![]() The performance of the rite devolves upon the priest but should he happen to be absent, any one acquainted with the mode of operating may do it. This ceremony must be performed on the eighth day, even should that be the Sabbath, as it was undoubtedly the practice of the Jews of old (Joh 7:22) and not in the synagogue, but always in the house of the parents. ![]() The first and most important is to admit the male child into the Abrahamic covenant by circumcision. Our object will be, therefore, to give a summary account of all the principal features of their life and manners, as exhibited by these remaining votaries and for this purpose we chiefly follow Mills's abridgment (in Fairbairn's Dictionary) of his larger account ( Three Months in Nablus, Lond. If the present small community is a fair specimen of what their nation was in ancient times, they must have been a fine race.Ī deep interest is attached to this people, not only because they are the oldest and smallest sect in the world, but principally because they retain the opinions, ceremonies, and habits of their forefathers, and are, like their Jewish brethren, a living evidence of the truth of Bible history, especially that of the Pentateuch. In appearance they are superior to their circumstances, as also to all others around them - a straight and high forehead, full brow, large and rather almond-shaped eyes, aquiline nose, somewhat large mouth, and well-formed chin are their chief physiological characteristics and, with few exceptions, they are tall and of lofty bearing. Perhaps no people have been persecuted and oppressed from age to age more than they have, yet it has served to knit them the more closely together. ![]() In 1872 they numbered 135 souls, 80 of whom were males by the defection of Jacob Shellaby and his family, they have been reduced to a total of 130 souls. They have dwindled down to a very small number, consisting only of some forty families and before many generations more have passed away, the ancient Samaritan nation will have become extinct. Here they live together, Ghetto-like, on the southwestern side of the town, at the very foot of Gerizim, their sacred mount. They are now, however, confined to Nablus, the ancient Shechem, and their sacred city through all ages. ![]() In past ages we do find them not only inhabiting various cities in Palestine, but even in Egypt and Constantinople (El-Masudi, Hist. There existed a tradition among them, which has yet hardly died out, that large numbers of their brethren were dwelling in various parts of the world - in England, France, India, and elsewhere - and they have instituted inquiries from time to time in the hope of becoming acquainted with these their brethren. As already stated (under SAMARITAN), a small remnant of the old nation still dwell in their ancient capital, Shechem. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |