The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1893-01-10
JOHN MILTON.
NORMAN VAN pnLr LEWIS.

when we examine the archives and visit
the libraries of the Italian sovereigns. it is
curious to observe how frequently IN the
correspondence of the most eminent writ
ers of the age, we find the name of this
young Englishman mentioned. He seems
to have made acquaintance with men who
were most illustrious for learning and
genius he visited Calico. then grown old
prisoner in the Inquisition. At Paris
he was entertained by Grotius; at Flor
ence he was received into the literary
academies and gained the praise of wits
and scholars by some of his Latin poems
and Italian sonnets."
Milton, in speaking of his tour said,
''Nhilst was on my way back to Rome,
some merchants informed me that the
Eagllsh Jesuits had formed plot against
me If / returned to Rome, because | had
spoken too freely of religion; for it was a
rule which / laid down to myself in these
places, never to be- the first to begin any
conversation on religion. but if any ques-
tions were put to me concerning my
faith, to declare it without any reserve or
fear / nevertheless returned to Rome
took no steps to conceal either my per-
son OF my character, and for about the
space of two months, again openly de-
Tended, as l had done before, the Reformed
religion, in the very metropolis of Popery.'
These words show us his strong re
ligious convictions. and also his fearless
ness, while his loyalty and patriotism are
revealed when his plans for further travel
were suddenly abandoned upon the news
of the rupture between Charles l. and
parliament, and when he said, II thought
it base to be travelling for amusement
abroad while my fellow citizens were fight
ing for liberty at home"
This was the cause of his return home,
where he was destined to spend the re-
mainder of his life. When Milton
reached home he resolved to enter with
all his powers and with all the greatness
OF his mind, into the conflict which was
at that time raging between church and
state But the way was not Immediately
opened for him. He was the lion of the
day, restlessly waiting until he should
enter the arena and sweep all before him
During this period he conducted prl-
vate school in London, and even before
he left Harton, that picturesque home,
near Windsor. and close to Harton church.
we find that he must have given much
time to poetical contemplation. for he ad-
dressed these lines to friend, Some
day l shall address work to posterity
which will perpetuate my name, at least
in the land in which was born"
Milton made his literary debut when he
brought before the public his enthusiastic
eulogy of Shakespeare, written in 1880,
and published in 1882 in a folio edition of
Shakespeare and short timeRrevious to
this he wrote, "At Solemn Music, On
Time" and upon the Circumcision"
He was now beginning to show his
father that he was master of his profession,
a course which be had been advised to
follow for number of years he had re-
ceived his B. A., and three years later his
M. A. from Christ's, and was only waiting
Ofsixteen universities, Christs college
ranked third, and there were about 265
students with Milton. He finished bis
academic course of seven years when he
was twenty-four wears old
1t would be we'll to state that he went
to Cambridge with the intention of study
ing for the ministry, but his reason for
abandoning this work was that tyranny
had invaded the church. He at one time
thought Of law but recoiled from that, too
His life was destined to be one OF scholar
ship and leisurely Independence.
Besides making his great impression
upon, and mastering the English language,
he was also well versed in Greek, Latin,
French, Italian and Hebrew. Many au-
thors of late years, with no little fame
have taken life time to complete works
which this man had but done in prepare
ton for what was to follow.
IT'S true that no one could have had a
better foundation for literary life, for it
must be remembered that ne not only had
advantages but he grasped them. His
mind was grand storehouse of knowl-
edge from which be drew not only literary
fame, but love for religion and high
regard for all that was pure and good.
The words Of encouragement he re-
ceived from his father must have done
much to-spur him on in his works, together
with the many letters he received from
those who were we'll able to testify as to
his good standing.
In l64l the situation of affairs called
forth his FIRST pamphlet, which was vio-
lent attack on the Episcopal church, and
was entitled, "Of Reformation"
His lines produced great controversy
throughout the kingdom and 1t has been
said that for the next twenty years he was
the most powerful and active champion of
Republicanism against Monarchy.
He next appears In an elaborate and
famous series of Works on Divorce" the
outcome ofan unfortunate domestic quar-
rel.
! 1t WAS in l64S, after a very brief court
ship, that Milton married Mary Poweil'
the daughter OF an Oxfordshire koyalist
lin the contrast Of character between
these two people. we find John Milton a
man of profound thought and quiet and
retired tendencies. one who could give bis
whole life for thosa 1orad alYays tE9s:
a. -. -