FIRE, eternal, worshipped by the Persians. See hereafter ZOROASTRES and SABIAN. The Magians gave out, that this Fire was conveyed to them from heaven, and that it was for this reason they kept it in so religiously. The Kings of Persia never went abroad without having some portion of the Sacred Fire carried before them. It Q. Curt.may be seen in Quintus Curtius with what ceremonies this was performed. Ammian. Marcell. l. 25.Ignem cœlitus lapsum apud se sempiternis ferculis custodiri, says Ammianus Marcellinus; cujus portionem exiguam ut faustam, præisse quondam Asiaticis Regibus dicunt.
This seems all to be an invention borrowed from the Hebrews, who kept up a perpetual fire upon the Altar of burnt-offerings, offerings, which descended from Heaven upon the first victims that were sacrificed by Aaron and his son, upon the Altar of the Levit. ix. 24.Tabernacles. It is not certain that the Law enjoining a constant Fire to be preserved upon the Altar, was put in execution in the wilderness, where the people were obliged to incamp frequently, and to be marching a long time. Maimonides believes three fires were kept upon the Altar of burnt-offerings; one in which the burnt-offering was consumed every day, and the victims which were sacrificed; the second supplied coals for burning incense upon the golden Altar in the Holy. The third was always burning in compliance with the Law, which requires that there should be Fire constantly kindled upon the Altar of the Lord. Some of the Rabbins inform us, that there was no necessity for putting wood upon the Fire of the Altar, that if any were laid on, it was rather to conceal the miracle, than that there was any occasion for it.