this.

[238] Splendid as was the genius of Bolingbroke, the gigantic force of
Warburton obtained the superiority. Had the contest solely
depended on the effusions of genius, Bolingbroke might have
prevailed; but an object more important than human interests
induced the poet to throw himself into the arms of Warburton.

The "Essay on Man" had been reformed by the subtle aid of
Warburton, in opposition to the objectionable principles which
Bolingbroke had infused into his system of philosophy: this,
no doubt, had vexed Bolingbroke. But another circumstance
occurred of a more mortifying nature. When Pope one day showed
Warburton Bolingbroke's "Letters on the Study and Use of
History," printed, but not published, and concealing the name
of the author, Warburton not only made several very free
strictures on that work, but particularly attacked a
digression concerning the authenticity of the Old Testament.
Pope requested him to write his remarks down as they had
occurred, which he instantly did; and Pope was so satisfied
with them, that he crossed out the digression in the printed
book, and sent the animadversions to Lord Bolingbroke, then at
Paris. The style of the great dogmatist, thrown out in heat,
must no doubt have contained many fiery particles, all which
fell into the most inflammable of minds. Pope soon discovered
his officiousness was received with indignation. Yet when
Bolingbroke afterwards met Warburton he dissimulated: he used
the language of compliment, but in a tone which claimed
homage. The two most arrogant geniuses who ever lived, in vain
exacted submission from each other: they could allow of no
divided empire, and they were born to hate each other.
Bolingbroke suppressed his sore feelings, for at that very
time he was employed in collecting matter to refute the
objections; treasuring up his secret vengeance against Pope
and Warburton, which he threw out immediately on the death of
Pope. I collect these particulars from Ruffhead, p. 527, and
whenever, in that volume, Warburton's name is introduced, it
must be considered as coming from himself.

The reasonings of Bolingbroke appear at times to have
disturbed the religi