because it is a summing up of the important chapters
on the coming forth by day from the underworld. He who knows this
chapter by heart is safe against danger in this world and in all other
abodes.]

Nebseni, lord of reverence, says: I am yesterday and know to-morrow. I
am able to be born again. Here is the invisible force which creates gods
and gives food to denizens of the underworld. I go as a messenger to
Osiris.

O goddess Aucherit, grant that I may come forth from the underworld to
see Ra's blazing orb. O thou conductor of shades, let me have a fair
path to the underworld and a sure arrival. May I be defended against all
opposing powers. May the cycle of gods listen to me and grant my request

* * * * *

BOOKS OF BRAHMANISM

_INTRODUCTORY_

The religion of the ancient Persians and of the ancient Aryan
Indians was at one time the same, and it is easy now to see
the common basis of the beliefs and practices embodied in the
Hindu Vedas and the Zend Avesta (see ZOROASTRIANISM), and
their general resemblance. The religion of the ancient Aryan
Indians has passed through three outstanding phases,
designated by modern scholars: Vedism, or that taught by the
Vedas; Brahmanism, based on the Brahmans, or ritual additions
to the Vedas; and Hinduism (_q.v._), the form which revived
Brahmanism took after the expulsion of Buddhism. Though the
latter is strictly an Indian religion, judged by its origin
and characteristic features, it has for centuries almost
ceased to exist in India proper. It will be found generally
true that in Brahmanism there is, as compared with Vedism, an
increase of the ritual, and a corresponding decrease of the
moral element. The gods become more material, and the means of
conciliating them ceremonial and magical. So also there is a
growth in the power of the priesthood. One may compare this
with the course of development among the Hebrews--the ritual
and ceremonial bulking more and more, and the ethical
receding, according to most modern scholars. It has to be
remembered carefully, however, that the distinction between
Vedism, Brahmanism, and Hinduism is more logical than actual.
The seeds of Hinduism, even the doctrine of caste, may be
traced in the Rig Veda, and a modern orthodox. Hindu will tell
you that his principal scrip