we find Servetus, a few hours before his death, sent for Calvin, and asked his pardon for any thing he had said improper in his contention. with him. This showed a spirit of forgiveness, and goodwill, towards his greatest enemy. Calv`n did not meet this overture of the dying man as he ought to have done, instead of consoling, he endeavored to tease him into an acquiescence with his own opinions? and when he found he could not do that he left him, as an irreclaimable heretic. Unfeeling man!

It seems, on his examination at Vienne in Dauphine, Servetus made use of some evasion and prevarication, with a view to shun the cruel death to which he was exposed Though his conduct in this instance cannot be defended, some excuse is to be made for him. He was arrested unexpectedly there; he was, in some degree, taken by surprise; as he had many friends at Vienne, they might advise him to such a conduct. He was but a man, his fears got the better of him, and he was betrayed into that duplicity of conduct which in his heart he disapproved. He is not the only great and good man that ever was overcome by the fear of suffering; it has been the case with many. Peter denied his Master with oaths and cursing, Cranmer recanted in order to

save his life: Peter repented of his conduct; Cranmer repented and became a faithful martyr; so did Servetus, he could not be brought to recant at Geneva, in order to save his life. Why then should what occurred at Vienne be remembered against him, any more than Cranmer's recantation is remembered against him. Servetus was guilty of an improper compliance, in sometimes attending the service of the catholic church at Vienne; but it was impossible to avoid doing this, while he resided there, without risking his safety, and his life. It may be said he might have removed into a protestant country. He had tried that experiment and found there was no rest nor safety for him there. However wrong his seeming compliance, for a time, with what he disapproved might be, he repented of it, and confessed that he had sinned in suffering his fears to influence him so to act. Instead of being severe on those good men, who have fallen into dissimulation to preserve their lives, we should be severe on those abominable proscribing laws which have a tendency to make men hypocrites remembering we know not how we should act were we exposed to their fury.2 A 4

Whatever weakness Servetus might have before displayed, he endured the flames at Geneva, with that magnanimity which became a faithful martyr for truth.

CHAPTER VIII.

To the preceding outline of the life, persecution, writings and opinions of Servetus, this chapter is added in the form of an oration, to bring his character and sufferings, at one view, the more fully before the reader. After having detailed the principal facts, and appealed to the understanding, it is presumed it cannot be improper to offer a more direct address to the feelings, and to adopt a style somewhat declamatory.

It may be thought a novel circumstance, that an address, in some degree resembling what is commonly delivered a few days after the decease of a distinguished character, should be penned for Servetus two centuries and a half after his demise: but the novelty of the thing is no proof of its impropriety. Not knowing that any such mark of respect has hitherto been paid him, and thinking it a tribute due to his memory, I have ventured to include it in this

work, apprehending that it fully comports with its leading design.

If we would wish to be had in everlasting remembrance, and that our memory should be blessed by the righteous and the good, let us learn to disregard the evanescent praise which the voice of ignorance and flattery can bestow, which is undeserving the notice of a wise man; and aspire after that lasting reputation which can only be attained by solid worth and sterling excellence of character. Let us prefer the praise of God to that of men, and be anxious for the honor which cometh from him only. This can be attained only by a life of integrity, virtue, and goodness. Secure of the divine approbation, we need not fear the frowns and reproaches of mortals; for however much they may disparage us now, if we please God, a time will come when they shall be compelled to applaud our conduct.