But the eloquence, and learning, of Leibniz, were without effect.  In language, equally temperate and firm, Bossuet, adhered to his text, that in matters of discipline, or any other matter, distinct from faith, the Church of Rome, would show the utmost indulgence to the Lutherans; but that, on articles of faith, and specifically, on those propounded by the Council of Trent, there could be no compromise.  This, however, he confined to articles of faith alone:  and even on articles of faith, he wished to consult the feelings of Protestants, as much as possible.  He offered them every fair explanation of the tenets of the council; he required from them no retractation, of their own tenets: 

“Molanus,” he says, “will not allow retractation to be mentioned.  It may be dispensed with; it will be sufficient, that the parties acknowledge, the truth, by way of declaration or explanation.  To this, the Symbolical Books, give a clear opening, as appears by the passages, which have been produced from them, and will appear, by other passages, which may be produced from them.”

If Bossuet was thus considerate, in what regarded faith, it will easily be supposed, how indulgent his sentiments were, in respect to all, that merely regarded discipline.  A complete confession of faith, being once obtained from the Lutherans, he was willing, to allow them, if they required it, communion under both kinds; that their Bishops, should retain their Sees; and that, where there was no Bishop, and the whole body of the people, was Protestant, under the care, of a superintendant, that superintendant, should be consecrated their Bishop; that, where there was a Catholic Bishop, and a considerable part of the diocese, was Lutheran, the superintendant, should be consecrated priest, and invested with rank, and office, that the Lutheran ministers, should be consecrated priests; that provision should be made for their support; that such of their bishops, and ministers, as were married, might retain their wives, and that the consciences of those, who held possessions of the church, should be quieted, except in respect, to hospitals, whose possessions he thought, could not conscientiously be withheld, from the poor objects of their foundations; and that every other arrangement should be made, by the church and state, which would be agreeable, to the feelings, and prejudices, of their new brethren.

Such were the advances made by Bossuet; and much discussion on them, took place, between him, and Leibniz.  It continued ten years.  They are very learned, and a scholar will read them with delight; but, unfortunately, they rather retarded, than promoted, their object.  The real business ended, when Molanus quitted the scene.  We shall close this article, with the following extract from the last letter but one, written by Bossuet, on the subject.  It is addressed to Leibniz, and bears date the 12th August, 1701, ten years, after his first letter, on it was written: