Page:As others saw Him.djvu/112

 106 concerning honor to parents of none effect, and many like things ye do."

Then Elisha said, "But the Sages are by no means at one in that matter of the vows, and in particular many of them declare all the vows annulled that would work against our duty to our parents, or even against our love to our neighbor. Yet, even if we take the more stricter tradition, in what manner that absolves us from washing our hands before meals, I see not."

"Nay, it is the same thing," replied Jesus. "Ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and platter, but your inward thoughts are full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools! did not the Holy One, blessed be He, who made that which is without, make also that which is within? Therefore give for alms that which is within, kindly thoughts and friendly feelings. If ye do that, all things are clean unto you."

Then I said unto Jesus, for this matter touched us scribes nearly, "Master, in speaking thus against tradition thou reproachest us also that be scribes."