. The book of similitudes: . re worshiped weremore distinguished for their vices than their whole pagan system had not the least effi-cacy to produce and cherish virtuous emotions inthe soul. In the first place, the gods and goddesseswho were worshiped were more distinguished fortheir vices than their virtues. Though consideredas superior to mortals in power, and as exemptfrom death, yet in all things else they were on alevel with their votaries. In the next place, mostof their ministers, or priests, neither by precept orexample, exhorted the people to lead virtuous lives,but the h
. The book of similitudes: . re worshiped weremore distinguished for their vices than their whole pagan system had not the least effi-cacy to produce and cherish virtuous emotions inthe soul. In the first place, the gods and goddesseswho were worshiped were more distinguished fortheir vices than their virtues. Though consideredas superior to mortals in power, and as exemptfrom death, yet in all things else they were on alevel with their votaries. In the next place, mostof their ministers, or priests, neither by precept orexample, exhorted the people to lead virtuous lives,but the homage required by the gods consisted inthe observance of rites and ceremonies. And lastly,the doctrines inculcated respecting rewards andpunishments in the future world were dubious anduncertain, and others more adapted to promotevice than virtue. A universal corruption of moralsprevailed, and crimes, which at this day cannot benamed with decency, were then practiced with entire impunity. 56 THE BOOK OF ^»lfcoO>s_tov£. By whom also we have access by faith, . . justified by faith. Romv. 2, 1. For we are saved byhope. Rom. viii. 24. Love is the fulfilling ofthe law. Rom. xiii. 10. FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. Faith, Hope and Love, the heavenly three unite,To form a glorious circle, firm and bright;Faith lifts the sacred cross, which cannot fail,And Hope her anchor casts within the vail;While heaven-born Love descended from the skies,Stands linked with these, by closest, purest ties :Hail, sacred circle! beauteous sisters three,Bright emblems of the glorious Trinity,Shed evermore your smiles on fallen man,And teach to earth salvations wondrous plan. The circle is emblematic of Deity, without be-ginning or end. Love being a strong feature, orperhaps essence, of Divine nature, its emblem isplaced within the circle. Christian Faith and Hopeare connected with Love by the strong cords of SIMILITUDES. 51 affection. Faith elevates the symbol of Christianity,while Hope casts her anchor with
Size: 1698px × 1471px
Photo credit: © Reading Room 2020 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookde, booksubjectemblems, booksubjectreligions
