of society, whether in higher or more humble life, whose approbation is worth enjoying. One word more from Dr. J. "Upon his grave there is supposed to have been no memorial; but in our time a monument has been erected in Westminster Abbey-To the Author of Paradise Lost-by Mr. Benson, who has, in the inscription, bestowed more words upon himself than upon MILTON."-P. 143. "When the inscription for the monument of Philips, in which he was said to be soli Miltoni secundus, was exhibited to Dr. Sprat, then Dean of Westminster, he refused to admit it; the name of MILTON was, in his opinion, too detestable to be read on the wall of a building dedicated to devotion.”—P. 143. And there is no doubt but what Dr. J. thought the sacred walls of Westminster Abbey would have been desecrated by the odious and execrable name of the author of Paradise Lost. He says: 66 Atterbury, who succeeded him, being author of the inscription, permitted its reception. And such is the change ot publick opinion,' said Dr. Gregory, from whom I heard this account, that I have seen erected in the church a statue of that man whose name I once knew considered as a pollution of its walls!"-P. 143. Was there ever any thing so unaccountable, that after prejudice had time to remove the film from the eye of the public, that it should have seen excellencies in the character of MILTON which the purblind, bat's-eyes of Dr. Gregory and Dr. Johnson could never discover; but "none are so blind as those who won't see!" I consider that Johnson's Life of MILTON is a disgrace to the "Lives of the Poets." And that instead of having tarnished the lustre of MILTON'S character, he has erected a permanent monument to his honour and reputation, as a public spirited, noble-minded Briton, the consistent and fearless defender of civil and religious liberty-unbribed and unpensioned! Johnson has by writing it deserved, if not a monument, yet a flat stone to his own memory, on which may be inscribed, "Sacred to the memory of a mean detractor of virtue which he would not appreciate, of principles he could not comprehend, and of piety which he did not imitate-the contracted Tory pensioner, dictionary compiler, high-church bigot, and semi-popish reviler, Dr. Samuel Johnson!" ROYAL PROCLAMATION. No. II. "By the King:" [The Royal Arms prefixed.] "A Proclamation, for calling in and suppressing of two books by JOHN MILTON; the one entitled, Johannis Miltoni Angli pro Propuli Anglicano Defensio, contra Claudii Anonyani alias Salmasii Defensiorum Regiam; and the other in answer to a book entitled, The Portraiture of his Sacred Majesty in his Solitude and Sufferings; and also a third book, entitled, The Obstructors of Justice, written by John Goodwin. "Charles R. "Whereas JOHN MILTON, late of Westminster, in county of Middlesex, hath published in print two several books, [repeating the titles as above,] in both which are contained sundry treasonable passages against us and our government, and most impious endeavours to justifie the horrid and unmatchable murther of our late dear father of glorious memory. "And whereas John Goodwin, late of Coleman Street, London, Clerk, hath also published in print a book entitled, The Obstructors of Justice, written in defence of his said late majesty, And whereas the said JOHN MILTON and John Goodwin are both fled, or so obscure themselves, that no endeavours used for their apprehension can take effect, whereby they might be brought to legal trial, and deservedly receive condign punishment for their treasons and offences. Now, to the end that our good subjects may not be corrupted in their judgments, with such wicked and traiterous principles, as are dispersed and scattered throughout the forementioned books, we, upon the motion of the Commons in parliament now assembled, do herevy straightly charge and command all and every person and persons whatsoever, who live in any city, borough, or town incorporate, within this our kingdom of England, and dominion of Wales, and town of Berwick upon Tweed, in whose hands any of these books are, or hereafter shall be, that they, upon pain of our high displeasure, and the consequence thereof, do forthwith, upon publication of this our command, or within ten days immediately following, deliver, or cause the same to be delivered, to the mayor, bailiff, or other chief officer or magistrate," &c. [Then follow orders to seize upon such books, and to prevent their being reprinted or circulated.] "Given at our Court at Whitehall, the 13th day of August, in the twelfth year of our reign, 1660. "London, printed by John Bill and Christopher Barker, Printers to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, 1660.” No. III. Extracted from a work, entitled, "Some Account of the Life The following is copied from Section III. of the THE book of Orders of Council of State, during the usurpation, found in his Majesty's State Paper Office, presents the poet addressed by a Committee, appointed for the purpose of inviting him into office about six weeks after the martyrdom of the king. "1648-9. March 13. Ordered, That Mr. Whitelocke, Sir Henry Vane, Lord Lisle, Earl of Denbigh, Mr. Martyn, Mr. Lisle, or any two of them, be appointed a Committee to consider what alliances the crown hath formerly had with Forreigne States, and what those States are; and how farr they should be continued, and upon what grounds; and in what manner applications and addresses should be made for the said continuance. "That it be referred to the same Committee to speake with Mr. Milton, to know if he will be employed as Secretary for the Forreigne Tongues, and to report to the Councill. C C |