Hugo Grotius · 47 of 132

SECT. XVI. Concerning other actions.

AND, indeed, there is nothing excellent to be found in the philosophic writings of the Greeks, or in the opinions of the Hebrews, or of any other nation, which is not contained here, and moreover ratified by divine authority. For instance; concerning modesty, temperance, goodness, moral virtue, prudence, the duty of governors and subjects, parents and children, masters and servants, husbands and wives: and particularly, abstaining from those vices which, under a spew of virtue, deceived many of the Greeks and Romans, viz. the desire of honour and glory. The sum of it is wonderful for its substantial brevity—that we should love God above all things, and our neighbour as ourselves; that is, we should do to others as we would have them do to us. Perhaps some may object against what we have now said of the excellency of Christ’s commands, the great difference of opinions amongst Christians, from whence have arisen so many various sects: —