HONOUREDSIR，
SinceyouarepleasedtoinquirewhataremythoughtsaboutthemutualtolerationofChristiansintheirdifferentprofessionsofreligion，I
mustneedsansweryoufreelythatIesteemthattolerationtobethechiefcharacteristicmarkofthetrueChurch。Forwhatsoeversomepeopleboastoftheantiquityofplacesandnames，orofthepompoftheiroutwardworship；
others，ofthereformationoftheirdiscipline；all，oftheorthodoxyoftheirfaith-foreveryoneisorthodoxtohimself-thesethings，andallothersofthisnature，aremuchrathermarksofmenstrivingforpowerandempireoveroneanotherthanoftheChurchofChrist。Letanyonehaveneversotrueaclaimtoallthesethings，yetifhebedestituteofcharity，meekness，andgood-willingeneraltowardsallmankind，eventothosethatarenotChristians，heiscertainlyyetshortofbeingatrueChristianhimself。\"ThekingsoftheGentilesexerciseleadershipoverthem，\"saidourSaviourtohisdisciples，\"butyeshallnotbeso\"（Luke22。25）。Thebusinessoftruereligionisquiteanotherthing。Itisnotinstitutedinordertotheerectingofanexternalpomp，nortotheobtainingofecclesiasticaldominion，nortotheexercisingofcompulsiveforce，buttotheregulatingofmen’slives，accordingtotherulesofvirtueandpiety。WhosoeverwilllisthimselfunderthebannerofChrist，must，inthefirstplaceandaboveallthings，makewaruponhisownlustsandvices。ItisinvainforanymantounsurpthenameofChristian，withoutholinessoflife，purityofmanners，benignityandmeeknessofspirit。\"LeteveryonethatnameththenameofChrist，departfrominiquity\"（IITim。2。19）。\"Thou，whenthouartconverted，strengthenthybrethren，\"saidourLordtoPeter（Luke22。
32）。Itwould，indeed，beveryhardforonethatappearscarelessabouthisownsalvationtopersuademethathewereextremelyconcernedformine。
ForitisimpossiblethatthoseshouldsincerelyandheartilyapplythemselvestomakeotherpeopleChristians，whohavenotreallyembracedtheChristianreligionintheirownhearts。IftheGospelandtheapostlesmaybecredited，nomancanbeaChristianwithoutcharityandwithoutthatfaithwhichworks，notbyforce，butbylove。Now，Iappealtotheconsciencesofthosethatpersecute，torment，destroy，andkillothermenuponpretenceofreligion，whethertheydoitoutoffriendshipandkindnesstowardsthemorno？AndIshallthenindeed，andnotuntilthen，believetheydoso，whenIshallseethosefieryzealotscorrecting，inthesamemanner，theirfriendsandfamiliaracquaintanceforthemanifestsinstheycommitagainstthepreceptsoftheGospel；whenIshallseethempersecutewithfireandswordthemembersoftheirowncommunionthataretaintedwithenormousvicesandwithoutamendmentareindangerofeternalperdition；andwhenIshallseethemthusexpresstheirloveanddesireofthesalvationoftheirsoulsbytheinflictionoftormentsandexerciseofallmannerofcruelties。
Forifitbeoutofaprincipleofcharity，astheypretend，andlovetomen’ssoulsthattheydeprivethemoftheirestates，maimthemwithcorporalpunishments，starveandtormenttheminnoisomeprisons，andintheendeventakeawaytheirlives-Isay，ifallthisbedonemerelytomakemenChristiansandprocuretheirsalvation，whythendotheysufferwhoredom，fraud，malice，andsuch-likeenormities，which（accordingtotheapostle；
Rom。I）。manifestlyrelishofheathenishcorruption，topredominatesomuchandaboundamongsttheirflocksandpeople？These，andsuch-likethings，arecertainlymorecontrarytothegloryofGod，tothepurityoftheChurch，andtothesalvationofsouls，thananyconscientiousdissentfromecclesiasticaldecisions，orseparationfrompublicworship，whilstaccompaniedwithinnocenceoflife。Why，then，doesthisburningzealforGod，fortheChurch，andforthesalvationofsouls-burningIsay，literally，withfireandfaggot-
passbythosemoralvicesandwickednesses，withoutanychastisement，whichareacknowledgedbyallmentobediametricallyoppositetotheprofessionofChristianity，andbendallitsnerveseithertotheintroducingofceremonies，ortotheestablishmentofopinions，whichforthemostpartareaboutniceandintricatematters，thatexceedthecapacityofordinaryunderstandings？
Whichofthepartiescontendingaboutthesethingsisintheright，whichofthemisguiltyofschismorheresy，whetherthosethatdomineerorthosethatsuffer，willthenatlastbemanifestwhenthecausesoftheirseparationcomestobejudgedofHe，certainly，thatfollowsChrist，embracesHisdoctrine，andbearsHisyoke，thoughheforsakebothfatherandmother，separatefromthepublicassembliesandceremoniesofhiscountry，orwhomsoeverorwhatsoeverelseherelinquishes，willnotthenbejudgedaheretic。Now，thoughthedivisionsthatareamongstsectsshouldbeallowedtobeneversoobstructiveofthesalvationofsouls；yet，nevertheless，adultery，fornication，uncleanliness，lasciviousness，idolatry，andsuch-likethings，cannotbedeniedtobeworksoftheflesh，concerningwhichtheapostlehasexpresslydeclaredthat\"theywhodothemshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod\"（Gal。5）。Whosoever，therefore，issincerelysolicitousaboutthekingdomofGodandthinksithisdutytoendeavourtheenlargementofitamongstmen，oughttoapplyhimselfwithnolesscareandindustrytotherootingoutoftheseimmoralitiesthantotheextirpationofsects。Butifanyonedootherwise，andwhilstheiscruelandimplacabletowardsthosethatdifferfromhiminopinion，hebeindulgenttosuchiniquitiesandimmoralitiesasareunbecomingthenameofaChristian，letsuchaonetalkneversomuchoftheChurch，heplainlydemonstratesbyhisactionsthatitisanotherkingdomheaimsatandnottheadvancementofthekingdomofGod。Thatanymanshouldthinkfittocauseanotherman-whosesalvationheheartilydesires-toexpireintorments，andthateveninanunconvertedstate，would，Iconfess，seemverystrangetome，andIthink，toanyotheralso。Butnobody，surely，willeverbelievethatsuchacarriagecanproceedfromcharity，love，orgoodwill。Ifanyonemaintainthatmenoughttobecompelledbyfireandswordtoprofesscertaindoctrines，andconformtothisorthatexteriorworship，withoutanyregardhaduntotheirmorals；
ifanyoneendeavourtoconvertthosethatareerroneousuntothefaith，byforcingthemtoprofessthingsthattheydonotbelieveandallowingthemtopractisethingsthattheGospeldoesnotpermit，itcannotbedoubtedindeedbutsuchaoneisdesiroustohaveanumerousassemblyjoinedinthesameprofessionwithhimself；butthatheprincipallyintendsbythosemeanstocomposeatrulyChristianChurchisaltogetherincredible。Itisnot，therefore，tobewonderedatifthosewhodonotreallycontendfortheadvancementofthetruereligion，andoftheChurchofChrist，makeuseofarmsthatdonotbelongtotheChristianwarfare。If，liketheCaptainofoursalvation，theysincerelydesiredthegoodofsouls，theywouldtreadinthestepsandfollowtheperfectexampleofthatPrinceofPeace，whosentoutHissoldierstothesubduingofnations，andgatheringthemintoHisChurch，notarmedwiththesword，orotherinstrumentsofforce，butpreparedwiththeGospelofpeaceandwiththeexemplaryholinessoftheirconversation。ThiswasHismethod。Thoughifinfidelsweretobeconvertedbyforce，ifthosethatareeitherblindorobstinateweretobedrawnofffromtheirerrorsbyarmedsoldiers，weknowverywellthatitwasmuchmoreeasyforHimtodoitwitharmiesofheavenlylegionsthanforanysonoftheChurch，howpotentsoever，withallhisdragoons。ThetolerationofthosethatdifferfromothersinmattersofreligionissoagreeabletotheGospelofJesusChrist，andtothegenuinereasonofmankind，thatitseemsmonstrousformentobesoblindasnottoperceivethenecessityandadvantageofitinsoclearalight。Iwillnotheretaxtheprideandambitionofsome，thepassionanduncharitablezealofothers。Thesearefaultsfromwhichhumanaffairscanperhapsscarceeverbeperfectlyfreed；butyetsuchasnobodywillbeartheplainimputationof，withoutcoveringthemwithsomespeciouscolour；andsopretendtocommendation，whilsttheyarecarriedawaybytheirownirregularpassions。
But，however，thatsomemaynotcolourtheirspiritofpersecutionandunchristiancrueltywithapretenceofcareofthepublicwealandobservationofthelaws；andthatothers，underpretenceofreligion，maynotseekimpunityfortheirlibertinismandlicentiousness；inaword，thatnonemayimposeeitheruponhimselforothers，bythepretencesofloyaltyandobediencetotheprince，oroftendernessandsincerityintheworshipofGod；Iesteemitaboveallthingsnecessarytodistinguishexactlythebusinessofcivilgovernmentfromthatofreligionandtosettlethejustboundsthatliebetweentheoneandtheother。Ifthisbenotdone，therecanbenoendputtothecontroversiesthatwillbealwaysarisingbetweenthosethathave，oratleastpretendtohave，ontheoneside，aconcernmentfortheinterestofmen’ssouls，and，ontheotherside，acareofthecommonwealth。Thecommonwealthseemstometobeasocietyofmenconstitutedonlyfortheprocuring，preserving，andadvancingtheirowncivilinterests。CivilinterestsIcalllife，liberty，health，andindolencyofbody；
andthepossessionofoutwardthings，suchasmoney，lands，houses，furniture，andthelike。Itisthedutyofthecivilmagistrate，bytheimpartialexecutionofequallaws，tosecureuntoallthepeopleingeneralandtoeveryoneofhissubjectsinparticularthejustpossessionofthesethingsbelongingtothislife。Ifanyonepresumetoviolatethelawsofpublicjusticeandequity，establishedforthepreservationofthosethings，hispresumptionistobecheckedbythefearofpunishment，consistingofthedeprivationordiminutionofthosecivilinterests，orgoods，whichotherwisehemightandoughttoenjoy。Butseeingnomandoeswillinglysufferhimselftobepunishedbythedeprivationofanypartofhisgoods，andmuchlessofhislibertyorlife，therefore，isthemagistratearmedwiththeforceandstrengthofallhissubjects，inordertothepunishmentofthosethatviolateanyotherman’srights。Nowthatthewholejurisdictionofthemagistratereachesonlytothesecivilconcernments，andthatallcivilpower，rightanddominion，isboundedandconfinedtotheonlycareofpromotingthesethings；andthatitneithercannoroughtinanymannertobeextendedtothesalvationofsouls，thesefollowingconsiderationsseemuntomeabundantlytodemonstrate。First，becausethecareofsoulsisnotcommittedtothecivilmagistrate，anymorethantoothermen。Itisnotcommitteduntohim，Isay，byGod；
becauseitappearsnotthatGodhasevergivenanysuchauthoritytoonemanoveranotherastocompelanyonetohisreligion。Norcananysuchpowerbevestedinthemagistratebytheconsentofthepeople，becausenomancansofarabandonthecareofhisownsalvationasblindlytoleavetothechoiceofanyother，whetherprinceorsubject，toprescribetohimwhatfaithorworshipheshallembrace。Fornomancan，ifhewould，conformhisfaithtothedictatesofanother。Allthelifeandpoweroftruereligionconsistintheinwardandfullpersuasionofthemind；andfaithisnotfaithwithoutbelieving。Whateverprofessionwemake，towhateveroutwardworshipweconform，ifwearenotfullysatisfiedinourownmindthattheoneistrueandtheotherwellpleasinguntoGod，suchprofessionandsuchpractice，farfrombeinganyfurtherance，areindeedgreatobstaclestooursalvation。Forinthismanner，insteadofexpiatingothersinsbytheexerciseofreligion，Isay，inofferingthusuntoGodAlmightysuchaworshipasweesteemtobedispleasinguntoHim，weadduntothenumberofourothersinsthosealsoofhypocrisyandcontemptofHisDivineMajesty。Inthesecondplace，thecareofsoulscannotbelongtothecivilmagistrate，becausehispowerconsistsonlyinoutwardforce；buttrueandsavingreligionconsistsintheinwardpersuasionofthemind，withoutwhichnothingcanbeacceptabletoGod。Andsuchisthenatureoftheunderstanding，thatitcannotbecompelledtothebeliefofanythingbyoutwardforce。Confiscationofestate，imprisonment，torments，nothingofthatnaturecanhaveanysuchefficacyastomakemenchangetheinwardjudgementthattheyhaveframedofthings。Itmayindeedbeallegedthatthemagistratemaymakeuseofarguments，and，thereby；drawtheheterodoxintothewayoftruth，andprocuretheirsalvation。Igrantit；butthisiscommontohimwithothermen。Inteaching，instructing，andredressingtheerroneousbyreason，hemaycertainlydowhatbecomesanygoodmantodo。MagistracydoesnotobligehimtoputoffeitherhumanityorChristianity；butitisonethingtopersuade，anothertocommand；onethingtopresswitharguments，anotherwithpenalties。
Thiscivilpoweralonehasarighttodo；totheother，goodwillisauthorityenough。Everymanhascommissiontoadmonish，exhort，convinceanotheroferror，and，byreasoning，todrawhimintotruth；buttogivelaws，receiveobedience，andcompelwiththesword，belongstononebutthemagistrate。
And，uponthisground，Iaffirmthatthemagistrate’spowerextendsnottotheestablishingofanyarticlesoffaith，orformsofworship，bytheforceofhislaws。Forlawsareofnoforceatallwithoutpenalties，andpenaltiesinthiscaseareabsolutelyimpertinent，becausetheyarenotpropertoconvincethemind。Neithertheprofessionofanyarticlesoffaith，northeconformitytoanyoutwardformofworship（ashasbeenalreadysaid），canbeavailabletothesalvationofsouls，unlessthetruthoftheoneandtheacceptablenessoftheotheruntoGodbethoroughlybelievedbythosethatsoprofessandpractise。Butpenaltiesarenowaycapabletoproducesuchbelief。Itisonlylightandevidencethatcanworkachangeinmen’sopinions；whichlightcaninnomannerproceedfromcorporalsufferings，oranyotheroutwardpenalties。Inthethirdplace，thecareofthesalvationofmen’ssoulscannotbelongtothemagistrate；because，thoughtherigouroflawsandtheforceofpenaltieswerecapabletoconvinceandchangemen’sminds，yetwouldnotthathelpatalltothesalvationoftheirsouls。Fortherebeingbutonetruth，onewaytoheaven，whathopeistherethatmoremenwouldbeledintoitiftheyhadnorulebutthereligionofthecourtandwereputunderthenecessitytoquitthelightoftheirownreason，andopposethedictatesoftheirownconsciences，andblindlytoresignthemselvesuptothewilloftheirgovernorsandtothereligionwhicheitherignorance，ambition，orsuperstitionhadchancedtoestablishinthecountrieswheretheywereborn？Inthevarietyandcontradictionofopinionsinreligion，whereintheprincesoftheworldareasmuchdividedasintheirsecularinterests，thenarrowwaywouldbemuchstraitened；onecountryalonewouldbeintheright，andalltherestoftheworldputunderanobligationoffollowingtheirprincesinthewaysthatleadtodestruction；andthatwhichheightenstheabsurdity，andveryillsuitsthenotionofaDeity，menwouldowetheireternalhappinessormiserytotheplacesoftheirnativity。Theseconsiderations，toomitmanyothersthatmighthavebeenurgedtothesamepurpose，seemuntomesufficienttoconcludethatallthepowerofcivilgovernmentrelatesonlytomen’scivilinterests，isconfinedtothecareofthethingsofthisworld，andhathnothingtodowiththeworldtocome。Letusnowconsiderwhatachurchis。Achurch，then，Itaketobeavoluntarysocietyofmen，joiningthemselvestogetheroftheirownaccordinordertothepublicworshippingofGodinsuchmannerastheyjudgeacceptabletoHim，andeffectualtothesalvationoftheirsouls。Isayitisafreeandvoluntarysociety。Nobodyisbornamemberofanychurch；otherwisethereligionofparentswoulddescenduntochildrenbythesamerightofinheritanceastheirtemporalestates，andeveryonewouldholdhisfaithbythesametenurehedoeshislands，thanwhichnothingcanbeimaginedmoreabsurd。Thus，therefore，thatmatterstands。Nomanbynatureisbounduntoanyparticularchurchorsect，buteveryonejoinshimselfvoluntarilytothatsocietyinwhichhebelieveshehasfoundthatprofessionandworshipwhichistrulyacceptabletoGod。Thehopeofsalvation，asitwastheonlycauseofhisentranceintothatcommunion，soitcanbetheonlyreasonofhisstaythere。Forifafterwardshediscoveranythingeithererroneousinthedoctrineorincongruousintheworshipofthatsocietytowhichhehasjoinedhimself，whyshoulditnotbeasfreeforhimtogooutasitwastoenter？Nomemberofareligioussocietycanbetiedwithanyotherbondsbutwhatproceedfromthecertainexpectationofeternallife。Achurch，then，isasocietyofmembersvoluntarilyunitingtothatend。Itfollowsnowthatweconsiderwhatisthepowerofthischurchanduntowhatlawsitissubject。Forasmuchasnosociety，howfreesoever，oruponwhatsoeverslightoccasioninstituted，whetherofphilosophersforlearning，ofmerchantsforcommerce，orofmenofleisureformutualconversationanddiscourse，nochurchorcompany，Isay，canintheleastsubsistandholdtogether，butwillpresentlydissolveandbreakinpieces，unlessitberegulatedbysomelaws，andthemembersallconsenttoobservesomeorder。Placeandtimeofmeetingmustbeagreedon；rulesforadmittingandexcludingmembersmustbeestablished；distinctionofofficers，andputtingthingsintoaregularcourse，andsuchlike，cannotbeomitted。Butsincethejoiningtogetherofseveralmembersintothischurch-society，ashasalreadybeendemonstrated，isabsolutelyfreeandspontaneous，itnecessarilyfollowsthattherightofmakingitslawscanbelongtononebutthesocietyitself；
or，atleast（whichisthesamething），tothosewhomthesocietybycommonconsenthasauthorisedthereunto。Some，perhaps，mayobjectthatnosuchsocietycanbesaidtobeatruechurchunlessithaveinitabishoporpresbyter，withrulingauthorityderivedfromtheveryapostles，andcontinueddowntothepresenttimesbyanuninterruptedsuccession。TotheseIanswer：Inthefirstplace，letthemshowmetheedictbywhichChristhasimposedthatlawuponHisChurch。Andletnotanymanthinkmeimpertinent，ifinathingofthisconsequenceIrequirethatthetermsofthatedictbeveryexpressandpositive；forthepromiseHehasmadeus（Matt。18。20），that\"wheresoevertwoorthreearegatheredtogether\"inHisname，Hewillbeinthemidstofthem，seemstoimplythecontrary。Whethersuchanassemblywantanythingnecessarytoatruechurch，praydoyouconsider。CertainIamthatnothingcanbetherewantinguntothesalvationofsouls，whichissufficienttoourpurpose。Next，prayobservehowgreathavealwaysbeenthedivisionsamongsteventhosewholaysomuchstressupontheDivineinstitutionandcontinuedsuccessionofacertainorderofrulersintheChurch。Now，theirverydissensionunavoidablyputsusuponanecessityofdeliberatingand，consequently，allowsalibertyofchoosingthatwhichuponconsiderationweprefer。And，inthelastplace，Iconsentthatthesemenhavearulerintheirchurch，establishedbysuchalongseriesofsuccessionastheyjudgenecessary，providedImayhavelibertyatthesametimetojoinmyselftothatsocietyinwhichIampersuadedthosethingsaretobefoundwhicharenecessarytothesalvationofmysoul。Inthismannerecclesiasticallibertywillbepreservedonallsides，andnomanwillhavealegislatorimposeduponhimbutwhomhimselfhaschosen。Butsincemenaresosolicitousaboutthetruechurch，Iwouldonlyaskthemhere，bytheway，ifitbenotmoreagreeabletotheChurchofChristtomaketheconditionsofhercommunionconsistinsuchthings，andsuchthingsonly，astheHolySpirithasintheHolyScripturesdeclared，inexpresswords，tobenecessarytosalvation；Iask，Isay，whetherthisbenotmoreagreeabletotheChurchofChristthanformentoimposetheirowninventionsandinterpretationsuponothersasiftheywereofDivineauthority，andtoestablishbyecclesiasticallaws，asabsolutelynecessarytotheprofessionofChristianity，suchthingsastheHolyScripturesdoeithernotmention，oratleastnotexpresslycommand？Whosoeverrequiresthosethingsinordertoecclesiasticalcommunion，whichChristdoesnotrequireinordertolifeeternal，hemay，perhaps，indeedconstituteasocietyaccommodatedtohisownopinionandhisownadvantage；buthowthatcanbecalledtheChurchofChristwhichisestablisheduponlawsthatarenotHis，andwhichexcludessuchpersonsfromitscommunionasHewillonedayreceiveintotheKingdomofHeaven，Iunderstandnot。Butthisbeingnotaproperplacetoinquireintothemarksofthetruechurch，Iwillonlymindthosethatcontendsoearnestlyforthedecreesoftheirownsociety，andthatcryoutcontinually，\"TheChurch！theChurch！\"withasmuchnoise，andperhapsuponthesameprinciple，astheEphesiansilversmithsdidfortheirDiana；this，Isay，Idesiretomindthemof，thattheGospelfrequentlydeclaresthatthetruedisciplesofChristmustsufferpersecution；
butthattheChurchofChristshouldpersecuteothers，andforceothersbyfireandswordtoembraceherfaithanddoctrine，IcouldneveryetfindinanyofthebooksoftheNewTestament。Theendofareligioussociety（ashasalreadybeensaid）isthepublicworshipofGodand，bymeansthereof，theacquisitionofeternallife。
Alldisciplineought，therefore，totendtothatend，andallecclesiasticallawstobethereuntoconfined。Nothingoughtnorcanbetransactedinthissocietyrelatingtothepossessionofcivilandworldlygoods。Noforceisheretobemadeuseofuponanyoccasionwhatsoever。Forforcebelongswhollytothecivilmagistrate，andthepossessionofalloutwardgoodsissubjecttohisjurisdiction。But，itmaybeasked，bywhatmeansthenshallecclesiasticallawsbeestablished，iftheymustbethusdestituteofallcompulsivepower？I
answer：Theymustbeestablishedbymeanssuitabletothenatureofsuchthings，whereoftheexternalprofessionandobservation-ifnotproceedingfromathoroughconvictionandapprobationofthemind-isaltogetheruselessandunprofitable。Thearmsbywhichthemembersofthissocietyaretobekeptwithintheirdutyareexhortations，admonitions，andadvices。Ifbythesemeanstheoffenderswillnotbereclaimed，andtheerroneousconvinced，thereremainsnothingfurthertobedonebutthatsuchstubbornandobstinatepersons，whogivenogroundtohopefortheirreformation，shouldbecastoutandseparatedfromthesociety。Thisisthelastandutmostforceofecclesiasticalauthority。Nootherpunishmentcantherebybeinflictedthanthat，therelationceasingbetweenthebodyandthememberwhichiscutoff。Thepersonsocondemnedceasestobeapartofthatchurch。Thesethingsbeingthusdetermined，letusinquire，inthenextplace：
Howfarthedutyoftolerationextends，andwhatisrequiredfromeveryonebyit？And，first，Iholdthatnochurchisbound，bythedutyoftoleration，toretainanysuchpersoninherbosomas，afteradmonition，continuesobstinatelytooffendagainstthelawsofthesociety。For，thesebeingtheconditionofcommunionandthebondofthesociety，ifthebreachofthemwerepermittedwithoutanyanimadversionthesocietywouldimmediatelybetherebydissolved。But，nevertheless，inallsuchcasescareistobetakenthatthesentenceofexcommunication，andtheexecutionthereof，carrywithitnoroughusageofwordoractionwherebytheejectedpersonmayanywisebedamnifiedinbodyorestate。Forallforce（ashasoftenbeensaid）belongsonlytothemagistrate，noroughtanyprivatepersonsatanytimetouseforce，unlessitbeinself-defenceagainstunjustviolence。
Excommunicationneitherdoes，norcan，deprivetheexcommunicatedpersonofanyofthosecivilgoodsthatheformerlypossessed。Allthosethingsbelongtothecivilgovernmentandareunderthemagistrate’sprotection。
Thewholeforceofexcommunicationconsistsonlyinthis：that，theresolutionofthesocietyinthatrespectbeingdeclared，theunionthatwasbetweenthebodyandsomemembercomestherebytobedissolved；and，thatrelationceasing，theparticipationofsomecertainthingswhichthesocietycommunicatedtoitsmembers，anduntowhichnomanhasanycivilright，comesalsotocease。Forthereisnocivilinjurydoneuntotheexcommunicatedpersonbythechurchminister’srefusinghimthatbreadandwine，inthecelebrationoftheLord’sSupper，whichwasnotboughtwithhisbutothermen’smoney。Secondly，noprivatepersonhasanyrightinanymannertoprejudiceanotherpersoninhiscivilenjoymentsbecauseheisofanotherchurchorreligion。Alltherightsandfranchisesthatbelongtohimasaman，orasadenizen，areinviolablytobepreservedtohim。Thesearenotthebusinessofreligion。Noviolencenorinjuryistobeofferedhim，whetherhebeChristianorPagan。Nay，wemustnotcontentourselveswiththenarrowmeasuresofbarejustice；charity，bounty，andliberalitymustbeaddedtoit。ThistheGospelenjoins，thisreasondirects，andthisthatnaturalfellowshipwearebornintorequiresofus。Ifanymanerrfromtherightway，itishisownmisfortune，noinjurytothee；northereforeartthoutopunishhiminthethingsofthislifebecausethousupposesthewillbemiserableinthatwhichistocome。WhatIsayconcerningthemutualtolerationofprivatepersonsdifferingfromoneanotherinreligion，Iunderstandalsoofparticularchurcheswhichstand，asitwere，inthesamerelationtoeachotherasprivatepersonsamongthemselves：norhasanyoneofthemanymannerofjurisdictionoveranyother；no，notevenwhenthecivilmagistrate（asitsometimeshappens）comestobeofthisortheothercommunion。Forthecivilgovernmentcangivenonewrighttothechurch，northechurchtothecivilgovernment。
Sothat，whetherthemagistratejoinhimselftoanychurch，orseparatefromit，thechurchremainsalwaysasitwasbefore-afreeandvoluntarysociety。Itneitherrequiresthepoweroftheswordbythemagistrate’scomingtoit，nordoesitlosetherightofinstructionandexcommunicationbyhisgoingfromit。Thisisthefundamentalandimmutablerightofaspontaneoussociety-thatithaspowertoremoveanyofitsmemberswhotransgresstherulesofitsinstitution；butitcannot，bytheaccessionofanynewmembers，acquireanyrightofjurisdictionoverthosethatarenotjoinedwithit。Andthereforepeace，equity，andfriendshiparealwaysmutuallytobeobservedbyparticularchurches，inthesamemannerasbyprivatepersons，withoutanypretenceofsuperiorityorjurisdictionoveroneanother。Thatthethingmaybemadeclearerbyanexample，letussupposetwochurches-theoneofArminians，theotherofCalvinists-residinginthecityofConstantinople。Willanyonesaythateitherofthesechurcheshasrighttodeprivethemembersoftheotheroftheirestatesandliberty（asweseepractisedelsewhere）becauseoftheirdifferingfromitinsomedoctrinesandceremonies，whilsttheTurks，inthemeanwhile，silentlystandbyandlaughtoseewithwhatinhumancrueltyChristiansthusrageagainstChristians？Butifoneofthesechurcheshaththispoweroftreatingtheotherill，Iaskwhichofthemitistowhomthatpowerbelongs，andbywhatright？Itwillbeanswered，undoubtedly，thatitistheorthodoxchurchwhichhastherightofauthorityovertheerroneousorheretical。
Thisis，ingreatandspeciouswords，tosayjustnothingatall。Foreverychurchisorthodoxtoitself；toothers，erroneousorheretical。Forwhatsoeveranychurchbelieves，itbelievestobetrueandthecontraryuntothosethingsitpronounce；tobeerror。Sothatthecontroversybetweenthesechurchesaboutthetruthoftheirdoctrinesandthepurityoftheirworshipisonbothsidesequal；noristhereanyjudge，eitheratConstantinopleorelsewhereuponearth，bywhosesentenceitcanbedetermined。ThedecisionofthatquestionbelongsonlytotheSupremejudgeofallmen，towhomalsoalonebelongsthepunishmentoftheerroneous。Inthemeanwhile，letthosemenconsiderhowheinouslytheysin，who，addinginjustice，ifnottotheirerror，yetcertainlytotheirpride，dorashlyandarrogantlytakeuponthemtomisusetheservantsofanothermaster，whoarenotatallaccountabletothem。Nay，further：ifitcouldbemanifestwhichofthesetwodissentingchurcheswereintheright，therewouldnotaccruetherebyuntotheorthodoxanyrightofdestroyingtheother。Forchurcheshaveneitheranyjurisdictioninworldlymatters，norarefireandswordanyproperinstrumentswherewithtoconvincemen’smindsoferror，andinformthemofthetruth。Letussuppose，nevertheless，thatthecivilmagistrateinclinedtofavouroneofthemandtoputhisswordintotheirhandsthat（byhisconsent）theymightchastisethedissentersastheypleased。WillanymansaythatanyrightcanbederiveduntoaChristianchurchoveritsbrethrenfromaTurkishemperor？Aninfidel，whohashimselfnoauthoritytopunishChristiansforthearticlesoftheirfaith，cannotconfersuchanauthorityuponanysocietyofChristians，norgiveuntothemarightwhichhehasnothimself。
ThiswouldbethecaseatConstantinople；andthereasonofthethingisthesameinanyChristiankingdom。Thecivilpoweristhesameineveryplace。Norcanthatpower，inthehandsofaChristianprince，conferanygreaterauthorityupontheChurchthaninthehandsofaheathen；whichistosay，justnoneatall。Nevertheless，itisworthytobeobservedandlamentedthatthemostviolentofthesedefendersofthetruth，theopposersoferrors，theexclaimersagainstschismdohardlyeverletloosethistheirzealforGod，withwhichtheyaresowarmedandinflamed，unlesswheretheyhavethecivilmagistrateontheirside。Butsosoonasevercourtfavourhasgiventhemthebetterendofthestaff，andtheybegintofeelthemselvesthestronger，thenpresentlypeaceandcharityaretobelaidaside。Otherwisetheyarereligiouslytobeobserved。Wheretheyhavenotthepowertocarryonpersecutionandtobecomemasters，theretheydesiretoliveuponfairtermsandpreachuptoleration。Whentheyarenotstrengthenedwiththecivilpower，thentheycanbearmostpatientlyandunmovedlythecontagionofidolatry，superstition，andheresyintheirneighbourhood；ofwhichonotheroccasionstheinterestofreligionmakesthemtobeextremelyapprehensive。Theydonotforwardlyattackthoseerrorswhichareinfashionatcourtorarecountenancedbythegovernment。Heretheycanbecontenttosparetheirarguments；whichyet（withtheirleave）istheonlyrightmethodofpropagatingtruth，whichhasnosuchwayofprevailingaswhenstrongargumentsandgoodreasonarejoinedwiththesoftnessofcivilityandgoodusage。Nobody，therefore，infine，neithersinglepersonsnorchurches，nay，norevencommonwealths，haveanyjusttitletoinvadethecivilrightsandworldlygoodsofeachotheruponpretenceofreligion。Thosethatareofanotheropinionwoulddowelltoconsiderwiththemselveshowperniciousaseedofdiscordandwar，howpowerfulaprovocationtoendlesshatreds，rapines，andslaughterstheytherebyfurnishuntomankind。Nopeaceandsecurity，no，notsomuchascommonfriendship，caneverbeestablishedorpreservedamongstmensolongasthisopinionprevails，thatdominionisfoundedingraceandthatreligionistobepropagatedbyforceofarms。Inthethirdplace，letusseewhatthedutyoftolerationrequiresfromthosewhoaredistinguishedfromtherestofmankind（fromthelaity，astheypleasetocallus）bysomeecclesiasticalcharacterandoffice；
whethertheybebishops，priests，presbyters，ministers，orhoweverelsedignifiedordistinguished。Itisnotmybusinesstoinquirehereintotheoriginalofthepowerordignityoftheclergy。ThisonlyIsay，that，whencesoevertheirauthoritybesprung，sinceitisecclesiastical，itoughttobeconfinedwithintheboundsoftheChurch，norcanitinanymannerbeextendedtocivilaffairs，becausetheChurchitselfisathingabsolutelyseparateanddistinctfromthecommonwealth。Theboundariesonbothsidesarefixedandimmovable。Hejumblesheavenandearthtogether，thethingsmostremoteandopposite，whomixesthesetwosocieties，whichareintheiroriginal，end，business，andineverythingperfectlydistinctandinfinitelydifferentfromeachother。Noman，therefore，withwhatsoeverecclesiasticalofficehebedignified，candepriveanothermanthatisnotofhischurchandfaitheitheroflibertyorofanypartofhisworldlygoodsupontheaccountofthatdifferencebetweentheminreligion。ForwhatsoeverisnotlawfultothewholeChurchcannotbyanyecclesiasticalrightbecomelawfultoanyofitsmembers。Butthisisnotall。Itisnotenoughthatecclesiasticalmenabstainfromviolenceandrapineandallmannerofpersecution。Hethatpretendstobeasuccessoroftheapostles，andtakesuponhimtheofficeofteaching，isobligedalsotoadmonishhishearersofthedutiesofpeaceandgoodwilltowardsallmen，aswelltowardstheerroneousastheorthodox；towardsthosethatdifferfromtheminfaithandworshipaswellastowardsthosethatagreewiththemtherein。Andheoughtindustriouslytoexhortallmen，whetherprivatepersonsormagistrates（ifanysuchtherebeinhischurch），tocharity，meekness，andtoleration，anddiligentlyendeavourtoallyandtemperallthatheatandunreasonableaversenessofmindwhicheitheranyman’sfieryzealforhisownsectorthecraftofothershaskindledagainstdissenters。Iwillnotundertaketorepresenthowhappyandhowgreatwouldbethefruit，bothinChurchandState，ifthepulpitseverywheresoundedwiththisdoctrineofpeaceandtoleration，lestIshouldseemtoreflecttooseverelyuponthosemenwhosedignityIdesirenottodetractfrom，norwouldhaveitdiminishedeitherbyothersorthemselves。
ButthisIsay，thatthusitoughttobe。AndifanyonethatprofesseshimselftobeaministeroftheWordofGod，apreacherofthegospelofpeace，teachotherwise，heeitherunderstandsnotorneglectsthebusinessofhiscallingandshallonedaygiveaccountthereofuntothePrinceofPeace。IfChristiansaretobeadmonishedthattheyabstainfromallmannerofrevenge，evenafterrepeatedprovocationsandmultipliedinjuries，howmuchmoreoughttheywhosuffernothing，whohavehadnoharmdonethem，forbearviolenceandabstainfromallmannerofill-usagetowardsthosefromwhomtheyhavereceivednone！Thiscautionandtempertheyoughtcertainlytousetowardsthose。whomindonlytheirownbusinessandaresolicitousfornothingbutthat（whatevermenthinkofthem）theymayworshipGodinthatmannerwhichtheyarepersuadedisacceptabletoHimandinwhichtheyhavethestrongesthopesofeternalsalvation。Inprivatedomesticaffairs，inthemanagementofestates，intheconservationofbodilyhealth，everymanmayconsiderwhatsuitshisownconvenienceandfollowwhatcoursehelikesbest。Nomancomplainsoftheill-managementofhisneighbour’saffairs。Nomanisangrywithanotherforanerrorcommittedinsowinghislandorinmarryinghisdaughter。Nobodycorrectsaspendthriftforconsuminghissubstanceintaverns。Letanymanpulldown，orbuild，ormakewhatsoeverexpenseshepleases，nobodymurmurs，nobodycontrolshim；
hehashisliberty。Butifanymandonotfrequentthechurch，ifhedonotthereconformhisbehaviourexactlytotheaccustomedceremonies，orifhebringsnothischildrentobeinitiatedinthesacredmysteriesofthisortheothercongregation，thisimmediatelycausesanuproar。Theneighbourhoodisfilledwithnoiseandclamour。Everyoneisreadytobetheavengerofsogreatacrime，andthezealotshardlyhavethepatiencetorefrainfromviolenceandrapinesolongtillthecausebeheardandthepoormanbe，accordingtoform，condemnedtothelossofliberty，goods，orlife。Oh，thatourecclesiasticaloratorsofeverysectwouldapplythemselveswithallthestrengthofargumentsthattheyareabletotheconfoundingofmen’serrors！Butletthemsparetheirpersons。Letthemnotsupplytheirwantofreasonswiththeinstrumentsofforce，whichbelongtoanotherjurisdictionanddoillbecomeaChurchman’shands。Letthemnotcallinthemagistrate’sauthoritytotheaidoftheireloquenceorlearning，lestperhaps，whilsttheypretendonlyloveforthetruth，thistheirintemperatezeal，breathingnothingbutfireandsword，betraytheirambitionandshowthatwhattheydesireistemporaldominion。Foritwillbeverydifficulttopersuademenofsensethathewhowithdryeyesandsatisfactionofmindcandeliverhisbrothertotheexecutionertobeburntalive，doessincerelyandheartilyconcernhimselftosavethatbrotherfromtheflamesofhellintheworldtocome。Inthelastplace，letusnowconsiderwhatisthemagistrate’sdutyinthebusinessoftoleration，whichcertainlyisveryconsiderable。Wehavealreadyprovedthatthecareofsoulsdoesnotbelongtothemagistrate。Notamagisterialcare，Imean（ifImaysocallit），whichconsistsinprescribingbylawsandcompellingbypunishments。Butacharitablecare，whichconsistsinteaching，admonishing，andpersuading，cannotbedenieduntoanyman。Thecare，therefore，ofeveryman’ssoulbelongsuntohimselfandistobeleftuntohimself。Butwhatifheneglectthecareofhissoul？Ianswer：Whatifheneglectthecareofhishealthorofhisestate，whichthingsarenearlierrelatedtothegovernmentofthemagistratethantheother？Willthemagistrateprovidebyanexpresslawthatsuchaoneshallnotbecomepoororsick？Lawsprovide，asmuchasispossible，thatthegoodsandhealthofsubjectsbenotinjuredbythefraudandviolenceofothers；theydonotguardthemfromthenegligenceorill-husbandryofthepossessorsthemselves。Nomancanbeforcedtoberichorhealthfulwhetherhewillorno。Nay，GodHimselfwillnotsavemenagainsttheirwills。Letussuppose，however，thatsomeprinceweredesiroustoforcehissubjectstoaccumulateriches，ortopreservethehealthandstrengthoftheirbodies。ShallitbeprovidedbylawthattheymustconsultnonebutRomanphysicians，andshalleveryonebeboundtoliveaccordingtotheirprescriptions？What，shallnopotion，nobroth，betaken，butwhatispreparedeitherintheVatican，suppose，orinaGenevashop？Or，tomakethesesubjectsrich，shalltheyallbeobligedbylawtobecomemerchantsormusicians？Or，shalleveryoneturnvictualler，orsmith，becausetherearesomethatmaintaintheirfamiliesplentifullyandgrowrichinthoseprofessions？But，itmaybesaid，thereareathousandwaystowealth，butoneonlywaytoheaven。Itiswellsaid，indeed，especiallybythosethatpleadforcompellingmenintothisortheotherway。Foriftherewereseveralwaysthatledthither，therewouldnotbesomuchasapretenceleftforcompulsion。Butnow，ifIbemarchingonwithmyutmostvigourinthatwaywhich，accordingtothesacredgeography，leadsstraighttoJerusalem，whyamIbeatenandill-usedbyothersbecause，perhaps，Iwearnotbuskins；becausemyhairisnotoftherightcut；because，perhaps，Ihavenotbeendippedintherightfashion；becauseIeatfleshupontheroad，orsomeotherfoodwhichagreeswithmystomach；becauseIavoidcertainby-ways，whichseemuntometoleadintobriarsorprecipices；
because，amongsttheseveralpathsthatareinthesameroad，Ichoosethattowalkinwhichseemstobethestraightestandcleanest；becauseIavoidtokeepcompanywithsometravellersthatarelessgraveandothersthataremoresourthantheyoughttobe；or，infine，becauseIfollowaguidethateitheris，orisnot，clothedinwhite，orcrownedwithamitre？Certainly，ifweconsiderright，weshallfindthat，forthemostpart，theyaresuchfrivolousthingsasthesethat（withoutanyprejudicetoreligionorthesalvationofsouls，ifnotaccompaniedwithsuperstitionorhypocrisy）mighteitherbeobservedoromitted。Isaytheyaresuch-likethingsasthesewhichbreedimplacableenmitiesamongstChristianbrethren，whoareallagreedinthesubstantialandtrulyfundamentalpartofreligion。Butletusgrantuntothesezealots，whocondemnallthingsthatarenotoftheirmode，thatfromthesecircumstancesaredifferentends。Whatshallweconcludefromthence？Thereisonlyoneofthesewhichisthetruewaytoeternalhappiness：butinthisgreatvarietyofwaysthatmenfollow，itisstilldoubtedwhichistherightone。Now，neitherthecareofthecommonwealth，northerightenactingoflaws，doesdiscoverthiswaythatleadstoheavenmorecertainlytothemagistratethaneveryprivateman’ssearchandstudydiscoversituntohimself。Ihaveaweakbody，sunkunderalanguishingdisease，forwhich（Isuppose）thereisoneonlyremedy，butthatunknown。Doesitthereforebelonguntothemagistratetoprescribemearemedy，becausethereisbutone，andbecauseitisunknown？Becausethereisbutonewayformetoescapedeath，willitthereforebesafeformetodowhatsoeverthemagistrateordains？Thosethingsthateverymanoughtsincerelytoinquireintohimself，andbymeditation，study，search，andhisownendeavours，attaintheknowledgeof，cannotbelookeduponasthepeculiarpossessionofanysortofmen。Princes，indeed，arebornsuperioruntoothermeninpower，butinnatureequal。Neithertherightnortheartofrulingdoesnecessarilycarryalongwithitthecertainknowledgeofotherthings，andleastofalloftruereligion。Forifitwereso，howcoulditcometopassthatthelordsoftheearthshoulddiffersovastlyastheydoinreligiousmatters？Butletusgrantthatitisprobablethewaytoeternallifemaybebetterknownbyaprincethanbyhissubjects，oratleastthatinthisincertitudeofthingsthesafestandmostcommodiouswayforprivatepersonsistofollowhisdictates。
Youwillsay：\"Whatthen？\"Ifheshouldbidyoufollowmerchandiseforyourlivelihood，wouldyoudeclinethatcourseforfearitshouldnotsucceed？
Ianswer：Iwouldturnmerchantupontheprince’scommand，because，incaseIshouldhaveill-successintrade，heisabundantlyabletomakeupmylosssomeotherway。Ifitbetrue，ashepretends，thathedesiresIshouldthriveandgrowrich，hecansetmeupagainwhenunsuccessfulvoyageshavebrokenme。Butthisisnotthecaseinthethingsthatregardthelifetocome；ifthereItakeawrongcourse，ifinthatrespectI
amonceundone，itisnotinthemagistrate’spowertorepairmyloss，toeasemysuffering，nortorestoremeinanymeasure，muchlessentirely，toagoodestate。WhatsecuritycanbegivenfortheKingdomofHeaven？Perhapssomewillsaythattheydonotsupposethisinfalliblejudgement，thatallmenareboundtofollowintheaffairsofreligion，tobeinthecivilmagistrate，butintheChurch。WhattheChurchhasdetermined，thatthecivilmagistrateorderstobeobserved；andheprovidesbyhisauthoritythatnobodyshalleitheractorbelieveinthebusinessofreligionotherwisethantheChurchteaches。SothatthejudgementofthosethingsisintheChurch；themagistratehimselfyieldsobediencethereuntoandrequiresthelikeobediencefromothers。Ianswer：WhoseesnothowfrequentlythenameoftheChurch，whichwasvenerableintimeoftheapostles，hasbeenmadeuseoftothrowdustinthepeople’seyesinthefollowingages？But，however，inthepresentcaseithelpsusnot。Theoneonlynarrowwaywhichleadstoheavenisnotbetterknowntothemagistratethantoprivatepersons，andthereforeIcannotsafelytakehimformyguide，whomayprobablybeasignorantofthewayasmyself，andwhocertainlyislessconcernedformysalvationthanImyselfam。AmongstsomanykingsoftheJews，howmanyofthemweretherewhomanyIsraelite，thusblindlyfollowing，hadnotfallenintoidolatryandtherebyintodestruction？Yet，nevertheless，youbidmebeofgoodcourageandtellmethatallisnowsafeandsecure，becausethemagistratedoesnotnowenjointheobservanceofhisowndecreesinmattersofreligion，butonlythedecreesoftheChurch。OfwhatChurch，Ibeseechyou？ofthat，certainly，whichlikeshimbest。AsifhethatcompelsmebylawsandpenaltiestoenterintothisortheotherChurch，didnotinterposehisownjudgementinthematter。Whatdifferenceistherewhetherheleadmehimself，ordelivermeovertobeledbyothers？Idependbothwaysuponhiswill，anditishethatdeterminesbothwaysofmyeternalstate。WouldanIsraelitethathadworshippedBaaluponthecommandofhiskinghavebeeninanybetterconditionbecausesomebodyhadtoldhimthatthekingorderednothinginreligionuponhisownhead，norcommandedanythingtobedonebyhissubjectsindivineworshipbutwhatwasapprovedbythecounselofpriests，anddeclaredtobeofdivinerightbythedoctorsoftheirChurch？IfthereligionofanyChurchbecome，therefore，trueandsaving，becausetheheadofthatsect，theprelatesandpriests，andthoseofthattribe，doallofthem，withalltheirmight，extolandpraiseit，whatreligioncaneverbeaccountederroneous，false，anddestructive？
IamdoubtfulconcerningthedoctrineoftheSocinians，IamsuspiciousofthewayofworshippractisedbythePapists，orLutherans；willitbeeverajotsaferformetojoineitheruntotheoneortheotherofthoseChurches，uponthemagistrate’scommand，becausehecommandsnothinginreligionbutbytheauthorityandcounselofthedoctorsofthatChurch？But，tospeakthetruth，wemustacknowledgethattheChurch（ifaconventionofclergymen，makingcanons，mustbecalledbythatname）isforthemostpartmoreapttobeinfluencedbytheCourtthantheCourtbytheChurch。
HowtheChurchwasunderthevicissitudeoforthodoxandArianemperorsisverywellknown。Orifthosethingsbetooremote，ourmodernEnglishhistoryaffordsusfreshexamplesinthereignsofHenryVIII，EdwardVI，Mary，andElizabeth，howeasilyandsmoothlytheclergychangedtheirdecrees，theirarticlesoffaith，theirformofworship，everythingaccordingtotheinclinationofthosekingsandqueens。Yetwerethosekingsandqueensofsuchdifferentmindsinpointofreligion，andenjoinedthereuponsuchdifferentthings，thatnomaninhiswits（Ihadalmostsaidnonebutanatheist）willpresumetosaythatanysincereanduprightworshipperofGodcould，withasafeconscience，obeytheirseveraldecrees。Toconclude，itisthesamethingwhetherakingthatprescribeslawstoanotherman’sreligionpretendtodoitbyhisownjudgement，orbytheecclesiasticalauthorityandadviceofothers。Thedecisionsofchurchmen，whosedifferencesanddisputesaresufficientlyknown，cannotbeanysounderorsaferthanhis；norcanalltheirsuffragesjoinedtogetheraddanewstrengthtothecivilpower。Thoughthisalsomustbetakennoticeof-thatprincesseldomhaveanyregardtothesuffragesofecclesiasticsthatarenotfavourersoftheirownfaithandwayofworship。But，afterall，theprincipalconsideration，andwhichabsolutelydeterminesthiscontroversy，isthis：Althoughthemagistrate’sopinioninreligionbesound，andthewaythatheappointsbetrulyEvangelical，yet，ifI
benotthoroughlypersuadedthereofinmyownmind，therewillbenosafetyformeinfollowingit。NowaywhatsoeverthatIshallwalkinagainstthedictatesofmyconsciencewilleverbringmetothemansionsoftheblessed。ImaygrowrichbyanartthatItakenotdelightin；ImaybecuredofsomediseasebyremediesthatIhavenotfaithin；butIcannotbesavedbyareligionthatIdistrustandbyaworshipthatIabhor。Itisinvainforanunbelievertotakeuptheoutwardshowofanotherman’sprofession。FaithonlyandinwardsincerityarethethingsthatprocureacceptancewithGod。Themostlikelyandmostapprovedremedycanhavenoeffectuponthepatient，ifhisstomachrejectitassoonastaken；
andyouwillinvaincramamedicinedownasickman’sthroat，whichhisparticularconstitutionwillbesuretoturnintopoison。Inaword，whatsoevermaybedoubtfulinreligion，yetthisatleastiscertain，thatnoreligionwhichIbelievenottobetruecanbeeithertrueorprofitableuntome。
Invain，therefore，doprincescompeltheirsubjectstocomeintotheirChurchcommunion，underpretenceofsavingtheirsouls。Iftheybelieve，theywillcomeoftheirownaccord，iftheybelievenot，theircomingwillnothingavailthem。Howgreatsoever，infine，maybethepretenceofgood-willandcharity，andconcernforthesalvationofmen’ssouls，mencannotbeforcedtobesavedwhethertheywillorno。Andtherefore，whenallisdone，theymustbelefttotheirownconsciences。Havingthusatlengthfreedmenfromalldominionoveroneanotherinmattersofreligion，letusnowconsiderwhattheyaretodo。AllmenknowandacknowledgethatGodoughttobepubliclyworshipped；whyotherwisedotheycompeloneanotheruntothepublicassemblies？Men，therefore，constitutedinthislibertyaretoenterintosomereligioussociety，thattheymeettogether，notonlyformutualedification，buttoowntotheworldthattheyworshipGodandofferuntoHisDivineMajestysuchserviceastheythemselvesarenotashamedofandsuchastheythinknotunworthyofHim，norunacceptabletoHim；and，finally，thatbythepurityofdoctrine，holinessoflife，anddecentformofworship，theymaydrawothersuntotheloveofthetruereligion，andperformsuchotherthingsinreligionascannotbedonebyeachprivatemanapart。ThesereligioussocietiesIcallChurches；andthese，Isay，themagistrateoughttotolerate，forthebusinessoftheseassembliesofthepeopleisnothingbutwhatislawfulforeverymaninparticulartotakecareof-
Imeanthesalvationoftheirsouls；norinthiscaseisthereanydifferencebetweentheNationalChurchandotherseparatedcongregations。ButasineveryChurchtherearetwothingsespeciallytobeconsidered-
theoutwardformandritesofworship，andthedoctrinesandarticlesofthingsmustbehandledeachdistinctlythatsothewholematteroftolerationmaythemoreclearlybeunderstood。Concerningoutwardworship，Isay，inthefirstplace，thatthemagistratehasnopowertoenforcebylaw，eitherinhisownChurch，ormuchlessinanother，theuseofanyritesorceremonieswhatsoeverintheworshipofGod。Andthis，notonlybecausetheseChurchesarefreesocieties，butbecausewhatsoeverispractisedintheworshipofGodisonlysofarjustifiableasitisbelievedbythosethatpractiseittobeacceptableuntoHim。
Whatsoeverisnotdonewiththatassuranceoffaithisneitherwellinitself，norcanitbeacceptabletoGod。Toimposesuchthings，therefore，uponanypeople，contrarytotheirownjudgment，isineffecttocommandthemtooffendGod，which，consideringthattheendofallreligionistopleaseHim，andthatlibertyisessentiallynecessarytothatend，appearstobeabsurdbeyondexpression。ButperhapsitmaybeconcludedfromhencethatIdenyuntothemagistrateallmannerofpoweraboutindifferentthings，which，ifitbenotgranted，thewholesubject-matteroflaw-makingistakenaway。No，Ireadilygrantthatindifferentthings，andperhapsnonebutsuch，aresubjectedtothelegislativepower。Butitdoesnotthereforefollowthatthemagistratemayordainwhatsoeverhepleasesconcerninganythingthatisindifferent。