In what Case we ought to follow the Civil Law which permits, and not the Law of Religion which forbids.
WHEN a religion which prohibits polygamy is introduced into a country where it is permitted, we cannot believe, (speaking only as a politician) that the laws of the country ought to suffer a man who has many wives to embrace this religion; unless the magistrate or the husband should indemnify them, by restoring them some way or other to their civil state. Without this, their condition would be deplorable; no sooner would they obey the laws, than they would find themselves deprived of the greatest advantages of society.