ary to fifteen, and in March to no more than and 100; and 1 of 90; 1 between 90

THE

AMERICAN MONTHLY MAGAZINE

AND

CRITICAL REVIEW.

No. III......VOL. III.

JULY, 1818.

ART. 1. Discourse, delivered at the Consecration of the Synagogue of bar mine ap in the City of New-York, on Friday, the 10th of Nisan, 5578, corresponding with the 17th of April, 1818. BY MORDECAI M. NOAH. 8vo. pp. 47. New-York. C. S. Van Winkle.

towards all other nations, till they became at last a scorn and a by-word, and, in a reverse of circumstances, were refused the comity which they had denied from those, whose ancestors, in taking possession of the "land of promise," exercised an exterminating vengeance, so horrible in its execution against the miserable inhabitants whom they came to drive out, throwing some into furnaces and sawing others asunder, that could the Deity rearray word he might well have revoked his bounty-from those-but we will not call up against them the persecutions of the early Christians. The later Christians we believe have amply retaliated upon them, not only their own injuries, but those of all the rest of the world. Nor do we intend any scandal by bringing to recollection what we rejoice lives only in memory. We do not know that Christianity would derive any advantage from a comparison with Judaism, of the atrocities which have been committed, by the professors of each, under the sanction of its name. We certainly do not desire to institute any-though it must be admitted to the honour of Christians, that it was in the plenitude of their power they bowed to the meek precepts of their religion, and learnt "forgiveness of enemies," whilst it was after the lessons of adversity, and with the benefit of Christian example, that the Jews first brought themselves to act upon this divine injunction. And this is all the inference we would draw. We should show ourselves wanting in that spirit which we wish to cherish, were we to go farther.

But if Mr. Noah has benefitted by his opportunities of acquiring just views of religion, afforded by his residence in a Christian land, he has richly repaid the obligation. In the Discourse before us, there are many axioms which cannot be too widely disseminated, and which we cannot but regret are not more generally received. There are ministers of the gospel, not only incapable of writing as he has written, but of feeling that authentic piety which he has manifested,-who, in attempting to eradicate the depravity of their nature, have extirpated every natural grace which God had implanted in them, and, in pulling out the tares, have plucked up the wheat also.

Mr. Noah has taken a cursory review of the Jewish history, and a survey of the present condition of his countrymen. The latter, which is condensed, as well as interesting, we will lay before our readers. "Great Britain, by an act of parliament, passed in the year 1753, granted to the Jews

the rights of citizens; the clamours of the people, and, indeed, the discontent of a large portion of the Jews themselves, caused this honourable law to be revoked; and from the organization of the government, there exists no hope at present of its revival. This cannot be sufficiently deplored; a difference of religion, and a disparity in forms of worship, should not separate men, nor weaken the civil bonds that unite them. It is by mutual confidence that errors may be ascertained and checked, and good actions known and rewarded. We are not apt to look for superstition or prejudice in a country where intelligence and morality flourish. The English civil code is pure and wholesome in its foundation, wise and independent in its execution: they have the most splendid seminaries of learning, and illustrious institutions of charity. Their religious disqualifications arise from political events, connected with the supposed existence and integrity of the government, not springing from the feelings or wishes of the people. Although the Jews in Great Britain are deprived of the essential rights of citizens, it must, nevertheless, be conceded, that every municipal protection is extended to them in common with other subjects, that every encommercial views, and that a tolerant discouragement is given to their industry and position, commensurate with their character, is afforded them. There are many possessing respectability and wealth; many who boast of cultivated talents; they are attached to their country, and are always ready to support it. This is a commendable spirit; for that country whose justice and humanity allows the Israelite to repose in peace in his dwelling, secure in his person, in his property, and his religious rights, is ever worthy of his best efforts in its defence and preservation.

"In France the Jews suffered much from persecution; and, until this day, their condition would have been but partially ameliorated, had not the veil of error been rent by a powerful effort; had not the progress of learning and the dissemination of science taught a people naturally liberal and bumane, that to be true to themselves they fetters of prejudice, and disdaining to nour should be just to others. Trampling on the ish the superstition and bigotry of the darker ages, they announced a toleration in religious opinions, and gave freedom to the conscience. Not content alone with the commencement of a good work, they completed it: they declared the Jews of their country to be citizens; and, with this declaration, gave them every essential right. This was to have been expected from a great nation, which had acquired a reputation in arts, in arms, and in science, that no reverse of fortune can impair.

"Part of Italy contains many respectable and enlightened Jews, who receive every protection from government in the prosecution of their temporal and religious concerns

"The Austrian and Russian empires, and their dependencies, the States in Germany, the kingdoms of Holland, Prussia, Sweden, and Denmark, are peopled with a vast number of Jews; many of them possessing wealth and learning-many inheriting poverty and ignorance; their privileges are controlled and circumscribed, and prejudices yet exist, though milder measures are adopted towards them in the present times. It unfortunately has been the case, that, hitherto, the governments of Europe, gene. rally, have directed their attention more to the punishment of crimes than the rewarding of virtue. The failings of the Jews have been the theme of incessant reproach and rigorous severity; their good actions have been unaccredited and unrewarded! If the Jews in Europe have been indifferent to public opinion, it is because that opinion invariably operated to their prejudice; their minds were cramped, and their pursuits were low, because they were deprived of every source of ambition and emulation. Attempts to reform them have failed, because severe and restrictive laws, harsh and oppressive punishments, have been substituted for mild ordinances and temperate regulations. This course has ever been unwise and injudicious. While they are considered as a people, on whom oppression and persecution may be exercised with impunity-while they are deemed fit objects for scorn and contempt-they will never cease to evidence towards their oppressors feelings wounded and lacerated, and sentiments of repugnance and irritation. They should be treated with a degree of lenity and mildness, to which their long sufferings justly entitle them. They must be made sensible of the necessity and importance of industry, wisdom, and tolerance, by precept and example.

"Society throughout Europe, (and wherever our people are scattered they are objects of our solicitation,) without doubt, will be greatly benefitted by the amelioration of the Jews; and the countries which they inhabit be greatly strengthened by giving them the essential rights of citizens. Their moral and physical character will be improved; their integrity and industry will be strengthened, and their attachment to the governments which protect them will be firm and sincere. They will progressively acquire a love for science, and a taste for the arts; they will increase in wealth; and, in proportion to their liberty, they will en courage learning and promote civilization; and from a participation of equal privileges, they will attain a degree of perfection and happiness which our unfortunate people have never yet enjoyed. But I shall be asked, is there no conntry in Europe from whence the Jews have been banished, where persecution, with an iron hand, weighed them to the earth, and where torture and flames have afforded them a passage to the grave? Ay, Spain and Portugal-lands of

darkness and bigotry; they persecuted, and finally banished the Jews; and, with them, banished their prosperity and national strength. Look at them: centuries behind their cotemporaries in civilization; the people fettered by ignorance; the arm of government unnerved by disaffection; their resources destroyed; their colonies conquered; and their energies impaired: they are left to the sway and influence of more liberal and powerful nations. Spain and Portugal, from their bigotry and intolerance, their flames and inquisitions, their pride and their ignorance, have been cut off from every hope of solid independence, and deprived of the sympathy and respect of other nations. Let other nations take warning from their example. The patriot ruler and sovereign sacrifices private interest and private affection for the welfare of his subjects; he cements them together in the bonds of harmony, unanimity, and affection. The monarch, who builds his hopes of safety, like those of Spain and Portugal, on the ig norance of his people; who shuts the door to learning and civilization, and perpetuates a state of vassalage, is false to his God and his country sooner or later, peril and ca lamity will menace the welfare, and even the existence of his inheritance."

The candour which he has displayed towards foreign nations, gives weight to the eulogium which he passes on our own country;

"Let us turn, then, from Europe and her errors of opinion on points of faith, to contemplate a more noble prospect. OUR COUNTRY, the bright example of universal tolerance, of liberality, true religion, and good faith. In the formation and arrangement of our civil code, the sages and patriots whose collected wisdom adopted them, closed the doors upon that great evil which has shaken the old world to its centre. They proclaimed freedom of conscience, and left the errors of the heart to be judged at that tribunal whose rights should never have been usurped. Here, no inequality of privileges no asperity of opinion-no invidious distinctions exist; dignity is blendid with equality; justice administered impartially: merit alone has a fixed value; and each man is stimulated by the same laudable ambition-an ambition of doing his duty, and meriting the good will of his fellow citizens. Until the Jews can recover their ancient rights and dominions, and take their rank among the governments of the earth, this is their chosen country; here they can rest with the persecuted from every clime, secure in person and property, protected from tyranny and oppression, and participating of equal rights and immunities. Forty years of experience have tested the wisdom of our institutions, and they only will be surrendered with the existence of the nation." In the foregoing extracts, many impor

tant religious, as well as political truths, will be recognized. The following passage breathes a spirit worthy of a Christian pastor, and contains an acknowledgment which must encourage him, and advice by which he may profit.

"Let it not, however, be said, that because there are no laws which fetter the conscience, or religion incorporated in the government, that the people are insensible to the obligations of religious worship. I have been in many parts of the globe, and I may safely aver, that this is the only country where religion flows in one pure, broad, rapid stream, supported by the intelligence of the people, and the liberality and toleration which are always the effect of moral and enlightened habits. We have only to fear the effects of too great a zeal, which, in mistaking the salutary principles of religion, may render crooked the fair and noble path of toleration. It is incumbent on us who enjoy blessings in this country which are denied to many of our brethren throughout the world, to render ourselves worthy of equal rights by duly estimating their importance, and enlightening the mind, so as to be fully sensible of the nature and value of those privileges. The means are within our reach. It is a system of sound education, alone, which tends to strengthen the faculties, improve the morals, and unfold the intellectual powers of man. To rescue our fellow creature from a state of ignoranceto enlighten his understanding-to render him sensible of the benefactions of God to excite that laudable ambition-that spirit of emulation-that noble and elevated disposition which the cultivated and accomplished mind is capable of attaining, are the most pleasing, the most rational efforts of a benevolent heart."

Let us not, however, by the commendations we bestow upon this Discourse, where its language is coincident with that of Christianity, lay ourselves open to the suspicion of being ready to compromise any doctrine of Christian faith. We must still regard the Jews, however they may have approximated to us in some particulars, as wanderers from the fold. God in his own good time will gather them in. It becomes us, in the interval, not to obstruct his gracious purposes.

Mr. Noah indulges some speculations in regard to the return of the Jews to Palestine, which probably have not occurred to most of our readers. It is singular that the Jews as well as Christians calculate on this event, though their belief in it is placed on different grounds, and they anticipate diametrically opposite consequences from it.

"Never were prospects for the restoration of the Jewish nation to their ancient rights

and dominion more brilliant than they are at present. There are upwards of seven millions of Jews known to be in existence throughout the world, a number greater than at any period of our history, and possessing more wealth, activity, influence, and talents, than any body of people of their number on earth. The signal for breaking the Turkish sceptre in Europe will be their emancipation; they will deliver the north of Africa from its oppressors; they will assist to establish civilization in European Turkey, and may revive commerce and the arts in Greece; they will march in triumphant numbers, and possess themselves once more of Syria, and take their rank among the governments of the earth. This is not fancy. I have been too much among them in Europe and Africa-I am too well acquainted with their views and sentiments in Asia, to doubt their intentions. They hold the purse strings, and can wield the sword; they can bring 100,000 men into the field. Let us then hope that the day is not far distant when, from the operation of liberal and enlightened measures, we may look towards that country where our people have established a mild, just, and honourable government, accredited by the world, and admired by all good men. Let us not seek the errors of other faiths, but calmly and peaceably pursue our own, in which there are no errors. Let us respect and assist all religions which acknowledge God, and whose principles are justice and mercy. We, of all others, can hold out the hand of toleration: the time will come when the wanderer who has been led astray in search of other gods, will acknowledge the unity and omnipotence of the God of Israel, when persecution shall cease, and the groan of oppression be heard no more. Between two good men professing different faiths, no difference exists; both are born equal-both have a right the road to honour should be open to both, to worship the Almighty in his own way; for both must pursue the same path to immortality."

tract at full length, as, whilst it shows the We thought it proper to give this exnature of the expectation which the Jews indulge, it discovers a latitude of charity which has not often been allowed them.

highly creditable to Mr. Noah. The style As a composition, this performance is language chaste. There are a few gramis perspicuous and energetic, and the matical errors in it, which are, however, evidently attributable to an inadvertence, which is pardonable in one who has superadded a production of this nature, to the labours of an editor of a daily paper. Our own experience of editorial distraction will incline us to compound for similar lenity,―

Hanc veniam damus, petimusque vicissim

E.