David Carnegie Andrew Agnew

“ Tytler (Lord Woodhouselee) , in his Essay on Translation, decides that Motteux “has no great abilities as an original writer,” but “has, upon the whole, a very high degree of merit as a translator.” It must be remembered that it was Tytler’s opinion that “the art of translation is of more dignity and importance than has been generally imagined. Excellence in this art is neither an easy attainment, nor what lies at all within the reach of ordinary abilities. ”

“ So Sir James Mackintosh, anticipating his readers’ surprise at the constancy of many Protestants in spite of the perverting tuition and temptations of King James II., thus expresses himself: “So much constancy in religious opinion may seem singular among courtiers and soldiers; but the inconsistency of men’s actions with their opinions is more often due to infirmity than to insincerity, and the members of the Protestant party were restrained from deserting it by principles of honour.” ”

“ Pierre Motteux (born 1660) , though not one of those whose piety or morality did honour to his religious profession, was a credit to Huguenot education and example, in the qualities of industry, energy, perseverance, and vivacity. Many men approve of Bible religion who yet fail to comply with its demands. ”