for He only forbade them from that practice because it was precisely what they had been doing. Elsewhere He has prohibited the taking of any life without right, whether it be that of a child or anyone else, and this in no way conflicts with His singling out children for explicit mention.

Fifth: In this there is a precedent set by the Messiah, peace be upon him. Jesus at first restricted his call, then later made it universal, as the Gospel records: “I was not raised up and sent except to the Children of Israel.” He also said in the Gospel: “I was only sent …”