CHAPTER IV The Priesthood is something tremendous; and the priesthood of the New Testament is a much more solemn busines
CHAPTER IV
The Priesthood is something tremendous; and the priesthood of the New Testament is a much more solemn business than that of the old law
175. The priestly office is discharged upon earth, but holds the rank of heavenly things; and very rightly so. For not man, nor angel, nor archangel, nor any other created power, but the Paraclete himself, instituted this order, and induced those who yet abode in the flesh to make manifest the ministry of angels. Wherefore it behoves him that is consecrated to be as pure as one who stands in heaven itself among those powers.
176. Awful indeed, and most terrible, were those things which were prior to grace, such as the bells, the pomegranates, the stones of the breastplate and of the ephod, the mitre, the turban, the long robe, the plate of gold, the holy of holies, and the great silence therein; but if any one should examine the things which pertain to grace, he will find that while they are small they are fearful and most terrible; and here also it was true which was spoken concerning the law, namely, that what was made glorious is not glorified in this respect, by reason of the glory which excelleth.
177. For when you behold the Lord sacrificed and prostrate, and the priest standing over the sacrifice and praying, and all stained with that precious blood, do you then suppose you are among men, and standing upon earth? are you not immediately transported to heaven? and casting out every carnal idea from your soul, do you not with naked soul and pure mind contemplate things which are in heaven? O the marvel! O the love of God to man! He who sits with the Father on high is at that moment held in the hands of all, and gives Himself to those who are willing to embrace and to receive Him; and then all do this by the eyes [of faith Do these things appear to you to be worthy to be despised, or to be such that any one can be lifted up against them?
178. Do you wish from another marvel to perceive its pre-eminent sacredness? Picture Elijah to your eyes, and an immense crowd standing around, and the sacrifice lying upon the stones, and all the rest in silence and great stillness, and the prophet alone praying: then suddenly the flame from heaven rushing upon the sacrifice. Marvellous were these things and full of all terror.
179. Pass from thence to what is now performed, and you will see, not only marvellous things, but things which transcend all terror. For the priest stands, not bearing fire, but the Holy Ghost; and he makes supplication for a long time, not that any flame sent from above may consume what is before him, but that grace alighting upon the sacrifice may thereby enkindle the souls of all, and render them brighter than silver purified by fire.
180. Will not he be exceedingly mad and out of his mind, who can despise this most tremendous rite? or are you ignorant that the human soul would never have endured that sacrificial fire, but all would have utterly perished, unless the help of God’s grace had been great?