|
It
is now about a year ago since I issued a prospectus
inviting the attention of Israelites to various
works therein proposed. One of them, the “Weekly
Advocate,” I have for the present abandoned, though
it is not unlikely that it may appear hereafter, if
the circumstances become more favourable for its
success. The case is, however, different with the
proposed translation of the Scriptures, and
the new edition of the Portuguese Form of
Prayer, which have received so much
encouragement already, that it seems to me that only
a little more effort is required to insure their
speedy appearance. I had indulged the hope that
ministers and presidents of congregations and others
engaged in public business would have lent me their
aid in canvassing their immediate neighbourhoods, to
save me the trouble of a personal application. To
some extent this expectation has been realized,
especially in Philadelphia, Charleston, Curaçoa, and
St. Thomas; but in other places, thus far, the
prospectus has obtained but little attention, and I
find myself induced, therefore, to take a tour
through a considerable portion of the country, in
order to see whether a personal canvass will not
insure the success of these various enterprises.
All conversant with the English Bible, as compared
with the original, must have frequently discovered
some discrepancies between the Hebrew and its
version; and that, wherever it was possible for the
translators to introduce Christianity in the
Scriptures, they have uniformly done so. Therefore,
without disputing the general correctness and
fidelity of the common version, it nevertheless
requires a thorough revision to make it a standard
for Israelites. I offer my services in this
department: and I leave those who are acquainted
with my former works to decide on my fitness for the
task; and I trust that, if their opinion is in my
favour, they will promptly send in their names to
augment the subscription list, which, if it will
cover the costs, will insure the prompt
appearance of the work within a reasonable time for
its careful execution.
The first edition of the Prayers consisted of but
500 copies, and became gradually exhausted in
fourteen years. It is now my intention to print them
again in a more portable form, at about
two-thirds of the former cost, or twelve or fifteen,
instead of eighteen dollars. But, to enable me to do
so, I require a considerable number of subscribers;
at the same time I am convinced that, if all who
need the work will merely signify their wish to be
supplied, enough would be obtained to defray the
necessary outlay. It depends entirely on the public
whether they will be supplied by the approach of
next Rosh Hashanah, if I am spared; and it is to be
hoped that they will secure a publication for which
I have now leisure, especially as there is no
prospect that it ever can be done cheaper and
better. As to correctness, I pledge my word that the
text and translation shall be far in advance of any
which have hitherto appeared. I know what I promise,
and the public is assured that it is not an idle
boast.
Those who have already subscribed, I trust will
pardon the unavoidable delay in the publications
which they have so kindly encouraged: but they may
believe me, that the disappointment hitherto has not
been greater to them than to me.
As
respects the Occident, which has latterly received
an increase quite gratifying to its list. I hope it
will also obtain such a support that its permanence
will not be a matter of doubt. It is a source of
thankfulness that it has been sustained for near
nine years on its original plan and tendency; and
without boasting of its being an organ for
our people, as it is merely a private enterprise,
and has no patronage from any corporation or
individuals [The same is true of the
digital version offered here—Webmaster], it has been more consistent,
more strictly religious, than any other publication
which has appeared either in Europe or this country.
it is the interest of the American Israelites to
sustain such a work, and I can scarcely doubt that
they will do it efficiently and permanently. I.
L.
October 28th, 5612 |
