6 magisterial powers, in one great, ovei’shadowittg, tyram nous, persecuting church, and so inaugurated the era of Christian strifes and wars. Yet bands of faithful witnesses were found protesting against such spiritual despotism, suffering even unto death in holding up the truth and proclaiming the priceless liberty. At last, in America, in the little colony of Rhode Island, a community was embodied, resting on the pure Christian principle of the entire separateness of churches and states. Here for a time the principle was proudly scorned and bitterly opposed by the adjacent colonies. But time glorified the pillar. Light broke forth from it, as from the pillar of fire in the desert. At last the clause in our national constitution, guaranteeing religious liberty throughout all the land, was introduced, at the instance of the Baptists. The other denominations, pushed by the logic of events, gradually dropped their principle of church and state, and reluctantly conceded, first toleration, and finally liberty. The Baptists alone have always held the high doctrine of “ religious liberty, from which all other freedom springs,” marching always in the van of freedom, having never persecuted any people, or sympathized in any religious war. Their sentiments would exclude religious wars from the world, making them impossible. We wield only the sword of the Spirit—God’s Word. 3. Third Pillar. Observe it. The organic completeness of every individual church. Each church a separate and complete candlestick, not a taper or branch in a hierarchic or monopolizing chandelier. All churches as entire in themselves and as independent as the seven churches of Asia; they are accountable to Christ, and not to one another; each one is a depositary of the gospel, and fully authorized to publish it. This is a
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