Others answered that hospitality was their first
duty, and that he would be weak indeed who was led aside from their rule
by a Libyan woman of middle age and an infant of a few months. Further,
that the Christians were a good people, and that there was much in
their doctrines which tallied with their own. Next, one made a strange
objection--namely, that if they adopted this child they would learn
to love it too much, who should love God and their order only. To this
another answered, Nay, they should love all mankind, and especially the
helpless.
"Mankind, not womankind," was the reply; "for this infant will grow into
a woman."
Now they desired Nehushta to retire that they might take the votes.
Before she went, however, holding up the child that all could see it as
it lay smiling in her arms, she implored them not to reject the prayer
of a dead woman, and so deprive this infant of the care of the relative
whom that departed lady had appointed to be its guardian, and of the
guidance and directing wisdom of their holy Order. Lastly, she reminded
them that if they thrust her out, she must carry the infant to its
grandfather, who, if he received it at all, would certainly bring it up
in the Jewish faith, and thereby, perhaps, cause it to lose its soul,
the weight of which sin would be upon their heads.
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