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The principle of religious freedom is declared by Masson to have been the precious fruit of the successive persecutions which attended the fission of English protestantism into sects more and more removed from Rome. He believes that the more each protesting body suffered from intolerance the more tolerant it became, that the more it was forced to contend for liberty for itself the more nearly it approached the conception of liberty for all, with the result that the implied principle was finally by the ultimate dissenters extricated from all the pain of cumulative persecution and kindled, as it were, “on the top of a light-house, on its own account.” To Milton, briefly anticipated by Roger Williams, Masson gives chief credit for enunciating this ideal of freedom as an end in itself. When other men argued for liberty, it was always a liberty with some limitation, liberty of such kind and degree as would suit some ulterior interest. When Milton spoke, it was to clarion forth a liberty pure, absolute, entire.
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References
1 Life of Milton, II, 99–100.
2 The present discussion will not enter upon the general history of the literature of religious toleration prior to 1644. For his survey of that literature in 1644, Masson seems to have depended largely upon summaries of certain of the works concerned in Hanbury, Historical Memorials, II, and upon the edition of Williams' Bloudy Tenent by the Hanserd Knollys Society. In addition to the Apologeticall Narration, the only tracts of 1644 in support of toleration which he singles out are The Compassionate Samaritane, of which he says that it “need be remembered by its name only”; M. S. to A. S., which he attributes to John Goodwin (but see below p. 882 note); and The Bloudy Tenent. Life of Milton, III, 18–26, 111–136. Gardiner takes note of Liberty of Conscience (see below p. 892, note), but otherwise adds little to Masson, who, he says, “seems to have known of every other pamphlet on the subject of toleration.” History of the Great Civil War, I, 290–293.
3 An Apologeticall Narration, humbly submitted to the honourable houses of Parliament, by Tho. Goodwin, Philip Nye, Sidrach Simpson, Jer. Burroughs, William Bridge. [Jan. 3] 1643/4. This and the other tracts discussed are to be found in the Thomason Collection in the British Museum. The day of the month is in each case noted that given by Thomason on the title-page. See Catalogue of the Thomason Collection.
4 Some Observations and Annotations …. upon the Apologeticall Narration, by A. S., [Feb. 29], 1643/4.
5 Queries of highest consideration, proposed to the five Holland Ministers and the Scotch Commissioners (so-called). Upon the occasion of their late Printed Apologies for themselves and their Churches. [Feb.9], 1643/4. The author refers to Reformation of Church-Government in Scotland, Cleered from some mistakes and Prejudices, By the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, now at London …. [Jan. 24], 1643/4. This was a brief defence, guarded in tone and with no personal reference to English opponents, of the Scotch Church and of the principles of Presbyterianism.
6 A Coole Conference Between the Scottish Commissioners Cleared Reformation and the Holland Ministers Apologeticall Narration, [Mch. 7], 1643/4. See above.
7 An Answer to a Libell Intitled a Coole Conference …. [Apr. 10], 1644.
8 C. C. The Covenanter Vindicated from Perjurie, wherein is fully cleared, that it's no Perjurie, for him yet to doubt, whether the Classical Coercive Presbyterian Government of Churches, be Jure Divino; Albeit he hath taken the late National Covenant. Though this Periurie be injuriously charged upon him in a LY-TELL by Adam Sleuart, in his calumnious Answer to a Coole Conference, most falsely calling it a Libell This is Licensed, and entered, according to Order. [May 2], 1644.
9 M. S. to A. S. with a plea for Libertie of Conscience in a Church way, against the Cavils of A. S. and Observations on his Considerations, and Annotations Upon the Apologeticall Narration, Humbly Submitted to the judgements of all rational, and moderate men in the world; …. Licensed and entered according to order …. [May 3], 1644. This work must have been published some time before May 3, the date entered by Thomason on the title-page, since the same date appears on his copy of the second edition, viz. A Reply of Two of the Brethren to A. S. Second edition, enlarged …. 1644. The authorship of this anonymous tract has been mistakenly attributed to John Goodwin. See the article on John Goodwin in Dictionary of National Biography.
10 The Saints Apologie, or a vindication of the Churches: (which indeavor after a Pure Communion) from the odious names of Brownists and Separatists in a Letter sent to an eminent Divine of the Assembly …. [May 15], 1644. Printed with Order.
11 The Second Part of the Duply to M. S. alias Two Brethren; with a refutation of the Independent Government. [Dec. 4], 1644.
12 The Imposture of Seducing Teachers, Discovered in a sermon before …. the Lord Major and …. Aldermen of …. London …. April 23, 1644, by Richard Vines.
13 The Good Old Way Gods Way …. April 24, 1644, by Thomas Hill.
14 The Season for England's Self-Reflection …. Aug. 13, 1644, by Thomas Hill. Hill was now more concerned with the radical Independents than with the Apologists. “The controversie is not now onlie betwixt congregationall and classicall Divines, (who are called Independents, and Presbyterians) in point of Church Government. (There seemes to be some good hopes of a faire accomodation betwixt them.) But with such others also who vehemently cry down not only the power of Ecclesiastical! Synods, but likewise the Authority of the Civil! Magistrate, in matters of Religion, thereby at once opening a doore to all licentiousnesse in opinion & practice, even for Iewes, Turkes, and any whomsoever.” In a marginal note Hill directs the reader at this point to “See Bloody Tenent.” See below, p. 890.
15 The Glass of God's Providence towards his faithfull ones …. wherein is discovered the great failings that the best are liable unto …. the ungodly Toleration pleaded for under pretence of Liberty of Conscience …. August 13, 1644, by Herbert Palmer. “If any plead Conscience for the lawfulnesse of polygamy; (or for divorce for other causes then Christ and his Apostles mention; of which a wicked booke is abroad and uncensured, though deserving to be burnt, whose Author has been so Impudent as to set his Name to it, and dedicate it to yourselves), or for Liberty to marry incestuously, will you grant a Toleration for all this?”
16 An Anatomy of Independency, or a Briefe Commentary, and Moderate Discourse upon the Apologeticall Narration …. by argument laying naked the dangers of their Position. Alexander Forbes, [June 14], 1644.
17 The Anatomist Anatomiz'd or a short answer to some things said in the Book Intituled, An Anatomy of Independencie; [June 28], 1644.
18 Reasons against the Independent Government of Particular Congregations: as also against the Toleration of such Churches …. Presented in all Humility to …. House of Commons …., 1641.
19 The Justification of the Indépendant Churches being an answer to Mr. Edwards his book [Oct.], 1641.
20 Antapologia or a Full Answer to the Apologeticall Narration ….. Wherein is handled many of the Controversies of these Times …. [July 13], 1644.
21 A Short Letter intreating a friends judgement upon Mr. Edwards his Booke … [Sept. 14], 1644.
22 Twelve Considerable Questions touching church government …. [Sept. 16], 1644.
23 Independency examined, unmasked, refuted, by twelve new interrogatories …. [Sept. 26], 1644.
24 A Full Reply to certaine brief e Observations and anti-Queries on Master Prynne's twelve Questions …. [Oct. 19], 1644.
25 An Answer to …. Prynne's Twelve Questions concerning Church Government …. [Nov. 1], 1644. Published anonymously without date or place of publication and without the names of printer and publisher, the tract is attributed by Thomason to Burton.
26 A Vindication of Churches, commonly called Independent or a briefe answer to …. Prynne's “Twelve Questions” and “Independency examined” …. [Nov. 14], 1644.
27 Imputatio Fidei or a treatise of Justification …. [Jan. 24], 1642.
28 Anti-Cavalieristne or, Truth Pleading As well the Necessity, as the Lawfulness of this present War …. [Oct. 21], 1642.
29 The Butcher's Blessing or the Bloody Intentions of Romish Cavaliers against the city of London …. [Nov. 4], 1642.
30 
; or the Grand Imprudence of men running the hazard of Fighting against God, in suppressing any way, doctrine, or practise, concerning which they know not certainly whether it be from God or no. Being the substance of two Sermons, preached in Coleman Street, upon the occasion of the late disaster in the West…. [Oct. 7], 1644.
31 Goodwin's 
was briefly answered by an anonymous tract, Faces About or a recrimination charged upon Mr. John Goodwin, in the point of fighting against God …. [Oct. 21], 1644. This was answered by As You Were …. [Nov. 13], 1644, attributed by Thomason to Hezekiah Woodward.
32 The Bloudy Tenent, of Persecution for cause of Conscience, discussed. [July 15], 1644.
33 A Coppy of a Letter of Mr. Cotton of Boston in New England, in answer of certaine objections made against their discipline and orders there. 1641.
Mr. Cotton's Letter examined and answered. By Roger Williams. [Feb. 5], 1644.
34 See the article on Robinson in the Dictionary of National Biography by W. A. Shaw with information supplied by C. H. Firth; S. R. Gardiner, English Historical Review, I, 144–146; C. H. Firth, Eng. Hist. Rev., IX, 715–717; W. A. Shaw, Select Tracts and Documents illustrative of English Monetary History, 1626–1730.
35 England's Safetie in Trade's Encrease …. 1641.
36 Libertas, or Relief to the English Captives in Algier …. 1642.
37 Liberty of Conscience, or the sole means to obtain peace and truth …. [March], 1644. This work was published anonymously, but its authorship has been established by Firth. See above p. 891, note.
38 See W. A. Shaw, op. cit.
39 Briefe Considerations concerning the Advancement of trade and navigation …. [Jan. 8], 1649/50.
The Office of Addresses and Encounters: where all people of each Rancke and Quality may receive direction and advice for the most cheap and speedy way of atteining whatsoever they can lawfully desire, or, the only course for poor people to get speedy employment, and to keep others from approaching poverty, for want of Emploiment. To the multiplying of trade, the advancement of navigation, and establishing this famous city of London in a more plentiful and flourishing condition than ever, …. [Nov. 29], 1650.
Certain Considerations In order to a more speedy, cheap, and equall distribution of Justice throughout the Nation …. [Nov. 14], 1651.
Certain Proposals in order to the Peoples Freedome and Accomodation in some Particulars. With the Advancement of Trade and Navigation of this Common-Wealth in generall…. 1652.
Certaine Proposals in order to a new Modelling of the Lawes, and Law-Proceedings …. 1653.
40 John the Baptist, forerunner of Christ Jesus: or a necessity for Liberty of Conscience, as the only meanes under Heaven to strengthen children weake in faith; to convince Hereticks mis-led in faith; to discover the Gospel to All such as yet never heard thereof; and establish Peace between all Slates and People throughout the World: according unto which, were both our Saviours Commission, and the Apostles Practise for the propagation of it Peaceably: As appeares most evidently By sundry Scriptures digested into Chapters, with some Observations at the end of every one; most humbly devoted to the use and benefit of all such as are zealously inquisitive after truth; piously disposed to imbrace it, and constantly resolved to practise it in their lives and conversations; to the Honour of God, the edifying of their Brethren, and their Owne Salvation unto eternity …., [September 23], 1644. This is licensed but not permitted to be entered according to Order. No printer, publisher or author is indicated. In the article on Henry Robinson in the Dictionary of National Biography the authorship is attributed to him. There is a reference to the work in Robinson's The Falsehood of Mr. William Pryn's Truth Triumphing of May 8, 1645.
41 The Compassionate Samaritane, unbinding the conscience and powring oil into the wounds which have been made upon the Separation ….. The Second Edition, corrected, and [much (note by Thomason)] enlarged…., 1644/5, [Jan. 5th. London.] No place, printer, publisher or author is indicated.
42 C. L. Powell, English Domestic Relations; J. H. Hanford, The Chronology of Milton's Private Studies, PMLA, XXXVI, 251–314.
43 Masson, Life of Milton III, 161–165.
44 See above p. 884.
45 Masson, Life of Milton III, 265.
46 Areopagitica; A Speech of Mr. John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicens'd Printing, to the Parlement of England. [Nov. 24] 1644.