_Cognation of the Jews and Lacedemonians._--In the 12th chapter of the
1st Book of Maccabees the letter of Jonathan, the High Priest, to the
Lacedemonians is given, in which he claims their amity. This is followed
by a letter of Arcus, the Spartan king, in answer, and which contains
this assertion:
"It is found in writing that the Lacedemonians and Jews are
brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham."
Have critics or ethnographers commented on this passage, which, to say
the least, is remarkable?
As I am quoting from the Apocrypha, I may point out the anomaly of these
books being omitted in the great majority of our Bibles, whilst their
instructive lessons are appointed to be read by the Church. Hundreds of
persons who maintain the good custom of reading the proper lessons for
the day, are by this omission deprived, during the present season, of
two chapters out of the four appointed.