PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

I
fended.
and of 11!craliolt.
4S7
One is where two or more religions are
contending for establi~hment; and where there ap..
pear~ no way of putting an end to the contest but by
to one rdigion such a decided superiority in
giving _
the legi -lature and governt.lent of the country, as to
secl1re it against d .. mger from any other;) I own that
I should ~sent to this precaution with many scruples.
If the dissenters frOnl the establisllment become a majority
of the people, the establishment itself ought to
be altered or qualified. If there exist amongst the
different sects of the country such a parity of Dum·
bers, interest, and power, as to render the preference
of one sect to ~he rest, arId the choice of that sect, a
Inatter of hazardous success .. and of doubtful election,
sonle plan similar to that-which is nleditated in North
America, and which we have described in a preceeding
part of the present chapter, though encumbered with
great difficulties, may perhaps suit better with this
divided state of pub1ic opinions, than any constitution
of a national church whatever. In all other situation~.,
the establishment will be strong enough to
maintain itself. ( However, if a test be applicable withjustice
upon this principle at an, it ought to be .appli..
ed in regai governments to the chief rnagistrate him ..
self, whose power might otherwise overthrc\v or
change the established religion of the country, in 'Opeposition
to the will and sentiments of the people. ,
( The second case of exclwiGn- and in whidi, I think,
the measure is nlore ~a~il}1- Vil1dicated, is that of a
country in which some disaffection to the subsisting
governmeIlt happens to be connected w:th certain religious
distinctions. The state undoubtedly has a
right to refuse its l,ower and its confidence to those
who ~eek its dcsuuction. \Vherefore, if the generaljty
of any religious sect entertain dj~positinns hostile
to the c()nstitlltion, and if governl11ent have no other
· way of knowing its enemies than by the religion
which they profess, the professor5 of that religjon
may justly be excluded from offices of trust and au.)
thority. But even here it . should be observed, that it
is not against the religion that government shuts i~-