[52] [The Assyrians thus raised Assur to a position of pre-eminence.]
[53] I refer those who wish to know the reasons which lead me to take up this position to the works of Reuss and Wellhausen, [and especially to Stade's Geschichte des Volkes Israel.]
[54] Bunsen, Egypt's Place, vol. v. p. 129, note.
[55] See Birch, in Egypt's Place, vol. v.; and Brugsch, History of Egypt.
[56] Even by Graetz, who, though a fair enough historian, cannot be accused of any desire to over-estimate the importance of Egyptian influence upon his people.
[57] Graetz, Geschichte der Juden, Bd. i. p. 370.
[58] See the careful analysis of the work of the Alexandrian philosopher and theologian (who, it should be remembered, was a most devout Jew, held in the highest esteem by his countrymen) in Siegfried's Philo von Alexandrien, 1875. [Also Dr. J. Drummond's Philo Judæus, 1888.]
[59] I am not unaware of the existence of many and widely divergent sects and schools among the Jews at all periods of their history, since the dispersion. But I imagine that orthodox Judaism is now pretty much what it was in Philo's time; while Peter and Paul, if they could return to life, would certainly have to learn the catechism of either the Roman, Greek, or Anglican Churches, if they desired to be considered orthodox Christians.
[60] Dante's description of Lucifer engaged in the eternal mastication of Brutus, Cassius, and Judas Iscariot—
"Da ogni bocca dirompea co' denti