THE ALEXANDRIAN DIVINITIES
Alexander’s Egypt and the policy of the Ptolemies—The Egyptian
priesthoods and their disastrous rule—Popularity of worship of
Osiris—Legend of Osiris according to Plutarch—Its composite character,
totemistic and historical elements—The Dying God of the Eastern
Mediterranean—The Eleusinian Mysteries—Resemblance of Eleusis legend to
Osirian—Ptolemy’s new religion—The Alexandrian triad, Serapis, Isis, and
Horus—Refusal of Egyptians to accept Ptolemy’s religion—Its success in
the West culminates under the Antonines—Causes of its triumph—Its
monarchical principle, or monotheistic pantheism—The Fatherhood of
God—Hope for future life—The Mysteries of the Alexandrian Religion
described—Degrees of initiation—Popular and external Ceremonies: Daily
Services in Temples, Opening, and Closing—Other Ceremonies: The
Herculaneum Frescoes—Adoration of the Sacred Water—The Finding of
Osiris—The Ship of Isis—Modern character of these Festivals—The Isiac
Priesthood—Recluses of Serapeum—Decline of Alexandrian Religion with
rise of Christianity—Superiority of Christianity—Last days of
Alexandrian Religion—Destruction of Serapeum at Alexandria in 391
A.D.—Borrowings of Christianity from Alexandrian Religion—Ritual,
Worship of Virgin, and Monachism—Likeness of sacramental usages—And,
more doubtfully, of doctrines—Transition probably effected through
Gnostic heresies . . . 28-89