It is impossible not to wish that so much heroism had been less alloyed by intemperance and intolerance.

[116] Among the clergy of the Church of England Johnson found no sympathy.

He had attempted to justify rebellion; he had even hinted approbation of regicide; and they still, in spite of much provocation, clung to the doctrine of nonresistance.

But they saw with alarm and concern the progress of what they considered as a noxious superstition, and, while they abjured all thought of defending their religion by the sword, betook themselves manfully to weapons of a different kind.

To preach against the errors of Popery was now regarded by them as a point of duty and a point of honour.