To pass on. The _Persian Magi_, and the _Druids_, of _Gaul_ were of a Religious Profession, and consign'd to the Service of the Gods. Now all these were at the upper End of the Government, and had a great share of Regard and Authority.[273] The Body of the _Indians_ as _Diodorus Siculus_ reports is divided into Seven parts. The first is the _Clan_ of the _Bramines_, the _Priests_, and Philosophers of that Country. 'This Division is the least in Number, but the first in Degree. Their Privileges are extraordinary. They are exempted from Taxes, and Live Independent of Authority. They are called to the Sacrifices, and take care of Funerals; They are look'd on as the Favourites of the Gods, and thought skillful in the Doctrins of an other Life: And upon these accounts are largely consider'd in Presents, and Acknowledgment. The _Priestesses_ of _Argos_ were so Considerable, that _Time_ is dated from them, and they stand for a Reign in _Chronology_.[274] The Brave _Romans_ are commended by _Polybius_ for their Devotion to the Gods; Indeed they gave great Proof of their being in earnest; For when thier Cheif Magistrates, their Consuls themselves, met any of the _Vestals_, they held down their _Fasces_, and stoop'd their _Sword_ and _Mace_ to Religion.[275] The _Priest-hood_ was for sometime confin'd to the _Patrician_ Order, that is to the Upper Nobility. And afterwards the _Emperours_ were generally _High-Priests_ themselves. The Romans in distress endeavour'd to make Friends with _Coriolanus_ whom they had banish'd before. To this purpose they furnish'd out several _Solemn_ Embasayes. Now the Regulation of the Ceremony, and the Remarks of the Historian;[276] plainly discover that the _Body_ of the _Priests_ were thought not inferior to any other. One Testimony from _Tully_ and I have done. 'Tis in his Harangue to the College of the _Priests_.[277] _Cum multa divinitus, Pontifices, a majoribus nostris inventa atque instituta sunt; tum nihil preclarius quam quòd vos eosdem et Religionibus Deorum immortalium, & summe Rei publicæ præesse voluerunt._ &c. _i. e. Amongst the many laudable Instances of our Ancestors Prudence, and Capacity, I know nothing better contrived then their placing your Order at the Helm, and setting the same Persons at the Head both of Religion, and Government._ Thus we see what _Rank_ the _Priest-hood_ held among the _Jews_, and how Nature taught the _Heathen_ to regard it. And is it not now possess'd of as fair pretences as formerly? Is Christianity any disadvantage to the Holy Office. And does the Dignity of a Religion lessen the Publick Administrations in't? The _Priests of the most High God_ and of _Idolatry_, can't be compared without Injury. To argue for the Preference is a Reflection upon the _Creed_. 'Tis true the _Jewish Priest-hood_ was instituted by God: But every Thing Divine is not of Equal Consideration. _Realities_ are more valuable than _Types_; And as the Apostle argues, the