[255] Proverbs, xxx, 19.
[256] Mr. Spencer says: “The rudimentary form of all religion is the propitiation of dead ancestors, who are supposed to be still existing and to be capable of working good or evil to their descendants.” “Origin of Animal Worship, etc.,” in Fortnightly Review, vol. vii, p. 536. N. S.
[257] Uarda, vol. ii, p. 249.
[258] Myths of the New World, p. 108.
[259] Op. cit., vol. ii, p. 38.
[260] Comparative Mythology and Folk-lore, p. 148. London, 1881.
[261] See Exodus, vii, 10-13.
[262] The spinal marrow was believed by some in ancient times to be the seat of life. Plato entertained that view. See Timæus, 74, 91.
[263] In that hoary Egyptian work, The Book of the Dead (ch. 155), occurs this remarkable passage: “All creation is, when dead, turned into living reptiles.”
[264] Rev., xvi, 9.