y the law, that thou mayest know
how to confute the Epicurean; consider also in whose presence thou art
laboring, for the Master of thy work is faithful to pay thee the reward of
thy labor."

15. R. Tarphon said, "the day is short, the labor vast, but the laborers
are slothful, though the reward is great, and the Master of the house
presseth for despatch."

16. He used to say, "it is not incumbent upon thee to complete the work,
neither art thou free to cease from it. If thou hast studied the law,
great shall be thy reward; for the Master of thy work is faithful to pay
the reward of thy labor; but know that the reward of the righteous is in
the world to come."

Chapter III

1. Akabia, son of Mahallalel, said, "ponder on three things, and thou wilt
not be led to the commission of sin; consider from whence thou comest, and
whither thou goest; and in whose presence thou must in futurity stand to
account in judgment. From whence comest thou? from a foul drop. And
whither goest thou? to a place of dust--worms--and reptiles; and in whose
presence art thou in future to account in judgment? even before the King
Who is King of kings, and the HOLY ONE, blessed be He."

2. Rabbi Chanina, suffragan of the priests, said, "pray for the peace of
the kingdom, for, were it not for its fear, men would swallow each other
alive." Rabbi Chanina, son of Theradion, said, "two who are sitting
together and speak not of the law are an assembly of scorners; as is said,
'Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.' "(472) But two who sit
together, and speak of the law, the DIVINE PRESENCE (Shechinah) rests
between them; as is said, "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one
to another; and the LORD hearkened and heard; and a book of remembrance
was written before him for them that feared the Lord; and for them that
thought upon His name."(473) This refers to two; but whence may we infer,
that if but one sits engaged in the study of the law the Holy One, blessed
be He, will appoint him a reward? Because it is said, "He sitteth alone
and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him."(474)

3. Rabbi Simon said, "three who have eaten at one table and have not
spoken of the law, are to be considered as if they had eaten of the
sacrifices of the dead, for it is said, 'For all tables are full of vomit
and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.'(475) But three who have
eaten at one table and have spoken of the law, are considered