CHAPTER IX 



AN ECCLESIASTICAL SYSTEM AS A SOCIAL BOND. 



622. ONCE more we must return to the religious idea and 

 the religious sentiment in their rudimentary forms, to find an 

 explanation of the part played by ecclesiastical systems in 

 social development. 



Though ancestor-worship has died out, there survive 

 among us certain of the conceptions and feelings appro 

 priate to it, and certain resulting observances, which enable 

 us to understand its original effects, and the original effects 

 of those cults immediately derived from it. I refer more 

 especially to the behaviour of descendants after the death 

 of a parent or grand-parent. Three traits, of which we shall 

 presently see the significance, may be noted. 



When a funeral takes place, natural affection and usage 

 supporting it, prompt the assembling of the family or clan : 

 of children especially, of other relations to a considerable 

 extent, and in a measure of friends. All, by taking part in 

 the ceremony, join in that expression of respect which 

 constituted the original worship and still remains a qualified 

 form of worship. The burial of a progenitor consequently 

 becomes an occasion on which, more than on any other, there 

 is a revival of the thoughts and feelings appropriate to rela 

 tionship, and a strengthening of the bonds among kindred. 



An incidental result which is still more significant, not 

 unfrequently occurs. If antagonisms among members of tho 

 family exist, they are not allowed to show themselves. 



