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the oracles on Greek national life. As far as their influence 
is traceable it can certainly be said that they achieved some 
valuable ends. The oracles encouraged emigration and the 
founding of new colonies, they fostered humane principles 
at a period of the world’s history when methods of strife 
were stark and cruel ; but, above all, oracular wisdom made 
for moral righteousness, it enjoined respect for oaths and for 
women, it warned the malefactor, it comforted and encouraged 
the penitent. 
