The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-11-19
TIE CRECIFINION.
Rabbi Calisoh Insists it Could Not Have
Been the Act of the jews.
Richmond, va, Nov. 18th.

JNlcHmOuu, va nov 10Th.
Editor OF The Times: 1 trust you will
allow me a space in your valuable paper
for a few words in comment on the de-
fence Of Colonel O'FerraH made by Mr.
J. S. Craig, Of Goshen, and published in
your issue of to-day.
The comment is not on the defence IT.
self but on the phrase used BY the writer.
when he says that "the enemies Of Col
ouel O'Ferrall worked as vehemently TO
defeat him as did the Jews TO cruelty
the Saviour" Had Mr.. Craig been as
eager in defence of the truth as he was
Of Colonel OFerrall, he would never have
been guilty Of that assertion. For, all
Christian teaching 10 the contrary not
outstanding, the Jews did not cruelty
Jesus.
To my sorrow do know that the chill
dren OF Christian parents, as they 70 TO
their respective Sunday schools. are there
taught the sentiment used bv Mr.. Craig.
me pulpit repeats il, and the language OF
hymn-books often re-enforces II. This
noary calumny of the ages has been the
cause OF more woe TO the Jews and more
uhchiJsllan conduct on the part Of Chris
uans than any other thought in human
history, and to-day yet it is given 10 limo
cent children. to sour the milk Of human
Kindness within their breasts. and 10 pave
the road whereon the steps of hate shall
walk. And the pathetic part Of It IS that
IL is untrue.
1t is with deep regret that I feel called
upon TO oppose the teachings of rastors
and Sunday-school superintendent and
teachers. but the defence of nv own
and the regard for historical truth yrge
me 10 take hold Of this opportunity.
The Jews did not cruelty Jesus and
could
wished to. In the time OF Jesus Iude9
was tributary province Of Rome. as
Cahada Is to-day Of England. And while
rome permitted certain autonomy OF
government TO her provinces I'm ordinary
clNh ana criminal jurisdiction. VET the
Jus g'2d', the power over life and death
was not in their hands. as the posnal
OF John itself states xviii. 89. fl being
me exclusive prerogative Of the Roman
governor or procurator
Nor were they morally responsible for
ms death' Tor that event was the re-
SUIT Of political and not rebeious acita-
ton. Had Jesus never violated bis ov,,
teachings, had he rendered unto God
the things that are Gods and unto
caesar the things that are Caesars"
he doubtless would have died a peace
ful and ordinary death, and Christianity
mayhap would have been a thing sti3
unborn. Had he simply continued 10
teach and TO perform his healings and
his miracles, and had done nothing else
Calvary and Golgotha would have re-
NAMED unknown and unsung. But when
he permitted himself 10 make the tri-
umphal procession into Jerusalem. and
10 be hailed by the people as the king
of the jews" then he became guilty
Of treason to Rome, precisely as would
any one to-day be guilty Of treason TO
England, did he set himself up as King
Of Canada.
Jesus by that act became political
maiefactor, and as a political malefactor
he was condemned by a Roman procura-
tor. led TO the cross by Roman execu-
toners and put TO death by Roman
method OF execution. Crucifxion was an
act unknown 10 the jews They have not
even word for II IN their vocabulary
That Jesus had 10 thought Of ins,r-
rection against Rome IS doubtless true
that his life had been beautiful and blame
less and or comfort and cheer and heal
ing TO the sick in soul and body is also
true, that he meant only that his was 10
be spiritual kingdom. and not tenn
poral is likewise unquesuoned. but Rome
knew nor cared aught for these things.
nor took cognizance Of the surginCs OF
his sOul-life Sufficient that he had dared
entered Jerusalem as into his capital city.
The hand of Rome was heavy upon those
who Aiastioned its power and Jesus
felt its weight
Did L not fear to trespass upon your
space / could bring the Synoptics them
selves 20 bear out my assertions. But I
trust that this will be sufficient to call
the attention Of Mr.. Craig and many other
Christians 70 this error. and TO express
the hope that they. and those in whose
power It lies, will remedy the great in
Justice that has been done unto a people.
an injustice that has east its fearful
shadow over the face OF every century.
that has caused suffering and terror. and
pain such as. let us pray Heaven. will
never be caused again. l need not say
TO whom the injustice has been done.
nor who has suffered the pain. only
after all these tardy years let the shadow
be rolled away, and let the Jews walk
side by side with their fellow-men. with
out there resting upon them the burden
or deed by them never committed.
For the Romans, and not the Jews. cruel
ned Jesus.
Very respectfully,
EDWARD n. CALISCH.
Rabbi OF Beth Ahaba"
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