Books and Manuscripts

An Act to permit Persons professing the Jewish Religion, to be naturalized by Parliament; and for other Purposes therein mentioned
London: Printed by Thomas Baskett, and by the Assigns of Robert Baskett, 1753. Folio. (6) pp. Disbound; title-page separated.

First edition of the Jewish Naturalization Act of 1753, a bill that allowed persons professing the Jewish faith who had been born outside of England to be naturalized by Parliament without receiving the sacrament. Since 1609, Jews had been denied naturalization under a law passed by Parliament targeting Catholics that made naturalization of any foreigner contingent on their acceptance of the sacrament. In the ensuing century naturalization laws were slightly relaxed for economic reasons, and in 1740 the Plantation Act was passed that granted Jews (and Quakers) in England's colonies a path for naturalization (see lot 96). The Naturalization Act passed unanimously through the House of Lords in April, 1753, but was seized by the opposition party in the House of Commons as a political weapon to arouse the prejudices of the populace. After fiery debate it finally passed after three votes that July. "The flames of prejudice and intolerance which had been sedulously fanned during the debate in the House of Commons now burst forth with the utmost fury. Pamphlets and broadsides were issued by both parties. Sober and temperate arguments were put forward on the one side, every calumny and insult at any time levelled against the Jewish race was raked up on the other. In such an arena the issue could not be long doubtful." (Henriques, H.S.Q., The Jews and the English Law, p. 243) Antisemitic opposition built to a crescendo throughout the summer and into the fall, and with a general election looming, on the first day of the new session a bill was introduced to repeal the law. It passed in the House of Lords on November 22, and in the House of Commons on November 28.