MOREL (Dom Robert), a benedictine monk of the society of Saint-Maur, was born at Chaife-Dieu in Auvergne, A. D. 1653. He was appointed keeper of the library of Saint-Germain des Pres in 1680. He was afterwards superior of different religious houses. In 1699 he disengaged himself from every care, and retired to Saint Denys, where he spent his time in composing works of practical religion. This learned monk, who enjoyed from nature a lively and fruitful imagination, excelled chiefly in subjects of piety, in a knowledge of the Christian character, and of the rules which regard the conduct of the Christian life. His conversation was sprightly and refined, his answers were prompt and ingenious, his temper was gentle, equable,
equable, and full of gaiety mingled with discretion. His slovenly appearance did not debase the beauty of his mind. All his words breathed charity, piety, uprightness, sincerity, and innocence of manners. Great simplicity and modesty, the limits of which he never transgressed, concealed his excellencies from the vulgar, but made him rank higher in the estimation of the wise and sensible part of mankind. Dom Morel died A. D. 1731, aged 79. His principal works are, 1. Effusions de cœur sur chaque vers de Psaumes et des Cantiques de l'Eglise; Paris, 1716, in 5 vols. 12mo. P. de Tournevine, a Jesuit, esteemed this book (which abounds in pious and affecting thoughts and expressions) so much, that he perused it constantly; and when he was obliged to go to the country, he always carried a volume of it along with him. He earnestly sought to be introduced to the author, and intreated on his knees that he would grant him his benediction (Histoire littéraire de la congrégation de Saint Maur, p. 504.) 2. Entretiens spirituels sur les Évangiles des Dimanches et des Mystères de toute l'année, distribués pour tous les jours de l'Avant, 1720, 4 vols. 12mo. 3. Entretiens spirituels, pour servir de préparation à la Mort, 12mo, 1721. 4. Imitation de N. S. I. C. a new translation, with a pathetic prayer, or an effusion of the heart, at the conclusion of every chapter, in 12mo, 1723. 5. Méditations Chrétiennes sur les Évangiles de toute l'année, 2 vols. 12mo, 1726. 6. De l'Espérance Chrétienne et de la Confiance en la miséricorde de Dieu, 12mo, 1728. The greater part of Morel's works are devotional; and his observations are drawn chiefly from the scriptures, and from the practical writings of the fathers. This circumstance greatly raised the reputation of his works, and at the same time excited the envy and ill-will of his enemies. By them he was considered as a Jansenist; and in this light he is represented in the Dissertation des livres Jansenistes.