New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1845-11-14

ram who was OF the tribe of Judah = Chron - FL
Al. the tribes prior 10 this having been IN great
trouble 10 find wives for their brethren OF Benjamin,
took them from any tribe David OF the tribe OF Ju-
dab married Michal, the daughter OF Saul OF the
tribe of Benjamin But after the division OF the land
by Joshua Jewesses married whoever they pleased,
the practice having become obsolete. The law oil
the Lircrats however was delicate and difficult
law 10 enforce and much has been written and SAID
about it by learned Rabbins. lDeut 20; LIZ ms
law rendered imperative upon orother 10 mary
his brothers widow if she had no children IN order
that the eldest son born from this marriage might
inherit the estate. which is the meaning OF the e1,
preston. Gen. 81, - This was PatriaEchaI
law, adopted by Moses, and 50 well understood at
that time by the Rabbins that marriage with such
widow not necessary because. unless the
brother solemnly and legally refused her. she was
his wife by Divine authority, yet he was bound
observe some ceremony some forms. He gave
her purse OF money, and a solemn benedicton was
performed. H. during the periods when poly gamy
prevailed man left many widows and no children,
the brother by marrying one, releases the rest but
if the brother already married, he was not
CURED 10 fulfil the law. and the riie was only observ
ed between brothers OF the same father. II the
brother refuse TO espouse his brothers widow, she
laid her complaint before the Elders OF the Gate, and
court OF Elders determined the matter. The bill
of complaint was in these words. My husbands
brother refuseth TO raise up unto his brother name
in Israel, he will not perform the duty OF my hus
bands brother
The parties were then summoned 10 appear before
the Elders with their witnesses. She preferred her
complaint, three months having elapsed since her
husbands death, and if the brother on hearing all
the arguments and religious obligations. still refused
to marry his brother widow, she declared aloud
his refusal to perform that of duty, and taking
off his right shoe threw with violence and indIg
nation on the ground This was considered
mark of iniamy, for his derelicton of duty being
unworthy of the name of freeman, he deem.
ed slave. who generally went barefooted. She
also compelled TO spit in his face. as evidence
of contempt. The King and High Priest, in conse
ouence of this indignity were exempt from this law.
The iud ges declaring So shall be done TO that man
who refuses TO build up his brothers house, gave
the necessary certificate TO the widow setting forth
the refusal which enabled her to marry when she
pleased. If the widow old, and OF doubtful
character this ceremony was not required.
So great the dread Of dying chidless that this
law was rendered imperative 1t is still in practice
at this day and it is frequently made to have ca
PRECIOUS operation the brother refusing 10 marry
his sister in law, and at the same time Will not give
her permission 10 marry any one else. 1t he refuses
TO give her this permission to marry, she must re-
main single and among the rigid observers OF the
law, this is always respected. Thislaw OF the Lew
rate has given rise 10 numerous delicate discussions
among the Rabbns and learned doctors. The cere-
mony was said also 10 have been performed by kins
men, who married the widow, in order TO redeem The
land he possessed at his death.
ITO be Continued