The works of the Reverend and learned John Lightfoot D. D., late Master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge such as were, and such as never before were printed : in two volumes : with the authors life and large and useful tables to each volume : also three maps : one of the temple drawn by the author himself, the others of Jervsalem and the Holy Land drawn according to the author's chorography, with a description collected out of his writings.

VERS. XV.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

The ••hildren of the bride-chamber.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The sons of the Bride chamber, an ordinary phrase: there is no need to re∣late their mirth in the time of the Nuptials: I will relate that only, and it is enough, which is spoke by the Glosser, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 i 1.1 They were wont to break glass Vessels in Weddings. And that for this reason, that they might by this action set bounds to their mirth, lest they should run out into too much excess. The Gemara produceth one or two stories there. Mar the son of Rabbena made wedding feasts for his son, and in∣vited the Rabbins: and when he saw, that their mirth exceeded its bounds 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 He brought forth a glass cup, worth four hundred Zuzees, and brake it before them; where∣upon they became sad. The like story is also related of Rabh Ishai. And the reason of this action is given, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Because it is forbidden a man, to fill his mouth with laughter in this World.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the days of the Bride-chamber, to the sons of the Bride-chamber, that is, to the friends and acquaintance, were seven: hence there is frequent mention of the seven days of the Marriage feast, but to the Bride the days of the Bride-chamber were thirty. It is forbidden to eat, drink, wash, or anoint ones self on the day of Expiation: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 k 1.2 But it is allowed a King, and a Bride to wash their faces. For the Bride is to be made handsom, saith the Gloss upon the place, that she may be lovely to her husband. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 And all the thirty days of her bride-chamber she is called The Bride.

It is worth meditation, how the Disciples, when Christ was with them, suffered no persecution at all; but when he was absent, all manner of persecution overtook them.

Notes

• i 1.1

  In Bab. Berac. fol. 31. 1.
• k 1.2

  In Joma, cap. hal. 1.