ts who lectured to them early and late. They clothed themselves in
sackcloth, and repented truly with tears and fasting, and God had
compassion upon them and destroyed Haman.

Although the reading of the Book of Esther (_Megilah_) on Purim is not a
precept of the Pentateuch, 'tis nevertheless binding upon us and our
descendants. Therefore the day is appointed as one of feasting and
gladness, and interchange of presents, and also of gifts to the poor,
that they too may rejoice. As in the decree of Haman, no distinction was
made between rich and poor, as all alike were doomed to destruction, it
is proper that all should have equal cause to feel joyful, and therefore
in all generations the poor should be liberally remembered on this day.

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