But for what reason did A/UGUSTUS\ so
much approve of this conduct? Only, because that religion was by the
P/AGANS\ esteemed ignoble and barbarous.[54]
I may venture to affirm, that few corruptions of idolatry and
polytheism are more pernicious to society than this corruption of
theism,[55] when carried to the utmost height. The human sacrifices
of the C/ARTHAGINIANS\, M/EXICANS\, and many barbarous nations,[56]
scarcely exceed the inquisition and persecutions of R/OME\ and
M/ADRID\. For besides, that the effusion of blood may not be so
great in the former case as in the latter; besides this, I say, the
human victims, being chosen by lot, or by some exterior signs,
affect not, in so considerable a degree, the rest of the society.
Whereas virtue, knowledge, love of liberty, are the qualities, which
call down the fatal vengeance of inquisitors; and when expelled,
leave the society in the most shameful ignorance, corruption, and
bondage. The illegal murder of one man by a tyrant is more
pernicious than the death of a thousand by pestilence, famine, or
any undistinguishing calamity.
In the temple of D/IANA\ at A/RICIA\ near R/OME\, whoever
murdered the present priest, was legally entitled to be installed
his successor.
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