Benedictus de Spinoza

“ The Hebrew Scriptures in so far as the Word of God is concerned have come down to us uncorrupted XIII.Scripture teaches nothing that is not extremely simple, requires nothing but obedience from man, and imparts nothing of the Divine Nature, that men, by following a certain rule of life, may not imitate XIV.Of Faith, and the Distinction of Faith from Philosophy XV.Theology does not assist Reason, nor does Reason aid Theology. ”

“ Of the Natural and Civil Rights of Individuals, and of the Rights of Rulers XVII.No one can cede the whole of his rights to the ruling power of a State. Of the Jewish Republic, as it was during the Life of Moses and after his Death, before the election of Kings. Of the excellence of this Republic and the causes of its decline XVIII.Certain political Axioms derived from the Constitution of the Hebrew Republic and the History of the Jewish People XIX.All Authority in religious matters rests with the Civil Power. ”