the Rev. W. Turner , Jun. , MA., Lives of the eminent Unitarians

[124] questions, is frequently mentioned in terms of strong censure in the pamphlets published by the ultra-orthodox in the Exeter controversy. It is by no means improbable that some of them both went further than their tutor in the adoption of heterodox sentiments, and were considerably less discreet in divulging them.

Mr. Hallet, after his ejectment, continued joint pastor with Mr. Peirce of the seceding congregation, till his death in 1722, when he was succeeded by his son, already mentioned, the best known and most eminent of the three. He was born in 1692. For a short time he was associated with his father in the conduct of the academy in which he received his education, but not as a regular tutor. At this time he appears first to have corresponded with the celebrated Whiston; and it gives a singular image of the jealous and inquisitorial spirit with which the self-styled champions of orthodoxy were accustomed to keep watch on those whom they suspected of prying into forbidden mysteries, when we learn that Mr. Hallet thought it necessary to request his correspondent not to address his letter directly to himself, since, if it should be known that he maintained a correspondence with such a noted heresiarch, it would be utter ruin to his prospects. Mr. Joseph Hallet was the author of various pieces connected with the leading controversy of the day, so prolific in the productions of the busy pens of many active polemics; but he is best known by a valuable work entitled, ‘A free and impartial Study of the Scriptures recommended; being notes on some peculiar texts, with discourses and observations on various subjects.’