"the dictates of his conscience," (p. 12.) To be permitted to hold and exercise these rights under protection of law, does honour to the civil government, considering the limited state to which society is advanced; but these should not even now be clogged with one unnecesary restraint; for when the tenure is unquestionably vicious, and the result only of power previously obtained, it has no pretension to any other defence than an apology for the obtrusion. Toleration is a great good, as far as it goes; but there is wanting

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something more than toleration in "this kingdom," (p. 13,) and indeed in every christian country.

We confessedly owe much to Mr. Locke-more, probably, than to any other individual person; not merely for his very masterly "Letters on "Toleration," but for his having eventually, through the progress of time, shewn the insufficiency of that toleration for which those letters so powerfully plead. In America, the christian principle is practically adopted, I understand, throughout that western continent. Every congregation and every individual there are placed independently of each other; and I ain not apprised of any civil inconvenience likely to follow the establishment of this extent of religious liberty. Its most prominent

tendency and effect is to produce harmony and good-will among all men. This extent of christian liberty will, I am persuaded, most essentially subserve the cause of revealed truth, and before all other means, preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace; and most effectually supersede all that " vigilance and caution" which you apprise your clergy will otherwise be required of them. The church of Christ will prevail against the powers of this world, however it may be compelled to pass through evil report and good report; and as I am persuaded that no religious tests will add to its security, so I am likewise convinced, that though they

may impede its progress, and, for a time, corrupt its profession, they cannot destroy it. The short-sighted policy of man frequently, for a season, destroys the end which he has in

view, but never can ultimately defeat the purpose of God.

gene

You state, my lord, that " ❝ral irreligion and avowed depravity "characterize the present age; and” that "bitter are the fruits they 'produce." (p. 9.) I believe such statement to be founded in truth; but, if it proves any thing to your purpose in our present question, it proves that religious tests, penal laws, and legal incapacities, have not accomplished their promised good

effects, but probably have weakened the impressions and influence of religion on the morals of mankind. It is equally probable that the very profession of religion in simplicity and godly sincerity would have had a more benign effect on all the different denominations of christians, in the exercise of mutual confidence in, and harmony with, each other.

You tell us, that you "have never "regarded the roman catholic ques❝tion solely in a political light;" (p. 10.) But I had understood in the course of reading your charge, that you renounced any desire to interfere with the faith of the catholic in a religious light. The religious faith