Page:Selections. Translated by H. St. J. Thackeray (1919).djvu/185

 to pride ourselves upon them by the multitude of their admirers.—c. Ap. II. 38 f. (279-286). (65) The Oath "Corban"

Cf. Mark vii. 11.

In ancient times various cities were acquainted with the existence of our nation, and to some of these many of our customs have now found their way and here and there been thought worthy of imitation. This is apparent from a passage in the work of Theophrastus on Laws, where he says that the laws of the Tyrians prohibit the use of foreign oaths, in enumerating which he includes among others the oath called "Corban." Now this oath will be found in no other nation except the Jews, and, translated from the Hebrew, one may interpret it as meaning "God's gift." —c. Ap. I. 22 (166 f.).) Jos., like Mark, renders simply, and correctly, "a gift."]