The reader who is completely unprejudiced will find, on investigating the ancient writings, that very similar views were entertained by the Hebrews in regard to wine and other intoxicating drinks as were held by other Oriental races. Just as did the Brahmans and Vedic people, so the Jews burned wine upon the altar, believing it to be gratifying to Jehovah; and we find in the Old Testament examples of anthropomorphism almost as gross as that in the Vedas.[105] The drinking of wine, too, was one of the most important features in their celebration of their festivals,[106] and the esteem in which it was held by the Rabbins is proved by the fact that they instituted a special form of grace to be recited before drinking it, whereas a general formula is presented for use before partaking of any other liquor;[107] and the songs in the Temple were, according to the Talmud, sung only over wine.[108] That the wine employed was strong there can be little doubt, for it was found necessary to mix it with water for ceremonial purposes, the proportions used being three of water to one of wine.[109] As in the days of the reformed Brahmans, and always with the followers of Zoroaster, the priests were forbidden to take wine or strong drink before performing their duties in the Tabernacle,[110] and the Nazarite was to abstain entirely during his probation. “He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink; neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes or dried.” But when his probation was finished, “after that the Nazarite may drink wine.”[111] The Rechabites were total abstainers. They had neither vineyards nor fields, but dwelt in tents;[112] in fact, they led a nomad life, and some biblical critics consider that alone to have been the cause of their abstinence—an opinion which quite agrees with that of Mr. Crawfurd concerning wandering savages, referred to at the conclusion of our first chapter.[113] Under certain circumstances all Hebrews were admonished not to take intoxicating drink; as, for example, “When trouble comes to a congregation,” then “eating of flesh and drinking of wine” were forbidden; and if they disobeyed this injunction, “such iniquity shall not be purged from you until ye die, saith the Lord God of hosts.”[114]