|
Our readers are fully aware of the difference of
opinion subsisting between us and the Rev. G.
Poznanski, late Minister of the Hasell Street
Congregation, at Charleston. We have not changed in
the least our ideas regarding his public acts (we
never contended with him on private grounds); we
have at various times expressed our views concerning
him and his movements; and our leading articles of
May and last month will render it evident that we
do not fear to speak out plainly what we think of
the measures in which Mr. P. was so prominent an
actor. In short, we disapprove utterly so, the
schismatic movement in which the reverend gentleman
was an active assistant, if not the first originator
in Charleston; and before that High Tribunal, to
which appeals, we hold him, as the main instrument,
responsible for the disunion of the Israelitish
community in the city where he was called to the
ministry, by an almost unanimous voice, about
fourteen years ago.
We
believe, that had he acted differently, there would
be but one Synagogue, one strong and united body,
worshipping together after the ancient manner of our
people; and at the most a comparative handful would,
perhaps, have maintained an attitude of separation,
as it was some years before his arrival. No one can
imagine therefore that we could be among his
panegyrists. Nevertheless, we will do him the
justice to state that his congregation proper always
appeared to be devotedly attached to him; and on his
retiring from office, they have made it the occasion
to render it evident by presenting him with a
substantial token of respect.
The proceedings, which took place on Sunday, the
9th of June, have been forwarded to us for
publication; and upon the principle, by which we
have been guided, to give every one a hearing, we
insert the whole as it has appeared in the
Charleston Evening News of the 14th of June; and we
express at the same time the hope, that Mr. Poznanski in his retirement will lend his aid to
induce his former flock to retrace their steps, that
the ancient order may soon be restored, and that
this may cause but one congregation to be at
Charleston, all united under the same roof, with one
shepherd, and calling in union and love on the one
great Read of Israel, the Lord God, our Father. Ed. Oc.
Charleston, June 19, 1850.
Reverend Sir:
Those of your subscribers who are attached to the
Hasell Street Congregation would be much gratified
in seeing the enclosed proceedings, on the occasion
of the retirement of Mr. Poznanski, copied into your
valued journal; provided you deem them of
sufficient general interest to give them to your
readers.
<<250>>
Hoping you had a pleasant time home, and a happy
reunion with your old friends, who, I feel assured,
are too sensible of your merits and their own
interests, not to reinstate you on your own
dignified and very proper terms,
I
am, dear sir,
Yours, very truly,
JOSHUA LAZARUS.
Proceedings of the Hebrew Congregation, Hasell
Street
We
have the following pleasure of inserting in our
columns the following interesting sketch of the
proceedings of a meeting of the Congregation of the
Synagogue “Beth Elohim,” or the “House of God,”
Hasell Street, on Sunday.
After the congregators, and many others who attended
to witness the ceremony, had collected, the choir,
consisting of ladies and gentlemen, opened with a
hymn, which was sung with much taste and musical
harmony.
The newly elected minister of the congregation, the
Rev. Julius Eckmann, then rose, and pronounced an
impressive and appropriate prayer. Aaron Moise,
Sen., Esq., chairman of the Committee of
Arrangements, advanced to a table in the centre of
the building, on which stood two most beautifully
embossed silver pitchers on each of which the
following was inscribed:
Presented
By the Congregation of
KAHL KADOSH BETH ELOHIM
To
their Rev. Pastor,
GUSTAVUS POZNANSKI,
Charleston, S. C.
Sivan, 5610—May, 1850.
Mr. Moise then addressed the Rev. Mr. Poznanski in
the following eloquent remarks:
“Reverend Sir: Your retirement from the sacred
office of minister of this congregation, has been
deemed a suitable opportunity for the expression of
its high appreciation of your character and eminent
services, and its deep regret at the loss it will
necessarily experience in your withdrawal—a loss it
will be difficult fully to supply. This grateful
duty, of communicating, publicly, the opinion
entertained of you, has been conferred on me, and,
at the same time, to present for your acceptance
this slight evidence of that estimation. Small,
however, as is this testimonial of their regard, it
will serve often to revive, in your breast, the most
proud and gratifying recollections, and be looked
upon with commendable pride by your offspring and
social circle, it is hoped, for many years to come.
It would have been more precious had its value been
estimated by your just claims on this congregation.
The motive of its presentation, therefore, must
constitute its worth.
“I
may here be permitted to say that there exists no
tie more strong and enduring, none more pure and
exalted, than that which attach man to him
who ministers at the altar, since that tie embraces
his earthly existence, and the destiny of his
immortal soul. The wide and deeply
interest<<251>>ing range of his ministration
commences with our earliest days, and terminates at
the grave. This, in you, sir, has been beautifully
and touchingly exemplified. Most of us have
experienced the beneficial tendencies of your holy
appeals, either in joy or sorrow; especially the
latter. We have listened to you with profit and
satisfaction when seeking divine mercy in our
behalf; when comforting the sick, recommending hope
to the sorrowful, or while enforcing the necessity
and happiness of pursuing a virtuous and religious
course of life. Your exemplary meekness, too, and
resigned spirit, under extremely depressing
circumstances, attest your complete dependence on
the mercy and justice of the ‘King of kings.’
Indeed, sir, your entire deportment in the exercise
of the clerical functions, and otherwise, has been
such as to secure the love and confidence of your
followers. By them your devotedness to the sacred
cause of pure religion can never be otherwise than
remembered with the most hallowed feelings.
“For these, your estimable qualities, you will
always be valued; but there is additional reason for
us to cherish for you profound respect and warm
regard. With respect to this congregation you have
occupied a peculiar and highly interesting
position—such as compelled you to pass, however
victoriously, through truly painful trials of
patience and forbearance. Permit me, sir, briefly to
recall, perhaps, the most eventful period of your
existence.
“Impelled by the now pervading mental light of the
age, you yielded your assent to, and even fearlessly
advised, certain modifications in the forms and
ceremonies of our ancient religion, whilst, as we
believe, studiously avoided an interference with any
of its essential features. You conceived some reform
to have become indispensably necessary for upholding
and perpetuating that religion. You desired to teach
us to value more the shining lights of Heaven’s most
precious gift to man, than its numerous and
overshadowing forms. With a heart deeply imbued with
the faith of your fathers, your intention was not to
destroy or impair the sacred code they had
venerated, but to render it more acceptable for
lasting preservation. The proposed and existing
alterations were not the result of hasty
consideration, or the desire of reform merely. Your
primary object was to promote true religion among
your brethren, that they might zealously cling to
it, and so ‘walk in the light of the Lord.’ If it be
asked what have been the salutary results of these
changes? the ready answer is, Attend worship in our
beautiful temple, and they will there be witnessed
and confessed.
“These lofty views and labours, reverend sir,
constitute your claim on the gratitude of this
congregation, and it has adopted this mode of making
the pleasing acknowledgment. I feel assured that I
truly express the feeling of the members composing
it, in sincerely praying for your felicity in this
world, and for that glorious and blissful eternity
it has been your endeavour to merit.”
The reverend gentleman, under the influence of deep
emotion, replied as follows:
“Mr. Chairman: It is impossible for me to give full
expression to the emotions which now agitate my
heart. The kindness and regard which my beloved
congregation have, this day, manifested towards me,
not only far surpass my humble merits if any I have,
but are sufficient to fill the heart of the proudest
aspirant to fame; so much so, that I feel the
necessity of praying to God, that this manifestation
may not so dazzle my mind and captivate my heart as
to make me, even for a moment, deviate from the path
of humility, and think or feel, that all this is
owing to my merit, and not to the extreme partiality
and kindness of the congregation.
<<252>>
“You have well said, that these testimonials would
on ‘be looked upon with pride by my offspring.’ If
there be anything in my past conduct, that merits
even the slightest degree of the love and regard
evinced towards me, this day, I am confident that,
in the moral lesson which these testimonials will
convey to my children, I shall leave to them the
greatest treasure, which I could have accumulated
for them on earth. These testimonials will teach
them that a man’s real worth does not consist in the
possession of fortune’s gifts, but solely in his
good conduct, and that upon this alone he must, and
safely can, base the strongest hope of his ultimate
well-being.
“As to my official performances, of which you have
been pleased to speak in such high terms, I am
constrained to say, that while it is highly
gratifying to me to learn, that my sacred labours
have produced some good fruits, I have to regret
that my limited capacities have not been
commensurate with my desires. And I do not hesitate
to say, that the consciousness of this fact, and
the ardent desire of more effectually promoting the
welfare of the congregation, have alone induced me
to propose my resignation, hoping, as I did, that
the good work which the Lord had enabled me to begin
would thrive better, and be sooner completed under
the ministration of my successor. And here I cannot
refrain from expressing in my gratification at the
high abilities and moral qualification of him, who
has now assumed the sacred duties of the ministerial
office. I fully believe that, in him, the object of
my resignation will be attained, and that if the
congregation present to his teaching, as I trust
they will, unbiassed and teachable minds and hearts,
he is fully capable of achieving all the good that
still remains to be done, and of promoting not only
the eternal, but also the temporal welfare of the
congregation, by infusing into the hearts of his
hearers such principles and feelings as will cause
them to confide in God under all circumstances, and
consequently, to be tranquil and content, under the
most painful vicissitudes of life. If this hope is
realized, and I trust it will be in my able and
pious successor, I shall view my resignation as the
best act of my life.
“You have kindly alluded to the ‘depressing
circumstances’ which have attended my ministerial
career. It would choke my utterance, if I attempted
to rehearse the difficulties and troubles, nay, the
perils, through which, not I, but the members of my
devoted congregation have passed, in their efforts
to promote the cause of religion. My sufferings bear
but a slight proportion to those which they have
endured. Nor would I ascribe any of those noble
efforts to their attachment to me—no; they worked
for God, and from God they will receive their
reward. But there was, among multifarious
manifestations of their kindness and attachment to
me, one act, for which I cannot , this day, refrain
from repeating my most heartfelt thanks When, on one
occasion, my character was assailed in the public
prints, they came forth like affectionate brothers,
individually, as well as collectively, and fully
vindicated it. This, they did for me, and for this I
render them my warmest thanks. Their resolutions,*
unanimously adopted, and published on that occasion,
I shall ever cherish as an inestimable treasure.
“The relation hitherto existing between the
congregation and myself, has now ceased; but I beg
leave to assure them, that notwithstanding my
retirement into private life, my interest in their
spiritual and temporal prosperity will never cease;
nor will the kindness and regard which they have
evinced towards me, from the beginning to the end of
my ministerial career, ever be obliterated from my
mind and heart. But their approbation of my past
conduct, manifested this day, in so splendid and
affecting a manner, cannot fail to extend its
beneficial influence, not only to the end
<<253>>of
my days, but to my posterity for ever; and for this,
I repeat, my gratitude is inexpressible.
“And now, I trust that this will not be deemed an
unfit occasion for the expression of my feelings
towards those of my Jewish brethren in this city and
elsewhere, and particularly of the congregation
Shearit Israel in this city, whose displeasure I
have unfortunately incurred, by sanctioning, or
advocating certain changes, introduced into our mode
of worship by this congregation. Conscious of the
purity of my motives, in every act of my public
life, I am not aware of any intentional offence, in
word or deed, for which I ought to ask forgiveness
at their hands. What I sanctioned or advocated I
conscientiously thought, and still think, either
salutary, or, at least, perfectly admissible. If, in
the opinion of any of my brethren, I have erred, I
most solemnly aver that my heart had no share in the
error. I, therefore, at the close of my public
career, and particularly on this, to me a most
solemn occasion, fervently entreat my beloved
brethren, to banish from their hearts the slightest
ill-feeling against me, and to let me retire into
private life with the assurance that, whenever I
shall extend my hand to any of them, it will meet
that of a brother. As to myself, I have nothing now
to forgive, trusting that the greatest offence which
I may have received from any of them has at once
fallen upon a forgiving heart.
“In conclusion, I beg you, my dear friend, to accept
my most heartfelt thanks, for the able and kind
manner in which you have conveyed to me the
sentiments of my beloved congregation. I attach to
your words an additional value: for, although you
have acted in an official capacity yet I have reason
for believing, nay, I know, that the kind wishes and
sentiments which you have uttered, have been
dictated by your heart. May God preserve you among
us in bodily and mental vigour, for a long series of
happy years.
“And to thee, O God! I would now raise my heart,
with gratitude for thy past mercies, and with humble
prayer for thy future guidance and protection.
Wonderful has been the providential care with which
Thou hast thus far conducted me in the labyrinth of
life. Innumerable have been thy benefits: far
surpassing the trials and conflicts so inseparably
connected with this mortal life. Deign, O God! to
accept my humble thanks, for whatever good Thou hast
enabled me to achieve in the course of my
ministerial career; and pardon, I beseech Thee, all
that I may have done amiss. Let thy blessing rest
upon the sacred labours of him, whom Thou hast
appointed as the future with spiritual guide of this
congregation. Endow him with wisdom and a holy zeal
to diffuse the knowledge of religion, to promote
virtue and piety, and to support and console the
sinking and desolate heart. Let thy heavenly
benediction, O God! descend upon this congregation,
and upon all my other friends. here and abroad. Do
Thou reward their kindness towards me. My best
thanks are too feeble for an adequate acknowledgment
but the rich source of thy bounty is inexhaustible.
and from that source let their reward proceed.
Grant, I farther pray Thee, that the members of this
congregation may be of one mind and heart, in all
that tends to promote our holy religion. Preserve
them, O God! from all strife and contention. May
peace dwell in their hearts and influence their
words and actions.
“Let my humble supplication also ascend to Thee, O
God! for all others with whom I have in any way been
connected in my official career; particularly, the
members of the congregation Shearit Israel of this
city. Incline their hearts towards me, in
benevolence and peace, and let me not find a shadow
of in the private career upon which I now enter.
Bless them, O God, and enable them to achieve much
good, for thy glory and the glory of Israel.—Amen.”
<<254>>
After which, Master Gustavus Poznanski Lazarus, in
behalf of the Youth of the Congregation, approached
the table, upon which stood a handsome silver
Tankard, bearing the following inscription:
To
the
REV. G. POZNANSKI,
From the
Youth of the Congregation
K.
K. BETH ELOHIM.
1
8 5 0.
He
then, in a manly, firm, and affectionate manner,
delivered the following address:
“REVEREND SIR: The occasion which has this day
assembled us together, is one of no ordinary
interest: it calls loudly for the exercise of that
energy and philosophy of mind so essential to the
tranquillity of the heart’s emotions.
“It is my proud privilege, reverend sir, to appear
before you, as the humble organ of the youth of this
congregation, to express our sincere regret at
parting with our much loved minister, and to assure
him of our best wishes for his continued happiness.
Yet how inadequate are words to convey, in this
instance a just portraiture of our feelings. We can
only assimilate ourselves to the tender vine which
has long clung with confident repose around its
protecting stem, until by conflicting elements
disturbed, it relaxes its firm hold, and yields
instinctive to another’s guidance.
“We trust, sir, that the impression which your
precepts, enforced by your example, have stamped
upon our young minds, may ever serve as the guiding
star to our riper years.
“Allow me now, reverend sir, in behalf of the junior
members of the congregation, to ask your acceptance
of this tankard, as a slight testimonial of our
gratitude for your services, our esteem for your
principles, and our love for your virtues.”
During the delivery of the above, the reverend
gentleman was deeply affected.
At
its conclusion he took the little orator by the
hand, and replied as follows:—
“My
dear young friend: My heart is overwhelmed with
this additional mark of love and regard. To say that
I highly appreciate this pious and noble act of my
young friends, and that I tender them my most
heartfelt thanks for their kind consideration, would
be but a very poor expression of my gratitude and
delight. I have no words for either. But it affords
me the highest gratification to say that the pious
feelings which prompted my young friends in showing
such extraordinary attachment to their parting
minister, justifies the hope that my learned and
pious successor will not find it difficult to
develop in their tender hearts all the good
qualities which ennoble human nature to render them
good Israelites, and consequently, useful members of
society. Upon them, indeed, depend the continuation
and completion of the sacred work of which under
Divine assistance, we have laid the foundation: for,
sooner or later, we shall be gathered to our
fathers, and they will fill our places. I, therefore
trust, that my dear young friends will not deem it
amiss in their parting minister and friend when he
avails himself of this solemn occasion most
affectionately to exhort them to remain inseparably
attached to our holy religion, to support its
institutions and ministers, by their personal as
well as pecuniary aid, and particularly to cherish
as the apple of their eye, that noble edifice,*
which, at our departure from this life, will be left
to their fostering care and protection.
<<255>>
“No one has ever become impoverished by contributing
towards the promotion of a religious or charitable
object indeed, the most liberal contribution is but
a slight return to God for manifold blessings, which
he can multiply to the charitable, and take away
from the uncharitable, in an infinite variety of
ways.
“It is unnecessary to add to this exhortation any
other for he who possesses a pious and charitable
heart will love God, venerate his parents, cherish
his brothers, and sympathize with, and
indiscriminately assist his fellow-beings, whenever
an occasion offers itself for the exercise of
brotherly love.
“It is a source of joy to me, and doubtless, to all
the members of this congregation, to believe, and as
I think on good ground, that such pious and useful
members will fill our places, when we shall have
followed those who are gone before us to our eternal
abode.
“I
cannot conclude these few remarks, my dear young
friend, without thanking you from the ground of my
heart, for the kind and handsome manner in which
your have expressed to me the good wishes and regard
of yourself, as well as those whom you represent. I
pray and hope that you may all, by your conduct,
cause great happiness to your dear parents, and to
all others who are interested in your welfare. May
God preserve your lives and health amidst the
manifold dangers which attend the age of youth, and
grant you his choicest blessing.—Amen.”
The choir sung another hymn. and the ceremonies were
closed by a benediction from the minister of the
congregation.
The estimation in which the Rev. Mr. Poznanski was
held by his congregation, is fully illustrated by
the following resolution, unanimously adopted at its
last general meeting.
Resolved, That the congregation desire to
place on its records its high appreciation of the
services of the Rev. Gustavus Poznanski, who for
thirteen consecutive years has officiated as its
pastor. They have during that period, been watchful
observers of his ministerial course, and feel a
sincere pleasure in bearing testimony to his
estimable deportment, and to the zeal and ability
with which he has performed the duties of his sacred
office. In the moment of separation, they would
express the sincere regard and esteem they entertain
for him: and would invoke for him the blessings of
that God in whose ministry he has so faithfully laboured.”
Upon the whole, the proceedings to which we have
yielded so much space, must have been of the most
impressive and affecting character: and are alike
honourable to the pastor, and the congregation over
which he presides.*
|
