He likewise spake to the people who crowded to hear Him, and warned them to fear God rather than man; for though men might kill their bodies, they had no further power. "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me." It would seem that this brother had acted very unkindly, if not unjustly, in not sharing with his brother the money left by their father; and the one who felt himself aggrieved came, hoping that Jesus would interfere. But Jesus answered, "Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?"--meaning, that He was not come upon earth to act as a Judge or Magistrate in settling such matters, but to teach men their duty to God. He then took this occasion to warn his hearers against covetousness, or the too eager desire for riches, or for any of the good things this world can give: bidding them rather be contented, and try to please God by doing good with what they have. Covetousness is, as we are elsewhere told, idolatry,--and truly, if our hearts are set upon riches, pleasures, or anything else, they will be drawn away from God. Chapter XXIII.--HEALING OF THE MAN BORN BLIND. Much did the Lord say upon the subject of covetousness; an evil passion which, if indulged, must draw the heart more and more from heavenly things to things of the earth; saying unto them, "For where your treasure is there will your heart be also." Jesus, then, in a short parable, showed the necessity of constantly watching, that we may not be found unready whenever we are summoned to die. Many other things Jesus said, and continued to teach through the cities and villages: on one occasion He raised the indignation of the ruler of a synagogue, because He had healed a poor woman, who was "bowed down by a spirit of infirmity," which she had had for eighteen years. But Jesus rebuked those who blamed Him, and so spake that "All his adversaries were ashamed; and all the people rejoiced for the glorious things that were done by him." "And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" Some of the Jews seem at this time to have taken up an idea held by the heathen, that, after the death of a man, his soul was sent into another body; and that the souls of bad men even went into the bodies of animals.