26 



This mode of aniinjition the Phenicians supposed to have 

 been that by which all other animals obtained life. The 

 breath or voice of God infrequently compared to thunder by 

 the Oriental writers, particularly when reaching to distant 

 or numerous oiijects. The corrupt state of the remainder of 

 this paragraph renders it so obscure as to be scarcely intel- 

 ligible ; but we may easily see that an apology for the wor- 

 ship of the earth, and for the Egyptian Zoolatry is intended. 

 Thus, also, we see how the Phenicians justified their worship 

 of the heavenly bodiesj and particularly of the sun ; of the air, . 

 as the ancient residence of the Eternal Spirit, before the 

 existence of the sun ; of ao^€r and earth, as integrant parts of 

 the chaotic mass, to which all animals o we the prolonga- 

 tion of their existence. At first it is probable they barely, 

 venerated them; but the experience of all ages shews how 

 easily, among an ignorant peo})le, subordinate worship- 

 slides into the supreme; at last sacrifices were offered to 

 them. 



The wind Colpia, mentioned in the third paragraph, denotes, . 

 according to Boch art -And Grotiiis, the voice of the mouth of. 

 God.* His wfe, Baau, the learned Abb6 Mignot interprets, 

 matter in its confused state, namely, that of sUme.f Pro- 

 togoints and Aiona evidently denote Adam and Eve, as do 

 their issue Genus and Genea, Cain and his sister. Abel is not 

 mentioned for the reason above given. Aiotia is said to have 



VOL. XI. .£. taught 



* De Verit. Rel. Christ. 



t Vol. 3t de L'Academie des Inscrip. p. 369.' 



