Letter from Isaac Leeser to
- Location(s)
- Philadelphia
- Format
- Letter. 1 page(s) on 1 sheet(s).
- Type
- Letter
- Language(s)
- English
- Physical Characteristics
- Unlined Paper
- Manuscript
- content
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Mr J L Moss having stated that Mr D. Samuel had requested him to say that Mr Samuel had written a note to the Polish congregation re-questing them to perform the subsequent funeral services at the house during the seven days, wherefore the Board adopted the following Preamble & resolutions
The Parnass having stated to the Board that Frederick Samuel a member of another congregation and not a seat-holder of this had died and that it was the wish of his family that he should be buried in our burial ground,
On motion of J. A. Phillips
Resolved That the Parnass be authorized to permit such interment on payment of one hundred Dollars and on the express condition that the funeral rites and morning & evening service for the seven days be performed by the Rev. Mr. Leeser according to our customs & not otherwise, & that a copy of this preamble & resolution be sent to the family of the deceased.
Lately Published
a new version of the Holy Scriptures from the original Hebrew in English
under the following Title
The Twenty-four Books
of the
Holy Scriptures
carefully translated
according to the Massoretic text, on the basis of the
English Version
and supplied with
short explanatory notes
by
Isaac Leeser (of Philadelphia)
This work forms an elegant quarto volume of 1011 pages printed in double columns, with large and clear types and on fine paper or as befitting comparison as regards its exterior appearances with my English publication. It will be sold at the following prices: In sheets or paper wrappers at $6.00; in plain sheep at $7.00; in sheep, gilt backs at $8.00; in plain morocco at $9; in half ? morocco at 10; in plain finished gilt edged morocco at 11; in extra finished gilt edged morocco at 12.
The translator to be has had much experience in various literary labors has had his attention direct for many years lost to the shortcomings of the common English or King James Bible Version, in view of the many important discourses on the meaning of words and phrases brought to light by the unremitting studies of both Jewish & critics critics for the last two hundred centuries. These labors have of late years been embodied in several new versions of the Old Testament Scriptures (so called) the only ones existing in the Hebrew language by many learned men in Germany, France, England, & Holland; and from the well known deep scholarship of German Theologians it will be apparent that these especially must
have labored faithfully and profitably in this important field. The translator flattering himself that his general acquaintance with Hebrew, German & English reaches him at least not more unfitted than any other person in this country from succeeding in this difficult field, has accordingly ventured to preface a new English version founded on the same general principles of interpretation elaborated elsewhere, without at the dame time having altogether the basis of the common translation in use in America & England. He has however not copied any authorities, but has himself endeavored to judge for himself, and has carefully weighed differ-ent opinions as far as his ability to do so extends. He will not assert that he has escaped error, but he can assure with truth that he has endeavored to do his full duty in the process?.
The following kind critique of the book is contained in the July number of the Princeton Review, added by the Rev. Charles Hodge D. D. of the presbyterian church, the only journalist to whom a presentation copy was furnished.
Philadelphia Sep. 20. 1854.
My address is Isaac Leeser Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia May 2nd 5598
Dear Uncle.
Mr. Hays I understand is going down to Baltimore tomorrow; I take therefore the opportunity to write you, as I have done so for several weeks past. On Sunday of last week I sent you a paper containing a notice of my books, which I presume you obtained through the post office. On Monday at six oclock I started for New York, and met Dr. Cohen the next day at ? Noah's office, he doubtfully told you that he had seen me. I remained in New York till Thursday evening five o'clock when I returned hither and arrived not untill near four o'clock, owing to some accident to the tender in consequence of which another engine had to be sent for from Amboy, which detained us till near eleven before we got fairly under weigh, whereas we ought to have been near Philadelphia at that time. I collected about four hundred Dollars in N. York, and I have accordingly to return in a few weeks when I hope to get the remainder. People are not yet ready to settle, although I have given them so long credit. But I must consider that times have been uncommonly hard and people find it difficult to meet their ordinary engagements;—Mr. ?as appears well, and looks quite stout and hearty. I was at Mr. Kursheedt's and Mr ? B. Hart desired to be particularly remembered to you. They seemed quite well. David Seiner has returned from Jamaica, he has ? very thin, though is otherwise well. I met Elkalah for the first time since she left Virginia, she certainly is greatly altered in her looks and this not for the better.—I spoke to but few in relation ?
? I should like to ask your opinion upon many other points from time to time, if you would permit me, to address you occasionally what I trust you will grant me, and I assure you, that you shall never need blame yourself for the favour granted.—If you can conveniently do it, please to make your reply in English, that it may be extensively circulated.—Answer this if you can by the earliest packet, since not I alone but many other persons are anxious for your opinion.
I have seen with pleasure that Mr De Sola has undertaken a new edition of the Portuguese service, since the books formerly found by David Levy is are not now to be had any more though often inquired after. Two years ago I wanted to undertake the same labour myself, but a sever illness, the small-pox, kept me confined for several months, and my health has ever since continued too bad to permit me to undertake so heavy a task. Having been thus myself prevented by the hand of God from accomplishing my design, I am glad to see it under-taken by one who I hope is fully capable to do justice to the work. If it is well done, I shall rejoice that it has been accomplished, and shall on my endeavours, feeble as they are, to forward the author's design. If you think proper you may communicate this to him, altho' I have never had the pleasure of hearing any thing about him, till I heard of his prospectus some weeks since from a bookseller of eminence, who belongs to our congregation, and not till this morning was the prospectus itself placed in my hands.—
I am afraid I have detained you too long, particularly by matters not relevant to my inquiries, if so I beg you to excuse me; and to forgive the errors if a stranger, who speaks to a father and teacher in Israel; whom he would gladly personally see & know. May our God preserve you many years in health and prosperity, and may there never be wanting one in your family to sit on the seat of judgment in Israel Hebrew
Isaac Leeser
Part of Letter from Isaac Leeser to
“Letter from Isaac Leeser to”, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 20, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/65570