Christianity and Greek Philosophy / or, the relation between spontaneous and reflective thought in Greece and the positive teaching of Christ and His Apostles

by B. F. Cocker

[Footnote 934: ][ (return) ] "Iliad," bk. xix. l. 91-101 (Lord Derby's translation).

[Footnote 935: ][ (return) ] Ibid., bk. ix. l. 132-136.

[Footnote 936: ][ (return) ] Ibid., bk. iv. l. 185-188.

[Footnote 937: ][ (return) ] Ibid., bk. ix. l. 581-585.

Polytheism, then, as Dr. Schaff has remarked, had the voice of conscience, and a sense, however obscure, of sin. It felt the need of reconciliation with deity, and sought that reconciliation by prayer, penance, and sacrifice. [⁹³⁸]

The sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the absolute need of expiation, is determined with increasing clearness and definiteness in the tragic poets.

The first great law which the Tragedians recognize, as a law written on the heart, is "that the sinner must suffer for his sins." The connection between sin and suffering is constantly recognized as a natural and necessary connection, like that between sowing and reaping.

A haughty spirit, blossoming, bears a crop

Of woe, and reaps a harvest of despair. [⁹³⁹]