Many want inclination or ability to examine which of the contrary instructions given them are preferable, become indifferent about religion, and fall into scepticism or infidelity, which soon produces depravity of manners. Formulas, therefore, are not unnecessary, if they prevent, in a considerable degree, first, the internal divisions, and then the general decay of religion, in a particular sect of Christians. But they have another happy effect. They secure to the laity liberty of conscience. If ministers may preach what they please, the edification of the people is left to the mercy of every wild fanatic, or a flighty youth, who has heard something strange at an university, or has read some new notion in the immortal works of Bahrdt, or in the general German Bibliothec.
Liberty of conscience is the natural right of communities, as well as of individuals.
In this way, only the teacher has liberty of conscience, not the church. If men are entitled to join the religious sect which they prefer, they are entitled to demand, that he who undertakes to minister among them, shall preach the doctrines of that sect, or at least nothing opposite to them. He who accepts that office, tacitly enters into such an engagement. Our judgments should not be determined by any adventitious or adherent circumstances which may attend the truth, or by any consequences which may follow our believing or embracing it.