=The Infinite=.--Max Müller says that without the faculty of apprehending the Infinite there can be no religion. In that case Shinto is not a religion. The Gods are not conceived of as infinite. They are superior, swift, brave, bright, rich, &c., but not immortal, omnipresent, omniscient, or possessed of infinite power. Where the word infinite is used it is said of infinite time. We hear of the infinite succession of the Mikados, and of infinite or perpetual night (_tokoyami_). Perhaps what Max Müller really meant was "transcendent," that is, beyond man's power to rival, or even fully to comprehend. FOOTNOTES: [40] In 'Japan,' edited by Capt. Brinkley. [41] Dr. Florenz, in his 'Japanische Mythologie,' says that Sui-tengū is a fusion of the Sumiyoshi Sea-Gods with the Indian Sea-God Sui-ten, that is, Varuna, subsequently identified with the youthful Emperor Antoku (who lost his life by drowning in 1185). [42] "The different peoples conceived and developed this divine hierarchy _pari passu_ with their own approximation to political unity" (Goblet d'Alviella, Hibbert Lectures). Aristotle recognized the same principle. [43] "The symbol or permanent object, at and through which the worshipper came into direct contact with the God, was not lacking in any Semitic place of worship, but had not always the same form, and was sometimes a natural object, sometimes an artificial erection."--Robertson Smith, 'Religion of the Semites,' p. 160. [44] simulacra que maesta deorum Arte carent, cæsis extant informia truncis. Lucan, 'Pharsalia.' [45] See Index--_Sake no kami_. [46] See Index--_Naishidokoro_. [47] In an official report by Mr. H. Risley he says that at the time of the spring equinox there is a festival (in India) called Sri Panchami, when it is incumbent on every religious-minded person to worship the implements or insignia of the vocation by which he lives. CHAPTER V. MYTH.