Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-10-04

MIR. NOAH,S. ORATION.


falo, the occasion of the foundation of the city
of ARAFAT, and the reorganization OF the Jewish
government.
Brothers, C0untrymen and Friends,
Having made known by proclamation the re-es-
tablishment of the Hebrew government. having laid
the foundation OF city of refuge, asylum for
the oppressed in this free and happy republic,
avail myself of that portion of my beloved breth-
ern here assembled, together with this concourse OF
my fellow-citizens unfold the principles, explain
the views and detail the objects contemplated in the
great work OF Regeneration and independence 10
which 1t has pleased the Almighty to direct my at
tention. Truth and justice demand that L should
candidly state the motives which have induced me
to ann at higher objects than mere colonization
The world has a right 10 know what inducements
have led to this declaration of Independence, and
what measures contemplated to carry the design
into successful execution. The peace OF mankind
the security OF persons and property-the changes
incidental TO the revival of the Jewish government
the progress and effect of emigration, and all
those vicis,iudes arising from change of Climate
new laws and new society, admonish me to be en-
pliclt In my declarations and candid in my stale
ments. shall not deceive the expectations of the
world.
Two thousand years have nearly elapsed since
the dissolution of the Jewish government, and no
period has presented itself more auspiciously than
the rresen, for its reorganization Peace exists
among civilized powers, the march of learning and
science has been rapid and successful, and mankind
are at this day better qualified estimate the bless
ing oil federation and liberal views, and better dis
posed and capactated TO encourage and enforce
them than At any former time. Religion generally,
though divided and subdvded into various sects,
assumes mider aspect and feelings, and universal
love and charity have Superseded the darkness and
bigouy of former ages. The nations of the Old and
new world, including the children OF Africa, have
had shnsr
ments recognised. The Oldest Of nations, power
ul in numbers aud great in recources remains isola-
ted, without a home, country or government.
The Jews have been destined by Providence 10
remain distinct people. Though scattered owe,
the face Of the globe they still retain their homoge-
neorsness of characterize popularity of
their tenets, The identity of their faith. In their
prosperity and adversely they have uniformly
been the chosen people-proud of their God,
proud of their distinction. and even proud OF
their sutferings. Bending before the tribunals of
power. yielding 20 persecution and torture tranquil
IN misfortune, and resigned 10 fate, they patiently
endured not reanly surrendered, they bravely de-
Tended their rights and the rights of their country,
and have never despaired OF divine protection or
given up hopes ofhuman justice.
Looking forward to period of regeneration,
and to the iulhIinent of The prophecies, the Jews
have preserved within themselves the elements of
government in having carefully preserved the ora
cles of God, assigned their safe keeping and the
time has arrived when their rights as a nation can
be recognised; when, Ill the enjoyment of indepen-
dence, the lights of learning and civilization and
the obligation of industry and morality, they can
cultivate friendly and affecuonate understanding
with the whole family of mankind and have no lon
ger enemies on the earth.
In calling the Jews together undSr the protec-
ton of the American Constitution and laws, and
governed by our happy and salutary institutions. it
is proper for me to state that this asylum is tempo
rary and provisionary. The Jews aever should
and never will relinqush the just hope of reganing
possession OF their ancient heritage, and events in
the neighborhood of Palestine indicate an extraordi-
nary change OF affairs
The Greeks are almost independent of the Otto
man Porte. The Turkish scepre becomes weaker
daily. Russia will march upon Constantinople.-
The Egyptians are culivating the useful arts, and
are encouraging commerce and agriculture The
Iurl;s, driven beyond the B0sphorus, may leave the
land OF Canaan free for the occupancy OF its rghtlu
owners, and the wealth and enterprise of the Jews
may make II desirable for them to reclaim In their
former possession by and with the consent of the
Christian powers, who more enlightened, and con-
sequenty more tolerant, may be duly impressed with
sense of justice due to an injured and oppressed
people.
Called together to the Holy Land by the slow
but unerring finger of Providence, the Jews coming
from every quarter of-tiIe Globe would bring with
them the language, habits and prejudces of each
country. Assmilating only in religious doctrines,
and divided temporal affairs, they would present
nnumerable difficulties in organizing under any
form OF government, and the diversity of opinions
and views would create factions dangerous and
difficult to aay those fatal ones which existed in
the time of the first and second Temples. 1t is in
this country,that the government of the Jews must
be organized. Here, under the influence of perfect
freedom, they. may study Law--cutivate their
minds, acquire liberal principles to and nea-
sures, and qualify themselves to direct the energies
OF Just and honorable government in the land of
the Patriarchs.
Conforming therefore TO the constitution and laws
OF the Unaed States, there is difficulty in or
ganizng and concentrating the Jewish nation. ORR
ginally we were a race of shepherds, each man 60
verned his own family, and TO the enjoyment of do
nestle happiness they added the blessings OF pure
religion. Israel accommodating in strength was led
to Egypt, delivered from bondage and conducted to
the promised land, by the lustrious legislator of
the Jews and the great benefactor of mankind
The moral, political and ecclesiastical code of laws
which the Almighty through Moses presented TO
the children Of Israel, forms, even at this day, the
basis of every civil and religious institution. The
victorious Joshua settled the lsraelies in the land
of Canaan, aud divided il according TO tribes After
short inerregnum, on his death, the government
OF the Judges commenced, which existed 800 ears
until II merged In the Kingdom which com
menced with Saul and terminated after a brilliant
epoch in the captivity. The government Of the
High Priests succeeded and continued 1928 years,
followed by the Maccabean Kings of Judah, and
the nation became finally dispersed under Herod The
ldumean.
In selecting from the primitive the judicial, the
regal and sacerdotal government, form best adept
ed to the times, and also TO the condition Of the
Jewish people, have deemed it expedient to re-
organize the nation under the direction of the