TOLAND (John), a very famous writer, was born near Londonderry in Ireland, 1670, and educated in the Popish religion; but at sixteen years of age embraced the principles of the Protestants. He studied three years at the university of Glasgow; was created master of arts in the university of Edinburgh; and afterwards completed his studies at Leyden, where he resided two years. He then went to Oxford, where, having the advantage of the public library, he collected materials upon various subjects, and composed some pieces, among which was, A Dissertation to prove the received history of the tragical death of Atilius Regulus, the Roman consul, to be a fable. He began likewise a work of greater consequence, in which he undertook to show that there are no mysteries in the Christian religion. He published it in 1696 at London, under the title of Christianity not mysterious. This book gave great offence, and was attacked by several writers. He afterward wrote in favour of the Hanoverian succession, and many other pieces. In 1717 he went into Germany, where he visited
fitted several courts; and in 1710 he was introduced to prince Eugene, who gave him several marks of his generosity. Upon his return to England he was for some time supported by the liberality of the earl of Oxford lord-treasurer, and kept a country-house at Epsom; but soon losing his lordship's favour, he published several pamphlets against that minister's measures. In the four last years of his life he lived at Potney, but used to spend most part of the winter in London. Mr Toland died at London in 1722. He was a man of uncommon abilities, published a number of curious tracts, and was perhaps the most learned of all the infidel writers: but his private character was far from being an amiable one; for he was extremely vain, and wanted those social virtues which are the chief ornaments as well as duties of life. His posthumous works, 2 vols 8vo, were published in 1726, with an account of his life and writings, by Mr Desmaizeaux.