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INTRODUCTION.
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lets,
which were generally gems to which secret or supernatural virtue was
attributed, as that of giving beauty, youth, honour, power, and fortune.
The
twelve stones, which in the breastplate of the high priest of the
Hebrews indicated the twelve tribes of Israel, are the same as those
which, amongst the Romans, signified the twelve months of the year and
the signs of the zodiac.
They are—
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From
an ancient Hebrew tradition we learn that when the high priest, on days
of humiliation, asked the Most High to forgive the Israelites their
sins, the precious stones of the breastplate cast an extraordinary
lustre if the Lord graciously granted pardon, but became dull when his
wrath wTas great towards his people.*
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Emmanuel, p. 28.
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