XII

Previous to the Word which is now in the world, there was a Word which is lost

Previous to the Word which was given by Moses and the Prophets to the Israelitish nation worship by sacrifices was known, and men prophesied from the mouth of Jehovah. This is evident from what is recorded in the Books of Moses. That worship by sacrifices was known may be seen from the following references:

The Children of Israel were commanded to destroy the altars of the nations, break their images and cut down their groves. Exod. xxxiv 13; Deut. vii 5; and xii 3.

Israel in Shittim began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab; And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate with them, and bowed themselves down to their gods. And especially joined themselves to Baal-peor; and on that account the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel. Num. xxv 1-3.

And Balaam, who was from Syria, caused altars to be built, and sacrificed oxen and sheep. Num. xxii 40; xxiii 1, 2, 14, 29, 30.

[2] That men also prophesied from the mouth of Jehovah is evident from the prophecies of Balaam. Num. xxiii 7-10, 18-24; xxiv 3-9, 16-24.

He also prophesied concerning the Lord, that a Star should rise out of Jacob, and a Sceptre out of Israel. Num. xxiv 17.

And he prophesied from the mouth of Jehovah. Num. xxii 13, 18; xxiii 3, 5, 8, 16, 26; xxiv i 13.

From these passages it is clear that among the nations there was Divine worship similar to that instituted by Moses among the Israelitish nation.

[3] That such worship existed before the time of Abram is in some measure evident from the words of Moses in Deut. xxxii 7, 8; but it is more evident from what is said of Melchizedek, king of Salem:

He brought out bread and wine, and blessed Abram; and Abram gave him tithes of all. Gen. xiv 18-20;

and from the fact that Melchizedek represented the Lord, for he is called.

The priest of the most high God. Gen. xiv 18;

and it is said of the Lord in the Psalms:

Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Ps. cx 4.

This was why Melchizedek brought forth bread and wine, as holy things of the Church, even as they are holy in the sacrament of the Holy Supper; and why he was able to bless Abram, and why Abram gave him tithes of all.