260. Thou, then, art chosen out of the whole
number of the children of Israel, regarded as the firstfruits of the
sacred offerings, set over the tabernacle so as to keep guard in the
camp of holiness and faith, to which if a stranger approach, he shall
surely die. Thou art placed there to watch over the ark of the
covenant. All do not see the depths of the mysteries, for they
are hid from the Levites, lest they should see who ought not to see,
and they who cannot serve should take it up. Moses, indeed, saw
the circumcision of the Spirit, but veiled it, so as to give
circumcision only in an outward sign. He saw the unleavened bread
of sincerity and truth; he saw the sufferings of the Lord, but he
veiled the unleavened bread of truth in the material unleavened bread,
he veiled the sufferings of the Lord in the sacrifice of a lamb or a
calf. Good Levites have ever preserved the mystery entrusted to
them under the protection of their own faith, and yet dost thou think
little of what is entrusted to thee? First, thou shalt see the
deep things of God, which needs wisdom. Next, thou must keep
watch for the people; this requires justice. Thou must defend the
camp and guard the tabernacle, which needs fortitude. Thou must
show thyself continent and sober, and this needs temperance.