spoken of as something readily distinguishable from business.  But not only are these things separated by name from one another, they are often regarded as opposites, having no fellowship together.  Hence has arisen in many minds a slavish fear of performing at certain times and in certain places the ordinary duties of life, lest by so doing they anger God.  In certain conditions of society such belief, erroneous though it be, may have served a useful purpose in restraining, and thereby so far elevating a rude people, just as now we may see many among ourselves restrained from evil, and influenced to the practice of good, by beliefs which, to the enlightened among us, are palpable absurdities.

Before reviewing the superstitious beliefs and practices of our immediate forefathers, we may, I think, profitably occupy a short time in gaining some general idea of the prominent features of ancient Pagan religions, for without doubt much of the mythology and superstitious practice of our forefathers had a Pagan origin.  I shall not attempt any exhaustive treatise on this subject, for the task is beyond me, but a slight notice of ancient theology may not here be irrelevant.  The late George Smith, the eminent Assyriologist, says:—­

“Upwards of 2000 years B.C. the Babylonians had three great gods—­Anu, Bel, and Hea.  These three leading deities formed members of twelve gods, also called great.  These were—­

    1.  Anu, King of Angels and Spirits.  Lord of the city Eresh.

    2.  Bel, Lord of the world, Father of the Gods, Creator.  Lord of the
       city of Nipur.

    3.  Hea, Maker of fate, Lord of the deep, God of wisdom and knowledge. 
       Lord of the city of Eridu.

    4.  Sin, Lord of crowns, Maker of brightness.  Lord of the city Urr.

    5.  Merodash, Just Prince of the Gods, Lord of birth.  Lord of the
       city Babylon.

    6.  Vul, the strong God, Lord of canals and atmosphere.  Lord of the
       city Mura.

    7.  Shama, Judge of heaven and earth, Director of all.  Lord of the
       cities of Larsa and Sippara.

    8.  Ninip, Warrior of the warriors of the Gods, Destroyer of wicked. 
       Lord of the city Nipur.

    9.  Nergal, Giant King of war.  Lord of the city Cutha.

   10.  Nusku, Holder of the Golden Sceptre, the lofty God.

   11.  Belat, Wife of Bel, Mother of the great Gods.  Lady of the city
       Nipur.

   12.  Ishtar, Eldest of Heaven and Earth, Raising the face of warriors.

“Below these deities there were a large body of gods, forming the bulk of the Pantheon; and below these were arranged the Igege or angels of heaven; and the anunaki or angels of earth; below these again came curious classes of spirits or genii, some were evil and some good.”