A TABLE of OFFICES and CONDITIONS of MEN. PATRIARCHS, or Fathers of Families, | Prophets, anciently called Seers, who such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and his sons. foretold future events, and denounced Judges, temporary supreme Governors, hedrin. Officers, Provosts, Sheriffs, or Execu tioners. Judges, inferior Rulers, such as deter mine controversies in particular cities. Israelites, Hebrews, descendants from Jacob. An Hebrew of Hebrews, an Israelite by original extraction. A Proselyte of the Covenant, who was circumcised, and submitted to the whole law. A Proselyte of the Gate, or stranger who worshipped one God, but remained uncircumcised. Wise Men, called so in imitation of the law. Disputers, that raised and determined Epicureans, who placed all happiness. will, and pretended all events were determined by fatal necessity. Simon Magus, author of the heresy of the Gnostics, who taught that men, however vicious their practice was, should be saved by their knowledge. Nicolaitanes, the disciples of Nicolas, one of the first seven Deacons, who taught the community of wives. Nazarites, who under a vow abstained from wine, &c. Nazarenes, Jews professing Christianity. pretence of the law, thought themselves authorised to commit any outrage. Pharisees, separatists, who upon the opinion of their own godliness, despised all others. Sadducees, who denied the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits. Samaritans, mongrel professors, partly Heathen, partly Jews, the offspring of the Assyrians sent to Samaria. Apostles, Missionaries, or persons sent; they who were sent by our Saviour from their number were called The Twelve. Bishops, Successors of the Apostles in the government of the church. Deacons, Officers chosen by the Apostles to take care of the poor. |