202 CIVIL POWER IN THINGS SACRED. subordinate, it may be well enough called the national reli- gion, since the greatest part of the nation profess the same religion with the supreme power in it, and generally all the subordinate powers profess it also ; though if it be not estab- lishedunder any legal requirements and penalties, some persona may doubt., whether it can be so well pronounced an established religion in the full propriety of the words. In the fourth place I answer : VI. Answer IV. Suppose a whole nation, both rulers and people should agrée in the present age so far, as actually to have no magistrates or officers supreme or subordinate, chosen or ap- pointed, but who profess such a peculiar religion as they them- selves profess; yet considering that we are all fallible creatures, and that our know] edge is very imperfect, and our opinions are very changeable, considering also that the changes and revolu- tions of human affairs, and the situation of themare very various, I query whether it be a piece of wisdom in any state, to make such laws like the Medea and Persians, which shall never be altered in all times to come. Who knows what future occur- rences may arise, wherein it may be necessary for a state to do that in one age for its own preservation and advantage, which was not proper informer years ? Andwho knows, what further views may árise in the minds of the ruling powers through longer observation and experience, which may shew them how reasonable it is to repeal laws that have been formerly made, though at that time, they might generally be thought necessary. Surely it can be no piece of wisdom for a person or a family or a kingdom, by anypresent resolution or law to preclude themselves and their posterity for ever from all possible advantages that might arise from the change or repeal of it in future times. In the last place : VII. Answer V. I would make the supposition, that the present religion both of prince and people is heathen idolatry, and then I would make these few queries following : viz. Query I. If such a law had been made in every nation in the days of heathenism, to exclude all but heathens and idolaters from public posts, I query whether the government of all the European as well as easternnations, must not have continued for ever heathen ? And whether any secular power or govern- ment in Europe, could ever have regularly become christian ? Now surely it would be hard to say, that that could have been an equitable law which should for ever exclude a chris- tian prince from the throne in every nation of Europe, and forbid christian officers ever to have been established amongst them. II. Whether the understanding and conscience of princeor i3cople who made such a law, might not in time gain further
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