Further, the unity of God was a centre of unity for the nation. The state was one because their God was one. The worship of Jehovah alone distinguished the Hebrews from all other people, and preserved their separate nationality. What bond of union could hold together millions of people pouring out of Egypt in wild and hurried flight, and scattering afar on the Arabian deserts? Not the ties of blood, nor even the instinct of self-preservation. Nothing but their common religion, which was one and indivisible. The maintenance of this was essential to their very existence. Once throw down their altars, and the whole nation would crumble to pieces. Admit other religions, and the bond which held together the Twelve Tribes was dissolved. How long could that union have lasted if the prophets of Baal had had the freedom of the camp, and been permitted to go from tribe to tribe, and from tent to tent, preaching the doctrine of human sacrifices? Hence Moses did not suffer them for an hour. False prophets were to be stoned to death.
We need not stop to defend the abstract justice of these laws. It is enough that every state has a right to consult for its own safety, and to proscribe or banish any class of men that are found to be dangerous. On this principle, many European governments have driven out the Jesuits, whom they found plotting against the peace of their realms. By the same rule of acting for the public safety, Moses had the right to rid his people of pestilent prophets and diviners. No good ever came of them. Often they have led princes to embark in disastrous wars, by promising victories in the name of their gods. In the last century the Turkish Sultan, putting faith in certain Moslem prophecies, plunged into a war with Russia, which nearly proved the ruin of his empire.[1]
- ↑ Michaelis, Vol. IV., p. 75.
