Hugo Grotius · 106 of 132

SECT. VIII. And of their precepts compared with one another.

LET us also compare their precepts together. The one commands patience, nay kindness, towards those who wish ill to us: the other, revenge. The one commands that the bonds of matrimony should be perpetual, that they should bear with each other’s behaviour; the other gives a liberty of separating. Here, the husband does the same himself, which he requires of his wife; and shews by his own example, that love is to be fixed on one: there, women upon women are allowed, as being always new incitements to lust. Here, religion is reduced inwardly to the mind; that, being well cultivated there, it may bring forth fruits profitable to mankind there, almost the whole force of it is spent in circumcision, and things indifferent in themselves. Here, a moderate use of wine and meat is allowed: there, the eating swine’s flesh, and drinking wine, is forbidden; which is the great gift of God, for the good of the mind and body, if taken moderately. And, indeed, it is no wonder, that childish rudiments should precede the most perfect law, such as that of Christ is; but it is very preposterous, after the publication thereof, to return to figures and types. Nor can any reason be given, why any other religion ought to be published, after the Christian religion, which is far the best.