That this discumbency at meals was in use in the days of our Saviour, is conceived probable from several speeches of his expressed in that phrase, even unto common Auditors, as _Luke_ 14. _Cum invitatus fueris ad nuptias, non discumbas in primo loco_, and besides many more, _Matthew_ 23. When reprehending the _Scribes_ and _Pharises_, he saith, _Amant protoclisias, id est, primos recubitus in cænis, et protocathedrias, sive, primas cathedras, in Synagogis_: wherein the terms are very distinct, and by an Antithesis do plainly distinguish the posture of sitting, from this of lying on beds. The consent of the _Jews_ with the _Romans_ in other ceremonies and rites of feasting, makes probable their conformity in this. The _Romans_ washed, were anointed, and wore a cenatory garment: and that the same was practised by the _Jews_, is deduceable from that expostulation of our Saviour with _Simon_[SN: Luke 7.], that he washed not his feet, nor anointed his head with oyl; the common civilities at festival entertainments; and that expression of his concerning the cenatory or wedding garment [SN: Matth. 22.]; and as some conceive of the linnen garment of the young man or St. _John_; which might be the same he wore the night before at the last Supper. That they used this gesture at the Passover, is more than probable from the testimony of _Jewish_ Writers, and particularly of _Ben-maimon_ recorded by _Scaliger De emendatione temporum_. After the second cup according to the Institution. [SN: Exod. 12.] The Son asketh, what meaneth this service? Then he that maketh the declaration, saith, How different is this night from all other nights? for all other nights we wash but once but this night twice; all other we eat leavened or unleavened bread, but this only leavened; all other we eat flesh roasted, boyled or baked, but this only roasted, all other nights we eat together lying or sitting, but this only lying along. And this posture they used as a token of rest and security which they enjoyed, far different from that at the eating of the Passover in _Ægypt_. That this gesture was used when our Saviour eat the Passover, is not conceived improbable from the words whereby the Evangelists express the same, that is, ἀναπίπτειν, ἀνακεῖσθαι, κατακεῖσθαι, ἀνακλειθῆναι, which terms do properly signifie this Gesture in _Aristotle_, _Athenæus_, _Euripides_, _Sophocles_, and all humane Authors; and the like we meet with in the paraphrastical expression of _Nonnus_.