TO LAND. 303 and candid discussion of the grounds of our faith, which must eventually lead to i t s surer establishment, o n the solid basis o f sound reason and argument. Among these was the celebrated Locke, than whom a more pious and sincere christian never existed; who regarded Toland a s a young man o f considerable genius and splendid acquire ments, and who admitted him on that account t o some share o f his notice, though b y n o means t o his intimacy; considering that his subsequent value was t o b e estimated b y the uses t o which those gifts might b e applied. Vanity formed a predominant feature i n the character o f Toland, and this principally induced Mr. Locke t o b e s o guarded i n his reception o f him. I n one o f his letters t o the patriotic Molyneux, h e observes, “If his exceeding great value o f himself d o not deprive the world o f that useful ness that his parts, i f rightly conducted, might b e of, I shall b e very glad. I always value men o f parts and learning, and I think I cannot d o too much i n procuring them friends and assistance: but there may happen occa sions that may make one stop one's hand; and i t i s the hopes young men give, o f what use they will make o f their parts, which i s t o me the encouragement o f being concerned for them; but i f vanity increases with age, I always fear whither i t will lead a man.” This estimate of Toland's character was but too well founded. The book had already produced much clamour i n Ireland, and this was greatly increased o n the personal appearance o f the author i n Dublin, i n April 1697. “There i s a violent sort o f spirit that reigns here,” writes Moly neux, “ which begins already t o shew itself against him; and I believe will increase daily; for I find the clergy alarmed t o a mighty degree against him
and last Sunday h e had his welcome t o this city b y hear ing himself harangued against out o f the pulpit b y a prelate o f this country.” The behaviour o f Toland was not o f a nature t o conciliate the animosity which his writings had originated. Within a few weeks after his arrival, Mr. Molyneux observes, “Truly, t o b e free, I d o not think his management since h e came into this city,
