s of ground
where these holy structures are to be built: for they say that the Gods are
extremely delighted with such high and pleasant places.

This practice in early times was almost universal; and every [725]mountain
was esteemed holy. The people, who prosecuted this method of worship,
enjoyed a soothing infatuation, which flattered the gloom of superstition.
The eminences to which they retired were lonely, and silent; and seemed to
be happily circumstanced for contemplation and prayer. They, who frequented
them, were raised above the lower world; and fancied that they were brought
into the vicinity of the powers of the air, and of the Deity who resided in
the higher regions. But the chief excellence for which they were
frequented, was the Omphi, expressed [Greek: omphe] by the Greeks, and
interpreted [726][Greek: Theia kledon], vox divina, being esteemed a
particular revelation from heaven. In short, they were looked upon as the
peculiar places where God delivered his oracles. Hermaeus in Plutarch
expresses this term [Greek: omphis], omphis; and says, that it was the name
of an Egyptian Deity: and he interprets it, I know not for what reason,
[727][Greek: euergetes]. The word truly rendered was Omphi or Amphi, the
oracle of Ham; who, according to the Egyptian theology, was the same as the
Sun, or Osiris. He was likewise revered as the chief Deity by the
Chaldeans; and by most nations in the east. He was styled both Ham, and
Cham: and his oracles both Omphi and Ompi. In consequence of this, the
mountains where they were supposed to be delivered, came to be denominated
Har-al-Ompi; which al-ompi by the Greeks was changed to [Greek: Olumpos],
Olympus; and the mountain was called [Greek: oros Olumpou]. There were many
of this name. The Scholiast upon Apollonius reckons up [728]six: but there
were certainly more, besides a variety of places styled upon the same
account [729]Olympian. They were all looked upon to be prophetic; and
supposed to be the residence of the chief Deity, under whatever
denomination he was specified, which was generally the God of light. For
these oracles no place was of more repute than the hill at Delphi, called
Omphi-El, or the oracle of the Sun. But the Greeks, who changed Al-omphi to
Olympus, perverted these terms in a manner still more strange: for finding
them somewhat similar in sound to a word in their own language, their
caprice immediately led them to think of [Greek: omphalos], a navel, w