BASNAGE DE BEAUVAL, 1»i'ri5zlil de IV V111', JACQUES (1653-1723). A French statesman and writer on theology; the most distinguished of a French family known as supporters of the Protestant canse. He was the S011 of Henry Basnage (1615-95), an able advocate in the Par liament of Normandy, and was born at Rouen, August 8, 1653. Having studied theology at Geneva and Sedan, he became pastor of the Re formed Church in Rouen (1676). That church being interdicted in 1685, Basnage obtained leave to retire to Holland, where lie finally (1709) set tled as stipendiary minister of the 'Walloon Church in The Hague, baying gained the friend ship of the Grand Pensionary, Heinsius. Here, while zealously discharging his religious duties, he was called upon to take au active part in State affairs, particularly in negotiating the de fensive alliance concluded between France, Eng land, and the States-General, February 14. 1717. Amid all these duties and distractions, Basnage cultivated literature with ardor, and was no less distinguished for his extensive learning than for the polish of his manners and the integrity of his character. He died at The Hague. December
22, 1723.
His chief works, which have been frequently laid under contribution without being named, are La communion saints ( MS), a work approved even by Roman Catholics, and often reprinted; de la conscience (11;96, 2 vols.) ; Histoirc de l'Eglise (1699. 2 vols. fol.), in four parts, of which the fourth reprints his Ilistoire (le la •e ligion des (Vises •rfo•nu'c.s (Rotterdam, 1690, 2 vols.; 3d ed.. 1725). it was a Protestant reply to Bossuet's rariations of Protestantism, to show that Protestantism is the true successor of the Apostolic Church; Ilistoire des Juifs (1706, 5 vols.), one of Basnage's best produc tions, and translated into English by Th. Taylor (1708) ; Dissertation historique su• les duels et les ordres de ellevalerie (1720). For biography, consult his Life, by E. A. Naillict (Geneva, 1881).
Negroes of the Kassai-Sankuru Basin, Congo Free State; noted for their pottery. weaving, and iron and copper • work. Their towns are of great extent. The men are tall and of splendid physique.