Page:Hebrew tales; selected and translated from the writings of the ancient Hebrew sages (1917).djvu/55

Rh Another Example; or, the Heathen and the Hebrew Sages

happened at another time, that a heathen passing a synagogue, heard the Sofer (clerk) read the following words:—"And these are the garments which they shall make: a breast-plate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle," etc. (Exod. xxviii. 4.) The heathen asked for whom all these fine garments were intended. "For the high-priest," was the answer. As soon as the heathen heard this, he went to Shammai, and said, "Master, I wish to become a proselyte, but on condition that I be made a high-priest." Shammai drove him away with contempt. He applied to Hillel, and made the same request. This mild instructor of Israel received him courteously, and thus addressed him:—"Friend, hast thou ever known a king to be elected without being first instructed in the rules of government? Whoever wishes to be high-priest must first be made acquainted with the rules belonging to so dignified an office. Come, then, and learn." He then taught him the 18th chapter of Numbers. When they came to the 7th verse, which says, "And the that cometh nigh shall be put to death," the heathen asked who was meant by the stranger. "It