to carry on what survived of the ancient traditions. There was thus a natural submergence of all the forms of culture in that earliest form through which those that lived held communion with those that have ceased to manifestly live. Influences of climate contributed profoundly to lack of practical energy, even where intellect was at once subtle and brilliant; where consciousness of divine things was varied and lofty; where moral ideas raised a banner over life worthy of the best ages of mankind, and where the humanities were singularly rich and beautiful; and if to these inevitable influences there are added the deliberate efforts of the Brahman priest, we may, perhaps, understand why the masses of Hinduism, terrorized, tortured, and touched with the infirmity of an enfeebling atmosphere, invariably sank backward into the dens and caves of primitive spiritism. Moon-Worship in India The place of the moon in the story of what man has observed and has thought has a preëminence not commonly recognized. It It is well known, says Max Müller, that most of the Vedic sacrifices depend on the moon far more than on the sun. The Hebrew psalmist put the moon above the sun in saying: "He appointed the moon for seasons; the sun knoweth his going down." The division of the sky known as the Zodiac, a zone or path of some breadth through the sky, the constellations in which were figured as animals or as figures of some sort, was in India made by noting the sky-path of the moon; not, as in Babylonia, that of the sun. Vedic India produced a peculiar development of conceptions suggested by observation of the moon in the sky of night; and this development was parallel to another, the subject of which was the use of an intoxicant for sacramental purposes, which was prepared from the so-called Soma plant. This plant gave a liquor, the intoxicating effect of which was supposed to be divine inspiration. Such use of an intoxicant and such conception of inspiration go back in all probability to one of the earliest stages of primitive culture. In all religions we find various forms of mental excitement, and especially excitement ending in the trance state, regarded as of divine origina veritable inspiration from a divine source. At some date, very much earlier than that of Vedic India, there was probably developed a religion, or a phase of religion, in which the use of a Soma intoxicant was sacramental and was believed to bring on the state of divine inspiration. This phase of primitive religion gave origin to one of the books of the oldest of the four Vedas, the ninth book of the Rig-veda. This book contains hymns in praise of the Soma plant, and on the basis of these hymns was made the Samaveda,-one of the four Vedas, but one which was more a book of ritual than a book of hymns. It consisted of ritual formulae designed for use in the Soma ceremonies, ceremonies which were in the hands of what were called the Udgatri priests-priests who conducted the Soma ceremonies. We may remark in passing that the view just suggested of the very primitive character of the Soma-worship is confirmed by the statement occurring in Manu, the oldest and greatest Hindu lawgiver, to the effect that while "the Rigveda has gods for its deities, the Samaveda has the Pitris." The Pitris are the spirits of ancestors. The worship of such spirits, or spiritualism, was the earliest form of worship. Into it there came the use of the Soma intoxicant, because it brought on the excitement which ended in the trance state, and in that state the medium, for such exactly the performer was understood to be, was supposed to be possessed by and to speak in the name of the Pitris, or spirits of ancestors. The very great probability is that the preparation from the Soma plant of the sacrificial intoxicant was in some way connected with the earliest and simplest form of moon-worship. It was required that the plant should be collected by moonlight, on the mountains. It is more than likely that the influences of the moon were believed to produce inspiration, and to assist in the bringing on of the trance state, in which the communion with departed spirits was possible. Thus the plant could be thought of as a moonplant, and the moon could be thought of as Soma in the sky. The moon, moreover, was believed to be the dwelling-place of departed spirits; the abode of immortality. From this combination of ideas there resulted the conception of a celestial intoxicant-a liquor of immortality as well as of inspiration of which the moon was the fountain. This divine liquor, to which the name amrita was given, was supposed to give to the gods-that is, the powers of nature -their strength and immortality. In the later Brahminical theories the moon is represented as the reservoir of amrita, the drink of the gods. The idea was that during the light part of the month the gods drink from it the amrita which makes them immortal, and that during the dark half of the month the Pitris, or spirits of the dead, drink from it. It seems more than likely that in their observation of the moon at night, when light clouds would appear passing apparently close to the face, or bowl of the moon, the conception would arise of the closest possible connection between the moon and the moisture-bearing and raingiving clouds. If, moreover, the observer had an opportunity to watch, as he might in the summer nights, the type of cloud which is seen to flash incessantly with the brightness of lightning, it would be most naturally thought that this brightness was from the lunar or moon fountain. There occur expressions in Vedic writing which employ a very close association of the moon, as the Soma fountain, with Agni, the divine personification of fire. It would seem, therefore, that the flashes of light observed in the clouds of the summer night were supposed to be an outpouring of celestial fire from the moon, making the moon at once a fountain of the vivifying moisture of the raincloud and of the supremely inspiring fire of the thunder-cloud. There was in this a simple, crude, and yet profoundly genuine primitive conception of a vital principle in which were united the watery vapor and the fiery essentials of all things. The book in which this was read was the Sky of Night and Summer, and few who have read in the same book with the light which we have from science to-day in regard to life in nature and the play of electrical energies in all the vast realm above nature, can fail to see that the philosophy, or the philosophical poetry of the Hindu observer was not only very natural, but contained more than a touch of real truth. Delhi: The representative city of The Rome of India, its historic center and capital, and justly called the Rome of Asia, is Delhi, whose Asia ruins alone are one of the most remarkable monuments in existence of the splendor and the tragedy which constitute so large a part of history. Spread over forty-five square miles there are now seen the remains of seven cities, built by as many kings at different times. The oldest of these, Indraprastha, is supposed to date from about 1500 B. C. It lies upon the banks of the Jumna, about two miles south of the modern city. One relic of it alone survives, a ghat, or landing-place, on the bank of the river, near what is known as the old Calcutta gate of Delhi. For the most part the annals of Delhi are lost to history for more than twenty centuries. The name Delhi is first met with about fifty years B. C., and a list of monarchs down to this time is given. From this date very little is known through the whole period to the permanent Mohammedan conquest late in the twelfth century. Benares Benares, which the Brahmans call Kasi, the Magnificent, is India's most ancient sacred city. What is now Sarnath, about three miles from the present city, was the old Benares, in the deer-park of which Buddha, six centuries before Christ, entered upon his mission of making a grand new departure in Brahmanism. Moslem iconoclasm is said to have swept out of existence not less than a thousand temples at the time of the conquest by Kutbudin, in 1194 A. D. It is here that vast numbers come for a sacramental bath in the sacred waters of the Ganges. The river here makes a fine sweep of about four miles in length, and the city is built on the outer side of the curve, the northern bank of the river, in an amphitheater rising to a sightly elevation back from the water-side. The river bank is lined with stone the whole length of the four miles, and has a great number of temples, shrines and beautiful landing-places for the accommodation of bathers. The internal streets of the town are mere passage-ways between the buildings, winding and narrow, and extremely difficult to penetrate. The houses are of stone, generally from three to five or six stories high. [TO BE CONTINUED.] Self Culture COPIES OF SELF CULTURE MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE BALTIMORE, Room 244, Equitable Building Los ANGELES, CAL., 226 South Spring Street. SALT LAKE CITY, 217 South Main Street. LOUISVILLE, 19 Courier-Journal Building. ATLANTA, GA., Grand Opera Building LONDON, ENG., 13a Cockspur St., Pall Mall, London, S, W. Advertising Terms furnished on application. Special rates for yearly or other contracts. All matter for advertising pages should reach this office not later than the 20th of the month preceding the date of issue. The maga zine will be sent free to those who advertise in it during the period the advertisement appears. THE WERNER COMPANY PUBLISHERS OF SELF-CULTURE 160-174 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO NOTABLE WORDS AT HE opening, September 18th, at Atlanta, Ga., of the Cotton States and International Exposition, gave occasion to utterances of exceptional current interest. and of most profound happy significance for the future of America. The event was one whose record will make a great page in our history, and whose influences will wonderfully help human progress throughout the world. The words that readers will find most worthy of note we give place to in our pages. The President of the United States, whose touch at the New England end of a telegraphwire set in motion the wheels of the machinery department of the exposition, sent a telegram with which our record begins: Gray Gables. To the President and Board of Directors of the Cotton States and International Exposition, Atlanta, Ga.:-Fully appreciating the value and importance of the exposition inaugurated to-day, I am especially gratified to be related to its inception and progress, and to participate in its opening ceremonies. I sincerely congratulate those whose enterprise and energy have accomplished such splendid results, and heartily wish that the exposition they have set on foot may be completely successful in consummating all the good results contemplated by its promoters. That which shall live while ages roll along- States once at war, in union high and strong, How of man's sorrow God makes heaven's own song! Here, though a city opens wide her gates, Gathers its glories in the Georgian clime; And from the farthest skies The answering bells in one glad chorus chime: "No North, no South-but a vast world sublime!" Here, where the cannon thundered, lo! the white She speaks for peace and progress. She would say To all the world: "Behold the morning's rayThe black night rolled away! Behold where Freedom with her scepter stands— And with her richest jewels in her hands And not one breathing clod To bind the nations close with kindred bands. She calls-from fields where glad the toilers reap, From hills thick-veined with treasure, o'er the deep, Where all the brave ships keep Let not the captains sleep Of my glad shores in splendid peace impearled!" Unto the North, she cries: "Thy sister-I!" Unto the East: "Above us bends one sky!" Unto the West: "In union, live or die!" For death-for life, Loyal to follow where Love's banner leads. Sing it, ye seas, whose billows kiss the sky! Which closer brings the union of mankind! FRANK L. STANTON. NE of the noblest possibilities of this exposition is that it may bring into more complete accord the citizens of every part of the republic. We hail with pride the symbols of the nation's strength and the evidence of the wise and beneficent direction of its authority which are here displayed. The advancement of the race and the adoption of truer ideas have enabled us to profit inestimably by that expanding force in our civilization—the genius of woman. The part it plays here is large, and the use it has made of this opportunity will unquestionably conduce to the fuller recognition of woman's righteous claims and a fairer estimate of the value of her work. The way for woman, who must needs struggle with the world, will be widened by the triumphs of her capacity and skill which are here arrayed. In justice to ourselves, as well as to them, we have invited the coöperation of our negro fellow-citizens. They have accepted the responsibility of a department of their own, and have filled it with proofs of the progress they have made as freemen. They were employed largely in the preparation here, as they are in almost all our industries, and they will share largely in the honors and practical benefits of the exposition. The effects of this great industrial demonstration will be confined to no city, to no state, nor to any one nation. The converging lines of influence and effort which are embodied in this enterprise, connecting it with every source from which they come, will convey far and wide its invigorating stimulus, its useful lessons and practical results. Who shall compute the still further possibilities which may spring from the impressions and investigations of the multitudes who will come hither from every part of this country and from other lands? We have established here a great practical school, filled in every one of its many departments with object-lessons of progress in the arts and sciences, and with illustrations of the most improved applications of power for the profit, comfort and delight of man. From the inevitable comparison of methods and products thus instituted, from the competition of theories and systems, from this battle of ideas, we may confidently expect beneficent and far-reaching results. It does not derogate from the national and international character of the exposition to say that, perhaps, the greatest revelations will relate to the resources and possibilities of the cotton states. When our own people are just beginning to recognize the magnificence of nature's endowments in the fields, the mines, the streams and the climate of this region, it is not strange that the outside world has been slow to gain full and accurate knowledge concerning these sources of health, happiness and power. It is no exaggeration to say that the industrial development of the South would have halted far short of its present status but for the Atlanta Cotton Exposition of 1881. Its effects were immediate and immense, and have no doubt continued far beyond the lines by which we define them. The spirit of the South was quickened, and the fourteen years that have passed since that exposition have witnessed a marvelous development in this section. Great as this has been, there is every indication that we stand now at the opening of an era of industrial achievement which will make what has already been accomplished seem small indeed. It is right, therefore, that this occasion should wear the splendors of a jubilee. It is worthy of the flags and music and the general joy by which it is brightened and graced. There is good reason for the gathering of this happy host. We rejoice at once over a victory and a prophecy. CHARLES A. COLLIER, President Cotton States Exposition. B UT in the midst of all this our eyes turn with loving pride to our own building, situated in the very heart of these beautiful grounds, whence the vital current of woman's genius may radiate in all directions, kindling hope and aspiration in many weary hearts, and awakening them to the dawn of a brighter day than ever gilded the horizon of their dreams. Exquisite in design and finish, its architect is a young woman, whose work proves the truth of Froude's declaration, that "architecture is the sublimest expression of human genius." Its interior decoration, too, is the work of woman, while over its inviting portals, and resting on columns classic, are these enduring words: "Woman's Building." Within its walls you will trace her steps, from the lowly part she played in the primitive civilization of the race to the exalted position she now occupies as man's co-worker; from the lofty genius of Rosa Bonheur to the daintiest confection of rare old Southern housewifery, while in a widening circle of development she stops not at the homeliest invention nor most exquisite of embroideries and laces, carried to such perfection that they deserve to rank among the fine arts. Here, too, shall be evolved from interchange of views, in the congresses to assemble, the best means for the dependent and working-classes of women, in all the trades, arts, and professions that can offer them employment, and for every good plan that can perfect their moral, physical, and intellectual well-being-consummation to be devoutly wished. Nor is the exhibition of woman's work in this exposition confined to the woman's building. The annex, rendered necessary by the demand for space far beyond our original calculations in our main building, contains some of the most instructive and interesting exhibits of woman's work. Nor are the products of her genius and industry confined only to these buildings; but, acknowledging no limitations, she worthily fills a place in every department, occupying enlarged space with her displays befitting each in the fine-arts building, the manufactures, the liberal arts, and our own state building. Indeed, we are filled with amazement as we now witness the growth and extent of our department from that modest commencement and the really imperfect conception of the vastness of our enterprise when first we entered upon it. Near at hand, and under our guardianship, is the creole kitchen, in which is illustrated the delicious cookery peculiar to our extreme South, and more particularly the pleasure-loving and pleasure-giving New Orleans. The workingman's model home, a contribution from the Empire State, is a practical demonstration of great value, showing, as it does, how comfort and happiness are not incompatible to the ordinary wages of a workingTo solve this difficult problem in so satisfactory a manner has taken the thought and consideration of the best minds of the century; but to what nobler purposes could their intellectual gifts have been dedicated than to the well-being of our working-classes, the bone and sinew of our commonwealth? The model schoolroom, too, with its economy and convenience of design and interior equipments, is man. |