12

[fol. xii.]

11

if you are not at the same time religious, if the fear of God is
not deeply rooted in your heart. It is not my opinion that you
should devote yourself to theology, or plunge into the intricate
labyrinth of philosophical discussions. I do not ask you to
possess acquire a deep knowledge of dogmas, but I do ask that
your heart be warmed by ardent faith. You must know the God
of Israel, who preserved our nation amidst the cruellest trials.
You must know the deeds & attributes of that God who is the
father of all creatures, the Creator of Mankind. Fear Him, love
Him & never forget that dishonesty, unkindness, unchastity
are opposed to Religion & to his will. Pray unto Him in your
grief, hope for his assistance when you are unhappy suffering & you
will be feel ineffably relieved & consoled. That is the
result of faith. You may call this a platitude, you may call
it an old-fashioned lesson, but it is the only practical
lesson to learn even in these unspiritual days. For what-
else can we do but trust, and like Job in the presence of the
everlasting problems of life, the infinite power of God, place our
hand upon our mouth & bow without a murmur. Without a
doubt before the fiat of the Almighty, when He answers us out of
the whirlwind? When the moment comes for performing the

[fol. xii.]

11

if you are not at the same time religious, if the fear of God is
not deeply rooted in your heart. It is not my opinion that you
should devote yourself to theology, or plunge into the intricate
labyrinth of philosophical discussions. I do not ask you to
possess acquire a deep knowledge of dogmas, but I do ask that
your heart be warmed by ardent faith. You must know the God
of Israel, who preserved our nation amidst the cruellest trials.
You must know the deeds & attributes of that God who is the
father of all creatures, the Creator of Mankind. Fear Him, love
Him & never forget that dishonesty, unkindness, unchastity
are opposed to Religion & to his will. Pray unto Him in your
grief, hope for his assistance when you are unhappy suffering & you
will be feel ineffably relieved & consoled. That is the
result of faith. You may call this a platitude, you may call
it an old-fashioned lesson, but it is the only practical
lesson to learn even in these unspiritual days. For what-
else can we do but trust, and like Job in the presence of the
everlasting problems of life, the infinite power of God, place our
hand upon our mouth & bow without a murmur. Without a
doubt before the fiat of the Almighty, when He answers us out of
the whirlwind? When the moment comes for performing the