Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 1.djvu/206

196 But this little tract is modestly written, with respectful mention of the Church of of England, and an appeal to the thirty nine articles. His principle of toleration is, agreement in the sufficiency of the Scriptures; and he extends it to all who, whatever their opinions are, profess to derive them from the sacred books. The Papists appeal to other testimonies, and are therefore, in his opinion, not to be permitted the liberty of either publick or private worship; for, though they plead conscience, we have no warrant, he says, to regard conscience, which is not grounded in Scripture.

Those who are not convinced by his reasons, may be perhaps delighted with his wit. The term Roman Catholick is, he says, one of the Pope's bulls; it is particular universal, or catholick schismatick.

He has, however, something better. As the best preservative against Popery, he recommends the diligent perusal of the Scriptures, a duty, from which he warns the busy part of mankind not to think them selves excused.

He now reprinted his juvenile poems, with some additions. Rh