FLAX. 87 



fabric worn at that time. Whatever may be the truth, it is 

 certain that the Jewish priests were always accustomed to 

 wear it. When Samuel was presented by his mother to wait 

 upon old Eli in the temple, he was clothed with a linen ephod. 

 So likewise, when David danced for joy that the ark was reco 

 vered, he performed a religious ceremony, and, according to 

 the custom, clothed himself with a linen ephod. Thus it ap 

 pears that linen formed the most important fabric for clothing. 

 The wealthy sought for it, the priests required it, the mer 

 chants used it. and the dead were buried in it. 



12 



