M URi- iPAIGN THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU, &c. VOL. I. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU, AND OTHER INTERESTING NARRATIVES, IMMEDIATELY CONNECTED WITH JEWISH CUSTOMS, DOMESTIC AND RELIGIOUS, WITH iSipIatiatorg Kotw. BY THE AUTHOR OF " SOPHIA DE LISSAU," <' EMMA DE LISSAU," &c. a- IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: T*TTT1TTST-I'F'T) T5V T. GARDINER & SON, PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH square; SOLD ALSO BY THE AUTHOR, SOUTH VALE, BLACKHEATH. MDCCCXXX. B. & S. GARDINER, PRINTERS, 248, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD. Q ^ id 7i ^ r -h 1 ^ i ^/ CONTENTS ^9 VOL. I. ^; THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. REMARKS ON FILIAL OBEDIENCE. THE WIDOW AND HER SON. PREFACE. The deep and increasing interest felt for the Jewish People, and their peculiar situation at this momentous period, when their spiritual and temporal circumstances are, in an especial man- ner, brought before the Public, both by the re- ligious and political world, though with views essentially differing, will, it is hoped, render the minute details of the customs, opinions, and habits of this interesting people, as depicted in the following pages, neither unuseful nor unac- ceptable. And the rather as, notwithstanding all that has hitherto appeared on this subject, many, even of the religious world, are but slightly acquainted with the opinions, prejudices, and habits, of a people tenacious of their tra- ditional observances, and guarded in the expres- sion of their real views, in all pertaining to reli- gion, when they are brought in contact with Christians. ii PREFACE. The following Narratives are authentic. The Explanatory Notes illustrating, in the simplest form, Judaism, as it is in the present day, are drawn from eminent Jewish authorities, and are held in the highest veneration by Jews in general. To the candour of an enlightened and gene- rous Public these pages are respectfully com- mitted. The Author offers no apology for a defective style of composition, incident to a neg- lected education. She ventures to hope it will be passed over indulgently, in consideration of the high end she has in view. May the Divine blessing accompany that view, and the present labour of her hands, and give it acceptance with all v»'ho love the Lord in sincerity and truth ! Blackheath, May 5, 1830. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU, &c. &c. CHAPTER I. THE ORPHANS OF LISSATJ. The very interesting details of various Missionaries, sent into Poland by the Lon- don Society for the Conversion of the Jews, within the last few years, to the children of Israel inhabiting that country, have, in a pe- culiar manner, attracted towards them the sympathy and attention of the friends of God's ancient people in England, and excited a spirit of prayer in their behalf. The bigotry of the Polish Jews, — their en- mity to Christianity, — their strict adherence 2 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. to traditions and legends, — and their blind devotion, and servile submission to, their pre- siding Rabbins and eminent men, — forai a melancholy and affecting portrait of this *^ peeled natiorij' who, cleaving vv^ith incon- ceivable tenacity to their cherished fables, customs, and religious observances, drawn, not from the " written word," but from that blind guide the Talmud, imbibe, from their very cradles, an abhorrence of Christianity; so inveterate, so decided, and so powerful, that it is not too much to assert, nothing- short of the almighty influence of ^e Eter- nal Spirit can soften and subjugate their rocky hearts and adamantine prejudices. Christians, who have only observed or communed with English Jews, can hardly conceive of the contrast between the ani- mated Polish Jew, zealous, devout, and de- voted to, what he firmly holds to be the only way of salvation, and his degenerate apa- thetic English brethren. The difference must be seen to be fully or properly appre- ciated. Perhaps the detached manner in which Jews reside in England, and their more frequent and familiar association with THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 3 their Gentile neighbours, may have contri- buted to destroy much of their original cha- racter and locality, without removing their hereditary aversion to Christianity ; but in Poland, where the Jews inhabit their own quarter, and only mix with Gentiles for com- merce, their distinct character is more clearly defined, and the peculiar spectacle they there present of '^ a nation within a nation" is at once plainly distinguished and acknowledged. The Jews of Poland, however, though still powerful, exhibit but a very faint shadow of what they v/ere before Poland ceased to be a distinct monarchy. In those days, they enjoyed privileges so great, that they were enabled to govern their respective communities with despotic sway ; and their unbounded influence with the no- bility and local authorities invested the pre- siding Rabbins and elders with the power of life and death, in many cases, among their brethren. In this plenitude of power, there- fore, any bias towards apostacy was vigilantly observed, and silently, but effectually, extin- guished, without regard either to the en- dearing ties of nature or the common rights b2 4 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAtJ. of humanity ; and the decisions of the Jewish vestry never failed to be allowed and sanc- tioned by the higher powers, if any were hardy enough to dispute with, or appeal from them. How many tragic scenes of this description, though enacted in secresy and veiled in darkness, will the last day reveal ! The true church has had her martyrs, even among the Polish Jews ; who, though they were not made manifest on earth, are, with- out doubt, enrolled in the holy list of the " noble armies of martyrs" now in glory. Some of them arCy however, recorded among men ; and the following authentic narrative is extracted from the journals of a departed relative. It is a faithful and affecting deli- neation of intolerance and cruelty, aided by power. Happily, in these more auspicious days, though this spirit of intolerance and bigotry is almost, if not altogether, as preva- lent, it is no longer strengthened by power so unlimited ; and the Christian philanthro- pist rejoices to see that, even among a people so decidedly hostile to the adorable Redeemer, here and there is gathered a berry from " the topmost bough," as a precious and delightful THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. O earnest of the glorious epoch when captive Israel shall find favour, and Jev^ and Gentile be for ever united in one holy fold, under one great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, the alone Saviour. May God, of his infinite compassion and goodness, hasten the time predicted by the prophet Amos. Chap ix, verse II. " In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruinsy and I will build it as in the days of old.'* In the early part of the last century, the populous town of Lissau, (or, as some write it, Lissa), situated in the then palatinate of Posnania, was visited by an epidemic disease of the most destructive description. Whole families and districts were swept away by it in rapid succession ; but no where v^^as its de- vastating fury so awfully manifested as in the extended and crowded Jewish quarter. The number of families residing beneath the same roof, and not unfrequently in the same chamber, their neglect of cleanliness, and the miserable state of their close, narrow streets, in many parts utterly impassable, except on b3 O THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. planks thrown at intervals across them, gave a fearful impetus to the surrounding conta- gion, and its progress was truly appalling ! At first, medical assistance, such as could be procured among themselves, was called in to arrest the calamity, but the Jewish physi- cians were among its early victims. Reli- gious rites were next resorted to, in addition to the usual medicines ; and such Rabbins as either presided over communities, or were eminent for personal sanctity, the practice of austere fasts, or the possession of mystic learning, were applied to. They refused not the perilous employ, and might be seen pass- ing from house to house, amidst the sick and the dying, using the spells and singular ex- orcisms of the Cabala, suspending about the persons of the infected, and on the doors and walls of their habitations, vellum scrolls, on which were inscribed mysterious hierogly- phics, designedby cabalistic rules, and firmly believed on as possessing power to arrest or avert the continued progress of either fire, pestilence, or famine ! Perhaps no view taken cf the Jews can place them in a more debasing light, than THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 7 the subjugation of their minds to a rehance on the wild magical pretensions of cabalistic powers, or the no less absurd belief in, and preference of, Rabbinical legends, to the pure written w^ord. It may indeed be said, " How has the fine gold become dim ?" But the hand of the Lord is visible in it, of a truth. They will not receive the miracles of Jesus, himself a miracle of love, grace, and mercy. They are therefore for a time " given up to strong delusions, that they maij believe a lie." But though at present led captive by Satan at his will, Jehovah will send them a " Saviour, and a great one," who will break the bands from the neck of Sion, and she shall worship her Lord " in the beautif of holiness" for ever and ever ! What a striking scene did the Jewish dis- trict of Lissau present at this calamitous pe- riod ! The synagogue filled with mourners of each sex, and every age and description, weeping before the veil in the bitterness of despair, and keeping the seven days of mourning for their departed relatives within its walls, — the chief rabbins and elders, at- tenuated by fasting, and pale with grief and 8 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. fatigue ; their garments rent ; their beards and hair neglected ; their phylacteries constantly bound about their foreheads and on their hands ; the long white Taleth, or outer gar- ment of fringes, flowing over their heads and round their persons in disorder, giving them an air wild and unearthly, — the wailing of the sick, — the continually reiterated death- cry of " Hear, O Israel !" about the beds of the dying, — the agonizing shrieks of the heart-stricken survivors, — messengers of the synagogue bearing the dead in indiscriminate heaps to the almost overflowing cemetery, without any attempt to perform the funeral rites, held so sacred by this people on all other occasions, — altogether combined to form a picture of desolation and terror inde- scribable ! These scenes, so faintly depicted, continued several weeks, without any prospect of abate- ment. At length, the miserable survivors, whose number was daily decreasing, held a solemn council with the elders still spared to them. The whole assembly fasted, and, after repeating some of the prayers appro- priated to the day of atonement, proceeded to THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 9 consider the matter, and unanimously decid- ed to abandon the devoted town, and take up their temporary abode in an immense forest, not very distant, yet sufficiently so, to be free from infection, where they could construct tents for immediate use, and patiently await the assuagement of an evil which, the elders declared, was indicative of the fierce indig- nation of Jehovah for their iniquities, seeing the frightful malady would neither yield to " prayer, penitence, nor alms giving, gener- ally propitiatory in their effects; and was even unconquerable by the potent adjura- tions of the sacred Cabala ! The day following this decision, all the Jews able to bear the journey quitted Lissau. Without its walls were stationed the li^ht covered waggons destined to convey them to the appointed spot, with their moveables, collected in haste, and consisting only of, such as were absolutely indispensable. Rabbi Samuel ben David, their chief Rabbi, with his wife Ella, and their daugh- ter Clara, led the melancholy cavalcade. The men wore their burial garments, in to- ken of deep humiliation ; the women were 10 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. clothed in white, without ornaments, as on the day of atonement, when they lay them aside with scrupulous care ; * their garments were rent, and mourning veils concealed their faces. A solemn silence reigned throughout this sad procession, except as it was occa- sionally broken by the suppressed sobs and wailing of those among them who were wi- dows, orphans, or childless. It was, in truth, a touching spectacle of human misery, unmi- tigated by those divine consolations of the Holy Spirit, that not only soften the most terrible earthly events to Christian believ- ers, but also makes them " more than con- querors, through Him that hath loved them,'" For the grace, love, and compassion of the Lord Jesus are always most magnified, and abound to his glory, amidst scenes of crea- ture weakness and sufferino\ This was the * At the celebration of the Yom Kipur, or Day of Atone- ment, on which is observed a solemn fast, the Jewish females assemble in the synagogue, attired in white garments, em- blematic of purity, which they seek to obtain by their peni- tential observance cf this holy day : and lay aside their jewels and trinkets of gold, that they may not remind the Supreme Being, whose anger they hope to propitiate and avert, of the sin of the golden calf, made by Aaron the high priest, from ornaments of that description. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 11 experience of St. Paul. 2 Corinthians xii, 9, 10; and it is verified to all the family of faith, when called to glorify God in the fires. In a few days the poor fugitives were set- tled in their temporary encampment, in a very tolerable manner, and felt their present situation more endurable, as it was the very height of the summer season — a fleeting, but most delightful period, in northern climes. The forest afforded much that was useful in their isolated state, particularly excellent wild honey, with which it abounded. CHAPTER II. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU — CONTINUED. As soon as the little comnmnity had com- pleted their arrangements, they devoted them- selves to the most extraordinary acts of su- pererogatory austerities, among which were fasts, continued until nature all but sunk under their protracted rigor. Neither sex nor age were allowed to be exceptions from these severe observances, as in ordinary cases; and, as the fearful malady entirely ceased from among them, the Rabbins encouraged, both by precept and example, a steady per- severance in acts which, they asserted, were evidently accepted as propitiatory sacrifices THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 13 well pleasing to the Holy One of Israel, whom they had so greatly provoked by their mani- fold iniquities ! The presiding Rabbi had partaken largely of the sorrows of the people, whom he go- verned with equity and paternal mildness. Of twelve dutiful and affectionate children, his daughter alone had survived the epide- mic scourge. In one week he had seen eleven sons, and their families, buried in the deep pits, or places where the infected bodies were then cast, in the state they had depart- ed. The husband of his only daughter was also among the victims of this dreadful visi- tation ; and when they reached the forest, she approached the period of her confine- ment in a state of health, mental and perso- nal, that gave little reason to expect she would long survive the partner of her affec- tions. This young widow was an object of inte- rest and sympathy to the whole encampment. Many of the people seemed to forget, for a time, their own sorrows, in their generous anxiety to alleviate those of Clara, and pro- cure for her every possible accommodation 14 THE ORPHANS OF LTSSAU. and comfort. Her father, Rabbi Samuel, was indeed highly esteemed and beloved by the whole community ; and his wife, the daughter of one of the most eminent Rab- bins and Cabalists of Prague, was classed among the holiest women of her day, and no less valued for the benevolence of her character. This afflicted pair bore their af- fecting bereavements with singular equani- mity, though devotedly attached to their children ; and set before the people, in their own persons, an example of resignation and fortitude, worthy of imitation, had it origi- nated in a higher source. As the interestinof moment of Clara's fate drew near, her tender father passed whole nights alone, in a retired part of the forest, in fervent prayer for the preservation of this last, and most beloved child. Ella also ob- served rigorous fasts; and the whole assem- bly, touched by the paternal piety of their chief, set apart a day for strict abstinence and solemn prayer for the same purpose. The accuser of the brethren is never a more dangerous opponent than when, to work his guileful purposes of soul destruc- THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 15 tion, he is transformed as an angel of light ! Open and avowed sin cannot veil its native deformity from the eye, even while the en- snared heart falls by it. How frequently error, while wearing the garb of truth, has led the believer in Jesus astray, let his own experience testify. One of the great means by which Satan is permitted to blind the eyes, and delude the hearts of the Jewish nation, and shut them up in unbelief until the appointed time, is the stedfast reliance they place on the efficacy of prayer in averting evil, atoning for transgres- sion, either original or actual, and as one great mean of accelerating, and even secur- ing, salvation, and possessing power to open the gates of heaven to such as have not at- tained perfect purity in this life, and are therefore detained in an intermediate state, or purgatory ! The prayer termed Caudish, and repeated by sons eleven months for their deceased parents, has its origin in a tradition- ary legend, grounded on the latter statement. It is, however, an undoubted and awful truth, and the Jewish nation would do well to give it their most serious consideration, c2 16 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. that there is neither spirit, hfe, nor power, in what they call prayer. They do, indeed, daily, and often during the day, recite a form of prayer, but yet they pray not. Prayer is a spiritual act, and, to deserve the name, and be acceptable to, and accepted of, the Majesty of Heaven, must be offered accord- ing to His revealed will, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and in the all prevalent name of Christ Jesus the Lord. But the Jews have not obeyed the will of God, as it is revealed in the face of His Anointed ; the veil is not removed from their hearts ; they are not, therefore, under the Spirit's gracious teaching, — believe not in the all prevailing name of the Lord Jesus ; — they cannot, in consequence of their state of alienation from the truth, offer acceptable prayer, though they may recite forms, which, in the ears of Jehovah, are as the howHng of dogs, and shall profit them nothing. May the Lord, in his infinite mercy, open their eyes to be- hold the vanity and fruitless toil of their wearisome will- worship, and purify and re- new their hearts, to serve Him in spirit and in truth ! THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 17 Christian reader! you who «re, through grace, renewed by the Spirit, and have a saving interest in the great Redeemer, when you approach the mercy seat, see that ymi use not a vain form, but make your suppU- cations to your heavenly Father by Christ Jesus, in godly simplicity^ sincerity, and truth. Notwithstanding^ the sincere, thouo;h mis- taken, means resorted to for procuring the re- covery of Clara, the fiat had gone forth from Him with whom are the issues of life and death ; she lingered till the first day of the solemn festival of the Jewish new year, and then expired, after giving birth to a female infant, which, with her dying breath, she named — Gertrude. The lone nook in the forest, which so often witnessed the prayers of Rabbi Samuel on behalf of his daughter, was the spot selected for her grave, and she was buried there with great solemnity. Her infant, which gave promise of being a healthy babe, w^as caressed and cherished by all the community ; and the amiable Rabbi and his wife received her c3 18 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. as a gift from heaven, to be the solace of their dechning days. The seven days of mourning for Clara had just closed, when a similar catastrophe oc- curred in this afflicted community. I sola, the sister of Clara's husband, had also lost her parents, husband, and two children, in the late calamity ; but the death of Clara af- fected her more deeply than any other be- reavement. They had been tenderly attached to each other from earliest infancy ; born under the same roof, they had continued to reside together even after their respective marriages, and were seldom apart a single day. While Clara still continued to exist, Isola watched over her with intense interest, though unfit for the anxious duty, being also near her own confinement; and when this beloved friend expired, Tsola calmly expres- sed her conviction that she should soon fol- low her. As if to fulfil her own prediction, she only survived the birth of a son three days. When Isola found herdissolution approach- ing, she requested to see Rabbi Samuel and his wife Ella. The venerable pair promptly THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 19 complied with the affecting summons. Their garments were rent, in token of their late loss, and their tears streamed afresh, as they drew near the deathbed of one whom they had loved next to their own Clara. After a few words of consolation to her afflicted friends, Isola, in solemn and pathetic terms, commended to their immediate protection her infant son; and earnestly besought them, should the orphan babes survive, to unite her son, whom she named Raphael, to the daughter of Clara, as a memorial of the per- fect friendship that had ever subsisted be- tween their departed mothers. " And bury me," she added, " close to the grave of Clara, that, as in life we were united, so even in death we may not be divided." The requests, so aifectingly preferred by the dying young mother, were at once acced- ed to ; and, delivering her child to his adop- ted parents, she was left, by her own desire, to perform the last ceremonies of a Jewish deathbed ; adding another to the sad number of those deluded souls who pass into eternity clothed in their own miserable rags of self- righteousness, and looking for salvation to their 20 THE ORPHANS of liss^su. own corrupt works. Oh ! for the time when *' He that icas, and is, and is to come" shall shine into the benighted hearts of the ancient people, and give them the Christ-discerning eye and ear; and the unbelieving Jew and nominal Christian be renewed in their souls, to worship the Lord and his Christ, ^^ from the rising of the sim to the going doivn thereof," even for evermore. The day after Isola's interview with the chief Rabbi, her mortal remains were depo- sited in a grave close to that of Clara. When - the funeral rites had been duly observed, the orphan babes w^ere solemnly betrothed to each other on that sad spot, and in the pre- sence of the congregation. It was a singu- lar and affecting scene ; congratulations and the voice of weeping mingling together, and seemed prophetic of the events that chequered the destiny of the babes thus united. At the close of autunm, the welcome news arrived that the epidemic disease had entirely ceased at Lissau, and the people prepared to return. A day of thanksgiving was cele- brated in the forest, previous to their remo- val; and a rude monument of wood, on which THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 2] was carved the names, ages, and premature fate of I sola and Clara, placed over the spot that covered their ashes. The entry of the Jewish exiles into Lissau formed a striking contest to the manner in which they had abandoned it. Alighting from their waggons at its entrance, they walked, as before, in procession, with the chief Rabbi at their head; but now they wore their festival garments, of fine velvet or rich silk, and sang Hosanna, bearing in their hands the branches of palm and myrtle, and the costly citrons recently used at the feast of tabernacles. There was not a family among them that had not lost one or more of its members; and there were many widows and orphans in the gay train ; but private grief seemed to be merged, for the moment, in public joy, and sorrow seemed to wear its semblance amidst the excitement of the pre- sent scene. Rabbi Samuel, ever ready to in- dulge his flock, named the first day of the ap- proaching new moon as a kind of jubilee, to ce- lebrate this memorable time of healing mercy. It was observed by the people in the synagogue^ with every possible demonstration of joy. 22 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. zeal, and devotion. Musical instruments * were admitted on this peculiar occasion, and allowed to accompany the voices of the singers, which gave more effect to the beau- tiful national melodies. Innumerable wax tapers, the gifts of female devotees, blazed in all directions, and especially before the splendid veil, embroidered by the same hands, and used only on high festivals. The rolls of the law, clad in their most splendid vest- ments, were carried round the synagogue in triumphal procession by chosen elders, while the whole assembly joined in singing praises to the Most High. At the close of the ser- vice, and after the solemn benediction of the priests. Rabbi Samuel requested the people would adjourn to the vestry, v/here • Musical instruments, which formed so conspicuous a part of the temple worship, and the various names of which are enumerated by the royal Psalmist, who calls on the people to use them to sound the high praises of God, are no longer used by the Jewish peojjle in synagogue worship. They are in captivity. But, on peculiar occasions, such as dedicating a place of worship, or on its anniversaries, they admit musical instruments. It may be in the memory of some, that such an occurrence took place within the last twenty years, at the great Synagogue in London, and which was honoured by the presence of the royal Dukes. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 23 he distributed money and raiment to all who needed it. He then granted to the whole community a dispensation, for a certain pe- riod, from several religious observances, not considered essential, to which he added a license, allowing the free use of cards for one week ! ^ On announcing the latter in- dulgence, the joy of the females, in particu- lar, became almost ungovernable ; the vestry resounded with their lively acclamations, — that vestry in which, in after times, more than one sorrowful scene was enacted, and where an assembly was convened, not as now, for purposes of charity or kindness, but to per- petrate deeds of bigotry, unavenged indeed on earth, but not unnoted by the Majesty of Heaven. * So great was the eagerness and passionate devotion of the Polish Jews, and more pardcularly the females, to the diversion of cards, that the Rabbins found it necessary to place limits to this absorbing and destructive pursuit, by strict enactments against it. They allowed cards to be used only on new moons, the intermediate days of the festivals of Passover and Tabernacles, or when any person bad occa- jsion to be let blood ! The latter clause often gained invete- rate card players an evening's indulgence, at what they con- sidered Q trivial expense. CHAPTER III. THE ORPHANS OF LFSSAU — CONTINUED The betrothed orphans remained together, under the care of Rabbi Samuel and his wife Ella, until they had com})leted their third year. Seldom had two lovelier infants been seen, though in person and disposition en- tirely dissimilar. The strongly marked, ani- mated features, and sparkling black eyes of Raphael, were indicative of that spirit and energy which afterwards characterised him, and had already began 'to develope itself. Gertrude was unusually fair and delicate, with pale auburn hair, and soft blue eyes; contrasting strongly wiih the dark and viva- cious character usual to Jewish female beauty. In manner, she was gentle, retiring, and THE OUrHAIsS OF LISSAU. 25 thoughtful, even to melancholy; and her light and noiseless step, as she glided about the house, seemed to make the wild, riotous, bounding of Raphael more conspicuous. Nevertheless, the children loved each other tenderly ; and almost the first tears of sorrow Gertrude shed were when separated from Raphael, who, after the repeated solicitations of a near relative, presiding Rabbi at Thorn, was sent by Rabbi Samuel to him to edu- cate ; stipulating only, that he should return, at the age of sixteen, to espouse his affianced bride, according to the habits of the Polish Jews, who encourage early marriage, though the custom is very frequently productive of much poverty and connubial infelicity among them. After the departure of I sola's son, Ella devoted herself, in an especial manner, to the religious education of Gertrude ; if that could be termed religious instruction, in which the written word of God formed no part. Female observances, apportioned to them by traditional law, (that intolerable yoke !) formed the basis of Gertrude's ac- quirements. Her docile mind received Ella's D 26 THE ORPHAKS OF LISSAU. lessons with submission, and the ascetic austerities practised by her venerable grand- mother made a great impression on her feel- ings, which naturally tended to superstitious enthusiasm ; and she began, at a very early period, to evince in her conduct the effect of Ella's example. As Gertrude advanced in years, her know- ledge of this description, and the practical use she made of it, w^as the admiration of all who observed her; and she was consid- ered a bright model of devotion, piety, and zeal, for the young women of Lissau, who looked up to her as a superior being, and, influenced by her persuasions, imitated, in a degree, the number and fervour of her super- erogatory devotional acts. At twelve years of age, instead of sharing in the usual recreations of her sex and youth, Gertrude might be constantly seen among the aged and devout matrons, sharing their religious employments; which, however tri- vial or varied, were of importance, as they had deorees of merit attached to them, of which they w^ere assured of receiving the earnest, even in this life, and the full wages THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 27 m a blissful eternity. Reading or hearing the sacred Scriptures formed no part of these sanctified works, which, indeed, were of a very different description ; such as beating out, on little wooden blocks, with small metal hammers, the veins of clean ani- mals, duly killed according to Rabbinical law, and forming them into thread, indispen pensable in sewing the phylacteries, and joining the skins used to form the rolls for the pentateuch, and prophetical writings for synagogue worship, — tying the mystic knots in the worsted threads attached to the Arba, Confus, or four cornered garment worn under the vest, and in daily use at morning prayers among the men, — making the Taleth, or garment of fringes, bordered with blue, and necessary in all public worship, — embroid- ering in flowers of silk, and gold, and silver phylactery bags, covers for the Sabbath' bread, veils for the synagogue, circumcision mantles, and splendid robes, edged with silver bells, for the rolls of the law, — makino- shrouds for the dead, and burial robes, cu- riously embroidered, to be worn by devout Rabbins in the synagogue, at all solemn fes- d2 28 TIIR ORPHANS OF LISSAU. tivals. Great importance is attached to the voluntary performance of these acts, which are not obligatory, as are the female obser- vauces of ablutions, making Sabbath bread, separating its tythe, lighting the Sabbath lamps, with many others. Gertrude was a.lso frequently employed in whatwere deemed minor acts of mercy; such as attending the sick, working for the poor, visiting the mourners, drawing water, and carrying burdens for the aged, or lighting memorial lamps for such as died childless. In the long winter evenings, so severe in that country, Gertrude used to assemble her young companions around the stove in her grandmother's apartment, and while Ella and the ancient matrons who resorted there be- guiled the time by reciting Jewish legends of the most marvellous and romantic descrip- tion, and the still more marvellous tales of cabalistic miracles, rivalling in their nature the magic records of Arabian enchantments, the maidens, as they listened, stripped, with dexterity and speed, the down from goose- feathers, and laid it in heaps, to fill beds, on which a prince need not disdain to repose. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. *:y This employment, though in itself so home- ly and uninviting, was also among works of merit. The beds, thus prepared, w^ere dis- tributed by Ella to such couples, on the eve of marriage, as were in indigent circum- stances, and required her benevolent assist- ance ; nor was the gift a trivial one, for each bed was accompanied by a lighter one, cased in chintz cotton, used in that cold climate as a coverlet; and, by the Jewish law, two beds of each kind was rendered necessary for every couple. The only relaxation Gertrude allowed her- self from these perpetual rounds of religious and benevolent observances, w^as on the after- noon of the Sabbath day, when it was the custom of the unmarried females to w^alk, in a kind of procession, through Lissau into the open country to breathe the pure air, during the summer months. The young single men also walked at the same time, and in the same manner; but the sexes kept strictly apart from each other, merely saluting as they passed along. These groups of Jev^ish maidens, arrayed in their holiday attire, in all the gay pride of D 3 30 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. health and beauty, were calculated to remind the Christian spectator of the daughters of Zion, alluded to by the prophet Isaiah, Chap. iii. The resemblance between the ancient and modern Jewesses was but too striking ; there was the same love of splendid array, and the same ignorance of divine truth. These modern daug^hters of Israel were at- tired in boddices and skirts of silk or velvet, edged at the throat with costly lace, or cu- rious embroidery in gold and silver flowers. Their silken ringlets, for which the Polisii Jews are remarkable, were confined at the back of the head, in the oriental fashion, by a bodkin of pearls or jewels, fastened by a gold Maltese chain of expensive woikman- ship. But the most singular part of their ornaments was the girdle and neck-chain : these were composed of gold ducats, bent over broad ribbon, and forming a part of their wedding portion. The number and value of these coins was a constant source of rivalry among them, as were also the lemon and sprig of myrtle which they carried in their hands ; expensive articles in that cold climate, — to obtain them large, handsome, THE ORPHANS OV LISSAU. 31 and fresh, was an important affair to the Jewish belles of Lissau. The constitutional sadness of Gertrude would often display itself, even during walks avowedly taken for what is termed pleasure. She possessed almost unbounded influence over the hearts and minds of her young com- panions ; and it was her delight to employ it in inculcating lessons of Jewish piety, moral virtue, and the perishing nature of all mere earthly enjoyments. She would also paint, in vivid colours, the paradise reserved for those of the true faith, — but alas ! Gertrude herself knew it not ; the veil of Moses was on her heart, — the truth was hid from her eyes. Oh Thou who art " the Truth, the Wai/, and the Lifej' the ancient people pe- rish for lack of knowledge ! Arise, Shepherd of Israel, Thou that dwellest between the che- rubims, shine forth; take unto thee thy o-reat power, and reign in the hearts of the pre- served of Israel for ever and ever ! There lay, in their walks, two spots to which Gertrude loved to allure her compa- nions, when they were disposed to listen to her addresses ; one was a Roman Catholic 32 The orphans of lissau. convent of monks : there she would speak of the Nazarene heresy, of which she only knew what the Jewish matrons had taught her, but that, hke them, she cordially hated. The other was the vast burial ground of her nation. The children's graves in this place were pointed out by wooden cradles placed on them, instead of monuments; and the vast number of them seemed to give additional weight to the w^ords of Gertrude, as she dwelt on the certainty of death ; his indis- criminate ravages among all ages and both sexes ; and the consequent necessity of ensu- ring salvation, by the number of meritorious works, enjoined by the Kabbins as powerful auxiliaries, with the mercy of God, in ob- taining it. These lectures, delivered with fervour and sincerity, frequently so much affected her auditors, that many, who had left home full of giddy levity, returned thi- ther sad, abstracted, and eager to soften, in religious observances, the feelings so pain- fully excited. Such was Gertrude, when Raphael re- turned to Lissau, to fulfil the marriage- con- tract. Rabbi Samuel had originally destined THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 33 him to be educated as his own successor over the congregation at Lissau, but the necessary- studies were intolerably irksome to Raphael, and in consequence had long been abandon- ed by the indulgent Rabbi. As some pro- fession, was, however, necessary, the boy had been placed, at his own request, with an opulent Jewish trader, (who regularly at- tended the great annual fairs of Leipsig and Frankfort with valuable furs, jewellery and other costly merchandise), that he might ac- quire the Jewish mode of traffic among the Gentiles, Raphael had passed the previous three years with this merchant, and, during the last twelve months, had accompanied him in his journies ; acquitting himself so satis- factorily, that he w^as dismissed with a libe- ral present. Three months from the return of Raphael was the period fixed for his marriage. Hap- pily, the young pair felt no objection to com- plete the contract made for them in infancy, as is frequently the case. It was, how- ever, observed, that Raphael, though he com- mitted no flagrant breach of his religious 34 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. duties, yet evinced no great zeal or anima- tion in their performance. He even ventured to betray impatience, when some of the aged devotees pressed on him their advice, or at- tempted to instruct him in various supersti- tious observances, relative to his approaching marriage ; and, more than once, though with a smiling air, between jest and earnest, he rallied Gertrude on her devout habits, and excessive solicitude to obey the most minute and trivial ceremonials of Jewish tradition. This light turn of mind was, of course, unpleasant to the friends of Ger- trude ; but as it had been settled that the young couple were to reside with Rabbi Samuel, that Gertrude might be under his protection during the frequent journies of her husband, it was hoped he would be- nefit by the godly example of the Rabbi and his wife. Gertrude herself was far from satisfied with Raphael's religious views ; but, with the rest, she felt willing to hope that he might, in time, be won to think more correctly or these important matters, under the dady influence of the devotion he would be surrounded by. We THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 35 easily hope and believe what we earnestly desire ; and Gertrude had not the slightest suspicion that the man to whom she was about to be united was indifferent to the legendary part of Judaism, — but such w^as the fact. The first faint spark of divine light and truth had actually fallen on his heart, and beamed on his mind, though the unconscious object of sovereign grace and love as yet discerned it not. During the last twelve months, his em- ployer had been detained, by temporary in- disposition, at a large town in Germany, in the course of which time he deputed Raphael to wait, in his stead, on an English family travelling for health, and who w ere desirous of purchasing some valuable furs. Pending the negotiation, Raphael attended this family frequently; and a young lady who accom- panied them entered, more than once, into conversation with the young Jew on religious subjects. She found him in a state of care- less indifference as to Jewish ceremonies, or, indeed, spiritual knowledge of any descrip- tion, but nevertheless tolerably well acquain- ted with the Old Testament, which he had 33 THE ORPHANS OF LI5SAU. read both in Hebrew and German. What method she took to instruct him was never known ; but, after events proved, beyond a doubt, that at this period, and by the instru- mentaUty of this christian female, the first germ of precious seed, destined to bring forth fruit unto eternal life, was cast into his heart, and fastened there, as " a nail in a sure place" When they parted, she gave him a German Bible, containing also the New Tes- tament. In its fly-leaf, he afterwards wrote these particulars, among others, but, at the time, put it up without a perusal ; nor was it opened by him until some time after he be- came the husband of Gertrude. >«*«<=■ CHAPTER IV. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU CONTINUED. Gertrude was carefully instructed by her fond grandmother in the manifold reli- gious duties of a Jewish wife; and Ella se- vered, with her own hands, the clustering ringlets of her hair, and taught her to ar- range the somewhat singular coif, then worn by Jewish matrons in Poland. Rabbi Samuel paid, in advance, a liberal portion with Gertrude, in addition to her va- luable girdle and neck-chain, that Raphael might commence his mercantile pursuits with every prospect of ultimate success ; though he ceased not to regret that the son of Isola would never rise to the dignity of a E 38 THE OEPHANS OF LISSAU. learned Rabbi. In these sentiments both Ella and the bride largely shared. At length the day of their espousals ar- rived. Great preparations had been made to celebrate it with splendour. The nume- rous guests vied with each other in the value of their nuptial gifts, to a young pair so nearly related to their chief Rabbi, and no less interesting as the son and daughter of Isola and Clara. The sun of that bridal morn seemed to rise with more than usual brilliancy ; but what so fleeting and mutable as human bliss ? Alas! that sun set amidst a scene of mourning, lamentation, and woe. The nuptial feast was prepared, and in- tended to be kept at the house of Rabbi Sa- muel, which was close to the synagogue ; but the benediction was appointed to be given in the vestry of the synagogue, where the wedding canopy was set up, and thither the bridal procession moved, preceded by music, as is customary, and followed by the usual hired attendants '^ * It is considered a work of merit to assist at weddings, and cause the newly married pair to rejoice. Among the Polish Jews, where the nuptial feast is continued for several days, it is the custom to hire mimics or jesters for this pur- pose, who make sport for the guests. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 39 Ella appeared to be more than usually agitated, and became exceeding pale, as she assisted to adjust the bridal veil on the head of Gertrude. She cast a wild and eager glance round the vestry, and her bosom seemed to labour with feelings too mighty for utterance ; but her evident emotion, though it excited sympathy, caused little surprise, as it was attributed by all present to her recollection of the time when, in the same spot, she had performed the like affec- ting duty for her only and beloved departed daughter. From whatsoever source the anguish of Ella arose, she explained it not, either by word or gesture; but, rousing herself by a strong internal effort, with assumed compo- sure she led Gertrude beneath the nuptial canopy. During the ceremony, she stood in a fixed attitude, and her lips were ob- served to move in secret prayer ; but at the close, when in the act of embracing the young bride, and in the midst of the lively congratulations of surrounding friends, she gave one piercing cry, and fell a corpse at Gertrude's feet ! e2 40 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. The consternation, the grief, that followed this catastrophe is too affecting for de- scription. By a peculiar and striking dis- pensation of Providence, death seemed des- tined to mingle in the leading events of the lives of this youthful pair. They were born amidst scenes of calamity and death ; — they were betrothed to each other at the close of a funeral, and in the view of newly filled graves, the graves of their mothers; — and now, their very bridal procession, which had set forward with music, joy, and gladness, returned silent, witli rent garments, in the train of the dead ! This mournful event fell heavily on the aged Rabbi Samuel. Nevertheless, his wonted resignation and fortitude did not wholly forsake him ; and he generously re- strained his own anguish, that he might soothe the passionate sorrow of Gertrude, and the more quiet, but not less deep, grief of Raphael. When the thirty days of mourning were over, and something like composure was re- stored to the habitation of Rabbi Samuel, those around him perceived hoiu deeply his THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 41 spirit had been wounded by the late bereave- ment. His first public act was to assemble his congregation in the synagogue, resign his office of presiding Rabbi, and announce to them that he had made a solemn vow to close his earthly pilgrimage at Jerusalem ! The tears and entreaties of his beloved grand- children, and the supplications of his flock, though they rent his heart, were unavailing; he wept with them, but remained inflexibly fixed to his purpose. Preparatory to his departure, the good Rabbi divided his property in three parts. The largest portion he compelled Raphael to receive. The next in value he bestowed, with his own hands, among the poor ; and the third, and least part, he reserved for his journey to, and maintenance in, the holy city. The Rabbi bestowed his parting benedic- tion on his family and the people in the ves- try of the synagogue. There he had tasted the latest and bitterest sorrow of his che- quered existence, for there he had seen the wife of his bosom suddenly snatched from him, without warning, or the least mitigat- e3 42 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. ing circumstance ^. His valedictory address on that affecting spot, was peculiarly solemn and touching. From thence, he proceeded on his journey, refusing to enter again that habitation he now abandoned for ever. He was accompanied by twelve aged men, who had determined to cast in their lot with their venerated chief Kabbi, and proceed with him to Jerusalem; a resolution not un- common among bio;oted foreio:n Jews of that period. A mistaken devotion alone could thus influence them. The holy city, in its present state of division and desolation, pre- sented no temporal allurements. It could not even promise the pilgrims personal secu- rity. The native Jews were in a state of mi- * The Jews consider sudden death as a great calamity, and constantly supplicate to be preserved from it. It pre- vents the death-bed preparation, so important in tlieir view, and cuts off the subjects of it from aeknowled^incr the unity of Jehovah with their last breath, which they vainly imagine distinguishes them from the Nazareni^'s Whereas, the Jew, having lost the true knowledge of God, and not being able to discern the mystery of a perfect unity in the glorious Trinity, worships he knows not what The time, however, draws nig'i, when the veil shall be withdrawn for ever, and all shall know the Lord, from the greatest to the least. How consolatory is this hope to the Christian lovers of the ancient people ! THE ORPHANS OP LISSAU. 43 serable degradation, and strangers seldom lived long in that desolate spot. Neverthe- less, these disadvantages, though well-known, seemed to act rather as a stimulus than other- wise, on the Rabbi and his companions ; so powerful is enthusiasm, either political or religious, when suffered to gain an ascend- ancy over the human mind. The principal part of the people, foremost among whom was Raphael, conducted the pilgrims to the outskirts of Lissau ; and the final farewell was given and received, on both sides, with tears of unaffected sorrow. During this scene, Gertrude, dismissing her fem.ale friends, remained alone in the vestry, to offer, with a bursting heart, fer- vent supplications for the beloved parent her eyes had rested on for the last time. Bitter were the tears she shed on that melancholy spot ; yet, sad as were the dispensations she bewailed, they were as nothing, when com- pared with the trial that awaited her there at no very distant period. The future, how- ever, was in mercy veiled from her in pro- found darkness. Having closed her devo- tions, she quitted the vestry more composed, 44 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. and returned home to await the arrival of her husband. Rabbi Jonathan of Warsaw was chosen by the congregation to succeed the mild and tolerant Rabbi Samuel at Lissau. In many respects, the Rabbi, then about forty years of age, was the very reverse of his amiable predecessor. Gloomy, bigoted, devoted, in a peculiar manner, to Talmudic learning and traditions, and perfectly sincere in his austere and intolerant conceptions of Judaism, his very sincerity only tended to shut him up, more strictly, in his erroneous views of divine truth ; and his multiplied rigorous religious observances were productive of Pharisaic- pride and creature-righteousness. This deluded self-justifier commenced the exercise of his authority, as presiding Rabbi, by repealing the indulgences granted to the people by Rabbi Samuel, and which chiefly referred to voluntary observances. He then convened a meeting of the elders and heads of families, male and female, in the vestry of the synagogue, and delivered to them a long and impressive exhortation on the laxity of religion observable among them ; not, indeed, THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 45 as he freely admitted, in a moral point of view, but as it reaarded ceremonial obser- vances ; many failures in which he pointed out, makina: severe remarks on the ultimate consequence of such derehctions. He con- cluded by beseeching them to return to their duty, and to become strenuous adherents to the pure and holy law, and the sacred tra- ditions of the fathers, without which, he as- sured them, they could neither hope to re- ceive temporal blessings, nor attain final sal- vation ! The next step of the indefatigable Rabbi was to pay domiciliary visits to every fa- mily of his numerous flock ; examine into and reform their manner of performing their re- ligious domestic duties, and admonish them individually and collectively ; vehemently ex- horting them to the voluntary observance of long fasts, and other painful acts of will worship and supererogatory merit. Above all other subjects, however, the watchful eye of the Rabbi was directed to the detection and suppression of the slightest symptom among the people, not only of bias to, but even toleration of, Christianity in 46 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. their opinions. Never, perhaps, had our adorable Lord a more inveterate enemy than Rabbi Jonathan of Warsaw. So far did he carry his hatred of, and strong opposition to, the truth as it is in Jesus, that he had, for many years, set apart a day in every month, on which he observed a rigid fast, and offered a prayer, composed by himself for the ex- press occasion, supplicating the Majesty of Heaven to sweep away, with the besom of de- struction, and exterminate from the face of the earth, the defiled Nazarenes. And this he did in sincerity, and believed it to be an acceptable service ! Like the arch enemy of souls, and the blind Pharisees of all ages, and every denomi- nation, he revolted, in the pride and ignorance of his unrenewed heart, from the bare idea of worshipping one who came, meek and lowly, to serve and to suffer, veiling His ineffable glory in flesh ,* and wearing the garb of hu- • The immaculate nature of our adorable Lord's huma- nity is so clearly attested in holy writ, that it is equally as- tonishing and painful to witaess certain, in the present day, who profess to be Christians, daring to assert, viva voce, and through the medium of the press, the contrary. Surely ihry cannot have duly weighed the following plain texts : *< That holy thing which shall be born 0/ thee shall be called the Son oj God.'' Luke i, 35. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 47 miliation for the transgressions, original and actual, of His chosen ones ; to restore and redeem them by his law-fulfilling life, and sin-atoning death. It was not given to the self-righteous and proud in heart to penetrate this glorious mystery, and discern the Lord of life in Him who came to lay it down that his people might live. They looked for a Messiah according to their own haughty imaginations, expecting him to be arrayed in that gorgeous splendour on which alone " For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin." 2 Corintbiarjs V, 21. " In bim dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Colossians ii. 9. " In all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews iv, 15. " For such an High Priest became us, who is holt/j harmless^ undefiled, separatefrom sinners.^' Heb. vi, 26. " Christ, a lamb without blemish and without spot.*' 1 Peter i. 19. " Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.'f 1 Peter " He was manifested to take away our sins, and in him is no sin.'' lJohuiii,.5. These are only a few references on this important subject. It must be a device of Satan, to insinuate that the " Holy and the just One"" was other than pure, and wholly free from sin. To admit the reverse would not only be contradictory of plain Scripture, but blasphemous, and tending to sap the very basis of truth, as it is to be found unto salvation, in the name of" the holy child Jesus.*' 48 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. they placed any value ; and disregarding, or rather not comprehending, the predictions of the fathers and prophets, they knew not Him who is " the glory of the Father,'^ and " His express image, full of grace and truth,'' in the form of a servant. And so it is, even to this day, and will be to the end of time. These things are hid from their eyes. Nay, there are many, even among the followers of the Lamb, who love to hear of an exalted Redeemer, mighty to save, and reigning in majesty and glory, but are offended if much be said of the man Christ Jesus. Neverthe- less, what He %vas, and is, as the man, is of vast importance before Jehovah, and there- fore cannot be less so to His people. Chris- tian reader, pursue this deeply interesting subject, it is a profitable one. May the Holy Spirit of promise, whose gracious office it is to testify of Jesus, lead His beheving and beloved ones more and more into " the truth as it is in Him," and thus establish and build them up in their most holy faith ! How necessary is this to the Gentile Chris- tian who would preach Jesus to the ancient people. May it be given to them from on high. Amen I CHAPTER V. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU — CONTINUED. The house close to the synagogue, inha- bited by Rabbi Samuel, was attached to his office as presiding Rabbi. At his departure, therefore, his family removed from it, to make way for his successor; and as their new abode was situated at the farthest ex- tremity of the Jewish quarter, it was among the last visited by Rabbi Jonathan in his pastoral capacity. He was pleased to ex- press his approbation of Gertrude's religious observances in the most flattering terms, and exhorted her to persevere in acts that could not fail, he averred, to render her eminent on earth, and would also ensure her final admis- F 50 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. si on to the realms of eternal glory. With her husband, however, he was not so well pleased. His quick eye discerned certain irre- gularities, which, though in themselves very trivial, were not so in the severe judgement of Rabbi Jonathan, who considered the slight- est omission as tending to serious conse- quences. In the present case, Raphael's Tephilin, or phylacteries, were neither wound vip aright, nor placed properly in their silken receptacle. The worsted fringes attached to his Arba Canfus, or four-cornered garment, was not in due order, for some of its mystic knots were actually deranged and entangled^ — a proof, viewed in the most favourable light, that the wearer was careless, and not properly attentive to his religious duties. But, above all the rest, there was not a Me- zuzah * over, or on, the door-post of his store- room ! Rabbi Jonathan pointed out these * The Mezuzah is a small scroll of vellum, on which is written, in Hebrew characters, the following verhcs : Deut. vi, 4,-9. It is folded up lengthways, and inclosed in sheet lead, having a small square cut in it, in which glass is in- serted, that the word ' Shaddai' may be seen. It is nailed on the right-hand post of every door in the house, and pious Jews salute it as they pass in or out. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 51 failures, and commented on them with sharp- ness, as indicative of indifference, very unbe- coming the head of a Jewish household, and tending to lead him to the commission of sins that would endanger his final salvation. After this lecture, delivered with angry earnestness, the Rabbi, understanding that Raphael was in possession of a license, allow- ing him to kill poultry, a privilege of great importance to a Jewish traveller, (who, other- wise, would frequently be much incommoded for want of animal food during long journies) demanded to see his license and Chalaf, or slaughtering knife. As it was necessary that the license should be countersigned by the present chief Rabbi, Raphael, though greatly disgusted by his ar-' rogant manner, immediately produced this important document, and, respectfully pla- cing his Chalaf in the Rabbi's hands, await- ed, in silence, the result of his examination. The knife used in slaying animals for Jewish food is not only manufactured of the best metal, but so exquisitely tempered, that the nicest tact is required to keep it in good order, on which peculiar stress is laid, as the f2 LIBRARY UWiVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 52 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. death wound must be given at once, the ope- rator not being allowed to repeat his stroke. A notch, small as the fine dust of the balance, is sufficient to disqualify; and many who can obtain a license for poultry are yet un- able to extend the privilege to cattle. These rules are arbitrary, and in all places rigidly enforced. The Rabbins who grant these licenses acquire, by experience, a delicacy of touch that will detect the most minute defect on the edge of the Chalaf ; and no indul- gence is ever granted to the defaulter; who, however, may have a fresh license, if, on re- examination, his knife be found in the order required. Gertrude, who had been much grieved at the previous reproof given to her husband, though she thought it a deserved one, watch- ed, in breathless anxiety, the Rabbi's exami- nation of the Chalaf. Her suspence was soon and unpleasantly terminated. The Rabbi, after a very minute inspection of the knife, returned it to Raphael with a clouded brow ; and his next act was, deliberately tearing in pieces the license signed by his predecessor. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 53 " Learn to prepare your Chalaf properly, Sir, before you presume to use it," said he, contemptuously ; " and when you have done so, and are really competent for the office you have undertaken, bring the knife to me, that I may decide whether your license shall be renewed." The haughty reprover then walked proudly from the house, forgetting, in his displea- sure, the courtesy due to the unoffending Gertrude. How minute, and apparently trivial, are many incidents which, in the hand of Om- nipotence, subserve important ends! The seemingly trifling dispute respecting the tempered edge of a knife, merely intended to be used in extinguishing the life of a fowl, (which the Rabbins, not the Scriptures, have made a religious rite,) had, nevertheless, a powerful and decisive influence on the des- tiny of this high-spirited young Jew; and formed an important link in the chain of his spiritual experience ! Completely disgusted by the overbearing conduct Rabbi Jonathan had displayed to- wards him, Raphael firmly resisted the ear- f3 54 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. nest in treaties of his wife to reset the Cha- laf, and present it once more for examination, Locking it up in his travelling case, he de- clared his determination to procure a fresh license of the presiding Rabbi of the first community among whom he halted, during his next journey ; and this in defiance of the haughty interdict of Rabbi Jonathan. Gertrude was unable to effect any altera- tion in her husband's resolution ; nor was she more successful when she besought him to attend, in future, more diligently to the other omissions which had so much annoyed the chief Rabbi. She therefore desisted, for the present, and redoubled her own austere observances, in order, in some slight measure to atone for Raphael's deficiencies ; and, in the native kindness and simplicity of her gentle spirit, ventured to hope time, her prayers and example, might win back and reform one whose conduct, in every other respect, was truly unexceptionable. The period of Raphael's departure at length arrived ; it was indeed a time of trial for Gertrude. The journey would occupy four long months ; and, ere they could hope THE ORPHANS OF USSAU. 55 to meet again, the endearing ties, and im- portant cares of maternity, would be added to her other duties. She saw him depart, therefore, with melancholy forebodings, streaming eyes, and an aching heart ; nor was Raphael less moved, though he endea- voured to conceal his emotion, and might, perhaps, have succeeded, had not his tears dropped on her pale cheek, as he tenderly folded her to his bosom, and, with assumed gaiety, bade her farewell. When the lapse of a few days had restored Gertrude to somewhat of her wonted com- posure, and she began to resume her accus- tomed domestic duties, how greatly was she dismayed on discovering that her husband had actually left his phylacteries behind him, — an omission, in her opinion, of the most inauspicious description. To avert the evil omen it indicated, Gertrude kept a so- lemn fast, and dispatched a special messen- ger after her husband with the phylacteries, and a letter containing a gentle, but earnest admonition, on the extreme carelessness dis- played in an omission of such vital impor- tance. 56 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. The journey of Raphael was extremely prosperous, and greatly accelerated the pe- riod of his return to Lissau. He was, how- ever, detained nearly a fortnight at a lone inn on the frontier of Poland, by an indispo- sition resulting from a severe cold, and which made rest indispensable to his recovery. To beguile the tedious hours of necessary, but irksome, cessation from his usual active pursuits, Raphael had recourse to the En- glish lady's gift, which he had brought with him. On carefully perusing it, he soon be- came deeply interested. The conduct of Rabbi Jonathan induced him at first to search the sacred pages for the laws respect- ing slaying animals for food. He had, it is true, read the Old Testament before, but might have overlooked it. On a minute pe- rusal of the Pentateuch, unincumbered by the heavy and contradictory commentaries used by the Jews, Raphael clearly perceived that traditionary law, and that of the Most High, were separate and distinct ; nor could he discern any basis, in the Scripture, on which to rest the origin of the many cere- THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 67 monial observances, asserted, by the Rab- bins, to be essential to salvation. From this dry and wearisome search, Ra- phael next proceeded to examine the New Testament. At first, however, such is the force of early associations and national pre- judices, he opened the hallowed book, or chart of our better inheritance, with timidity and caution, and actually felt as though he were guilty of a criminal act ! The name of Jesus, too, revolted his very heart, until he became a little familiarised to the so long de- spised sound. Soon, however, were these natural feelings, and all the faculties of his mind, absorbed in the divinely inspired re- cital of the life, miracles, sayings, and suffer- ings, of our adorable Lord. Judaism, and all the train of superstitious ceremonies by which the Rabbins have made the originally heavy yoke almost unbearable, vanished from his mind, while contemplating the record of Jesus. Many things he did not as yet com- prehend, but, nevertheless, received them as truth, without the least hesitation. He quit- ted the memorable inn, to proceed on his journey homewards, with valuable, though 58 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. confused views, of divine truth, and a mind freed, at once and for ever, from the galling shackles of Rabbinical traditions, and their consequent Pharisaic performances. From tlie day that Raphael, unquestionably under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, discern- ed, though as yet but imperfectly, the " more excellent way" his heart yearned after Chris- tian instruction, — yet how could he obtain it? His beloved wife was so bigoted, and devo- ted to Judaism, that he dared not confide his views to her ; nor could he venture to breathe a hint to any one at Lissau, that chief seat of Rabbinical dogmas ; vying with those who crucified the Lord Jesus at Jerusalem, in open detestation of the hated Nazarene. After much deliberation, he at length re- solved to conceal, for the present, the im- portant change in his sentiments, and watch an opportunity to gain further instruction, after which he must be guided by circum- stances; though already, he secretly deter- mined to make arrangements for quitting Lissau for ever, feeling assured he could never hope to reside there in safety. The only obstacle to his plans was Gertrude; and THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 59 oh ! how fervently did he pray that, at some future period, the same divine power that had opened his benighted eyes, and shone on his dark mind, might also dlumine one so dear to him. Hope sprung up in his bosom at the bare idea ; and, with a heart palpita- ting with many contrasted emotions, he reached the end of his journey — Lissau. CHAPTER VI. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU — CONTINUED. While changes of such vital importance were taking place in the mind and heart of her husband, Gertrude was surrounded by emblems displaying the very height of Jew- ish, or rather Rabbinical superstition. The amiable bigot had, under the direct instruc- tions of Rabbi Jonathan, who held her in much estimation, caused her bed-cham- ber to be prepared according to legendary custom, previous to her approaching confine- ment. Among many other prescribed rites and superstitious ceremonies, too numerous for description, circles were drawn with chalk around Gertrude's bed, on the walls of her THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 61 chamber, externally and internally, and also on every wall and door of her habitation; and, at certain distances, were inscribed, in large Hebrew characters, the following mys- tic words: " Adam, Eve, begone Lilisa!"^ * The fnllowiricr note will afford a clear specimen of Rabbinical legends, and their striking contradiction to the written word. It will also shew how much their traditions diff(*r from the inspired writings of their legislator Moses, to whom they pretend (o pay so much deference. LEGEND OF LILIS.4. *' When in the beg nning God had created Adam alone in paradise, he said, ' It is not good that man should be alone;' wherefore, he created out of the earth a wife like unto him, on whom he imposed the name Lilisa. But, from the first moment, strifes b^^gan to spread amongst them, aud after this manner they chod together : — the woman began, and said, * I will not yield to thee.* To whom the man replied, ' Nor will I submit myself to thee, but rather I will protect and have the rule over thee, for it becomeih thee to be obedient and subject.' The woman retorted, * We are both equal, nor does the one excel the other, seeing we are both created from the earth ;' and thus they continued with minds averse, rend- ing one another with hostile words. Wherefore, when Lilis^a foresaw, from this eternal discords, she gave utterance to the inviolable name (that is the name of four letters, with the secret and cabalistic exposition, which Luther has, in a little published book, disproved), and immediately, with nimble course, as it were by flight, she hurried herself away through the open air. Upon which Adam thus complaned to God : * Lord of the whole world, the wife whom thou gavest me has flown away out of my sight.' Wherefore God sent three angel7>7 in theTal- mudic Lexicon. It is called every where amongst the He- brews in Medsaptus.'' They write also concerning her that she is the mother of demons and malignant spirits. She oftentimes excites in hea- venly families strifes, contentions, hatred, envy ; and t,ccuses men with loud wailings.'' Busctor/'s Synagoga Judaica. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 65 new and endearing feelings of paternal ten- derness for his first born penetrated his heart, and gave him the semblance of hap- piness ; and the young mother, in the society of her husband and child, seemed to have no wish left ungratified. This scene of domes- tic happiness, however, was transient as the bright dew of morning. The eye of affec- tion is penetrating, and Gertrude soon dis- covered an unaccountable change in the manners of her husband. He was no longer lively, active, and enterprising, as heretofore ; but gloomy, abstracted, and sad. Alarmed by an alteration for which no visible cause existed, she eagerly sought his confidence, but in vain. Raphael did not attempt to deny that he was not happy, but obstinately refused to assign any reason for the sorrow that so evidently preyed on his spirits. From this time he sought solitude, and frequently absented himself from home, without giving his wife any clue to guess where or to whom he resorted. Once, when in conversation with her hus- band on this subject, Gertrude ventured gently to hint to him her belief that, to G 3 66 THE ORPHANS OF LlSSAU. whatever source liis unaccountable melan- choly was owing, religion offered the only- true alleviation, and earnestly advised him to have immediate recourse to those religious obseiTances he had so fearfully neglected; adding her firm persuasion, arising from per- sonal experience, of their efficacy in healing a wounded spirit. She concluded, by deli- cately expr3ssing her regret that the beloved of her heart had held, so lightly, the pious ordinances of sage and eminent Rabbins, who were privileged to understand dark sayings, and interpret the otherwise myste- rious commands of the Most High, to the congregations of the faithful. *' Raphael listened atentively to the affectionate, though mistaken, pleader, and his heart was over- whelmed with anguish as she proceeded. He sorrowed not so much for himself, how- ever, as from the conviction he felt that Ger- trude was too deeply devoted to Judaism, to allow of a hope that she would listen, for an * " My son, attend to the words of the scribes, more than to tbe words of the law; for, in ihe words of the law ar ' affirmatives and negatives, b.ii whoever transgresses the words of the scribes is worthy of deaih.'' T. Bob. Beracat, fol.iv, 2. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 67 instant, to any attempt he might make to convince her of the falliicy of her religious views. He loved her deeply, devotedly ; his heart also yearned over his child. To avow his sentiments would be to pronounce a final separation between himself and the objects so dear ; for he must, in that case, fly from Lissau for ever, and Gertrude would doubt- less seek, by the laws of divorce, to sever her fate from that of an excommunicated apostate. His views of divine truth were also, as yet, weak and immatured ; and he had not ventured to seek Christian instruc- tion while at Lissau, being well aware of the unceasing vigilance of the elders; besides which. Rabbi Jonathan had, since his re- turn, been heard to comment, more than once, very severely, on his want of zeal in all matters connected with the Jewish faith, except alms giving. Raphael therefore re- solved to conceal his real feelings for the present, and obtain, during his next journey, if possible, introduction to a Christian di- vine, whose advica might guide him, equally in temporal and spiritual matters, and decide his future proceedings. He replied, in con- 68 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. sequence of this inward resolve, vaguely, but tenderly, to the arguments of his wife; carefully guarding, however, from making any promise respecting religious observances; but from that time he was more circumspect in his conduct, and ceased his solitary wan- derings in the neighbouring forest, whither he had resorted, to pray to the Lord for his gracious guidance, amidst the trying path of difficulty in which he was involved, and among the perils by which he was sur- rounded. - The time again drew near for Raphael to commence his journey ; and he w^as busied in the usual preparations for it, when letters from Jerusalem announced the demise of Rabbi Samuel. Gertrude felt the event deeply, but to Raphael it was almost good tidincrs! He had a son's affection for the amiable Rabbi ; and the idea of the pain he should inflict on him, by his conversion^ had weio'hed heavily on his heart. His death therefore, was a relief to a spirit already sinking beneath the pressure of conflicting feehngs ; and, as yet but slightly acquainted with the mighty consolation that sustains the THE ORPHANS OF LISSATJ. 69 believer in Jesus in the heaviest trials, and makes him more than conqueror, in, by, and through, the God of his salvation. As Rabbi Samuel died in the odour of sanctity, the Rabbi and congregation at Lis- sau paid the customary honours to his me- mory. His name v/as inserted in the list of departed holy men who are publicly prayed for at the solemn festivals, — a species of Jewish canonization ; and though his se- pulchre was in the holy city, Rabbi Jona- than, waving the exception, pronounced the usual oration, causing Gertrude to kindle a memorial lamp in honour of her departed grandfather. He also assembled the elders of the synagogue, and proceeded with them to the Jewish burial ground, where he pronounced the following prayer for his pre- decessor, alleging, as a reason, the secret manner in which the oppressed Jews, resid- ing in the holy city, are compelled to inter their brethren by night, and the consequent omission of the customary honours due to the departed. " Let it be the will of the Lord our God, our Creator, our Holy One, the Holy One of 70 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. Jacob, who hath created all the children of his covenant, in judgment, and will raise them ao'ain to the life of the world to come, who knows the nmnber of them all ; that he would hasten to awake our Master and Doc- tor, that holy, (or that righteous, or that wise Doctor), whose body dwells in this sepulchre, whose bones rest in the midst of these stones. And that He would quicken him with eter- nal life, which no death follows : with life which swallows up all death, and which wipes away all tears, and takes away all re- proach; together with all those who are writ- ten unto life in Jerusalem, with the seven shepherds, and eight principal men, who are spoken of in Micah v, 5. And give hira a part v/ith them that understand, and with them that justify many, who will be like the stars for ever and ever. And the whole re- sidue of the people of the Lord, the house of Israel, who keep the covenant of our God, and do his pleasure." " May the Lord our God shake all these out of their dust, and let their lot and our lot be in life, in everlasting life, that in it he may establish all, both great and small, ac- THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 72 cording to what is written, Psalm Ixxii, 16, ' There shall be an handful of corn ;' and confirm the assurance he gave by Isaiah the prophet, ' Thy dead shall live ;' 26, 29. And as he promised to Daniel, a man of de- sires, Dan. xii, 13, ^ Go thy way till the end be." And as he promised to all the congre- gation of Israel, by his servant Ezekiel, the son of Buzi the priest ; Ezek. xxxvii, 12. * Therefore prophecy and say to them,' that the saints may rejoice with glory, and sing upon their beds ; and that the righteous may rejoice and exult before God, and be glad in his salvation, and say, in that day, * behold this our God, we have waited for him ;' Isaiah xv, 9. And we will bless the Lord from this time forth, and for ever, Hallelujah !" Raphael could not avoid being pre- sent at these proceedings, but his heart revolted from theai ; and he quitted Lissau, strengthened in his determination to cast off for ever the trammels of Judaism, and avow his true sentiments, at the very first favour- able opportunity. Meantime, as he jour- neyed, his bible was his constant compa- 72 THE ORPHANS OP LISSAU. nion, and he daily and earnestly meditat- ed on its sacred contents, finding, in the hallowed employ, a growing detachment from earthly ties, and a consoling balm for his hitherto womided spirit. And such must be the result, when the soul is divinely influenced to seek Him who is the Truth, the Way, and the Life. For never yet was the weakest or lowest creature disap- pointed, who sincerely sought the gracious Saviour and Friend of poor sinners. 'No; the blessed Jesus waits to be gracious ; His heart compassionately yearns over the wretched and the outcast. He may, in- deed, like Joseph, refrain himself, for a time, and appear to answer roughly, in His providential dispensations; but Oh I tried believer, though the answer of peace seem to tarry, wait patiently for it. The Lord Jesus is faithful ; he cannot deny himself. None who trust in Him shall ever be forsaken, ashamed, or confounded. CHAPTER VII. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU CONTINUED. While Raphael proceeded on his jour- ney, and employed his time in the profitable manner already detailed, the Jews at Lissau were the subjects of an afflictive dispensa- tion, though not an unusual one in that place. A fire broke out in the Jewish quar- ter ; and, owing to the houses being construc- ted chiefly of wood, spread with such fear- ful rapidity, that three parts of it were speed- ily reduced to ashes. Ere its terrific pro- gress could be effectually arrested, many lives were lost, in consequence of the fire having commenced at midnight; nor were any of the survivors able to save any part H 74 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. of their property from the flames. The sy- nagogue, and several houses in its immediate vicinity, belonging to the most wealthy among them, escaped the devouring ele- ment as by miracle. By many devout Jews, this was firmly attributed to the influence of a curious cabalistic talisman, in the posses- sion of Rabbi Jonathan, conferring power to command the .angels who preside over the element of fire. To this spot the survivors w^ere invited and received, until some tempo- rary abodes could be prepared. Meantime, Rabbi Jonathan and the elders distributed liberally, to all who needed such aid as the contents of the synagogue alms' chest allow- ed of; and this in the most delicate manner, according to the laiv of alms giving, to which is attached so much merit, if duly observed *. • Alms giving among the Jews is an act highly me- ritorious, and cne of the important three to which the Rab- bins impute power, to alter what they term the " evil de- cree." " We are bound to take heed to the commandment of alms, more tlmn all the affirmative commands, because a!m» is a sign of a righteous man, the seed of Abraham, our Fa- ther. As it is said, Gen, xviii, 19 ; nor can, nor is, the throne THE ORPHANS OF LISSAtJ* 75 There were, however, some cases beyond the reach of huiTian assistance. Time alone could dry the tears, and heal the wounds of the widows and orphans, this awful visita- tion had caused to bleed and flow. Among many affecting bereavements, that of Gertrude excited universal sympathy. She indeed had been with difficulty snatched from the raging flames, but not till she had of Israel established, nor can the law of truth stand, but by alms; as it is said, Prov. xvi, \i. Nor shall Israel be re- deemed but by alms, according to Isaiah i, 27." *' There are eight degrees in giving alms, one above ano- ther. The highest, (than which there is none higher,) is this. When one relieves an Israelite, and gives him a gift, or lends to him, or takes him into partnership, or finds him work, so that he strengthens his hands, before he stands in need of ask- ing. And of this it is said :" *' Thou shalt relieve him, a stranger and a sojourner, that be may live with thee.'' " Which is as much as to say, ' relieve him before he falls, and is brought to necessity' " " The next to this is, when a man gives alms to the poor, and he knows not whom he gives, nor does the poor man know from whom he receives. For behold, this is doing it for the sake of doing it ; as the chamber of secrets which was in the sanctuary, into which righteous men put, and from which the poor children of good men were privately sup < ported.'' ** And the aext to this is, when a man puts into the alms' chest. And a man does not put into the alms' chest, except he knows that the Governor is faithful and wise, and knows h2 7^ THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. seen her son — her first born, a victim to them. In the agony of that fearful moment, an agony a mother's heart alone can con- ceive of, her senses deserted her, and she must speedily have shared the fate of her babe, had not a generous neighbour saved her life at the peril of his own. The anguish of the bereaved young mother seemed to shake the vital springs of her existence, and how to manajje as should be. Such an one as Rabbi Cba- nuniah ben Tradion." " The next to this is, when the giver knows to whom he gives, but the poor man does not know from whom he re- ceives. As the great ones of the wise men, who used to go secretly, and cast their money at the doors of the poor. And this is right to do ; and u good method it is, when the Gover- nors of alms do not dispose aright." " The next to this is, when the poor man knows of whom he takes, but does not know the giver. As the great men among the wise men, who used to bind up their money in linen cloths, and put them behind them, and the poor came and took them, that they might not be ashamed." *' Next to this is, when a man puts into his hands, before he asks." '* The next to this is, wheu he gives to him after he has asked." " The next to this is, when he gives to him less than is pro- per, with a pleasant countenance." " The next to this is, when he gives with grief. Giving of alms and beneficence are equal to (he whole law.'' Hilch Mattanat Anayim. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 7? threatened, for a time, to render this noble effort on her behalf unavailing. The bones of those who had thus awfully perished were gathered with pious care, and buried with unusual solemnity ; and it was an affecting scene, when, after the sad cere- mony, Rabbi Jonathan, who scrupulously ob- served the most minute rite of Rabbinical law, conducted the comforters, in their ac- customed duties, to the mourners ^, at the • Method of comforting mourners among the Jews ; to which is attached a reward, it being a meritorious act. " How do they comfort mourners ? After they have buried the dead, the mourners gather together, and stand at the side of the grave, and all that accompany the dead stand round about them, one row within another, and there is no row less than ten, and the mourners are not of the number. The mourners stand on the left hand of the comforters, and all the comforters go to the mourners, one by one, and say to them :" *' May ye be comforted from heaven." ** The mourners then return home, and, each of the seven days of mourning, men come to comfort them. Whether new faces come or do not, the mourners sit down at the head or chief place, and no comforter may sit but upon the floor, as it is said," " And they sat with him on the ground. Nor may they say any thing, until the mourner has opened his mouth first, as it is said." " And none spake a word unto him.'* And it is written afterwards, " So opened Job his mouth.'' And Elipbaz answered. H 3 78 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. side of the graves they had just closed* After the funeral rites had been thus so- lemnly concluded, the mourners returned to sit seven days on the ground. The vestry of tlie synagogue was appropriated to that purpose, as it had heretofore been in the " And when tbe mourner nods hi.5 head, the comforters may not sit with him any longer, that they may not trouble him more than is necessary.'-' If a man dies, and there are no mourners to be comforted, tea worthy men go and sit in his place, all the seven days of mourning, and the rest of the people gather to them If there are not ten fixed every day, ten of the rest of the people gather together, and sit in his place.^' Hilch Ebel, c. 13, sat. 1—4. Addenda.— " When Solomon built the temple, he made two gates : one for bridegrooms, and the other for mourners, and excommunicated persons and the Israelites on the Sabbath days, or feast days, sat between these two gates. When any one came in by the bridegroom's gate, they knew he was a bridegroom, and said unto him, " He that dwells in this house make thee cheerful with sons and daughters.'' '* When any one came in at the mourner's gate, and his upper lip was covered, they knew he was a mourner, and said unto him :'' " He that dwells in this house comfort thee." *' When any one came in at the gate of mourners, and hi« upper lip was not covered, they knew he was an excommu- nioated person, and said unto him.'* *' He that dwells in this house comfort thee, and put it into thy heart to hearken to thy friends." Purke Eliezer, cl, 17. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 79 time of the plague. Then, the homes of the mourners were shunned as mfectious : noWy those homes were destroyed, and they were houseless. Kabbi Jonathan hesitated not to comment on these calamities; and declared his firm persuasion that the congregation had an Achan among them, for whose con- cealed sin they were thus heavily visited by divine indignation ; and he earnestly exhor- ted them to search for, and put away from among them, the guilty leaven. How exquisitely poignant was the sorrow of Gertrude, as, with rent garments, she took her seat among the mourners. Could she however, have discerned future events, her bitter tears would have been changed to songs of thanksgiving, for the early dismissal of her lamented babe. And before the an- niversary of its death, she actually did re- joice that she was childless ! Letters, communicating the melancholy intelligence of the fire at Lissau, and his own personal participation in the calamity, reached Raphael soon after his arrival at the place of his destination. The first and na- tural feeling of his heart was to lament over 80 THE ORPHANS OP LISSAU. the memory of his child, torn from him by a death so terrific. But when cool reflection succeeded to the first ebullition of paternal tenderness, he rejoiced in spirit that a pow- erful tie, and which might have been an ob- stacle to his future designs, was removed. His pecuniary loss by the fire was heavy, as the stores consumed were very valuable ; but, in the present state of his feelings, it weighed not with him. The light of the Gospel was shining more clearly into his soul ; in com- parison with which, temporal aflfairs were, in his view, as the small dust of the ba- lance. The present journey of Raphael was not a prosperous one, and he prepared to return to Lissau with a quantity of unsold merchan- dise. Neither had he succeeded in obtaining a Christian confidant. The neighbourhood of many Jews from Lissau required circum- spection on his part, till he had decided on his future plans. Had he not been a hus- band, he would at once have proceeded to Amsterdam or England ; but he felt it to be his duty to see Gertrude once again, and, at all risks, make known to her the complete THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 81 revolution that had taken piece in .his reli^ gious sentiments. In thus deciding, Raphael, young in ex- perience, and a babe in spiritual knowledge, discerned not that his path was an appoint- ed one, and that, in following what he sup- posed to be the dictates of his own deliberate judgment, he was, in reality, moving on to fulfil the unerring, though mysterious plan, of sovereign grace concerning him 1 " It is not in man that walketh to direct his stepsy'' said the inspired prophet, himself a type of Him who was to come ; the Holy One of Israel, the Saviour. If it be so, and the Scriptures of truth declare it, how shall those who profess to know and love the . Lord be justified, when they venture to make .the accomphshment of the divine will con- tingent on the choice and will of mutable dust and ashes ? Of all the wiles of Satan, transformed as an angel of light, and min- gling with those who call themselves by the hallowed name of Christian believers, there is not a more dangerous, Christ-dishonouring one, than that of making the accomplish- ment of man's salvation depend on the will 82 THE ORPHANS OP LISSAtf. ed by the presiding Rabbi, can recover their previous station iu the community A sentence of excommunication is more dilTlcult to overcome ; and that sentence is no longer reversible when, in cases of apostacy to Christianity, the water of baptism has passed over the head of the offender. THE ORPHANS OF LTSSAU. 125 Rabbi Jonathan, whose implacable disposi- tion, in all cases of religious defalcation, Avas well known, and who had evinced his dis- pleasure against him but the day before. The generous anxiety of Gertrude affected her husband. He admired her disinterested concern for his preservation, though he had clouded her future prospects, and filled her heart with anguish ; and long and fervent was the prayer he breathed for her, as he besought the Lord to extend to this amiable daughter of Israel the knowledge of His sal- vation ; — while she, on her part, was as sin- cerely engaged in imploring mercy for him whose tenets she abhorred, but whose image still clung about her heart, which yearned over him, as she thought of the approaching vestry-meeting. m3 CHAPTER XII. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU — CONTINUED. The information which the servant of the synagogue had given Raphael, respecting the nature of the evening meeting, was correct. Several persons had incurred the displeasure of Rabbi Jonathan for trifling omissions, and were, in consequence, to be suspended, and placed below the bar for a certain period. The unforgiving Rabbi, offended by the fa- miliar address of Raphael on the preceding day, without having made any attempt to account for, or excuse, his late absence and public neglect of his religious duties, resolved to include him in the list of defaulters, though aware that he was about to set out on a THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 127 journey. It would, however, he knew, ex- clude him on his return, from the usual pri- vileges, until he had performed the prescribed penance ; and this partial judge already de- termined in his heart that should not be a lioht one. Evening closed in, and the time of attend- ing the meeting drew near. Raphael pre- pared to set out with a serene brow, and a mind so calm, that he was himself surprised at the composure he felt on the occasion. It was not so with Gertrude ; a presage of evil weighed heavily on her heart, and chill- ed it with terror, she hardly knew why, for she anticipated a long suspension as the most he had to expect, and she sighed to think how impotent a threat that would appear, to one who would so soon be beyond the reach of Rabbinical discipline, which, nevertheless, she wished him to be, so contradictory were her feelings. Her chief fear, however, arose from the sincerity of Raphael ; for she saw, and could not but acknowledge to herself, that the detested heresy by which his soul was drawn away from the ancient faith, had 128 THE OKPHANS OF LISSAU. not tainted his moral virtue, nor warped his native integrit}^ Full of these thoughts, Gertrude followed Raphael, as he arose to quit the house, and arrested his steps for a moment. " Be guarded," said she impressively, "Oh be guarded ! You may expect sharp reproof; hear it in silence ; or, if you must reply, be concise and prudent, and leave the vestry the moment it is in your power." Raphael felt the wisdom of this advice, and gratefully acknowledged it. Gertrude remained on the threshold of her house, look- ing after him with intense anxiety, as he passed along. At that moment she almost forgot his apostacy, as she discerned that he had slung in his girdle the first gift she had presented to him, on his return to espouse her. It was an Indian handkerchief of yel- low silk, prized for having once belonged to her mother Clara, and a tide of tender re- collections gushed over her softened heart, as she caught a last view of his receding form; and she retired to await the result of his examination in the solitude of her chamber. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 129 The vestry, so frequently the scene where events important to the Jewish congregation had been transacted, was a spacious apart- ment, having two entrance doors. One of them, at the lower end of the room, opened on a large vestibule, where the servants of the synagogue, and others attending the ves- try-meetings, waited. It also led to the prin- cipal entrance of the synagogue. The other door was at a small private entrance, leading, through a passage, into the synagogue, and was appropriated, exclusively, to the use of the presiding Rabbi, in his way to and from public worship. Raphael, on his arrival in the vestibule, found several persons waiting their audience ; he therefore seated himself, quietly to await his turn, and, as he was shunned by all pre- sent, he was quickly absorbed in his own re- flections, and almost forgot where he was, and why he was there. The cases of the various defaulters, who had incurred the censure of the austere Rab- bi Jonathan, though in a much lighter de- gree than the obnoxious son of Isola, were at length all disposed of, and that of Ra- 130 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. phael alone remained to be heard, when he was summoned to appear before this then powerful tribunal. Raphael appeared before the council of elders with a respectful, but firm demean- our. His brow, though thoughtful, was se- rene ; and the composed dignity with which he approached the long table, on each side of which the elders were seated, annoyed and surprised Rabbi Jonathan, who sat at their head, and cast a look of vindictive fury at Raphael, as he proceeded to detail the va- rious charges he bad taken great pains to collect, and commit to paper, respecting him. These charges, arranged as they were by the hand of an enemy, appeared of a grave character, nor did Raphael attempt to pal- liate or deny them. But, as they related only to a loose and disorderly practice of the Mosaic, or rather Rabbinical, ritual, and did not involve the accused in any suspicion of heresy or apostacy, he was about to be dis- missed with a sentence of suspension, fine, and penance, sufficiently severe to satisfy even Rabbi Jonathan himself, when, owing to a seemingly trivial circumstance, the ex- THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 131 amination suddenly took a aew, and, as it proved, fatal turn. One of the charges had mentioned the carelessness of Raphael respecting the fringes of his Arba Canfus. An aged Rabbi, who sat near him, and attached great importance to this charge, expressed a wish to know in what state the fringes were at that time. Raphael, wearied by an examination that had already lasted more than an hour, for- got, at the moment, that he no longer wore this garment, and mechanically opened his vest to comply. Instantly recollecting him- self, however, he hastily closed it again, and at once acknowledged he was without one. What consequences this confession might have produced v/as not known, for his un- guarded action had loosened the important paper he had written in the morning. It fell from his vest ; and, ere he could recover possession of the document, it was caught up, and placed in the hands of the presiding Rabbi. Raphael saw, at once, the fearful peril of his situation ; but, supported by Him whose name he had confessed, he was enabled to 132 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. await, with firmness, the result of the disco- very. Rabbi Jonathan, hastily glancing over the paper, perceived its tenor, and proceeded im- mediately to read it to the assembly. A mingled expression of surprise, and ill con- cealed triumph, was delineated on his strongly marked features as he did so, and he forgot at that momentous period, that, as president and Judge, it was his indispensable duty to be strictly impartial. The perusal of Raphael's memoranda was frequently interrupted by the violent execra- tions of most of the assembly. At length, after a stormy consultation, in which violence seemed to predominate. Rab- bi Jonathan, in the name of the assembly, and in language hard and severe as his own obdurate heart, demanded of Raphael an im- mediate and solemn abjuration of his abomi- nable heresy, on pain of excommunication and death. The latter part of the Rabbi's denuncia- tion, though the general sense and determi- nation of the council, was not unanimously so. Three of the body dissented from the THE OKPHANS OF LISSAU. 133 extreme part of the sentence, and wished to substitute perpetual banishment from Lissau. Rabbi Jonathan, however, instead of leaning to the side of mercy, obstinately closed his ear to its voice, — supported as he was by all the rest of the infuriated assembly. The three persons thus dissenting were, from their relative situations, little likely to have an influential vote in the council. Two of them were young men, and brothers, and w^ere expected, at no very distant period, to leave Lissau, with their families, and settle in England. The third was an aged Rabbi, remarkable for the mildness of his disposi- tion, and his indulgent allowance for young offenders. He was, besides, known to have loved Raphael's mother too tenderly, and, having sought her hand unsuccessfully, had never married. When these persons found that their lenient proposal was vehemently negatived by the rest of the elders, they de- sired to withdraw, but were not permitted to do so until the meeting dissolved, and thus were compelled, however unwillingly, to witness the tragic scene that speedily fol- lowed. N 134 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. A few minutes had been allowed to Ra- phael, to consider the demand of instant ab- juration, ere he gave the reply that would decide his fate. That short time was marked b}^ a sharp struggle in the breast of the young Christian ; it might be seen in every working feature of his expressive countenance. The soft pleadings of nature, and that tenacious cleaving to life inherent in, and interwoven with, our very existence, could not but have its effect; he hesitated a moment, — it was, however, but for a moment. The form of the crucified Jesus, suffering for Ins salva- tion, arose to his view, — grace triumphed. The bitterness of death was over. His fea- tures resumed their composure, and he ad- vanced, with a firm step, to the table of el- ders, and, after briefly detaihng his inward struggle, declared his final decision, to seal, if necessary, with his blood, his belief in the salvation of Jesus. An indignant murmur burst from the as- sembly at this bold and unequivocal decla- ration ; all present rent their garments, and Rabbi Jonathan proceeded to read, in a slow THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 135 and solemn tone, the excommunication ; ^ at the end of every clause the elders simulta- neously replying " Amen !" At the close of this ceremony, during which Raphael stood unmoved, and apparently en- gaged in silent prayer, he v^as once more of- fered the alternative of abjuration to save his life. " You can only destroy the body," he re- plied calmly, *' over the immortal spirit you have no power. The Lord Jesus, whom your THE FORM OF EXCOJVIMUNICATION USED BY THE JEWS. • *' According to the mind of the Lord of Lords, let such an one, theson of such an one, be in Chirem, or anathematised, in both houses of judgment, of those above and those below. And with the anathema of the saints on high. With the anathema of the Seraphim and Ophanim. And with the anathema of the whole congregation, great and small. Let great and real stripes be upon him. And many and violent diseases. And his house be an habitation of dragons. And let his star be dark in the clouds. And let him be for indignation, wrath, and anger. And let his carcase be for beasts and ser- pents, and let those that rise up against him, and his enemies, rejoice over him. And let his silver and gold be given to others. And let all his children be exposed at the gate of his enemies. And at his day may others be amazed. And let him be cursed from the mouth of Adirion and Aritanail, (names of angels), and from the mouth of Sondalphon, and Hadramil, and from the mouth of Arsisiel and Pathctjiel, and from the mouth of Searaphiel, Zaganzael. And from the N 2 136 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. fathers crucified, will require my blood at your hands." He was about to add more, but the incen- sed elders rushed furiously towards him. The silk handkerchief was drawn from his girdle, — in a moment it was cast round his neck ; — overpowered by numbers, he was precipitated through the private door into the passage leading to the synagogue. The three dis- sentient Rabbins alone remained in the vestry. They heard a struggle, — then the name of Jesus pronounced in thrilling tones, — and all was quiet. The cruel perpetrators of this month of Michael and Gabriel, and from the niouth of Ra- phael Mishortiel, and let him be anathematised from the mouth of Tzabtzabib, and from the mouth ol Hobabib, he is Jehovah the great, and from the mouth of the seventy names of the great king. And from the side of Tzoriak the great Chancellor. And let him be swallowed up as Korah and his company, with terror and with trevubling. Let his soul go out Let the reproof of the Lord kill him. Let him be strangled, as Ahitophel in his counsL'l. Let his leprosy be as the leprosy of Gehazi. And let there be no raising /rom his fall. And in the sepulchre of Israel let not his grave be. And lei his wife be given to another, and let others bow upon her, at his death, at this anathema. Let such an one, the son of such an one, be, and let such be his inheritance. But upon me, and upon all Israel, may God extend his peace and bis blessing.— Amen !'* T. Bob. Sanhedrim, fol. vii, 2. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 137 inhuman act rushing back to the vestry, with the customary exclamation of " Let the name of the wicked be blotted out, and his memorial perish for ever !" announced the completion of their assumed act of judica- ture, and that the young and faithful con- fessor of Jesus was no more. By a mysterious decree of providence, he had, thus early, been prevented from bearing a farther, or fuller testimony, for Jesus on earth, being in mercy summoned to unite, for ever, with the glorious multitude who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, having sealed their testimony, and not coun- ted their lives dear for his adorable sake. k3 CHAPTER XIII. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU CONTINUED. It was near midnight ere the terrible ex- citement that led to so fearful a catastrophe had so far subsided, as to allow of the re- quisite arrangements to be made for the im- mediate disposal of the body of their victim. This, however, was soon and easily decided ; two servants of the synagogue were sent for- ward to the burial ground, with orders to dig a hole under the wall, in the spot already described. The other servants, (with the ex- ception of one, detained to attend the assem- bly,) accompanied by six elders, chosen by lot, were deputed to follow with the corpse, and see it interred, in the manner appointed THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 139 for the burial of apostates. The assembly agreed to remain sitting until their return. While scenes so momentous, and so de- structive to her peace, were transacting in the vestry of the synagogue, the widowed Gertrude, unconscious of the mournful fact, or the extent of calamity about to rush on her, as it were, with overwhelming power, sat in her solitary chamber, counting the weary moments of her husband's absence with restless anxiety. In this state of mise- rable and heart- torturing suspence, she felt hour after hour wear heavily away, and still he came not. The approach of midnight, without the appearance of Raphael, who had faithfully promised to return direct to her, as soon as he should be dismissed from the vestry, at length aroused Gertrude, and changed an- xious expectation into feelings of the wildest alarm. Already much worn by the agitating com- munications of the preceding night, and sub- sequent want of rest, she felt no longer able lo endure the terrible excitement of indefinite but fearful anticipation, that fell so heavily 140 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. on her deeply wounded heart; and, deter- mined at once to ascertain the worst, she threw her veil and mantle hastily about her, and descended from her chamber, with the intention of proceeding to the synagogue in search of her husband. Gertrude hud unclosed the door of her cottage, and stood on the very spot from whence she had so lately watched him, whom she was mysteriously destined never again to behold, when her steps were suddenly arrest- ed by an aged Rabbi, who, in gentle accents, requested her to return to the house, as he was the bearer of a message from the vestry- meeting. The Rabbi who thus accosted Gertrude was the elder of the three who had sought to preserve the life of her husband. The council of elders, while waiting the return of their deputies, had come to a decision respec- ting Gertrude; and it being necessary to make the event of the evening, and its result, as connected with her future situation, known to her immediately, the kind-hearted Rabbi Joel had volunteered the performance of this affecting duty. THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 141 The elders had decided that, if the widow had no knowledge of her husband's apostacy, she should be honourably maintained by the elders, as a descendant of Rabbi Samuel, and a faithful daughter of Israel, and receive from the whole community all possible attention and sympathy ; but if she was privy to, and had concealed it, however sincere in her own adherence to Judaism, they unanimously re- solved to banish her from Lissau for ever, and give her only three days to prepare for her departure. Rabbi Joel communicated these sad tid- ings to the bereaved one with great tender- ness and delicacy ; and it was an affecting sight to see the aged man weep over her who could not, at that dreadful moment, weep for herself. — But over this scene a veil must be drawn ; the first agony of a widowed heart is too sacred for description. — Who could calmly delineate it ? Though the burial of Raphael was con- ducted in the depth of night, it was witnes- sed by one deeply interested in his fate. Father Adrian had sought him, on the pre- ceding evening, in the forest. That night. 142 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. he had been to Lissau to visit a sick Catho- hc peasant, and was returning to his convent, intending, however, though it was late, to visit first the usual spot, lest Raphael had any farther communication to make, and might be disappointed. In passing near the Jewish burial-ground, a low, but distinct sound of human voices, as in conversation, proceeding from within it, and the gleam of torches flashing in the distance, arrested his attention. He drew near the wall, which, being on that side but parapet high, allowed of a clear view over the vast cemetery, and from under which the sound had issued. The night was very dark ; but, by the light of torches held by one of the men, he distinctly saw the other digging a deep hole, which did not resemble a grave^ being deeper and wider. The Father, who had a very bad opinion of Jewish morality, believed the men were engaged in concealing some illicit treasure ; and he was about to quit the spot in disgust, not being able to comprehend their discourse, which was car- ried on in the Jewish dialect, when a proces- sion, advancing from the principal gate next THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 143 the town, rivetted his attention, and chained im to the place. Alas ! he knew not how powerfully he was about to be interested in the midnight scene. When the group who had just entered reached the place beneath the wall, where the men were stationed, they halted, and then Father Adrian discerned that the two who walked first, bore between them a heavy bag or sack, which they deposited close to the hole that had been dug. The astonished Father was not left an instant to his own conjectures respecting the contents of the sack. It was imme- diately opened, and a dead body drawn from it with the most significant marks of abhorrence and contempt ! Father Adrian was about to utter an ex- clamation of horror, without reflecting on his own situation, in such a lonely spot and among such an assemblage, when a beam of the torch fell on the face of the corpse, and discovered to him the distorted features of Raphael ! At this piteous and unexpected sight, all his faculties seemed bound up in agonizing terror, and he remained an ap- 144 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. palled but silent spectator of the scene that followed. The elders ranged themselves round the aperture, while the servants of the syna- gogue lowered the body perpendicularly into it, habited as it was ; in doing so, a parcel fell from the folds of the girdle ; it was the packet intended for Rome, which the elders claimed. When the corpse was deposited upright in the grave, each person present threw on it a large stone, and with furious gestures, uttered an exclamation, quite unin- telligible to the father. The hole was then quickly filled up, stones were piled on it, and the whole party left the burial-ground. It was long ere the father sufficiently re- covered the shock he had received to return to the convent, and relate what he had seen. After performing a solemn mass for the de- parted, the superior drew up all the parti- culars known to him of the case, and for- warded it by the hands of father Adrian, to the Archbishop of Gnesna, but the Jews of Lissau, had prevented inquiry, by means of one of the wardens of the synagogue, who was factor to the most powerful nobleman THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. 145 in the palatine, and as the Orphans had no relatives at Lissau, and the Superior was ignorant of the means by which Raphael met his death, and could not therefore sub- stantiate any direct accusation, the subject soon dropped without further consequences. The brothers, who so earnestly desired to save Raphael, could not desert his widow. They exerted their influence on her behalf, and sent her in the waggon prepared for Raphael's departure, to Berlin, in the care of a faithful servant of the departed. They placed in the hands of the servant money for her maintenance, and letters to a correspon- dent at Berlin, and declared that they would never forsake her. The object of this tender and pious care was, however, not conscious of the generous solicitude felt fot her. From the trying night of her widowhood, she had never shewn any signs of recollection. She was perfectly harmless and quiet, but appeared not to know any person. She performed, mechanically, whatever was required of her when spoken to, but at all other times was listless and motionless. A settled paleness 146 THE ORPHANS OF LISSAU. sat on her delicate features, nor ever after did a tint of colour revisit them. She v\^as, ni truth, a most affecting spectacle of hope- Jess and speechless woe ; nor could those about her, by any effort, arouse her from a state of inanition so appalling. Neverthe- less, it was, in reality, far preferable to the poignant agony she would have felt, had she been conscious of her situation. i)^^g>«-^c CHAPTER III. ^' A father oj the fatherless ^ and a judge of the widows, is God in His Holy habitation," Psalm Ixviii, ,5. " Even a child is known hyhis doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right,'* Proverbs xx, 11. " Seest thou a man diligent in his business 1 he shall stand before Kings." Proverbs xxii, 29. When the seven days of mourning were completed, the wardens of the synagogue, of which Aaron had been a freeman, and though an humble, yet an honorable and consistent member, offered the widow a weekly allow- ance. She however, with a delicacy and propriety of feeling, sometimes to be met 202 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. with among the poor, whether Jew or Gen- tile, (and which should be fostered whereso- ever it exists) declined it, while health and strength were continued to her, though she gratefully acknowledged the wardens kind- ness. " My boy" said Jemima, " must earn the bread he eats, betimes. He is of an age to work, and would dishonor the memory of his father, (peace be unto his ashes !) were he capable of living idly on alms." She, nevertheless, readily promised to ap- ply to the synagogue, should any unforeseen misfortune render it necessary. " I have not refused the synagogue allow- ance from pride," she would say to her neigh- bors, '^ but because I have at present no right to it. The alms' chest, belongs to the aged, the sick, the helpless, and the stranger." This simple but just way of thinking and acting, gained for Jemima that respect, which the humblest virtue is sure to receive. She had always possessed, from her consistent conduct, a certain influence over the circle she moved in ; it was not diminished by her calamity, and her example was not without THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 203 beneficial results, in several poor families around her. The blessing of the Lord appeared to be on the widow's cruise. Her fish was in more request than ever, so that she was able to retain her humble apartment, endeared to her by many tender recollections, and she was careful to pay the weekly rent, that no arrear might deprive her of it. On the Sabbath and festivals Jemima en- gaged an aged and poor Rabbi to preside at her table, and perform the customary religi- ous rites, which Reuben was not qualified to do, until after his confirmation. After the first melancholy days of her widowhood Jemima resolutely repressed every outward expression of grief, that her exam- ple might strengthen the mind of her beloved boy. Her manner was, therefore, calm and resigned ; but she cherished, in the inmost recesses of her heart, a feeling of deep ten- derness, for the memory of the departed, which, effectually, closed every avenue to it from a second choice, though she was in the very flower of her life. From the day of Aaron's death his place 204 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. was kept vacant ; nor would Jemima suffer any person to occupy the arm chair he had been accustomed to fill. Over it she sus- pended his sable cap, and carefully laid by his Polish dress, with its rich silver orna- ments, as a sacred relic, nor could the most urgent necessity have prevailed with her to dispose of it. It was in these delicate traits the lingering feelings of fond regret might be traced, by those who observed Jemima with a discerning eye. Rabbi Moses ben Gershon, generously of- fered to retain Reuben at his school, gratui- tously. Jemima left the choice with her son, notwithstanding her own previous plans, but Reuben, respectfully, but firmly, declined his Rabbi's kindness, and said he wished to work and assist his mother. His determina- tion excited no surprise, nor elicited any par- ticular remark from the Rabbi. Filial duty is so much a matter of course among the Jews, that a contrary conduct alone could have had that effect. That Reuben should work for his subsis- tence had been easily decided, but how he was to be employed was a question of more THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 205 difficult solution. He was too young and inexperienced to follow, at present, his fa- ther's calling, and had, besides, an aversion to it. Jemima, at length, at his own request, purchased for him a basket and some oran- ges, that he might try his success in that way, until something better should offer, or his age made him capable of a more profit- able undertaking. Jemima was well aware of the snares and hard treatment her boy might expect in his new employ, and gave him therefore, many lessons on honesty, prudence, and forbear- ance. She told him how to manage his lit- tle stock, and where to ply with it ; and, with tearful eyes and an anxious bosom, blessed her darling child, as she fastened the well filled basket on him, and saw him depart on his first essay, with a cheerful countenance, and with an heart assured of success, be- cause, as he said, he was in his duty. At that period prejudices ran high against the Jewish boys, who sought to gain a live- lihood in the streets. All that is debasing and dishonest was associated with their very idea, and indiscriminately applied to them 06 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. It is a melancholy fact that many of them too well justified by their conduct, the re- proach heaped on them. But, assuredly, there were some who labored faithfully in their unenviable calling, and on such unde- served censure fell heavily. There were then, and are now many who strive in this manner to sustain aged, and perhaps, infirm parents ; they come out in the morning, cheered by the parental blessing, and they need it, to enable them to bear with patience and for- bearance the sarcastic taunt, the galling re- proach, and the suspicious eye, that they are sure to be ^regarded with. Have thei/ no faults ? it may be asked. Alas ! very many, but oppression and contempt, will rather add too than amend them. Consider how pitia- ble is the case of the Jew by nature. Origi- nal sin, which he shares in common with all the human race, in him takes a deeper dye, for the fearful rejection of the Lord Jesus by his Ancestors, mingles with it. Oh rouse not, by oppression and contempt, th^ worst passions of his evil nature; but rather com^ passionate his sad case, and seek, by mild- ness, persuasion, charity, and above all, by example to restore and reclaim him. ! THE WIDOW AND HER SON 207 At the close of evening, Jemima watched anxiously for the return of her son. He came at last, weary and dispirited. His stock of fruit was but little diminished, and he set down the basket with an air of cha- grin. " Dear Mother," said he, " what a hard- hearted people, these Nazarenes are ! You cannot think how they have hunted me. They asked the price of my oranges, and offered just half; and some of them called me, ' Jew' and ' cheat,' because I refused it. Oh, mother, I am afraid I shall never be able to do any good among the Goyim !" Jemima encouraged the disheartened boy, arid predicted that he would succeed better when he became known. She reminded him of the encouragement given to his father, when he had won the confidence of his cus- tomers, by the probity of his dealings. The Goyim, she said, had often been defrauded by the depraved among their people, and were, therefore, too apt to confound the inno- cent with the guilty,^,and treat them alike ; but she comforted Reuben, by assuring him, that, eventually, his good conduct would be t2 208 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. noticed, and he would then be certain to gain custom. Meantime the good and prudent mother, advised patience ; and more parti- cularly exhorted him to be silent when op- probrious epithets were applied to him, and not make them his own, by replying to them in any way ; but to repel unmerited insult, by upright conduct, and thus put his oppres- sers to silence. Jemima farther enforced this judicious counsel, by an observation that at once found its way to the heart of her son, " Your dear father acted so, peace be unto him !" said she, '^ and, were he now alive, he would advise you as I have done." Next day Reuben had better speed, he came home early, with a light heart, and a basket still lighter ; and with filial affection, poured his gains into his mother's lap. A lady had spoken kindly to him, asked him several questions, and purchased a large share of his oranges without requiring any abatement. He had, by her order, taken them to her house, where she desired him to call, occasionally, with his fruit. He added that this kind Goya lady had offered him THE V/IDOW AND HER SON. 209 some broken victuals, for his mother, which of course he could not accept, it being un- ■clean to him as a Jew. This encouragement happened very sea- sonably,--] ust at the commencement of Reu- ben's attempt to assist his mother. It sti- mulated him to persevere, and his obliging manner, clean appearance, and honest deal- ing, acquired for him by degrees, some regu- lar customers. Some of the boys from his own lane, who were similarly employed, sometimes attempted to entice him to share in their vicious pursuits ; but Reuben loved his mother too well to do any thing that would make her uneasy in any way, and bad as were some of these boys they respected his filial piety. " Let Reuben alone," they would some- times say, "he is the son of an Almona.* It is his duty to take all he can earn, to his mother.'' This species of respect to his situation, was a providential preservation to bo young a boy, amidst the seductive but corrupt ex- ^ijjj, im " ,.... i j ^j. i .L^j-u.. ". ' ^j J J .jj i v»i» ii .■■ ■ - ■ L L- I ■ 11 1. . I. • A Widow. t3 210 THE WIDOW AND HEE SON. amples that surrounded him, among the youths of his people. Jemima was thankful to ob- serve it, and often said, her child was a bles- sing to her. The Jewish poor have great disadvantage) from the number of holydays they are comr pelled to observe in the year. Besides two days in every week, the Jewish and Chris" tian sabbath, which latter, many among them who have shops, or sell cloths, must observe, there are four days at passover ; two at the feast of weeks; two at the new year; one at the day of atonement ; and four on the feast of tabernacles. The most depraved among them will not violate these holy days, by carrying on any kind of traffic. The elders of the synagogue, however, are not unmind- ful of the straits of their industrious poor, and they assist them freely in all cases of the kind. At passover tide, especially, un- leavened bread is given to all who claim it, at the vestry of the synagogue,, and there are benevolent societies, which provide bread and meat for the poor on the sabbath. These matters are exclusive of the liberal assistance readily aiForded to the Jewish poor, from the THE WIDOW AND HEE SON. 211 alms' chest of their respective communities^ When, therefore a Jewish family is found in a state of destitution by Christians, they may- be assured some moral delinquency has closed the hand of charity in their own community^ For it is a positive truth, that the Jews never neglect their poor; they are sure of relief from their vestry, besides an overflow of private benevolence, truly admirable. This testimony is borne by one who cannot be suspected of undue partiality to the Jewish people. There is, indeed, o?ie exception to the above assertion. Converts to Christian- ity, at once forfeit every claim on their Jew- ish brethren. There is neither pity nor mercy for a Meshumed."^ He may henceforward starve. He is c?st out from the synagogue, and disclaimed by his people. Such are ob- jects of compassion; they claim sympathy from the sincere Christian, and in this highly favored land, do not claim it in vain ! * Any Israelite renouncicg Judaism, CHAPTER IV. " A ehild Itft to himself bringeth his mother to shame." Proverbs xxix, 15. " There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes, and their eyelids are lifted up,'' Proverbs xxx, 13, At the next house to Jemima, and in a larger room on the ground floor, dwelt a fa- mily who were the only living relatives she had. Iscah Levy was the youngest sister of Jemima's mother. She had married very early in life, and was but eighteen, when she was left a widow with two children, a son and daughter. For their sakes she had re- mained single, and, by industry, succeeded THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 213 in procuring education for them, though her maternal affection degenerated into criminal weakness ; for they were suffered to act just as they chose ; the voice of wholesome re- proof was never heard by these children, and they grew up with the evil passions of their nature, unchecked, unpruned, and ready to effervesce, whenever temptation should call into action the latent mischief. Jemima, who was only a very few years younger than her aunt, frequently remons- trated with her on this false indulgence of her offspring, and judiciously represented its ruinous tendency; but Iscah uniformly re- plied to her neice, and others of the same way of thinking, " The poor things are fatherless, and I neither can nor will do any thing to vex them." With herself, this was a conclusive argu- ment ; besides which, she declared they were dutiful to her, and it was a fact. Iscah gained her living in the same man- ner as Jemima, but she sold many more ar- ticles, such as coffee, olive oil, spices, and the Dutch cheese, used by strict Jews, and 214 THB WIDOW AND HER SON. s^tamped "wvi or lawful to be eaten. She was not, however, so scrupulous in her dealings as her neice, though she had never been ac- cused of gross misconduct, but her moral principles were lax ; not so much, perhaps, from actual want of integrity, as from pro- found ignorance. She knew morality in the gross, but neither defined it as a personal rule, nor had any perception of its spiritual influence on the heart or conduct. She had, however, a large share of pride ; and this, united to a slavish fear of rendering herself amenable to the laws of the land, acted in her case beneficially, and in lieu of con- science and native probity. Wolfe Levy had been, by his own wish^ apprenticed to a son of Rabbi Moses ben Gershon, to acquire his trade as a watch- maker ; but, not liking a life of industrious application,, he conducted himself so impro- perly, that his master was glad to cancel his indentures. He then commenced trade as a. travelling pedlar, dealing chiefly m watches and hardware. Wolfe was an attractive young man, with an address rather superior to his class, and pursued, his business sue- THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 215 cessfully, veiling, beneath a pleasing exte- rior, a corrupt heart and dissolute habits. He was not highly esteemed among the community, either as a devout Jew or a very honest dealer ; but he so managed, that no direct charge could be substantiated against him in either caSe ; he therefore maintained his standing in the synagogue, especially as he so regulated his desultory life, that he always returned from his journies to be pre- sent at the leading festivals. To his mother, the conduct of Wolfe was unexceptionably dutiful. The natural artifice of his charac- ter had no place in aught that concerned her. He loved her sincerely, and even pas- sionately, delighting to deck her in trinkets, far above her lowly station, and which, though she suspected it not, were not always jairly acquired. Nevertheless, Wolfe acted with caution. Pride and servile fear influ- enced his mother, and filial affection operat- ed in the same manner on him, and produced the same result. He could not bear the idea -of afflicting her maternal heart. Matilda Levy was of a disposition and character entirely differhig from those of her 216 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. mother and Wolfe, and quite unlike any of the Jewesses of her class. In personal beauty, she had few equals. Tall, and ele- gantly formed, the majesty of her figure was in perfect keeping with her regularly beau- tiful, but not feminine, features. Ambition was the master passion of Matilda's heart ; It sparkled in her brilliant black eyes,— sat triumphantly on her finely arched brow, — and flashed, in proud and animated expres- sion, from every feature of her faultless face. It preserved her from all that could degrade or debase her, amidst the contagion of sur- rounding depravity, and drew a clear, though almost imperceptible line, between her and those she associated with. Religion she knew only in the external forms. Morality formed no part of her limited education; she had, however, a code of her own, which, such as it was, united with her natural am- bition to keep her from any violation of pro- priety. She read and loved romances, and Shakespeare's plays, and, from these works, had formed, for herself, a standard of con- duct emanating from what she considered elevated examples of virtue and rectitude. THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 217 To her mother, she was extremely duti- ful and afFectionate ; and, though conscious of her superiority, personal and mental, to those by whom she was surrounded, her manner was affable and winning; and in the folds of her heart were concealed her real opinion of herself and her asso- ciates. Matilda had been taught embroidery by a distant relative, who gained a respectable living by it, and employed her constantly, so that she was at home only on the Sab- baths and festivals, but she brought to her mother, with mingled pride and pleasure, the produce of her labour. Nor did she di- minish it for her wearing apparel; with an energy natural to the masculine turn of her character, she worked two additional hours every day at her embroidery frame, for her clothes, and never suffered her per- sonal expences to exceed the sum thus ob- tained. Iscah, on her part, was equally generous. Unknown to Matilda, she scrupulously ab- stained from infringing on her daughter's earnings, and carefully, though secretly, u 218 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. lioarded them as a marriage poition. In the pride of her heart, she anticipated a time when the beauty of her daughter would raise herself and family to a much higher station. She had, however, in this instance, the pru- dence to confine her towering hopes within her own bosom. Being so closely related, and residing so very near, Jemima could not prevent an al- most daily intercourse. I scab was fond of Reuben, and frequently requested to have him in her apartment, when he returned in the evening from seUing his oranges. Je- mima could not always decline this invita- tion, but she acceded to it reluctantly, be- cause she feared the influence of her Hght conversation and habits on his young mind ; and besides those evils, Iscah was an inve- terate card-player, and never passed by an opportunity of indulging the pernicious gra- tification. The careful mother, however, though she commanded Reuben to treat his aunt with the respect due to her years and relationship, earnestly sought to guard him from the contagion of her example ; and the dutiful boy, anxious, above all things. THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 219 to ayoid any possibility of giving pain to his beloved mother, found his filial affection an interposing shield from danger, when under Iscah's roof. He gave a simple, but pleasing, proof of this one evening when he, and several other young persons, were invited to celebrate Matilda's anniver- sary. After joining in various sports, a round game of cards was proposed by Iscah, and joyfully assented to by the juvenile party, who, with the exception of Reuben, crowded round the table, to commence their enjoy- ment.- " Reuben, my dear boy," said Iscah, as she arranged the children, " why do you stop behind ? Come and sit by me, that I may direct your play." Reuben blushed and drooped his head, but did not advance. " Do you not like cards, cousin Reu- ben," said Matilda, " that you do not join us ?" Reuben felt a momentary glow of shame, at the idea of resisting his aunt's wish, and also a desire to enjoy, for once, what every u2 220 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. one seemed to consider so great a pleasure, but he recollected his mother, her continual injunctions, and the pain she would feel if he disobeyed them. This thought decided him. Hesitating and blushing no longer, he replied to his aunt and cousin respectfully, but firmly. *^ I should like very much to play, at least I think so, but I dare not, because I know it would grieve my dear mother." I scab knew this also, and she felt the re- proof, thus artlessly given, but made no re- ply ; and all present readily admitted an ex- cuse so ingenuous, because of the filial piety it evinced. When Jemima was made acquainted with this simple trait of obedience, her heart re- joiced; nevertheless, she did not wish to ex- pose inexperience to frequent temptation ; she therefore saw, with pleasure, the period arrive when Reuben, being within six months of his confirmation, devoted his evenings, and all his leisure time, to prepare for his pubhc debut, under the tuition of the kind Rabbi Moses. The relatives of Jemima felt a kind solicitude for the success of Reuben, more THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 221 especially as he was, naturally, somewhat reserved and timid, and the day of confirma- tion is a trying one to the boldest Jewish youth. Wolfe Levy encouraged his cousin, and predicted that he would come off with eclat ; and Matilda embroidered for him a scarf and phylactery bag, much too elegant for his station. Iscah insisted on providing the feast at her own apartment, which was somewhat larger than Jemima's, and it was accepted, because the widow felt that she should miss her lamented husband less, away from her own roomr The important day at length arrived, that was to enrol Reuben among his nation, and enable him to preside at his mother's table in all that pertained to religion. With what mingled feelings did the mother fold, to her fond heart, the duteous child, who had never wilfully disobeyed or afflicted her! It was a long and tender embrace; her tears bathed his face, — her benediction soothed his heart, — and she yielded him to his Rabbi. Reuben, when he first ascended the 01- memmor^ or reading desk, and saw the scroll ua 222 THE WIDOW AND HER SON-. of the law opened before him, at the portion he was to chaunt, trembled and turned pale. Happily, however, at that moment, when the eyes of all the congregation were upon him, and a profound stillness reigned around, he glanced at the latticed gallery. His mother, feeling as a mother only can feel, was there. Her anxiety, however, was concealed in the depth of her heart ; Reuben only saw her smiling lip and look of encouragement ; the effect was powerful and decisive. He saw, in the thronged assembly, only his beloved mother, and went through his duty in a manner seldom equalled. The momentary hesitation of Reuben, and his pale looks, had not prepared the by- standers for a success so complete, and many congratulations were paid to the youth and his gratified Rabbi, who accompanied the guests invited to Iscah's apartment, where an entertainment awaited them, rather proportioned to her pride than her means. When Jemima and her son first met, one sentiment seemed to govern them. They mingled their tears for the lost husband and parent, to whom this would have THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 223 been so proud a day. All present sym- pathised in the affecting recollection, and suffered nature to relieve herself awhile, after which, joy and festivity were pro- moted in honour of the important day. CHAPTER V. " The new moans and sabbaths, the calling of assem' 8r/e«, / cannot away with; it i$ iniquity, even the solemn- meeting.*' IsaiaL i, IS. '' Your appointed feasts my soul hateth : They are a trouble unto me ; I am weary to bear them.*' Isaiah i, 14. " This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the pre- cepts ofmen.^' Isaiah xxix, 13. A short time after the confirmation of Reu- ben, he represented to his mother the anxiety he felt to assist her more effectually than the very moderate profit attached to the sale of oranges could do ; but, as heretofore, there was much difficulty in deciding how he could THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 225 most profitably employ himself. Jemima had long desired to see her son acquire a regular trade, but she could not accomplish an ap- prentice fee, and Reuben, with tears, be- sought her not to think of it. " No, mother dear," said he, " I cannot be bound for seven years, and suffer you to work for mCf that cannot be thought of, for a mo- ment ; it is my duty and my delight to work for yoUf and so that it be honestly, I care not how hard the labor." Jemima wept, but her's were not tears of sorrow. The festival of the new year ap- proached, and they concluded to form their decision when that holy-day and the others, so quickly succeeding it, were over. When Iscah heard what had passed, she strenuously advised her neice to let Reuben adopt the same calling as her son, so success- fully carried on, and which was in those days, much more profitable than it is at the present time. Wolfe who had, as usual, returned for the holidays, warmly seconded the advice of his mother, and offered to take Reuben with him on his next journey, in order to initiate him 226 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. in the pedlary trade. Jemima, after much thought, seeing no better mode of employ for the present, gave a reluctant consent, that he should accompany Wolfe after the holidays. She had not indeed a very high opinion of her cousin, but, as she knew no positive ill concerning him and had much confidence in the principles of her son, she endeavoured to hope all would be well. At the time of Reuben's confirmation, several of the elders of the synagogue, who much respected his mother, had made her little gifts on Reuben's account. They a- mounted in all to two guineas. Iscah,. at Matilda's request added another. This little store Wolfe undertook to lay out advantage- ously for them in small articles of Jewellery, and Reuben was to make his first journey, as the nominal servant of Wolfe, that the ex- pence of a licence, might not be incurred till it was seen how far Reuben's success would justify it. These matters finally adjusted, the two families prepared for the solemn festival of the new year. At this period in every year, Iscah was quite a different person. Cards THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 227 were not even heard of in her apartment. Her customers had reason to be well satisfied with the articles she sold. No musty olives, rancid oils, damaged tea or coffee or cheeses, were then put off, to the unwary or chil- dren. She was theuj what Jemima aimed to be all the year round. Her conversation too, was quite of another order, serious and even tinctured with piety; and her voice, at all other times loud and vivacious, was now modulated to tones soft, low, and plaintive. This marvellous effect was solely produced by superstitious and slavish fear. She be- lieved, in common with her nation, that on the eve of the new year, the divine Majesty of Heaven inscribed in a book, the fate of every individual for the year, though He did not seal and confirm His decree, irrevocably, until the eve of the day of Atonement. To secure a favorable decree, therefore, was the cause of a change so striking. Jemima, as usual, admitted an aged and poor couple to partake of her homely, but cordial hospitality at this season. Her choice fell on her own sex, and she invited two widows, that she might, without giving of- 228 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. fence, have the gratification of seeing her son perform the rehgious rites previous to their holy-day supper. With sincere, though mistaken devotion, Reuben on his return from synagogue, and after he had received his mother's blessing, and saluted the v/hole party with the wonted greeting of "may the Holy and blessed One, write thy name in the book of life and pros- perity !" proceeded to bless the cup of wine, and break and distribute the hallowed bread, to which is added, on the new year eve, ap- ples, dipped in honey, with a suitable prayer or blessing. The day of Atonement suceeeded. It was the first time Reuben had fully observed its rigorous fast. Jemima and her son, at the in- vitation of Iscah, adjourned to her room to take their first meal, when dismissed from the synagogue, at the appearance of the stars, and by the sound of the Shofar or Trumpet. On quitting it, friends and relations, exchan- ged the congratulations of the new year. The salutation then was : " May the Holy and blessed One, seal thy name in the book of life, health and pros- perity." THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 229 Iscah had during the day wept, and ap- peared most penitent and devout, among the penitents and devotees around her ; but all these feelings seemed to evaporate at the sound of the trumpet, and on her return home, after breaking her long fast, she was gay even to wildness, so transient and hollow were the religious notions she was guided by. In the very small yard behind her apart- ment, Iscah built a tabernacle every year, and her less fortunate neighbors used to visit it in turn every day to repeat a short prayer. After the plentifid repast, the first stakes for the temporary erection were driven that night by Wolfe and Reuben, assisted by neighbors anxious to share a meritorious work. The intercalary days, between the day of atone- ment, and the festival of Tabernacles, are days of plenary indulgence; during which, according to rabbinical tradition, the doings of the newly absolved people are not noted in the book of mortal transgressions. Iscah therefore gave free scope to her customary enjoyments, especially cards, to which she devoted herself, imtil the eve of Tabernacles put an end to her pursuits. 230 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. Jemima, being too poor to purchase a cit- ron, which with palm branches and myrtle, are used at morning prayer during the eight days of this festival, (Leviticus xxiii, 40.) had hitherto gone every morning with Reu- ben, Iscah, and her children, to the house of the presiding Rabbi, who allowed the poor to repeat the customary prayer over his Es- rag or citron, and Lulav or palm branch, which latter is of Indian growth.^ This year, however, she was not obliged to go so far. Wolfe had brought his mother, as a present, a beautiful citron, and a palm branch of surprising size. She was delighted to be the possessor of these costly articles, and found her pride highly gratified by inviting her neighbors to avail themselves of it. Du- ring the Choel Hammoed, or intercalary days of the feast, she had every evening a large party in her chamber, expressly for cards ; and a Duchess, in her splendid man- sion, surrounded by the elite of rank, fashion, and beauty, was, perhaps, less truly gay and happy, than this poor daughter of Israel> • These palms are preserved from year to j ear. THE WIDOW AND HER SON 231 amidst her Jewish assembly, in the single apartment she could call her own. At last the eighth day, " that great day of the feast j^ arrived. Then the Jews, who keep it as a solemn festival, carried with them to the synagogue their citrons, Indian palms, and sprigs of willow and myrtle ; and these were carried by them in procession round the syn- agogue, singing Hosannahs, in honor of the day. Iscah was delighted to see Wolfe among them carrying his citron, while Reu- ben bore the palm branch, and she called the attention of her neighbors (o her son, who she truly said was th^ joy of her heart, and added that he would, if spared till the next twelvemonth, be more conspicuous than he had yet been in the synagogue, though in what manner she would not disclose, and her friends were left to their own conjectures. The holy-days of that period, being now fully completed, Wolfe began to prepare for his journey, which was to take place in a fortnight after. He made the necessary pur- chases, had as usual, (rather to avoid scandal than for any use he made of it, when unob- served by his Jewish brethren,) his Chalaf x2 232 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. examined by the presiding Rabbi, and ar- ranged a light valise for Reuben, as he alter- nately rode and walked when on a journey, having many customers at farms off the high roads. His autumn journey was to Bristol ; in spring he visited Hampshire : in summer the watering places, making three long journ- ies, besides desultory excursions to various places nearer to the metropolis. In each of the principal places where he was accustomed to make any stay, he kept some culinary utensils under lock and key, though not at all scrupulous about his food when safe from detection. He intended, however, on this journey, to be guarded, on account of Reu- ben, until he had sounded his disposition, and, by degrees, undermined what he con- sidered to be superstitious and ridiculous observances, at first imposed by the Rab- bins, and to be found only in their writings. In some respects Wolfe thought rightly of traditional ordinances, and, had he stopped there, all had been well ; but he mingled things that widely differ, and, in his con- tempt of Rabbinical usages, swept away the line of moral principle and scriptural com- THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 233 mands ; while artifice and dissimulation had displaced, in his practice, the rectitude and candor that should distinguish the dealings of man with his fellow-man, whatsoever their respective creed. Jemima, without suspecting the true cha- racter of Wolfe, who, like the Spartan boy, strenuously guarded against detection, of what, nevertheless, he felt no hesitation in practising, felt sad at heart when the day of their departure arrived. She gave Wolfe a most solemn and affecting charge as she led Reuben to Iscah's apartment. " I give you," said she, " a poor widow's only treasure. I commit to your hands all the comfort I have in this world. Oh Wolfe be careful of my boy ! as you hope to be bound up in tlie bundle of life. His prin- ciples are honest; return him to me uncor- rupted, and the blessing of the fatherless and the widow, shall ascend to the throne of the Holy One, and open for you the gates of Gan-Iden." Wolfe was touched by this address ; he promised all his aunt had asked ; and after repeated and affecting farewells, Jemima x3 234 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. returned to her lonely apartment ; which, to her maternal heart, wore an air of indescrib- able desolation, during this, the first, absence of her darling son. CHAPTER VL " By sorrow ojthe heart the spirit is broken/* Proverbs xv. J3i *' How do ye say, we are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us V " Lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them 1 Jeremiah viii, 8, 9. To alleviate, as much as possible the lone- liness of Jemima's situation, Iscah proposed that Matilda should return every evening to share her cousin's apartment, during the ab- sence of Reuben, and the considerate oiFer was thankfully accepted. After a short time Matilda, attracted by the exquisite neatness 236 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. of her cousin's chamber, and the comforts her provident management had enabled her to enjoy in soUmited a space, obtained leave to bring her embroidery frame to Jemima's apartment, and pursue there her elegant em- ploy. When Jemima first occupied her apart- ment, she contrived to part off a recess at the further end of it, by a falling drapery of green baize ; within this space she had placed her drawers, and one of the walnut sleeping presses ; and thus, though occupying but one room, she had the convenience of two, and when Reuben grew up it was his bed-chamber, Matilda now occupied the well-managed re- cess, which received light from the back window, inclosed in its bounds, and gave Jemima credit for the adroitness that had managed to make it a comfortable sleeping- room. On the drawers was placed an an- tique looking-glass, and under the casement window, (which was shaded by a muslin cur- tain, and adorned with sprigs of mint, grow- ing from bottles hung on the outside,) a basin stand, furnished with every necessary for the performance of the many daily ablu- tions. THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 237 Matilda had not been long an inmate with Jemima, ere the latter discerned an unac- countable alteration in the hitherto gay young Jewess. She was gay no longer, and would set hours closely occupied by her embroidery, without uttering a syllable, and an abstracted and even pensive air, had taken place of the usual proud and noble expression of her beautiful countenance. In vain, however, Jemima sought to win the confidence of the haughty girl. She v/ould not, for an instant, admit that Jemima was right in her conclu- sions, though her manner so palpably just- fied them. The amiable widow, thus repul- sed, contented herself with silently paying the proud beauty, every tender and soothing attention, without any farther attempt to pe- netrate the sorrow, she evidently wished to conceal, and left it to time to elucidate the mystery. I scab had also noticed that Matilda was less gay, and, attributing it to her too close application to the embroidery frame, made continual parties, on the Sabbath-afternoons, to convey her to the tea gardens and thea- tres ; and this she could easily effect, with- 238 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. out any additional expences, the young Jews, of that quarter, being eager to escort the beautiful Matilda, tliough, as a matter of course, always accompanied by her mother. Once this mode of spending the Sabbath- afternoons, would have delighted Matilda, but now she preferred passing those hours of cessation, in Jemima's apartment, and de- clined every invitation to quit it; though she contrived to do so without alarming her affectionate mother, in whose presence she dutifully exerted herself to appear cheerful. Meantime the young travellers were pro- ceeding, by a slow and circuitous route, to Bristol, where Wolfe intended to make his longest stay. Cautious of doing nothing during Mis journey to shock the prejudices of his charge, he was careful to fulfil all the rites of his rehgion. He used his phylac- teries daily, — laid a mezuza every night on his pillow, — and ate only bread, eggs, fish, and vegetables, except in the houses where his culinaiy apparatus were deposited. Then he used his chalaf, and superintended the preparation of the food he had thus duly killed. THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 239 Wolfe had predetermined to countenance Reuben's superstitious and minute adherence to Jewish ceremonies during this journey. He reserved for that in spring, the attempt he intended to make to alter, or at least mo- dify them ; nor did he think that to effect it would, in the least, injure his young charge, who, he considered, would enjoy much more comfort on his journies, if he could be brought to dispense, occasionally, with observances that entail, on the devout Jews, so many de- privations and inconveniences. On the second day from their quitting home, Wolfe turned out of the high road, to call at a neighbouring farm-house, having broup-ht a watch for the farmer's eldest son. o The family were at dinner when he arrived, and would, as usual in his former calls, have made room for him at the long dinner table, but, making a significant sign, unobserved by Reuben, he declined their hospitality, and would only accept a mug of ale, and some dry bread, which he cut with his pocket knife, and divided with his cousin. An old woman, the grandmother of the family, took great notice of Reuben, and 240 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. asked him several questions. He answered them with great modesty and propriety, and after the dinner was over, she was occupied at the dresser in paring some large apples for a pie, and called Reuben to her, offering him part of a very fine one. Instead, how- ever, of his accepting the old lady's kindness, he blushed, looked down, and nestled close to his cousin. Wolfe was at once amused and provoked by the boy's behaviour, and asked why he did not take the fruit, parti- cularly as he was fond of apples. " I could not eat it, cousin Wolfe," he whispered softly ; " the Goya cut it with the very same knife she used for the Chozzur !" * Reuben meant this explanation for his cou- sin only, but Wolfe repeated it to the rest ; and they were highly amused at the simpli- city of the Jewish boy, to whom they gave some whole apples, however, to make amends for laughing at him. The travellers arrived at Bristol in good spirits, having spent a fortnight on the road, during which Wolfe had effected some pro- • Swine's flesh,— pork in any form. THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 241 fitable sales, both for himself and Reuben. They arrived on the morning of Friday ; and Wolfe, having secured his usual lodging, sat down to write in the Lingua Judaica (a dia- lect known only to Jews, and the usual mode by which they correspond all over the globe), an account of their journey, addressed within jointly to Iscah, Matilda, and Jemima; but, by Reuben's request, directed for the latter. Not designing to unpack his goods until Sunday, Wolfe passed some hours in con- ducting Reuben about this busy city, till the time arrived when the Sabbath evening ser- vice commenced. They then adjourned to the synagogue, neatly habited ; and when the worship concluded, were, as strangers, invited, of course, to spend the Sabbath with one of their brethren; which invitation always intends the whole of the Sabbath, from eve to eve. The person who at this time extended, to the Jewish strangers, the customary rites of hospi- tality, was a silversmith, and an elder of the synagogue. His house was situated in the worst part of St. Augustine's Back, and was not very inviting, externally. Within, how- Y 242 THE WIDOW AND HEK SON. ever, it was the most splendid Reuben had ever been invited to, and seemed to possess every article of Jewish luxury. The small shop was closed for the Sabbath, but a Gen- tile servant girl lighted the visitors through it. A lamp at the foot of the stairs rendered her farther attendance unnecessary ; and Jonas Abrahams now led the way to a large apartment on the first floor, where his wife her mother, and his children, consisting of four girls, had prepared the Sabbath meal, and awaited his coming. There was a peculiar air of comfort in this apartment, arranged as it then was. The furniture, though antique, was good ; a handsome carpet covered the floor, — curtains of crimson moreen fell in drapery, that did credit to the taste of Mrs. Abrahams, — the Sabbath lamp was silver, — in addition to its seven brilliant lights, were four large wax candles, placed in massive silver candlesticks, not taken, for the occasion, from the shop, but brought into the family by the old lady, whose venerable appearance greatly attracted Reuben, as she rose from her large easy chair, furnished with velvet cushions, to THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 243 welcome the Sabbath guests, while the chil- dren gathered about their fond father, to re- ceive his customary blessing. The large and hospitable table was of a circular form, which, on such occasions as the present, offered no distinction to the guest, whatever his station ; — a peculiar and delicate feature in Jewish hospitality, when extended to the poor, whose feelings are ever considered, and studiously consulted, in all that occurs while they are guests. A cloth of foreign damask, (an article the poorest Jew aims to have for Sabbath use,) covered the table. The supper service was Dresden ehina ; and a profusion of plate, useful and ornamental, glittered among it, disposed with tasteful regularity. Wolfe, who had been in the house on for- mer occasions, was quite at his ease among this scene ; but poor Reuben felt shy and embarrassed, and sat on the edgfe of his chair, counting the flowers on the bright carpet. The kind old lady, Rebecca Solo- mon, observed his natural timidity, and en- deavoured to dissipate it, by placing him next to herself at the supper, and paying y2 244 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. him those little attentions which at once gra- tify and encourage the favoured recipient ; and Reuben, from that hour, felt much at- tached to the amiable Mrs. Solomon. When the ample supper was over, and every article removed from the table except bread and salt, Jonas Abrahams, understand^ ing from Wclfe that Reuben had been con- firmed, requested him to recite, aloud, the long grace after meals. This religious ob- servance can only be observed in this man- ner, when three men, at least, are at table; and it is a post of honour to be called on to take the lead in it. Reuben was now so much reconciled to his situation, that he obeyed the call in a very graceful manner, and his performance gave great satisfaction to the whole family, who expressed their envy of Jemima, and their regret that, among their four children, there was not a Caudish. When they separated at night, their host reminded them to be at the breakfast-table by six, that they might be at synagogue in good time. When Wolfe got to his lodg- ings, he had a rushlight placed in his room THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 245 by the Gentile landlady, as, by the Jewish traditional law, he could neither light nor extinguish his candle ; and he always obser- ved the minutest particular of the Rabbinical yoke, when under the eye of his nation. )«^f< y3 CHAPTER VII. " They seek me dailij, and delight to know my ways, as o nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordi- nance of their God." Isaiah I, 2. *' Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not kear." Isaiah li.x, 2. " A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grevious words stir up anger." Proverbs xv, I. Wolfe and his cousin were punctual to their appointment on the Sabbath morning, not being delayed by their phylacteries, which are never used on either festivals or sabbaths ; though this, like many other Jew- ish observances rested only on traditional usage, or Rabbinical dogmas. THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 247 Early as were the guests, the family were already assembled round the breakfast-table, where a truly Jewish morning meal awaited them, consisting of tea, coffee, and every va- riety of fish, (having fins and scales), with the delicate Sabbath bread, and cakes of different kinds, almost too rich to be eaten with safety ; and food so inviting was ren- dered still more so, by the china and plate it was served on. The male part of the family hastened their meal, to be present at the commencement of the morning service. The ladies followed, more leisurely, arrayed in the splendid cos- tume that Jewish females, especially at that epoch, delighted to exhibit in the synagogue, and at card parties. When the morning prayer had concluded, the scrolls of the law and prophets, divided into sections, so that the whole may be read publicly through every year, were brought from the Oran Akodesh, or holy depository, within the veil, and that part of the service commenced, every movement of which is profitable to the secular economy of the sy- nagogue, being eagerly purchased, either by 248 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. sincerely devout Jews, or those whose vanity and love of display make them fond of the conspicuous part thus assigned to them. Jonas Abrahams purchased, on this morn- ing, the office of Sagan, which enabled him to do honour to his guest. Seven persons read the several portions which form the sec- tion for the day to the assembly. A priest and Levite by descent take precedence ; the other five are called from the mass. Each person ascends the Olmemmor, covered with a Taleth, without shoes, and wearing a three- cornered hat. After reading, or rather chaun- ting, his part, in the cadence prescribed by the musical points affixed, in which he is ac- companied by the Vorsinger and Bass, he elevates the open scroll in view of the people, and then makes way for the next reader. Wolfe, by the choice of the Sagan, had the third portion, and also permission to carry one of the scrolls to the Oran Akodesh, at the close of the worship. Two elders of the synagogue accompanied Jonas and his guest home at noon, where a luxurious meal awaited them; previous to which, however, the cup and Sabbath bread tHE Widow and her son. 249 were again blessed, broken, and distributed. The afternoon proving rainy, they remained at home, conversing in that lively and free strain which Jews indulo-e among; themselves. After many other topics had been thus discussed, the conversation took a somewhat more serious turn ; and, among other subjects adverted to, was the coming of the Messiah. One of the elders gave it as his opinion, that the period was drawing near ; the other dis- sented, and gave his reasons for it. Jonas Abrahams, on being appealed to by each of them, frankly declared tha.t he had not Con* sidered the subject closely, and owned that his individual wishes were rather against a speedy advent. His guests expressing their surprise at this, as he, of course, daily prayed for that advent, he hastened to explain him- self. ^' We all do, of course, pray for it," he replied ; " but, to own the truth, I, for one, am in no haste for its speedy accomplish- ment. In what respect will it better my condition ? I have here, as you see, a com- fortable home, — follow my calling without molestation, and worship the God of my 250 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. fathers in my own way. If we all went to Jerusalem to-morrow, I should not enjoy more happiness than I do now, in this princely land ; and indeed, from what I can understand, Jerusalem is not to be compared to England, and I have not the least desire to leave it." The elders pretended to take this plain de- claration as mere irony, and therefore made little reply. Wolfe took no part in the de- bate, but was exactly of his host's opinion, who really was sincere in the statement he had so ingenuously made. The elders departed soon after the Sabbath had been dismissed with the usual cere- monies, and Jonas opened his shop; but Wolfe was detained by the ladies, to join a few friends at the card-table. Reuben was offered a place at it, but declined accepting it, for his usual reason, and was commended for his filial obedience by the whole party. He found more amusing employ in the shop, where Jonas was busy serving j ewellery and other wares to his Gentile customers, and ac- cepted his assistance with thanks, as his THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 551 shop was generally thronged on Saturday evenings. The travellers were not permitted to re- turn to their lodgings till they had supped, and, at parting, their kind hosts requested that they would consider themselves as their Sabbath guests during their stay at Bristol ; besides which, they invited them to come every evening, if it suited them, as Jonas made it a rule to have cards in his house every night in the week, after his shop was closed. Three very pleasant weeks ghded fast away, and Wolfe prepared to return home- wards, having some orders to leave on his way to London. Reuben's little stock had been quickly disposed of, and more pur- chased with part of the money; which second venture was also disappearing very fast. On the last evening of their stay, Jonas, who had been much pleased with Reuben, told Wolfe he should like to take the boy into his family, and teach him his trade, for he carried on that of a working jeweller, as well as selling plate, and had a light attic fitted up as a workshop, though he had, for 252 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. some years past, ceased to be active in it, as he found more profit attached to selhng than making trinkets. The females of this pleasing family cor- dially seconded Jonas's offer. Wolfe made a suitable reply, but expressed a fear that Jemima would not like to part with her only child ; and Reuben, though gratefully sen- sible of the favour intended him, modestly owned he should not like to leave his dear mother. " But if she wishes you to accept our offer ?" said Mrs. Solomon. " Well then. Madam," replied Reuben, " though it would grieve me to live so far away from her, it will be my duty to obey her." " Well answered," said the old lady ; " I see you are a good and dutiful boy, for you prefer your mother's will to your own. God will bless you while you continue to act so ; and, to prove how well I like your conduct, you shall carry this present from me to her, and tell her I hope you will be preserved to her many many years. Reuben wept with grateful joy at this ad- THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 253 dress, and the accompanying present, which was a peice of very handsome chintz for a gown ; and in his heart wished such kind friends lived in London, that they might sometimes meet. Early on Sunday morning, the cousins left Bristol on their way home ; Reuben, in ad- dition to his valise, now much lightened, having a pretty heavy basket of cold provi- sions, quite sufficient to last a week, which Mrs. Abrahams had prepared for them. Wolfe did not hasten home, or travel with so much celerity as he had done to Bristol. Many of the farm-houses he now visited lay wide of the direct road, but the weather was fine. They made the whole of their journey liome on foot, which Reuben was glad of, as it enabled him to carry more money home to his mother. On their way, Wolfe called again at the farm-house where Reuben had declined the apple cut with a knife used for pork. This circumstance had not been forgotten by the farmer's lads, who often spoke of it scoffingly • and, as the cousins passed through the farm- 254 THE WIDOW AND HER SOK. yard to the house, one of them tapped Reu- ben's shoulder, and said to him, jeeringly, "What brings you here again so soon, young Chozzur ?" Wolfe had passed on without attending to the lad, but Reuben, on all other occasions so mild and patient, could not brook what he considered a wanton insult. He reddened to his very temples, and, shaking his fist at the lad in defiance, he said in an angry tone. " Ignorant Goy ! it is you who are a real Chozzur. You have eaten the unclean meat till you have become one yourself." The other iads in the yard now backed their companion in teasing the Jew boy, who retorted quite as uncourteously. From words they went to blows, and Reuben, though he fought manfully, would soon have been worsted in the unequal contest, of three a- gainst one, had not the farmer and Wolfe, alarmed by the noise they made, come to separate them. This, however, was not an easy matter on Renben's part, so much had he been roused, nor was he induced to desist until Wolfe said to him : — " Oh Reuben ! what would your mother THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 255 say to this scene ? I think it would break her heart I" His raised complexion faded at this ap- peal ; he burst into tears, and suffered Wolfe to lead him quietly to the house, but before they quitted it, the good farmer, after re- proving his young men, made both parties quench their animosity in a friendly mug of ale. On leaving this place, Wolfe gave his cou- sin some advice as to his future conduct in similar situations. " You must be prepared to meet insults among Goyim.'' said he, " let them jeer as they will, be quiet under it, and repay it in your dealings with them. That is my practice, and a profitable one too, I can tell you." Reuben did not clearly comprehend this advice, but, as he felt ashamed of his late passion, which he knew his mother would not approve, he made no comment, and they reached London without any remarkable in- cident. CHAPTER VIII. " The "blessing of the Lord it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it,'' Proverbs x, 22. " As a jewel of gold in a swine^s snout, so is a fair wo- man without discretion.'* Proverbs xi, 22. Jemima received her beloved boy with feelings which the maternal bosom alone can imagine ; and her gratitude to Wolfe for his care of him knew no bounds. She was never tired of listening to Reuben's minute details • and when he brought her, with evident plea- sure, the profits of his little stock, she added it to the principal, and delivered it to Wolfe to lay out for them. To gratify Reuben, THE WIDOW AND HER SON 257 however, she made up the present from the Bristol friend ; and nothing could exceed his delight, when he saw this mother so beloved, appear in the latticed gallery of the syna- gogue, in her handsome dress. Wolfe, on being consuked by Jemima, advised that Reuben should resume his old trade of selling fruit, though in a different way, until the spring journey. " For," said he, " to sell hard-ware in London, or its environs, is a miserable way of gaining a livelihood. The Goyim about town hate and suspect us, and make sure that we will cheat them, as if there was something in the very nature of a Jew to prevent his being honest ! The hateful set tempt us to be what they are always accu- sing us of. No ! let Reuben get a net, in lieu of his basket, — fill the ends with lemons and oranges, —and, instead of standing about the streets like an image, hunted by the street-keepers, and insuUed by the lowest of the Nazarenes, let him go into the suburbs of London for a few miles, and I am sure his civility and fair dealings will soon get him sufficient encouragement. z3 258 THE WIDOW AND HER SON, Jemima approved Wolfe's counsel ; and Reuben, having no wish separate from his mother's will, the plan was adopted at once, but Jemima would not touch any of her son's profits. She redoubled her own in- dustry, that it might all go to increase his spring stock. If that journey succeeded as- well as the last had done, Wolfe thought they might prudently venture to purchase a licence, and at once establish Reuben in that business. A fortnight after their return, the Feast of Lights, or Chanucah, ^ was celebrated. This period, though regularly observed by the * CHANUCAH, OR FEAST OF LIGHTS. •' When the Israelites prevailed over their enemies, and destroyed them, it was on the 25th of the mouth Chisluv ; and they went into the temple, and could not find any pure oil in the sanctuary but one vial, and it was only sufficient for one day ; and they lighted lamps from it for eight days succes- sively, until the olives were pressed, and gave out pure oil. Wherefore, the wise men of that generation ordered, that those eight days, beginning at the 25th of Chisluv, should be days of rejoicing and praise. And they lighted lamps at the doors of their houses every night of those eight, to show and make known the rairacleo. And these days are called the Dedication ; and they are forbidden mourning or fasting, as on the days of Purim, {i. e. feast of Esther. ) And the lighting THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 259 Jews, in lighting the lamps, does not inter- fere with any of their daily avocations. In their prayers is inserted a brief collect, al- luding to the alleged miracle. For the rest, the poorer classes make it a season of enjoy- ment, by meeting at each other's apartments during the eight evenings it lasts, (Friday evening excepted), to su]), and play at cards and dominos. Nor are the more opulent without their pleasures, though of a more re- fined description. It was during this week, so especially de- voted to enjoyment, and which Iscah pro- moted to the extent of her power, by crowd- of the lamps is a commandment from the scribes, (as is read- ing the book of Esther at Furim)," " How many lamps do they light at the feast of the Dedi^ cation ?'' ** The order is^ that every house should light one lamp, whether the men of the house be many, or whether there is but one man in it. But he that honours the command lights up lamps according to the number of men in the house.— a lamp for every one, whether men or women. And he teat honours it more lights a lamp for every man the first night, and adds, as he goes, every night a lamp. For instance, if there be ten men in the house, the first night he lights up ten lamps, — on the second twenty, — on the third thirly,^ — until bg comes totheeighthnight, when helightsup fourscore lamps.*' Hilchot Megilla Chanucah, c. iii, sect. 2,— 4* 260 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. iiig her apartment every evening with guests, some elder ones for her card-table, and yoimg people of both sexes, to please Wolfe and Matilda, that the striking alteration in Ma- tilda attracted her brother's attention. She strove, indeed, to appear as usual, when Iscah's eye was upon her ; but, when not conscious of any particular observation, the gloom that sat on her brow, — the langour of her beautiful eyes, — the compression of her finely formed mouth, as if affected by some pain she wished to conceal, — convinced Wolfe that his sister was the prey of secret sorrow ; and he resolved, when Chanucah had closed, to endeavour at gaining her con- fidence. He was, however, fully aware, that this would require some address ; for Ma- tilda evidently sought to conceal her grief, whatsoever its nature, from her mother ,• and the native pride of his sister had always in- duced her to resist any attempt on his part, to advise or interfere with her, though, in every other respect, she evinced for him a sincere and fervent affection. One evening, during the Chanucah week, while the numerous party were assembled at THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 261 Iscah's supper table, which was spread with her accustomed lavish hospitahty, among other topics, the conduct of a young Jewess, who had occupied a garret in that house, was freely canvassed among the guests. Clara Lyon, the female in question, was lively and handsome, and had earned a comfortable subsistence as a clear-starcher, for she was both industrious and clever at that kind of work, and no girl in the lane appeared in better array on the Sabbath. So circum- stanced, Clara could have chosen, at her pleasure, among the youths of her quarter, if she wished to marry : but, during her Sabbath afternoon excursions, she had at- tracted the notice of a serjeant in the Guards, and, having no relatives, and so little knowledge of religion, that her attach- ment to Judaism was a mere local one, she, after a time, and notwithstanding the remon- strances of her neighbours, accepted the ad- dresses of her Gentile suitor, and became his wife. This occurrence had only taken place the week before ; and those present commented on it according to their several opinions. Most of them condemned Clam 262 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. severely. Jemima, though too candid to conceal her dislike of the affair, neveilheless thought Clara was as much to be pitied as blamed, never having had any one to teach her either religion or morals, for she was left an orphan, while yet in her cradle, and had been brought up wholly on charity, until, by her own industiy, she had been able to furnish the garret she lately rented. I scab defended the absent Clara still more warmly. She observed that the Goy was a liberal fellow, who had lately received a le- gacy of three hundred pounds ; besides which, he had his pay as a serjeant, and had promised Clara not to interfere with any of her Jewish customs,, if she wished to fol- low them. " I saw her the day before yesterday," continued I scab, " when I went to buy some olives, and her Goy had dressed her quite like a lady. She says he is remarkably good to her ; and who knows that he may not one day, by management, become a Ger, ^ and so make amends for all." * A proselyte to Judaism. THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 263 Wolfe approved what his mother had said and, between jest and earnest, asked for Clara's present address, that he might endea- vour to win her custom for some trinkets, on her marriage. Matilda had been quite silent during these comments, but she appeared to take a deep interest in all that was said ; and when Iscah gave so decided an opinion respecting Clara, a bright glow suffused her face, and her eyes sparkled with pleasure, especially when an old and bigoted Jewess asked Iscah whether she could have so easily forgiven a daughter of her own, for such conduct, and she quickly replied, — " Why not ? Clara has married the man, and is well off now." " But a Goy !" said her guest. " Well, a Goy, certainly," replied Iscah ; " but I believe there are many worthy Goyim ; and, as I said before, the Goy may, in time, become a Ger. Clara is allowed to keep the Sabbath and holidays if she chuses, and I believe she will. The poor girl has neither been baptized nor turned Christian. 264 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. If she had, I should not be so ready to speak a word on her behalf." The subject then gave place to others, but the animatmg effect of Iscah's defence of Clara, on the spirits of Matilda, had not escaped the keen observation of Wolfe ; and he resolved, if possible, to gain her confi- dence. In this attempt, however, he was com- pletely foiled, though it was conducted in the most subtle manner. Between Iscah and his sister there was evidently some se- cret understanding, from this memorable evening, but its nature he could not deve- lops Matilda seemed to have regained her usual cheerfulness ; and his mother, when questioned, smiled, and looked significantly, but made no reply. Wolfe next applied to Jemima ; but, though she had observed the late dejection, and present change in Ma- tilda, she was not in the secret, and could afford no solution to it. He was, there- fore, obliged to refer to time for an elucida- tion of the mystery. Reuben had a great deal of fatigue in his present employ, but found it more profitable THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 265 than formerly ; and, more than once, had to return to replenish his net in the course of the day. He had acquired a set of custo- mers who knew his days of coming round, and waited for him. He gave his evenings to Rabbi Moses, to acquire the art of slaugh- tering animals for food ; and his attention, on Sundays, to the practical illustrations of his Rabbi's lessons in the Jewish slaughter-house. Wolfe took great pains to instruct him how to manage and set his Chalaf, though he was as yet too young to obtain a license from the presiding Rabbi. About this time, Jemima made some ad- dition to her little income, by accepting an inmate, who very much admired the good order and comfort of her apartment, and wished to reside with her. Leah Marks was a widow, whose savings, together with an allowance from the synagogue and two mar- ried sons, enabled her to subsist very com- fortably, with frugal management. She was active, lively, good-tempered, extremely neat in her person and habits, and very anxious to make herself useful to her hostess. She was not a card-player, but sincerely and unaffec- voL. I. 2 a ^66 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. tedly religious; and her traditional knowledge made her a person of importance among her class, and even in the synagogue gallery, on holidays. Reuben treated her with great re- spect, always coming to her, as well as his mother, for the Sabbath eve benediction; and so won Leah's affections, that she de- lighted to impart to him what she considered important information on religious subjects. Besides which, in return for many little marks of attention on his part, she presented to him an antique but useful watch, that had belonged to her late husband, on condition that he preserved it carefully. A distinction, even more gratifying than the gift of Leah Marks, fell to Reuben's share at this period. Rabbi Moses ben Gershon offered, to his evening scholars, a prize of a silver pen, to tl>e author of the best and most interesting translation from Hebrew into English, of a short piece taken from holy writ, or from any of the learned books he possessed. Reuben, having a great opinion of Leah's judgment, requested her to select a theme for him. She advised him to chuse for his THE WIDOW AND HER SON. 267 subject, the anecdote of Monbaz the kmg, * as illustrative of the Jewish opinion of the value and tendency of benevolence. Reuben accordingly requested his Rabbi would allow him access to the book containing it, which was readily granted. His subject and trans- lation being considered the most interesting and accurate of all the themes, the pen was unanimously awarded to him by the three Rabbins, chosen as umpires on the occasion. He received it with modest pleasure, and ac- knowledged to his Rabbi that it chiefly arose • ANECDOTE. " Monbaz the Khig stood and gave all his goods to the p^or. His relations sent to him and said, ' Thy fathers added to thatwhich was theirs, and to that which was their fathers, but thou ha't given away that which was thine, and that which was thy fathers.' He replied to them all thus. * My fathers laid up treasure on earth, but I have laid up treasure in heaven, according to Psalm xxxv, 11. My fathers laid up treasures which do not bring forth fruit, but I have laid up treasures which bring forth fruit, according to Isaiah iii, 10, My fathers gathered in a place where the hand of man rules, but I have gathered in a place where the hand of man does not rule, according to Psalm Ixxxxvii, 2. My fathers ga- thered mammon, or money, but I have gathered souls, ac- cording to Proverbs xi, 30. My fathers gathered for others, I have gathered for myself, according to Deut. xxiv, 13. My fathers gathered in this world, but I have gathered for the world to come !" Caphtor, fol. Ixxxxvii, 1 . 2 a2 268 THE WIDOW AND HER SON. from the gratification it would afford his dear mother. In this he was not mistaken ; Jemima ten- derly embraced him, accepted his pen with maternal pride, and suspended it over her mantle-shelf, as a trophy of the diligent use Reuben had made of his very limited educa- tion ; and, to encourage him, she had the successful piece framed and glazed as an ornament to her apartment. END OF VOL. I. B. A S. Gardiner, rriuttrs. 24S, Totieitliiiiu Cdurl R«a4l. HECKMAN IXI BINDERY INC. |a| _ APR 96