Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-08-01

STORY OF RABBI IAKIBA.-Compelieo Dy VI
olent persecution, to quit his native land, Rab
bi Akiba wandered over barren wastes and drea-
ry deserts. His whole equipage consisted Of
lamp, which he used to light at night, in order
to study the law; cock, which served him in
stead of watch, to announce to him the rising
dawn; and an ass, on which he rode.
The sun was gradually sinking behind the
horizon, night was fast approaching, and the
poor wanderer knew not where to shelter his
head, or where to rest his weary limbs. Fa-
tigued, and almost exhausted, he came at last
near village. He was glad TO find it inhabi-
ted, thinking, where human beings dwelt, there
dwelt also, humanity and compassion.
But he was mistaken. He asked for nights
lodging He was refused. Not one of tho
inhospitable inhabitants would accommodate
him. He was, therefore, obliged to seek shell
ter in a neighboring wood. esIt is hard, very
hard,'' said he, eSnot to find hospitable roof
to protect me against the inclemency of the
weather; but God is just, and whatever he
does is for The best"
He seated himself beneath tree, lighted
his lamp, and began to read the law. He had
scarcely read chapter, when violent storm
extinguished the light. "What!'' exclaimed
he, "must not be permitted even to pursue
nv favourite study! But God is just, and
whatever he does is for the best"
He stretched himself on tho earth, willing,
if possible, to have few hours sleep. He had
hardly closed his eyes, when fierce wolf came
and killed the cock. "What new misfortune
is this!'' calculated the astonished Akiba.-
ssMy vigilant companion is gonei Who, then,
will henceforth awaken me to the study of the
law7 But God is just; he knows what is good
for US poor mortals."
Scarcely had he finished the sentence, when
terrible lion came and devoured the ass
"What is to be done now7'' exclaimed tho
lonely wanderer. ssMy lamp and my cock are
gone-my poor ass, too, is gone-all are gone |!
| But, praised be the Lord, whatever he does Is
| for the best"
| He passed sleepless night, and, early In
the morning, went to the village to see wheth-
| er he could procure horse, OF any other beast
of burden, to enable him to pursue his journey.
But what was his surprise, not to find q single
individual alive!
1t appears that band of robbers had enter.
ed the village during the night, killed Its In
habitants, and plundered their houses. As
soon as Akiba had sufficiently recovered from
the amazement, into which. this wonderful oc-
currence had thrown him, he lifted up his
voice, and exclaimed, ssThou great God, the
God of Abraham. Isaac, and Jacob, now
know, by experience, that poor mortal men
are short-sighted and blind; often considering
as evils, what was intended for their preserva-
ton. But thou. alone, are just, and kind, and
merciful.
Had not the hard-hearted people driven me
By their inhospitality, from the village,
should assuredly have shared their fate. Had
not the wind extinguished my lamp, the rob
bers would have been drawn TO the spot, anc
have murdered me. perceive, also, tnat II
was thy mercy which deprived me OF my com
/ panions, that they might not, by their noise
r | give notice to the banditti where was. Prais
ed then, be thy name forever and forever