Second Commentary on the Doctrine of Abstinence

the many translations appearing in so short a time into the Italian language, into English, into Dutch, and, if I am not mistaken, five times into the native tongue, speak. Therefore, what is more to be wished than that the author of the praised book, bearing the mark of Phidias, had tempered his manner of criticizing? For he attacks the House of Austria with a stinging style; he lashes out with harsher words at the reigns of William of England and Frederick, the first king of Prussia; he mocks the customs of the ancient Germans too much, to pass over other things whose judgment belongs to the scholars of civil affairs. But he was pleased, in particular, to consume all the strength of his own genius in this: to think very differently about the rise and progress of divinely purged religion than those who are studious of the truth have known and ascertained from the writers of these times who possess proven faith. Indeed, readers will by no means expect a copious instruction on religion in this book. But if they listen to him, he brings forward political causes for why this subject should not be passed over by him. A new religion, which suddenly appears in the world, which divides Europe, changes the order of possessions, and gives rise to new political combinations, deserves that we give some attention to its progress, and above all that we examine by what virtue it produced the sudden conversions of the greatest States. b)

b) p. 26, 27, of the newest edition, which appeared in A. 1751 with figures at The Hague and Berlin.