His master,
Akibha, who lived soon after the destruction of Jerusalem, was the
author of the famous book Jezirah, quoted by the Jews as of Divine
authority. When Akibha was far advanced in life, appeared the famous
impostor Barchochebas, who, under the character of the Messiah, promised
to deliver his countrymen from the power of the Emperor Adrian. Akibha
espoused his cause, and afforded him the protection and support of his
name, and an army of two hundred thousand men repaired to his standard.
The Romans at first slighted the insurrection; but when they found the
insurgents spread slaughter and rapine wherever they came, they sent out
a military force against them. At. first, the issue of the contest
was doubtful. The Messiah himself was not taken until the end of four
years.'--Enfield, _Philosophy of the Jews_, vol. ii.
'Two methods of instruction were in use among the Jews; the one public,
or _exoteric_; the other secret, or esoteric. The exoteric doctrine was
that which was openly taught the people from the law of Moses and the
traditions of the fathers. The esoteric was that which treated of the
mysteries of the Divine nature, and other sublime subjects, and was
known by the name of the Cabala.
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