Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/793

 THE GENESIS OF ETHICAL ELEMENTS 777

counterfeited, and hence for every true prophet there have been scores of pretenders. How then mark the true prophet from the false? How can the multitude tell the disinterested sage from the ambitious imposter? The masses have met this difficulty by applying the rude but effective test of renunciation. They will not receive a sterner ideal unless the author renounces all that common men strive for. The false prophet makes the credulity of his disciples the stepping-stone to power and ease. The true prophet proves his devotion by putting the world beneath his feet. Hence the locusts and wild honey, the staff and the sheep- skin, have always been the sure credentials of the moral reformer. Even today, over most of the world, it is the yogi, the fakir, the saint, or the ascetic who wins authority over the popular mind

in matters of conduct.'

Edward Alsworth Ross. Stanford University, California.

'" We were surprised to find last year that the Gonds of an extensive tract in the Rewah state had given up drinking; and on inquiry we found out the reason to be theyfa/of a yogi who had visited the state the year before. His order had gone forth from village to village, and the Gonds without question had become total abstainers." — P. N. BosE, Hindu Civilization during British Rule, Vol. I, p. xi.

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