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The present is one of the series of books for the promotion of religious knowledge
among the Israelites whose vernacular is the English language, which I announced in my
first publication about nine years ago. Although as yet the sale of my works has been
scarcely adequate to defray the expenses, I have never given up the pleasing idea of
supplying at convenient intervals, according to the best of my limited abilities, the
lamentable deficiency of devotional works which is on all sides admitted to exist among
us. I would, however, do injustice to my feelings were I to let the present opportunity
pass without acknowledging the kindness which has been extended to my various efforts,
even in distant parts, by persons entirely unknown to me. Such indulgence to the many
defects discoverable in my writings, whilst it encourages me to persevere amidst many
difficulties which need not be made public, claims my sincere thanks, and demands of me
greater care and unremitting labour for the future, to prove that I have not been
altogether unworthy of the kindness extended to me. But to Him above, who has not withheld
from me His light and His manifold blessings, my heartfelt gratitude is justly due in a
high degree, for having permitted me to accomplish what I have done, without much human
assistance.
It is but justice to acknowledge that, although this little book appears as an
original, it is, nevertheless, founded upon a German work, by Dr. Eduard Kley, of Hamburg,
which appeared at Berlin in 1814, under the title of "Catechismus Der Mosaischen
Religion." For several years past there have appeared in Germany a number of
Catechisms, all more or less valuable; and, in thinking over the best plan for the present
undertaking, it struck me that Dr. Kley's was the most suitable, even in preference to the
one I originally entertained of giving it the form of a conversation on religion, which,
however, I have occasionally introduced, as will appear from inspection. I retained the
division of subjects, nearly all the questions, and occasionally an answer, of Dr. Kley.
Still, this book is no translation; because, in the first place, it contains fully double
the quantity of the doctor's book; and, secondly, not to mention that several important
points had been omitted or too obscurely given by him, he had imparted a peculiar
colouring to his ideas, which unfortunately have become rather too famous, since his
connexion with a society of schismatics, to whom he has borne the relation of pastor for
many years past. Nevertheless, I would not detract the least from the merits of this
learned and eloquent man, despite of his errors; and I gladly admit that my labour was
much abridged by having to excellent a guide as he has furnished, which I preferred
following, than be too anxious for entire originality, by which this Catechism could have
gained nothing in value.
It has been my endeavour to make myself understood by children of from eight to
fourteen years old; yet I fear that I may have failed, oftener than I should do, of
rendering the subject-matter sufficiently clear. I trust, however, that teachers and
parents will not put the book into the hands of their pupils and children, without giving
at least a cursory explanation, which, it is confidently hoped, will be enough to assist
the learner.
Occasionally a subject has been introduced more than once, which originated in the idea
that it is better to have all the points connected together exhibited at one view; for
children are but too apt to forget what they have learned some weeks back. so likewise
were several Bible-texts quoted more than once, when it was thought that the same text
would be the best applicable to explain or elucidate different subjects. This quoting
twice may in a few instances have arisen from inadvertence, which is very likely to occur
in a work so difficult to compose, on account of the youth of the persons for whose
instruction it is intended; but generally it was done designedly, for the reason given. I
trust that some allowance will be made, if I have not succeeded in imparting all the
interest, variety, and polish such a work might have received by others better acquainted
than I can pretend to be with the operations of the youthful mind; but the reader may be
assured of one thing, that not a passage or a word even was allowed to pass without much
care and anxious reflection: it was my endeavour to teach the truth, and the truth only.
Believing that, as the scholar advances in a work, the matter may with advantage be a
little more elaborately given, in order to require always a sufficient degree of
application and study, I have not hesitated to use language a little more complicated and
rather longer paragraphs in the latter than in the first chapters. Still, if thought too
difficult, the chapters on the Moral Law, the Messiah, and the Life after Death, and other
portions, may be advantageously deferred till a second reading, as they are not absolutely
necessary to an understanding of the whole subject.
With the confident hope that this unpretending work may have its useful effects, to
awaken in the young a spirit of devotion and piety, I commit it to the care of the Great
Teacher, who bestowed on us his law as a guide to our souls unto the haven of that
happiness which He has destines for those who fear His name and lay hold of His covenant,
to obey His will all the days that they live on the earth.
PHILADELPHIA, Iyar 23rd, 5599, May 7th, 1839.
PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION
The favourable reception which this manual met with on its first
appearance induced me to issue, in 5605, a second edition, differing scarcely from the
first; for, though some thought at that time that the subject had been treated in too
difficult a manner for young children, wherefore it ought to have been simplified, I
declined doing this, after mature reflection, since it was not my design to compose a book
for mere beginners, but to furnish a guide for those who had advanced already beyond the
first elements. This course was deemed the more proper because there had appeared in the
meanwhile several good school-books, calculated to serve as stepping-stones to a treatise
which requires some little thought and application on the part of the scholar. Besides
this, much depends on the teacher how the subject is presented to the learner; and any one
with little experience in training youth will readily be able to explain here and there a
few passages which at first sight may appear difficult.
About eleven years have now elapsed since this book was reissued; and, as
it has by degrees found its way into many schools, I now present it in a manner more
permanent than before, --the title slightly changed, and with such verbal corrections here
and there as a careful revision has pointed out to be needed. The second edition had
indeed not been exhausted by the public demand; but, a calamitous conflagration having
destroyed the remainder of the same, a new supply had to be provided, to answer any demand
which may be made for it; and it is to be hoped that the Catechism in its new form may be
the means of an extended usefulness for many years to come. and, in this connection, I
cannot avoid stating that it is a gratifying phenomenon that, notwithstanding the
indifference which many express towards religion, there is a deep-seated feeling that
something ought and must be done to enlighten the youthful mind. Therefore, if any event
in my life can afford me some degree of satisfaction, it is the consciousness of having
added one contribution, by this unpretending work, to satisfy the demand for information
in the ways of the law of God. And it will be to me a far greater gratification than any
public applause, could I be convinced that the thoughts offered in this guide to the young
Israelites have led a few as sincere worshippers to the house of our God, and fortified
them with those holy feelings of devotion and in maturer years, so as to be faithful
amidst temptations and obedient even in difficulties which try man's constancy.
With these few words the Catechism is again offered to the indulgent
kindness of the American and British Israelites, in the full hope that it may be of
service to those for whose edification it was composed.
I.L.
Nissan 26th, 5616. May 1st, 1856.
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