Freedom of Conscience and Religious Liberty
In the Vestnik Europy, a Russian paper published at Moscow, Prof. V. S. Solovier makes a plea for the freedom of the conscience. He contrasts the orthodox or Russian Church, in which he believes, with the non-conformist sects, and notes the prosperity of the latter under persecution. The following words are worthy of consideration:— There can be no doubt that the utility of persecution consists, not in the sufferings endured, but in the necessity of resisting the persecution with one's own spiritual strength. Not the persecution is beneficial, but the defense, not the external restrictions, but the internal freedom from legal patronage, which generally has a blighting effect on spiritual health. This utility, however, results still more surely from religious toleration and freedom of conscience, when each belief is obliged to defend itself in a free field. Such a condition is most advantageous for the truth, while any application of force in the interest of religious truth helps error by investing it with a dignity not belonging to it. . . . Life on our earth is a struggle, and the creed which is backed and imposed by force has no occasion to struggle—hence does not really live. Our National Reformers may learn a profitable lesson in liberty from this member of the Orthodox Russian Church.