The Van Buren press., 1869-07-13

from much weeping for the transgressions
of Israel a man ever engaged in prayer.
who maccrates his body and trains his
soul"
There is no such man in Barcelona,
answered the wood cutter. Farewell
STAY" exclaimed the Rabbi; detain.
ing him; "can you tell me aught Of
Abraham ben Gerson =
abraham ben Gerson % echoed the
laborer; "he is no saint, He is rich
man, delicate liver, keeps much compa
ny, and is high in favor with the Gen.
tiles"
"Where does he live, friend ?"
"Follow me, and will show you!"
The Rabbi Raschi was brought by the
wood cutter before marble palace.
Gaily caparisoned horses stood at the
door, held by pages in gallant livcries.
He hes up the flight of steps leading to
the entrance, and entcroi the hail. 1t
was paved with cslorsP marbles; the
walls were creased with alabaster richly
sculptured, and silk curtains hung before
the doors Neblemen waited there, loung-
ing on velvet sofas, till the master Of the
house could attend to them. Servants
glttering with gold lace hurried about,
bearing salvers of the most precious me
tai, on which were goblets full of iced
wines, and plates with delicious confec-
tions, which they handed to the illus.
trious visitors.
Travel stained, dust begrimed, leaning
on his rude staff, his gaberdne in tattcrs,
his long white beard unframed, and the
white hair Of his head in tangled locks,
unattended to, the wondering Raschi
stood cutraneed A servant approached
him with golden salver, on which were
wines. The old man raised his staff, and
with flashing eyes Indignantly signed him
to retire.
Suddenly silver bell tinkled. Instant
ly, all the mobiles rose, the servants start
ed to the stairs leading to the upper por-
ton Of the house, drew back the brocadc
curtains that screened ths ascent, and
ranged themselves in line between the
stairs aud the entrance door.
In another moment a noble-looking
Jew, in crimson velvet dress, with
gold chain about his neck, appeared, ac-
companying a Spanish prince Of royal
blood, convcrsing with him familiarly AS
they descended the steps, and as he led
him to his door.
MAKE way" said Rabbi Raschi, thrust
ing his staff betwixt two Of the livcried
servants, "make way for me-"
The master of the house stood still and
looked at him; then made sign to the
domestcs, who fell back and allowed the
old man to pass.
Raschi's cheeks grew crimson. His
hand tremblcd as he thrust it forth aud
laid it on the arm of the wealthy jew.
"Are you Abraham, son OF Gcrson p
he asked in faltering tones.
81 am. What no you want with me,
father I"
81 must speak with you. Lead on to
a private chamber"
The merchant obeyed, and brought the
Rabbi into q little room hung with blue
silk, fretted with silver.
Il am Raschi ben Isaac" said the old
man, "and | came here to seek you. /
hoped to have found a pious jew; ! find
one living in pomp and worldliness' !
hoped to have found one fasting and pray
ing; | find one eating and traliicking. /
thought to have found one the favorite
of God, and | find one the courted Of
princes and mobiles Is this house for
a Jew--a child Of despised and outcast
race? The temple leth waste, and we
shall live in luxury and splendor ?"
II feel honored in being visited by the
ilustrous Raschi," said Abraham.
Shamed, shamed," exclaimed the
Rabbi. Are you not ashamed before
me to exhibit all this profusien?'
Goods blessing has been on my bust
ness" said the merchant.
"And how do you recompense Him ?"
cried the indignant Raschi by neglect
ing the Givcr, by squandering the gift.
Do you fast long? Do you wear the
stones with your knees"
My business occupies my time and
demands my energies. l pray, but can
not pray for long. | cannot fast, or my
business would not be attended to-"
"Do you eat ofmcat, the flesh OF beasts
not slain by Jewish butcher"
II have even done So"
"uave you partakcn Of the accursed
flesh Of the swine y ...
II fear that ] have"
"Havc you neglected daily attendance
at the synagogucg'
MY attendance has been Irregular"
"Aias alas! :! cried Raschi, throwing
down his staff and raising his hands to
heaven. "Surcly there is injustice in
paradise as we'll as on earth. Here lives
wicked Jew, a breaker Of tho law, in
splendor. as a king; in another place is a
pious man, fearing God, macerating his
body, in want and naksdness, crushed by
poverty, and the kingdom OF Heaven re-
ceives both, and sets both, on level.
Woe is me-" and be would have rushed
from tho chamber, had not the merchant
stayed him.
"Rabbi," he said 81 know my duty
to God and man, and practise it as best
| can"
"Prorane onsw exclaimed the old man
=" Trust not your own strength. When
the ungolly are green as the grass, and
when all tho workers Of wickedncss do
flourish, then shall they be destroyed
- But just then there flashed before
the Rabbits eyes that golden throne be-
side his own, on which was written the
name Of the merchant.
"Come with me, said Abraham, TAX