I say nothing of the laws that are merely ceremonial: but there are
lessons of great importance mixed up even with them at times. Take those
about the Nazarites. Most of them are beautiful, excellent; and well
would it be if people even in our days would accept them as rules for
their own conduct.
Then take the laws which forbid the use of wine and strong drink to the
ministering priests. They are wonderfully wise.
And even the laws about the different kinds of beasts, and birds, and
fishes, that were allowed or forbidden as food, are, on the whole,
remarkably philosophical. Considering the time when they were given, and
the people for whom they were intended, and the ends for which they were
designed, the laws of Moses generally, are worthy of the highest praise.
15. But Judaism is not Christianity. That which was the best for the
Jews three thousand years ago, was not the best for all mankind through
all the ages of time. Compared with the religions and laws of
surrounding nations, and of preceding ages, Judaism was glorious,--but
compared with Christianity it is no longer glorious. Judaism compared
with Paganism, was a wonder of wisdom, philosophy, and righteousness;
but compared with Christianity it is a mass of rudiments, first lessons,
beggarly elements.
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