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 CHAPTER XX.

The Village Religion.

the beginning of this chapter it will be well to state clearly what is meant by the term "religion." In the dictionaries and other books many definitions may be found, none of which are entirely satisfactory. So I venture to give a definition of the much-used term "religion." In this definition there is no attempt at the etymological meaning, but the meaning as it is in the mind of one who stops to look at results rather than at beginnings. Religion is the sum total of all man's belief in a spiritual realm.

It has often been said that no people have been found in any part of the world who did not have some sort of religion. It may just as truly be said that no individual who is capable of believing anything has been found who does not believe in religion. Many persons may be found who will affirm that they do not believe in the existence of spirits, and therefore have no religious belief. But it is only necessary to watch such people to see the evidence of belief in the spiritual realm. Take the educated American who scoffs at religion and assign him to berth No. 13 in a sleeping car or to room No. 13 in a hotel or ask him to make one of a party of thirteen at dinner, and see him refuse! All this is a part of his religion. The same is true of the man who hangs a horseshoe over his door just for luck. I mention a few of these fundamental principles before Rh