THE AGE OF LUZZATTO, EIBESCHÜTZ, AND FRANK.
Poetical Works of Moses Chayim Luzzatto--Luzzatto ensnared in the Kabbala--His Contest with Rabbinical Authorities-- Luzzatto's last Drama--Jonathan Eibeschütz--Character and Education of Eibeschütz--His Relations with the Jesuits in Prague--The Austrian War of Succession--Expulsion of the Jews from Prague--Eibeschütz becomes Rabbi of Altona--Jacob Emden--Eibeschütz charged with Heresy--The Controversy between Emden and Eibeschütz--The Amulets--Party Strife-- Interference by Christians and the Civil Authorities--Revival of Sabbatianism--Jacob Frank Lejbowicz and the Frankists-- The Doctrine of the Trinity--Excesses of the Frankists.
The disgrace and disappointment caused by visionaries and impostors during almost a whole century, the lamentable effects of the careers of Sabbataï Zevi and his band of prophets--Cardoso, Mordecai of Eisenstadt, Querido, Judah Chassid, Chayim Malach, Chayon, and others--failed to suppress Kabbalistic and Messianic extravagances. As yet these impostors only invited fresh imitators, who found a credulous circle ready to believe in them, and thus new disorders were begotten. The unhealthy humors which, during the lapse of ages, had been introduced into the organism of Judaism appeared as hideous eruptions on the surface, but this might be considered the sign of convalescence. Corruption had seized even the most delicate organs. A gifted youth, endowed with splendid talents, who in ordinary circumstances would have become an ornament to Judaism, was tainted by the general degradation, and under the spell of mysticism misapplied his excellent gifts, and contributed to error. It is impossible to resist a feeling of sorrow at finding this amiable man with his ideal character falling into errors which bring him down to the level of such impure spirits as Chayon and Löbele Prosnitz--a many-colored sunbeam extinguished in a swamp. If we denounce the Kabbala, which has begotten such unspeakable misconceptions of Judaism, and are justly wrathful against its authors and propagators, we feel specially indignant when we find two noble young men of high endowments and purity of life, Solomon Molcho and Luzzatto, following its chimeras, and thereby precipitating themselves into the abyss. Both literally sacrificed their lives for dreams, the confused imagery of which was suggested by the dazing medley of the Kabbala. Although Luzzatto did not meet with a tragic end like the Portuguese Marrano who shared his convictions, yet he, too, was a martyr, none the less because his wounds had been inflicted by himself under the influence of excitement.