Gladstone’sdoctrines，asitwouldbetoaccuseLockeofwishingforanarchy，becauseherefutedFilmer’spatriarchaltheoryofgovernment，ortoaccuseBlackstoneofrecommendingtheconfiscationofecclesiasticalproperty，becausehedeniedthattherightoftherectortotithewasderivedfromtheLeviticallaw。Itistobeobserved，thatMr。Gladstonerestshiscaseonentirelynewgrounds，anddoesnotdiffermorewidelyfromusthanfromsomeofthosewhohavehithertobeenconsideredasthemostillustriouschampionsoftheChurch。HeisnotcontentwiththeEcclesiasticalPolity，andrejoicesthatthelatterpartofthatcelebratedwork\"doesnotcarrywithittheweightofHooker’splenaryauthority。\"HeisnotcontentwithBishopWarburton’sAllianceofChurchandState。\"Thepropositionsofthatworkgenerally，\"hesays，\"aretobereceivedwithqualification\";andheagreeswithBolingbrokeinthinkingthatWarburton’swholetheoryrestsonafiction。HeisstilllesssatisfiedwithPaley’sdefenceoftheChurch，whichhepronouncestobe\"taintedbytheoriginalviceoffalseethicalprinciples，andfulloftheseedsofevil。\"HeconceivesthatDr。Chalmershastakenapartialviewofthesubject，and\"putforthmuchquestionablematter。\"Intruth，onalmosteverypointonwhichweareopposedtoMr。Gladstone，wehaveonoursidetheauthorityofsomedivine，eminentasadefenderofexistingestablishments。
Mr。Gladstone’swholetheoryrestsonthisgreatfundamentalproposition，thatthepropagationofreligioustruthisoneoftheprincipalendsofgovernment，asgovernment。IfMr。Gladstonehasnotprovedthisproposition，hissystemvanishesatonce。
Wearedesirous，beforeweenteronthediscussionofthisimportantquestion，topointoutclearlyadistinctionwhich，thoughveryobvious，seemstobeoverlookedbymanyexcellentpeople。Intheiropinion，tosaythattheendsofgovernmentaretemporalandnotspiritualistantamounttosayingthatthetemporalwelfareofmanisofmoreimportancethanhisspiritualwelfare。Butthisisanentiremistake。Thequestionisnotwhetherspiritualinterestsbeorbenotsuperiorinimportancetotemporalinterests;butwhetherthemachinerywhichhappensatanymomenttobeemployedforthepurposeofprotectingcertaintemporalinterestsofasocietybenecessarilysuchamachineryasisfittedtopromotethespiritualinterestsofthatsociety。
Withoutadivisionoflabourtheworldcouldnotgoon。Itisofverymuchmoreimportancethatmenshouldhavefoodthanthattheyshouldhavepianofortes。Yetitbynomeansfollowsthateverypianofortemakeroughttoaddthebusinessofabakertohisown;for，ifhedidso，weshouldhavebothmuchworsemusicandmuchworsebread。Itisofmuchmoreimportancethattheknowledgeofreligioustruthshouldbewiselydiffusedthanthattheartofsculptureshouldflourishamongus。YetitbynomeansfollowsthattheRoyalAcademyoughttounitewithitspresentfunctionsthoseoftheSocietyforPromotingChristianKnowledge，todistributetheologicaltracts，tosendforthmissionaries，toturnoutNollekensforbeingaCatholic，BaconforbeingaMethodist，andFlaxmanforbeingaSwedenborgian。FortheeffectofsuchfollywouldbethatweshouldhavetheworstpossibleAcademyofArts，andtheworstpossibleSocietyforthePromotionofChristianKnowledge。Thecommunity，itisplain，wouldbethrownintouniversalconfusion，ifitweresupposedtobethedutyofeveryassociationwhichisformedforonegoodobjecttopromoteeveryothergoodobject。
Astosomeoftheendsofcivilgovernment，allpeopleareagreed。Thatitisdesignedtoprotectourpersonsandourproperty;thatitisdesignedtocompelustosatisfyourwants，notbyrapine，butbyindustry;thatitisdesignedtocompelustodecideourdifferences，notbythestronghand，butbyarbitration;thatitisdesignedtodirectourwholeforce，asthatofoneman，againstanyothersocietywhichmayofferusinjury;thesearepropositionswhichwillhardlybedisputed。
Nowthesearemattersinwhichman，withoutanyreferencetoanyhigherbeing，ortoanyfuturestate，isverydeeplyinterested。
Everyhumanbeing，beheidolater，Mahometan，Jew，Papist，Socinian，Deist，orAtheist，naturallyloveslife，shrinksfrompain，desirescomfortswhichcanbeenjoyedonlyincommunitieswherepropertyissecure。Tobemurdered，tobetortured，toberobbed，tobesoldintoslavery，theseareevidentlyevilsfromwhichmenofeveryreligion，andmenofnoreligion，wishtobeprotected;andthereforeitwillhardlybedisputedthatmenofeveryreligion，andofnoreligion，havethusfaracommoninterestinbeingwellgoverned。
Butthehopesandfearsofmanarenotlimitedtothisshortlifeandtothisvisibleworld。Hefindshimselfsurroundedbythesignsofapowerandwisdomhigherthanhisown;and，inallagesandnations，menofallordersofintellect，fromBaconandNewton，downtotherudesttribesofcannibals，havebelievedintheexistenceofsomesuperiormind。Thusfarthevoiceofmankindisalmostunanimous。ButwhethertherebeoneGod，ormany，whatmaybeGod’snaturalandwhatHismoralattributes，inwhatrelationHiscreaturesstandtoHim，whetherHehaveeverdisclosedHimselftousbyanyotherrevelationthanthatwhichiswritteninallthepartsofthegloriousandwell—orderedworldwhichHehasmade，whetherHisrevelationbecontainedinanypermanentrecord，howthatrecordshouldbeinterpreted，andwhetherithavepleasedHimtoappointanyunerringinterpreteronearth，thesearequestionsrespectingwhichthereexiststhewidestdiversityofopinion，andrespectingsomeofwhichalargepartofourracehas，eversincethedawnofregularhistory，beendeplorablyinerror。
Nowherearetwogreatobjects:oneistheprotectionofthepersonsandestatesofcitizensfrominjury;theotheristhepropagationofreligioustruth。Notwoobjectsmoreentirelydistinctcanwellbeimagined。
Theformerbelongswhollytothevisibleandtangibleworldinwhichwelive;thelatterbelongstothathigherworldwhichisbeyondthereachofoursenses。Theformerbelongstothislife;
thelattertothatwhichistocome。Menwhoareperfectlyagreedastotheimportanceoftheformerobject，andastothewayofobtainingit，differaswidelyaspossiblerespectingthelatterobject。Wemust，therefore，pausebeforeweadmitthatthepersons，betheywhotheymay，whoareintrustedwithpowerforthepromotionoftheformerobject，oughtalwaystousethatpowerforthepromotionofthelatterobject。
Mr。Gladstoneconceivesthatthedutiesofgovernmentsarepaternal;adoctrinewhichweshallnotbelievetillhecanshowussomegovernmentwhichlovesitssubjectsasafatherlovesachild，andwhichisassuperiorinintelligencetoitssubjectsasafatheristoachild。Hetellsusinloftythoughsomewhatindistinctlanguage，that\"Governmentoccupiesinmoraltheplaceoftopaninphysicalscience。\"Ifgovernmentbeindeedtopaninmoralscience，wedonotunderstandwhyrulersshouldnotassumeallthefunctionswhichPlatoassignedtothem。Whyshouldtheynottakeawaythechildfromthemother，selectthenurse，regulatetheschool，overlooktheplayground，fixthehoursoflabourandofrecreation，prescribewhatballadsshallbesung，whattunesshallbeplayed，whatbooksshallberead，whatphysicshallbeswallowed？Whyshouldnottheychooseourwives，limitourexpenses，andstintustoacertainnumberofdishesofmeat，ofglassesofwine，andofcupsoftea？Plato，whosehardihoodinspeculationwasperhapsmorewonderfulthananyotherpeculiarityofhisextraordinarymind，andwhoshrankfromnothingtowhichhisprinciplesled，wentthiswholelength。Mr。Gladstoneisnotsointrepid。Hecontentshimselfwithlayingdownthisproposition，thatwhateverbethebodywhichinanycommunityisemployedtoprotectthepersonsandpropertyofmen，thatbodyoughtalso，initscorporatecapacity，toprofessareligion，toemployitspowerforthepropagationofthatreligion，andtorequireconformitytothatreligion，asanindispensablequalificationforallciviloffice。HedistinctlydeclaresthathedoesnotinthispropositionconfinehisviewtoorthodoxgovernmentsoreventoChristiangovernments。Thecircumstancethatareligionisfalsedoesnot，hetellsus，diminishtheobligationofgovernors，assuch，toupholdit。Iftheyneglecttodoso，\"wecannot，\"hesays，\"butregardthefactasaggravatingthecaseoftheholdersofsuchcreed。\"\"Idonotscrupletoaffirm，\"headds，\"thatifaMahometanconscientiouslybelieveshisreligiontocomefromGod，andtoteachdivinetruth，hemustbelievethattruthtobebeneficial，andbeneficialbeyondallotherthingstothesoulofman;andhemusttherefore，andoughttodesireitsextension，andtouseforitsextensionallproperandlegitimatemeans;andthat，ifsuchMahometanbeaprince，heoughttocountamongthosemeanstheapplicationofwhateverinfluenceorfundshemaylawfullyhaveathisdisposalforsuchpurposes。\"
Surelythisisahardsaying。BeforeweadmitthattheEmperorJulian，inemployingtheinfluenceandthefundsathisdisposalfortheextinctionofChristianity，wasdoingnomorethanhisduty，beforeweadmitthattheArianTheodoricwouldhavecommittedacrimeifhehadsufferedasinglebelieverinthedivinityofChristtoholdanycivilemploymentinItaly，beforeweadmitthattheDutchGovernmentisboundtoexcludefromofficeallmembersoftheChurchofEngland，theKingofBavariatoexcludefromofficeallProtestants，theGreatTurktoexcludefromofficeallChristians，theKingofAvatoexcludefromofficeallwhoholdtheunityofGod，wethinkourselvesentitledtodemandveryfullandaccuratedemonstration。Whentheconsequencesofadoctrinearesostartling，wemaywellrequirethatitsfoundationsshallbeverysolid。
ThefollowingparagraphisaspecimenoftheargumentsbywhichMr。Gladstonehas，asheconceives，establishedhisgreatfundamentalproposition:
Wemaystatethesamepropositioninamoregeneralform，inwhichitsurelymustcommanduniversalassent。Whereverthereispowerintheuniverse，thatpoweristhepropertyofGod，theKingofthatuniverse——hispropertyofright，howeverforatimewithholdenorabused。Nowthispropertyis，asitwere，realised，isusedaccordingtothewilloftheowner，whenitisusedforthepurposeshehasordained，andinthetemperofmercy，justice，truth，andfaithwhichhehastaughtus。Butthoseprinciplesnevercanbetruly，nevercanbepermanentlyentertainedinthehumanbreast，exceptbyacontinualreferencetotheirsource，andthesupplyoftheDivinegrace。Thepowers，therefore，thatdwellinindividualsactingasagovernmentaswellasthosethatdwellinindividualsactingforthemselves，canonlyhesecuredforrightusesbyapplyingtothemareligion。\"
Herearepropositionsofvastandindefiniteextent，conveyedinlanguagewhichhasacertainobscuredignityandsagacity，attractive，wedoubtnot，tomanyminds。Butthemomentthatweexaminethesepropositionsclosely，themomentthatwebringthemtothetestbyrunningoverbutaveryfewoftheparticularswhichareincludedinthem，wefindthemtobefalseandextravagant。Thedoctrinewhich\"mustsurelycommanduniversalassent\"isthis，thateveryassociationofhumanbeingswhichexercisesanypowerwhatever，thatistosay，everyassociationofhumanbeings，isbound，assuchassociation，toprofessareligion。Imaginetheeffectwhichwouldfollowifthisprinciplewerereallyinforceduringfour—and—twentyhours。Takeoneinstanceoutofamillion。Astage—coachcompanyhaspoweroveritshorses。ThispoweristhepropertyofGod。ItisusedaccordingtothewillofGodwhenitisusedwithmercy。ButtheprincipleofmercycanneverbetrulyorpermanentlyentertainedinthehumanbreastwithoutcontinualreferencetoGod。Thepowers，therefore，thatdwellinindividuals，actingasastage—
coachcompany，canonlybesecuredforrightusesbyapplyingtothemareligion。Everystagecoachcompanyought，therefore，initscollectivecapacity，toprofesssomeonefaith，tohaveitsarticles，anditspublicworship，anditstests。Thatthisconclusion，andaninfinitenumberofotherconclusionsequallystrange，followofnecessityfromMr。Gladstone’sprinciple，isascertainasitisthattwoandtwomakefour。And，ifthelegitimateconclusionsbesoabsurd，theremustbesomethingunsoundintheprinciple。
Wewillquoteanotherpassageofthesamesort:
\"Why，then，wenowcometoask，shouldthegoverningbodyinastateprofessareligion？First，becauseitiscomposedofindividualmen;andthey，beingappointedtoactinadefinitemoralcapacity，mustsanctifytheiractsdoneinthatcapacitybytheofficesofreligion;inasmuchastheactscannototherwisebeacceptabletoGod，oranythingbutsinfulandpunishableinthemselves。AndwheneverweturnourfaceawayfromGodinourconduct，wearelivingatheistically……Infulfilment，then，ofhisobligationsasanindividual，thestatesmanmustbeaworshippingman。Buthisactsarepublic——thepowersandinstrumentswithwhichheworksarepublic——actingunderandbytheauthorityofthelaw，hemovesathiswordtenthousandsubjectarms;andbecausesuchenergiesarethusessentiallypublic，andwhollyoutoftherangeofmereindividualagency，theymustbesanctifiednotonlybytheprivatepersonalprayersandpietyofthosewhofillpublicsituations，butalsobypublicactsofthemencomposingthepublicbody。Theymustofferprayerandpraiseintheirpublicandcollectivecharacter——inthatcharacterwhereintheyconstitutetheorganofthenation，andwielditscollectiveforce。Whereverthereisareasoningagencythereisamoraldutyandresponsibilityinvolvedinit。Thegovernorsarereasoningagentsforthenation，intheirconjointactsassuch。Andthereforetheremustbeattachedtothisagency，asthatwithoutwhichnoneofourresponsibilitiescanbemet，areligion。Andthisreligionmustbethatoftheconscienceofthegovernor，ornone。\"
Hereagainwefindpropositionsofvastsweep，andofsoundsoorthodoxandsolemnthatmanygoodpeople，wedoubtnot，havebeengreatlyedifiedbyit。Butletusexaminethewordsclosely;
anditwillimmediatelybecomeplainthat，iftheseprinciplesbeonceadmitted，thereisanendofallsociety。Nocombinationcanbeformedforanypurposeofmutualhelp，fortrade，forpublicworks，forthereliefofthesickorthepoor，forthepromotionofartorscience，unlessthemembersofthecombinationagreeintheirtheologicalopinions。Takeanysuchcombinationatrandom，theLondonandBirminghamRailwayCompanyforexample，andobservetowhatconsequencesMr。Gladstone’sargumentsinevitablylead。WhyshouldtheDirectorsoftheRailwayCompany，intheircollectivecapacity，professareligion？First，becausethedirectioniscomposedofindividualmenappointedtoactinadefinitemoralcapacity，boundtolookcarefullytotheproperty，thelimbs，andthelivesoftheirfellow—creatures，boundtoactdiligentlyfortheirconstituents，boundtogoverntheirservantswithhumanityandjustice，boundtofulfilwithfidelitymanyimportantcontracts。Theymust，therefore，sanctifytheiractsbytheofficesofreligion，ortheseactswillbesinfulandpunishableinthemselves。Infulfilment，then，ofhisobligationsasanindividual，theDirectoroftheLondonandBirminghamRailwayCompanymustbeaworshippingman，Buthisactsarepublic。Heactsforabody。Hemovesathiswordtenthousandsubjectarms。Andbecausetheseenergiesareoutoftherangeofhismereindividualagency，theymustbesanctifiedbypublicactsofdevotion。TheRailwayDirectorsmustofferprayerandpraiseintheirpublicandcollectivecharacter，inthatcharacterwherewiththeyconstitutetheorganoftheCompany，andwielditscollectivepower。Whereverthereisreasoningagency，thereismoralresponsibility。TheDirectorsarereasoningagentsfortheCompany，andthereforetheremustbeattachedtothisagency，asthatwithoutwhichnoneofourresponsibilitiescanbemet，areligion。AndthisreligionmustbethatoftheconscienceoftheDirectorhimself，ornone。Theremustbepublicworshipandatest。NoJew，noSocinian，noPresbyterian，noCatholic，noQuaker，must，bepermittedtobetheorganoftheCompany，andtowielditscollectedforce。\"WouldMr。Gladstonereallydefendthisproposition？Wearesurethathewouldnot;butwearesurethattothisproposition，andtoinnumerablesimilarpropositions，hisreasoninginevitablyleads。
Again\"Nationalwillandagencyareindisputablyone，bindingeitheradissentientminorityorthesubjectbody，inamannerthatnothingbuttherecognitionofthedoctrineofnationalpersonalitycanjustify。Nationalhonourandgoodfaitharewordsineveryone’smouth。HowdotheylessimplyapersonalityinnationsthanthedutytowardsGod，forwhichwenowcontend？Theyarestrictlyandessentiallydistinctfromthehonourandgoodfaithoftheindividualscomposingthenation。Franceisapersontous，andwetoher。Awilfulinjurydonetoherisamoralact，andamoralactquitedistinctfromtheactsofalltheindividualscomposingthenation。Uponbroadfactslikethesewemayrest，withoutresortingtothemoretechnicalproofwhichthelawsaffordintheirmannerofdealingwithcorporations。If，then，anationhaveunityofwill，havepervadingsympathies，havecapabilityofrewardandsufferingcontingentuponitsacts，shallwedenyitsresponsibility;itsneedofareligiontomeetthatresponsibility？……Anation，then，havingapersonality，liesundertheobligation，liketheindividualscomposingitsgoverningbody，ofsanctifyingtheactsofthatpersonalitybytheofficesofreligion，andthuswehaveanewandimperativegroundfortheexistenceofastatereligion。\"
Anewgroundwehavehere，certainly，butwhetherveryimperativemaybedoubted。Isitnotperfectlyclear，thatthisargumentapplieswithexactlyasmuchforcetoeverycombinationofhumanbeingsforacommonpurpose，astogovernments？Isthereanysuchcombinationintheworld，whethertechnicallyacorporationornot，whichhasnotthiscollectivepersonality，fromwhichMr。
Gladstonededucessuchextraordinaryconsequences？Lookatbanks，insuranceoffices，dockcompanies，canalcompanies，gascompanies，hospitals，dispensaries，associationsforthereliefofthepoor，associationsforapprehendingmalefactors，associationsofmedicalpupilsforprocuringsubjects，associationsofcountrygentlemenforkeepingfox—hounds，booksocieties，benefitsocieties，clubsofallranks，fromthosewhichhavelinedPall—MallandSt。James’sStreetwiththeirpalaces，downtotheFree—and—easywhichmeetsintheshabbyparlourofavillageinn。IsthereasingleoneofthesecombinationstowhichMr。Gladstone’sargumentwillnotapplyaswellastotheState？Inallthesecombinations，intheBankofEngland，forexample，orintheAthenaeumclub，thewillandagencyofthesocietyareone，andbindthedissentientminority。
TheBankandtheAthenaeumhaveagoodfaithandajusticedifferentfromthegoodfaithandjusticeoftheindividualmembers。TheBankisapersontothosewhodepositbullionwithit。TheAthenaeumisapersontothebutcherandthewine—
merchant。IftheAthenaeumkeepsmoneyattheBank，thetwosocietiesareasmuchpersonstoeachotherasEnglandandFrance。Eithersocietymaypayitsdebtshonestly;eithermaytrytodefrauditscreditors;eithermayincreaseinprosperity;
eithermayfallintodifficulties。If，then，theyhavethisunityofwill;iftheyarecapableofdoingandsufferinggoodandevil，canwetouseMr。Gladstone’swords，\"denytheirresponsibility，ortheirneedofareligiontomeetthatresponsibility？\"Joint—stockbanks，therefore，andclubs，\"havingapersonality，lieunderthenecessityofsanctifyingthatpersonalitybytheofficesofreligion;\"andthuswehave\"anewandimperativeground\"forrequiringallthedirectorsandclerksofjoint—stockbanks，andallthemembersofclubs，toqualifybytakingthesacrament。
Thetruthis，thatMr。Gladstonehasfallenintoanerrorverycommonamongmenoflesstalentsthanhisown。Itisnotunusualforapersonwhoiseagertoproveaparticularpropositiontoassumeamajorofhugeextent，whichincludesthatparticularproposition，withouteverreflectingthatitincludesagreatdealmore。ThefatalfacilitywithwhichMr。Gladstonemultipliesexpressionsstatelyandsonorous，butofindeterminatemeaning，eminentlyqualifieshimtopractisethissleightonhimselfandonhisreaders。Helaysdownbroadgeneraldoctrinesaboutpower，whentheonlypowerofwhichheisthinkingisthepowerofgovernments，andaboutconjointactionwhentheonlyconjointactionofwhichheisthinkingistheconjointactionofcitizensinastate。Hefirstresolvesonhisconclusion。Hethenmakesamajorofmostcomprehensivedimensions，andhavingsatisfiedhimselfthatitcontainshisconclusion，nevertroubleshimselfaboutwhatelseitmaycontain:andassoonasweexamineitwefindthatitcontainsaninfinitenumberofconclusions，everyoneofwhichisamonstrousabsurdity。
Itisperfectlytruethatitwouldbeaverygoodthingifallthemembersofalltheassociationsintheworldweremenofsoundreligiousviews。WehavenodoubtthatagoodChristianwillbeundertheguidanceofChristianprinciples，inhisconductasdirectorofacanalcompanyorstewardofacharitydinner。Ifhewere，torecurtoacasewhichwehavebeforeput，amemberofastage—coachcompany，hewould，inthatcapacity，rememberthat\"arighteousmanregardeththelifeofhisbeast。\"
Butitdoesnotfollowthateveryassociationofmenmust，therefore，assuchassociation，professareligion。Itisevidentthatmanygreatandusefulobjectscanbeattainedinthisworldonlybyco—operation。Itisequallyevidentthattherecannotbeefficientco—operation，ifmenproceedontheprinciplethattheymustnotco—operateforoneobjectunlesstheyagreeaboutotherobjects。Nothingseemstousmorebeautifuloradmirableinoursocialsystemthanthefacilitywithwhichthousandsofpeople，whoperhapsagreeonlyonasinglepoint，cancombinetheirenergiesforthepurposeofcarryingthatsinglepoint。Weseedailyinstancesofthis。Twomen，oneofthemobstinatelyprejudicedagainstmissions，theotherpresidentofamissionarysociety，sittogetherattheboardofahospital，andheartilyconcurinmeasuresforthehealthandcomfortofthepatients。
Twomen，oneofwhomisazealoussupporterandtheotherazealousopponentofthesystempursuedinLancaster’sschools，meetattheMendicitySociety，andacttogetherwiththeutmostcordiality。Thegeneralrulewetaketobeundoubtedlythis，thatitislawfulandexpedientformentouniteinanassociationforthepromotionofagoodobject，thoughtheymaydifferwithrespecttootherobjectsofstillhigherimportance。
Itwillhardlybedeniedthatthesecurityofthepersonsandpropertyofmenisagoodobject，andthatthebestway，indeedtheonlyway，ofpromotingthatobject，istocombinementogetherincertaingreatcorporationswhicharecalledStates。
Thesecorporationsareveryvariously，and，forthemostpartveryimperfectlyorganised。Manyofthemaboundwithfrightfulabuses。Butitseemsreasonabletobelievethattheworstthateverexistedwas，onthewhole，preferabletocompleteanarchy。
Now，reasoningfromanalogy，weshouldsaythatthesegreatcorporationswould，likeallotherassociations，belikelytoattaintheirendmostperfectlyifthatendwerekeptsinglyinview:andthattorefusetheservicesofthosewhoareadmirablyqualifiedtopromotethatend，becausetheyarenotalsoqualifiedtopromotesomeotherend，howeverexcellent，seemsatfirstsightasunreasonableasitwouldbetoprovidethatnobodywhowasnotafellowoftheSocietyofAntiquariesshouldbeagovernoroftheEyeInfirmary;orthatnobodywhowasnotamemberoftheSocietyforPromotingChristianityamongtheJewsshouldbeatrusteeoftheLiteraryFund。
ItisimpossibletonameanycollectionofhumanbeingstowhichMr。Gladstone’sreasoningswouldapplymorestronglythantoanarmy。Whereshallwefindmorecompleteunityofactionthaninanarmy？Whereelsedosomanyhumanbeingsimplicitlyobeyonerulingmind？Whatothermassistherewhichmovessomuchlikeoneman？Whereissuchtremendouspowerintrustedtothosewhocommand？Whereissoawfularesponsibilitylaiduponthem？IfMr。Gladstonehasmadeout，asheconceives，animperativenecessityforaStateReligion，muchmorehashemadeitouttobeimperativelynecessarythateveryarmyshould，initscollectivecapacity，professareligion。Ishepreparedtoadoptthisconsequence？
OnthemorningofthethirteenthofAugust，intheyear1704，twogreatcaptains，equalinauthority，unitedbycloseprivateandpublicties，butofdifferentcreeds，preparedforabattle，ontheeventofwhichwerestakedthelibertiesofEurope。
Marlboroughhadpassedapartofthenightinprayer，andbeforedaybreakreceivedthesacramentaccordingtotheritesoftheChurchofEngland。HethenhastenedtojoinEugene，whohadprobablyjustconfessedhimselftoaPopishpriest。Thegeneralsconsultedtogether，formedtheirplaninconcert，andrepairedeachtohisownpost。Marlboroughgaveordersforpublicprayers。
TheEnglishchaplainsreadtheserviceattheheadoftheEnglishregiments。TheCalvinisticchaplainsoftheDutcharmy，withheadsonwhichhandofBishophadneverbeenlaid，pouredforththeirsupplicationsinfrontoftheircountrymen。Inthemeantime，theDanesmightlistentotheirLutheranministersandCapuchinsmightencouragetheAustriansquadrons，andpraytotheVirginforablessingonthearmsoftheHolyRomanEmpire。Thebattlecommences。Thesemenofvariousreligionsallactlikemembersofonebody。TheCatholicandtheProtestantgeneralexertthemselvestoassistandtosurpasseachother。BeforesunsettheEmpireissaved:Francehaslostinadaythefruitsofeightyyearsofintrigueandofvictory:andtheallies，afterconqueringtogether，returnthankstoGodseparately，eachafterhisownformofworship。Now，isthispracticalatheism？Wouldanymaninhissensessaythat，becausethealliedarmyhadunityofactionandacommoninterest，andbecauseaheavyresponsibilitylayonitsChiefs，itwasthereforeimperativelynecessarythattheArmyshould，asanArmy，haveoneestablishedreligion，thatEugeneshouldbedeprivedofhiscommandforbeingaCatholic，thatalltheDutchandAustriancolonelsshouldbebrokenfornotsubscribingtheThirty—nineArticles？Certainlynot。Themostignorantgrenadieronthefieldofbattlewouldhaveseentheabsurdityofsuchaproposition。\"Iknow，\"hewouldhavesaid，\"thatthePrinceofSavoygoestomass，andthatourCorporalJohncannotabideit;butwhathasthemasstodowiththetakingofthevillageofBlenheim？ThePrincewantstobeattheFrench，andsodoesCorporalJohn。Ifwestandbyeachotherweshallmostlikelybeatthem。IfwesendallthePapistsandDutchaway，Tallardwillhaveeverymanofus。\"Mr。Gladstonehimself，weimagine，wouldadmitthatourhonestgrenadierwouldhavethebestoftheargument;andifso，whatfollows？Eventhis;thatallMr。Gladstone’sgeneralprinciplesaboutpower，andresponsibility，andpersonality，andconjointaction，mustbegivenup，andthat，ifhistheoryistostandatall，itmuststandonsomeotherfoundation。
Wehavenow，weconceive，shownthatitmaybepropertoformmenintocombinationsforimportantpurposes，whichcombinationsshallhaveunityandcommoninterests，andshallbeunderthedirectionofrulersintrustedwithgreatpowerandlyingundersolemnresponsibility，andyetthatitmaybehighlyimproperthatthesecombinationsshould，assuch，professanyonesystemofreligiousbelief，orperformanyjointactofreligiousworship。How，then，isitprovedthatthismaynotbethecasewithsomeofthosegreatcombinationswhichwecallStates？WefirmlybelievethatitisthecasewithsomeStates。Wefirmlybelievethattherearecommunitiesinwhichitwouldbeasabsurdtomixuptheologywithgovernment，asitwouldhavebeenintherightwingofthealliedarmyatBlenheimtocommenceacontroversywiththeleftwing，inthemiddleofthebattle，aboutpurgatoryandtheworshipofimages。
Itistheduty，Mr。Gladstonetellsus，ofthepersons，betheywhotheymay，whoholdsupremepowerintheState，toemploythatpowerinordertopromotewhatevertheymaydeemtobetheologicaltruth。Now，surely，beforehecancallonustoadmitthisproposition，heisboundtoprovethatthosepersonsarelikelytodomoregoodthanharmbysoemployingtheirpower。Thefirstquestionis，whetheragovernment，proposingtoitselfthepropagationofreligioustruthasoneofitsprincipalends，ismorelikelytoleadthepeoplerightthantoleadthemwrong？Mr。
Gladstoneevadesthisquestion;andperhapsitwashiswisestcoursetodoso。
\"If，\"sayshe，\"thegovernmentbegood，letithaveitsnaturaldutiesandpowersatitscommand;but，ifnotgood，letitbemadeso……Wefollow，therefore，thetruecourseinlookingfirstforthetrueidea，orabstractconceptionofagovernment，ofcoursewithallowancefortheevilandfrailtythatareinman，andtheninexaminingwhethertherebecomprisedinthatideaacapacityandconsequentdutyonthepartofagovernmenttolaydownanylawsordevoteanymeansforthepurposesofreligion，——inshort，toexerciseachoiceuponreligion。\"
Ofcourse，Mr。Gladstonehasaperfectrighttoargueanyabstractquestion，providedthathewillconstantlybearinmindthatitisonlyanabstractquestionthatheisarguing。Whetheraperfectgovernmentwouldorwouldnotbeagoodmachineryforthepropagationofreligioustruthiscertainlyaharmless，andmay，foraughtweknow，beanedifyingsubjectofinquiry。Butitisveryimportantthatweshouldrememberthatthereisnot，andneverhasbeen，anysuchgovernmentintheworld。Thereisnoharmatallininquiringwhatcourseastonethrownintotheairwouldtake，ifthelawofgravitationdidnotoperate。Buttheconsequenceswouldbeunpleasant，iftheinquirer，assoonashehadfinishedhiscalculation，weretobegintothrowstonesaboutinalldirections，withoutconsideringthathisconclusionrestsonafalsehypothesis，andthathisprojectiles，insteadofflyingawaythroughinfinitespace，willspeedilyreturninparabolas，andbreakthewindowsandheadsofhisneighbours。
Itisveryeasytosaythatgovernmentsaregood，orifnotgood，oughttobemadeso。Butwhatismeantbygoodgovernment？Andhowareallthebadgovernmentsintheworldtobemadegood？Andofwhatvalueisatheorywhichistrueonlyonasuppositioninthehighestdegreeextravagant？
Wedonot，however，admitthat，ifagovernmentwere，forallitstemporalends，asperfectashumanfrailtyallows，suchagovernmentwould，therefore，benecessarilyqualifiedtopropagatetruereligion。Forweseethatthefitnessofgovernmentstopropagatetruereligionisbynomeansproportionedtotheirfitnessforthetemporalendoftheirinstitution。Lookingatindividuals，weseethattheprincesunderwhoserulenationshavebeenmostablyprotectedfromforeignanddomesticdisturbance，andhavemadethemostrapidadvancesincivilisation，havebeenbynomeansgoodteachersofdivinity。Takeforexample，thebestFrenchsovereign，HenrytheFourth，akingwhorestoredorder，terminatedaterriblecivilwar，broughtthefinancesintoanexcellentcondition，madehiscountryrespectedthroughoutEurope，andendearedhimselftothegreatbodyofthepeoplewhomheruled。YetthismanwastwiceaHuguenotandtwiceaPapist。Hewas，asDavilahints，stronglysuspectedofhavingnoreligionatallintheory，andwascertainlynotmuchunderreligiousrestraintsinhispractice。
TaketheCzarPeter，theEmpressCatharine，FredericktheGreat。
Itwillsurelynotbedisputedthatthesesovereigns，withalltheirfaults，were，ifweconsiderthemwithreferencemerelytothetemporalendsofgovernment，abovetheaverageofmerit。
Consideredastheologicalguides，Mr。GladstonewouldprobablyputthembelowthemostabjectdrivellersoftheSpanishbranchoftheHouseofBourbon。Again，whenwepassfromindividualstosystems，webynomeansfindthattheaptitudeofgovernmentsforpropagatingreligioustruthisproportionedtotheiraptitudeforsecularfunctions。WithoutbeingblindadmirerseitheroftheFrenchoroftheAmericaninstitutions，wethinkitclearthatthepersonsandpropertyofcitizensarebetterprotectedinFranceandinNewEnglandthaninalmostanysocietythatnowexists，orthathaseverexisted;verymuchbetter，certainly，thanintheRomanEmpireundertheorthodoxruleofConstantineandTheodosius。ButneithertheGovernmentofFrance，northatofNewEngland，issoorganisedastobefitforthepropagationoftheologicaldoctrines。Nordowethinkitimprobablethatthemostseriousreligiouserrorsmightprevailinastatewhich，consideredmerelywithreferencetotemporalobjects，mightapproachfarnearerthananythathaseverbeenknowntotheideaofwhatastateshouldbe。
Butweshallleavethisabstractquestion，andlookattheworldaswefindit。Does，then，thewayinwhichgovernmentsgenerallyobtaintheirpowermakeitatallprobablethattheywillbemorefavourabletoorthodoxythantoheterodoxy？Anationofbarbarianspoursdownonarichandunwarlikeempire，enslavesthepeople，portionsouttheland，andblendstheinstitutionswhichitfindsinthecitieswiththosewhichithasbroughtfromthewoods。Ahandfulofdaringadventurersfromacivilisednationwandertosomesavagecountry，andreducetheaboriginalracetobondage。AsuccessfulgeneralturnshisarmsagainsttheStatewhichheserves。Asocietymadebrutalbyoppression，risesmadlyonitsmasters，sweepsawayalloldlawsandusages，andwhenitsfirstparoxysmofrageisover，sinksdownpassivelyunderanyformofpolitywhichmayspringoutofthechaos。A
chiefofaparty，asatFlorence，becomesimperceptiblyasovereign，andthefounderofadynasty。Acaptainofmercenaries，asatMilan，seizesonacity，andbytheswordmakeshimselfitsruler。Anelectivesenate，asatVenice，usurpspermanentandhereditarypower。Itisineventssuchasthesethatgovernmentshavegenerallyoriginated;andwecanseenothinginsucheventstowarrantusinbelievingthatthegovernmentsthuscalledintoexistencewillbepeculiarlywellfittedtodistinguishbetweenreligioustruthandheresy。
When，again，welookattheconstitutionsofgovernmentswhichhavebecomesettled，wefindnogreatsecurityfortheorthodoxyofrulers。Onemagistrateholdspowerbecausehisnamewasdrawnoutofapurse;another，becausehisfatherhelditbeforehim。
Therearerepresentativesystemsofallsorts，largeconstituentbodies，smallconstituentbodies，universalsuffrage，highpecuniaryqualifications。Weseethat，forthetemporalendsofgovernment，someoftheseconstitutionsareveryskilfullyconstructed，andthattheveryworstofthemispreferabletoanarchy。Weseesomesortofconnectionbetweentheveryworstofthemandthetemporalwell—beingofsociety。Butitpassesourunderstandingtocomprehendwhatconnectionanyoneofthemhaswiththeologicaltruth。
Andhowstandsthefact？Havenotalmostallthegovernmentsintheworldalwaysbeeninthewrongonreligioussubjects？Mr。
Gladstone，weimagine，wouldsaythat，exceptinthetimeofConstantine，ofJovian，andofaveryfewoftheirsuccessors，andoccasionallyinEnglandsincetheReformation，nogovernmenthaseverbeensincerelyfriendlytothepureandapostolicalChurchofChrist。If，therefore，itbetruethateveryrulerisboundinconsciencetousehispowerforthepropagationofhisownreligion，itwillfollowthat，foronerulerwhohasbeenboundinconsciencetousehispowerforthepropagationoftruth，athousandhavebeenboundinconsciencetousetheirpowerforthepropagationoffalsehood。Surelythisisaconclusionfromwhichcommonsenserecoils。Surely，ifexperienceshowsthatacertainmachine，whenusedtoproduceacertaineffect，doesnotproducethateffectonceinathousandtimes，butproduces，inthevastmajorityofcases，aneffectdirectlycontrary，wecannotbewronginsayingthatitisnotamachineofwhichtheprincipalendistobesoused。
If，indeed，themagistratewouldcontenthimselfwithlayinghisopinionsandreasonsbeforethepeople，andwouldleavethepeople，uncorruptedbyhopeorfear，tojudgeforthemselves，weshouldseelittlereasontoapprehendthathisinterferenceinfavouroferrorwouldbeseriouslyprejudicialtotheinterestsoftruth。Nordowe，aswillhereafterbeseen，objecttohistakingthiscourse，whenitiscompatiblewiththeefficientdischargeofhismoreespecialduties。ButthiswillnotsatisfyMr。Gladstone。Hewouldhavethemagistrateresorttomeanswhichhaveagreattendencytomakemalcontents，tomakehypocrites，tomakecarelessnominalconformists，butnotendencywhatevertoproducehonestandrationalconviction。Itseemstousquiteclearthataninquirerwhohasnowishexcepttoknowthetruthismorelikelytoarriveatthetruththananinquirerwhoknowsthat，ifhedecidesoneway，heshallberewarded，andthat，ifhedecidestheotherway，heshallbepunished。Now，Mr。
GladstonewouldhavegovernmentspropagatetheiropinionsbyexcludingallDissentersfromallciviloffices。Thatistosay，hewouldhavegovernmentspropagatetheiropinionsbyaprocesswhichhasnoreferencewhatevertothetruthorfalsehoodofthoseopinions，byarbitrarilyunitingcertainworldlyadvantageswithonesetofdoctrines，andcertainworldlyinconvenienceswithanotherset。Itisoftheverynatureofargumenttoservetheinterestsoftruth;butifrewardsandpunishmentsservetheinterestsoftruth，itisbymereaccident。ItisverymucheasiertofindargumentsforthedivineauthorityoftheGospelthanforthedivineauthorityoftheKoran。ButitisjustaseasytobribeorrackaJewintoMahometanismasintoChristianity。
Fromracks，indeed，andfromallpenaltiesdirectedagainstthepersons，theproperty，andthelibertyofheretics，thehumanespiritofMr。Gladstoneshrinkswithhorror。HeonlymaintainsthatconformitytothereligionoftheStateoughttobeanindispensablequalificationforoffice;andhewould，unlesswehavegreatlymisunderstoodhim，thinkithisduty，ifhehadthepower，torevivetheTestAct，toenforceitrigorously，andtoextendittoimportantclasseswhowereformerlyexemptfromitsoperation。
Thisisindeedalegitimateconsequenceofhisprinciples。Butwhystophere？WhynotroastDissentersatslowfires？Allthegeneralreasoningsonwhichthistheoryrestsevidentlyleadtosanguinarypersecution。Ifthepropagationofreligioustruthbeaprincipalendofgovernment，asgovernment;ifitbethedutyofagovernmenttoemployforthatenditsconstitutionalPower;
iftheconstitutionalpowerofgovernmentsextends，asitmostunquestionablydoes，tothemakingoflawsfortheburningofheretics;ifburningbe，asitmostassuredlyis，inmanycases，amosteffectualmodeofsuppressingopinions;whyshouldwenotburn？Iftherelationinwhichgovernmentoughttostandtothepeoplebe，asMr。Gladstonetellsus，apaternalrelation，weareirresistiblyledtotheconclusionthatpersecutionisjustifiable。Fortherightofpropagatingopinionsbypunishmentisonewhichbelongstoparentsasclearlyastherighttogiveinstruction。Aboyiscompelledtoattendfamilyworship:heisforbiddentoreadirreligiousbooks:ifhewillnotlearnhiscatechism，heissenttobedwithouthissupper:ifheplaystruantatchurch—timeataskissethim。Ifheshoulddisplaytheprecocityofhistalentsbyexpressingimpiousopinionsbeforehisbrothersandsisters，weshouldnotmuchblamehisfatherforcuttingshortthecontroversywithahorse—
whip。Allthereasonswhichleadustothinkthatparentsarepeculiarlyfittedtoconducttheeducationoftheirchildren，andthateducationistheprincipalendofaparentalrelation，leadusalsotothinkthatparentsoughttobeallowedtousepunishment，ifnecessary，forthepurposeofforcingchildren，whoareincapableofjudgingforthemselves，toreceivereligiousinstructionandtoattendreligiousworship。Why，then，isthisprerogativeofpunishment，soeminentlypaternal，tobewithheldfromapaternalgovernment？Itseemstous，also，tobetheheightofabsurditytoemploycivildisabilitiesforthepropagationofanopinion，andthentoshrinkfromemployingotherpunishmentsforthesamepurpose。Fornothingcanbeclearerthanthat，ifyoupunishatall，yououghttopunishenough。Thepaincausedbypunishmentispureunmixedevil，andneveroughttobeinflicted，exceptforthesakeofsomegood。Itismerefoolishcrueltytoprovidepenaltieswhichtormentthecriminalwithoutpreventingthecrime。Nowitispossible，bysanguinarypersecutionunrelentinglyinflicted，tosuppressopinions。InthiswaytheAlbigenseswereputdown。InthiswaytheLollardswereputdown。InthiswaythefairpromiseoftheReformationwasblightedinItalyandSpain。ButwemaysafelydefyMr。Gladstonetopointoutasingleinstanceinwhichthesystemwhichherecommendshassucceeded。
Andwhyshouldhebesotender—hearted？Whatreasoncanhegiveforhangingamurderer，andsufferingaheresiarchtoescapewithoutevenapecuniarymulct？Istheheresiarchalessperniciousmemberofsocietythanthemurderer？Isnotthelossofonesoulagreaterevilthantheextinctionofmanylives？AndthenumberofmurderscommittedbythemostprofligatebravothateverletouthisponiardtohireinItaly，orbythemostsavagebuccaneerthateverprowledontheWindwardStation，issmallindeed，whencomparedwiththenumberofsoulswhichhavebeencaughtinthesnaresofonedexterousheresiarch。If，then，theheresiarchcausesinfinitelygreaterevilsthanthemurderer，whyishenotasproperanobjectofpenallegislationasthemurderer？Wecangiveareason，areason，short，simple，decisive，andconsistent。Wedonotextenuatetheevilwhichtheheresiarchproduces;butwesaythatitisnotevilofthatsortthesortagainstwhichitistheendofgovernmenttoguard。ButhowMr。Gladstone，whoconsiderstheevilwhichtheheresiarchproducesasevilofthesortagainstwhichitistheendofgovernmenttoguard，canescapefromtheobviousconsequenceofhisdoctrine，wedonotunderstand。Theworldisfullofparallelcases。Anorange—womanstopsupthepavementwithherwheelbarrow;andapolicemantakesherintocustody。Amiserwhohasamassedamillionsuffersanoldfriendandbenefactortodieinaworkhouse，andcannotbequestionedbeforeanytribunalforhisbasenessandingratitude。Isthisbecauselegislatorsthinktheorange—woman’sconductworsethanthemiser’s？Notatall。Itisbecausethestoppingupofthepathwayisoneoftheevilsagainstwhichitisthebusinessofthepublicauthoritiestoprotectsociety，andheartlessnessisnotoneofthoseevils。Itwouldbetheheightoffollytosaythatthemiserought，indeed，tobepunished，butthatheoughttobepunishedlessseverelythantheorange—woman。
ThehereticalConstantiuspersecutesAthanasius;andwhynot？
ShallCaesarpunishtherobberwhohastakenonepurse，andsparethewretchwhohastaughtmillionstorobtheCreatorofHishonour，andtobestowitonthecreature？TheorthodoxTheodosiuspersecutestheArians，andwithequalreason。ShallaninsultofferedtotheCaesareanmajestybeexpiatedbydeath;andshalltherebenopenaltyforhimwhodegradestotherankofacreaturethealmighty，theinfiniteCreator？Wehaveashortanswerforboth:\"ToCaesarthethingswhichareCaesar’s。Caesarisappointedforthepunishmentofrobbersandrebels。HeisnotappointedforthepurposeofeitherpropagatingorexterminatingthedoctrineoftheconsubstantialityoftheFatherandtheSon。\"
\"Notso，\"saysMr。Gladstone，\"Caesarisboundinconsciencetopropagatewhateverhethinkstobethetruthastothisquestion。
ConstantiusisboundtoestablishtheArianworshipthroughouttheempire，andtodisplacethebravestcaptainsofhislegions，andtheablestministersofhistreasury，iftheyholdtheNicenefaith。TheodosiusisequallyboundtoturnouteverypublicservantwhomhisArianpredecessorshaveputin。ButifConstantiuslaysonAthanasiusafineofasingleaureus，ifTheodosiusimprisonsanArianpresbyterforaweek，thisismostunjustifiableoppression。\"Ourreaderswillbecurioustoknowhowthisdistinctionismadeout。
ThereasonswhichMr。Gladstonegivesagainstpersecutionaffectinglife，limb，andproperty，maybedividedintotwoclasses;first，reasonswhichcanbecalledreasonsonlybyextremecourtesy，andwhichnothingbutthemostdeplorablenecessitywouldeverhaveinducedamanofhisabilitiestouse;
and，secondly，reasonswhicharereallyreasons，andwhichhavesomuchforcethattheynotonlycompletelyprovehisexception，butcompletelyupsethisgeneralrule。Hisartilleryonthisoccasioniscomposedoftwosortsofpieces，pieceswhichwillnotgooffatall，andpieceswhichgooffwithavengeance，andrecoilwithmostcrushingeffectuponhimself。
\"We，asfalliblecreatures，\"saysMr。Gladstone，\"havenoright，fromanybarespeculationsofourowntoadministerpainsandpenaltiestoourfellow—creatures，whetheronsocialorreligiousgrounds。Wehavetherighttoenforcethelawsofthelandbysuchpainsandpenalties，becauseitisexpresslygivenbyHimwhohasdeclaredthatthecivilrulersaretobeartheswordforthepunishmentofevil—doers，andfortheencouragementofthemthatdowell。Andso，inthingsspiritual，haditpleasedGodtogivetotheChurchortheStatethispower，tobepermanentlyexercisedovertheirmembers，ormankindatlarge，weshouldhavetherighttouseit;butitdoesnotappeartohavebeensoreceived，andconsequently，itshouldnotbeexercised。\"
Weshouldbesorrytothinkthatthesecurityofourlivesandpropertyfrompersecutionrestedonnobettergroundthanthis。
Isnotateacherofheresyanevil—doer？Hasnotheresybeencondemnedinmanycountries，andinourownamongthem，bythelawsoftheland，which，asMr。Gladstonesays，itisjustifiabletoenforcebypenalsanctions？IfahereticisnotspeciallymentionedinthetexttowhichMr。Gladstonerefers，neitherisanassassin，akidnapper，orahighwayman:andifthesilenceoftheNewTestamentastoallinterferenceofgovernmentstostoptheprogressofheresybeareasonfornotfiningorimprisoningheretics，itissurelyjustasgoodareasonfornotexcludingthemfromoffice。
\"God，\"saysMr。Gladstone，\"hasseenfittoauthorizetheemploymentofforceintheonecaseandnotintheother;foritwaswithregardtochastisementinflictedbytheswordforaninsultofferedtohimselfthattheRedeemerdeclaredhiskingdomnottobeofthisworld:——meaning，apparentlyinanespecialmanner，thatitshouldbeotherwisethanafterthisworld’sfashion，inrespecttothesanctionsbywhichitslawsshouldbemaintained。\"
NowhereMr。Gladstone，quotingfrommemory，hasfallenintoanerror。TheveryremarkablewordswhichhecitesdonotappeartohavehadanyreferencetothewoundinflictedbyPeteronMalchus。TheywereaddressedtoPilate，inanswertothequestion，\"ArtthoutheKingoftheJews？\"WecannothelpsayingthatwearesurprisedthatMr。Gladstoneshouldnothavemoreaccuratelyverifiedaquotationonwhich，accordingtohim，principallydependstherightofahundredmillionsofhisfellow—subjects，idolaters，Mussulmans，Catholics，anddissenters，totheirproperty，theirliberty，andtheirlives。
Mr。Gladstone’shumaneinterpretationsofScripturearelamentablydestituteofonerecommendation，whichheconsidersasofthehighestvalue:theyarebynomeansinaccordancewiththegeneralpreceptsorpracticeoftheChurch，fromthetimewhentheChristiansbecamestrongenoughtopersecutedowntoaveryrecentperiod。Adogmafavourabletotolerationiscertainlynotadogmaquodsemper，quodubique，quodomnibus。Bossuetwasabletosay，wefearwithtoomuchtruth，thatononepointallChristianshadlongbeenunanimous，therightofthecivilmagistratetopropagatetruthbythesword;thatevenhereticshadbeenorthodoxastothisright，andthattheAnabaptistsandSocinianswerethefirstwhocalleditinquestion。Wewillnotpretendtosaywhatisthebestexplanationofthetextunderconsideration;butwearesurethatMr。Gladstone’sistheworst。
Accordingtohim，GovernmentoughttoexcludeDissentersfromoffice，butnottofinethem，becauseChrist’skingdomisnotofthisworld。Wedonotseewhythelinemaynotbedrawnatahundredotherplacesaswellasthatwhichhehaschosen。WedonotseewhyLordClarendon，inrecommendingtheactof1664
againstconventicles，mightnothavesaid，\"Ithathbeenthoughtbysomethatthisclassisofmenmightwithadvantagebenotonlyimprisonedbutpilloried。Butmethinks，myLords，weareinhibitedfromthepunishmentofthepillorybythatScripture，’Mykingdomisnotofthisworld。\"’ArchbishopLaud，whenhesateonBurtonintheStar—Chamber，mighthavesaid，\"Ipronounceforthepillory;and，indeed，Icouldwishthatallsuchwretchesweredeliveredtothefire，butthatourLordhathsaidthatHiskingdomisnotofthisworld。\"AndGardinermighthavewrittentotheSheriffofOxfordshire\"SeethatexecutionbedonewithoutfallonMasterRidleyandMasterLatimer，asyouwillanswerthesametotheQueen’sgraceatyourperil。Butiftheyshalldesiretohavesomegunpowderfortheshorteningoftheirtorment，Iseenotbutyoumaygrantit，asitiswritten，Regnummeumnonestdehocmundo;thatistosay，Mykingdomisnotofthisworld。\"