PREFACEЕ. THE utterance does not wholly perish which many peoples utter; nay, this is the voice of God.' A conviction somewhat like this of the Greek poet, transcribed on the title-page of this volume, led to its being undertaken. The purpose of the work is simply moral. The editor has believed that it would be useful for moral and religious culture if the sympathy of Religions could be more generally made known, and the converging testimonies of ages and races to great principles more widely appreciated. He has aimed to separate the more universal and enduring treasures contained in ancient scriptures, from the rust of superstition and the dross of ritual. He has omitted much, the value of which seemed chiefly local or temporary; much which appeared to him, though true, deficient in impressiveness of statement; much more, no doubt, because unknown to him: but he would be much misunderstood if his suppressions should be regarded as intended to disparage the many cherished passages |