The American Israelite from Cincinnati, Ohio • P212

212 THE ISRAELITE. PUBLISHED BVKKT FRIDAY UORNINO BY BLOCH CO PUBLISHERS, No. 34 Weit Sixth Htret. TBBM3 TtireuDollarii per annum, in adrance. The tultntt.A If ia aiihllnUail wnnklv In ami an at rim amooiflce.andbrthe dame proprietor, at One Dollar nil rvPnntii.di ttdvAnrn.

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set uu solid: One lnmirtfnn T3 cents; Two insertions $1 TUreeinseitlonsJl: For 1 month 1 3 month I 8 month 1 12 months 1 HO I 4 00 6 00 10 00 Advertisement (wit bout change,) and paper, I roar ...12, SmfneeeOard. exceeding iiix lines, rubllihed lu el'her paper if publlahedtn both papers hvohargswlll be double, less 10 per cent. Thedettrednumborof insertions should be plainly written on the mtrgln of adrertUtnnents, otherwise hey will bo regularly publisheduntil ordered oat, aud ehtrged accordingly. Book Printingln tangifsh.Oermanand Hebrew promptly tndoreryrfoscription of Job Printing In or Gorman, or executed with projiptness. neatness and dispatch.

OaoimiintcatiotisttoitiMirc prompt attontion, should be vaittenon but onestdo of the paper, and In a plain, bold, legible hand, with largpnace uotween the linen. Honey sent to Beglstered Letters to bo at the risk of too Publishers. "AU Letters and Commnnlcattons ehoutd be addressed to II LOO fl ft 00., Pabi tenors Israelite and Deborah, Cincinnati, Ohio. phyry, nnd of the weakness of ments of his antagonist, who is, neverth less, esteemed a learned Christian father cnusod the works of both to bo committed to the flames. Tho following fragment of Porphyry, preserved in Eusobius" Ecolesi-astieel while it Berve to confirm what has been already remarked, will able you to judge, dear Isaacs, of the great loss which litorature has sustained by the destruction of his numerous writings: "Some being rosolved to find out solutions for the difficulties whioh ooour in the writ, ings of the Jews, ruthor than reject them have recourse to inconsistent interpretations, nothing relating to what is written and which are not so mooh in defense of those strange doctrines nB in confirmation nnd praiBe of thoir own.

For, vaunting in great words, that what Moses spoke with all imaginable plainness, are dark riddles, they enthusiastically give them out as so many divino oracles, pregnant with hidden mysteries; und after confounding tho judgment with this sublime language, they deliver their own explications. For an oxample ot this folly, let us take Origon, a person with whom I had some acquaintance whon I was vory young. He was then and still remains in groat esteem with tho teaohors of this doctrine, who loudly spread his fame far the volumes he left behind him. Ab for hit opinions concerning the divinity nnd other things, he was a diuoiplo of the Greek philosophers, nnd endeavored, by their principles, to support the exotio tables of tho Jews. Moreover, the writings of Plato wsrt never out of his hands; nor those of Nu-manius, Cronius, Apollophanns, Longinun, nnd Moderntus nor those of Xiohomachus and the most celebrated Pythagoreans.

He read likowiso the books of Choremon, tli. Stoic, and of Cornutus of whom having learned tho nllogorical method of oxplain-ing tho Grecian mysteries, he did accommodate it to the writings of the Jews." May you, dear Isaacs, always possess in abundance of the good things of this life, and enjoy tranquility of mind. Nathan Jobbph. i'i L. 0, c.

19. TO BE CONTINUED. THEOLOGICAL DEP'TMENT: ISAAC M. WISE, EDITOR. CINCINNATI: Friday Morning January 1, 1S64.

Jericho Lodge, No. 44, I. O. B. presided over by M.

Hanauer, was established in 1862, and counts now thirty-five members, who appear determined to carry out tho obiects of the Order br all means at their command, and I entertain no doubt of their ultimate success, because the objects aro laudible and the membors both intelligent and active. It will be observed that the congregation of Pittsburg has all the institutions which oharaoterize a well-organized congregation. All of thorn are young and testify to the good will and energy of the membors nnd their minister. I was invited to lecture before the members of the -Bene IStrith Lodgt, but on invitation 1 preached in the Synagogue on Sabbath; being Bamikah 1 dwelt on this theme with particular delight, because 1 lovo the theme, and saw almost all the Israelites of the place assembled in the house of the Lord. Being introduced next morning to the classes of the Sunday school, 1 embraced the occasion to expound to them the four cardinal doctrines of Judaism, as I established them in my "Kesenoe of Judaism." In the afternoon I lectured to a largo nssombly on the objects end nspirations of the Order Bene Berith.

Having been acquainted with tho desire or tho congregation to be addressed onco more in German, 1 argued Monday evening the reform question before a large audience, notwithstanding the unfavorable weather. Four lectures in three deys is probably more than one should deliver; still give mo the audience to listen and I will argue all day, all week, all year, my whole lifetime, the lofty theme of Israel's religious nnd mental treasures. Thoroughly oonvinced as I am of the final triumph of truth over all shades and descriptions of fiction nnd orror, of the final salvation of all mankind by this triumph; thoroughly convinced as I nm that philosophy, science, and art, that the living word of zealous men must bring about the final triumph of truth, the Balvation and happiness of mankind, 1 never feel tired or exhausted, and only wish 1 had the voice of the 'thunder to reach every ear, or the chnrins of Spring to gladden every heart with the tidings of truth nnd salvation. If every man could realize how much good ho might do to suffering humanity by his words, deeds, nnd examples, how man' doubts he could dispol, how many woes assuage, how many new and healing ideas he could breathe into wounded hearts, how largo a portion he might contribute to the happiness of mankind; if overy one would know and leol that he is an apostle of truth, an angel ot consolation appointed by the Deity to bring heaven's best blessings to the world, how beautiful a world ours might be! How littlo would they regard tho sum of all treasures, honors und powors, bestowed on a man, and how indefatigablo thoy must be in fulfilling their glorious mission on earth 1 Dear Israelite, you nnd 1 are old companions, we have seen many a man creeping in tho dust for a handful of gold dust, dried mud after all a little honor or bnof power, a small gratification of narrow egotism. Let us be freo and wide awako to the sublime duties of the man and Israelite; wo must not got tired, claim no earthly rewards, no thanks, no acknowledgment, our satisfaction must be found in tho sacred work only.

Yours, I. M. went into the prophetess, and she conceived nnd bare a son." Thus, you see, dear Isaacs, that this prophecy is as inapplicable to Jesus as nny of those which I examined in my last letter. There is a number of other passages in our sacred books, upon which the Nnxnrenea rely as prophecies of Jesus, none of which aro more deserving of that character than the texts which 1 have noticed. The fact is, tho Naznrencs, finding that a fair and literal interpretation of our scriptureB would not bear them out in their pretensions, hare resorted to an allegorical mode of explaining them, by which, in spite of rules of oriti-cisra and sound logic, they have perverted the clearest and most obvious passages, nnd made them subservient to their purposes.

In a former letter, I mentioned that this mode of allegorizing had obtained nmong the Pharisees of our nation, who hnd borrowed it from the pagans under the Babylonish captivity. Whon those of this sect joined tho Nazarcnes, they carried with them this method of interpreting our scriptures, which wo find was adopted by St. Paul, and most of the early fathers. Ac oording to thorn, nil under the ancient law was the imago of the new, aud the most celebrated personage in our snored hooks, typified, prophetically, Jesus and hischiiroh. Abel, assassinated by his brother, was a prophetio figure of Jesus put to death by his own countrymen.

The sacrifice of Isaac, whioh did not take plaeo, was the image of that accomplished oh the cross. The relations or predictions, which' obviously had for their object Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, Jeremiah, Zorobabel, and others of our ancient patriarchs and celebrated men, were applied to Jesus. His death was represented by the blood whioh was shod at our sacrifices; and the wholo of our history wns converted into typical representation of the life of their Messiah, and the establishment of bis rcligien. So bent, indeed, were these men, in their search of allegorical proofs, to bolster up thior fanciful system, that they nctnallyprc-tcnied that Aristotle tho pagan philosopher, was tho forerunner of their Messiah. The divines of Colen have written a book to prove tho probability of Aristotle's salvation; and they do not scruple to ndvanco that he had been tho forerunner of the Messiah, with respect to tho mj'sterics of nature, as St.

John Baptist had been with regard to tho mysteries of grace." This allegorical of interpreting our sacred books, and whioh serves for the foundation of the Christian religion, was always opposed by our most celebrated Rabbis, who clearly proved, that those of our nation who had become Nnzarenes, had borrowed their ideas from tho pagans, whioh, however, they very soon saw cause to re nounco. This appears evident from those books of onr Rabbis, written at an early period ngainst Christianity, which have escaped the flames. All of them attack the allegorical interpretations of the Nazarune fathers, which they exhibit in the most lu. diorons light. This induced tho celebrated English divine, Whiston, to exclnim that tho alleporical interpretations givon by Christian expositors of tho prophecies, are now the grand obstacle and stumbling block in the way of the conversion of the Jews to Another very learned Nazurenc doctor has said that the prophecies cited from tho Old Testament by the authors of the New, do so plainly relate, in their obvious and primary sense, to other matters than those which they arc produced to prove, that to pretend they prove, in that sense, what they aro produced to prove, is to give up tho cause to Jews and other enemies thereof, who can so easily show, in so many undoubted instances, tho Old and Now Testament to have no manner of connection in that respeot, but to be in an irreconcilable sta1e." The same writer remarks, as indeed is obvious to every one, that Grotins, Dodwell, Sir John Marsham, Stillingfleet, and several other learned Naz-aroncs, held tbe same views as to the erroneous application of our sacred books.

Wo also find the celebrated Celsus censuring the early Nazarenos for their allegorical interpretations ot our prophecies, "who (he says) by a most astonishing folly, and a stupidity without example, endeavored to find out relations between things for whioh there was not the least Porphyry, and Julian, tbe Roman emporor, brought the same accusations against the early Naz-arenes. Porphyry was a very learned author, and tho ablest philosopher of his time. He wrote a great number of works "against the Christians, whioh Eusebius answered in thirty hooka But tbe Nazarene priests, aware of the force of the writings of Por- fAggrippa do Yanitate Soientiar, c. page 95. tlWhiston's Lectures, p.

13. Collins' Grounds and Reasons for the Christian Religion, p. 48. I Origan contra Celsus, pp. 187, 196, 108.

HOTICE. All Persons addressing this Office in regard to Bnsiness concerning either The Israelite or The Deborah, will oblige as very much if they will Direct their letters to BLOCH Pab'rs Israelite and Deborah- "Congregations and societies are kern-by positively informed, that we publish no advertisement or complimentary resolution unless $5 are sent with the seme for payment thereof. Lcttors of this kind without the payment inclosed, will receive no further notice. EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE. NUMBER TWO.

Pittsburg, Deo. 28, 1803. Dbar Israelite: Please tell your readers that 1 wan quite pleased with what 1 heard nnd saw at Pittsburg. The congregation is very zealous and active in the cause of Israel. About forty members built a splendid synagogue in the Uyzantic style, and furnished it neatly.

If the Temple congregation of Now York, Cincinnati, or Philadelphia, erect structures at a cos of $200,000, it is no comparison to the sacrifices the few Israelites of Pittsburg made in erecting this noble odifice, if consideration is bestowed on numbers and woalth. Divino servico is well attended overy Sub-bath by the members nnd their families, we are told by roliable men; but it would be much hotter attended and give more satisfaction if the modern (orm of worship whs adopted, which wo hope and believe will be tho case. Tho majority of the congregation, especially the ladies, desire reform, and it is, sure to come. The minister of this congregation, Rev. Mr.

Armhold, is an active nnd well-moaning man, whose efforts are crowned with the best success. He camo ton years ago, a young man to this congregation, when it was in two fractions, Polish nnd Gorman, oaoli counting about tun or twelve members. But now tho congregation is unitod in peace and harmony, count' fifty members, and fifty-thrco seat holders from the one hundred and fifty families of our peoplo living in this city and vicinity. 1 forgot to state the nnme of tbe congregation, which is Roieph Shalom. Tho congregational schools aro of two kinds, a daily and a Sunday school, the former being for gonoral instruction in He-brow, German, and all tho English branches of a primary education, whilo the lattor is for roligious instruction exclusively.

The teachers, Rev. Mr. Armhold, and Mr. Josiah Cohen, whom I notioed in my former communication, arc quite successful in the sohool-In the Sunday school they are supported by Miss Frann, Rev. Isaac Strauss, and Mr.

E. Greenwald, who toaoh gratuitously. The schools arc presided over by Louis Morgan-stern, a gentleman of an enlarged intelligence. The congregation is presided over by J. Morganstorn, whose desire it is to elevate the body over whioh he presides to tho standard due to an American Hebrew congregation, Besides the Soldier's Aid Sooiety, whioh I notioed before, being supported by tho Hobrow ladies of this oity, our friends also have a Hebrew Benevolent Sooiety, under the lead of H.

Oppenheimer. the presiding officer, for the support of the poor and needy. Nearly every member of the PROGRESS OF LIBERALISM 1ST AUSTRIA. is a long time sinco wo discussed Austrian affairs; but tho stream of events has in the meanwhile flowed on. Tho changes wrought by it in Austria woro slow yol steady, hardly attracting attention whon viewed singly, but in tho aggregate inoro than noteworthy.

Whon wo last cast glance at Austria, the horizon was exceedingly dark. Abroad bIio was engaged in a tremendous war. The campaign in Italy tried her strength to tho utmost. Defeat ia the field Becincd to forbode insurrection in her own dominions. Yet a little while, and Hungary would have risen again in arms.

At homo thero was evory-where doop discontent, rcaly to break forth in acts of violence now that tho military disasters had humbled the arrogance of an over-weening and pampered army, destroyed tho confidence of a haughty oninarilla leaning for support exclusively upon the soldier's bruto forco, and had clearly shown the hollownes, of the system upon which it was sought to base the Government. It was a period when Austria stood isolated, when civil and roligious oppression had extinguished evory iipark of sympathy for her in liberal Europo, and whon the unfortunato Concordat a few years previously concludod with tho Pope could not but exasperate her non-Catholic inhabitants, whilo causing profound dissatisfaction to tho very large enlightened portion of tho Catholio population. Austria's credit then was at its lowest ebb, her influence ns a great power annihilated. Doop gloom overspread the land. There sho lay prostrate, bleeding horself to death at a thousand pores; there she lay, a giant bleeding from tho wounds inflicted on herself in a fit of blind fury.

Recovery seemed all but hopeless. Sad as was this period for all races inhabiting tho empire, it was saddest for the Jewish. The fanatio Government of the day seemed to have singled out tho defenseless Jewish people as the speoial objeet of its persecution- Right after right was withdrawn from them, nnd restriction after restriction imposod. They were forbidden to hold landed property, and were on the point of again being imprisoned in ghettos. The persecution of Jews, it was publioly taught, was a pleasing act in tbe sight of the God of the Christians, and princes and princesses attended the discourses of bigoted monks, who vohemontly denounced toleration as a crime, and on religious grounds urged the oppression of the Jews.

The peiiod of the Italian war was also that of the. bight of Jewish persecution. While sixteen thousand Jews fought and bled on the battlefields in defense of this detestable system, the mothers, wives, and sisters of these sol- Letters of an Israelite. LETTER XV. from tub same to tub sank.

Dear Isaacs: The prophecy in our sacred books to which the Nnzarenes attach the greatest importance, is that of Isaiah, whore ho says, Bo-hold the young woman hath conceived and shall boar a son, and shall call his name lmmanuol." To find out Jesus of Nazareth in this prediction, it is first of all necessary to bo convinced that this young woman is Mary. Next, it is necessary not to entertain a doubt whether Immanuel be the samo with Jesns. It has been objected, and will always be objected against this prophecy, that it is sufficient to read tho whole chapter of Isaiah, from whenoe the passage is taken, to be satisfied that the prophet has in view Ahaz, king of Judnh. This prince is there represented as in oonsternation on account of the arrival of Rezin and Pelah, kings of Syria and Israel, who, with their united armies, threatened his dominions. Isaiah encourages him, by representing that he had forces sufficient, and that the Lord would assist him.

To givo hissovereignmore confidence, Isaiah assures him that ho has only to ask a sign, which Ahaz at first doolines. Bit the prophet, wishing to convince him, tells him, Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign," Now the ohapter following in forms us who this young woman was: she was the wife of Isaiah himself; "I took unto me (says he) faithful witnesses, and I Isaiah vii, 14. I is also a member of this beriev- olont society. No Israelite ia this plaoe is. reduoed to begging poverty, as help is rendered him in due season..