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CATHERINE. In what manner do you suppose the pattern of a Tabernacle was exhibited to Moses?

MRS. M. Whether we supposed Moses to have been favoured with a full revelation of the meaning and end of his emblematical dispensation, or taking the words literally, understand, that a Tabernacle with its whole apparatus was represented in vision, on the mount-the words are explained, for their meaning is clearly, that by this view of the pattern he was enabled to institute a corresponding ceremonial of worship.

In this awful interview Moses was commanded, also, to make vestments of a particular form, for Aaron and for his sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazer and Ithamar, and when they were arrayed, to consecrate them all to the service of the Altar.

The habits of the inferior priests were to be of white linen, because that material might be kept perfectly clean, and by this elegant emblem, the worshippers were instructed in that purity of heart, required of all who approach the sanctuary.

Aaron, who was constituted the High Priest, was to be more splendidly dressed. Several robes extremely fine both in colour and texture, were to conceal his whole person-a girdle curiously wrought, confined them to his waist, and two onyx stones engraved with the names of the sons of Israel decorated the shoulders. For his head was a mitre, or crown, with a plate of pure gold on the forehead inscribed with the words, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

But the most remarkable part of this magnificent habit was a breast-plate whose mysterious properties have exercised the ingenuity of critics.

- Twelve precious stones, set in gold, and engraved each, with the name of a son, or a head of a tribe of Israel, were placed on its surface-and something which was called the URIM and the THUMMIM inserted within.

CATHERINE. What were the words the Urim and the Thummim?

MRS. M. The words Urim and Thummim, signify light and perfection; but whether in this place they denote a substance within the breast-plate, or whether those abstract qualities were for special purposes imparted to it, we know not. All that the words of Moses enable us to discover is, that when the high priest appeared before the Mercy Seat, arrayed in his pontifical robes, to ask council in momentous affairs, the Urim and the Thummim were the medium by which the answer was received.*

FANNY. And what was the design of so splendid an ornament as twelve precious stones ?

MRS. M. Some have supposed, that containing in the engravings all the letters of the alphabet, the superior sparkling or occasional protuberance of certain letters, might indicate the answer to the inquiry of Aaron. But this hypothesis is supported by no evidence from the words of Moses. It is probable that no more was meant, than to represent by this silent metaphor, the whole congregation of Israel, in whose behalf the priest officiated. To my mind, this emphatic breast-plate is a beautiful emblem of a parent;-almost forgetting his own necessities, he comes to the Throne of Grace with the names of his children engraved on his heart, and for them he implores counsel, protection, and pardon?

*See Prideaux's Connections.

The manner of consecrating the priests-the morning and evening sacrifice-were at this interview prescribed, and the weekly sabbath again strictly enjoined. And here let me observe, that, much as the rigid letter of this invaluable institution is now contested, no one precept of the moral law is more frequently or imperatively enforced :My sabbaths ye shall keep, that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you." And lastly; two tables of stone, containing the Ten Commandments, "written. with the finger of God," were delivered to Moses.

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But while the Hebrew chief was thus transcendently exalted, the unhappy people of his charge were debasing themselves. Already forgetful of the unparalleled benefit bestowed upon them, and in open violation of their recent engagement, to have "no other God before Him who had brought them out of the house of bondage," they had set up an idol; and Moses was hastened by their all-seeing Judge, to descend, and witness their merited punishmenteven their utter extermination—whilst himself should be signally exalted! Solicitous for the glory of that Name that had been graciously attached, in the sight of all Egypt, to his undeserving nation, rather than his own elevation, he ventured to linger in the mount, whilst he implored the "God of Israel" not to abandon his people, and thereby afford an occasion of exultation to their enemies.

Returning to the camp, he found the whole assembly dancing and singing before their idol. Impatient of their detention in the desert, and the long absence of their conductor, they had compelled his brother to make them an image of gold, to go before them to Canaan, and had proclaimed before it-" These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee out of Egypt!"

CATHERINE. Did Aaron, their high priest, participate in the monstrous defection?

MRS. M. He had not yet been invested with that dignified character; but he had been the minister of God, and ought to have resisted the clamours of a turbulent people; whose crime can be but little extenuated, by the charitable supposition, that they meant not to impair their allegiance to their legitimate sovereign; but merely to erect an ensign or standard to go before them; to which, among a people addicted to polytheism, they had learned to ascribe a sort of mystical influence. Moses had been forty days in the mount; they saw it involved in smoke, and the "glory of the Lord," like devouring fire on its summit. He might have perished in its flame, and left them without a visible captain-still their offence was most flagrant, both in its nature and circumstances, as we learn unequivocally from the signal punishments inflicted-three thousand of the principal rebels put to death by the hands of their more loyal brethren!

On this occasion the illustrious Chieftain gave a noble example of his disinterestedness, by entreating, that his own life might be accepted as an expiation for the sins of his people; that he might be excluded from the promised and rather than the whole people of his charge should be cut off but a full pardon was granted for all except the leaders, on his intercession, and the penitent congregation testified their gratitude by contributing materials for the tabernacle and the vestments of the priests, with profuse liberality. Silver and gold, and brass and jewels; threads, spun by the women, of purple, of blue, and scarlet febrics of the finest texture, were brought in till all was completed.

CHARLES. There is, I remember, a very long description of the tabernacle, but I don't understand it. Will you, mother, give us some idea of it?

MRS. M. The directions given to Moses for constructing the tabernacle were very particular, therefore tedious to you. They were necessarily minute, because every part was significant; a general description, however, will suffice for our present purpose. The tabernacle, strictly so called, was a large Tent thirty-two cubits* in length and twelve in breadth, divided into two apartments. In the inner one, stood the Ark of the covenant; that is, a chest containing the two tables of stone which were given to Moses on mount Sinai; this was denominated the Most holy place. A vail of singular beauty, and impenetrable thickness concealing this sacred depository, and excluded every creature except the High Priest. Without the vail, in the second division, stood an altar for burning incense (a table called the table of shew-bread, and a candlestick with seven lamps, of equisite workmanship, to keep a light continually burning. To these two apartments was appended a third, which was called the court of the tabernacle and was an hundred cubits long and fifty broad. This court was appropriated to the altar for burnt offerings -the lava or bath, to purify the priests, before they went within to officiate, and for the reception of the people who waited in prayer whilst their sacrifices were consuming. This last was open at top, the other two divisions were covered. The whole was surrounded by curtains of rich tapestry, and comprehended under the general appellation of the Tabernacle, or, the Sanctuary. Staves of wood

* This cubit was half a yard of our measure, according to Burder.

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