A generation of Jesuits sprang up, who looked for protection and guidance rather to the court of France than to the court of Rome; and this disposition was not a little strengthened when Innocent the Eleventh was raised to the papal throne.
The Jesuits were, at that time, engaged in a war to the death against an enemy whom they had at first disdained, but whom they had at length been forced to regard with respect and fear.

Just when their prosperity was at the height, they were braved by a handful of opponents, who had indeed no influence with the rulers of this world, but who were strong in religious faith and intellectual energy.

Then followed a long, a strange, a glorious conflict of genius against power.

The Jesuit called cabinets, tribunals, universities to his aid; and they responded to the call.

Port Royal appealed, not in vain, to the hearts and to the understandings of millions.