There is something in the temper of man so averse to severe and
boisterous treatment, that he who endeavours to carry his point in that
way, instead of prevailing, generally leaves the mind of him whom he
has thus attempted to subdue, in a more confirmed and obstinate state.
Bitter words and hard usage freeze the heart into an obduracy, which
mild, persuasive, and gentle language only can dissolve. Persecution
has always fixed those opinions which it was intended to dispel; and
the quick growth of christianity in early times, is attributed in a
great measure to the barbarous reception which its first teachers
met with in the Pagan world; and since that time the different modes
of faith which have grown out of christianity itself, have been each
established by the same kind of intolerant spirit. To reflect upon
these things, furnishes matter of wonder and regret, for the benevolent
Author of the christian religion taught neither intolerance nor
persecution. The doctrines he laid down are plain, pure, and simple.
They teach mercy to the contrite, aid to the humble, and eternal
happiness to the good. In short, persecution is the scandal of all
religion, and like the north wind in the Fable, only tends to make a
man wrap his notions more closely about him.
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