John Toland (2) (1670–1722)

A CRITICAL HISTORY OF THE CELTIC RELIGION

ABSTRACT

LIFE OF JOIIN TOLAND.
OHN TOLAND was born on the 30th November,
1670, in the most northern Peninsula in Ireland, on
the Istlhmus whereof stands Londonderry. That
Peninsula wasoriginally called Inis-Dogan, or Inis-Fogain,
but is now called Enis-Owei. Toland had the name
of Janus Junius given him at the font, and was called
by that name in the school roll every morning; but
the other boys making a jest of it, the master ordered
him to be called John, which name he kept ever after.
Mr. Toland, as far as now can be collected, was the
son of a Popish Priest; and, he hath been abused by
Abbot T'illadet, Bishop IHuetius and others, on the
ground of his alleged illegitimacy: which, were it true,
is à most base and ridiculous reproach; the child, in
such a case, being entirely innocent of the guilt of his
parents. lad Mr. Toland been really illegitimate… (mer)

In 1698 Toland edited Milton's prose works and prefixed a life, also separately published. In this he attributed the 'Ikon Basilike' to Gauden, and remarked that the belief in Charles I's authorship made intelligible the admission in early times of 'so many supposititious pieces under the name of Christ and his Apostles.' He Was attacked by Offspring Blackwell who took this phrase to refer to the cononical gospels. Toland replied effectively in 'Amyntor,' giving a long catalogue of admittedly apocryphal books still extant as mentioned by early writers. He also defended his statement as to the 'Icon Basilika' against Thomas Wagstaff, who supported the Royalist opinion.
Wing T1760… (mer)