7223. RELIGION, Freedom of.—[further continued].
If I be marching on
with my utmost vigor in that way which according
to the sacred geography leads to Jerusalem
straight, why am I beaten and ill used
by others because my hair is not of the right
cut; because I have not been dressed right;
because I eat flesh on the road; because I
avoid certain by-ways which seem to lead into
briars; because among several paths I take
that which seems shortest and cleanest; because
I avoid travellers less grave and keep
company with others who are more sour and
austere; or because I follow a guide crowned
with a mitre and clothed in white? Yet these
are the frivolous things which keep Christians
at war.—
Notes on Religion.
Ford ed., ii, 100.
(1776?)
