MYRRHE, Myrrha, in Hebrew, Mor1, a Sort of Gum, which comes from a Shrub that is common in Arabia, of about the Height of five Cubits, of a hard Wood, the Trunk of which is defended by Thorns. The Scripture distinguishes two Sorts of Myrrhe; one is Myrrha electa, literally, Myrrhe of Liberty, which distils of it self, and without Incision. This Sort is the best of all. Pliny2 speaking of the Tree that produces Myrrhe, says, Sudant sponte, priusquam incidantur, stacten dictam, cui mella praefertur. This is the Myrrhe which is also called Stacte, the other is simple and common Myrrhe. It was employed in Perfumes, and embalming dead Bodies, to prevent their Corruption. The Magi that came from the East, to worship our Saviour at Bethlehem, made him a Present of Myrrhe.
Matth. ii. 11. Mark xv. 23.Mention is made in the Gospel of Myrrhatum Vinum, Wine mingled with Myrrhe, which they offered to Jesus Christ at his Passion, to take from him, as ‘tis thought, the too quick Sence of Pain. Among the Hebrews they were used to give to those that were executed, such Sorts of stupifying Liquors3. Some think that the Myrratum Vinum of St. Mark, is the same as the Vinum felle mixtum, the Wine mingled with Gall, mentioned by St. Matthew; but others distinguish between them. They gave our Saviour Wine mingled with Myrrhe, out of a Sentiment of Compassion, to take away from him a too lively Sense of Pain: But the Soldiers out of mere Cruelty and Inhumanity, mixed Gall with the Wine they offered him; for which Reason he refused to drink it. Or lastly, St. Matthew writing in Syriack, made Use of the Word Marra, which signifies Myrrhe, Bitterness, or Gall. The Greek Translator may have taken it for Gall, and St. Mark for Myrrhe. But however, the Vinum Myrrhatum was in much Esteem among the Antients. Pliny says4, Laudatissima apud priscos vina erant, Myrrhae odore condita. The Laws of the twelve Tables forbad to pour it upon the Dead. Ne murrhata potio mortuo inderetur.
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