71. As regards their religious beliefs, these have been permitted to be as they are because they suit the oriental character, so that they are accepted in so many kingdoms; and also because the Ten Commandments are made a part of their religious system, and it contains something drawn from the Word; but chiefly because in it the Lord is recognised as the Son of God and the wisest of all. It has also served to banish the idolatrous practices of many nations. The reason no inward religion was opened to them through Mohammed was their practice of polygamy which emits a stink towards heaven. For the marriage of a husband with one wife corresponds to the marriage of the Lord and the church.