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?
