22 



JUDGE GEOKGE H. SMITH, ON 



morality, which animates Mosaic Civil Law, and, clearly asserted, 

 uniquely distinguishes it. 



It is laid down in Leviticus xix, 18, " Thou shalt love thy 

 neighbour as thyself." This " saying " is quoted by St. Paul in the 

 thirteenth chapter of his Epistle to the Eomans (that juridical 

 people), as briefly comprehending all commandments. 



I have noted, in the Mosaic Civil Code, some instances specially 

 referable to this principle. 



1. Thou shalt not avenge, or bear grudge against the children of 

 thy people. Lev. xix, 18. 



2. The third year's tithes to be given in charity. Deut. xiv, 28, 29. 



3. A sheaf of corn, that may have been forgotten, not to be 

 garnered, but left for the needy. Deut. xxiv, 19. 



Gleanings of the field, and also its corners to be left for the 

 needy. Lev. xix, 9. 



The olive not to be twice beaten, nor the vine twice gathered ; 

 but the leavings to be for the needy. Deut. xxiv, 20, 21. 



4. The millstone not to be taken in pledge, nor pledged raiment 

 to be kept after sundown, nor vridow's raiment to be taken in 

 pledge. Deut. xxiv, 6. 



5. To relieve one waxen poor, though a stranger, or sojourner ; 

 and not to take interest from him. Lev. xxv, 35. 



6. A brother waxen poor not to be compelled to serve as a 

 bondman, but as a hired servant. " Thou shalt not rule over him 

 with rigour." Lev. xxv, 39, 43. 



7. The stranger dwelling with you to be as one born among you. 

 " Thou shalt love him as thyself." Lev. xix, 34. 



8. The Law of Eelease every seventh year of debtors, and of 

 Hebrew bondmen ; and the command to lend freely even if the 

 seventh year be near. Deut. xv, 1, 2, 7-11, and Exod. xxi, 2. 



9. To bring back another's stray cattle, or lost property ; and to 

 help his fallen beast of burden, even if he be an enemy. Deut. 

 xxii, 1-4; Exod. xxiii, 4, 5. 



10. A woman, taken in war, and desired as a wife, to be allowed 

 a month of mourning for slain relatives before marriage. Deut. 

 xxi, 13. 



Hence an altruistic principle, strange to the jus commune, was 

 asserted in Hebrew law, and in some instances markedly carried 

 out. 



