2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
RABBI SABATO MORAIS (1823-1897) ascended to the pulpit of congr. Mickveh Israel, Phila. in 1851 after resignation of Leeser. His ministry was a landmark in the history of American Judaism. A staunch Conservative he played a major role in many aspects of American Jewish life and institutions. During the Civil War he passionately preached anti-slavery sermons in defiance of those who sought to silence him. “A THANKSGIVING DISCOURSE FOR THE YEAR 1864” is the penned title of this four page (8 x 9 ½) sermon penned entirely in Morais’ tiny, distinctive hand. Thanksgiving Day had only been declared an annual holiday in the U.S. the previous year by Abraham Lincoln. This stirring, patriotic address commences with an unrestrained condemnation of anti-semitism: “My friends ! The present is not a season for recriminations. I will not administer now the scathing rebuke which they will deserve who in their political harangues have [defiled] the faire name of Israel. Were I inclined to arraign at the bar of your impartial opinion the individuals who abused their positions by conjuring up the demoniac spirit of prejudice against my people, I would be restrained by the magnanimous example of our Chief Executive [ Lincoln ]…who, vilified by his opponents appeals to God as a witness, that animosity does not rankle in his breast. …The heart that throbs with undying affection for the Union, can forgive the offenses of some of its narrow-minded children…[Morais counsels tolerance and forgiveness]…Therefore upon this day, when the harmonious voice is raised to heaven with thanksgivings, worshipper of a Unity should only be found cried by the national chorus that celebrates the victories of the Union. …Not [only] the victories of the Union, but those of Freedom [do we] celebrate. What is Union with human degradation. Who would again affix his seal to the bond that consigned millions to [bondage] …when the tocsin which summoned all to arms resounded throughout this land a band of patriots vowed to set high upon Fort Sumter the flag that treason has lowered to the earth. Who arose then to impede their work ? The men of a State which has now burned in the waters of the Potomac the shackles of servitude. …[And more about causes of the then-ensuing war and necessity for patriotic duty to combat the injustices; he mentions political machinations were to be denounced, then lauds the U.S. Gov’t, writing:]…We have also taught the world a lesson of incalculable utility [but] a few ambitious men because they could not sit as sheep in all high places sought to destroy the happiness of their country, but the firebrand which they threw in her midst as very nigh well devoured their vitals. [Castigating such people and applauding the ‘undaunted courage’ of those leaders who resisted the secessionists] and their deluded followers to fasten upon the North ruin and disgrace. …England, envious of our greatness…lent [the South] her moral, or rather immoral aid. [he also rebukes France]…thus frustrated in all their schemes, those whites of the South that rebelled against legitimate authority, let loose their piratical agents and an unbridled soldiery to devastate our fields and prey on our commerce…Gettysburg and the Shenandoah Valley tell the flight of the invading host; the Kearsarge and Wachusset prove his impotency. The fate of a Confederacy founded upon fraud has been sealed. The Conqueror of Atlanta will dismantle its ramparts; the hero of Vicksburg will make an end of its rule. …How dearly will our final victory be bought ! It may cost the lives of thousands of our promising youths; it may cover the face of the land with the pale of death; we may be startled by the shrieks of desolate mothers…my kind-hearted friends I also share with you the horror which war inspires and could I have averted it from this country of our love, no sacrifice would have been deemed too great. I would have even yielded a cherished desire…that of universal liberty, and trusted to God who might in his good time bring it to pass, but the [war was forced upon us]…what American will hesitate how to choose ? [to stake his existence at the battlefield in the defense of the Stars and Stripes, or to be contempt of people and the derision of Kings ?] Life is a precious gift, but the paltroon who, to preserve, it sells his country is a worthless carcass. [Morais continues on that same course, castigating those that brought on the ‘dire necessity of war’ with analogies to the American Revolution and] …Now, Alas ! we are marshaled against the offspring of our own [fellow Americans]. But it is those who first unsheathed the fratricidal sword where rests the terrible responsibility. …That which is the glory of America and the joy of the oppressed they would demolish, to rear upon its ruin a monument to human bondage. It shall not be ! The thundering voice of millions among the free has so proclaimed. [continuing at length in that same ardent, and eloquent patriotic manner and making mention of ‘inauspicious rumors spread from abroad’]…My friends ! We have won many battles, but the last was the most decisive. It cut off the remaining props upon which the Confederacy rested for support. …Every man exercised his election franchise agreeably to his best judgment [Lincoln’s second election victory]…even they who bestow an undue degree of pity on our misguided foes refused to lend countenance to treason. …I challenge the world to show a parallel case…let the foreign press write its diatribes about man’s inability to self-government. We have proved our capacity for it…we have proved that we are resolved at all hazards to bequeath to posterity the country founded by our Washington in all its untarnished luster…we call upon the rebellious to desist [and more in like manner]…more then the prowess of our Army and the feats of our Navy we ought to seek glory in laboring peacefully for reconstruction of our once mighty Republic…let us pray for the dawning of that joyous day when thirty-five re-United States shall offer a national Thanksgiving, while the symbol of their greatness shall proudly wave over every home and spire. Let us pray for peace. [Morais concludes with a lengthy prayer for that peace, eloquently phrased and asking God for] a ray of divine wisdom to illumine the mind of our [President] that he may ever be the instrument of peace. Let the gentle spirit of forbearance hover around the assembly of our Senators and Representatives and guide their deliberations. Repress the vehemence of zealots and let the feelings of the obdurate be softened by tokens of brotherhood and love…for the peace of our beloved Union. …Excite within us the sentiment of patriotism [and protect] those of our beneficent men and women who labor for the sake of our own defenders at sea and on land. May our hospitals, our Sanitary Commissions and our Soldiers’ Aid Societies obtain ready and generous cooperation [from our people].” …CONDITION is exc. Showing just normal aging; slightest minor fading. It is accompanied by a large 18 x 24 photostatic enlargement which makes for simplification of reading. Also accompanied by two fine photostatic bio sketches from the noted “Dictionary of American Biography” as well as Jewish Encyclopedia. Also included, an original 1923 printed and issued “Commemoration of the 100’th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. Sabato Morais by the Congregation Mickve Israel” with fine photographic portrait of him on front cover. We would be hard-pressed to find a more apropos historical document for this current November catalog of ours then this “Thanksgiving Day” discourse by one of the most important and certainly most patriotic Jewish-American personages ! MOST IMPORTANT: also accompanying this unsigned “Thanksgiving Day 1864 Discourse” by Morais is a photostat of an original February, 1868 letter by Morais in his hand with his full signature for use as a comparison for the handwriting. There is absolutely no doubt when they are seen side-by-side that the discourse is in the very same hand.
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