Religious Denominations of the World Comprising a General View of the Origin, History and Condition of the Various Sects of Christians, the Jews and Mahonetans, Etc

by Vincent L. Milner

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871. Excerpt: ... PAGANS. Pagans are the worshippers of many gods, the heathen, Ttho were so called by the Christians, because, when Conetantine and his successors forbade the worship of tho heathen deities in the cities, its adherents retired to the villages (pagi, hence pagani, countrymen), where they could practise their ceremonies in secresy and safety. In tho middle ages, this name was given to all who were not Jews or Christians, theirs being considered the only true religion and divine revelations; but, in more modern times, Mohammedans, who worship the one supreme God of the Jews and Christians, are not called pagans. The idea of heathenism is of early origin. Moses used every precaution to prevent an intercourse between the Hebrews and heathen nations, prescribed the renunciation of idolatry as a requisite to citizenship in the Hebrew state, and forbade any league with the Ammonites, Moabites, &c. When the kings relaxed in the observance of these regulations, the prophets raised their voice against the defection. The distinction between pagans and non-pagans, so far as claims to a revelation are concerned, is very slight, since there are many heathenish people who have traditions of revelations made to them. We also find in some religionof paganism (for example, with Zoroaster, Plato, an 1 Socrates) pure and elevated notions, and precepts of morality, which would not disgrace even Christianity. Paganism has likewise her moral heroes, as well as Judaism and Christianity. And although St. Augustine derhired that the virtues of the heathens were but splendid vices. yet this assertion is bv no means borne out by facta. The true point of distinction is therefore to be placed in the recognition or denial of one universal, perfect Being, that is, in the reception of mono...

326 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2009