"Dear husband," said she, "would it not be better to pray for their reform? Recollect that king David did not pray for the destruction of sinners, but of sin, as it is written, 'Let sin be consumed out of the earth, and the wicked will be no more.' (Psalm civ. 35.) Pray, then, for their repentance, not for their destruction." The good Rabbi approved of the advice of his wife, and thenceforth prayed that God might enlighten the minds of his troublesome neighbors, and reform their hearts.
The Meek and the Haughty. The Contrast Exemplified in the Conduct of Shammai and Hillel
Austerity of manners and harshness of disposition are the graceless offspring of pride and arrogance. Like a chilling frost they repel and contract whatever comes near them; and, like a dark cloud, they obscure and deform the most shining talents and the greatest learning; whereas, humility and meekness are the lovely children of humanity and benevolence. Like the mild rays of the sun, they warm and expand whatever comes within the circle of their influence. They sweetly allure the hearts of men, throw a splendor on the most humble,
