required for the preparation of food were excepted. Similarly, it was unlawful, under any

circumstances, to take a pledge from a widow, or to sell that which belonged to her.

These are only some of the provisions by which the interest of all parties were not only

guarded, but a higher religious tone sought to be imparted to ordinary life. Those who

are acquainted with the state of matters among the nations around, and the cruel

exactions of the Roman law, will best appreciate the difference in this respect also

between Israel and the Gentiles. The more the Rabbinical code is studied, the higher will

be our admiration of its provisions, characterised as these are by wisdom, kindliness,

and delicacy, we venture to say, far beyond any modern legislation. Not only the history

of the past, the present privileges, and the hope connected with the promises, but the

family, social, and public life which he found among his brethren would attach a Jew to

his people. Only one thing was awanting--but that, alas! the "one thing needful." For,

in the language of St. Paul (Rom 10:2), "I bear them record that they have a zeal of God,

but not according to knowledge."