Shemini. Morais, Sabato. Undated
- Title
- Shemini. Morais, Sabato. Undated
- Author
- Morais, Sabato
- Format
- 3 pages on 1 sheet
- Language(s)
- English
- Source
- Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies
- Sabato Morais Collection, Box 9, Folder 21
- Has Format
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p34f1n42q/manifest.json
- Link to Colenda
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p34f1n42q
- Provenance
- Transfer of Custody from the Hebrew Education Society, 10 March 1913.
- Is Format Of
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/judaicadh/morais/main/TEI/SMBx9FF21_1.xml
- content
-
For Shemini
Lord God! Truly the advice of Thy pious Pslamist, is an infusion of Thy Divinity, that spoke through his lips. No event in this transitory life, should excite immoderate joy. Even the feelings of exultation experienced at the attaining of spiritual greatness, should be held under healthful restraint. Self-glorification will not waver in faith, if tried in the crucible of human afflictions. Yes: O everlasting Parent! we must "serve Thee with fear, and rejoice in trembling." For, earthly happiness is unstable and short lived. Extremely narrow is the passage which separates elevation from tribulation. But they who cleave unto Thee, shall glide smoothly over it, and suffer not the terrors it inspires. This lesson, so consolatory to us, frail mortals, is taught in Thy revealed book by the event which sorely tried the faith of Amram's elder son. The same hour which saw Thy ministering priest at the climax of glory, beheld also his utter desolation. In obedience to Thy ordinance, the emblematic ceremonies of his induction into office, had been performed. The precious ointment had descended upon his head. He was clothed in robes of imposing sanctity.
On his forehead brilliantly shone the insignia of his sacerdotal authority. The ear which was to open itself to Thy dictates, had been sprinkled with the blood of the devoted ram. The hand also, destined to offer sacrifices of atonement, and the foot that was to follow the way of righteousness, received a like purification. Seven days had he remained within the Sanctuary, in solemn seclusion to ponder on his all-important task. At length, Thou didst allow the godly Aaron to be invested with pontifical privileges. A heavenly brightness overspread his countenance, as he called down Thy blessing upon the people of Israel. Thy chosen witnesses shouted thrillingly at the manifestation of Thy celestial fire. But of a sudden was the prevailing joy dissipated. The fatal end which met the arrogant, who dared approach Thy altar without summons, wrapped in darkness a day that had arisen in splendour. The jubilant priest, changed into a mournfully bereaved father. Grant O Lord! that the in--stability of fortune, illustrated by that unpropitious occurrence, may keep us in lowliness amid exaltation. Grant that the exemplary resignation, evinced by the sainted Aaron, on the sad occasion experienced, may be copied by ourselves. May we, like him, acknowledge the justice of Thy decrees, and, like him,
remain unrepiningly silent, when Thy unsearchable will, tries our faith. May we sanctify Thy name among the Congregation, and bless the hand that chastens to improve. Repress O Eternal! our presumptuous inclinations, and we will not venture beyond the bounds set for our actions. Grant that contentment may uphold as in virtue, piety sweeten our exist--ance, and humility secure for us an everlasting reward, where happiness has no alloy, even in the land of living souls. Amen. - Identifier
- p34f1n42q
- identifier
- SMBx9FF21_1
Part of Shemini. Morais, Sabato. Undated
Morais, Sabato, “Shemini. Morais, Sabato. Undated”, Sabato Morais Digital Repository, accessed September 19, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/morais/item/91210