Where, indeed, opinions destructive of the State are entertained or a party subversive of peace makes its appearance, the magistrate has the right of suppression; though in the latter case force is the worst and last of remedies.

In the English situation, it follows that all men are to be tolerated save Catholics, Mahomedans and atheists.

The first are themselves deniers of the rights they would seek, and they find the centre of their political allegiance in a foreign power.

Mahomedan morals are incompatible with European civil systems; and the central factor in atheism is the absence of the only ultimately satisfactory sanction of good conduct.

Though Church and State are thus distinct, they act for a reciprocal benefit; and it is thus important to see why Locke insists on the invalidity of persecution.