But their kings (you must know) were always chosen
either out of the priesthood or soldiery, the latter having
the right of succession by reason of their military valor,
[p. 72]
and the former by reason of their wisdom. But he that
was chosen out of the soldiery was obliged immediately to
turn priest, and was thereupon admitted to the participation of their philosophy, whose genius it was to conceal
the greater part in tales and romantic relations, containing
dark hints and resemblances of truth; which it is plain
that even themselves would insinuate to us, while they are
so kind as to set up Sphinxes before their temples, to intimate that their theology contained in it an enigmatical
sort of learning. Moreover, the temple of Minerva which
is at Sais (whom they look upon as the same with Isis)
had upon it this inscription: I am whatever was, or is, or
will be; and my veil no mortal ever took up. Besides,
we find the greater part to be of opinion that the proper
name of Jupiter in the Egyptian tongue is Amun (from
which we have derived our word Ammon). But now
Manetho the Sebennite thinks this word signifies hidden
and hiding; but Hecataeus of Abdera saith, the Egyptians
use this word when they call anybody; for that it is
a term of calling. Therefore they must be of the opinion
that the first God is the same with the universe; and
therefore, while they invoke him who is unmanifest and
hidden, and pray him to make himself manifest and known
to them, they cry Amun. So great therefore was the piety
of the Egyptians' philosophy about things divine.
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