Page 98 - STOLEN LEGACY By George G. M. James

(i) It would appear that there were two forms of writing in use among the Egyptians: (a) The
demotic, believed to have been introduced by Pharaoh Psammitichus, for trade and commercial
purposes; and (b) The hieroglyphics of which there were two forms, i.e., the hieroglyphics
proper, and the hieratic a linear form, both of which were used only by the Priests, in order to
conceal the secret and mystical meaning of their doctrines. (Clement of Alexandria: Stromata
Bk. V. c. 4 p. 657; Plutarch, De Iside et Osiride Bk. II, p. 374; John Kendrick; Ancient Egypt,
Bk. II, p. 84; 119, 336, and 245).

(ii) We are also informed that the mystery system of Egypt employed modes of spoken language
which could be understood, only by the initiated. These consisted not only of myths and
parables; but also of a secret language called Senzar. (Ancient Mysteries: C. H. Vail, p. 23).

(iii) We also understand that the Egyptians attached numerical values both to letters of words and
to geometrical figures, with the same intention as with their use of hieroglyphics, i.e., to conceal
their teachings. It is further understood that the Egyptian numerical and geometrical symbolism
were contained in the 42 Books of Hermes, whose system was the oldest and most elaborate
repository of mathematical symbolism. Here again we are reminded of the source of the number
philosophy of Pythagoras. (Ancient Mysteries: C. H. Vail, p. 22–23; Clement of Alexandria:
Stromata Book V, c. 7 and 9).

C. The Education of the Egyptian priests consisted also in the specialization in magic

According to Herodotus, the Egyptian Priests possessed super-natural powers, for they had been
trained in the esoteric philosophy of the Greater Mysteries, and were experts in Magic. They had
the power of controlling the minds of men (hypnosis), the power of predicting the future
(prophecy) and the power over nature, (i.e., the power of Gods) by giving commands in the name
of the Divinity and accomplishing great deeds. Herodotus also tells us that the most celebrated
Oracles of the ancient world were located in Egypt: Hercules at Canopis; Apollo at Apollinopolis
Magna; Minerva at Sais; Diana at Bubastis; Mars at Papremis; and Jupiter at Thebes and
Ammonium; and that the Greek Oracles were Egyptian imitations.

Here it might be well to mention that the Egyptian Priests were the first genuine Priests of
history, who exercised control over the laws of nature. Here it might also be well to mention that
the Egyptian Book of the Dead is a book of magical formulae and instructions, intended to direct
the fate of the departed soul. It was the Prayer Book of the Mystery System of Egypt, and the
Egyptian Priest received training in post mortem conditions and the methods of their verification.
It must also be noted that Magic was applied religion, or primitive scientific method. (The
Egyptian Book of the Dead; Herodotus Bk. II 109, 177; Sandford's Mediterranean World, p. 27;
507; Definition of Magic, Frazier's Golden Bough).

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Stolen Legacy: Greek Philosophy is Stolen Egyptian Philosophy by George G. M. James
The Journal of Pan African Studies 2009 eBook