25.9. 9. Of Toleration in point of Religion.
We are here politicians, and
not divines; but the divines themselves must allow, that there is a
great difference between tolerating and approving a religion.
When the legislator has believed it a duty to permit the exercise of
many religions, it is necessary that he should enforce also a toleration
among these religions themselves. It is a principle that every religion
which is persecuted becomes itself persecuting; for as soon as by some
accidental turn it arises from persecution, it attacks the religion
which persecuted it; not as religion, but as tyranny.
It is necessary, then, that the laws require from the several
religions, not only that they shall not embroil the state, but that they
shall not raise disturbances among themselves. A citizen does not fulfil
the laws by not disturbing the government; it is requisite that he
should not trouble any citizen whomsoever.
