Superstition-rhymes
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SUPERSITITIONS
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Popular Rhymes And Nursery Tales
Although the spread of education has doubtlessly weakened in an
extraordinary degree the hold which superstition formerly maintained on
the mind of the public, yet vestiges of the more innocent portions of
superstitious belief are still in considerable repute amongst the lower
orders, and may be found in all their force in many of the rural
districts. It may be a question how far a complete eradication of these
would benefit the cause of religion and morality, treason though it be
in these times to doubt the efficacy of argumentative education. But all
of us cannot be philosophers; and need we reprove a pretty village
maiden for plucking the even-ash or four-leaved clover? The selfish
tendencies of the age, in their opposition to every action which
partakes of poetry or romantic belief, will effect their mission without
the aid of the cynic.