[233] Maimon. in Rotsach. cap. 8. sect. 5.
Furthermore it was provided, that two or three wise men should be imployed, to perswade the Avenger of blood, if haply he did pursue the man-slayer on the way, that he should offer no violence, until the Cause were heard and examined. The manner of examination was thus; The Consistory or Bench of Justices, who lived in that quarter where the murder was committed,[234] placed the party being brought back from the City of Refuge, in the Court, or Judgment-Hall, and diligently enquired and examined the cause, who if he were found guilty of voluntary murder, then was he punished with death, but if otherwise the Fact were found casual, then did they safely conduct the party back again to the City of Refuge, where he enjoyed his liberty, not only within the walls of the City, but within certain Territories and bounds of the City, being confined to such and such limits, until the death of the High Priest, that was in those days, at what time it was lawful for the offender to return and come into his own City, and unto his own house, even unto the City from whence he fled, Josh. 20. 6. By this means the offender, though he was not punished with death, yet he lived for the time a kind of exile, for his own humiliation, and for the abatement of his wrath, who was the avenger of blood. The Areopagitæ[235] had a proceeding against mans slaughter not much unlike, punishing the offender ἀπενιαυτισμῷ, with a years banishment: Why the time of this exilement was limited to the death of the High Priest at that time, is not agreed upon by Expositors. But it is most probably thought, that the offender was therefore confined within that City as within a Prison, during the High Priest’s life,[236] because the offence did most directly strike against him, as being amongst men, ἄρχηγος, Ac princeps sanctitatis, The chief God on earth.
[234] Paul. Fag. Num. 35. 6.
[235] Masius in Jos. cap. 20.
[236] Masius ibid.
THE THIRD BOOK TREATETH OF DAIES and TIMES.
CHAP. I.
Days, Hours, Weeks, and Years.
Before we treat of their Feasts, it will be needful, by way of Preface, to understand somewhat concerning the divisions of their Days, Hours, Weeks, &c.