2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
5 pages penned in his small, easily recognizable hand. Written early 1843 by him after personally attended a meeting of the Christian group and ultimately published in his “Occident” in the second issue of the first year of publication of his famous periodical, May, 1843. Each sheet 7 ½ x 10; blank on reverse; titled: “The American Society of M. C. I.” (full printed title appeared in the Occident as “The American Society for Meliorating the Condition of the Jews”). This original lengthy holograph document in Leeser’s own hand commences: “By invitation of the Rev. Mr. Bokum, one of the vice-presidents and traveling agents of this society, we attended on the evening of the 19’th a sort of a meeting held for the purpose of organizing an auxiliary society in this city [refers to Bokum’s speech which he had taken from Judaica text for Passover]…we learned that the society had in view to treat the ‘dry bones’ remnants of the house of Israel, who are scattered…in such a manner that the spirit of the gospel may reach and animate them. But this favour to our race is not to be forced upon us as of old by fire and sword, nor as in modern times by abuse and exclusion…which proceedings he characterized as anti-Christian and Barbarous…but by acts of kindness, charity and benevolence…the gospel should not be presented to our notice by words of preachers, but we should be taught its practical affects by such deeds as should prove to the Jews that its spirit is one of real goodness and virtue.” Leeser continues to report what Bokum had presented to his audience “…making an exposition of the tenets of Judaism before a crowded church in [Chambersburg, Pa]” and discusses at length the proselytizer’s oration, keeping his rejoinder brisk, to some extent cutting and incisive; at times, somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Leeser continued: “…Our readers will see…that the weapons are changed, but that our religion is nevertheless to be attacked. Flattery and money are to do what violence in old, and coarse rudeness in modern times, failed to accomplish. …It behooves us to omit no means in our power to counteract such deeds of our opponents…there is a false species of philanthropy spreading over the land…as far as we are concerned we regard as inimical every one who comes to deprive us of our religion…and though we are personally friendly to Mr. Bokum, as a gentleman and a preacher, we must look upon the efforts he is making as by no means an evidence of good-will towards our belief. We cheerfully accord to him the praise of moderation and candour…but it would be much better were [all that effort and candour] exerted to allay prejudices instead of drawing away perhaps some unworthy members from our church [sic]. …We probably shall admit controversial articles if we think proper; but nothing shall induce us to be always tilting like some ancient knight-errant against all comers. …The Occident was commenced to defuse knowledge of our religion, and this we mean to do while we continue its editor…we will not be provoked for any special object…” Condition: normal aging; Exc. Tiny piece out corner one page only affecting few words of front of a line; rust mark in blank upper corner of margin from paperclip. ACCOMPANIED BY photostats of that exact article from the May, 1843 “Occident” as well as one that appeared in the preceding issue (the first ever published by Leeser) of April, 1843 about that same society…and also a wealth of photostatic material about the society with important passages from well known reference “Isaac Leeser and the Making of American Judaism” by L. J. Sussman (1995) mentioning how Leeser had written a fiery reply to one of the founders of that society’s article as far back as 1820 when yet a very young man. In 1829 similar remarks of Leeser’s were published in a Richmond newspaper allowing Leeser to raise the issue of religious merit of Judaism in 1829. The document: although neither dated nor signed it is clearly in Leeser’s hand and is accompanied by a number of photostats of Leeser letters (bearing his signature as well) that clearly verify the fact that this writing is indeed that of Isaac Leeser. The date clearly established by the fact that it appeared in print in that 1843 issue of the Occident. A significant feature of this document are the changes and crossed-out short passages above which are penned changes (also in Leeser’s hand) that did appear in the final printed version, further indication this was indeed written as the primary draft before committing a final edited version into print ! Immensely significant American Judaica
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