Locke was born in 1632 and died in 1704. His most widely-read works are An Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Four Letters Concerning Toleration. Highly regarded in World history these extracts from some of his wisdom is well ahead of his time:
"Toleration requires that priests be confined to church affair; they must refrain from violence, persecution and should preach peace and good-will. Nor may any church exercise jurisdiction over another, [what brought on the Pauline Inquisition lasting for centuries up to the 20th.] It is those who approve tyranny in the state who would force faith upon the reluctant. Man [abbreviation for word "human,"] Faith is endowed with human rights and popular sovereignty. Faith works not by force, but by love. Those cruel against those who differ in opinions under a spell of religious pretense . Laws have no force without penalties that are necessary for civility. Abstain from violence, turbulence and destruction to maintain civil peace and happiness. Let every man enjoy the same right granted to others. In truth, neither Pagan nor Mahometant" nor Jew ought to be excluded from the civil rights of the commonwealth. Locke's Declaration of rights, his Bill of rights and the liberty of habeas corpus trial represent a long dedicated struggle against religious persecution. Americans inherited greatness from the dedication and wisdom of this Englishman, ironically even his sense of revolution stemming from egalitarianism from England. No one ought to harm anothers life, health. liberty or possessions. Nothing was made by deity for man to destroy. Why should man part with his freedom or subject himself to others dominion? Equity and justice and enjoyment of life instead of fear of enslavement. Conqueror swords often cut up governments by the roots and mangle societies to pieces, separating the subdued or scattered multitude from protection from violence [the state of global millions of displaced people as refugees today in endless wars from misuse of power.] People have the right to act as supreme and continue the legislative in themselves or place it in a new form, or new hands, as they think good. es, John Locke continues to enlighten with his genius for equality. Mark Twain, also was ahead of his times in enlightenment as he recognized how important civility is in religion and government, His belief meant to each his own. Only he did it with humor. Despite the rallying cry "to each his own" the three rival mainstream religions continue with their their own archaic propaganda that each are the best and only true persuasions among thousands of new religions that spring up as the U.S. give away tax-free property to these rival related faiths–as small and mega churches scramble to take advantage while others pay taxes on every street and corner in America, all having various dogmas made up by the authoritarians.
Helene C. Smith, World Enlightened News, W.E.N.
