and theological writings are an unequivocal proof of their learning, abilities and industry. The style and manner in which they have written, and their treatment of those who differ from them, fully evince the goodness of their spirit. Their virtue and benevolence, unstained by superstition, unmixed with bigotry and moroseness, have long refuted the illnatured reflections of their enemies. Their sufferings for conscience sake, and the sacrifices they have made at the shrine of truth, furnish unambigu ous evidence of their integrity and christian zeal.

The learning, piety, candor, and virtuous conduct of those writers called the polish brethren, must be admitted by men of all parties who have attended to their history, and examined their writings, with impartiality; yet in the eyes of many reputed orthodox men they were arrant heretics.

Among what denomination of christians are we to rank some of the greatest scholars, most distinguished philosophers, and profound theologians our own country has produced? Sir Isaac Newton, who explored the most intricate paths of science, and immortalized his name, by placing philosophy on the most solid and rational basis, was a Unitarian. Dr. Samuel Clarke,

a man eminently distinguished by his learning, piety, deep research and acute reasoning, as a theologian, was a Unitarian. William Whiston, whose integrity, piety, and studious habits have never been questioned, was a Unitarian. John Locke, whose comprehensive views, solid reasoning, and liberal sentiments, displayed in his excellent works, will perpetuate his name and procure him honor to the latest generations of men, was a Unitarian. Dr. Lardner, whose excellent writings commanded respect and grateful acknowledgments, even from mitred heads, whose credibility of the gospel history will be a lasting monument to his name, was a Unitarian. To these may be added a Sykes, a Price, a Kippis, a Wakefield, an Enfield, and many others, who have explored the paths of literature, enlarged the walks of science, and enlightened and improved mankind by their labors. All these justly celebrated characters were Unitarians, either of the reputed Arian or Socinian class; with the one or the other of these parties they must be ranked, and share with them the odium or the honor of reputed heretical pravity. One more name I must mention, a name which will be dear to posterity, so long as science is respected, and virtue and

He was

goodness are admired: Dr. Priestley. one of the greatest philosophers, the ablest defenders of revelation, the most laborious writers, and, which is the highest praise of all, one of the best men, his age produced; yet this great man lived and died in the belief of what have long been thought, by reputed orthodox men, the most heretical doctrines. I forbear to mention in this place the names of persons who still live to bless mankind by their instruction, to extend the sphere of human knowledge by their literary labors, and to adorn human nature by their virtues and excellencies, or I might show that some of the wisest and best men now living are exposed to the charge of heresy, as the term is commonly applied, as well as many of the pious dead.

It is worthy of observation that some learned and pious men, as they have advanced in years, have changed their opinions and become what is called heretical. The more they read and thought, and the more deeply they examined subjects, the less orthodox they were. As a sample of persons of this description, may be mentioned Dr. Whitby, Dr. Watts, and Mr. R. Robinson. Many of the reputed heretical teachers of the present day, began in reputed pith dox sentiments, and by further thought

and deeper study have been led to embrace opposite doctrines. It is natural to ask, are men, the further they advance in knowledge, piety and virtue the more liable to fall into error? Are their first or last thoughts, those opinions they adopted with but little examination, or those which they have attained by deep study and research, the most likely to be correct?

For

It is curious to observe how the word heretic has been sported with. In the eyes of the church of Rome all protestants are heretics. Different national churches denominate those who dissent from them sectaries, a word which, if it do not convey the same idea, comes pretty near in meaning to the term heretics: and different parties of dissenters have too frequently branded each other with the name of heretics. merly the application of this term was followed with bonds and imprisonment, tortures and death; at present it is only a bugbear, intended to intimidate and restrain from free enquiry after truth, and discovers nothing so much as the want of argument, and of the true christian spirit, in those who apply it, as a term of reproach, to their christian brethren who differ from them.

By this time the reader may be prepared to attend to the case of Servetus, without bringing with him to the examination of the subject, [the unfavorable and unjust supposition, that he was either weak, ignorant and obstinate, or that he was profane and vicious. Though he died under the charge of heresy he might be a wise and good man; for we have seen that some of the wisest and best of men have been charged with heretical pravity. That Servetus was not weak and ignorant is evident from his literary labors and attainments. On the contrary he must have possessed strong powers of mind, and have been deeply studious, or he could not have done what he did. As to his being charged with obstinacy, nothing has been more common than to charge those with obstinacy who have been firm enough not to act contrary to the convictions of their own minds. What at one time has been deemed constancy in the truth, and been supposed to add lustre to the sufferings of the martyr, has at another time been deemed heretical obstinacy. Had Servetus been a bad man his crimes would not have been concealed, his enemies would no doubt have published them to the world. Could they have impeached his moral character, or detected any thing criminal in his conduct, they would not