[272] him profane and ungodly. It will be kind to use all the proper methods we can to convince and reclaim him; but to condemn, anathematize, and censure him as a heretic, and then cry, Away with him from the earth, this is the very spirit of the Inquisition, and a conduct worthy only of that shameless church who has no bounds to her claims, nor any pity or remorse to those that dispute them.
See Historical proofs and illustrations of the Hewley case, p. 91.
Mr. L. devoted himself with great diligence to all branches of study connected with his profession, but more especially to Jewish learning and antiquities, in which he became a thorough proficient; justly conceiving that the most important light is thus to be thrown on the doctrines of the New Testament, in which there are continual references and allusions to the rites and customs of the Jews, both those which are founded on the Mosaic law, and such as had been added on the authority of human tradition. The result of these studies he laid before the public in several very curious and valuable publications, particularly a dissertation ‘on the Civil Government of the Hebrews,’ in which the true design and nature of their government are explained, and the justice, wisdom, and goodness of the Mosaical constitution are vindicated; in particular from some unfair and false representations of them in the ‘Moral Philosopher,’ 1740. Also, ‘A Rationale of the Ritual of the Hebrew Worship;’ in which the wise designs and usefulness of that Ritual are explained and vindicated from objections, 1748. He published, in 1745, a Paraphrase and Notes
