The Persecution of the Jews

A man could neither keep the Sabbath nor observe the feasts of his fathers. The altar was covered with abominable offerings which were forbidden by the laws. Eleazar, one of the scribes in high position, a man now advanced in age and of noble presence, because being forced to open his mouth to eat swine's flesh. But he, welcoming death with honor rather than life with pollution, went up to the rack of his own accord,. spitting out the flesh as men ought to go who have the courage to refuse things that it is not right to taste even for the natural love of life. He declared himself quickly, telling them to send him to Hades. Such pretense