he high priest on the day of
atonement; nor did the rain extinguish the fire of the wood arranged on
the altar; nor did the wind prevent the straight ascension of the pillar
of smoke; nor was any defect found in the omer, the two loaves, and the
showbread; and though the people stood close together, yet when they
worshipped there was room enough for all; nor did a serpent or scorpion
injure a person in Jerusalem; nor did a man say to his neighbor, I have
not room to lodge in Jerusalem.

6. Ten things were created on the eve of the Sabbath in the twilight, and
these are they--the mouth of the earth; the mouth of the well; the mouth of
the ass; the rainbow; the manna; the rod of Moses; the shameer;(496) the
letters; writing; and the tables of stone. And some say also the demons;
and the grave of our lawgiver Moses; and the ram of our father Abraham;
and some say the tongs, the model of the tongs.

7. Seven things are to be met with in a rude person, and seven in a wise
man. The wise man will not speak before one who excels him in wisdom and
years; nor will he interrupt his companion in his discourse; nor is he in
haste to answer; he inquires according to the subject, and answers
according to the decision, and he will answer the first proposition first,
and the last proposition last; and what he has not heard he will
acknowledge he has not heard it; and he confesses the truth. But the
opposites of these are to be met with in a rude person.

8. Seven kinds of punishment are brought on the world for seven important
sins; for when a part of the people give tithes and the others do not, a
scarcity and a dearth ensue, so that some are filled and others suffer
hunger; but when the whole agree not to give tithes, a famine of dearth
and confusion ensues. If they offer not up the "cake,"(497) confusion and
fire ensue. Pestilence comes into the world for the commission of sins
said to be punished with death in the law, but which are not recognized by
our judges; and for not observing the law concerning the fruits of the
Sabbatical year. The sword enters the world on account of the delay of
justice and its perversion; and on account of those who explain the law
contrary to its true sense.

9. Evil beasts come into the world on account of false swearing, and the
profanation of God's name. Captivity enters the world on account of
idolatry, immorality, bloodshed, and not suffering the land to rest on the
Sabbatical year. At four seas