Page:Conversion of St Vladimir.pdf/21

 Upon consultation with his boyars (counselors and ministers) he decided to adopt a new national religion which would be acceptable to the majority of his subjects. To this end he invited emissaries of various creeds from the neighboring countries to present their claims of superiority of their respective faiths. As each one paraded before him the excellence of his particular religion, he questioned them as to the benefits to be derived from it for his people.

The German and other Roman Catholics—with their fasts, confession, celibacy of priesthood and their restraint from jollity—these he dismissed as too cold and solemn. Had he not many wives? Was not feasting and mirth conducive to happiness?

The Mohammedans’ inducements were total abstinence, circumcision and the belief in Allah and his Prophet—which would lead them to Paradise where beautiful houris were awaiting them. Did not grapes grow for the delight of man? Why undergo voluntary pain? And why wait for the houris of Paradise when one could have them on this earth?

The Synedrium of Jews offered him Jehova, the only true god, without saints, bishops or other dignitaries. Upon asking where their country was located, they had to admit they had none, having been driven from it for their sins. What assurance could they give him that their god would not drive him, too, from his lands?

Thus he dismissed one deputation after another, without making any decision. After their departure he selected a delegation of his boyars as envoys to visit the different countries and to study the condition of their peoples under their various creeds.