_Burnet._--In the list of conflicting judgments on Burnet, quoted by your
correspondents (Vol. i., pp. 40. 120. 181. 341. 493.), I find no reference
to the opinion of his contemporary, Bishop Nicolson. That writer takes a
somewhat partial view of the character and merits of the historian, and
canvasses, by anticipation, much of what has been urged against him by our
more modern critics. But, as the weight of authorities already cited
appears to militate against Burnet, I am induced to send you some of Bishop
Nicolson's remarks, for the sake of those readers who may not have
immediate access to them. I quote from his _English Historical Library_,
2nd edition, p. 119.:
"In the months of December and January in the year following (1680),
the historian (G. Burnet) had the thanks of both Houses of Parliament
for what he had already done; and was desired to proceed to the
finishing of the whole work, which was done accordingly. This historian
gives a punctual account of all the affairs of the Reformation, from
its first beginning in the reign of Henry VIII., till it was finally
completed and settled by Queen Elizabeth, A.D. 1559. And the whole is
penned in such a masculine style as becomes an historian, and such as
is this author's property in all his writings. The collection of
records which he gives in the conclusion of each volume are good
vouchers of the truth of all he delivers (as such) in the body of his
history; and are much more perfect than could reasonably be expected,
after the pains taken, in Queen Mary's days, to suppress everything
that carried the marks of the Reformation upon it. The work has had so
much justice done it, as to meet with a general acceptance abroad, and
to be translated into most of the European languages; insomuch that
even the most piquant of the author's enemies allow it to have a
_reputation firmly and deservedly established_. Indeed, some of the
French writers have cavilled at it; but the most eminent of them (M.
Varillas and M. Le Grand) have received due correction from the author
himself."