DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.640#0059
xlvi INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
chaniinu and other gods are shapeless stones. Many images of
idols sold in the markets are made of stone, and worshipped.
20. A hg of wood. The pedal with which rice is cleansed from
the husk has also been raised to godship by the Hindoos. See
vol. i. p. 287.
Such are the objects adored by the Hindoos. Such is the-
deplorable state into which the mind continues to sink, after it
has once renounced the doctrine of the unity of God. Divine
Worship is confessedly the highest act of reverence and homage
of which man is capable. How shocking then, how afflicting to
a philanthropic mind, to see man prostrated before a beast, or a
log of wood! How greatly is the horror increased, when this
prostration of intellect respects many millions ?
I have repeatedly conversed with learned Hindoos on the use
of idols in worship : the best account I have ever received may
amount to this.—God is every where; this is allowed, but his
spirituality perplexes the mind. To collect and fix the ideas on
the object of adoration, therefore, an image is chosen; into which
image, by the power of incantations, the deity is imagined to be
drawn. Hence, in dedicating an image, they call upon the god
to come and dwell in it. I have urged in reply, that if this were
the whole end to be answered, any image might dou, but that I
saw amongst them many sorts of idols. To this the bramhun
says, ' God has made himself known in these forms, and directed
these various images to be made, that men may be fascinated
and drawn to the love of worship; that none of these images
are intended to exhibit the natural perfections of God, but Ms-
actions when incarnate; and that images are only necessary
while men continue in a rude state, and may be laid aside by
those who can attain to devotion by means of rational specula-
tion.' This is the best apology I have obtained for the worship
» They admit this: a pan of water is indeed often substituted for
an idol.
chaniinu and other gods are shapeless stones. Many images of
idols sold in the markets are made of stone, and worshipped.
20. A hg of wood. The pedal with which rice is cleansed from
the husk has also been raised to godship by the Hindoos. See
vol. i. p. 287.
Such are the objects adored by the Hindoos. Such is the-
deplorable state into which the mind continues to sink, after it
has once renounced the doctrine of the unity of God. Divine
Worship is confessedly the highest act of reverence and homage
of which man is capable. How shocking then, how afflicting to
a philanthropic mind, to see man prostrated before a beast, or a
log of wood! How greatly is the horror increased, when this
prostration of intellect respects many millions ?
I have repeatedly conversed with learned Hindoos on the use
of idols in worship : the best account I have ever received may
amount to this.—God is every where; this is allowed, but his
spirituality perplexes the mind. To collect and fix the ideas on
the object of adoration, therefore, an image is chosen; into which
image, by the power of incantations, the deity is imagined to be
drawn. Hence, in dedicating an image, they call upon the god
to come and dwell in it. I have urged in reply, that if this were
the whole end to be answered, any image might dou, but that I
saw amongst them many sorts of idols. To this the bramhun
says, ' God has made himself known in these forms, and directed
these various images to be made, that men may be fascinated
and drawn to the love of worship; that none of these images
are intended to exhibit the natural perfections of God, but Ms-
actions when incarnate; and that images are only necessary
while men continue in a rude state, and may be laid aside by
those who can attain to devotion by means of rational specula-
tion.' This is the best apology I have obtained for the worship
» They admit this: a pan of water is indeed often substituted for
an idol.