第4章

Now，inasmuchastheirelectionhasregardtotruevirtue，itisnottobethoughtthatitwaspromisedtotheJewsalonetotheexclusionofothers，butwemustevidentlybelievethatthetrueGentileprophets(andeverynation，aswehaveshown，possessedsuch)promisedthesametothefaithfuloftheirownpeople，whoweretherebycomforted。(96)WhereforethiseternalcovenantoftheknowledgeofGodandloveisuniversal，asisclear，moreover，fromZeph。iii:10，11:nodifferenceinthisrespectcanbeadmittedbetweenJewandGentile，nordidtheformerenjoyanyspecialelectionbeyondthatwhichwehavepointedout。

(97)Whentheprophets，inspeakingofthiselectionwhichregardsonlytruevirtue，mixedupmuchconcerningsacrificesandceremonies，andtherebuildingofthetempleandcity，theywishedbysuchfigurativeexpressions，afterthemannerandnatureofprophecy，toexpoundmattersspiritual，soasatthesametimetoshowtotheJews，whoseprophetstheywere，thetruerestorationofthestateandofthetempletobeexpectedaboutthetimeofCyrus。

(98)Atthepresenttime，therefore，thereisabsolutelynothingwhichtheJewscanarrogatetothemselvesbeyondotherpeople。

(99)Astotheircontinuancesolongafterdispersionandthelossofempire，thereisnothingmarvellousinit，fortheysoseparatedthemselvesfromeveryothernationastodrawdownuponthemselvesuniversalhate，notonlybytheiroutwardrites，ritesconflictingwiththoseofothernations，butalsobythesignofcircumcisionwhichtheymostscrupulouslyobserve。

(100)ThattheyhavebeenpreservedingreatmeasurebyGentilehatred，experiencedemonstrates。(101)WhenthekingofSpainformerlycompelledtheJewstoembracetheStatereligionortogointoexile，alargenumberofJewsacceptedCatholicism。(102)Now，astheserenegadeswereadmittedtoallthenativeprivilegesofSpaniards，anddeemedworthyoffillingallhonourableoffices，itcametopassthattheystraightwaybecamesointermingledwiththeSpaniardsastoleaveofthemselvesnorelicorremembrance。(103)ButexactlytheoppositehappenedtothosewhomthekingofPortugalcompelledtobecomeChristians，fortheyalways，thoughconverted，livedapart，inasmuchastheywereconsideredunworthyofanycivichonours。

(104)Thesignofcircumcisionis，asIthink，soimportant，thatIcouldpersuademyselfthatitalonewouldpreservethenationforever。(105)Nay，Iwouldgosofarastobelievethatifthefoundationsoftheirreligionhavenotemasculatedtheirmindstheymayeven，ifoccasionoffers，sochangeablearehumanaffairs，raiseuptheirempireafresh，andthatGodmayasecondtimeelectthem。

(106)OfsuchapossibilitywehaveaveryfamousexampleintheChinese。

(107)They，too，havesomedistinctivemarkontheirheadswhichtheymostscrupulouslyobserve，andbywhichtheykeepthemselvesapartfromeveryoneelse，andhavethuskeptthemselvesduringsomanythousandyearsthattheyfarsurpassallothernationsinantiquity。(108)Theyhavenotalwaysretainedempire，buttheyhaverecovereditwhenlost，anddoubtlesswilldosoagainafterthespiritoftheTartarsbecomesrelaxedthroughtheluxuryofrichesandpride。

(109)Lastly，ifanyonewishestomaintainthattheJews，fromthisorfromanyothercause，havebeenchosenbyGodforever，Iwillnotgainsayhimifhewilladmitthatthischoice，whethertemporaryoreternal，hasnoregard，insofarasitispeculiartotheJews，toaughtbutdominionandphysicaladvantages(forbysuchalonecanonenationbedistinguishedfromanother)，whereasinregardtointellectandtruevirtue，everynationisonaparwiththerest，andGodhasnotintheserespectschosenonepeopleratherthananother。

CHAPTERIV-OFTHEDIVINELAW。

(1)Thewordlaw，takenintheabstract，meansthatbywhichanindividual，orallthings，orasmanythingsasbelongtoaparticularspecies，actinoneandthesamefixedanddefinitemanner，whichmannerdependseitheronnaturalnecessityoronhumandecree。(2)Alawwhichdependsonnaturalnecessityisonewhichnecessarilyfollowsfromthenature，orfromthedefinitionofthethinginquestion；alawwhichdependsonhumandecree，andwhichismorecorrectlycalledanordinance，isonewhichmenhavelaiddownforthemselvesandothersinordertolivemoresafelyorconveniently，orfromsomesimilarreason。

(3)Forexample，thelawthatallbodiesimpingingonlesserbodies，loseasmuchoftheirownmotionastheycommunicatetothelatterisauniversallawofallbodies，anddependsonnaturalnecessity。(4)So，too，thelawthatamaninrememberingonething，straightwayremembersanothereitherlikeit，orwhichhehadperceivedsimultaneouslywithit，isalawwhichnecessarilyfollowsfromthenatureofman。(5)Butthelawthatmenmustyield，orbecompelledtoyield，somewhatoftheirnaturalright，andthattheybindthemselvestoliveinacertainway，dependsonhumandecree。(6)

Now，thoughIfreelyadmitthatallthingsarepredeterminedbyuniversalnaturallawstoexistandoperateinagiven，fixed，anddefinitemanner，IstillassertthatthelawsIhavejustmentioneddependonhumandecree。

(1。)(7)Becauseman，insofarasheisapartofnature，constitutesapartofthepowerofnature。(8)Whatever，therefore，followsnecessarilyfromthenecessityofhumannature(thatis，fromnatureherself，insofarasweconceiveofherasactingthroughman)follows，eventhoughitbenecessarily，fromhumanpower。(9)Hencethesanctionofsuchlawsmayverywellbesaidtodependonman"sdecree，foritprincipallydependsonthepowerofthehumanmind；sothatthehumanmindinrespecttoitsperceptionofthingsastrueandfalse，canreadilybeconceivedaswithoutsuchlaws，butnotwithoutnecessarylawaswehavejustdefinedit。

(2。)(10)Ihavestatedthattheselawsdependonhumandecreebecauseitiswelltodefineandexplainthingsbytheirproximatecauses。(11)Thegeneralconsiderationoffateandtheconcatenationofcauseswouldaidusverylittleinformingandarrangingourideasconcerningparticularquestions。(12)Letusaddthatastotheactualcoordinationandconcatenationofthings，thatishowthingsareordainedandlinkedtogether，weareobviouslyignorant；therefore，itismoreprofitableforrightliving，nay，itisnecessaryforustoconsiderthingsascontingent。

(13)Somuchaboutlawintheabstract。

(14)Nowthewordlawseemstobeonlyappliedtonaturalphenomenabyanalogy，andiscommonlytakentosignifyacommandwhichmencaneitherobeyorneglect，inasmuchasitrestrainshumannaturewithincertainoriginallyexceededlimits，andthereforelaysdownnorulebeyondhumanstrength。(15)Thusitisexpedienttodefinelawmoreparticularlyasaplanoflifelaiddownbymanforhimselforotherswithacertainobject。

(16)However，asthetrueobjectoflegislationisonlyperceivedbyafew，andmostmenarealmostincapableofgraspingit，thoughtheyliveunderitsconditions，legislators，withaviewtoexactinggeneralobedience，havewiselyputforwardanotherobject，verydifferentfromthatwhichnecessarilyfollowsfromthenatureoflaw:theypromisetotheobserversofthelawthatwhichthemasseschieflydesire，andthreatenitsviolatorswiththatwhichtheychieflyfear:thusendeavouringtorestrainthemasses，asfarasmaybe，likeahorsewithacurb；whenceitfollowsthatthewordlawischieflyappliedtothemodesoflifeenjoinedonmenbytheswayofothers；hencethosewhoobeythelawaresaidtoliveunderitandtobeundercompulsion。(17)Intruth，amanwhorenderseveryonetheirduebecausehefearsthegallows，actsundertheswayandcompulsionofothers，andcannotbecalledjust。(18)Butamanwhodoesthesamefromaknowledgeofthetruereasonforlawsandtheirnecessity，actsfromafirmpurposeandofhisownaccord，andisthereforeproperlycalledjust。(19)This，I

takeit，isPaul"smeaningwhenhesays，thatthosewholiveunderthelawcannotbejustifiedthroughthelaw，forjustice，ascommonlydefined，istheconstantandperpetualwilltorendereverymanhisdue。(20)ThusSolomonsays(Prov。xxi:15)，"Itisajoytothejusttodojudgment，"butthewickedfear。

(21)Law，then，beingaplanoflivingwhichmenhaveforacertainobjectlaiddownforthemselvesorothers，may，asitseems，bedividedintohumanlawandDivinelaw。{Butbothareoppositesidesofthesamecoin}

(22)ByhumanlawImeanaplanoflivingwhichservesonlytorenderlifeandthestatesecure。(23)ByDivinelawImeanthatwhichonlyregardsthehighestgood，inotherwords，thetrueknowledgeofGodandlove。

(24)IcallthislawDivinebecauseofthenatureofthehighestgood，whichIwillhereshortlyexplainasclearlyasIcan。

(25)Inasmuchastheintellectisthebestpartofourbeing，itisevidentthatweshouldmakeeveryefforttoperfectitasfaraspossibleifwedesiretosearchforwhatisreallyprofitabletous。(26)Forinintellectualperfectionthehighestgoodshouldconsist。(27)Now，sinceallourknowledge，andthecertaintywhichremoveseverydoubt，dependsolelyontheknowledgeofGod；-firstly，becausewithoutGodnothingcanexistorbeconceived；secondly，becausesolongaswehavenoclearanddistinctideaofGodwemayremaininuniversaldoubt-itfollowsthatourhighestgoodandperfectionalsodependsolelyontheknowledgeofGod。(28)Further，sincewithoutGodnothingcanexistorbeconceived，itisevidentthatallnaturalphenomenainvolveandexpresstheconceptionofGodasfarastheiressenceandperfectionextend，sothatwehavegreaterandmoreperfectknowledgeofGodinproportiontoourknowledgeofnaturalphenomena:

conversely(sincetheknowledgeofaneffectthroughitscauseisthesamethingastheknowledgeofaparticularpropertyofacause)thegreaterourknowledgeofnaturalphenomena，themoreperfectisourknowledgeoftheessenceofGod(whichisthecauseofallthings)。(29)So，then，ourhighestgoodnotonlydependsontheknowledgeofGod，butwhollyconsiststherein；anditfurtherfollowsthatmanisperfectorthereverseinproportiontothenatureandperfectionoftheobjectofhisspecialdesire；

hencethemostperfectandthechiefsharerinthehighestblessednessishewhoprizesaboveallelse，andtakesespecialdelightin，theintellectualknowledgeofGod，themostperfectBeing。

(30)Hither，then，ourhighestgoodandourhighestblessednessaim-

namely，totheknowledgeandloveofGod；thereforethemeansdemandedbythisaimofallhumanactions，thatis，byGodinsofarastheideaofhimisinus，maybecalledthecommandsofGod，becausetheyproceed，asitwere，fromGodHimself，inasmuchasHeexistsinourminds，andtheplanoflifewhichhasregardtothisaimmaybefitlycalledthelawofGod。

(31)Thenatureofthemeans，andtheplanoflifewhichthisaimdemands，howthefoundationsofthebeststatesfollowitslines，andhowmen"slifeisconducted，arequestionspertainingtogeneralethics。(32)HereIonlyproceedtotreatoftheDivinelawinaparticularapplication。

(33)AstheloveofGodisman"shighesthappinessandblessedness，andtheultimateendandaimofallhumanactions，itfollowsthathealonelivesbytheDivinelawwholovesGodnotfromfearofpunishment，orfromloveofanyotherobject，suchassensualpleasure，fame，orthelike；butsolelybecausehehasknowledgeofGod，orisconvincedthattheknowledgeandloveofGodisthehighestgood。(34)Thesumandchiefprecept，then，oftheDivinelawistoloveGodasthehighestgood，namely，aswehavesaid，notfromfearofanypainsandpenalties，orfromtheloveofanyotherobjectinwhichwedesiretotakepleasure。(35)TheideaofGodlaysdowntherulethatGodisourhighestgood-inotherwords，thattheknowledgeandloveofGodistheultimateaimtowhichallouractionsshouldbedirected。(36)Theworldlingcannotunderstandthesethings，theyappearfoolishnesstohim。becausehehastoomeageraknowledgeofGod，andalsobecauseinthishighestgoodhecandiscovernothingwhichhecanhandleoreat，orwhichaffectsthefleshlyappetiteswhereinhechieflydelights，foritconsistssolelyinthoughtandthepurereason。(37)They，ontheotherhand，whoknowthattheypossessnogreatergiftthanintellectandsoundreason，willdoubtlessacceptwhatIhavesaidwithoutquestion。

(38)WehavenowexplainedthatwhereintheDivinelawchieflyconsists，andwhatarehumanlaws，namely，allthosewhichhaveadifferentaimunlesstheyhavebeenratifiedbyrevelation，forinthisrespectalsothingsarereferredtoGod(aswehaveshownabove)andinthissensethelawofMoses，althoughitwasnotuniversal，butentirelyadaptedtothedispositionandparticularpreservationofasinglepeople，mayyetbecalledalawofGodorDivinelaw，inasmuchaswebelievethatitwasratifiedbypropheticinsight。(39)IfweconsiderthenatureofnaturalDivinelawaswehavejustexplainedit，weshallsee:

(40)I-Thatitisuniversalorcommontoallmen，forwehavededuceditfromuniversalhumannature。

(41)II。Thatitdoesnotdependonthetruthofanyhistoricalnarrativewhatsoever，forinasmuchasthisnaturalDivinelawiscomprehendedsolelybytheconsiderationofhumannature，itisplainthatwecanconceiveitasexistingaswellinAdamasinanyotherman，aswellinamanlivingamonghisfellows，asinamanwholivesbyhimself。

(42)Thetruthofahistoricalnarrative，howeverassured，cannotgiveustheknowledgenorconsequentlytheloveofGod，forloveofGodspringsfromknowledgeofHim，andknowledgeofHimshouldbederivedfromgeneralideas，inthemselvescertainandknown，sothatthetruthofahistoricalnarrativeisveryfarfrombeinganecessaryrequisiteforourattainingourhighestgood。

(43)Still，thoughthetruthofhistoriescannotgiveustheknowledgeandloveofGod，Idonotdenythatreadingthemisveryusefulwithaviewtolifeintheworld，forthemorewehaveobservedandknownofmen"scustomsandcircumstances，whicharebestrevealedbytheiractions，themorewarilyweshallbeabletoorderourlivesamongthem，andsofarasreasondictatestoadaptouractionstotheirdispositions。

(44)III。WeseethatthisnaturalDivinelawdoesnotdemandtheperformanceofceremonies-thatis，actionsinthemselvesindifferent，whicharecalledgoodfromthefactoftheirinstitution，oractionssymbolizingsomethingprofitableforsalvation，or(ifoneprefersthisdefinition)actionsofwhichthemeaningsurpasseshumanunderstanding。(45)

Thenaturallightofreasondoesnotdemandanythingwhichitisitselfunabletosupply，butonlysuchasitcanveryclearlyshowtobegood，orameanstoourblessedness。(46)Suchthingsasaregoodsimplybecausetheyhavebeencommandedorinstituted，orasbeingsymbolsofsomethinggood，aremereshadowswhichcannotbereckonedamongactionsthataretheoffspringsasitwere，orfruitofasoundmindandofintellect。(47)Thereisnoneedformetogointothisnowinmoredetail。

(48)IV。Lastly，weseethatthehighestrewardoftheDivinelawisthelawitself，namely，toknowGodandtoloveHimofourfreechoice，andwithanundividedandfruitfulspirit；whileitspenaltyistheabsenceofthesethings，andbeinginbondagetotheflesh-thatis，havinganinconstantandwaveringspirit。

(49)Thesepointsbeingnoted，Imustnowinquire:

(50)I。WhetherbythenaturallightofreasonwecanconceiveofGodasalaw-giverorpotentateordaininglawsformen?

(51)II。WhatistheteachingofHolyWritconcerningthisnaturallightofreasonandnaturallaw?

(52)III。Withwhatobjectswereceremoniesformerlyinstituted?

(53)IV。Lastly，whatisthegoodgainedbyknowingthesacredhistoriesandbelievingthem?

(54)OfthefirsttwoIwilltreatinthischapter，oftheremainingtwointhefollowingone。

(55)OurconclusionaboutthefirstiseasilydeducedfromthenatureofGod"swill，whichisonlydistinguishedfromHisunderstandinginrelationtoourintellect-thatis，thewillandtheunderstandingofGodareinrealityoneandthesame，andareonlydistinguishedinrelationtoourthoughtswhichweformconcerningGod"sunderstanding。(56)Forinstance，ifweareonlylookingtothefactthatthenatureofatriangleisfrometernitycontainedintheDivinenatureasaneternalverity，wesaythatGodpossessestheideaofatriangle，orthatHeunderstandsthenatureofatriangle；butifafterwardswelooktothefactthatthenatureofatriangleisthuscontainedintheDivinenature，solelybythenecessityoftheDivinenature，andnotbythenecessityofthenatureandessenceofatriangle-infact，thatthenecessityofatriangle"sessenceandnature，insofarastheyareconceivedofaseternalverities，dependssolelyonthenecessityoftheDivinenatureandintellect，wethenstyleGod"swillordecree，thatwhichbeforewestyledHisintellect。(57)

WhereforewemakeoneandthesameaffirmationconcerningGodwhenwesaythatHehasfrometernitydecreedthatthreeanglesofatriangleareequaltotworightangles，aswhenwesaythatHehasunderstoodit。

(58)HencetheaffirmationsandthenegationsofGodalwaysinvolvenecessityortruth；sothat，forexample，ifGodsaidtoAdamthatHedidnotwishhimtoeatofthetreeofknowledgeofgoodandevil，itwouldhaveinvolvedacontradictionthatAdamshouldhavebeenabletoeatofit，andwouldthereforehavebeenimpossiblethatheshouldhavesoeaten，fortheDivinecommandwouldhaveinvolvedaneternalnecessityandtruth。(59)ButsinceScriptureneverthelessnarratesthatGoddidgivethiscommandtoAdam，andyetthatnonethelessAdamateofthetree，wemustperforcesaythatGodrevealedtoAdamtheevilwhichwouldsurelyfollowifheshouldeatofthetree，butdidnotdisclosethatsuchevi

wouldofnecessitycometopass。(60)ThusitwasthatAdamtooktherevelationtobenotaneternalandnecessarytruth，butalaw-thatis，anordinancefollowedbygainorloss，notdependingnecessarilyonthenatureoftheactperformed，butsolelyonthewillandabsolutepowerofsomepotentate，sothattherevelationinquestionwassolelyinrelationtoAdam，andsolelythroughhislackofknowledgealaw，andGodwas，asitwere，alawgiverandpotentate。(61)Fromthesamecause，namely，fromlackofknowledge，theDecalogueinrelationtotheHebrewswasalaw，forsincetheyknewnottheexistenceofGodasaneternaltruth，theymusthavetakenasalawthatwhichwasrevealedtothemintheDecalogue，namely，thatGodexists，andthatGodonlyshouldbeworshipped。(62)ButifGodhadspokentothemwithouttheinterventionofanybodilymeans，immediatelytheywouldhaveperceiveditnotasalaw，butasaneternaltruth。

(63)WhatwehavesaidabouttheIsraelitesandAdam，appliesalsotoalltheprophetswhowrotelawsinGod"sname-theydidnotadequatelyconceiveGod"sdecreesaseternaltruths。(64)Forinstance，wemustsayofMosesthatfromrevelation，fromthebasisofwhatwasrevealedtohim，heperceivedthemethodbywhichtheIsraelitishnationcouldbestbeunitedinaparticularterritory，andcouldformabodypoliticorstate，andfurtherthatheperceivedthemethodbywhichthatnationcouldbestbeconstrainedtoobedience；buthedidnotperceive，norwasitrevealedtohim，thatthismethodwasabsolutelythebest，northattheobedienceofthepeopleinacertainstripofterritorywouldnecessarilyimplytheendhehadinview。

(65)Whereforeheperceivedthesethingsnotaseternaltruths，butaspreceptsandordinances，andheordainedthemaslawsofGod，andthusitcametobethatheconceivedGodasaruler，alegislator，aking，asmerciful，just，&c。，whereassuchqualitiesaresimplyattributesofhumannature，andutterlyalienfromthenatureoftheDeity。(66)ThusmuchwemayaffirmoftheprophetswhowrotelawsinthenameofGod；butwemustnotaffirmitofChrist，forChrist，althoughHetooseemstohavewrittenlawsinthenameofGod，mustbetakentohavehadaclearandadequateperception，forChristwasnotsomuchaprophetasthemouthpieceofGod。

(67)ForGodmaderevelationstomankindthroughChristasHehadbeforedonethroughangels-thatis，acreatedvoice，visions，&c。(68)ItwouldbeasunreasonabletosaythatGodhadaccommodatedhisrevelationstotheopinionsofChristasthatHehadbeforeaccommodatedthemtotheopinionsofangels(thatis，ofacreatedvoiceorvisions)asmatterstoberevealedtotheprophets，awhollyabsurdhypothesis。(69)Moreover，ChristwassenttoteachnotonlytheJewsbutthewholehumanrace，andthereforeitwasnotenoughthatHismindshouldbeaccommodatedtotheopinionstheJewsalone，butalsototheopinionandfundamentalteachingcommontothewholehumanrace-inotherwords，toideasuniversalandtrue。(70)InasmuchasGodrevealedHimselftoChrist，ortoChrist"smindimmediately，andnotastotheprophetsthroughwordsandsymbols，wemustneedssupposethatChristperceivedtrulywhatwasrevealed，inotherwords，Heunderstoodit，fora，matterisunderstoodwhenitisperceivedsimplybythemindwithoutwordsorsymbols。

(71)Christ，then，perceived(trulyandadequately)whatwasrevealed，andifHeeverproclaimedsuchrevelationsaslaws，Hedidsobecauseoftheignoranceandobstinacyofthepeople，actinginthisrespectthepartofGod；inasmuchasHeaccommodatedHimselftothecomprehensionofthepeople，andthoughHespokesomewhatmoreclearlythantheotherprophets，yetHetaughtwhatwasrevealedobscurely，andgenerallythroughparables，especiallywhenHewasspeakingtothosetowhomitwasnotyetgiventounderstandthekingdomofheaven。(SeeMatt。xiii:10，&c。)(72)Tothosetowhomitwasgiventounderstandthemysteriesofheaven，HedoubtlesstaughtHisdoctrinesaseternaltruths，anddidnotlaythemdownaslaws，thusfreeingthemindsofHishearersfromthebondageofthatlawwhichHefurtherconfirmedandestablished。(73)Paulapparentlypointstothismorethanonce(e。g。Rom。vii:6，andiii:28)，thoughheneverhimselfseemstowishtospeakopenly，but，toquotehisownwords(Rom。iii:6，andvi:19)，"merelyhumanly。"(74)ThisheexpresslystateswhenhecallsGodjust，anditwasdoubtlessinconcessiontohumanweaknessthatheattributesmercy，grace，anger，andsimilarqualitiestoGod，adaptinghislanguagetothepopularmind，or，asheputsit(1Cor。iii:1，2)，tocarnalmen。(75)InRom。ix:18，heteachesundisguisedlythatGod"saugerandmercydependnotontheactionsofmen，butonGod"sownnatureorwill；further，thatnooneisjustifiedbytheworksofthelaw，butonlybyfaith，whichheseemstoidentifywiththefullassentofthesoul；lastly，thatnooneisblessedunlesshehaveinhimthemindofChrist(Rom。viii:9)，wherebyheperceivesthelawsofGodaseternaltruths。(76)Weconclude，therefore，thatGodisdescribedasalawgiverorprince，andstyledjust，merciful，&c。，merelyinconcessiontopopularunderstanding，andtheimperfectionofpopularknowledge；thatinrealityGodactsanddirectsallthingssimplybythenecessityofHisnatureandperfection，andthatHisdecreesandvolitionsareeternaltruths，andalwaysinvolvenecessity。(77)SomuchforthefirstpointwhichIwishedtoexplainanddemonstrate。

(78)Passingontothesecondpoint，letussearchthesacredpagesfortheirteachingconcerningthelightofnatureandthisDivinelaw。(79)Thefirstdoctrinewefindinthehistoryofthefirstman，whereitisnarratedthatGodcommandedAdamnottoeatofthefruitofthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil；thisseemstomeanthatGodcommandedAdamtodoandtoseekafterrighteousnessbecauseitwasgood，notbecausethecontrarywasevil:thatis，toseekthegoodforitsownsake，notfromfearofevil。(80)Wehaveseenthathewhoactsrightlyfromthetrueknowledgeandloveofright，actswithfreedomandconstancy，whereashewhoactsfromfearofevil，isundertheconstraintofevil，andactsinbondageunderexternalcontrol。(81)SothatthiscommandmentofGodtoAdamcomprehendsthewholeDivinenaturallaw，andabsolutelyagreeswiththedictatesofthelightofnature；nay，itwouldbeeasytoexplainonthisbasisthewholehistoryorallegoryofthefirstman。(82)ButIprefertopassoverthesubjectinsilence，because，inthefirstplace

Icannotbeabsolutelycertainthatmyexplanationwouldbeinaccordancewiththeintentionofthesacredwriter；and，secondly，becausemanydonotadmitthatthishistoryisanallegory，maintainingittobeasimplenarrativeoffacts。(83)Itwillbebetter，therefore，toadduceotherpassagesofScripture，especiallysuchaswerewrittenbyhim，whospeakswithallthestrengthofhisnaturalunderstanding，inwhichhesurpassedallhiscontemporaries，andwhosesayingsareacceptedbythepeopleasofequalweightwiththoseoftheprophets。(84)ImeanSolomon，whoseprudenceandwisdomarecommendedinScriptureratherthanhispietyandgiftofprophecy。(85)Lifebeingtakentomeanthetruelife(asisevidentfromDeut。xxx:19)，thefruitoftheunderstandingconsistsonlyinthetruelife，anditsabsenceconstitutespunishment。(86)Allthisabsolutelyagreeswithwhatwassetoutinourfourthpointconcerningnaturallaw。(87)Moreoverourpositionthatitisthewell-springoflife，andthattheintellectalonelaysdownlawsforthewise，isplainlytaughtby，thesage，forhesays(Prov。xiii14):"Thelawofthewiseisafountainoflife"-thatis，aswegatherfromtheprecedingtext，theunderstanding。(88)Inchap。iii:13，heexpresslyteachesthattheunderstandingrendersmanblessedandhappy，andgiveshimtruepeaceofmind。"Happyisthemanthatfindethwisdom，andthemanthatgettethunderstanding，"for"Wisdomgiveslengthofdays，andrichesandhonour；herwaysarewaysofpleasantness，andallherpathspeace"(xiiii6，17)。(89)AccordingtoSolomon，therefore，itisonly，thewisewholiveinpeaceandequanimity，notlikethewickedwhosemindsdrifthitherandthither，and(asIsaiahsays，chap。Ivii:20)"arelikethetroubledsea，forthemthereisnopeace。"

(90)Lastly，weshouldespeciallynotethepassageinchap。ii。ofSolomon"sproverbswhichmostclearlyconfirmsourcontention:"Ifthoucriestafterknowledge，andliftestupthyvoiceforunderstanding……thenshaltthouunderstandthefearoftheLord，andfindtheknowledgeofGod；fortheLordgivethwisdom；outofHismouthcomethknowledgeandunderstanding。"

(91)Thesewordsclearlyenunciate(1)，thatwisdomorintellectaloneteachesustofearGodwisely-thatis，toworshipHimtruly；(2)，thatwisdomandknowledgeflowfromGod"smouth，andthatGodbestowsonusthisgift；thiswehavealreadyshowninprovingthatourunderstandingandourknowledgedependon，springfrom，andareperfectedbytheideaorknowledgeofGod，andnothingelse。(92)Solomongoesontosayinsomanywordsthatthisknowledgecontainsandinvolvesthetrueprinciplesofethicsandpolitics:"Whenwisdomenterethintothyheart，andknowledgeispleasanttothysoul，discretionshallpreservethee，understandingshallkeepthee，thenshaltthouunderstandrighteousness，andjudgment，andequity，yeaeverygoodpath。"(93)Allofwhichisinobviousagreementwithnaturalknowledge:forafterwehavecometotheunderstandingofthings，andhavetastedtheexcellenceofknowledge，sheteachesusethicsandtruevirtue。

(94)Thusthehappinessandthepeaceofhimwhocultivateshisnaturalunderstandinglies，accordingtoSolomonalso，notsomuchunderthedominionoffortune(orGod"sexternalaid)asininwardpersonalvirtue(orGod"sinternalaid)，forthelattercantoagreatextentbepreservedbyvigilance，rightaction，andthought。

(95)Lastly，wemustbynomeanspassoverthepassageinPaul"sEpistletotheRomans，i:20，inwhichhesays:"FortheinvisiblethingsofGodfromthecreationoftheworldareclearlyseen，beingunderstoodbythethingsthataremade，evenHiseternalpowerandGodhead；sothattheyarewithoutexcuse，because，whentheyknewGod，theyglorifiedHimnotasGod，neitherweretheythankful。"(96)ThesewordsclearlyshowthateveryonecanbythelightofnatureclearlyunderstandthegoodnessandtheeternaldivinityofGod，andcanthenceknowanddeducewhattheyshouldseekforandwhatavoid；whereforetheApostlesaysthattheyarewithoutexcuseandcannotpleadignorance，astheycertainlymightifitwereaquestionofsupernaturallightandtheincarnation，passion，andresurrectionofChrist。

(97)"Wherefore，"hegoesontosay(ib。24)，"Godgavethemuptouncleannessthroughthelustsoftheirownhearts；"andsoon，throughtherestofthechapter，hedescribesthevicesofignorance，andsetsthemforthasthepunishmentofignorance。(98)ThisobviouslyagreeswiththeverseofSolomon，alreadyquoted，"Theinstructionoffoolsisfolly，"sothatitiseasytounderstandwhyPaulsaysthatthewickedarewithoutexcuse。(99)Aseverymansowssoshallhereap:outofevil，evilsnecessarilyspring，unlesstheybewiselycounteracted。

(100)ThusweseethatScriptureliterallyapprovesofthelightofnaturalreasonandthenaturalDivinelaw，andIhavefulfilledthepromisesmadeatthebeginningofthischapter。

CHAPTERV-OFTHECEREMONIALLAW。

(1)IntheforegoingchapterwehaveshownthattheDivinelaw，whichrendersmentrulyblessed，andteachesthemthetruelife，isuniversaltoallmen；nay，wehavesointimatelydeduceditfromhumannaturethatitmustbeesteemedinnate，and，asitwere，ingrainedinthehumanmind。

(2)ButwithregardtotheceremonialobservanceswhichwereordainedintheOldTestamentfortheHebrewsonly，andweresoadaptedtotheirstatethattheycouldforthemostpartonlybeobservedbythesocietyasawholeandnotbyeachindividual，itisevidentthattheyformednopartoftheDivinelaw，andhadnothingtodowithblessednessandvirtue，buthadreferenceonlytotheelectionoftheHebrews，thatis(asIhaveshowninChap。II。)，totheirtemporalbodilyhappinessandthetranquillityoftheirkingdom，andthatthereforetheywereonlyvalidwhilethatkingdomlasted。(3)IfintheOldTestamenttheyarespokenofasthelawofGod，itisonlybecausetheywerefoundedonrevelation，orabasisofrevelation。(4)Stillasreason，howeversound，haslittleweightwithordinarytheologians，IwilladducetheauthorityofScriptureforwhatIhereassert，andwillfurthershow，forthesakeofgreaterclearness，whyandhowtheseceremonialsservedtoestablishandpreservetheJewishkingdom。(5)IsaiahteachesmostplainlythattheDivinelawinitsstrictsensesignifiesthatuniversallawwhichconsistsinatruemanneroflife，anddoesnotsignifyceremonialobservances。(6)Inchapteri:10，theprophetcallsonhiscountrymentohearkentotheDivinelawashedeliversit，andfirstexcludingallkindsofsacrificesandallfeasts，heatlengthsumsupthelawinthesefewwords，"Ceasetodoevil，learntodowell:seekjudgment，relievetheoppressed。"(7)NotlessstrikingtestimonyisgiveninPsalmxl:7-9，wherethePsalmistaddressesGod:"SacrificeandofferingThoudidstnotdesire；

mineearshastThouopened；burntofferingandsin-offeringhastThounotrequired；IdelighttodoThywill，0myGod；yea，Thylawiswithinmyheart。"(8)HerethePsalmistreckonsasthelawofGodonlythatwhichisinscribedinhisheart，andexcludesceremoniestherefrom，forthelatteraregoodandinscribedontheheartonlyfromthefactoftheirinstitution，andnotbecauseoftheirintrinsicvalue。

(9)OtherpassagesofScripturetestifytothesametruth，butthesetwowillsuffice。(10)WemayalsolearnfromtheBiblethatceremoniesarenoaidtoblessedness，butonlyhavereferencetothetemporalprosperityofthekingdom；fortherewardspromisedfortheirobservancearemerelytemporaladvantagesanddelights，blessednessbeingreservedfortheuniversalDivinelaw。(11)InallthefivebookscommonlyattributedtoMosesnothingispromised，asIhavesaid，beyondtemporalbenefits，suchashonours，fame，victories，riches，enjoyments，andhealth。(12)Thoughmanymoralpreceptsbesidesceremoniesarecontainedinthesefivebooks，theyappearnotasmoraldoctrinesuniversaltoallmen，butascommandsespeciallyadaptedtotheunderstandingandcharacteroftheHebrewpeople，andashavingreferenceonlytothewelfareofthekingdom。(13)Forinstance，MosesdoesnotteachtheJewsasaprophetnottokillortosteal，butgivesthesecommandmentssolelyasalawgiverandjudge；hedoesnotreasonoutthedoctrine，butaffixesforitsnon-observanceapenaltywhichmayandveryproperlydoesvaryindifferentnations。(14)So，too，thecommandnottocommitadulteryisgivenmerelywithreferencetothewelfareofthestate；forifthemoraldoctrinehadbeenintended，withreferencenotonlytothewelfareofthestate，butalsotothetranquillityandblessednessoftheindividual，Moseswouldhavecondemnednotmerelytheoutwardact，butalsothementalacquiescence，asisdonebyChrist，Whotaughtonlyuniversalmoralprecepts，andforthiscausepromisesaspiritualinsteadofatemporalreward。(15)Christ，asIhavesaid，wassentintotheworld，nottopreservethestatenortolaydownlaws，butsolelytoteachtheuniversalmorallaw，sowecaneasilyunderstandthatHewishedinnowisetodoawaywiththelawofMoses，inasmuchasHeintroducednonewlawsofHisown-Hissolecarewastoteachmoraldoctrines，anddistinguishthemfromthelawsofthestate；forthePharisees，intheirignorance，thoughtthattheobservanceofthestatelawandtheMosaiclawwasthesumtotalofmorality；whereassuchlawsmerelyhadreferencetothepublicwelfare，andaimednotsomuchatinstructingtheJewsasatkeepingthemunderconstraint。(16)Butletusreturntooursubject，andciteotherpassagesofScripturewhichsetforthtemporalbenefitsasrewardsforobservingtheceremoniallaw，andblessednessasrewardfortheuniversallaw。

(17)NoneoftheprophetsputsthepointmoreclearlythanIsaiah。(18。)

Aftercondemninghypocrisyhecommendslibertyandcharitytowardsone"sselfandone"sneighbours，andpromisesasareward:"Thenshallthylightbreakforthasthemorning，andthyhealthshallspringforthspeedily，thyrighteousnessshallgobeforethee，andthegloryoftheLordshallbethyreward"(chap。lviii:8)。(19)ShortlyafterwardshecommendstheSabbath，andforadueobservanceofit，promises:"ThenshaltthoudelightthyselfintheLord，andIwillcausetheetorideuponthehighplacesoftheearth，andfeedtheewiththeheritageofJacobthyfather:forthemouthoftheLordhasspokenit。"(20)Thustheprophetforlibertybestowed，andcharitableworks，promisesahealthymindinahealthybody，andthegloryoftheLordevenafterdeath；whereas，forceremonialexactitude，heonlypromisessecurityofrule，prosperity

andtemporalhappiness。

(21)InPsalmsxv。andxxiv。nomentionismadeofceremonies，butonlyofmoraldoctrines，inasmuchasthereisnoquestionofanythingbutblessedness，andblessednessissymbolicallypromised:itisquitecertainthattheexpressions，"thehillofGod，"and"Histentsandthedwellerstherein，"refertoblessednessandsecurityofsoul，nottotheactualmountofJerusalemandthetabernacleofMoses，fortheselatterwerenotdweltinbyanyone，andonlythesonsofLeviministeredthere。(22)Further，allthosesentencesofSolomontowhichIreferredinthelastchapter，forthecultivationoftheintellectandwisdom，promisetrueblessedness，forbywisdomisthefearofGodatlengthunderstood，andtheknowledgeofGodfound。

(23)ThattheJewsthemselveswerenotboundtopractisetheirceremonialobservancesafterthedestructionoftheirkingdomisevidentfromJeremiah。

(24)Forwhentheprophetsawandforetoldthatthedesolationofthecitywasathand，hesaidthatGodonlydelightsinthosewhoknowandunderstandthatHeexercisesloving-kindness，judgment，andrighteousnessintheearth，andthatsuchpersonsonlyareworthyofpraise。(Jer。ix:23。)(25)

AsthoughGodhadsaidthat，afterthedesolationofthecity，HewouldrequirenothingspecialfromtheJewsbeyondthenaturallawbywhichallmenarebound。

(26)TheNewTestamentalsoconfirmsthisview，foronlymoraldoctrinesarethereintaught，andthekingdomofheavenispromisedasareward，whereasceremonialobservancesarenottouchedonbytheApostles，aftertheybegantopreachtheGospeltotheGentiles。(27)ThePhariseescertainlycontinuedtopractisetheseritesafterthedestructionofthekingdom，butmorewithaviewofopposingtheChristiansthanofpleasingGod:forafterthefirstdestructionofthecity，whentheywereledcaptivetoBabylon，notbeingthen，sofarasIamaware，splitupintosects，theystraightwayneglectedtheirrites，bidfarewelltotheMosaiclaw，buriedtheirnationalcustomsinoblivionasbeingplainlysuperfluous，andbegantominglewithothernations，aswemayabundantlylearnfromEzraandNehemiah。(28)Wecannot，therefore，doubtthattheywerenomoreboundbythelawofMoses，afterthedestructionoftheirkingdom，thantheyhadbeenbeforeithadbeenbegun，whiletheywerestilllivingamongotherpeoplesbeforetheexodusfromEgypt，andweresubjecttonospeciallawbeyondthenaturallaw，andalso，doubtless，thelawofthestateinwhichtheywereliving，insofarasitwasconsonantwiththeDivinenaturallaw。

(29)Astothefactthatthepatriarchsofferedsacrifices，Ithinktheydidsoforthepurposeofstimulatingtheirpiety，fortheirmindshadbeenaccustomedfromchildhoodtotheideaofsacrifice，whichweknowhadbeenuniversalfromthetimeofEnoch；andthustheyfoundinsacrificetheirmostpowerfulincentive。(30)Thepatriarchs，then，didnotsacrificetoGodatthebiddingofaDivineright，orastaughtbythebasisoftheDivinelaw，butsimplyinaccordancewiththecustomofthetime；and，ifinsodoingtheyfollowedanyordinance，itwassimplytheordinanceofthecountrytheywerelivingin，bywhich(aswehaveseenbeforeinthecaseofMelchisedek)theywerebound。

(31)IthinkthatIhavenowgivenScripturalauthorityformyview:itremainstoshowwhyandhowtheceremonialobservancestendedtopreserveandconfirmtheHebrewkingdom；andthisIcanverybrieflydoongroundsuniversallyaccepted。

(32)Theformationofsocietyservesnotonlyfordefensivepurposes，butisalsoveryuseful，and，indeed，absolutelynecessary，asrenderingpossiblethedivisionoflabour。(33)Ifmendidnotrendermutualassistancetoeachother，noonewouldhaveeithertheskillorthetimetoprovideforhisownsustenanceandpreservation:forallmenarenotequallyaptforallwork，andnoonewouldbecapableofpreparingallthatheindividuallystoodinneedof。(34)Strengthandtime，Irepeat，wouldfail，ifeveryonehadinpersontoplough，tosow，toreap，togrindcorn，tocook，toweave，tostitch，andperformtheothernumerousfunctionsrequiredtokeeplifegoing；tosaynothingoftheartsandscienceswhicharealsoentirelynecessarytotheperfectionandblessednessofhumannature。(35)Weseethatpeoplesliving，inuncivilizedbarbarismleadawretchedandalmostanimallife，andeventheywouldnotbeabletoacquiretheirfewrudenecessarieswithoutassistingoneanothertoacertainextent。

(36)Nowifmenweresoconstitutedbynaturethattheydesirednothingbutwhatisdesignatedbytruereason，societywouldobviouslyhavenoneedoflaws:itwouldbesufficienttoinculcatetruemoraldoctrines；andmenwouldfreely，withouthesitation，actinaccordancewiththeirtrueinterests。(37)Buthumannatureisframedinadifferentfashion:everyone，indeed，seekshisowninterest，butdoesnotdosoinaccordancewiththedictatesofsoundreason，formostmen"sideasofdesirabilityandusefulnessareguidedbytheirfleshlyinstinctsandemotions，whichtakenothoughtbeyondthepresentandtheimmediateobject。(38)Therefore，nosocietycanexistwithoutgovernment，andforce，andlawstorestrainandrepressmen"sdesiresandimmoderateimpulses。(39)Stillhumannaturewillnotsubmittoabsoluterepression。(40)Violentgovernments，asSenecasays，neverlastlong；themoderategovernmentsendure。(41)Solongasmenactsimplyfromfeartheyactcontrarytotheirinclinations，takingnothoughtfortheadvantagesornecessityoftheiractions，butsimplyendeavouringtoescapepunishmentorlossoflife。(42)Theymustneedsrejoiceinanyevilwhichbefallstheirruler，evenifitshouldinvolvethemselves；andmustlongforandbringaboutsuchevilbyeverymeansintheirpower。(43)

Again，menareespeciallyintolerantofservingandbeingruledbytheirequals。(44)Lastly，itisexceedinglydifficulttorevokelibertiesoncegranted。

(45)Fromtheseconsiderationsitfollows，firstly，thatauthorityshouldeitherbevestedinthehandsofthewholestateincommon，sothateveryoneshouldbeboundtoserve，andyetnotbeinsubjectiontohisequals；orelse，ifpowerbeinthehandsofafew，oroneman，thatonemanshouldbesomethingaboveaveragehumanity，orshouldstrivetogethimselfacceptedassuch。(46)Secondly，lawsshouldineverygovernmentbesoarrangedthatpeopleshouldbekeptinboundsbythehopeofsomegreatlydesiredgood，ratherthanbyfear，fortheneveryonewilldohisdutywillingly。

(47)Lastly，asobedienceconsistsinactingatthebiddingofexternalauthority，itwouldhavenoplaceinastatewherethegovernmentisvestedinthewholepeople，andwherelawsaremadebycommonconsent。(48)Insuchasocietythepeoplewouldremainfree，whetherthelawswereaddedtoordiminished，inasmuchasitwouldnotbedoneonexternalauthority，buttheirownfreeconsent。(49)Thereversehappenswhenthesovereignpowerisvestedinoneman，forallactathisbidding；and，therefore，unlesstheyhadbeentrainedfromthefirsttodependonthewordsoftheirruler，thelatterwouldfinditdifficult，incaseofneed，toabrogatelibertiesonceconceded，andimposenewlaws。

(50)Fromtheseuniversalconsiderations，letuspassontothekingdomoftheJews。(51)TheJewswhentheyfirstcameoutofEgyptwerenotboundbyanynationallaws，andwerethereforefreetoratifyanylawstheyliked，ortomakenewones，andwereatlibertytosetupagovernmentandoccupyaterritorywherevertheychose。(52)However，they，wereentirelyunfittoframeawisecodeoflawsandtokeepthesovereignpowervestedinthecommunity；theywerealluncultivatedandsunkinawretchedslavery，thereforethesovereigntywasboundtoremainvestedinthehandsofonemanwhowouldruletherestandkeepthemunderconstraint，makelawsandinterpretthem。(53)ThissovereigntywaseasilyretainedbyMoses，becausehesurpassedtherestinvirtueandpersuadedthepeopleofthefact，provingitbymanytestimonies(seeExod。chap。xiv。，lastverse，andchap。xix:9)。(54)Hethen，bytheDivinevirtuehepossessed，madelawsandordainedthemforthepeople，takingthegreatestcarethattheyshouldbeobeyedwillinglyandnotthroughfear，beingspeciallyinducedtoadoptthiscoursebytheobstinatenatureoftheJews，whowouldnothavesubmittedtoberuledsolelybyconstraint；andalsobytheimminenceofwar，foritisalwaysbettertoinspiresoldierswithathirstforglorythantoterrifythemwiththreats；eachmanwillthenstrivetodistinguishhimselfbyvalourandcourage，insteadofmerelytryingtoescapepunishment。(55)

Moses，therefore，byhisvirtueandtheDivinecommand，introducedareligion，sothatthepeoplemightdotheirdutyfromdevotionratherthanfear。(56)Further，heboundthemoverbybenefits，andprophesiedmanyadvantagesinthefuture；norwerehislawsverysevere，asanyonemayseeforhimself，especiallyifheremarksthenumberofcircumstancesnecessaryinordertoprocuretheconvictionofanaccusedperson。

(57)Lastly，inorderthatthepeoplewhichcouldnotgovernitselfshouldbeentirelydependentonitsruler，heleftnothingtothefreechoiceofindividuals(whohadhithertobeenslaves)；thepeoplecoulddonothingbutrememberthelaw，andfollowtheordinanceslaiddownatthegoodpleasureoftheirruler；theywerenotallowedtoplough，tosow，toreap，noreventoeat；toclothethemselves，toshave，torejoice，orinfacttodoanythingwhateverastheyliked，butwereboundtofollowthedirectionsgiveninthelaw；andnotonlythis，buttheywereobligedtohavemarksontheirdoor-posts，ontheirhands，andbetweentheireyestoadmonishthemtoperpetualobedience。

(58)This，then，wastheobjectoftheceremoniallaw，thatmenshoulddonothingoftheirownfreewill，butshouldalwaysactunderexternalauthority，andshouldcontinuallyconfessbytheiractionsandthoughtsthattheywerenottheirownmasters，butwereentirelyunderthecontrolofothers。

(59)Fromalltheseconsiderationsitisclearerthandaythatceremonieshavenothingtodowithastateofblessedness，andthatthosementionedintheOldTestament，i。e。thewholeMosaicLaw，hadreferencemerelytothegovernmentoftheJews，andmerelytemporaladvantages。

(60)AsfortheChristianrites，suchasbaptism，theLord"sSupper，festivals，publicprayers，andanyotherobservanceswhichare，andalwayshavebeen，commontoallChristendom，iftheywereinstitutedbyChristorHisApostles(whichisopentodoubt)，theywereinstitutedasexternalsignsoftheuniversalchurch，andnotashavinganythingtodowithblessedness，orpossessinganysanctityinthemselves。(61)Therefore，thoughsuchceremonieswerenotordainedforthesakeofupholdingagovernment，theywereordainedforthepreservationofasociety，andaccordinglyhewholivesaloneisnotboundbythem:nay，thosewholiveinacountrywheretheChristianreligionisforbidden，areboundtoabstainfromsuchrites，andcannonethelessliveinastateofblessedness。(62)

WehaveanexampleofthisinJapan，wheretheChristianreligionisforbidden，andtheDutchwholivethereareenjoinedbytheirEastIndiaCompanynottopractiseanyoutwardritesofreligion。(63)Ineednotciteotherexamples，thoughitwouldbeeasytoprovemypointfromthefundamentalprinciplesoftheNewTestament，andtoadducemanyconfirmatoryinstances；butIpassonthemorewillingly，asIamanxioustoproceedtomynextproposition。(64)Iwillnow，therefore，passontowhatIproposedtotreatofinthesecondpartofthischapter，namely，whatpersonsareboundtobelieveinthenarrativescontainedinScripture，andhowfartheyaresobound。(65)Examiningthisquestionbytheaidofnaturalreason，I

willproceedasfollows。

(66)Ifanyonewishestopersuadehisfellowsfororagainstanythingwhichisnotself-evident，hemustdeducehiscontentionfromtheiradmissions，andconvincethemeitherbyexperienceorbyratiocination；eitherbyappealingtofactsofnaturalexperience，ortoself-evidentintellectualaxioms。(67)Nowunlesstheexperiencebeofsuchakindastobeclearlyanddistinctlyunderstood，thoughitmayconvinceaman，itwillnothavethesameeffectonhismindanddispersethecloudsofhisdoubtsocompletelyaswhenthedoctrinetaughtisdeducedentirelyfromintellectualaxioms-thatis，bythemerepoweroftheunderstandingandlogicalorder，andthisisespeciallythecaseinspiritualmatterswhichhavenothingtodowiththesenses。