Nay, if his friends are still in error, is this not a double motive to urge him forward in the overthrow of that error? Must he not he doubly anxious to deliver his father, his mother, his brothers and his sisters from such bondage? The first attempt may be difficult—the immediate results may be unpleasant; but if for God's sake he asserts God's truth, he shall have God's blessing, and at last find peace even amongst those who are now offended. As long as the present state of things continues, Israel can never be restored to their ancient position. God in mercy keeps them in dispersion, to prevent the triumph of the oral law. But when is this state of misery to cease? There must be a beginning. Some one follower of Moses must be zealous enough and bold enough to attack the strong holds of superstition, and to rouse his brethren to a sense of their condition—some one who not only professes to be a follower of Moses, but who has imbibed his spirit, and whose trust is in the God of his fathers.
No. LIII.
RABBINISM OPPRESSIVE TO THE POOR.
When God gave Israel the law, by the hand of Moses, he
also gave them several tests, whereby they might at all times
try themselves, and know to a certainty whether they were
really obedient or not—and whether the laws, to which they
yielded obedience, were really the laws given by Moses. One
of these tests is found in the following words:—"Behold, I
have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my
God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither
ye go to possess it. Keep, therefore, and do them; for this is
your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations,
which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great
nation is a wise and understanding people." (Deut. iv. 5.) By
the help of these words, Israel may know at any time whether
they are really keeping the laws of Moses. They have only to
consult their own experience, and determine whether they are
honoured by all nations on account of their wisdom. Moses
promises that a reputation for wisdom, and the honour that
accompanies it, shall be the reward of obedience. If therefore
the Jews at this present time are obedient, this promise must
be in daily fulfilment. But, if they are not honoured and
