The Plymouth weekly Democrat., 1869-07-01

"Friend, who is the most pious of the
faithful in this city,"
The wood-cutter replied, rabbi iona.
than"
who is the next greatest saint in the
city,"
"Have you other wise, just and holy
men herel"
Certainly; there is Ismael zadik,
there Is JehOshua ben Amnon, Samuel
the Learned, Mordecai Cohen"
"But stay" interrupted Rsschi; "the
one mean, l suppose must be q very old
man, with pale face, bowed knees, long,
white beard, eyes red with tears from
much weeping for the transgressions OF
Israel; a man ever engaged in prayer
who macerates his body and trains his
soul"
There is no such a man in Barcelona,
answered the wood cutter. Farewell"
"Stay," exclaimed the Rabbi, OBTAINING
him; "can you tell me aught of Abraham
ben Gerson!"
abraham ben Gerson ?" echoed the
laborer; "he is no saint. he is rich
man, a delicate liver, keeps much COM
pany, and is in high 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 q marble
palace. Gayly- -caparisoned horses stood
at the door, held by pages in gallant liv-
cries. He hastened up the flight of steps
leading to the entrance, and entered the
hall 1t was paved with colofed marbles
the walls were encased with alabaster
richly sculptured, and silk curtains hung
before the doors. Noblemen waited there,
lounging on velvet sofas till the master oi
the house should attend to them. Ser.
wants glittering with gold lace hurried
about, bearing salvers of the most precious
metal, on which were goblets full of iced
wines, and plates with delicious confec-
tions, which they handed to the illustrious
visitors.
Travel-stalned and dust -begrimed, lean.
ing on his rude staff, his gaberdine in tat
tiers, his long, white beard untrimmed, and
the white hair of his head in tangled
locks, unattended to, the wondering Raschi
seemed entranced. 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 a silver bell tinkled Instant
ly, all the mobiles rose, the servants started
to the stairs leading to the upper portion
of the house, drew back the brocade cur
tains that screened the ascent, and ranged
themselves in line between the stairs and
the entrance door.
In another moment a uoble-lOoking
Jew, in crimson velvet dress, with gold
chains about his neck. appeared, accom-
panying Spanish prince of royal blood,
conversing with him Familiarity as they de-
scended the steps, and as he led him to the
door.
Make way" said Rabbi Raschi, thrust
ing his staff betwixt two of the liveried
servants, make way for me-"
The master of the house stood still and
looked at him then made a sign to the
domestics, who fell back ard allowed his
old man to pass.
Raschis cheeks grew crimson. His
hand trembled as he thrust it forth and
laid it on the arm of the wealthy Jew.
"Are you Abraham, son of Gerson 81
he asked in faltering tones.
al am. What do you want with me,
father ?"
81 must speak with you. Lead on to a
private chamber"
The merchant obeyed, and brought the
Rabbi into little room hung with blue
silk, fretted with silver.
81 am Raschi ben Isaac" said the old
man, "and l 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 trafncking.
thought to have found one the fsvorite 81
God. and find one the courted of princes
and mobiles. Is this house for Jews
child of despised and outcast race? The
temple lieth waste, and shall we live in
luxury and splendor
"I feel honored in being visited by the
illustrious Raschi," said Abraham.
"Shamed, shsmed!" exclaimed the
Rabbi. care you not ashamed before me
to exhibit all this profusion?"
Goods blessing has been on my bust
ness" said the merchant.
"And how do you recompense Hin p
cried the indignant Raschi. "By neglect
ing the Giver, by squandering the gift
Do ysu fast long? Do you wear the
stones with your knees?"
"My business occupies my time and de
mands my energies. l pray, but cannot
pray for long. / cannot fast, or my bust
ness would not be attended to-"
"Do you eat of meat, the flesh of beast,
not slain by Jewish butcher?"
"I have even done sO."
"Have you partaken of the accurseC
flesh of the swineg"
az fear that have"
"Have you neglected regular daily at
tendance at the synagogue?
MY attendance has been irregular"
Alas, alas !" cried Raschi, throwing
down his staff and raising his hands tC
heaven. "Surely there is injustice in
Paradise as we'll as on earth Here live,
a wicked Jew, a breaker of the law, il
splendor, as king; in another place is {
pious man, fearing God, macerating hi
body, in want and Rakedness, crushed
by poverty, and the kingdom o
Heaven receives both, and sets both on
| level. Woe is met" and he would hav,
rushed from the chamber had not tn
merchant stayed him.
Rabbi" he said, az know my duty t.
God and man, and practice it as best
can"
Profane onep exclaimed the old man
Trust not your own strength. Whel
the ungodly are green as the grass, an
when all the workers of wickedness d
flourish, then shall they be DESTROYED
But just then there flashed before tn
Rabbits eyes that golden throne beside hi
own, on which twas written the name G
the merchant.
"COme with me, said Abraham, takin
the old mans hand; tomorrow N
daughter is to be married, and to-day al
ooino In make nrespnts In the noor of or
tribe. They are now assembled to receiv
my aims.
"And to whom is your daughter to b