American watchman and Delaware advertiser., 1825-09-30
THE VIRTUOUS WIFE.

Translated from the German, BY Student.
Whosoever has gained vir.uous wife, possesses
o treasure Of int,ins,c worha prize oi higher val
ne than the most costly pearl.
Such treasure Rabbi Meir, the great teacher, ob
iained. lie sat- on the Sabbath, IN the synagogue, in
sructng the people. In he mean iime DEATH who
often aims his poisonous shafts against the infant
breast, aud spares the aged and n6m, did, by all un
expected stroke, deprive the parents o two goodly
sons ho'h were OF an handsome shape,-boh, by
fathers care, enlie ehtened in the law
His partner looked at first on their bereavement
with The feelings Of tender mother but soon her
piety shown predominant, and in the duties OF the
wile, each selfish wish was buried. Anxious to
save her husband from those pangs which too
sudden knowledge OF bis loss might create she
moved the bodies Of her sons inlo her chamber laid
them on her bed and with white drspery concealed
them.
In the evening, Rabbi Meir returned, who with
falher's iond soliclude, inqured-' where my
sons that may give 20 them the blessng!"
"They are gone into the synagogue" replied his
wite.
=. / looked round, while there, in expectation OF
their coming, but saw them nol,' reIoIned the
Rabbi.
She reached him goblet with vine he praised
the Lord at the ending Of the Sabbath, drank and
again asked
"Where my sons that they may also drink
and partake of my blessing -
.'rhey are not far she said, and wishing 10
change the objects of his thoughts with ready hand
prepared their evening meal. OF this he did par
lake, and after gvin,; thanks his vile thus spoke :
Rabbi, permit me to ask your Judgment in
cause which much concerns me. A lew years since
q person gave INTO my some jewels; these
received with pleasure, watched their safety with an
anxious mind, contemplated with pride their worth
and dared at length to view them as my own, when
in pee ted hour messenger Is sent, who, IN
his masters name, doth claim my valued charge;
shal! restete these gems to him ~
My wfz ough not FIRST to inquire this" said
Rabbi Meir: wilt thou delay returning to the
owner each one he hath lent thee :
."Oh no. answered she. {" if it is unjust so to
10 ;--bul would not return them without thy
kno"ledse."
She then conducted him To the chamber, walked
forward and removed from the dead bodies their
-oveiiug.
"On my SONS my sons - cried the father, in
the tnlness oi his grief" do | hnd you thus
gave you life, heightened your mental eyes in the
law, and looked upon YOU as the soace Of my de-
clinips years, when, on sudden, find myself De.
reit OF you.'
She turned from him, wishing TO conceal the ag
itaton Of her mind bot reused at length by the vio
lsnce Of his grIef, she seized him BY the hand and
spoke.
rabbi, hast thou not taught me- that it is contrary
10 llie moral well as the religious duties ol men,
to refuse restocing what is inrused to their care
Behold, the Lord hath given, and the Lord hath la
ken away, blessed be the name Of the Lord 1"
The name OF The Lord be praised,' rejoned
Rabbi Aieir conscious he bad erIed al repining at
His will, who is inlalnLe in murmuring al His
mandate who is omfiscient.
1t IS truly said whosoever hath found a virtuous
wife, has a greater treasure than the most costly
pearl she opens her mouth with wisdom, and in
hsr tongue is the law ol kiDduess.''