I Testify that no such believer, or Servant of Christ Jesus hath any liberty, much less Authority, from his Lord, to smite his fellow servant, nor yet with outward force, or arme of flesh, to constrain, or restrain his Conscience, no nor yet his outward man for Conscience sake, or worship of his God, where injury is not offered to the person, name or estate of others, every man being such as shall appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and must give an account of himself to God, and therefore ought to be fully persuaded in his own mind, for what he undertakes, because he that doubteth is damned if he eat, and so also if he act, because he doth not eat or act in Faith, and what is not of Faith is Sin.
20250826
1689 Baptist Confession
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to his word, or not contained in it. So that to believe such doctrines, or obey such commands out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience; and the requiring of an implicit faith, an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience and reason also.
John Clarke 1
.. There is yet besides this, another administration of Christ's power on Earth, which compared with this, may be truly termed heavenly and spiritual, it being that which suiteth with, and principally is exercised about the spiritual, or hidden part of man, to wit, his spirit, mind and conscience, which is indeed the most natural Lord and commander of the outward, it and all things belonging thereunto being but naturally subject and readily obedient, from which very consideration it is, that it is more safe, and also more honourable, for the powers on earth to have one thousand souls to be subject to them for love and conscience sake, than to have ten thousand times ten thousand bodies seemingly subject, for wrath sake, and for fear of revenge; this spirit and great commander in man, is such a sparkling beam, from the Father of lights and spirits, that it cannot be lorded over, commanded or forced, either by men, devils or angels, but only leaving its first station, wherein it came so neer to the light and glory of God, it is now caused to possess death and darkness, and by that means is in a capacity by men and devils to be deceived ....
From Ille News (from New England) 1652
John Spilsbury
I do believe the resurrection of the dead, that all shall rise and come to judgment, and every one give account of himself to God, and receive according to the things done in their bodies, whether they be good or bad; therefore no conscience ought to be forced in the matters of Religion, because no man can bear out another in his account to God, if in case he should cause him to sin.
Southern Baptist Convention Article XVII
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
20241204
John Elias
The ministers of the gospel are under great necessity of being experimentally acquainted with the work of the Holy Ghost ... Oh, that we might have more of the communion and fellowship of the Holy Ghost! O, may each carefully observe that nothing separates or darkens between his soul and God. Cherish a tender conscience, and a broken heart avoid an indifferent spirit, a hard heart, and a sleepy conscience. Press on for more intimate fellowship with God in private!
20231114
Benjamin Beddome 05
Every man has a right to judge for himself; and as far as we endeavour to deprive him of that right, we violate the great charter of mankind. There is no master of conscience but Christ. A diligent and impartial enquiry after truth is the duty of every one, though it neither secures from liability to mistake or warrants the assumption of infallibility.
20230213
William Fenner 01
It sweeteneth evils to a man, as trouble, crosses, sorrows, afflications. If a man have true peace in his conscience, it comforteth him in them all. When things abroad do disquiet us, how comfortable it is to have something at home to cheer us. So when troubles and afflictions without turmoil and vex us and add sorrow to sorrow, then to have peace within, the peace of conscience, to allay all and unquiet all, what happiness is this? When sickness and death cometh, what will a good conscience be worth then? Sure, more than all the world besides … The conscience is God’s echo of peace to the soul: in life and death and judgement. it is unspeakable comfort.
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