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 that the distinguishing character of the Egyptians was a disposition to study science in general, and abstract science in particular. The pyramids of Egypt, which are supposed to have been erected by the Israelites, are monuments of wonder and science to this day. The Egyptians cultivated an acquaintance with astronomy; their wise men, their magi, or magicians, were deeply versed in the occult sciences; and of Moses it is said "he was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians." Egypt, therefore, is representative of science; and, abstractedly, of the scientific principle in man. But what is science unsanctified by religious truth? and to what does it lead? It is like the ignis fatui, which, as the mere lumen of concentrated rottenness, leads into the marshes of destruction and death. The Egyptians, with all their knowledge and science, were gross idolators. It is supposed that their priests were acquainted with the existence of the true God; but if they were, they symbolized his qualities in a multitude of objects—animals of every kind, birds, beasts, fish, and even reptiles; and they taught their ignorant countrymen to worship the symbol of some one or more of the attributes or qualities of Deity, instead of the Deity himself, till almost every house had not only a separate god, but many houses were crowded with idols, insomuch that it was at times more difficult to find a man than a god. Egypt, then, in the passage before us, represents the scientific principle, and that principle perverted, and in a state of the grossest degradation, by evil and idolatry. There are more spiritual Egyptians in this our land, than may be thought. There are men who are versed in all the learning of the age, whose intel-