Memorials and Other Papers — Volume 1 — John Shaqi
Memorials and Other Papers — Volume 1De Quincey, Thomas
General
Memorials and Other Papers — Volume 1
De Quincey, Thomas
English essays
The reader must do me the favor to fix his attention upon the real
question at issue. What I say--what then I said to Lady Carbery--is
this: that, by failing to notice as a _differential_ feature of
Christianity this involution of a doctrinal part, we elevate Paganism
to a dignity which it never dreamed of. Thus, for instance, in the
Eleusinian mysteries, what was the main business transacted? I, for my
part, in harmony with my universal theory on this subject,--namely, that
there could be no doctrinal truth delivered in a Pagan religion,--have
always maintained that the only end and purpose of the mysteries was a
more solemn and impressive worship of a particular goddess. Warburton,
on the other hand, would insist upon it that some great affirmative
doctrines, interesting to man, such as the immortality of the soul,
a futurity of retribution, &c., might be here commemorated. And now,
nearly a hundred years after Warburton, what is the opinion of scholars
upon this point? Two of the latest and profoundest I will cite:--1.
Lobeck, in his "Aglaophamus," expressly repels all such notions; 2.
Otfried Mueller, in the twelfth chapter, twenty-fourth section, of his
"Introduction to a System of Mythology," says: "I have here gone on
the assumption which I consider unavoidable, that there was no regular
instruction, no dogmatical communication, connected with the Grecian
worship in general. _There could be nothing_ of the kind introduced
into the public service from the way in which it was conducted, for
the priest _did not address the people at all_." These opinions, which
exactly tallied with my own assertion to Lady Carbery, that all religion
amongst the Pagans resolved itself into a mere system of ceremonial
worship, a pompous and elaborate _cultus_, were not brought forward in
Germany until about ten or twelve years ago; whereas, my doctrine was
expressly insisted on in 1800; that is, forty years earlier than any of
these German writers had turned their thoughts in that direction.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account