III. The _Priest-hood_ ought to be fairly treated, because it has prescription for this Privilege. This is so evident a Truth, that there is hardly any Age or Country, but affords sufficient Proof. A just Discourse upon this Subject would be a large Book, but I shall just skim it over and pass on. and _1st._ For the Jews. _Josephus_ tells us the Line of _Aaron_ made some of the best Pedigrees, and that the _Priests_ were reckon'd among the Principal Nobility.[267] By the Old _Testament_ we are inform'd that the _High-Priest_ was the Second Person in the Kingdom.[268] The Body of that _Order_ had Civil Jurisdiction. And the _Priests_ continued Part of the Magistracy in the time of our Saviour. _Jehoiada_ the _High-Priest_ was thought an Alliance big enough for the Royal Family.[269] He Married the Kings Daughter; His Interest and Authority was so great that he broke the Usurpation under _Athalia_; and was at the Head of the Restauration. And lastly the _Assamonean_ Race were both Kings and Priests.[270] To Proceed. The _Ægyptian_ Monarchy was one of the most antient and best polish'd upon Record. Here Arts and Sciences, the Improvment of Reason, and the Splendor of Life had its first Rise. Hither 'twas that _Plato_ and most of the Celebrated Philosophers travel'd for their Learning. Now in this Kingdom the _Priests_ made no vulgar Figure. These with the Military Men were the Body of the Nobility, and Gentry. Besides the Business of Religion, the _Priests_ were the Publick _Annalists_ and kept the Records of _History_, and _Government_. They were many of them bred in Courts, formed the Education of their Princes, and assisted at their Councils.[271] When _Joseph_ was Viceroy of _Ægypt_, and in all the height of his Pomp, and Power, the King Married him to the Daughter of _Potipherah Priest_ of _On_. The Text says _Pharaoh gave him her to Wife_.[272] This shows the Match was deliberate Choice, and Royal Favour, no stooping of Quality, or Condescensions of Love, on _Joseph_'s Side.