A Treatise of Civil Power in Ecclesiastical Causes

by John Milton

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About this book

A Treatise of Civil Power in Ecclesiastical Causes, by John Milton, says in its title that it is not lawful for any power on earth to compel in matters of religion. A dedication to Richard Price says that this manual of John Milton is inscribed to him as the assertor and protector of the civil and religious rights of mankind.

The treatise speaks of two things which have been ever found working much mischief to the church of God. The treatise says that to compel outward profession, which they will say perhaps ought to be compelled though inward religion cannot, is to compel hypocrisie, not to advance religion. The text says that commonwealth and religion will at length, if ever, flourish in christendom when either those who govern discern between civil and religious, or only those who so discern are admitted to govern. Until then, the text says, nothing but troubles, persecutions, commotions can be expected.

About the author

John Milton

John Milton (1608-1674) was an English poet and political thinker, author of Paradise Lost. A defender of liberty and republican government, he is regarded as one of the greatest poets in the English language.