The Works of John Locke, in Nine Volumes Volume 5

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1824 edition. Excerpt: ... fore they must lie under penalties till they have considered as they ought, which is when they have upon conviction embraced. But how shall the magistrate know when they upon conviction embrace, that he may then take off their penalties? That indeed cannot be known, and ought not to be inquired after, because irreligious persons who only seek their secular advantage; or, in other words, all those who desire at their ease to retain their beloved lusts and corruption; may "easily "pretend conviction, and offer such grounds (if it "were required) as would become a christian concerned "for religion: this is what no care of man can cer"tainly prevent." Which is reason enough, why no busy forwardness in man to disease his brother, should use force upon pretence of prevailing against men's corruptions, that hinder their considering and embracing the truth upon conviction, when it is confessed, it cannot be known, whether they have considered, are convinced, or have really embraced the true religion or no. And thus you have shown us your admirable remedy, which is not it seems for the irreligious, (for it is easy, you say, for them to pretend to conviction, and so avoid punishment, ) but for those who would be religious without it. But here, in this case, as to the intention of the magistrate, how can it be said, that the force he uses is designed, by subduing men's corruptions, to make way for considering and embracing the truth; when it is so applied, that it is confessed here, that a man may get rid of the penalties without parting with the corruptions they are pretended to be used against? But you have a ready answer, "This is what no care of man "can certainly prevent;" which is but in other words to proclaim the ridiculousness of your use...