890 NOVATIAN THE ROMAN PRESBYTER
were calledunclean,not as being condemned in themselves,
but thatthe Jews might be restrainedto the serviceof one
God ; because frugalityand moderationin appetitewerebe
coming tothosewho were chosen forthispurpose. And such
moderation is always found to be approximate to religion,
nay, so to speak,ratherrelatedand akin to it; for luxuryis
inimicalto holiness.For how shallreligionbe sparedbyit,
when modesty isnot spared? Luxury doesnot entertainthe
fearof God ; sincewhilepleasureshurry it on, it is carried
forward to the soledaring [of the indulgence]of itsdesires:
forthe reinsbeing loosened,itincreasesin the applicationof
expense withoutmeasure,as ifitwere itsfood,exceedingits
patrimony with itsmodesty ; or as a torrentrushingfrom
the mountain-peaksnot only overleapswhat isopposedtoit,
but carrieswith itthose very hindrancesforthe destruction
of otherthings. Therefore these remedieswere soughtfor
to restrainthe intemperance of the people,that in propor
tion as luxury was diminished,virtuousmanners mightbe
increased. For what elsedid they deserve,than thatthey
should be restrainedfrom using allthe pleasuresof divers
meats,who dared to preferthe vilestmeats of the Egyptians
to the divinebanquetsof manna, preferringthe juicymeats
of theirenemies and masters to theirliberty? They were
trulyworthy thatthe slaverywhich they had covetedshould
pamper them, if the food that was more desirableand free
was so illpleasingto them.
CHAPTER V.
Argument. — But thereteasa limittotheuseof theseshadotcs
orfigures;for afterwards,-whentheend of thelaw,Chrut,
came,allthingswere saidby theapostletobe pure to&e
pure,and thetrueand holymeat was a rightfaithand i"1
unspottedconscience.
And thus there was a certainancienttime,wherein those
shadows or figureswere to be used,that meats shouldbe