law, of which it is said, 'It is thy life, and length of days,' we experience so much distress and oppression, what think you will be our lot should we entirely abandon it?"
The Climax of Benevolence; or, the Golden Ladder of Charity. From Maimonides, after the Talmud
There are eight degrees or steps in the duty of charity.
The first and lowest degree is, to give—but with reluctance or regret. This is the gift of the hand, but not of the heart.
The second is, to give cheerfully, but not proportionately to the distress of the sufferer.
The third is, to give cheerfully and proportionately, but not until we are solicited.
The fourth is, to give cheerfully, proportionately, and even unsolicited; but to put it in the poor man's hand: thereby exciting in him the painful emotion of shame.
The fifth is, to give charity in such a way that the distressed may receive the bounty, and know their benefactor, without their being known to him. Such was the conduct of some of our ancestors, who used to tie up money in the hindcorners of their cloaks, so that the poor might take it unperceived.
