A treatise of the necessity of humane learning for a Gospel-preacher shewing the use of I. Languages, II. Rhetoric, III. Logic, IV. Natural philosophy, V. Moral philosophy, VI. History, VII. Chronology, VIII. Arithmetic, IX. Geometry, X. Astronomy, XI. Geography, and the benefits of learning in all ages : also this question is determined, whether grace be essential to a minister of the Gospel? / by Edward Reyner ...

SECT. IV. Of Egyptian History.

SO much in general of the Customs of the Nations nearest the Jews. To which some things may be subjoined, which relate particularly to the Rites and Anti∣quities of the Egyptians. And,

I. Who can understand the meaning of Moses's excuse for not sacrificing in Egypt (Exod. 18.26. We shall sacrifice the abo∣mination of the Egyptians) that hath not heard of their Apis or Mnevis, of their adoring an Ox, and counting Sheep and Goats sacred Creatures; which, for the Hebrews to have killed in sacrifice, would

have been abominable to them? Which further clears two things:

1. Hence we may discern a Reason, why God, of all Beasts, chose these (Oxen, Sheep and Goats) to be sacrificed to him; namely, because they were deified by the Egypti∣ans: by which means he might keep the Israelites from their Idolatry, and make himself acknowledged the onely true God. Thus, among Birds, God might pitch on a Dove for sacrifice, because it was worship∣ed by the Syrians and Assyrians, who would not eat of, or suffer that creature to be hurt.

2. We may further discover hence, where the Israelites learn'd to worship a Calf, or Ox (as it's called Psal. 106.20.) in the Wilderness; to wit, in Egypt, Ezek. 20.7, 8. Whence also Jeroboam (newly returned from thence) brought that Wor∣ship in again amongst them.

Cunaeus (k) 1.1 also thinks, that their burn∣ing incense to the brazen Serpent, 2 Kings 18.4. sprung from the vanity of the E∣gyptians, who had Serpents in so sacred account.

II. Egyptians Story will acquaint us fully how Shepherds came to be an abomination to the Egyptians: for which consult Cunaeus de Repub. Hebraeor. lib. 1. cap. 5. or Bo∣chart.

Geograph. sacr. page 375.

III. Their Antiquities will clear Isai. 18.1, 2. Wo to the Land of the Cymbal, or jingle, (for that is the meaning of the Hebrew, according to (l) 1.2 Bochartus and (m) 1.3 Mr. Gataker)—that sendeth Ambas∣sadors by the Sea in vessels of Bulrushes up∣on the Waters. That this Land is Egypt, appears,

1. In that abundance of such Instru∣ments was used in the worship of Isis, the great goddess of the Egyptians.

2. It was ordinary there, to pass to and fro in Boats or Vessels made of a sort of Rush, which was plentiful in Egypt: and so were Reeds also; their plenty making them (n) 1.4 to be used Hieroglyphically to signifie Nilus, or Egypt. Whence it is, that the Egyptians are understood by the Com∣pany of the Reed, in Psal. 68.30. or Pha∣raoh by the Beast of the Reed, as the mar∣gin hath it.

IV. From the Egyptians we may learn the meaning of the (o) 1.5 womens weeping for Tammuz, Ezek. 8.14. and of the Star of Remphan in Acts 7.43. which verse is quoted out of Amos 5.26. and that ac∣cording to the Version of the LXX, who rendred Chiun there by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or as some Copies have it (p) 1.6 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. be∣cause

this Name was better known to the Egyptians (in whose Land, and for whose King they made their Version) in whose Language it signified the same that Chiun doth in Hebrew, or Arabic rather, viz. Saturn. See De Dieu in Acts 7.43. and Doctor Hammond on the same place.

Notes

• (k) 1.1

  De Republ. Hebr. l. 3. c. 4.
• (l) 1.2

  Geogr sacr. pag. 240.
• (m) 1.3

  Annotat. on Isa. 18.1, 2.
• (n) 1.4

  Amam. An∣tibarb. Bibl. in Psal. 68.30.
• (o) 1.5

  See Junius in Ezek. 8.14. and Selden de Diis Syr. Synt. 2 cap. 11.
• (p) 1.6

  See Beza in Act. 7.43.