language to Servetus: And, what is more, had procured against him the moft dreadful fentence of being burned to death.

However, I think it evident, that a man is not to be burned to death, for having used fharp and unmannerly language, either in conversation or controverfy.

Object. V. It has been objected, "That I "take the part of Servetus, and thereby plane

ly fhow that I am of his fentiments. Now, "to patronize fo vile a wretch, in order to "wound the character of Calvin, is very "amazing.”

Anf. Surely they have not read The brief account, who can talk in this manner. I am fo far from being of Servetus's sentiments; that, in fome refpects, I do not well know what his fentiments were. In other particulars, where I do understand him, I greatly differ from him. And there are fome of his opinions; which (if his adverfaries have represented them juftly) I abhor and deteft.

He seems to me very often to have had a very confused notion of his subject, and was far from expreffing himself intelligibly and clearly. I do, by no means, think that he explaned the Scriptures well; or was a folid, judicious critic. But what then? Muft a man be burned alive, because he has a confused head? If so, Lord have mercy upon the multitude! and even upon fome perfons, who greatly differ in opinion from Servetus! The more weak

weak and injudicious Servetus was, the more should Calvin have pitied him; and used him with more humanity and tendernesse, in order to have compofed his mind, and to have brought him to more clear views of what was true and right.

Object. VI. It has been afked, "Have "not you gratified the Papifts, by blackening the character of the great reformer?" Anf. Did not the Papifts know of this ftory long ago? Or could it have been concealed from them, fuppofe I had not published it?

However, it is my opinion that, if any of the Papifts read the Brief Account, they will not thank me for it, nor be much gratified thereby. For I have intimated that the Church of Rome is the mother of perfecution, as well as of many other abominations; that, in her communion, Calvin learned his uncharitableneffe and bigotry; that from thence he derived his perfecuting principles; and that he could not shake off that most cruel and worst part of Popery, when he shook off the authority of the Pope, and many of their superstitions and abfurdities.

The best way to fupport the reformation, is, freely to condemn all the falfe principles and unjuftifiable conduct of the reformers, and of all other Proteftants; and to defend that alone, which can be defended by right reason and fcripture justly applied.

But,

But, if we will defend the faults of Proteftants, and juftfie perfecution in them; we shall never be able thoroughly to defend the reformed religion; and overthrow the perfecuting, uncharitable principles of the Church of Rome.

Object. VII." Attacking Calvin, in this "manner, is infinuating that all his follow"ers are of his principles; and would perfe"cute those that differ from them, if it were " in their power."

Anfw. I do not believe that all Calvinifts are of his perfecuting principles, nor have I intimated any fuch thing. But fuch as are guilty, of all fects and parties, I thought it my duty to condemn. And I would willingly hope that, if any Calvinifts have been of their Master's narrow fentiments hitherto, they will confider to what lengths fuch a temper may poffibly lead them; and thereby be induced to throw off fuch a bigoted, narrow, and unchristian spirit 9.

Object.

Mr. Emlyn (in his reply to Mr. Martin, &c. p. 253.) fais, "That Beza's annotations were printed by "Stephens, at Geneva, at a time and place, flaming "with bitter zeal and prejudice against all Antitrini"tarians; where Servetus had been cruelly burned at "the flake, but three years before, at the inftigation "of Calvin. And Beza was fo full of it, that, in "these very annotations, he could not forbear juftify"ing the fact. Having mentioned Servetus's ftanding "in his opinions even to death, [in his note on 2 Pet. i. 4.] he adds an ironical fcoff, not much leffe cruel

66

❝ than

Object. VIII. "Should you have published "the faults of our great reformer, at a "time when Christianity itself is so boldly "ftruck at; and all the principles of religion fo daringly called in question?"

Anfw. One thing, which has increased the number of infidels, has been the Chriftians making use of so many pious frauds, and winking hard at the faults of perfons of their own way; while they have opened their eyes wide upon the mistakes and foibles of those of a different party.

If ever we would defend our common Christianity effectually, and anfwer the Antirevelationifts to any good purpose, we must give up thofe principles and practices which cannot be fairly defended, and hold fast those alone which may be fupported by truth and evidence.

It is now above 200 years fince the commencement of the reformation. Is it not, then, a fhame and a reproach to proteftants of all denominations, that there should yet among them any pretences to infallibility;

be

or

"than his death itfelf; funt tamen, qui magnam bono "viro injuriam putant factam; i. e. yet, good man! "fome think he had great wrong done him."

Now, in my edition of Beza (printed at Cambridge 1642.) I have the pleasure to find, that this bitter farcafm is left out. And, from thence conclude, that Beza, upon mature confideration, faw he had gone too far; and that it was no wonder, fome thought that Servetus had great wrong done him.-All fuch retractations are very commendable.

or any remains of bigotry and perfecution; the very worst part of Popery? That the free, noble and generous fpirit of benevolence and liberty has not yet had an universal spread among them; and rooted out the spirit of perfecution and uncharitableneffe, in all the kinds and degrees thereof? If fuch a spirit and temper were diffused among us and prevailed, the more fober and confiderate enemies of revelation would be more ready to hearken to what we have to fay. And, as to the body of them, who have never read the Bible through, with any tolerable care and attention; who with Chriftianity may be falfe, because it is convenient for them that it should be fo; inasmuch as it condemns their vices, and threatens them with a righteous judgment to come, and a terrible hereafter; when we had gained the more virtuous and judicious, fuch loose and abandoned perfons, would either be put out of countenance, as having nothing plaufible to fay in their own vindication; or they would show mankind, That they are against revelation, purely becaufe revelation is against them.

At a time when all religion is fo boldly ftruck at, we ought not to load religion with the pretended power and authority of any man, or number of men. We ought to content ourselves with being Chriftians, and not lift ourselves into a party, and glory in the name of particular beads and leaders. One

alone