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[211]
However, there are other things which our legislator ordained for
us beforehand, which of necessity we ought to do in common to all men;
as to afford fire, and water, and food to such as want it; to show them
the roads; not to let any one lie unburied. He also would have us treat
those that are esteemed our enemies with moderation; for he doth not allow
us to set their country on fire, nor permit us to cut down those trees
that bear fruit; nay, further, he forbids us to spoil those that have been
slain in war. He hath also provided for such as are taken captive, that
they may not be injured, and especially that the women may not be abused.
Indeed he hath taught us gentleness and humanity so effectually, that he
hath not despised the care of brute beasts, by permitting no other than
a regular use of them, and forbidding any other; and if any of them come
to our houses, like supplicants, we are forbidden to slay them; nor may
we kill the dams, together with their young ones; but we are obliged, even
in an enemy's country, to spare and not kill those creatures that labor
for mankind. Thus hath our lawgiver contrived to teach us an equitable
conduct every way, by using us to such laws as instruct us therein; while
at the same time he hath ordained that such as break these laws should
be punished, without the allowance of any excuse whatsoever.
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