Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

Compel them to come in. The Papists allege this Text to give colour to their Cruelty, in their violent ways of making Proselytes to their Idolatry. Their convincing Arguments are Swords, and Racks, and Gibbets, and Fires. If this be a proper Method of converting Men to Religion, the greatest Tyrants are the most infallible Teachers. The Vanity and Impiety of the Pretence will appear by considering,

1. 'Tis ridiculous to Reason, to use forcible Means for such an End: for the Understanding is a reasonable Faculty, and can only be convinced by instructing Reasons. It cannot judg of things but as they appear, nor assent against its Judgment. Indeed Threatenings and Tortures may make Men Infidels, but not sincere Believers: it may make them Hypocrites and Comedians ⟨p. 197⟩in Religion, but not unfeigned Professors. This is abundantly exemplified in France, where the vast number of servile Converts have been made by their Dragoons, not their Doctors.

1. 'Tis ridiculous to Reason, to use forcible Means for such an End: for the Understanding is a reasonable Faculty, and can only be convinc'd by instructing Reasons. It cannot judg of things but as they appear, nor assent against its Judgment. Indeed Threatnings and Tortures may make Men Infidels, but not sincere Believers: it may make them Hypocrites and Comedians ⟨p. 197⟩in Religion, but not unseigned Professors. This is abundantly exemplified in France, where the vast number of servile Converts have been made by their Dragoons, not their Doctors.