The year of mourning rapidly passed, and the anniversary of his death was solemnly observed in his own Synagogue, and in those of Hebrew communities all over the world. In many churches and chapels likewise his name was reverentially remembered by his friends and admirers.
Thus was Sir Moses Montefiore honoured in death as he had been in life.
The impartial reader of these Memoirs, in closing the book, and recalling to his mind the varied scenes portraying the life and work of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, and the moral to be derived therefrom, will acknowledge that the practice of justice, truth, and virtue towards his fellow-beings, and staunch loyalty to the Sovereign, will ensure an ample reward. At the same time, he cannot fail to contemplate with intense admiration the life's work of the hero of a hundred years, who fought so sturdily in youth the battle of life, and who afterwards devoted himself with such unwearying ardour to the task of combating hatred, persecution, and fanaticism, of severing the bonds of physical and moral slavery, and of aiding in the establishment of religious toleration all over the world. His unparalleled devotion to the sacred cause of humanity in general, and the unclouded halo of a spotless integrity which encircles his name, will ever afford a splendid example for emulation no less than the dauntless courage with which he set to work for the rescue of the suffering and the oppressed, whilst the bright guiding stars which lighted all his actions were the fear of God on high, and deeds of charity and loving kindness on earth.
The retrospect of the lives of Sir Moses and his honoured, spouse brings joy and gladness to the minds of all who care for the welfare of the human race. It is calculated to inspire increased hopes for the future, to implant and confirm in us the love of heaven, and to cause us to rejoice in the victory of truth and justice over falsehood, and to make us devoutly thankful for all the blessings vouchsafed to us by Providence.
May we ever bear in mind that the life-work of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore was based upon the lesson taught by the Wise King—"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind" (Eccles. xii. 13).
The power adequately to fulfil this behest is in itself a noble reward, and constitutes the happiness of every human being created in the image of God.