THE PYRAMIDS. 257 
connection which appears to exist between 
the Pyramids and the history of the Hebrews: it 
neither affects nor alters the main argument, as 
to the nature of these monuments in general. 
IV. 
Doth any record or tradition attribute the origin of the 
Pyramids to the Israelites, or to a period equally 
remote loith that of their residence in Egypt P 
This brings us to the last article of the in- Historical 
quiry. For the record, we have only to refer to concerning 
the build- 
Josephus ' ; who expressly states it as one of the i„'^ of pi- 
rcnnids 
Egyp. 
grievous oppressions which befel the Hebrews ^"""^ *" 
after the death of Joseph, that they were com- 
pelled to labour in building Pyramids"; and 
the curious memorial, as given by the Jewish 
Historian, is sustained by collateral evidence 
in the books of Moses. The principal labour of 
the Israelites is described in Exodus^ to be a 
daily task of making bricks, without being 
allowed a requisite portion of straiv for their 
manufacture. The mere circumstance of six 
(1) " Ego certe Josepho, Israelitarum tempore factas eensenti acces- 
serim." Perhon. Orig: ^gi/pt. c.2l. p.3i'. L.But.MW. 
(2) Uvaafil^a; t£ avoixo^of^ouvris i^iTnvxo^ fi/iuv to yivo;. * PyraniidibllS 
ctiara exstruendis homines nostros adhibeutes deterebant." Joseph* 
Antiq.Jud. lib.W. c.9. Edit, Havercampi, torn. \. p. 91. lTi'(>. 
(3) Exod. V. 16. 
VOL. V. S 
