‘The Hebrew Prophets chose the latter alternative. They asserted the freedom of man; and the general conscience of mankind, despite all cavilings and sophistry to the contrary, has ever responded to their declaration with a loud Amen. They argued, to put their thought in modern language, that we may fairly judge of the whole course of evolution by its highest outcome, and they believed its highest outcome to be, not mere mechanical order of beauty, but righteousness.
‘The Hebrew Prophets interpreted the universe in terms of humanity’s aspirations. They believe that the ends of justice are too precious to be lost; that, if righteousness is not yet real in the world, it must be made real; and, hence, that there must be a Power in the world which makes for righteousness.’
[⭘] Darmesteter: Selected Essays, translated by Jastrow, N. Y., 1895.
[⭘] Lazarus: The Spirit of Judaism, New York, 1895.
[⭘] The Literary Remains of Emanuel Deutsch, 1874. The Talmud: Two Essays by Deutsch and Darmesteter, J. P. S., 1911.
[⭘] Chapters in Jewish Literature, J. P. S. Preface.
[⭘] Magnus: Outlines of Jewish History, J. P. S., p. 333.
[⭘] Jacobs: Jewish Ideals and other Essays, 1896.
[⭘] Halevi: Cusari, ii, 36.
[⭘] Gaster: Presidential Address, Transactions of Jewish Historical Society of England, vol. viii.