The Mingled Dust

THERE IS AN OLD JEWISH LEGEND which tells of the creation of Adam. When God prepared to make Adam, different parts of the universe came before Him, each seeking the honor of being the material out of which Adam would be created. The sun said, "I am dazzling to behold. Man should be made from me." The ocean said, "I am mighty; I deserve the honor." Said the trees, "We are majestic." The stars said, "We are bright and luminous. Make Adam from us."