CHAPTER VIII.
Of the Policy of Jesus Christ.
I.
Is there anything, for example, more dextrous than the manner in which he treated the subject of the woman taken in adultery? (St. John, c. viii.) The Jews having asked if they should stone this unfortunate, instead of replying definitely, yes or no, by which he would fall in the trap set by his enemies: the negative being directly against the law, and the affirmative proving him severe and cruel, which would have alienated the saints. Instead of replying as any ordinary person but him would have done, he said, “whoever is without sin, let him cast the first stone,” a skillful response, which shows us his presence of mind.
II.
Another time being asked if it was lawful to[1] pay tribute to Cesar, and seeing the image of the Prince on the coin that they showed him, he evades the difficulty by replying that they should “render unto Cesar what belongs to Cesar, and unto God what belongs to God.” The difficulty consisted in that he would be guilty of lèse majesté if he had said it was not permitted, and by saying that it was, he would reverse the law of Moses which he always protested he would not do, because he felt that he was either too weak, or that he would be worsted in the endeavor. So he made himself more popular, by acting with impunity after the manner of Princes, who allowed the privileges of their subjects to be confirmed while their power was not well established, but who scorned their promises when they were well enthroned.