Among the Jews, their elder Rabbin was most respected.  It has been customary with this people to invite for this place some foreigner, renowned among them for the depth of his learning, and the sanctity of his manners.  At this time the Haham, or elder Rabbin, was a foreigner, who had been sent over to instruct them in their laws, and was a person, as we shall observe, of no ordinary qualifications.  When the Jewish council was assembled, the Haham rose, and addressed them in this manner—­“Men of Israel! the God of our ancestors is omniscient, and there is no one who can say, Why doest thou this?  This day He commands us to die for His law; for that law which we have cherished from the first hour it was given, which we have preserved pure throughout our captivity in all nations, and which for the many consolations it has given us, and the eternal hope it communicates, can we do less than die?  Posterity shall behold this book of truth, sealed with our blood; and our death, while it displays our sincerity, shall impart confidence to the wanderer of Israel.  Death is before our eyes; and we have only to choose an honourable and easy one.  If we fall into the hands of our enemies, which you know we cannot escape, our death will be ignominious and cruel; for these Christians, who picture the Spirit of God in a dove, and confide in the meek Jesus, are athirst for our blood, and prowl around the castle like wolves.  It is therefore my advice that we elude their tortures; that we ourselves should be our own executioners; and that we voluntarily surrender our lives to our Creator.  We trace the invisible Jehovah in his acts; God seems to call for us, but let us not be unworthy of that call.  Suicide, on occasions like the present, is both rational and lawful; many examples are not wanting among our forefathers:  as I advise, men of Israel, they have acted on similar occasions.”  Having said this, the old man sat down and wept.

The assembly was divided in their opinions.  Men of fortitude applauded its wisdom, but the pusillanimous murmured that it was a dreadful counsel.

Again the Rabbin rose, and spoke these few words in a firm and decisive tone:—­“My children! since we are not unanimous in our opinions, let those who do not approve of my advice depart from this assembly!”—­Some departed, but the greater number attached themselves to their venerable priest.  They now employed themselves in consuming their valuables by fire; and every man, fearful of trusting to the timid and irresolute hand of the women, first destroyed his wife and children, and then himself.  Jocenus and the Rabbin alone remained.  Their lives were protracted to the last, that they might see everything performed, according to their orders.  Jocenus being the chief Jew, was distinguished by the last mark of human respect, in receiving his death from the consecrated hand of the aged Rabbin, who immediately after performed the melancholy duty on himself.