192 THE LIGHT OF DAT 



by its results, no matter how false or delusive, in 

 itself, it may be. 



The religious world of to-day looks upon polythe- 

 ism as a false religion, and relatively to us and our 

 ideas it is false. We could not be sincere in the 

 practice of it. But was it so to the Greek ? Un- 

 doubtedly the religion of Apollo has done as much 

 for the Hellenes, some might say more than Chris- 

 tianity has done for the modern world. The whole 

 culture and civilization of Greece was the legiti- 

 mate outgrowth of the religion of Apollo. Can as 

 much be said of our civilization with reference to 

 Christianity ? Grant that the oracle of Delphi 

 was not what it pretended to be, but its answers 

 were founded upon the widest knowledge and the 

 deepest wisdom possible in those times. As a rule, 

 it discouraged unworthy and encouraged worthy 

 undertakings. Moreover, Dr. Curtius says, " The 

 oracles were sought only by those who were in- 

 wardly or outwardly oppressed and needy of help, 

 especially by those burdened by guilt. The atone- 

 ment sought from the priest could not be obtained 

 without humiliation and self-abasement. Confession 

 of sin and repentance were demanded." Delphi 

 was the heart and conscience of Greece. 



It is easy to see what a power for good the ordi- 

 nance of Christian baptism may have upon him who 

 thoroughly believes in it. If, when the neophyte 

 feels the water close over him, he really believes his 

 sins are washed away and he is cleansed from all 

 impurities, wUl he not arise a different man, a bet- 



