It is but justice to acknowledge that, although this little
book appears as an original, it is, nevertheless, founded upon
a German work, by Dr. Eduard Kley, of Hamburg, which
appeared at Berlin in 0000, under the title of CATECHISMUS
DER MOSAISCHEN RELIGION. For several years past there
have appeared in Germany a number of Catechisms, all
more or less valuable; and, in thinking over the best plan for
the present undertaking, it struck me that Dr. Kley's was
the most suitable, even in preference to the one I originally
entertained of giving it the form of a conversation on religion,
which, however, I have occasionally introduced, as will appear
from inspection. I retained the division of subjects, nearly
all the questions, and occasionally an answer, of Dr. Kley.
Still, this book is no translation; because, in the first place,
it contains fully double the quantity of the doctor's book;
and, secondly, not to mention that several important points
had been omitted or too obscurely given by him, he had
imparted a peculiar colouring to his ideas, which unfortunately
have become rather too famous, since his connexion with a
society of schismatics, to whom he has borne the relation of
pastor for many years past. Nevertheless, I would not
detract the least from the merits of this learned and eloquent
man, despite of his errors; and I gladly admit that my labour
was much abridged by having so excellent a guide as he has
furnished, which I preferred following, than be too anxious
for entire originality, by which this Catechism could have
gained nothing in value.