Theological lectures. Morais, Sabato. Philadelphia, PA. Undated
- Title
- Theological lectures. Morais, Sabato. Philadelphia, PA. Undated
- Author
- Morais, Sabato
- Format
- 31 pages on 11 sheets
- Language(s)
- English
- Source
- Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies
- Sabato Morais Collection, Box 13, Folder 10
- Has Format
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p3dr2pv4g/manifest.json
- Link to Colenda
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3dr2pv4g
- Provenance
- Transfer of Custody from the Hebrew Education Society, 10 March 1913.
- Is Format Of
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/judaicadh/morais/main/TEI/SMBx13FF10_9.xml
- content
-
A few remarks on the duties incumbent on Israel
With trepidation I ascend this pulpit to address you my Dear Brethren on this sacred day--with excessive fear I approach a place from which men distinguished by talent and wisdoms have often imparted to you the truths of our holy religion--with dread I am seized, when I consider that I, inexperienced as I am, have undertaken a task, which requires deeper knowledge, greater eloquence and purer lips than I possess.
But amidst all these uncertainties one idea encourages-- yea--animates me to proceed--that if I lack talent, eloquence and erdut erudition, the deep love which I feel for you, will supply me with words--that if I am, through ignorance, incapacitated from equalling others in the choice of terms adapted to the subject, those will issue out of my mouth
will most sincerely represent the inmost sentiments of my heart, and above all convince you that in venturing upon so arduous a matter as this, no other incentive guides me than to consecrate my feeble understanding to the glory of the Lord God of Israel [Hebrew] [Hebrew]
And He (the Lord) said to Abram, know thou that thy seed shall be strange in a land which is not theirs, and there they will be afflicted and subjugated four hundred years--but the nation whom they shall serve I will Judge and afterwards shall come out with much property Is there any human creature who feels not touched at the misery of his fellow-being when fatal destiny levels his condition with that of the brute? Is there any human creature, who seeing the sublimest work of the Lord depressed and trampled upon, has not been
moved with commiseration towards that unfortunate, and has not strongly desired to break asunder the fetters which bound him? Oh! how wretched and degrading is it, to that being created in the image of God, to bow that front on which is written in indelible characters Thou shalt rule over all which is under heaven! How ignoble for that mind, which can, as it were, traverse the boundless realms of space and fathom the depths of science, to sink under material labour!
When this noble work of the Lord loses the precious gift of liberty, when his neighbour bids him "Bow down at thy soul, that we may go over it," when man from a free agent is turned into a mere machine, he descends from the rank in which nature had stationed him, he ceases from looking upon himself as a part of that whole, which constitutes
Mankind, all his efforts tend, not to please his Maker but him who can dispose of his life. The yoke bows his head, he cannot raise his eyes above, he only sees objects whom he has learnt to deem the issue of a different nature, he no longer adores God, he only fears man.
In this abject condition were our ancestors under the scourge of Egypt, when the Lord heard their cries, and their groans form under the rod of tyranny reached his throne. He remembered the covenant made with Abraham, and from the waters of the Nile he drew forth their predestined liberator. The daughter of Pharow saw him exposed on the banks of the river, and in spite of the iniquitous order promulgated by her father (that all male children of the Hebrew
should be given a prey to the waves) she could not resist the inward voice which powerfully enjoined her to save his life. Moses bred up in the court of Pharow did not imbibe the pernicious maxims which prevailed there. Although he did not share the burdens of his brethren, he beheld with noble indignation their bondage, and his love for the sons of his people, soon caused him to be exiled from that court, in which he had hitherto mixed with the princes of Mizraim and her sages, to become a servant to Jethro the Medianite.
But the hour for the emancipation of the Hebrews was near at hand, and Moses was the man to whom the great mission was entrusted.
The impure lips of the Monarch of Egypt blasphemed "he lifted up his eyes on high against the holy One
of Israel" he rivetted still more strongly the chains which bound the afflicted seed of Abraham, he subjected them to harder labour and more cruel inflictions, saying in his heart, who shall wrest them from my hand? "But Egypt is man and not God" says the prophet [Hebrew]--The fetters of iron became like stubble at the rebuke of God and that hand which held them so tightly, was compelled to forego its hold, when the arrows of the Almighty struck it.
Ten times did the wondrous deeds of Heaven make havoc in the land of Ham, and ten times its sovereign and its inhabitants refused to sh submit. "Come no more into my presence, for the day that thou comest before me, thou shalt die" such were the words of the tyrant to the man of God,
unaware of the dreadful punishment which impended over his doomed empire. The same might, death, which without discrimination multiplied its victims among them Egyptians, recalled Pharow to his senses. The mandate which he had years before, so cruelly issued, recoiled upon himself. He saw babes even of his people dy perish by thousands and by tens of thousands in a single night, and had no other resort than to send for him, whom he had so lately and with so much contumely driven out of his palace. It was that very night that the pillar of fire showed Israel the way out of slavery and guided them on the path of freedom, leaving their inveterate foes mourning and awailing. But death could only for a moment abate the
stubbornness of Mizraim. As soon as its terrifying scythe had ceased to reap its harvest among them, they saw with envy and anger a people whom for centuries they had held in subjection, marching with rapid strides under the banner of liberty. "Let us pursue them, they said, "we will overtake them, and share the booty." On the shore of the Red-Sea, they found a power more formi--dable than any earthly army they had ever encountered--of the Lord of hosts who fought for his people-- Pharow and his subjects had inhumanly drowned the innocent sucklings of Israel, and Pharow and his vassals were engrafted engulphed in the watery abyss. The offspring of Abraham saw the waters divide at their approach,
and as suddenly close over the bodies of their pursuing enemies.
Thus, was completed that glorious salvation, predicted to him who first adored the true God, four hundred years before it was fulfilled.
With the circumstances which I have just narrated you are all familiar, I have only briefly alluded to them, in order to humbly draw some deductions which naturally arise therefrom.
Now, were we while pondering on these supernatural events which marked our enfranchisement from Egyptian thraldom, to ask ourselves, why has Israel been denominated the chosen people, why to them alone has the Deity vouchsafed to evince so many irrefragable proofs of his love--we would find
an explicit answer in the words of the Prophet [Hebrew] "I have declared and saved, I have shown it, when no strange God was among you, therefore ye are my witnesses, says the Lord, that I am God. In these concise but forcible words of Isaiah we find the solution of all our queries.-- Whether in the East, or in the West, in the North or in the South, we are the witnesses of God's immeasurable power. In what places soever it may please Him that we be sojourners, we are [Hebrew] the work of his hands which attests his glory.
And indeed, what nation of the earth can than Israel better testify the magnificence of the Lord? What people can than Israel better attest the glory of the Creator? While obscurity covered
the earth, and the people were involved in thick darkness, the Sun of truth shone brightly before the eyes of our ancestors.--while nations that had attained the highest degree of knowledge, remained fettered in the chains of error, our fore-fathers acquired at once physical and moral emancipation-- while they suffered their sons and their daughters to be immolated as victims to Molock and Milcow, Israel had learnt to adore the One only God, father of all created.
And when we recall to our memory, the words of our sages, can we any longer entertain doubts touching the mission intrusted to us by the Almighty? "Beloved are Israel, they say, to whom was given a valuable instrument, but that love was
surpassing, which made it known that to them had been given this valuable instrument, wherewith the world was created [Hebrew]--[Hebrew] Yes, my brethren, to us was this valuable instrument (the law) intrusted, to us that we might use it for the benefit, for the enlightenment, for the consolation of all mankind. This precious instrument which is the means of attaining temporal and spiritual felicity, the Almighty has deigned to commit to our guardianship. To maintain the promise made to the patriarch Abraham, he selected us to be the depository of that knowledge, which diffused throughout the world will incontestably one day produce its beneficial effects over
the whole human race.
For happiness, in adversity, in exile, in martyrdom we have a noble a sacred office to discharge. In happiness we will fulfil the office intrusted to us, by jealously preserving the treasure confided to our vigilance, by keeping it unaltered as He is unalterable from whom it emanates. Our praise-worthy conduct will be emulated by all nations, who shall say--[Hebrew] "Certainly this great nation is a wise and an understanding people" In adversity, we will fulfil it, by enduring with resignation the inflictions of the Almighty, by blessing that hand, which even like the hand of the father, who chastises his sons, punishes to correct. In exile, our submission to the will of our Celestial Father, our unflinching adherence to his blessed laws,
our unshaken fidelity to those precepts that, in the midst of all our vicissitudes are a real comfort to our hearts, the memory of that lofty mission which we are bound to accomplish in every climate in every region, the consciousness that although derided, scorned, trampled on, we are yet those in whom eventually "all the nations of the earth shall be blessed," will infuse in us so much fortitude, so much energy, to convince all our brethren the offspring of Adam, of the truth which we profess, of the principles that are our sole guide and standard wherever wer sojourn.
In martyrdom, we will perform the design with which we were selected from all people, we will be the witnesses of our God and Father, by meeting
death with cheerfulness, to sanctify his holy name "All nations shall understand, that I am God, says the Lord, when I shall be sanctified by you in their eyes"--The greatest token of gratitude that we can evince towards the Almighty, for the glorious and beneficent purpose to which he has destined our lives, is, when required by his inscrutable orders, to sacrifice, with serenity of mind, with unmoved resignation, our bodies to the development of that sublimest knowledge confided to our care. Yes, to become martyrs for the noblest of all causes--for the triumph of truth over falsehood.--The pages which narrates the history of our nation teem with the blood of those illustrious martyrs, who inspired by these same feelings, when put to the terrible alternative
of choosing between the most cruel torments, and the denial of their faith, when placed between glorious death and ignominious life, did not hesitate to embrace the former, thus teaching man, with what a superna--tural power the Almighty can endue his creature, who promptly offers himself to his sacred service [Hebrew] [Hebrew] [Hebrew] [Hebrew] We read in the talmud treatise Berachat "When the hour arrived for Rabby Hackibà, to perish, amongst others, as a victim of his attachment to the law of god, it was the time of for reading the [Hebrew]--The instruments of iron which tore his flesh, were incapable of diverting his mind from his God.--He read the [Hebrew]--
His disciples astounded at so much fortitude and religious perseverance, evinced supprise. The Rabby said unto them. I have all my days longed to prove that I do love God more than I love life, now that the moment of trial is arrived shall I not prove my faith by dying for it? He continued the recital of [Hebrew]--with his last breath avouching the unity of God.--But history teaches us also that that martyrdom has never proved sterile--men die, but ideas are eternal, as eternal is He who endowed his creatures with the faculty of conceiving them. On the soil washed by the blood of martyrs, they fructify, they grow fast, and like the fabulous poenix pass through the fire unscathed, receiving new vigour and new youth. Truth may be persecuted, anathematized, but if upheld with heroic efforts, it cannot fail to irradiate the
whole human race.
It is incumbent on us then to uphold the truth of which we are the heirs and trustees. Like the apple of the eye, it behoves us, O congregation of Jacob! to keep the heritage of our fathers, that we may transmit it in its integrity, when they happy day predicted by the prophet shall come to pass "that the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea [Hebrew]--
We are then the basis of that broad edifice, under the roof of which, all mankind will resort and find a shelter; and as such ought we not to join hand in hand in brotherly love? Ought we not convinced as we are of the truth of God's holy law imparted to us, and to us solely, devoutly to consecrate our lives
to the practise of the duties contained therein? We (if I be allowed this trivial comparison) like the miser who assiduously watches over the heap of gold, that he has accumulated, and who he is never fatigued by reckoning it lest it be lessened, must unremittingly watch over this treasure (the holy law) confided to us, and indefetegably attend to the various rites that it prescribes. These rites, which were enacted with the view of diverting our minds from sin, while occupied in the worship of God Almighty, these rites instituted to perpetuate in every breast a feeling of reverence and awe towards our Divine Protector, if we were to minutely consider we would also discover in them the source of every domestic enjoyment.--Let us for a moment, dwell upon those which are observed in the present
festival.--Every head of a family in his respective house, surrounded by objects dear to his soul, sits at table, to be not to gratify his appetites, but to recall to the minds of them around him, by the very eatables, which his fatherly hand distributes among them, the manifold favours of the Deity in behalf of his chosen people.--All which he sees bears testimony of the Lord's imperishable decree that the offspring of Abraham should keep these holy days, throughout their generation for an everlasting statute. The belief that he professes, he inculcates on his children He expounds to them the wondrous circumstances which occasioned the observance of these rites; he explains to them their own origin, their eventful history and the mission they have to fulfil.
He makes his children partakers of the Divine Grace, by initiating them in his holy service.
Thus they early learn to regard him as the author of their temporal spiritual as well as temporal felicity. Betimes, they are impressed with a sense of love mixed with fear, of esteem and gratitude for him, who nourishes both their bodies and souls.--for him whose anxious cares tend to conciliate in their favor the affection of God and men Their demeanour towards their parent, is not a blind submission to his orders, which decreases with years, and sometimes becomes a real apathy, but it is an eagerness in fulfilling his desires, in evincing with anabated exertion their thankfulness to him. Hence an intercourse of reciprocal friendship, if I may call it so, is formed between father and son, each vying with the other in the discharge of his duties.--Union and concord
Vice are promoted among the various members of the family. Vice cannot display its heinous sway over them, for they have fenced themselves with a powerful buckler--religion and virtue.
Thus, my dear brethren, does the strict performance of those external forms, which may apparently be deemed of minor importance, contribute in a very efficacious mode to the internal happiness of families.
To them also we are indebted for our unchanged national--ity throughout a long series of dreadful persecutions; and they moreover remind us of that most essential object which we ought constantly to keep in mind while performing them any action--namely love and gratitude towards our Creator and Father.--So long as this feeling swells our breasts, so long as it
governs our actions, we cannot sin, we cannot do wrong, it infallibly leads to righteousness and conse--quently to real happiness. For who is truly happy but he who in investigating the inmost recesses of his hearts, discovers that all his actions have been directed by the love of God." It is to foster this divine love, which is conducive to our temporal and eternal felicity that most of the commandments of the law are intend--ed--and gratitude which is but a step to love is obviously and explicitly declared to be the object of all the sacred rites attached to the present festivals.
And by our sincerely acting in accordance with them, we will surely hasten the glorious moment vaticinated by the prophet Zechariah "When many people and mighty nations (recognizing the truth of our holy religion) shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to address to
Him their prayers and supplications.-- [Hebrew] [Hebrew]
Dear Children
I cannot allow this day of recreation to elapse without addressing to you a few words which I trust you will listen to with an attentive ear, in order that on quitting this spot, you may be impressed with a higher notion touching your day's diversion than that you had when you repaired to it; in order that amidst your amusements you may not forget your duties towards God and men, the performance of which must be as it were the hinge on which all human actions must turn.--I read on your countenances the pleasure that this day has afforded you, whilst indulging in innocent sports and honest pastime--I rejoice at it. But do you know to whom you are indebted for it, what is the object of it, and what it behoves you to do after it? These three points on which I purpose to detain you a few moments, will form the theme of my short address. I need it unecessary to dwell at length on the first, your own eyes see here, witnessing your sports some of those generous individuals, who with indefetigable exterior continue to procure you not only a religious and civil education
not only a supply for your wants by stretching forth their chari--table hand to the appeal of your parents when in need, but they moreover grant you occasionally a holiday, which you may entirely devote to the refreshment of your minds and bodies.--It is to them, it is to their liberality then that you owe the relaxation which you have enjoyed this day. The second point, that is the know--ledge of the object which this holiday has, I will briefly ex--pound to you. Two principal faculties distinguish man from irrational animals--speech and reason. These two gifts with which the Almighty endued the first Man, and which have reverted to his offspring, are the source of all noble enjoyments. They place us in the loftiest rank of the creation,--through the former (speech) we communi--cate with our fellow-beings, open with them an intercourse of mutual love, understand their griefs griefs and endeavour to sooth them. The latter (reason) is, if I be allowed this comparison, the pillar of fire which must enlighten us in obscurity and lead us securely through the vicissitudes that we may undergo during our life time. It is a counsellor that the Deity has infused within us, that it may
advise us, and curb the impetuous emotions of the heart, which is sometimes liable to lead us astray. It hence we infer the necessity of consulting it incessantly, and again to let all our doings proceed from an accurate examination of it. Our food, our sleep, our work, our sports, yes, even our sports must be directed by reason. It will teach us that these actions which alternately perform, must tend to a sole purpose, that their drift must be a but a compact one,--that of preserving a sound body and mind to be able to serve our Celestial father by a continual practice of his dictates. It is this idea which I desire to inculcate in your minds, so that amidst your amusements you should never forget the object of them, which is the same that those generous persons who have afford them to you, have in view. Let the day of rest be followed by many days of unremit--ting study, strive with the best means with which the Almighty has gifted you to advance in your learning, earnestly endeavour to become a useful members of society at large, and you will be worthy of the care spent upon you. The third and last point which remains to be discussed, concerns the obligations incumbent on you towards your
superiors and benefactors. A long discourse, would not suffice to acquainted you to with them, for they are sundry and diverse in nature, but as I lack time, because I promised I would not detain you long, to dilate on every one of them, I will remind you of one, of the most essential, of that which I repute as the key that opens the door to the fulfilment of all others. I mean gratitude. Just consider an instant what would have befallen you, when you first saw the light, if your parents had abandoned you, if at your first cries your mother had not eagerly opened her breast to satisfy your wants. Death would have been the sure conse--quence, yet that death, believe me, were preferable to a life dragged on as irrational beings, devoted devoid of any rudiment of knowledge, and consequently incapable of elevating itself above the sensual habits which we in common in other animals. Greatly is to be pitied that unhappy man who has not received education, but on the other hand he is extremely to be blamed, who has slighted it when he had opportunity to attain it.
He renounces the endowments of nature, degrades himself in the presence of his fellow-creatures, and above all insults with so disgraceful a demeanour that beneficent Being, who has so liberally conferred on him the blessing of intellect. I doubt not but you will admit as well as I, that such a conduct would justly draw upon us general contempt, and that whoever should refractorily pursue this untoward course, would deserve severe punishments, but it is not sufficient to discern the evil, we must be continually on our guard to eschew it lest once insinuated into our mind it lead us into a way of error and vice.
And how can you avoid it, but through a sound edu--cation, such as you receive in your respective schools? Sublime is then, my dear children, the charity bestowed upon you, for it averts sin from you, it affords you the means of honestly earning your daily maintenance, and it makes of you useful members of society. And ought you not to acknowledge this benefit, ought you not in fervent prayer to beseech Almighty God to pour over
your superiors a shower of [?] an everlasting bliss happiness. Oh yes, I will join you, in this over-flowing of you sincere feelings, and in our sacred tongue crave the aid of God over you and over your benefactors.
The hebrew prayer follows - Identifier
- p3dr2pv4g
- identifier
- SMBx13FF10_9
Part of Theological lectures. Morais, Sabato. Philadelphia, PA. Undated
Morais, Sabato, “Theological lectures. Morais, Sabato. Philadelphia, PA. Undated”, Sabato Morais Digital Repository, accessed September 19, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/morais/item/91272