The peace of Jerusalem a sermon preached in the Parliament House, Jan. 9, 1656

I answer, First in general, and by way of concession, God forbid that any should assume dominion over the consciences of men. The Apostle himself said, We are not Lords over your faith, we are but helpers of your joy, 2 Cor. 1.24. It would be a high and withal a vain attempt. An high attempt; for no man can give Law further then he can reward, and punish, accuse and convince. But no man can either search, or reward, or punish the conscience; therefore no man can give Law unto it. And upon the same reason it would be a vain attempt; for none but a divine eye can see the conscience, therefore none but a divine Law can bind it. If such words or such writings be blasphemous and subversive to Church or State, or both, and highly derogatory to the honour of Christ, civil restraint can reach them; But thoughts it cannot reach; they are unsearchable by an humane eye, and therefore unreducible to a humane power. And again, God forbid we should straighten liberty which Christ hath purchased for us. Let every man stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made him free; whom Christ hath made free, cursed be that man who shall go about to entangle him in any such yoke of bondage as is contrary to that freedom.

I answer, First in general, and by way of concession, God forbid that any should assume dominion over the consciences of men. The Apostle himself said, We are not Lords over your faith, we are but helpers of your joy, 2 Cor. 1.24. It would be a high and withall a vain attempt. An high attempt; for no man can give Law further then he can reward, and punish, accuse and convince. But no man can either search, or reward, or punish the conscience; therefore no man can give Law unto it. And upon the same reason it would be a vain attempt; for none but a divine eye can see the conscience, therefore none but a divine Law can bind it. If such words or such writings be blasphemous and subversive to Church or State, or both, and highly derogatory to the honor of Christ, civil restraint can reach them; But thoughts it cannot reach; they are unsearchable by an humane eye, and therefore unreducible to a humane power. And again, God forbid we should straighten liberty which Christ hath purchased for us. Let every man stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made him free; whom Christ hath made free, cursed be that man who shall go about to intangle him in any such yoke of bondage as is contrary to that freedom.