RELIGIOUS FEELING. 219 



there are other religions in the world than the Christian 

 one, and that the definitions which apply to the latter do not 

 necessarily apply to the others. Many of the most advanced 

 of our clergy are showing signs of a recognition of the exist- 

 ence of material at least for the construction of a science of 

 comparative theology ; but I have met with none that have 

 any conception of the broader, more important field of com- 

 parative religion. The following include specimens of the 

 various classes of definitions. The popular, the scientific, and 

 the theological ideas of religion are said or supposed to be 



1. That which binds one back from doing something 

 presumably wrong. This is the literal and original meaning 

 of the word. Such a definition may very properly refer to, 

 or include, or be synonymous with, such faculties or quali- 

 ties as conscience, self-control, or self-restraint. 



2. The feeling of reverence and love towards a superior 

 being, and consequent obedience to him. 



3. Piety, which again is defined partly as 



a. The sense of duty. 

 l>. Dutiful conduct. 



c. Eeverence for superior beings, . parents, friends, 

 or country. 



4. Systems of faith and worship, including the perform- 

 ance of worship, rites, or ceremonies. 



5. Recognition and worship of superior embodied power. 



6. An appreciation of the existence of superior beings 

 (Houzeau). 



7. The fear of more powerful beings or of superior power 

 (Lubbock). 



8. C A blind sense of dependence 9 (Schleiermacher). 



9. ' In the mingled fear and affection displayed towards 

 the dead we witness the real germ of religious sentiment and 

 the origin of theology,' is said to be the opinion of Herbert 

 Spencer. 



10. ' Always and everywhere a consciousness of relation- 

 ship to a worshipped being ' (Flint). 



11. Self -renunciation ' constitutes the essence of all true 

 religion' (Donaldson). 



Such, according to various authorities, are the elements of 



