Page:Four Dissertations - David Hume (1757).djvu/79

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
NATURAL HISTORY OF RELIGION.
61

cats or wolves[1]. And where that reason took not place, the Egyptian superstition was not so incompatible as is commonly imagined; since we learn from Herodotus[2], that very large contributions were given by Amasis towards rebuilding the temple of Delphi.

The intolerance of almost all religions, which have maintained the unity of god, is as remarkable as the contrary principle in polytheists. The implacable, narrow spirit of the Jews is well known. Mahometanism set out with still more bloody principles; and even to this day, deals out damnation, tho' not fire and faggot, to all other sects. And if, amongst Christians, the English and Dutch have embraced the principles of toleration, this singularity has proceeded from the steddy resolution of the civil magistrate, in opposition to the continued efforts of priests and bigots.

The disciples of Zoroaster shut the doors of heaven against all but the Magians[3]. Nothing could more obstruct the progress of the Persian conquests, than the furious zeal of that nation

  1. Plutarch. de Isid. & Osiride.
  2. Lib. ii. sub fine.
  3. Hyde de Relig. vet. Persarum.

against