Pollard, Joseph: The land of the monuments: notes of Egyptian travel (London, 1896)

392 THE LAND OF THE MONUMENTS

It is very astonishing to find that such a high per-
ception and appreciation of morality, purity, and
integrity existed at such an early period of the
world's history. The 125th chapter is as old as any
portion of " The Book of the Dead." No one can
peruse the Translations * without being deeply im-
pressed with the high tone of thought and sentiment
which pervades the whole of the chapter. It declares
distinctly in other words, " Without holiness no man
shall see the Lord." + " Moses was learned in all the
wisdom of the Egyptians." J How few of those who
read these words have the slightest idea or conception
of their full meaning, or of the extent, variety, and
depth of the knowledge of which the " Wisdom of the
Egyptians consisted."

Eunereal papyri were kept in readiness by the
Scribes and embalmers of Thebes. A blank space
was left for the insertion of the name of the individual
for whom it might be required. Papyri have been
discovered in this condition. They could be had in
almost any form, from the simple text of even a
portion of " The Book of the Dead " to the most elabo-
rately decorated and beautifully written copy of the
ritual, of which that of Ani is a specimen.

* Renouf, " Hook of the Dead," Proceedings S. B. A., vol. vii. p.
216, &c. " Book of the Dead—Papyrus of Ani." Dr. Budge, p. 1SS9.
f Heb. xii. 14. J Acts vii. 27.