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The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

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<strong>of</strong> Egypt, which sufficed to feed <strong>the</strong> capital for four<br />

months <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year. A magnificent fleet it was, from<br />

<strong>the</strong> light quick sailer to those immense com^ships<br />

which hoisted a special flag, <strong>and</strong> whose early<br />

arrival' was awaited a Futeoli ^ with more<br />

eagerness than that <strong>of</strong> any modem ocean^teamer.'<br />

<strong>The</strong> commerce <strong>of</strong> India was in <strong>the</strong> h<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Alex<strong>and</strong>rian shippers.' Since <strong>the</strong> days <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Ptolemies <strong>the</strong> Indian trade alone had increased<br />

sixfold.^ Nor was <strong>the</strong> native industry<br />

inconsiderable. Linen goods, to suit <strong>the</strong> tastes or<br />

costumes <strong>of</strong> all countries; woollen stuffs <strong>of</strong> every<br />

hue, some curiously wrought with figures, <strong>and</strong><br />

even scenes ; glass <strong>of</strong> every shade <strong>and</strong> in every<br />

shape; paper from <strong>the</strong> thinnest sheet to <strong>the</strong> coarsest<br />

packing paper; essences, perfumeries—such were<br />

<strong>the</strong> native products. However idly or luxuriously<br />

inclined, still everyone seemed busy, in a city<br />

where (as <strong>the</strong> Emperor Hadrian expressed it) *<br />

money was <strong>the</strong> people's god;' <strong>and</strong> every one<br />

seemed well-to-do in his own way, from <strong>the</strong> waif<br />

in <strong>the</strong> streets, who with little trouble tp himself<br />

could pick up sufficient to go to <strong>the</strong> restaurant <strong>and</strong>

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