We do not reach the
spirit by denying but by obeying the letter. To the mere formal
observance of the law and the unreasoning custom which blindly follows
the practice of our fathers [Greek: synetheia] Philo is equally
opposed, and he protests, with the earnestness of an Isaiah, against
superstitious sacrifice and against the lip-service of the
materialist.[169]
"If a man practices ablutions and purifications, but defiles
his mind while he cleanses his body; or if, through his
wealth, he founds a temple at a large outlay and expense; or
if he offers hecatombs and sacrifices oxen without number,
or adorns the shrine with rich ornaments, or gives endless
timber and cunningly wrought work, more precious than silver
or gold--let him none the more be called religious ([Greek:
eusebes]). For he has wandered far from the path of
religion, mistaking ritual for holiness, and attempting to
bribe the Incorruptible, and to flatter Him whom none can
flatter. God welcomes genuine service, and that is the
service of a soul that offers the bare and simple sacrifice
of truth, but from false service, the mere display of
material wealth, he turns away."
Lot's daughter, born of a pillar of stone, symbolizes this unthinking,
hypertrophied religion; and custom, its mother, which always lags
behind and has no seed of life, is the enemy of truth.
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