Called to account for his views before the university senate, he was found to have “rationalistic” views that denied the plenary inspiration of scripture and the existence of the devil and demons, and that focused attention on scriptural obscurities. He was removed from the Christian diaconate and compelled to leave Basel; and so he set up residence in Amsterdam, where he continued his work. He later claimed that all the controversy had forced a delay of twenty years in the publication of his edition of the Greek New Testament (1751–52). Even so, this was a magnificent edition, still of value
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