1. Among those who were led into captivity by Salmanasar was a God-fearing man, named Tobias. From his youth he had avoided the society of the wicked and kept the commandments. He spent much of his time in consoling his fellow-captives, and by his charities helping to relieve their wants. To feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and in the night to bury the dead was his usual care.
2. One day, wearied and exhausted with burying the dead, he returned to his house, and, lying down by the wall, fell asleep. Whilst he slept the hot dung from a swallow's nest fell into his eyes, and he lost his sight. Tobias bore his affliction without murmur, and strove to purify himself by his trials.
3. Tobias being rendered helpless by the loss of his sight, his wife Anna went out every day to weave, that she might help to support him. One day she received, over and above her wages, a little kid. When Tobias heard it bleating he began to fear lest it might have been gotten dishonestly, and not until he had been assured that it was a gift would he touch it.
Questions to Consider : 64.—What is said of Tobias? What did he dot How did Tobias lose his sight? What is said about the kid?
1. After Tobias had been proved in many tribulations he thought he was going to die, so he balled his son to him, that he might give him some advice.
"When I die," said he, "fail not to bury me. Honor thy mother, nor forget what she suffered for thee. When she lies bury her by my side. Fear God and never sin; keep pride from your heart, and seek the counsel of the wise man.
2. "Do to another what you would wish him to do to you. Give alms according to your means: if you have much, give much; if little, give little: but give with a good heart We are poor, it is true; but, if we fear God and avoid sin, we will receive much."
When the young Tobias heard his good old father speaking in this manner he fell upon his neck, and, weeping, promised to do all he had commanded.
Questions to Consider : 65.—What counsels did Tobias give his son? How did the young Tobias act?
1. After this advice, Tobias wished to send his son to a distant city, called Rages, to collect a debt. Before he started the old man was very anxious to select for him a suitable companion—one who also knew the way. The young Tobias l went out to seek one, and he found a beautiful young man standing girded and ready for the road. It was the Angel Raphael, but Tobias knew it not.
2. Tobias asked he stranger if he knew the road to Rages. He answered, "Yes." Then he led him into the house, when the angel promised to lead the younger Tobias to Rages and back again. Tobias blessed them, and they departed.
3 At the end of the first day's journey they came to the River Tigris. When Tobias wished to wash his feet a monstrous fish rose up to devour him. The angel bade him fear not, but seize the fish and draw it out. Tobias did so. Then, according to the directions of the angel, he took out the heart and the gall and the liver, and put them away to be used for medicine. They then roasted as much of the fish as they could eat; the rest they salted and took with them.
4. When they drew near to a certain city the angel told Tobias that there lived there a man named Raguel, a near relation; that, moreover, he had a daughter named Sara, whom he must ask in marriage. When Raguel saw him and heard who he was, he was exceedingly glad, and readily gave him his daughter. Tobias remained with his father-in-law during the rejoicings for his marriage, but Raphael went on to Rages and received the money for which they had come.
Questions to Consider : 66.—Tell the history of Raphael. What is said about the ash? What is said of Raguel!
1. When Tobias had been with Raguel for some time he thought of returning home, lest his father might be uneasy at his delay. At first Raguel strove to persuade him to remain; but when he saw the young man resolved to go he divided his property, and gave him half as a marriage gift, and, blessing him and his daughter, dismissed them.
2. After they had come some distance on the way, Raphael and Tobias, leaving Sara and the company to follow, went on before. By the advice of the angel, Tobias took with him the gall of the fish, which he had preserved.
Meanwhile the parents of Tobias became very anxious at the long delay of their son. His mother wept unceasingly and every day went to the top of a neighboring hill, from which she could see a great way off.
3. At length she saw him in the distance and recognized him at once. Then she ran back and told her husband that their son was coming. The old man, led by the hand, hastened to meet his son, and, kissing him, they both wept for joy. In the mean time the dog that had accompanied the younger Tobias on his journey ran on before, wagging his tail and jumping with delight.
4. When they had all thanked God for His mercies, Tobias anointed his father's eyes with the gall of the fish widen he had brought with him, and immediately the old man recovered his sight. Falling on his knees, he praised God—as well because He had afflicted him with blindness as now because He had cured him.
Seven days after this, Sara arrived, and, with her, the servants, the flocks, and the camels her father had given her, besides the money which Gabelus had paid. A great feast was made, and they gave themselves up to rejoicing.
5. When the days of the feast were finished Tobias asked his father what reward they would give the young man that had accompanied him, or what recompense could be sufficient for all he had done for them. After consulting they called the angel and offered him half of all they possessed, but he refused. Then he bade them rejoice and give thanks to God for His mercies to them, to pray and to fast, and to fear not; "for," said he, "I am Raphael, one of the angels that stand before God, and have been sent by the Lord to heal you."
6. When they heard this they were much troubled, and fell with their faces to the ground. But the angel said to them: "Fear not; it was God's will I should be with you; bless Him and sing His praise." Then he disappeared, but they continued to praise God and to publish all His wonders. At a good old age they were both gathered to their fathers, full of grace before God and men.
Questions to Consider : 67. What did Raphael divide? What is said of the meeting of the old and young Tobias? How did Tobias recover his sight? What is said of Sara? What was offered to Raphael? What did he say?