Early Conceptions of the Hindoos
Early Conceptions of the Hindoos
Opinions of Ancient and Modern Philosophers and Spiritists Concerning the Nature and Individuality of One Supreme Being.
The best of Philologists agree in attributing to the nations or peoples called Aryan, or Indo-European, the first linguistic records we possess:
"Men do not invent names for things of which they have no idea."
"The Word has always been recognized as the fittest Symbol of Truth, and the purest manifestation of Deity." The Aryan name for God was Div, which signifies "The clear light of day;" and this word has become the root-word of all worship for untold ages until we arrive at its modern appellative, Deity.
In fragmentary accounts given of the most early historic people, classified as Aryan, it is asserted that they kept fires constantly burning as their chief element in religious worhip. Fustel de Coulanges in his fine epic (for such it is), entitled "La Cite Antique," published in Paris, in 1870, clearly proves that the Aryan's religious belief, recognized in fire the symbol of God - in light his wisdom - in material forms an expression of his potential word - and in Guardian Spirits his Ministering Angels or tutelary deities.