On Party-Prejudice. 5 
The history of many great characters in free 
states affords numerous examples, to prove the 
danger and folly of communicating and cherishing 
party-prejudice. Its tenacious hold on the most 
powerful intellects is truly astonishing! Is there a 
breast so stceled by party-spirit, as not to. lament 
for human infirmity, when the political bigotry of a 
Milton and a Johnson appear to-view? Milton, 
who strenuously opposed the re-establishment* ef 
limited monarchy, and became the champion of re- 
publicanism, sunk so deeply under the power of 
prejudice, as to glory in being united both in praiset 
* See Milton’s ** Ready and easy Way to establisha 
Commonwealth.” An. 1659. 
+ Tu mihi sic perge maledicere, ut Cromuello pejor tide 
sim, qua nulla majore me laude afficere potuisti.” 
“* Cum presertim non reipublice solum, sed & mej 
quoque intersit, ut, qui eadem infamia tam prope sim con- 
junctus quam optimum eum (viz. Cromwell) atque omni 
laude dignissimum, gentibus, quoad possum, omnibus atque 
czeculis, demonstrarem.”? Milton, Défensio eda, pag.go & 
108, Ed. Toland, Amstelodam, 
It may, indeed, justly be conceded to the apologists of 
Milton, that his general conduct was influenced by the 
purest motives of patriotism; and that his sincerity ought 
‘not to be questioned, when, in a solemn appeal to the 
Deity, he affirms, that a sense of duty, justice, and sin- 
cere regard to the best interests of his country, solely 
guided the pen in all his political writings. 
‘6 Testor itidem Deum, me nihil istiusmodi scyipsisse, 
quod non rectum, & verum, deoque gratum esse & per- 
