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Sebond.
The genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament is intermingled with so
many others that are useless that it cannot be distinguished. If Moses had
kept only the record of the ancestors of Christ, that might have been too
plain. If he had not noted that of Jesus Christ, it might not have been
sufficiently plain. But, after all, whoever looks closely sees that of Jesus
Christ expressly traced through Tamar, Ruth, etc.
Those who ordained these sacrifices knew their uselessness; those who have
declared their uselessness, have not ceased to practise them.
If God had permitted only one religion, it has been too easily known; but
when we look at it closely, we clearly discern the truth amidst this
confusion.
The premiss.--Moses was a clever man. If, then, he ruled himself by his
reason, he would say nothing clearly which was directly against reason.
Thus all the very apparent weaknesses are strength. Example; the two
genealogies in Saint Matthew and Saint Luke. What can be clearer than that
this was not concerted?
579. God (and the Apostles), foreseeing that the seeds of pride would make
heresies spring up, and being unwilling to give them occasion to arise from
correct expressions, has put in Scripture and the prayers of the Church
contrary words and sentences to produce their fruit in time.
So in morals He gives charity, which produces fruits contrary to lust.
580. Nature has some perfections to show that she is the image of God, and
some defects to show that she is only His image.
581. God prefers rather
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