s
jurisdiction. In many ages of the world religious intolerance has been the
fruitful source of misery and bloodshed.

The religion of the Bible does not rest itself upon the authority of man;
much less is it responsible for the cruel results of wicked efforts to
establish or overthrow it by law. Causes outside of Christianity in the
hands of wicked men are responsible for every drop of blood that has been
shed in the name of our holy religion. Christianity has nothing to fear in
our country as long as our law-makers remember that their whole duty
consists, not in making or unmaking rights or religion, but in making laws
protecting all in the enjoyment of their rights. The principles of
religious liberty set forth in the Bible are the following: First, the
word of God is the only source of authority in religious matters. Neither
tradition, nor remote antiquity, nor ecclesiastical decisions, nor
statutes, but the Bible is supreme in our religion. Second, the Bible
allows, and demands, the right of private judgment in all matters of faith
and duty. This is based upon the well-defined principles of individual and
personal responsibility. "Let every man prove his own work."

The true and intelligent Christian has always been opposed to
ecclesiastical establishments by law, and the authority of the state to
produce unity of faith and worship. In all such matters we are responsible
to God alone. His authority is all that is needed in order to the soul's
own free service; and this is the only acceptable worship. The third great
principle of religious liberty is this: the Bible contains the only
infallible standard of faith and worship, and its author is the only
infallible judge. The Bible gives to no man, or set of men, dominion over
the human conscience, but on the contrary lays the solemn injunction upon
each individual: "Prove all things and hold fast that which is good." The
direction of Christ is in these living lines: "Call no man master, for one
is your master, even Christ." Every man's own works are the only true
expositor of his character, because they are the fruits of the affections
which point him out as an enemy, or as a friend, of righteousness.

The man who abuses the right of private judgment has a fearful account to
render--let him see to that. If he receives not the truth in the love of it
that he may be saved, it is at his own peril. The field of investigation
is the place where Christianity has won her mo