Letter to Isaac Leeser
- Contributor
- Isaac Leeser
- Format
- Letter. 4 page(s) on 2 sheet(s).
- Letter
- Type
- Letter
- Language(s)
- English
- Has Format
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p35h7c96v/manifest.json
- Physical Characteristics
- Unlined Paper
- Wax Seal
- Fragment
- Manuscript
- content
-
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compared time with eternity—the shortness of the one- the never ending duration of the other? Have you ever compared the vain, fleeting, and transitory pleasures of this life, with the permanent, unchanging, and unchangable joys of Heaven? Who holds, or can hold the goods of this world by any certain tenure? Riches take unto themselves wings, and fly away—the glory, and honors of this world are proverbially evanescent. The tender Parent, the prattling babe, the loved, and chosen bride of our heart, may in an instant be taken from us, and we be left like the blasted and withered trunk of some noble tree, whose green, and spreading beauties have been shattered, and scathed by the lightenings of Heaven. It is then I repeat clearly a matter of interest that we should prize and seek after the things of Eternity, and not of time. The daily reading of God's holy word with a prayerful heart—an habitual obedience to his commands—the restraining our passions by proper self denial, and the practice of charity and other virtues, are the aids and appliances by which we may lay up treasures for Eternity. Do these things, and peace, and tranquillity will be our lot, here, and hereafter. They will give us an impenitrable shield against the ills, and the privations, and vexations of life. They will teach us to regard them as the mere trials upon our faith—as the crucible through which we
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must pass, to prepare, and refine us for the higher and holier joys of Heaven.
“Is there no balm in Gilead—Is there no physician there.” These questions are not asked doubtingly, as is manifested by the Prophet immediately exclaiming, “Why then is not the health of the daugh=ter of my people recovered.” And well, and feelingly might he ask the question, for why should there be any moral ailment in Israel, when the possess the living God as their Physician, and His blessed revelation from which they may draw a balm for every wound. In these degenerate days it is too common to hear Israelites say, that our religion wants spirit and that there is something sooth==ing in the idea of a redeemer, and mediator.
This is rank blasphemy when uttered by Jewish lips. The lack of spirit in the heart of the blasphemer, who raises his voice against that religion, which God has himself established for his chosen people. Hast thou read thy bible oh! Vain, and foolish son of Israel? Alas I fear not, or thou wouldst have known that all of lofty piety, pure morality, and extended charity which is found in the book of Christs Apostles is but copied from our own, and holy Bible. “why then is not the health of the daughter of” “my people recovered”? For there is balm in Gilead—there is a Physician there—God is that
Physician, who will form balm into our wounded hearts, and will heal all of our transgressions. He is our Redeemer, our De=liverer—our Saviour. Look unto Him then Oh! House of Israel and be ye saved.
Israel needs no other Redeemer than the Son of Hosts, who spoke to Moses on the Mount and revealed to him His sacred will—“The Lord's hand is not shortened that” “it can not save, neither his ear hears” “that he can not hear.” Isaiah 49 Ch. 1N. We want no Mediator—the tender mercies of the Lord are ever ready to be formed forth upon his repentant children.
“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found.”
“Call ye upon Him while He is near”
“Let the wicked forsake his way and”
“the unrighteous man his thoughts; and”
“let him return unto the Lord, and He”
“will have mercy upon him, and unto”
“our God, for He will abundantly pardon”
Isaiah 55 Ch. 5 & 7 vs. ?
The Revd. Isaac Leeser
Philadelphia
Penn.
Part of Letter to Isaac Leeser
“Letter to Isaac Leeser”, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 7, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/67262