Aesch Mezareph, or Purifying Fire

E LISHA” was a most notable Prophet, an Example of Natural Wisdom, a Despiser of Riches, (as the History of the Healing of Naaman sheweth, 2 Kings, c. 5, v. 16) and therefore truly Rich. According to what is said in Pirke Aboth/ viz., Who is Rich? He that rejoiceth in his Portion, cap. 4. For so the true Physician of impure Metals hath not an outward Show of Riches, but is rather like the Tohu of the first Nature, empty and void. Which Word is of equal Number with the Word Elisha, viz., 41 1. For it is a very true saying in Baba Kama, fol. 71. col. 2. The thing which causeth Riches, (such as Natural Wisdom) is supplied instead of Riches.

Learn therefore to purify Naaman, coming from the North, out of Syria, and acknowledge the power of Jordan: Which is as it were Jar-din that is the River of Judgment flowing out of the North.

And remember that which is said in Baba Bathra, fol. 25, col. 2. He that will become Wise, let him live in the South; and he that will grow Rich, let him turn himself toward the N orth, etc. Although in the same place Rabbi Joshua Ben Levi says, let him live always in the South, for whilst he becomes Wise, at the same time he becomes Rich. “Length of Days is in her right hand, and in her left, Riches and Honour.” Prov., c. 3, v. 1 6. So thou wilt not desire other Riches.