New-York tribune., 1903-07-05

IN their laws and was person ~ no ordinary
qualifications. Wien the Jewish council was as
semoled. the Haham arose and addressed them IN
this manner. Men OF Israeli the God OF our
ancestors is omniscient and there Is no one who
can say why doest thou thisH This day He com
mands US TO die for His law: for that law which
we have cherished from the first hour II was
given. which we have preserved pure throughout
our captivity in all nations. and which FOR the
many consultations II has given US and the eter-
nal hope It communicates. do less than
die? Posterity shall behold this book Of truth.
sealed with blood: and our death. willis Il
displays sincerity, shall tInpart condolences to
the wanderer of Israel. Death is before our eyes.
and We have only to choose an honorable and
easy one. II We fall into the hands OF our enc
mics. which you know we cannot escape our
death will be ignominous and cruel; for these
Christians who picture the spirit OF God IN a
dove and condde In the meek Jesus are athirss
for our blood, and prowl around the castle hks
wolves. II is therefore my advice that eluds
their tOrtures; that ourselves should Be
own executioners and that we voluntarily sur
render lives to our Creator We trace ths
invisible Jehovah in His acts. God to call
for US. but let not be unworthy OF that call
Suicide. on occasions like the present. Is both
rational and lawful. Many examples ars
wanting among forefathers As advise men
OF Israel. they have acted similar occasions"
Having said this the old sat down and
wept
The assembly were divided in their opinions Msn
of fortftude applauded it's wisdom. but the weak
murmured that IT was a dreadful council Again
the rabbi and spoke these few words in
firm and decisive tone: My children. since
are not unanimous in our opinions, let those who
do not approve OF my advice depart frcm this
semby." Some departed but the greater number
attached themselves TO their venerable priest.
They now employed themselves IN consuming their
vauables by fire; and every man. fearful OF trust
ing to the tinid and rresolute hand OF the women.
first destroyed his wife and children. and then him
aaTa ~ ~ ~, T~.lz
lives were rrotracted to the last, that they might
see everything performed according TO their
ders. Jocenus being the chief Jew was distin-
guished by the last mark OF human respect IN
ceiving his death from the hand OF the
aged rabbi. who Immediately after performed the
melancholy duty himself.
All this was transacted IN the depth Of the night
In the morning the walls OF the castle were seen
wrapped IN flames, and only few weak and miser-
able beings, unworthy OF the sword. were viewed
on the battlements pointing their dead brethren
When they opened the gates OF the castle these
verified the prediction of their late rabbi for
the multitude. bursting through the solitary courts
found themselves defrauded Of their hopes. and IN
! a moment avenged themselves the teeble
/ wretches who knew not how to die with honor
| Commenting this heroic deed D'IsraeH re-
| marks Such is the narrative Of the Jews %
/ York OF whom the historian only cursoriy OBJ
serve that five hundred destroyed themselves: but
it Is the philosopher who inquiries into the causes
and the manner Of these glorious suicides These
are histories which meet only the eye OF few.
| vet they of infinitely more advantages than
| those which are read by every We instruct
| ourselves in medtating the scenes OF heroic
/ exertion; and If by such histories make but a
slow progress in chronology our heart is. however.
/ expanded with sentiment.
Il admire not the stoicism OF Cato more than the
| fortitude Of the rabbi; or rather. we should ap-
plaud that Of the rabbi much more: for Cato was
\ familiar with the animatng visions OF Plato and
/ was the associate OF Cicero and OF Cesar. The
rabbi had probably read only the Pentateuch. and
mingled with companions OF mean occupations and
| meaner minds Cato was accustomed 20 the gran
| deur Of the mistress OF the universe. and the
| rabbi to the Httleness Of provincial town. Men.
| like pictures. may be placed in obscure and
| favorable light: but the finest picture in the
Illuminated corner, still retains the design and
| Oring Of the master. His history is a tale
Which Cato's self had not 6isdaind to hear"