Merlin, Charles

Merlin, Charles a French critic, was born at Amiens in 1678. He joined the Society of Jesus; at first was a teacher of belles-lettres, and subsequently instructed-in theology with much success. He was also one of the editors of the Memoires de Trevoux. Merlin died in Paris about 1747. He is the author of Refautation des critiques de M. Bayle sur St. Augustin (Paris, 1732, 4to). He had also undertaken to examine or refute Bayle's criticisms on religious matters, but this work was never given to the public. Nearly all the articles which Merlin contributed to the 'Memoires de Trevoux were intended to controvert Bayle's religious opinions. Other works of his are, Veritable clef des ouvrages de St. Augustin (Paris, 1732, 4to):-Examen exact et detaille defaeit d'Honorius (1738,12mo):-Traite historique et dogstnatique sur les paroles ou lesformes des Sacrenments del lEglise (Paris, 1745, 12mo; reprinted in 1840 by Migne).