THE NUMBER SEVEN.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 975, 22 December 1882, Page 2

THE NUMBER SEVEN.

On the 7th day of the 7th month, a holy observance was ordained to the Children of Israel, who feasted 7 days and remained seven days in tents—the 7th year was directed to be a -Sabbath of rest for all things; and at the end of seven times 7 years commenced the grand jubilee—every 7th year the land lay fallow ; every 7th year there was a grand release from all debts, and bondmen were set free. From this might have originated the custom of binding young men to seven years apprenticeship, and of punishing incorrigible offenders by transportation for 7 twice 7, or three times 7 years. Anciently a child was not named before 7 days, not being accounted to have life before that periodical day—the teeth spring on in the 7th month, and are shed in the 7th year, when infancy is changed into childhood. At thrice 7 years the faculties are developed, manhood commences, and a man becomes legally competent to civil acts—at four times seven he is in full possession of his strength—at live times 7 he is fit for the business of the world—at six times 7 he becomes grave and wise, or never—at seven times 7 he is in apogee, and from that day decays—at eight times 7 he is in his first elimatcric —at nine times 7, or Gil, he is in his elimatcric —and ten times 7, or three score years and ten, has by the Royal Prophet been pronounced the period, of human life.