Page:A handbook of modern Japan (IA handbookofmodern01clem).pdf/311

Rh the awe inspired by the wonderful and frequently horrible forces of nature. In time these two elements became more or less confused, so that eventually, in some cases, national ancestors were identified with heavenly bodies, and the sun, for instance, worshipped as a goddess, was called the special ancestor of the Japanese nation. It seems proper, therefore, to call Shintō, so far as the word "religion" is applicable to it, a "natural religion" in more senses than one of the word "natural."

It has just been intimated that the word "religion" is not in all points applicable to Shintō. It has, for instance, no dogmas or creed, except the very simple and general injunction: "Follow your own natural impulses and obey the laws of the State." Dr. Nitobe says, in his book entitled "Bushidō": "The tenets of Shintōism cover the two predominating features of the emotional life of our race—patriotism and loyalty." Its services are very simple,