Sachs, Marcus

Sachs, Marcus, professor of Hebrew and exegetical theology, was born of Jewish parentage at Inovratzlav, in the duchy of Posen, June 13, 1812. He received his early education at Berlin, in the house of an uncle, who sent him to the gymnasium, where Homer became his delight. Having passed his examination, he entered the university, and gave himself to the study of French literature. Voltaire became his idol. The career of a rabbi was closed to him; and as for a position in any public office, the government of Prussia in those days iwas not liberal to men of his opinions. As trade also was not to his mind, he determined in 1842 to go to England. After a short sojourn in London he came to Edinburgh, and here it was that, through the instrumentality of the late Dr. John Brown, this Jewish freethlinker was brought to Christ. When he had made his public profession, he betook himself to the study for the ministry, and attended the lectures of Dr. Chalmers. Having obtained license as a preacher, he was appointed tutor in Hebrew to the Free Church Divinity Hall in Aberdeen. After having filled the office of tutor for some years, he was raised to the status and obtained the title of professor of Hebrew and exegetical theology. For nearly thirty years he held this honorable position, until he was called home, Sept. 29, 1869. See Marcus Sachs: In Memoriam (Aberdeen, 1872); Delitzsch, Saat auf Hoffnung (1875), 12, 41 sq. (B.P.)