Arnoux, Jean

Arnoux, Jean a French theologian and preacher, was born at Riom near the middle of the 16th century. He entered the Jesuit Order at the age of seventeen, and taught successively philosophy and theology. He preached at the court with success; became in 1617 confessor to Louis XIII, at the death of the celebrated Cotton. He attempted the reconciliation of the king with his mother, Mary de' Medici. He engaged with the four ministers of Charenton-Montigny, Dumoulin, Durand, and Mestrezat-in a lively contest, which arrayed against him all the anger of the Protestant party. Already acknowledged a good preacher, he also proved himself not less able in controversy. He plotted more or less to maintain himself in his position, from which he was removed in 1621 by the jealousy of the constable De Luynes; and he was constrained to retire to Toulouse. The duke of Montmorency, who was decapitated Oct. 30, 1632, chose Arnoux to prepare him to meet death. Arnoux died at Lyons in 1636. He wrote, Oraison Funebre de Henri IV prononcee a Tournon le 29 Juillet, 1610, which appears to have served as a model for the eulogy of Marcus Aurelius by Thomas. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.