Massillon

Massillon, Jean Baptiste (1663-1742), a great French preacher, was born at Hyeres. In 1681 he entered the Oratory, and achieved success as a preacher. He entered, however, a more severe order, only to be brought back to the Oratory by Cardinal de Noailles. He came to Paris, and preached before the Court in 1699. It was not, however, till 1717, under the regency, that his abilities were rewarded by the see of Clermont. In 1719 he was elected to the Academy, and for a time he preached regularly at Court. In 1723 he preached for the last time in Paris, and then spent 20 years in his diocese.