, those that were upon Mount Gerizzim should pray
for the best blessings upon those who were diligent about the worship of
God, and the observation of his laws, and who did not reject what Moses
had said to them; while the other wished them all manner of happiness
also; and when these last put up the like prayers, the former praised
them. After this, curses were denounced upon those that should
transgress those laws, they, answering one another alternately, by way
of confirmation of what had been said. Moses also wrote their blessings
and their curses, that they might learn them so thoroughly, that they
might never be forgotten by length of time. And when he was ready to
die, he wrote these blessings and curses upon the altar, on each side of
it; where he says also the people stood, and then sacrificed and offered
burnt-offerings, though after that day they never offered upon it
any other sacrifice, for it was not lawful so to do. These are the
constitutions of Moses; and the Hebrew nation still live according to
them.

45. On the next day, Moses called the people together, with the women
and children, to a congregation, so as the very slaves were present
also, that they might engage themselves to the observation of these laws
by oath; and that, duly considering the meaning of God in them, they
might not, either for favor of their kindred, or out of fear of any
one, or indeed for any motive whatsoever, think any thing ought to be
preferred to these laws, and so might transgress them. That in case
any one of their own blood, or any city, should attempt to confound or
dissolve their constitution of government, they should take vengeance
upon them, both all in general, and each person in particular; and
when they had conquered them, should overturn their city to the very
foundations, and, if possible, should not leave the least footsteps of
such madness: but that if they were not able to take such vengeance,
they should still demonstrate that what was done was contrary to their
wills. So the multitude bound themselves by oath so to do.

46. Moses taught them also by what means their sacrifices might be the
most acceptable to God; and how they should go forth to war, making use
of the stones [in the high priest's breastplate] for their direction,
[35] as I have before signified. Joshua also prophesied while Moses was
present. And when Moses had recapitulated whatsoever he had done for
the preservation of the people, both i