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Ch. 7: Sacred Use of Gems

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CHAPTER VII.
  
 
 
  
 
SACRED USES OF PRECIOUS STONES.
Pagan and Mohammedan, Jew and Christian, have given
alike, with unstinted generosity, the choicest of earth's treasures to embellish their temples, mosques, churches, sacred
vestments, emblems, and utensils ; hence we find that precious stones have been consecrated to the purposes of religious
worship from a remote period down to the present time. Nor
have they been withheld from tombs, shrines, and other memorials for the dead which loving hands have reared to departed
friends. Among heathen nations, the most beautiful and valuable things were dedicated to their divinities. Whatever was
most rare and costly of the spoils taken in war, and whatever
was most magnificent and elegant in art, were devoted to
propitiate their favor, appease their anger, or as tokens of
gratitude for blessings enjoyed. This was especially true in
the Roman Empire after her numerous conquests, when the
most costly gems collected from the different countries subjugated by her powerful armies were poured into the sacred
treasury at Rome, as free-will o/ferings.
Both Pompey and Caesar presented some of their richest
spoils to the temples of their favorite gods. Pompey consecrated the treasures captured from Mithridates, comprising
rubies, topazes, emeralds, opals, diamonds, and stones of inferior rank, besides numerous rings, bracelets, and gold chains,
of exquisite workmanship. Caesar devoted six caskets of
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Ch. 6: Gemstones in Ornaments Page of 401 Ch. 7: Sacred Use of Gems
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