him: yea, though he be a stranger or a sojourner; that he may live with thee."—Levit. xxv. 35. This is the highest step and the summit of charity's Golden Ladder.
Rabbi Simeon and the Jewels
Rabbi Simeon, the son of Shetah, once bought a camel of an Ishmaelite: his disciples took it home; and, on removing the saddle, discovered a band of diamonds concealed under it. "Rabbi! Rabbi!" exclaimed they, "the blessing of God maketh rich," intimating that it was a Godsend. "Take the diamonds back to the man of whom I purchased the animal," said the virtuous Rabbi: "he sold me a camel—not precious stones." The diamonds were accordingly returned, to the no small surprise of the proper owner: but the Rabbi preserved the much more valuable jewels—Honesty and Integrity.
