Comparative Religion

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, New Age, History, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book Comparative Religion by J. Estlin Carpenter, Library of Alexandria
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: J. Estlin Carpenter ISBN: 9781465588357
Publisher: Library of Alexandria Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint: Language: English
Author: J. Estlin Carpenter
ISBN: 9781465588357
Publisher: Library of Alexandria
Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint:
Language: English
Over the chancel-arch of the church at South Leigh, a few miles west of Oxford, is a fresco of the Last Judgment and the Resurrection, of the type well known in mediæval art. On the adjoining south wall stands the stately figure of the archangel Michael. In his right hand he holds a pair of scales. In one scale is the figure of a soul in the attitude of prayer; beside it is Our Lady carrying a rosary. The other contains an ox-headed demon blowing a horn. This scale rises steadily, though another demon has climbed to the beam above to weigh it down, and a third from hell's mouth below endeavours to drag it towards the abyss. The same theme recurs in several other English churches; and it is carved over the portals of many French cathedrals, as at Notre Dame in Paris. Unroll a papyrus from an Egyptian tomb of the Eighteenth Dynasty before the days of Moses, and you will see a somewhat similar scene. The just and merciful judge Osiris, "lord of life and king of eternity," sits in the Hall of the two goddesses of Truth. Hither the soul is brought for the ordeal which will determine his future bliss or woe. Before forty-two assessors he declares his innocence of various offences: "I am not a doer of what is wrong; I am not a robber; I am not a slayer of men; I am not a niggard; I am not a teller of lies; I am not a monopoliser of food; I am no extortioner; I am not unchaste; I am not the causer of others' tears...." Then he is led, sometimes supported by the two goddesses of Truth, to the actual trial. Resting on an upright post is the beam of a balance. It is guarded by a dog-headed ape, symbol of Thoth, "lord of the scales." Thoth has various functions in the ancient texts, and even rises into a kind of impersonation of the principle of intelligence in the whole universe. Here as the computer of time and the inventor of numbers he plays the part of secretary to Osiris. In one scale is placed the heart of the deceased, the organ of conscience. In the other is sometimes a square weight, sometimes an ostrich plume, symbol of truth or righteousness. Thoth stands beside the scales, tablet in hand, to record the issue as the soul passes to the great award.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Over the chancel-arch of the church at South Leigh, a few miles west of Oxford, is a fresco of the Last Judgment and the Resurrection, of the type well known in mediæval art. On the adjoining south wall stands the stately figure of the archangel Michael. In his right hand he holds a pair of scales. In one scale is the figure of a soul in the attitude of prayer; beside it is Our Lady carrying a rosary. The other contains an ox-headed demon blowing a horn. This scale rises steadily, though another demon has climbed to the beam above to weigh it down, and a third from hell's mouth below endeavours to drag it towards the abyss. The same theme recurs in several other English churches; and it is carved over the portals of many French cathedrals, as at Notre Dame in Paris. Unroll a papyrus from an Egyptian tomb of the Eighteenth Dynasty before the days of Moses, and you will see a somewhat similar scene. The just and merciful judge Osiris, "lord of life and king of eternity," sits in the Hall of the two goddesses of Truth. Hither the soul is brought for the ordeal which will determine his future bliss or woe. Before forty-two assessors he declares his innocence of various offences: "I am not a doer of what is wrong; I am not a robber; I am not a slayer of men; I am not a niggard; I am not a teller of lies; I am not a monopoliser of food; I am no extortioner; I am not unchaste; I am not the causer of others' tears...." Then he is led, sometimes supported by the two goddesses of Truth, to the actual trial. Resting on an upright post is the beam of a balance. It is guarded by a dog-headed ape, symbol of Thoth, "lord of the scales." Thoth has various functions in the ancient texts, and even rises into a kind of impersonation of the principle of intelligence in the whole universe. Here as the computer of time and the inventor of numbers he plays the part of secretary to Osiris. In one scale is placed the heart of the deceased, the organ of conscience. In the other is sometimes a square weight, sometimes an ostrich plume, symbol of truth or righteousness. Thoth stands beside the scales, tablet in hand, to record the issue as the soul passes to the great award.

More books from Library of Alexandria

Cover of the book Sanitary Statistics of Native Colonial Schools and Hospitals by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book The Pearl of the Andes: A Tale of Love and Adventure by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book A Garden of Peace: A Medley in Quietude by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book Modern Atheism Under Its Forms of Pantheism, Materialism, Secularism, Development and Natural Laws by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book Astronomical Myths: Based on Flammarions's "History of the Heavens" by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book Bills of Mortality by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book From the Upanishads by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book O Condemnado: Como Os Anjos Se Vingam by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book Arne: A Sketch of Norwegian Country Life by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book The Traditional Games of England, Scotland, and Ireland With Tunes, Singing-Rhymes and Methods of Playing etc. (Complete) by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book The Mastery of the Air by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book King John, Richard II, Richard III, Henry VIII by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book Legends of Vancouver by J. Estlin Carpenter
Cover of the book A Siren by J. Estlin Carpenter
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy