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Often appears with: religious persecution and toleration · justice as a virtue · scripture and its interpretation · sacrifice and ritual · the nature and attributes of God · counsel and advisers to rulers · forms of government · duty, conscience, and obligation · equity, mercy, and pardon · education and the training of the young · crime and punishment · temples, shrines, and sacred places
Usually: argument (84) · detachment (84) · narrative (54) · reverence (44) · curiosity (32) · censure (26) · skepticism (23) · crisis of belief (20) · indignation (16) · law or decree (15)
“The *truce of God*, so often and so ineffectually proclaimed by the clergy of the eleventh century, was an obvious imitation of this ancient custom.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · insight
“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full, and to be hungry; both to abound, and to suffer need. I can do all things through Him which strengtheneth me.” Augustine, of Hippo, Saint, The Confessions of St. Augustine · precept
“Hence the solemnization of a vow consists in something spiritual pertaining to God; i.e. in some spiritual blessing or consecration which, in accordance with the institution of the apostles, is given when a man makes profession of observing a certain rule” Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) · insight
“For the commandments, other than the precepts of charity, are directed to the removal of things contrary to charity, whereas the counsels are directed to the removal of things that hinder the act of charity” Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) · insight
“bishops are in the position of "perfecters," whereas religious are in the position of being "perfected"; the former of which pertains to action, and the latter to passion.” Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) · observation
“Accordingly, to desire the episcopal office on account of these incidental goods is manifestly unlawful, and pertains to covetousness or ambition.” Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) · insight
“As regards his own will it becomes a man to look chiefly to his own spiritual welfare, whereas that he look to the spiritual welfare of others becomes a man according to the appointment of another having authority” Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) · insight
“If a man take a vow not to accept the bishop's office, and by this intend to bind himself not even to accept it in obedience to his superior prelate, his vow is unlawful; but if he intend to bind himself, so far as it lies with him, not to seek the episcopal office, nor to accept it except under urgent necessity, his vow is lawful” Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) · precept
“Consequently when the salvation of his subjects demands the personal presence of the pastor, the pastor should not withdraw his personal presence from his flock, neither for the sake of some temporal advantage, nor even on account of some impending danger to his person, since the good shepherd is bound to lay down his life for his sheep.” Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) · observation
“Whosoever, therefore, shall attempt in any way to oppose or infringe this decision, confirmed by our consent, and by the subscription of our hands, according to the decree of the canons, must know, that he is excluded from all sacerdotal functions, and from our fellowship.” Bede, the Venerable, Saint, Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England · precept
“For these institutions are either the work of men, or of demons,—not of those whom they call good demons, but, to speak more plainly, of unclean, and, without controversy, malign spirits.” Augustine (Aurelius Augustine), Saint of Hippo, The City of God, Volume I · insight
“God alone, the Author of nature, can produce an effect into existence outside the ordinary course of nature. Therefore God alone could produce either a man from the slime of the earth, or a woman from the rib of man.” Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) · insight
Instructions continue for the altar, the surrounding court with its dimensions and pillars, perpetual olive-oil lamps, and Aaron’s duties for morning and evening worship outside the veil.
And thou shalt make an altar of sethim wood: five cubits long and five cubits broad, that it be foursquare, and three cubits high. And make it horns proceeding out in the four corners of it, and cover it with brass. And make his ashpans, shovels, basins, fleshhooks, firepans and all the apparel thereof, of brass: after the fashion of a net, and put upon the net four rings: even in the four corners of it, and put it b…
God orders priestly consecration for Aaron and his sons and prescribes Aaron’s vestments—especially the ephod and breastplate with engraved stones bearing the tribes’ names.
And take thou unto thee, Aaron thy brother and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me: both Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. And thou shalt make holy raiment for Aaron thy brother, both honourable and glorious. Moreover speak unto all that are wise hearted, which I have filled with the spirit of wisdom: that they make Aaron's raiment to consecrate him…
It describes how Aaron’s breastpiece (breastlap) and ephod are fitted with gold rings, chains, and blue laces, and how its priestly purpose is remembrance before the LORD.
And thou shalt make likewise upon the breastlap two rings of gold and put them on the edges of the breastlap, and put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are in the edges of the breastlap. And the two ends of the two chains thou shalt fasten in the two rings, and put them upon the shoulders of the Ephod: on the foreside of it. And thou shalt yet make two rings of gold, and put them in the two edges…
It orders Aaron’s sons to receive honor-and-glory priestly garments, including linen breeches, and makes priestly service in the tabernacle a perpetual law so they do not die.
And thou shalt make for Aaron's sons also coats, girdles and bonnets honourable and glorious, and thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother and on his sons with him and shalt anoint them and fill their hands and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me. And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their privates: {privities} from the loins unto the thighs shall they reach. And they shall be upon Aaron and…
It gives the ordination ceremony for making Aaron and his sons priests, commanding sacrifices, anointing, washing, and blood rites on the altar with specified animals and breads.
This is the thing that thou shalt do unto them when thou hallowest them to be my priests. Take one ox and two rams that are without blemish, and unleavened bread and cakes of sweet bread tempered with oil and wafers of sweet bread anointed with oil (of wheaten flour shalt thou make them) and put them in a maund and bring them in the maund with the oil and the two rams. And bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of th…
It continues the ordination ritual: sprinkling blood and anointing oil on priests and garments, waving offering parts before the LORD, sanctifying priestly duties for seven days.
Then take of the blood that is upon the altar and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron and his vestments, and upon his sons and upon their garments also. Then is he and his clothes holy and his sons and their clothes holy also. Then take the fat of the ram and his rump and the fat that covereth the inwards and the caul of the liver and, the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them and the right shoulder…
Moses gathers Israel and commands Sabbath observance and a freewill heave offering for building the tabernacle, detailing required materials and calling skilled workers to craft its furnishings and priestly garments.
And Moses gathered all the company of the children of Israel together, and said unto them: these are the things which the LORD hath commanded to do: Six days ye shall work, but the seventh day shall be unto you the holy Sabbath of the LORD's rest: so that whosoever doth any work therein, shall die. Moreover ye shall kindle no fire thorowout all your habitations upon the Sabbath day. And Moses spake unto all the multi…
Craftsmen create Aaron’s priestly vestments—Ephod, breastplate, tunicle, bells, and the holy crown—using named gemstone rows and gold craftsmanship, and then deliver the completed tabernacle work to Moses.
And of the jacinth, scarlet, purple and twined byss, they made the vestments of ministration to do service {[in]} in that holy place, and made the holy garments that pertained to Aaron, as the LORD commanded Moses. And they made the Ephod of gold, jacinth, scarlet, purple, and twined byss. And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires: to work it in the jacinth, scarlet, purple, and the byss, wit…
In a consecration ceremony, Moses and the people prepare Aaron and his sons, wash and dress them, anoint the tabernacle and altar, offer sin, burnt, and ordination sacrifices, and hold a seven-day vigil.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: take Aaron and his sons with him, and the vestures and the anointing oil, and an ox for a sinoffering and two rams and a basket of sweet bread: and gather all the community together unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him, and the people gathered them selves together unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And Moses said unto the pe…
Nadab and Abihu bring unauthorized “strange fire” and die, after which Moses instructs Aaron and Aaron’s sons on mourning, priestly conduct, dietary holiness, and proper handling of sin offerings.
And Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron took either of them his censor, and put fire therein, and put cense upon, and brought strange fire before the LORD: which he commanded them not, and there went a fire out from the LORD, and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron: this is it that the LORD spake saying: I will be sanctified in them that come nye me, and before all the people I will…
The anointed priest (succeeding Aaron) must repeat the yearly atonement by reconciling the sanctuary, tabernacle, and altar, making atonement for priests and the whole congregation once each year as commanded.
And the priest that is anointed and whose hand was filled to minister in his father's stead, shall make the atonement and shall put on the holy linen {[clothes and holy]} vestments, and reconcile the holy sanctuary and the tabernacle of witness and the altar, and shall make an atonement also for the priests and for all the people of the congregation. And this shall be an everlasting ordinance unto you to make an aton…
Laws define priestly purity and restrictions on mourning, shaving, marriage, and eligibility to offer sacrifices, excluding priests with physical deformities from approaching the altar while allowing them to eat certain holy bread.
And the LORD said unto Moses: speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron and say unto them: A priest shall defile himself at the death of none of his people, but upon his kin that is nye unto him: as his mother, father, son, daughter and brother: and on his sister as long as she is a maid and dwelleth nye him and was never given to man: on her he may defile himself. But he shall not make himself unclean upon a ruler of…
Aaron and priests must avoid uncleanness when handling holy offerings, obey rules for who may eat them, and present acceptable, unblemished animals; worship practices specify timing and consumption limits.
And the LORD communed with Moses saying: bid Aaron and his sons that they abstain from the hallowed things of the children of Israel which they have hallowed unto me, that they pollute not mine holy name: for I am the LORD. Say unto them: whosoever he be of all your seed among your generation after you, that goeth unto the hallowed things which the children of Israel shall have hallowed unto the LORD, his uncleanness…
The census continues with tribe-by-tribe totals and culminates in the overall sum of Israel’s fighting men, again emphasizing that Levi is not numbered and is assigned to tabernacle service.
their generation, in their kindreds and houses of their fathers (when their names were counted) from twenty years and above, whatsoever was apt for war, were numbered in the tribe of Isachar fifty four thousand and four hundred. Among the children of Zabulon: their generation, in their kindreds and houses of their fathers (after the number of names) from twenty years and above, whosoever was mete for the war: were co…
The text records Aaron and Moses’ generations, lists Aaron’s sons and the death of Nadab and Abihu for “strange fire,” then assigns Levites to serve Aaron and counts Gershonites and other Levitical clans.
These are the generations of Aaron and Moses, when the LORD spake unto Moses in Mount Sinai, and these are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the eldest son, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. These are the names of the sons of Aaron which were priests anointed and their hands filled to minister, but Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, as they brought strange fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and had…
The Levites assigned by family to the tabernacle are listed, with Cahathites and Merarites given numbers, captains, and duties, including packing and keeping sacred items as the camp moves.
And the office of the children of Gerson in the tabernacle of witness was the habitation and the tent with the covering thereof and the hanging of the door of the tabernacle of witness, and the hangings of the court, and the curtain of the door of the court: which court went round about the dwelling, and the altar, and the cords that pertained unto all the service thereof. And of Cahath came the kindred of the Amrami…
The firstborn males are numbered, the Levites are taken in place of them, and extra firstborn are redeemed with five shekels per person, with the redemption money given to Aaron.
And all the firstborn males, in the sum of names, from a month old and above, were numbered twenty two thousand two hundred and seventy three. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: take the Levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites for their cattle: and the Levites shall be mine which am the LORD. And for the redeeming of the two hundred and seventy three which are more th…
From thirty to fifty years old, the Cahathite Levites are counted for war-capable service in the most holy place, and detailed instructions are given for covering and transporting sanctuary objects without touching them.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, and bade them take the sum of the children of Cahath from among the sons of Levi, in their kindreds and houses of their fathers from thirty years and above until fifty, all that were able to war, for to do the work in the tabernacle of witness: even in the most holy place. {[This shall be the office of the Kahath in the tabernacle of witness which is most holy.]} And when the …
Gershonite and Merarite Levites are assigned service roles—carrying curtains, coverings, boards, bars, pillars, cords, and sockets—while specific tabernacle handling rules and a census for Cahathites are provided.
Aaron and his sons shall go in and put them, every man unto his service and unto his burthen. But let them not go in to see when they cover the sanctuary, lest they die. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: Take the sum of the children of Gerson, in the houses of their fathers and in their kindreds: from thirty years and above, until fifty, all that are able to go forth in war, for to do service in the tabernacle of…
The sons of Gershon, sons of Merari, and overall Levite totals are numbered from thirty to fifty for tabernacle service, totaling 8,580, each man assigned to office and burden by command.
And the sons of Gerson were numbered in their kindreds and in the houses of their fathers, from thirty years up unto fifty, all that were able to go forth in the host for to do service in the tabernacle of witness. And the number of them in their kindreds, and in the houses of their fathers, was two thousand, six hundred and thirty. This is the number of the kindreds of the sons of Gerson, of all that did service in …
After the tabernacle and altar are set up and anointed, Israel’s tribal princes bring chariots and oxen for Levite service, with no carts for the Cahathites, and the first day’s altar dedication gifts are listed.
And when Moses had full set up the habitation and anointed it and sanctified it and all the apparel thereof, and had anointed and sanctified the altar also and all the vessels thereof: then the princes of Israel, heads over the houses of their fathers which were the lords of the tribes that stood and numbered, offered and brought their gifts before the LORD six covered chariots and twelve oxen: two and two a chariot …
God instructs Aaron on lighting the seven lamps and commands Moses to cleanse and commission the Levites for tabernacle service, including age limits and their role replacing firstborn Israelites.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto Aaron and say unto him: when thou puttest on the lamps see that they light all seven upon the forefront of the candlestick. And Aaron did even so, and put the lamps upon the forefront of the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses, and the work of the candlestick was of stiff gold: both the shaft and the flowers thereof. And according unto the vision which the LORD ha…
God assigns Aaron and the Levites duties for the sanctuary, forbids strangers from approaching holy vessels and altar on pain of death, and describes the priest’s lifelong share of offerings and firstfruits.
And the LORD said unto Aaron: Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee, shall bear the fault of that which is done amiss in the holy place. And thou and thy sons with thee, shall bear the fault of that which is done amiss in your priesthood. And thy brethren also the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father take with thee, and let them be joined unto thee and minister unto thee. And thou and thy sons with the…
The passage prescribes Israel’s regular offerings: daily sacrifices of two lambs morning and evening, Sabbath offerings, monthly sacrifices, and the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: give the children of Israel a charge and say unto them, that they take heed to offer unto me the offering of my bread in the sacrifice of sweet savour, in his due season. And say unto them. This is the offering which ye shall offer unto the LORD: two lambs of a year old without spot day by day to be a burntoffering perpetually. One lamb thou shalt offer in the morning, and the ot…
Moses describes hewing new stone tablets, putting them in the Ark, Israel’s journey through named stops after Aaron’s death, and the LORD’s further call to love, fear, and cleave to Him.
In the same season the LORD said unto me: hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first and come up unto me into the mount and make thee an Ark of wood, and I will write in the table, the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark. And I made an ark of sethim wood and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mountain and the two tables in m…
It describes Levites’ lack of land inheritance, their food entitlements from offerings, procedures for Levites moving to the chosen place, and bans divination, witchcraft, spirit-seeking, and consulting the dead; it also promises a prophet like Moses and sets tests for true versus presumptuous prophecy.
The priests the Levites, all the tribe of Levi shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel. The offerings of the LORD and his inheritance they shall eat, but shall have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD he is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them. And this is the duty of the priests, of the people and of them that offer, whether it be ox or sheep: They must give unto the priest, the shoulder and…
Hebrews continues by contrasting angels and the promised “rest,” emphasizing Christ’s suffering and priesthood, urging steadfast faith and daily exhortation to avoid an evil unbelieving heart and failing to enter rest.
The .iij. Chapter. Wherefore wholy brethren, partakers of the celestial callinge, consider the ambassador and high priest of our profession Christ Iesus, being faithful to him that sent him, even as was Moses in all his house. And this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses: Inasmuch as he which hath prepared the house, hath most honour in the house. Every house is prepared of some man. But he that ordained…
Hebrews chapter 4-5 urges readers to strive to enter God’s rest and describes God’s word as piercing judgement, then introduces Jesus as a compassionate high priest and warns against immaturity in doctrine.
There remaineth therefore yet a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest doth cease from his own works, as God did from his. Let us study therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall into such an ensample of unbelief: for the word of God is quick, and mighty in operation, and sharper than any two edged sword: and entereth through, even unto the dividing a sunder of the soul and the spi…
Hebrews chapters 6-7 explains the consequences of apostasy-like fall, reassures readers about God’s steadfastness using Abraham’s oath, and develops Melchizedek as a priest-king superior to Levi’s priesthood.
if they fall, should be renewed again unto repentance: For as much as they have (as concerning them selves) crucified the son of God afresh, making a mock of him. For that earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God: but that ground, which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to …
The passage argues that Jesus’ priesthood replaces the Aaronic law-priesthood: Melchizedek-like, lasting forever, offering once, and enabling believers to approach God and be saved through intercession.
rise, after the order of Melchisedech, and not after the order of Aaron? Now no doubt, if the priesthood be translated, then of necessity must the law be translated also. For he of whom these things are spoken, pertaineth unto another tribe, of which, never man served at the altar. For it is evident that our lord sprung of the tribe of Iuda, of which tribe spake Moses nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet a …
The text explains that the blood of Christ purges consciences and mediates the new testament through death, compares animal blood to Christ’s heavenly entry, and concludes with final judgment.
more shall the blood of Christ (which thorow the eternal spirit, offered himself without spot to God) purge our {your} consciences from dead works, for to serve the living God? And for this cause is he the mediator of the new testament, that as sone (as his death was fulfilled for the redemption of those transgressions that were in the first testament) they which were called, might receive the promise of eternal inh…
The exhortation urges holiness, endurance under divine chastening, and careful obedience, contrasting terrifying Sinai with joyful access to Mount Zion, the heavenly city, and Christ’s mediation.
his holiness. No manner learning for the present time seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it bringeth the quiet fruit of righteousness unto them which are therein exercised. Stretch forth therefore again the hands which were let down, and the weak knees, and see that ye have straight steps unto your feet, lest any halting turn out of the way: yee, let it rather be healed. Embrace peace with al…
John receives the revelation on the isle of Patmos, writes to seven churches in Asia, and is shown visions of Christ among seven golden candlesticks and seven stars, promising blessings for faithfulness.
he saw. Happy is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein. For the time is at hand. Ihon to the vij. congregations in Asia. Grace be with you and peace, from him which is and which was, and which is to come: and from the vij. spirits which are present before his throne, and from Iesus Christ which is a faithful witness, and first begotten of the d…
Publius Decius Mus argues for admitting plebeians into priesthoods, contrasting divine acceptance of devoted men and claiming Rome’s nobility in fact already trusts plebeian commanders.
hope to reach, the higher honours; but already in possession of all those advantages, on the uncertain prospect of which they had maintained the contest, manifold consulships, censorships, and triumphs. 7. The principal struggle, however, in supporting and opposing the bill, they say, was between Appius Claudius and Publius Decius Mus. After these had urged nearly the same topics, respecting the privileges of patric…
Decius continues: plebeians already hold religious offices, so adding pontiffs and augurs for plebeians is meant to aid management of divine affairs rather than harm patricians.
and may demand, rather on behalf of the gods, than for our own sakes, that those whom we worship in our private we may also worship in a public capacity." 8. "But why do I argue thus, as if the cause of the patricians, respecting the priesthood, were untouched? and as if we were not already in possession of one sacerdotal office, of the highest class? We see plebeian decemvirs, for performing sacrifices, interpreter…
The law passes; plebeian pontiffs and augurs are created, an appeals law is renewed, and the year also includes wars at Nequinum/Umbria and Carseoli in Aequicolan territory.
their disputes may have. For my part, be it advantageous, happy, and prosperous to you and to the commonwealth, I am of opinion that this law should receive your sanction." 9. The people ordered that the tribes should be instantly called; and there was every appearance that the law would be accepted. It was deferred, however, for that day, by a protest, from which on the day following the tribunes were deterred; and…
The fraud of the revenue farmers ends; Rome elects Marcus Cornelius Cethegus as chief pontiff, struggles to levy soldiers, appoints triumvirs for recruitment, and reads a letter about Cannae survivors serving in Sicily.
did not give bail, and afterwards even such as could; upon which the greater part of them went into exile, to avoid the danger to which this proceeding exposed them. 5. The knavery of the revenue farmers, and their subsequent audacious conduct to screen themselves from its effects, thus terminated. An assembly was then held for the creation of a chief pontiff. The new pontiff, Marcus Cornelius Cethegus, presided. Th…
A religious-political dispute over creating a plebeian chief curio is resolved in favor of Caius Mamilius Vitulus; the narrative also discusses a flamen of Jupiter compelled into office and civic mobilization through new legions.
Licinius, furnished brazen statues for the temple of Ceres, out of the money arising from fines, and exhibited games with great pomp and splendour, considering the circumstances of the times. 7. At the close of this year, Caius Laelius, the lieutenant general of Scipio, came to Rome on the thirty-fourth day after he set out from Tarraco, and entering the city accompanied by a train of captives, drew together a great…
Roman officials perform expiations for prodigies at Veii, Minturnae, and Atella, suppress an ill-omened gender-ambiguous infant at Frusino by throwing it into the sea, and order elaborate Juno Regina rites by virgins and matrons on the Aventine.
Tubulus, one at Capua; and two were ordered to be enlisted for the city. For the first four legions the people elected tribunes, the consuls sent those for the rest. 37. Before the consuls set out, the nine days' sacred rite was performed, as a shower of stones had fallen from the sky at Veii. After the mention of one prodigy, others also were reported, as usual. At Minturnae, that the temple of Jupiter and the grov…
The senate consults pontiffs on Proserpina’s violated treasures, names specific envoys (Marcus Claudius Marcellus and Marcus Cincius Alimentus), and sets their mission to go to Locri before Messana.
the tribunes might direct to apprehend him, and bring him home in right of their most sacred authority. The plan was, to go to Locri before they went to Messana. 21. With regard to Pleminius, there are two different accounts. Some relate that, having heard what measures had been adopted at Rome, as he was going into exile to Naples, he accidentally fell in with Quintus Metellus, one of the deputies, by whom he was f…
He continues with practices of cleanliness, purification after touching the dead, restrictions on women during certain times, and the roles of priests/magicians who foretell events and treat illness.
copiously into the languages of more civilized people. The only expressions of that kind I remember were 'May you rot, or may you swell, or may a beast take you.' I have before remarked that the natives of this part of Africa are extremely cleanly. This necessary habit of decency was with us a part of religion, and therefore we had many purifications and washings; indeed almost as many, and used on the same occasion…
Equiano presents memorials to the Bishop of London for ordination as an African missionary, supported by Governor Macnamara (and letters referencing Senegambia), but the bishop declines to ordain him due to scruples.
That your memorialist has resided in different parts of Europe for twenty-two years last past, and embraced the Christian faith in the year 1759. That your memorialist is desirous of returning to Africa as a missionary, if encouraged by your Lordship, in hopes of being able to prevail upon his countrymen to become Christians; and your memorialist is the more induced to undertake the same, from th…
Douglass describes his mistress’s lukewarmness requiring Rev. Beverly Waugh’s attention, but his spiritual instruction comes mainly from Uncle Lawson, who urges him to read scriptures and preach while Master Hugh threatens punishment.
am careful to state these facts, that the reader may be able to form an idea of the precise influences which had to do with shaping and directing my mind. In view of the cares and anxieties incident to the life she was then leading, and, especially, in view of the separation from religious associations to which she was subjected, my mistress had, as I have before stated, become lukewarm, and needed to be looked up b…
Plutarch traces Rome’s early bridge to Ancus Marcius, then explains the Pontifex Maximus’s duties and vestal fire-rituals, including how the fire must be relit using purified sunlight and when it fails after disasters.
that the wooden bridge was not so old as Numa's time, but was finished by Ancus Marcius, when he was king, who was the grandson of Numa by his daughter. The office of Pontifex Maximus, or chief priest, was to declare and interpret the divine law, or, rather, to preside over sacred rites; he not only prescribed rules for public ceremony, but regulated the sacrifices of private persons, not suffering them to vary from…
As Marcius’s plan forms, Rome suffers political turmoil and omens; a dream-vision attributed to Jupiter’s instruction warns the senate about a “bad dancer” in its procession, interpreted through a harsh slave punishment involving Jupiter’s ceremony.
He then proceeded to feast and entertain him with every display of kindness, and for several days after they were in close deliberation together on the prospects of a war. While this design was forming, there were great troubles and commotions at Rome, from the animosity of the senators against the people, heightened just now by the late condemnation of Marcius. Besides that, their soothsayers and priests, and even…
Geoffroi de Villehardouin describes how Fulk of Neuilly preached the Crusade in France, how Pope Innocent III ordered preaching and granted indulgence for one year of service, prompting nobles to take the cross.
Chronicle of The Fourth Crusade and The Conquest of Constantinople by Geoffrey de Villehardouin Translated by Frank T. Marzials London: J.M. Dent, 1908 THE FIRST PREACHING OF THE CRUSADE Be it known to you that eleven hundred and ninety-seven years after the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the time of Innocent Pope of Rome, and Philip King of France, and Richard King of England, there was in France a ho…
Durkheim explains that individual private cults still depend on the Church’s shared doctrines and official lists of saints and spirits, concluding that religion is an eminently collective system of sacred beliefs and practices.
more general religion which embraces all;[83] these restricted Churches are in reality only chapels of a vaster Church which, by reason of this very extent, merits this name still more.[84] It is quite another matter with magic. To be sure, the belief in magic is always more or less general; it is very frequently diffused in large masses of the population, and there are even peoples where it has as many adherents as…
He argues the totem is religious because ceremonies classify sacred and profane through it, and describes the Arunta sacred instruments churinga/tjurunga engraved with the group’s totem.
Dieri between certain arrangements of scars and the water totem.[302] Among the Indians of the North-West, it is a very general custom for them to tattoo themselves with the totem.[303] But even if the tattooings which are made by mutilations or scars do not always have a totemic significance,[304] it is different with simple designs drawn upon the body: they are generally representations of the totem. It is true th…
Durkheim details how churinga are treated as the highest sacred objects—restricted access, stored in the ertnatulunga sanctuary, and used to heal, ensure reproduction, and influence combat—while describing their collective control and power.
it also has a religious character. In fact, it is in connection with it, that things are classified as sacred or profane. It is the very type of sacred thing. The tribes of Central Australia, especially the Arunta, the Loritja, the Kaitish, the Unmatjera, and the Ilpirra,[312] make constant use of certain instruments in their rites which are called the *churinga* by the Arunta, according to Spencer and Gillen, or th…
He argues that the sacred power of churinga comes primarily from the totemic mark on them rather than later myths about ancestral spirits, and briefly introduces other totem-linked instruments like nurtunja and waninga.
the religious life, may not touch or even see the churinga; they are only allowed to look at it from a distance, and even this is only on rare occasions.[318] The churinga are piously kept in a special place, which the Arunta call the *ertnatulunga*.[319] This is a cave or a sort of cavern hidden in a deserted place. The entrance is carefully closed by means of stones so cleverly placed that a stranger going past it…
Durkheim describes the Arunta nurtunja and waninga—vertical, cross-barred ceremonial supports decorated with hair or fur cords—as sacred objects central to rites, including initiation and sub-incision.
the support. The top is decorated with the plumes of an eagle-hawk. This is only the most general and typical form; in particular cases, it has all sorts of variations.[345] The waninga, which is found only among the southern Arunta, the Urabunna and the Loritja, has no one unique model either. Reduced to its most essential elements, it too consists in a vertical support, formed by a long stick or by a lance several…
He argues nurtunja and waninga are sacred only because they materially represent the clan totem, using conventional geometric designs and temporary images that are made for each ceremony and then dismantled.
sort of standard which served as a rallying-centre for the group. One cannot fail to be struck by the analogies between the nurtunja and the sacred post of the Omaha.[352] Now its sacred character can come from only one cause: that is that it represents the totem materially. The vertical lines or rings of down which cover it, and even the cords of different colours which fasten the arms of the waninga to the central…
Durkheim states that “Church” refers to a group whose shared beliefs concern a more specialized circle of affairs.
[84] For the name Church is ordinarily applied only to a group whose common beliefs refer to a circle of more special affairs. [85] Hubert and Mauss, *loc. cit.*, p. 18. [86] Robertson Smith has already pointed out that magic is opposed to religion, as the individual to the social (_The Religion of the Semites_, 2 edit., pp. 264-265). Also, in thus distinguishing magic from religion, we do not mean to establish a b…
Durkheim surveys Indigenous religious and ethical duties, arguing that mythical beings and ritual practices often have moral roles because religious duties are inherently moral, and he links this to earlier ethnographic observations.
among other heroes; for, according to a belief that is not confined to the Arunta, a time came when men forgot the teaching of their first initiators and became corrupt. [921] This is the case, for example, of Atnatu (Spencer and Gillen, *Nor. Tr.*, p. 153) and the Witurna (*Nor. Tr.*, p. 498), If Tendun did not establish these rites, it is he who is charged with the direction of their celebration (Howitt, *Nat. Tr.…
King William of England, after the death of his father William the Conqueror, is blessed by Archbishop Lanfranc at Westminster, takes the throne, distributes wealth and releases prisoners in London during midwinter, and installs gifts for churches across England.
But the king of the Christians, Alphonzo by name, sent everywhere into each land, and desired assistance. And they came to his support from every land that was Christian; and they went and slew or drove away all the heathen folk, and won their land again, through God's assistance. In this land also, in the same year, died many rich men; Stigand, Bishop of Chichester, and the Abbot of St. Augustine, and the Abbot of B…
In A.D. 1107–1108, Henry redistributes bishoprics and abbeys, grants offices in England and Normandy, notes moon-tokens and deaths of bishops and abbots, and records the death of Philip of France and succession of Louis.
Pentecost in Normandy. And after that, in the summer, he sent hither Robert of Belesme into the castle at Wareham, and himself soon (142) afterwards came hither to this land. A.D. 1114. In this year held the King Henry his court on the Nativity at Windsor, and held no other court afterwards during the year. And at midsummer he went with an army into Wales; and the Welsh came and made peace with the king. And he l…
In AD 1123, Bishop Roger of Salisbury’s forces rode at Woodstock where Roger of Salisbury’s colleague Robert Bloet of Lincoln suddenly died; Henry convened a Gloucester Candlemas wittenmoot and arranged William of Curboil’s appointment as archbishop over Canterbury, against Canterbury’s monks’ wishes, prompting Henry to seek papal approval in Rome.
to the heaven. The fire they saw in the day-dawn; and it lasted until it was light over all. That was on the seventh day before the ides of December. A.D. 1123. In this year was the King Henry, at Christmastide at Dunstable, and there came to him the ambassadors of the Earl of Anjou. And thence he went to Woodstock; and his bishops and his whole court with him. Then did it betide on a Wednesday, which was on the …
In AD 1129 Henry ordered hostages and reconciled enemies, then Archbishop William of Canterbury convened English church leaders in London to discuss clerical wives; the proposed reform required abandoning wives by St. Andrew’s mass or forfeiting church office, but it failed in practice.
was before. May Christ consult for his wretched folk. This same year, on the night of the mass of St. Nicholas, a little before day, there was a great earthquake. A.D. 1130. This year was the monastery of Canterbury consecrated by the Archbishop William, on the fourth day before the nones of May. There were the Bishops John of Rochester, Gilbert Universal of London, Henry of Winchester, Alexander of Lincoln, Roger…
Gibbon argues Zoroaster’s ideal was undermined by superstition as the Magi became a powerful priestly hierarchy, headed by the Archimagus at Balch, collecting taxes and enforcing obedience through clerical control of salvation.
16 (return) [ Hyde de Religione Persarum, c. 19.] Had Zoroaster, in all his institutions, invariably supported this exalted character, his name would deserve a place with those of Numa and Confucius, and his system would be justly entitled to all the applause, which it has pleased some of our divines, and even some of our philosophers, to bestow on it. But in that motley composition, di…
He claims German priests enforced silence and even limited civil matters, stages religious processions in Mecklenburg and Pomerania to bring peace, and compares this to the later medieval “truce of God.”
they began to build more settled habitations, they raised also temples, such as that to the goddess Teufana, who presided over divination. See Adelung, Hist. of Ane Germans, p 296—G] The same ignorance, which renders barbarians incapable of conceiving or embracing the useful restraints of laws, exposes them naked and unarmed to the blind terrors of superstition. The German priests, improving this f…