Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theologicalOf the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall
Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theological; written by Thomas Gataker B. of D. sometime preacher at Lincolns Inn, and now pastor of Rotherhith.Of the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall; written by Thomas Gataker B. of D. sometime preacher at Lincolnes Inne, and now pastor of Rotherhith.
Thomas Gataker 1574–1654London: printed by Edward Griffin, 1619
[12], 360 p. · 94k words · STC 11670 · ESTC S102922
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
§ 9. Generally in all places among all sorts of people employments of all sorts have thus oft been shared. In war much was thus managed. For in garrisons, sieges, pight fields and set camps, those that served together, had their times, and places, and courses oft assigned them by Lot, as for fwatch and ward, so gfor assault and defence, or such employment as the place that by Lot befell them should require. In which kind it is no vulgar commendation, that is given the Emperor Theodosius, that hthough then a great COMMANDER yet he was content as a common Soldier in such military services to take his turn by Lot among the rest.
§ 9. Generally in all places among all sorts of people imploiments of all sorts haue thus oft beene shared. In warre much was thus managed. For in garisons, seiges, pight fieldes and set camps, those that serued together, had their times, and places, and courses oft assigned them by Lot, as for fwatch and ward, so gfor assault and defence, or such imploiment as the place that by Lot befell them should require. In which kinde it is no vulgar commendation, that is giuen the Emperour Theodosius, that hthough then a great COMMAVNDER yet hee was content as a common Souldier in such military seruices to take his turne by Lot among the rest.
fMilites sortitò per h•ras excub•bant. H. Jun. animad. l 2. •. 5. & 1. Savar. ad illud Sidonij ep. 6. l. 8. Inter ex•u•ials curas saltem sortiò vacabis. Hinc Virg. Ae. 9 Omnis per muros legio sortia priclum excubat; excercentque vices qud cuque tudum est. Nisus erat ponrtae cstos. - isrte divisa ad d fensinm pericul. Seru. & Georg. 4. de apibus. Sunt quibus ad portas cecidit custody sorti. à militia tractum. Ser.
Milites sortitò per h•ras excub•bant. H. Iun. animad. l 2. •. 5. & 1. Sauar. ad illud Sidonij ep. 6. l. 8. Inter ex•u•ial•s curas saltem sorti•ò vacabis. Hinc Virg. Ae•. 9 Omnis per muros legio sorti•a p•riclum excubat; excercentque vices qu•d cu•que tu••dum est. Nisus erat pōrtae c•stos. - i•s•rte diuisa ad d• fensi•n•m pericul•. Seru. & Georg. 4. de apibus. Sunt quibus ad portas cecidit •ustodi• sorti. à militia tractum. Ser•.
g[Greek or Hebrew] stations in acie [Greek or Hebrew]. Xenoph. Cyri paed. l. 6. Divisis copijs Coss. so rtiti, quia non ab eadem utrumque part aggredi host•m placebat, regiones quas peterent. Liud. 41. Polynicis [Greek or Hebrew] Duces 7. [Greek or Hebrew]. Aeschyl. Theb quod & Eurip Phaenis. Et contra obsessi quoque septem excursib•s haerent. Ogygijs it sort Creon. &c. Stat. Theb. l 8.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 stationes in acie 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Xenoph. Cyri paed. l. 6. Diuisis copijs Coss. so rtiti, quia non ab eadem vtrumque parte aggredi host•m placebat, regiones quas peterent. Liud. 41. Polynicis 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Duces 7. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Aeschyl. Theb quod & Eurip Phaenis. Et contra obsessi quoque septem excursib•s haerent. Ogygijs it sorte Creon. &c. Stat. Theb. l 8.
hOmnium castrensium munerum numeros primus aut cum primis obir•; st••• pro signis; excubias sort agere; &c. in praeiium primus ire, praelio postremus excedere: dux consilio esse, miles exemplo. Paca•us panegyr.Omnium castrensium munerum numeros primus aut cum primis obir•; st••• pro signis; excubias sorte agere; &c. in praeiium primus ire, praelio postremus excedere: dux consilio esse, miles exemplo. Paca•us panegyr.
In single Combats ia Champion was sometime singled out by Lot: and kby Lot it was determined (if a Poets word may go for good) whether of the twain should give the onset. In jeopardous exploits, or where multitude might cause confusion, and hinder rather then help, a Lot was called in, to order and marshal the matter. Thus lby Lot it is said to have been decided who should be enclosed in the wooden Horses womb at the taking of Troy. Thusm Timoleon being to pass a river with his army in the face of the enemy, took the rings of the several Leaders by drawing them to decide in what order they should pass; and when the ring of one of them that had a Trophy engraven on it, came first to hand, they left all further lotting, and with great alacrity made each of them with all speed they could over, and so discomfited those forces, that stood on the other side to inhibit their passage. And thus nPericles, when he could hardly restrain his people inconsiderately over-eager on sight, he divided them into two parts, and by Lot assigned them, some to skirmish, and some to rest and make merry the whilst, to wit, that part of them othat lighted on the white bean: whence it grew, saith mine Author, to be a by-word applied to those that live at ease that they have pa white day of it, alluding to the white bean. In desperate cases, when they were resolved to die rather then to fall into the hand of the enemy, and to be at his mercy; qthey decided sometime by Lot who should slay either other; ⟨p. 62⟩and rby that means Joseph the Jewish historiographer escaped, his Lot coming out with the last mans, whom he persuaded to surrender himself with him to the Romans: or who should be common Executioners to all; for so sthe Jews besieged in Masada at Eleazar's instigation, chose by Lot ten among them to be as common Butchers to the rest, unto whom each of them presented his wives and children and himself to be slain; which being done, tone of those ten again singled by Lot dispatched the other nine, and in the last place himself.
In single Combats ia Champion was sometime singled out by Lot: and kby Lot it was determined (if a Poets word may go for good) whether of the twaine should giue the onset. In jeopardous exploites, or where multitude might cause confusion, and hinder rather then helpe, a Lot was called in, to order and marshall the matter. Thus lby Lot it is said to haue beene decided who should be enclosed in the wodden Horses wombe at the taking of Troy. Thusm Timoleon being to passe a riuer with his armie in the face of the enemie, tooke the rings of the seuerall Leaders by drawing them to decide in what order they should passe; and when the ring of one of them that had a Trophey engrauen on it, came first to hand, they left all further lotting, and with great alacrity made each of them with all speed they could ouer, and so discomfited those forces, that stood on the other side to inhibite their passage. And thus nPericles, when he could hardly restraine his people inconsiderately ouer-eager on sight, hee diuided them into two parts, and by Lot assigned them, some to skirmish, and some to rest and make merry the whilest, to wit, that part of them othat lighted on the white beane: whence it grew, saith mine Author, to be a by-word applied to those that liue at ease that they haue pa white day of it, alluding to the white beane. In desperate cases, when they were resolued to die rather then to fall into the hand of the enemie, and to be at his mercy; qthey decided sometime by Lot who should slay either other; ⟨p. 62⟩and rby that meanes Ioseph the Iewish historiographer escaped, his Lot comming out with the last mans, whom hee perswaded to surrender himselfe with him to the Romanes: or who should bee common Executioners to all; for so s
iS•c Aiax cum Hectore committitur. Homer. Il. [Greek or Hebrew]. - Hinc Soph•el. Aiace.- [Greek or Hebrew]. Et Ovid. Met. l. 13. Hunc •go poscentē cum quo concurreret unus Sustinui: sortemque meam vovistis A•hivi, &c.S•c Aiax cum Hectore committitur. Homer. Il. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. - Hinc Soph•el. Aiace.- 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Et Ouid. Met. l. 13. Hunc •go poscentē cum quo concurreret vnus Sustinui: sortemque meam vouistis A•hiui, &c.
k[Greek or Hebrew] Hector Ulyssesque [Greek or Hebrew], utter Paris an Menelaus in congressu prior [Greek or Hebrew]. Hom. Il. •.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Hector Vlyssesque 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, vter Paris an Menelaus in congressu prior 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Hom. Il. •.
At Syracuse the delivery in Court of their minds in course by Lot (u in some kind and case continued unto Tullies time with them) and that after the order of the Alphabet (as *the like was used in the Olympics) is famous for Dionysius his act, xwho having drawn the letter M. when one jesting upon him said yhe would play the Mome or the fool, made answer that zhe would prove not a Mome but a Monarch: and he made his word good; for chosen General he turned Tyrant. Whence it grew to a Proverb to say, 1M. is his Lot, either aof a fool, or bof a fellow of no worth.
At Syracuse the deliuery in Court of their mindes in course by Lot (u in some kinde and case continued vnto Tullies time with them) and that after the order of the Alphabet (as *the like was vsed in the Olympickes) is famous for Dionysius his act, xwho hauing drawne the letter M. when one jesting vpon him said yhe would play the Mome or the foole, made answere that zhe would proue not a Mome but a Monarke: and hee made his word good; for chosen Generall hee turned Tyrant. Whence it grew to a Prouerbe to say, 1M. is his Lot, either aof a foole, or bof a fellow of no worth.
In voyages were csome by Lot set a shore for discovery, especially where it was suspected to be difficult and dangerous. And at sea sometimes dthey cast Lots who should row, and who be otherwise employed: and ethose again whose Lot ⟨p. 63⟩it was to tug at the oars end, took their places by Lot. Both in public works, fas at the building of Tyre; and in private labours, as gat Vulcans forge; and in mutual combinations, as hat assaulting the Cyclops, ieach man had his task or standing oft assigned him by Lot. Neither is the passing pride of that kEgyptian Tyrant here to be passed by, that compelled such Kings as were tributaries to him, not, as lAdonibezek did sometime with his, to sit like dogs under his board, but to draw, taking their turns by Lot, like horses in his Chariot, when it pleased him once a year to ride in state.
In voiages were csome by Lot set a shore for discouery, especially where it was suspected to be difficult and dangerous. And at sea sometimes dthey cast Lots who should row, and who be otherwise imploied: and ethose againe whose Lot ⟨p. 63⟩it was to tug at the oares end, tooke their places by Lot. Both in publike workes, fas at the building of Tyre; and in priuate labours, as gat Vulcans forge; and in mutuall combinations, as hat assaulting the Cyclops, ieach man had his taske or standing oft assigned him by Lot. Neither is the passing pride of that kEgyptian Tyran here to be passed by, that compelled such Kings as were tributaries to him, not, as lAdonibezek did sometime with his, to sit like dogges vnder his boord, but to draw, taking their turnes by Lot, like horses in his Charet, when it pleased him once a yeere to ride in state.
cSic Ulysse & Eurylocho de Circaea insula expl•rā da sortientibus, •urylocho sors exij•. Hom Odyss. [Greek or Hebrew]. Et inde Ovid. Metam. lib. 14 Sort sumus lecti.Sic Vlysse & Eurylocho de Circaea insula expl•rā da sortientibꝰ, •urylocho sors exij•. Hom Odyss. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Et inde Ouid. Metam. lib. 14 S•rte sumus lecti.
dSternimur optataegremio telluris ad undam, Sortiti remos. Virg. Aen. l. 3. •. Per sortem di•isi ad officia remiga•di, quis esset proreta, quis pedem teneret. Seru.Sternimur optataegremio telluris ad vndam, Sortiti remos. Virg. Aen. l. 3. •. Per sortem di•isi ad officia remiga•di, quis esset proreta, quis pedem teneret. Seru.
e[Greek or Hebrew]. Apollon. Argon. ubi [Greek or Hebrew] •st [Greek or Hebrew], ut Eustath. Il. [Greek or Hebrew].〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Apollon. Argon. vbi 〈non-Latin alphabet〉•st 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, vt Eustath. Il. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
fOperumque labor•m Partib• aqua bat justis, & sort trahebat Dido. Vir. Aen. 1.Operumque labor•m Partib aqu bat iustis, & sorte trahebat Dido. Vir. Aen. 1.
In a word, so frequent was the use of a Lot in this kind, that some aGrammarians have thought (though bindeed it seem not to be so) that a Lot among the Grecians from hence had its name, because by it men were usually called unto this or that work. But sure it is that in this regard in speech ordinary, though figurative, men are commonly said to have this or that Office callotted them, though it come not by Lot to them, but by election or otherwise: as our Saviour is said truly to have been anointed da Prince, ea Priest, and fa Prophet, though neither any Prophets ever used to be anointed, nor any such material oil ever came on his head. The not observing whereof hath made gsome suppose Lottery there, where indeed there is no lot at all.
In a word, so frequent was the vse of a Lot in this kinde, that some aGrammarians haue thought (though bindeed it seeme not to be so) that a Lot among the Grecians from hence had its name, because by it men were vsually called vnto this or that worke. But sure it is that in this regard in speech ordinary, though figuratiue, men are commonly said to haue this or that Office callotted them, though it come not by Lot to them, but by election or otherwise: as our Sauiour is said truly to haue beene anointed da Prince, ea Priest, and fa Prophet, though neither any Prophets euer vsed to be anointed, nor any such materiall oyle euer came on his head. The not obseruing whereof hath made gsome suppose Lotterie there, where indeed there is no lot at all.
a[Greek or Hebrew]. Etym. & Eust. Il. [Greek or Hebrew].〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Etym. & Eust. Il. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
b[Greek or Hebrew] literis transpositis, versoque [Greek or Hebrew] in [Greek or Hebrew]. Avenar. Guichard. & Crucig.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 literis transpositis, versoque 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 in 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Auenar. Guichard. & Crucig.
cAct. 1.7. [Greek or Hebrew]. de Juda. & 17.4. [Greek or Hebrew], d••i• qui s••i spontè associaverant.Act. 1.7. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. de Iuda. & 17.4. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, d••i• qui s••i spontè associauerant.
§. 10. Thus have we seen how frequent the use of Lots hath been among all sorts, for distribution of Offices and Services Civill and Sacred: Now they were no less frequent also in the division of Inheritances, of Lands and possessions, of Goods and Chattels, and the like: yea and oft times of Rewards too, as well pains and penalties, as Honours and Dignities.
§. 10. Thus haue wee seene how frequent the vse of Lots hath beene among all sorts, for distribution of Offices and Seruices Ciuill and Sacred: Now they were no lesse frequent also in the diuision of Inheritances, of Lands and possessions, of Goods and Chattels, and the like: yea and oft times of Rewards too, as well paines and penalties, as Honours and Dignities.
For first at the first entrance of Gods people upon the Land of promise, the whole Land in general was divided by Lot, and that by gGods own appointment, among the 12. Tribes. Concerning which partition there is some scruple among the learned arising from the words of Gods Edict concerning it thus recorded by Moses: hUnto these (that is, the 12. Tribes, though iLevi be left out, because kJoseph in Manasseh and Ephraim maketh twain) shall the Land be divided to inherit according to the number of their names, (that is, of their persons, as the word, lName, is also elsewhere used.) To many shalt thou give a large inheritance, & to fewer a less: to each one shall inheritance be given according to his number. Notwithstanding the Land shall be divided by Lot: according to the names of the Tribes of their Fathers shall they inherit. According to the Lot shall the Possession of it be divided between many and few. Where the Question is how the greater number should have a larger portion, and the fewer a less, when each part was to have its portion assigned it by Lot.
For first at the first entrance of Gods people vpon the Land of promise, the whole Land in generall was diuided by Lot, and that by gGods owne appointment, among the 12. Tribes. Concerning which partition there is some scruple among the learned arising from the words of Gods Edict concerning it thus recorded by Moses: hVnto these (that is, the 12. Tribes, though iLeui be left out, because kIoseph in Manasses and Ephraim maketh twaine) shall the Land be diuided to inherit according to the number of their names, (that is, of their persons, as the word, lName, is also elsewhere vsed.) To many shalt thou giue a large inheritance, & to fewer a lesse: to each one shall inheritance be giuen according to his number. Notwithstanding the Land shall be diuided by Lot: according to the names of the Tribes of their Fathers shall they inherit. According to the Lot shall the Possession of it be diuided betweene many and few. Where the Question is how the greater number should haue a larger portion, and the fewer a lesse, when each part was to haue its portion assigned it by Lot.
For the solution hereof msome say, that it was so to fall out, by Gods special providence miraculously directing the Lots, that the greater compass of ground should fall to the greater number of men, and the less to the fewer. But that is not likely: for had it been so meant, God would rather have said; To many I will give a larger portion, and to fewer a less. Divide thou as equally and exactly as thou art able to do by Lo•: and I will cause it to fall out so, that the more men shall have more Land, and fewer men less: or, Do thou divide it into unequal parts; and I will make it fall equally to fit every Tribes turn. So that the casting of the Lots should be Joshuas work only; but the fitting of more and fewer with larger or scanter possessions and portions Gods own immediate disposition. Yea the event it self controlleth this idle conceit. For we find that nsome of them were scanted in those portions that by Lot befell them, whereof also they complained: and oothers again had more befell them, then they were able well to people; and therefore are willing to admit others with them as Inmates.
For the solution hereof msome say, that it was so to fall out, by Gods speciall prouidence miraculously directing the Lots, that the greater compasse of ground should fall to the greater number of men, and the lesse to the fewer. But that is not likely: for had it beene so meant, God would rather haue said; To many I will giue a larger portion, and to fewer a lesse. Diuide thou as equally and exactly as thou art able to doe by Lo•: and I will cause it to fall out so, that the more men shall haue more Land, and fewer men lesse: or, Doe thou diuide it into vnequall parts; and I will make it fall equally to fit euery Tribes turne. So that the casting of the Lots should be Ioshuas work onely; but the fitting of more and fewer with larger or scanter possessions and portions Gods owne immediate disposition. Yea the euent it selfe controlleth this idle conceipt. For we finde that nsome of them were scanted in those portions that by Lot befell them, whereof also they complained: and oothers againe had more besell them, then they were able well to people; and therefore are willing to admit others with them as Inmates.
mOrdination di••na sort cade•te super terra• proportionatā pro plu•alitate vel paucitate hominum. Lyr• in Num. c. 26. & ••r•. i•Jon. c. 1.Ordinatio•e di••na sorte cade•te super terra• proportionatā pro plu•alitate vel paucitate hominum. Lyr• in Num. c. 26. & ••r•. i•Ion. c. 1.
Others think pthat the twelve men assigned to that Office of dividing the Land by Lot, had a power by virtue of that Edict conferred upon them, after the Lottery performed according to the partition made by others employed thereunto by them, to enlarge or straighten the bounds of each several portion, as they should see good; by virtue of which power they were to fit each part to the number of the people that were of that Tribe, which the same by Lot was fallen unto. This indeed hath more ⟨p. 66⟩show of probability then the former; and rwe find some alteration and change in this kind after the several possessions were determined by Lot.
Others thinke pthat the twelue men assigned to that Office of diuiding the Land by Lot, had a power by virtue of that Edict conferred vpon them, after the Lotery performed according to the partition made by others imployed thereunto by them, to enlarge or straighten the bounds of each seuerall portion, as they should see good; by virtue of which power they were to fit each part to the number of the people that were of that Tribe, which the same by Lot was fallen vnto. This indeed hath more ⟨p. 66⟩shew of probabilitie then the former; and rwee finde some alteration and change in this kinde after the seuerall possessions were determined by Lot.
pEx Hebr••rum quorundam sei•entia, quam R. Levi i• comment. ad Josh. approbat, ad Num. reijcit; Masius ad I•sh. c. 15.Ex Hebr••rum quorundam sei•entia, quam R. Leui i• comment. ad Iosh. approbat, ad Num. reijcit; Masius ad I•sh. c. 15.
But yet that seemeth to be soundest that some qothers have conceived, that in that Edict there is mention of a two-fold partition, and either of them, necessarily required. The former a sgeneral division of the whole Land (taking in that on this side Jordan, theld by the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the Tribe of Manasseh) into 12. Shires or Cantons equally divided, to be distributed by Lot: the latter ua particular Subdivision of each Canton or Shire unequally parted among those of that Tribe whom the same by Lot had befallen, as their Families or kindreds were more populous or more penurious of people.
But yet that seemeth to be soundest that some qothers haue conceiued, that in that Edict there is mention of a two-fold partition, and either of them, necessarily required. The former a sgenerall diuision of the whole Land (taking in that on this side Iordan, theld by the Reubenites, Gadites, and halfe the Tribe of Manasses) into 12. Shires or Cantons equally diuided, to be distributed by Lot: the latter ua particular Subdiuision of each Canton or Shire vnequally parted among those of that Tribe whom the same by Lot had befalne, as their Families or kindreds were more populous or more penurious of people.
qIn familijs subdivisa •st per sor•es inaequales pro numero personarum. Ex aliorum sententia. Lyra in Num. c. 26. Et ex Josh. 15.1. Oleast. Et Trem. ac Jun. ibid.In familijs subdiuisa •st per sor•es inaequales pro numero personarum. Ex aliorum sententia. Lyra in Num. c. 26. Et ex Iosh. 15.1. Oleast. Et Trem. ac Iun. ibid.
Now as God enjoined, so xJoshua accordingly did: For yhe divided the whole Land among them by Lot. zHe began the work so soon as the Land was at any rest, and aafterward went on with it till he had made an end of it; assisted therein according to bGods own appointment by Eleazar the High-priest and the 12. Heads of the twelve Tribes. Their several Lots in what course they came the holy Ghost hath left upon record. For at the first Session or solemn meeting for the performance of that business, cthe first Lot fell to Judas, and dthe second to Joseph in eEphraim & fManasseh. gAt the second Assembly had the other seven Tribes, to wit, hBenjamin, iSimeon, kZebulun, lIssachar, mAsher, nNaphtali, and oDan, (for thus by course their Lots came out) their portions ⟨p. 67⟩allotted them; nthe rest of the Land, not before assigned, being divided into seven parts, not oby ten men, as Josephus, but pby 36. rather, or 21. at the least, (three a piece out of each Tribe, qeither of the whole Twelve, or rof those seven whose turns then were to be served) employed specially to that purpose.
Now as God enioyned, so xIosua accordingly did: For yhe diuided the whole Land among them by Lot. zHe beganne the worke so soone as the Land was at any rest, and aafterward went on with it till he had made an end of it; assisted therein according to bGods owne appointment by Eleazar the High-preist and the 12. Heades of the twelue Tribes. Their seuerall Lots in what course they came the holy Ghost hath left vpon record. For at the first Session or solemne meeting for the performance of that busines, cthe first Lot fell to Iudas, and dthe second to Ioseph in eEphraim & fManasses. gAt the second Assembly had the other seuen Tribes, to wit, hBeniamin, iSimeon, kZabulon, lIsac•ar, mAsher, nNephthalim, and oDan, (for thus by course their Lots came out) their portions ⟨p. 67⟩
Concerning the manner of Lottery used in that action there is some diversity of opinion. sSome think that the Lots of the Land were put into one pot, and the Tribes names into another, and that one choice person, to wit Eleazar, drew for all. tOthers imagine that there was only one pot of Tickets containing the names of the portions, out of which one of each Tribe drew for the Tribe he was of.
Concerning the manner of Lotery vsed in that action there is some diuersity of opinion. sSome thinke that the Lots of the Land were put into one pot, and the Tribes names into another, and that one choise person, to wit Eleazar, drew for all. tOthers imagine that there was onely one pot of Tickets containing the names of the portions, out of which one of each Tribe drew for the Tribe he was of.
sRabbini in Baba Bathra teste Masio: & Schindl. lex. Pent.
tJoseph. antique l. 5. c. 3.Ioseph. antique l. 5. c. 3.
uOthers lastly suppose that the Tribes names only were put into the Lot-pot, and that each Tribe, as it was drawn, had his choice of which part he would yet undisposed when he drew. The first opinion seemeth most probable, both because once drawing so might well end all, xwhich would not be in the second, where question might be who should draw first, which would ask a new Lottery; and again because it is not said in the story, that such a Tribe drew or was drawn first or second simply, but that ythe Lot came out first or second for such a Tribe, which agreeth not with the third.
uOthers lastly suppose that the Tribes names onely were put into the Lot-pot, and that each Tribe, as it was drawne, had his choise of which part he would yet vndisposed when he drew. The first opinion seemeth most probable, both because once drawing so might well end all, xwhich would not be in the second, where question might be who should draw first, which would aske a new Lotery; and againe because it is not said in the story, that such a Tribe drew or was drawne first or second simply, but that ythe Lot came out first or second for such a Tribe, which agreeth not with the third.
xNeque •nim certum satis quod Mas. ad Josh c. 15. tribuum praerogativam in prius posteriusque sortiendo seruatam. Et manifestò falsum qu•d Oleast. ad Num. c. 33. ordinem nascend• in sortiendo secutos.Neque •nim certum satis quod Mas. ad Iosh c. 15. tribuum praerogatiuam in prius posteriusque sortiendo seruatam. Et manifestò falsum qu•d Oleast. ad Num. c. 33. ordinem nascend• in sortiendo secutos.
There was indeed za special hand of God in this Lottery, (as there is oft in others) as it was done by special appointment from him; in regard whereof it may seem to some worthy to be ranked rather ⟨p. 68⟩among extraordinary Lots; considering especially how fitly the event of it sorted with yJacobs prophetical prediction in his last will and Testament. But yet I take this rather to be the proper place of it: because howsoever there were a special providence of God in it, thereby to fulfil that holy Patriarchs prophecy, yet the main matter that it was applied unto and that was aimed at in it by those that were agents therein, is like to have been no other then zan ordinary partition of such possessions as by conquest and Gods gift were cast upon them, without expectation of any special direction of them, and the Tribes they were drawn for, to such certain parts and seats.
There was indeed za speciall hand of God in this Lotery, (as there is oft in others) as it was done by speciall appointment from him; in regard wherof it may seeme to some worthy to be ranked rather ⟨p. 68⟩among extraordinarie Lots; considering especially how fitly the euent of it sorted with yIacobs propheticall prediction in his last will and Testament. But yet I take this rather to be the proper place of it: because howsoeuer there were a speciall prouidence of God in it, thereby to fulfill that holy Patriarkes prophecie, yet the maine matter that it was applied vnto and that was aimed at in it by those that were agents therein, is like to haue beene no other then zan ordinarie partition of such possessions as by conquest and Gods gift were cast vpon them, without expectation of any speciall direction of them, and the Tribes they were drawne for, to such certaine parts and seates.
Now as the whole Land in general was thus divided by Lot, so in particular were the Cities assigned to the Levites divided among them by Lot likewise according to their Families. For whereas aGod had commanded that 48. Cities in all should be assigned them, more from those that had more, and fewer from those that had less; again, whereas bthe Levites were divided into three Families according to Levies three sons, Kehath, Gershon, and Merari; and cthe Kehathites were subdivided again into two ranks, to wit, the Aaronites or the issue of Aaron, Kehath's nephew by his son Amram, which alone had the Priesthood, and the rest of that house which came not of Aaron; there were dLots cast by them for these their several Families in what Tribes there should Cities be assigned unto each. So that the Princes set down how many Cities each Tribe should afford according to the ⟨p. 69⟩quantity of their possessions and the number of their Cities; as also which Cities in each Tribe should be given them as most convenient for their abode, who were to be dispersed into all parts of Gods people. Which being first by them determined, ethe four Families drew Lots then, which of them should have the Cities set apart in each Tribe; and so fthe Aaronites had 13. in Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin; gthe other Kehathites 10. in Ephraim, Dan, and the one half of Manasseh; hthe Gershonites 13. in Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the other half of Manasseh; and ithe Merarites 12. in Reuben, Gad, and Zebulon• the whole 48. in all.
Now as the whole Land in generall was thus diuided by Lot, so in particular were the Cities assigned to the Leuites diuided among them by Lot likewise according to their Families. For whereas aGod had commanded that 48. Cities in all should be assigned them, more from those that had more, and fewer from those that had lesse; againe, whereas bthe Leuites were diuided into three Families according to Leuies three sonnes, Kehath, Gershon, and Merari; and cthe Kehathites were subdiuided againe into two rankes, to wit, the Aaronites or the issue of Aaron, Kehaths nephew by his sonne Amram, which alone had the Priesthood, and the rest of that house which came not of Aaron; there were dLots cast by them for these their seuerall Families in what Tribes there should Cities be assigned vnto each. So that the Princes set downe how many Cities each Tribe should affoord according to the ⟨p. 69⟩quantitie of their possessions and the number of their Cities; as also which Cities in each Tribe should be giuen them as most conuenient for their abode, who were to be disperst into all parts of Gods people. Which being first by them determined, ethe foure Families drew Lots then, which of them should haue the Cities set apart in each Tribe; and so fthe Aaronites had 13. in Iuda, Simeon, and Beniamin; gthe other Kehathites 10. in Ephraim, Dan, and the one halfe of Manasses; hthe Gershonites 13. in Issachar, Asher, Nephthali, and the other halfe of Manasses; and ithe Merarites 12. in Reuben, Gad, and Zebulon• the whole 48. in all.
the Iewes beseiged in Masada at Eleazars instigation, chose by Lot ten among them to be as common Butchers to the rest, vnto whom each of them presented his wiues and children and himselfe to be slaine; which being done,
one of those ten againe singled by Lot dispatcht the other nine, and in the last place himselfe.
[Greek or Hebrew]. Joseph. ••ptiū. l. 3. c 26.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Ioseph. ••ptiū. l. 3. c 26.
r[Greek or Hebrew]. Ibid.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Ibid.
s[Greek or Hebrew]. Jos. cap. l. 7 c. 35.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Ios. cap. l. 7 c. 35.
t[Greek or Hebrew]. Ibid.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Ibid.
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gOcyus incubuere omnes, pariterque lab rem Sortiti. Aen. 8.
h[Greek or Hebrew].- Hom. Odyss. •. - nosmagna precati Numina, sortitique vices (vel partes membrorum, vel quo quis loco staret. Seru.) unâ undique circum F•ndimur, & telo lumen terebramus acuto. Virg. Aen. 3.〈non-Latin alphabet〉.- Hom. Odyss. •. - nosmagna precati Numina, sortitique vices (vel partes membrorum, vel quo quis loco staret. Seru.) vnâ vndique circum F•ndimur, & telo lumen terebramus acuto. Virg. Aen. 3.
iSic Diod•r. Sic. l. 3. Oi [Greek or Hebrew] topazium inquirunt.Sic Diod•r. Sic. l. 3. Oi 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 topazium inquirunt.
kSesostris any quibusque sort reges singulos è subiectis jungere ad currum solitus, &c. Plin. hist. •at. l. 33. c. 3. & Jul. •uleng. de triump. c. 5.Sesostris anni• quibusque sorte reges singulos è subiectis iungere ad currum solitus, &c. Plin. hist. •at. l. 33. c. 3. & Iul. •uleng. de triump. c. 5.
