Augustine of Hippo : What does the Scripture say that, once the altar has been purified and sanctified for seven days, will it be holy to the saint? To the altar, evidently, it does not call it saint of the saints, as it is that which is separated by the veil, where the ark of the covenant is found. But he says that also this altar, placed outside the veil, becomes the saint of the saint more for the sanctification of seven days than for the anointing. And it is added: Everyone who touches the altar will be sanctified. — QUESTIONS ON EXODUS, Q. 130 (tr. J. Litteral, draft)