"I made a great rejoicing."
"What cause hadst thou to rejoice? Dost thou not know that they must die?"
"Yes, that is true; but in the time of enjoyment I do not think of the future."
"So was it with God," said Rabbi Joshua. "He knew that men would sin; still that knowledge did not prevent the execution of his beneficent purpose to create them."
One of the emperors said to Rabon Gamliel:—
"Your God is a thief, as it is written, 'And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept. And He took a rib from Adam.'"
The Rabbi's daughter said, "Let me answer this aspersion. Last night robbers broke into my room, and stole therefrom a silver vessel: but they left a golden one in its stead."
The emperor replied, "I wish that such thieves would come every night."
Thus was it with Adam; God took a rib from him, but placed a woman instead of it.