considered with delight, as a proof of vigorous faculties and
fertile invention; and the last work, whatever it be, has
necessarily most of the grace of novelty. Milton, however it
happened, had this prejudice, and had it to himself.

To that multiplicity of attainments, and extent of comprehension,
that entitled 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
logic for the initiation of students in philosophy; and published
(1672) "Artis Logicae plenior Institutio ad Petri Rami Methodum
concinnata;" that is, "A new Scheme of Logic, according to the
method of Ramus." I know not whether, even in this book, he did not
intend 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 forgot his fears, and published a "Treatise of True
Religion, Heresy, Schism, Toleration, and the Best Means to Prevent
the Growth of Popery."

But this little tract is modestly written, with respectful mention
of the Church 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