And as superstition is blind, so it is heady and furious, for
all must stoop to its blind and boundless zeal, or perish by it: in the
name of the spirit, persecuting the very appearance of the spirit of God
in others, and opposing that in others, which they resisted in
themselves, viz. the light, grace, and spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ;
but always under the notion of innovation, heresy, schism, or some such
plausible name; though Christianity allows of no name, or pretence
whatever, for persecuting of any man for matters of mere religion, being
in its very nature meek, gentle, and forbearing; and consists of faith,
hope, and charity, which no persecutor can have, whilst he remains a
persecutor; in that a man cannot believe well, or hope well, or have a
charitable or tender regard to another, whilst he would violate his mind,
or persecute his body, for matters of faith or worship towards his God.
Thus the false church sprang up, and mounted the chair; but, though she
lost her nature, she would needs keep her good name of the Lamb's bride,
the true church, and mother of the faithful: constraining all to receive
her mark, either in their forehead, or right-hand; that is, publicly, or
privately.
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