SOCINUS (Lælius), the first author of the sect of the Socinians, was born at Siena, in 1525. Being designed by his father for the law, he began very early to search for the foundation of that science in the Word of God; and, by that study, discovered that the Romish religion taught many things contrary to revelation; when, being desirous of penetrating farther into the true sense of the scriptures, he studied Greek, Hebrew, and even Arabic. In 1547, he left Italy, to go and converse with the Protestants; and spent four years in travelling into France, England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland, and at length settled at Zurich. He, by this means, became acquainted with the most learned men of his time, who testified, by their letters, the esteem they had for him; but as he discovered to them his doubts, he was greatly suspected of heresy. He, however, conducted himself with such address, that he lived among the capital enemies of his opinions, without receiving the least injury. He met with some disciples, who heard his instructions with respect; these were Italians who left their native country on account of religion, and wandered about in Germany and Poland. He communicated
Socius
Socman. nicated likewise his sentiments to his relations by his writings, which he caused to be conveyed to them at Sienna. He died at Zurich in 1562. Those who were of the opposite sentiments to his, and were personally acquainted with him, confess that his outward behaviour was blameless. He wrote a Paraphrase on the first Chapter of St John; and other works are ascribed to him.