The gem given should always be carefully considered especially in accordance with the philosophy laid down in these pages which is held to be a true presentation of ancient laws. The wish of the giver then, it is assumed, is translated into the gem which expresses the wish, translated in concrete form so that whenever the receiver gazes on it, realizes it, the wish of good fortune begins to bear fruit and “whithersoever it turneth it prospereth.” The Talmud relates that Abraham had a magical jewel which he wore suspended about his neck; some writers state that it was a pearl that would re-appear at the time of the Messiah; it was however his own natal stone which, when worn, enabled him by the touch of his hand to heal the sick—a practice which has endured, naturally with varied success, through the ages. The gem in the ring of Aaron was said to shine out brilliantly when the Elohim favoured the nation; and we are told that when the gem and the wearer were in harmony the brightness or otherwise of the stone would indicate faithfully the conditions surrounding him. In the writings of Bishop Epiphanius a fourth century ecclesiastic of Jewish descent, there is a passage commenting on the Breastplate in which he repeats a still older belief that the stones all turned red when war and defeat faced the Children of Israel. Some Quabalistical writers maintain that various colours indicating answers to the many questions asked were reflected from the stones over the whole plate; others say that the stone having reference to the tribe or to the direct question alone, gleamed out its special colour; thus, for military triumph the symbol would be expressed by the beaming of the Haematite; for bountiful production of the fruits of the earth the Emerald would flash its message of comfort; for success in matters connected with education the Marble would shine; for promise of a good water supply the sparkle of the Chrysoprase would suffice; for the well-being of royalty the illumination of the Sardonyx would promise well; for a good harvest the Jasper would glisten; for success in negotiations with neighbouring nations the gleaming of the Opal would augur well; for protection from epidemics the glaring of the agate would be accepted as a favourable omen; for prophetic truth the radiation of the Amethyst would stand; for the welfare of cattle the Serpentine would vibrate; for the realization of hopes the Lapis Lazuli would electrify like the deep blue of the Heavens in serene weather; for success in secret negotiations the Crystal would throw off its flashes of light.