26.7. 7. That we ought not to decide by the Precepts of Religion what
belongs only to the Law of Nature.
The Abassines have a most severe lent
of fifty days, which weakens them to such a degree that for a long time
they are incapable of business: the Turks do not fail to attack them
after their lent.
[17]
Religion ought, in favour of the natural right of
self-defence, to set bounds to these customs.
The Jews were obliged to keep the Sabbath; but it was an instance of
great stupidity in this nation not to defend themselves when their
enemies chose to attack them on this day.
[18]
Cambyses, laying siege to Pelusium, set in the first rank a great
number of those animals which the Egyptians regarded as sacred; the
consequence was that the soldiers of the garrison durst not molest them.
Who does not see that self-defence is a duty superior to every precept?
Footnotes
[17]
"Collection of Voyages that Contributed to the Establishment of
the East India Company," vol. iv, part I, pp. 35 and 103.
[18]
As they did when Pompey besieged the Temple. Dio, xxxvii, 16.
