I Shall not commend your moderation, when you excuse such a man as Bishop Watson.  Nor ought you to be angry with Burnet, but with the witnesses on whose evidence Watson was convicted.  To tell you the truth, I am glad when such faults are found with Burnet; for it shows his enemies are not angry at his telling falsehoods, but the truth.  Must not an historian say a bishop was convicted Of Simony, if he was?  I will tell you what was said of Burnet’s History, by one whose testimony you yourself would not dispute—­at least you would not in any thing else.  That confessor said, “Damn him, he has told a great deal of truth, but where the devil did he learn it?” This was St. Atterbury’s testimony.

I shall take the liberty of reproving you, too, dear Sir, for defending that abominable murderess Queen Christina—­and how can you doubt her conversation with Burnet? you must know there are a thousand evidences of her laughing at the religion she embraced.  If you approve her, I will allow you to Condemn Lord Russel and Algernon Sidney.  Well, as we shall never have the same heroes, we Will not dispute about them, nor shall I find fault when you have given me so much entertainment:  it would be very Ungrateful, and I have a thousand obligations to you, and want to have more.  I want to see more of your manuscripts:  they are full of curiosities, and I love some of your heroes, too:  I honour Bishop Fisher, and love Mr. Baker.  If I might choose, I should like to see your account of the persons educated at King’s-but as you may have objections, I insist, if you have, that you make me no word of answer.  It is, perhaps, impertinent to ask it, and silence will lay neither of us under any difficulty.  I have no right to make such a request, nor do now, but on the foot of its proving totally indifferent to you.  You will make me blame myself, if it should a moment distress you; and I am sure you are too good-natured to put me out of humour with myself, which your making no answer would not do.

I enclose my bills for Mr. Essex, and will trouble you to send them to him.  I again thank you, and trust you will be as friendly free with me, as I have been with you:  you know I am a brother monk in every thing but religious and political opinions.  I only laugh at the thirty’ nine articles:  but abhor Calvin as much as I do the Queen of Sweden, for he was as thorough an assassin.  Yours ever.

P. S. As I have a great mind, and, indeed, ought, when I require it, to show moderation, and when I have not, ought to confess it, which I do, for I Own I am not moderate on certain points; if you are busy yourself and will send me the materials, I will draw up the life 4 Mr. Baker; and, if you are not content with it, you shall burn it in Smithfield.  In good truth, I revere conscientious martyrs, of all sects, communions, and parties—­I heartily pity them, if they are weak men.  When they are as sensible as Mr. Baker, I doubt my own understanding