Such may be the case. If we believe that the Lord of the Universe communes with man, we _need not doubt_ this; yet, we are compelled to admit that nations other than the Hebrews practiced this rite. The origin of it, however, as practiced among other nations, has never been clearly ascertained. It has been maintained by some scholars that this rite drew its origin from considerations of health and cleanliness, which seems very probable, although doubted by many.[85:4] Whatever may have been its origin, it is certain that it was practiced by many of the ancient Eastern nations, who never came in contact with the Hebrews, in early times, and, therefore, could not have learned it from them.
The _Egyptians_ practiced circumcision at a very early period,[85:5] at least as early as the _fourth_ dynasty--pyramid one--and therefore, long before the time assigned for Joseph's entry into Egypt, from whom some writers have claimed the Egyptians learned it.[86:1]
In the decorative pictures of Egyptian tombs, one frequently meets with persons on whom the denudation of the prepuce is manifested.[86:2]
On a stone found at Thebes, there is a representation of the circumcision of Ramses II. A mother is seen holding her boy's arms back, while the operator kneels in front.[86:3] All Egyptian priests were obliged to be circumcised,[86:4] and Pythagoras had to submit to it before being admitted to the Egyptian sacerdotal mysteries.[86:5]
"As this practice can be traced both in Egypt and Ethiopia, to the remotest antiquity, it is not possible to say which first introduced it. The Phenicians and Syrians of Palestine acknowledge that they borrowed it from Egypt."[86:6]
It has been recognized among the _Kaffirs_ and other tribes of _Africa_.[86:7] It was practiced among the _Fijians_ and _Samoans of Polynesia_, and some races of _Australia_.[86:8] The _Suzees_ and the _Mandingoes_ circumcise their women.[86:9] The _Assyrians_, _Colchins_, _Phenicians_, and others, practiced it.[86:10] It has been from time immemorial a custom among the _Abyssinians_, though, at the present time, Christians.[86:11]
The antiquity of the custom may be assured from the fact of the _New Hollanders_, (never known to civilized nations until a few years ago) having practiced it.[86:12]