26.10. 10. In what Case we ought to follow the civil Law which permits, and
not the Law of Religion which forbids.
When a religion which prohibits
polygamy is introduced into a country where it is permitted, we cannot
believe (speaking only as a politician) that the laws of the country
ought to suffer a man who has many wives to embrace this religion;
unless the magistrate or the husband should indemnify them, by restoring
them in some way or other to their civil state. Without this their
condition would be deplorable; no sooner would they obey the laws than
they would find themselves deprived of the greatest advantages of
society.
