similitude of man, with bodily members, as dwelling at Jerusalem, as abiding on Mount Sion, and among the congregation of the faithful. It makes no mention of hell, or of the kingdom of heaven; but it threatens the transgressors of its laws with corporal punishments, such as submission to enemies, the being scattered among the heathen, with drought, famine, poverty, and barrenness; whilst, on the other hand, the good are rewarded with earthly and temporal rewards. All the prophets who succeeded Moses followed and confirmed this way, and for it they submitted to every species of trial and persecution."
The same writer in his chapter on the Priesthood declares the imperfection of the Old Testament in this respect also. His words are as follows: "The priesthood is divided into imperfect, as was that of the Law; and perfect as is that of the Church. … The old Priesthood was one of generation, was not irrespective of family, and did not depend upon the will of those who succeeded to it. But the new Priesthood, handed down from the Apostles, and imparted in the Church through the laying on of hands, is committed to those who are deemed worthy of it. … Therefore the perfection of this and the imperfection of that Priesthood is evident. … Moreover the former Priesthood was conferred by material oil; but this latter by the immaterial unction of the Spirit, through the laying on of hands."
See Appendix B. Part IV. chap. ii.
The ten commandments of the Moral Law are judged to be binding upon all Christians by the Nestorians, and their strict observance of the fourth is remarkable.[1]
- ↑ On the observance of the Lord's Day, see some excellent remarks in Appendix B. Part V. chap. 3.
