Robert Barclay – birth, Dec. 23, 1648

That it is not lawful to give to men such flattering titles as, “Your Holiness,” “Your Majesty,” “Your Eminency,” “Your Excellency,” “Your Grace,” “Your Lordship,” “Your Honor,” &c., nor use those flattering words commonly called “compliments.””

 

So the question is, First, Whether the civil magistrate hath power to force men in things religious to do contrary to their conscience, and if they will not to punish them in their goods, liberties, or lives? this we hold in the negative.

 

Since we have placed justification in the revelation of Jesus Christ formed and brought forth in the heart, there working his works of righteousness and bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit.

Robert Barclay was born this date 12/23/1648 in Gordonstoun, Scotland.  He represented Scotland in the British Parliament.  He became a Quaker and is primarily remembered for his classic Apology for the True Christian Religion (1676).