Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 1.djvu/205

Rh To that multiplicity of attainments, and extent of comprehension, that entitle this great author to our veneration, may be added a kind of humble dignity, which did not disdain the meanest services to literature. The epic poet, the controvertist, the politician, having already descended to accommodate children with a book of rudiments, now, in the last years of his life, composed a book of Logick, for the initiation of students in philosophy; and published (1672) Artis Logica plenior Institutio ad Petri Rami Methodum concinnata; that is, "A new Scheme of Logick, according to the Method of Ramus." I know not whether, even in this book, he did not in tend an act of hostility against the Universities; for Ramus was one of the first oppugners of the old philosophy, who disturbed with innovations the quiet of the schools.

His polemical disposition again revived. He had now been safe so long, that he for got his fears, and published a Treatise of true Religion, Heresy, Schism, Toleration, and the best Means to prevent the Growth of Popery. Rh