[197] The _bull_ of Siva has reference to strength and speed rather than to fecundity, while the Rig-veda refers to Vishnu as the former of the _womb_, although elsewhere he is described as the _fecundator_. Muir, _op. cit._, part iv., pp. 244, 292, 83, 64. [198] This question has been considered by Burnoux, _op. cit._, p. 547, _et seq._ But see also Hodgson’s “Buddhism in Nepaul,” and paper in the “Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society,” vol. xviii. (1860), p. 395, _et seq._ [199] See Herring, _op. cit._, p. 89. [200] Schlagenweit, _op. cit._, p. 181. [201] Maurice’s “Indian Antiquities,” vol. vii., p. 566. [202] As to the identity of Siva and Saturn, see Guigniaut, _op. cit._, vol. i., p. 167 _n._ [203] Sherring, _op cit._, p. 305, _et seq._ [204] It should be noted that many of the so-called “circles” are in reality _elliptical_. [205] See, on this subject, Higgins’ “Anacalypsis,” vol. i., p. 315, _et seq._ [206] We must look to the esoteric teaching of Mithraism for the origin and explanation of much of primitive Christian dogma. The doctrine of “regeneration,” which is a spiritual application of the idea of physical generation, was known to all the religious systems of antiquity, and probably the Phallic emblems generally used were regarded by the initiated as having a hidden meaning. I may, perhaps, be allowed to refer to the second volume of my “Evolution of Morality” for information on the subject of the “re-birth.” [207] The serpent elevated in the wilderness is said to be typical of Christ. A Gnostic sect taught that Christ was Seth. [208] Didron’s “Christian Iconography” (Bohn), pp. 272-286. [209] It is a curious fact that Buddhist saints are often represented in the _Vesica_ and with the _nimbus_. See Hodgson’s figures (Plates v. and vi.) in the “Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society,” vol. xvi. [210] Didron, pp. 27, 231. [211] Ditto, p. 29. [212] Ditto, p. 215. [213] “History of Magic” (Bohn), vol. i., p. 253, _et seq._ [214] As to these, see King’s “Gnostics and their Remains,” p. 72. [215] In the philosophy of St. Paul, the death of Christ was rendered necessary by the fall. By the first man, Adam, came death, and in Christ the second Adam are all made alive. Mankind reverts to the position occupied by Adam before he sinned; and as in the New Jerusalem there is no marriage, so in the earthly paradise of the Hebrew legend man was at first intended to live alone. CHAPTER III. THE ORIGIN OF SERPENT-WORSHIP.