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OF THE REFORMATION, 79The same thing took placein the Catholic states ;andwherever the questionwas doubtful it was formally determined by treaties and articles of peace, which were oftendearly purchased.It is true that the Christian religion is, by its doctrines,totally unconnected with politics.It merely inculcates submission to existing authority, and decides nothing, as to theconstitution of states, with preference of any particular form.Nor did any of the partiesinto which its advocates were separated by the Reformation, introduce the subject into theirdoctrinal canons; and althoughthe more democrat cal churchgovernment of the Lutherans, and especially of the strictersects, appeared to be favourable to republicanism; this hadno necessary connexion with the affairs of the state, norcould have, except under temporary circumstances.Experience has, in fact, abundantly shown, that the mostabsolute monarchy, as well as the freest republic, are alikecompatible either with Catholicism or Protestantism. Themore unphilosophical, therefore, must that policy appearwhich required that one or other of these should form thebasis of government, and thus breathed a spirit of intolerance into the nations of Europe, for which they have beenobliged, even in our days, dearlyto atone. Although hereticswere no longer brought to the stake, was it not sufficientlydegradingto be reduced into an Inferior caste by the meretenure of a few opinions? Was it not In the eye of reasonmore than strange that a man might or might not hold thelowest constable's office, In this place or that, according ashe believed, or disbelieved, the doctrine of transubstantiation?An impartial observer, however, will attach lessblame to those who established such institutions, than tothose who allowed them to continue without any necessity.It Is easy to perceive, that at the time of their origin theywere the result of unavoidable circumstances. As soon andas long as religious parties combine a political characterwith their other and more peculiar one, it is under this character that the state must contemplate them ;and the exclusion of religious Dissenters, if not from the state altogether,at least from all active share In its administration, may be arequisite security.But what was absolutely necessary atone time does not continue so for ever; and we might