American watchman and Delaware advertiser., 1825-10-07

IHy oPp,esseu' deprived OF The natural rights OF
subjects and citizens, it was not surprising if the
Jews in England, during those periods, acuuired
wealth without consideration, and power without re
|spect. During the reign of George III. bill was
introduced III Parliament for the naturalization of
the Jews. 1t was supported by the ministry, though
Iopposed with warmth by the people, and produced
great excitement in the public mind 1t neyeithe-
less became law; but such was the strenuous on
Posion manifested on the occasion, that was con-
sdered prudent to repeal it at the ensuing session.
ne same legal disqualifcations still exist in Great
britain; but II Is gratifying to know, that the govern
mcnt affords to the Jews certain rights, immunities
and protection, and our people in that country, in
addition to wealth and influence are rapidly adysnc-
ing ih the cateer OF learning and civilization, Of
charity and liberal feelings
The miseries inflicted upon our nation in Fng
land, during the Crusade, extended their unhappy
consequences to France. The Jews were among
the earliest settlers in Gaul, and by their superior
talent and advantages, endeayored 10 encourage and
extend civilization among rude and barharous peo-
pie. heir sufferngs, banishments and massacres
during the reigns of Philip Augustus, Lewis the
Ninth Philip The Fair, Philip the Tall, Charles the
SIxth and several successive Kings fill the sang nj.
nary pages OF history, and present list OF enormi~
Ties that makes humanity shudder. In 1866, lhey
were all banshed the kingdom, and in The succeed
ing year only four families were permitted TO return
In the 18th and 18th century, they were gradually
permitted to reoccupy their former places of resi-.
dence, though still exposed 10 the scorn Of the ie
noranl and the insults Of the barbarians and such
feelings were encouraged and perpeluaed by al,
enct OF the government compelling them TO wear
distinctive dress.
During the French Revolution the Jews claimed
from the constituent Assembly, the rights Of c-
zens many enlightened statesmen espoused their
cause, and the decree OF 1870 gave them legal
existence Among the ph;lanthropists of the aee
WHO raised his voice Successftl1v in heir ~
was my venerable and plous friend, the Bishop Gre
gore, TO whom the Jews owe an incalcuable debt
OF gratitude. The civil revolution in the condition
OF our brethren in France, gave rise to the moral
one, which Resulted from the proceedings of the
oanhedrim, convened at Paris, by the decree Of 1906
and which presented to the world galaxy of talent
and learning which would do honor to any age or
any country. The Jews in France are citizens, ard
the charter granted by the good King, Louis the
18th, confirmed all their rights. They are manu-
acturers agrculturiss, merchants and bankers, and
many OF them possess distinguished talents.
The history of our people in Spain is of peculiar
interest. Spain was country dear to the Jews, and
alter their dispersion, the seat of learning and the
birth place OF our greatest scholars.
The Jews first appeared In Spain during the reign
OF the Emperor Adrian, and in his time were Du-
merous and wealthy, but, like our brethren in Bri-
tain and Frances their lives and property were held
by fra tenure, and the Goths exercised Iucra-
tive oppression over this prescribed and unhappy
people.
Alter the expulsion of the Jews from Syria and
Egypt, they Joined the Saracens, and aided them il,
the conquest OF SPAIN Favored by the Caiphs.
and united by a reciprocal hospitality towards the
Christians, the Jews found asylum and protection
from the Saracen Monarchs, and the most brilliant
epoch in our history, from the destruction of the
temple, may be traced TO this period. In the early
ages the Jews were enlightened and learned in
the Law, they the foes of Panganisin the enc.
mics OF idolators; but it was under the Caliphs Of
Bagdad, and the Saracens Of Spain, that they cult
Vated the sciences, and established seminaiies Of
learning, and schools of literature and philosophy
The revolutions in that country commencing in
The eleventh century eventuated unfortunately for
The Jews, and the war declared by Ferdinand against
The Saracens was the commencement of their trou-
oles and calamities During the eleventh and
twelfth centuries many learned Rabbis appeared,
which did honor to the age and country. They
we're not only deeply versed in csbalisca allegu-
ca and mystical interpretations OF the law, but dis
inguished mathematicians, astronomers, masters Of
he dead and living languages, and natural phoso.
'hers. In Toledo and .Andalusia they had colleges
n the most hourishing condition, and the piety and
llustrious talents of Abraham Ben Esdra, Maimo-
hides Kimchi, Jarchi Hacri, Abravenel and others,
tested the briilisncy of that epoch in Jewish his
ory. The fury of the Crusaders was per rhaps more
severely felt by the Jews in Spain than in any other
part OF tne Woro, ahu Hore OF OUT Peopic adanuoD-
ID that country than were brought out of the land
# Egypt by Moses. Under the enlightened and
iberal Moorish Kings, the Jews lived prosperously
n Spain, but the destruction Of the Moofs caused
heir ruin, and to this day they have been banished
he country. Upwards of a million Of Jews speak
he Spanish language, and will never cease to regret
he barbarous edcts which prohibit their residence
that beautiful but neglected part OF the globe
Spain is miraculous and proyidential instance Ct
ne impocy and impiey OF religious prosecutions.
he is weaker in resources, in character in the