sweden, 

 and of Home, and History of Malta. He died in 1/35. 



■\ The degree of credit due to M. Voltaire, as a recorder of 

 facts, will appear in the perusal of a work entitled the Letters 

 of eetfa'in Jtus, ^c. written by the abbe Guennc, professor of rhe- 

 toric in the university of Paris, and published about tlie year 1/70, 

 In this work the author is enabled, by his profound erudition, his 

 vigorous and penetrating mind, and his talents for mild but most 

 efficient satire, to place the historian ot Ferney in a point of light 

 by no means honourable eitlier to the accuracy of his learning or 

 to his love of truth. 



} Claude Francis Xavicr Millot was a native of Eesancoii, 



