A TRIBUTE TO THE JEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4450, 24 June 1875, Page 2

A TRIBUTE TO THE JEWS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir.,—By means of extracting from George Wilkes, you, with him, pay a tribute tv the Jews, but at the same time give a kick to Romanists, that is to say, to the Catholics, who in the times referred to were the only recognised Christians. I will say fearlessly that mildness was ever the spirit that animated the Catholic Church, and when people departed from it they were upbraided and recalled to principles of charity and forbearance by the solemn teaching and great examples of tlie heads of that Church. Witness Pope Innocent 111., who forbade Christians to molest the Jews, under pain of excommunication. Gregory IX. did the same by a letter to French bishops, dated the 9th September, 1236. In fact all the Popes acted as protectors of the Jews, and Rome became their home. If among some nations severities were resorted to, and even sweeping measures adopted against them, the question is whether those things were not done in self-defence or in the way of retaliating. Very often money and provisions were made scarce, but by whom? To appreciate traditional dispositions that were found in that extraordinary people, read the text from one of their race—l. Thess., ii. chap., 15 v. See also the Talmud as authentically quoted by authors, before certain passages were expunged from it. In conclusion, I must ask where and when did the split of the Jews take place? On the rook of Calvary, 1312 years ago. Who is responsible for it ? Let us say no more on this matter. As for you, Mr. Editor, quote no more from Wilkes to honor the Jews and throw .aspersion over Christians. Let there not be a shadow of attempt at disturbing the harmony prevailing in this community, and namely between the Jews and Catholics, the, latter willingly confessing having been the object of many acts of kindness on the part of their Israelite brethren.—l have, &c., John Joseph.