ed the venom of the calumny and heard of the spiteful revenge to
which I was subject, but not of the unusual sequel of its judicial
discomfiture. All of whom, but especially my friends and countrymen,
amid whom there has happened to me the same that happened to Basil
among _his_ neighbours, I request and beseech by all that is
sacred not rashly to credit mere report, much less the letters which
my adversaries have sent hither and thither through all nations,
especially after they perceived that they were driven from all their
defences at home, judging that they would more easily invest their
lie with belief and authority in distant parts. Fair critics, I doubt
not, will at least suspend their judgment, and not incline to either
side, until there shall have reached them a just narrative of the
facts, truly and freely written by a friend, the publication of which
has hitherto been kept back at my desire." Three additional
testimonials are then appended to show that his reputation had not
suffered in Amsterdam on account of the Saumaise-Bontia scandal, and
especially that the rumour that he had been suspended from
ministerial functions there was utterly untrue. These Amsterdam
testimonials, as being the latest in date, and the most important in
Morus's favour, may be given in abstract:--

_From the Magistrates of Amsterdam, July 11, 1654_:--"Whereas
the Reverend and very learned Mr. Alexander Morus, Professor of
Sacred History in our illustrious School, has complained to us that
one John Milton, in a lately published book, has attacked his
reputation with atrocious calumnies, and has added moreover that
the Magistrates of Amsterdam have interdicted him the pulpit, and
that only his Professorship of Greek remains,... We, &c.,
testify." What they testify is that, since Morus had come to
Amsterdam, "not only had he done nothing which could afford ground
for such calumnies, or was unworthy of a Christian and Theologian,"
but he had also discharged the duties of his Professorship with
extraordinary learning, eloquence and acceptance. So far,
therefore, were the Magistrates from censuring M. Morus that, on
the contrary, they were ready still, on any occasion, to afford him
all the protection and show him all the good will in their power.
The certificate is sealed with the City seal, and signed by "N.
Nicolai," the City clerk.

_From the Amsterdam Church (about same date)_:--Three Pastors