But where are these processions going? To the
banks of the Ganges. And for what purpose? For the purpose of casting
the images into the river. When all the ceremonies connected with the
occasion are finished, those who carry the images suddenly fall upon
them, break them to pieces, and then throw them with violence into the
river. After this the people return to their homes.
I have now given you a specimen of the image-worship of the Hindoos; and
how different is it from the worship which the Bible enjoins. "God is a
Spirit; and they who worship him, must worship him in spirit and in
truth." The very reverse of this, as you have seen, marks the worship of
the heathen. They are not satisfied, unless they can have some object
before them, to which they can make their offerings and their prayers.
Thus daily are they engaged in a service which, above all others, is the
most offensive and provoking to a holy God--a service which has caused
him to declare, that idolaters shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.
This, too, is the service in which every person, who has never given
himself to the Saviour, is engaged; and, of course, in which you are
engaged if you have not given your hearts to him.
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