ed, from March, 1818, to March, 1819, | siderations, a few years since, induced to £23,000. But, during the same several benevolent individuals to reperiod, the disbursements extended to flect on the moral condition of the £28,658; thus leaving a considerable Jews, and on the practicability of esdebt for active benevolence to dis-tablishing an institution among them, charge. J SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRIS TIANITY AMONG THE JEWS. Ir may perhaps be justly doubted, if the history of any nation hitherto recorded in the annals of mankind, has presented to the eye of observation a people more remarkable for incident, obstinacy, and suffering, than the Jews. For many ages, they seem to have been considered as a particular branch of the human family, existing as monuments of the divine displeasure, and as being preserved through a succession of centuries to exhibit a living comment on the truth of prophecy; as a race, whom every one had a kind of inherent right to persecute, and to whom even benevolence itself could not, with propriety, extend its friendly hand. which should have for its primary object, the offer of salvation through that Saviour whom their forefathers slew, and hanged on a tree. To accomplish a purpose so desirable, two things were deemed essentially necessary; namely, the putting of the New Testament into their hands, and an explanation of that Gospel, which, from their earliest infancy, they had been taught to despise. These circumstances called into existence "The Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews." No sooner was this intention announced to the Public, than the hand of compassion was opened towards them; considerable subscriptions were raised in their behalf; and, from that period to the present, no methods have been left untried, which appeared calculated to promote the conversion of the Jews to Christianity. But although much zeal and prudence, under the guidance of pious motives, have been exercised, the successes which have hitherto crowned these laudable exertions, have fallen short of those expectations which the means employed very naturally excited. Among the adult Jews, the prejudices and obsti Nor was this display of systematic persecution, merely confined to individual caprice, and hereditary prejudice; nations have engaged in the common exercise of inhumanity and injustice. On the Continent, this afflicted people have suffered severely from the tyranny of oppressive edicts; and even Britain can claim no exemp-nacy, by which their ancestors were tion from the general charge. During the reign of Edward I. in the year 1290, the property of all the Jews in the kingdom was confiscated to the crown; and 280 of this afflicted race were hanged in one day, being charged with adulterating the coin of the realm. In this reign, which these deeds render disgraceful to posterity, upwards of 15,000 were plundered of all their wealth, and shamefully banished the kingdom. Happily, however, for the honour of human nature, the malignant spirit of those vindictive periods of our history has been succeeded, in modern days, by more enlightened views, accompanied with actions less inconsistent with the belief of Christianity, that "the Lord will have mercy upon Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land ;" and that ́the Almighty, in his ordinary dealings with mankind, works through the instrumentality of means. These con distinguished, still remain visible. The numbers who have been induced to hear, are not very considerable; and among these, there are not many who have given evidence of a' saving acquaintance with God. This general character, however, is not without some pleasing exceptions, which cherish the hopes, and stimulate the exertions, of those who have engaged in the benevolent design. The conversion of the soul, whether of Jew or Gentile, is the work of God. Man is only an instrument in his hands. But it is his duty to use the means prescribed, and to leave the event to omnipotent power. Influenced by this principle, many benevolent individuals met together in Freemasons' Hall, London, on Friday, May 7th, to hold the annual meeting for 66 Promoting Christianity among the Jews." On this occasion, the principal speakers were the following: Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. president, who took the chair; W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. Lord Gambier, Rev. Lewis Way, Rev. Legh Richmond, Rev. J. Owen, Rev. D. Wilson, Rev. C. Simeon, and the Rev. W. Marsh. It appears from the Report which was read, that, among the children for whose instruction the society had made provision, the prospects of doing good seemed favourable. In the boys' school, they had 42; and in the girls', 38: eight boys and ten girls had been admitted during the preceding year; and four boys had been bound apprentices to different trades. At Bethnal Green, a school-room had been erected for the boys; and £750 had been subscribed towards the building of another for the girls. It also appeared, that the New Testament, in Hebrew, had been stereotyped, and that 10,000 copies were now in the press; that 1000 copies of the Hebrew Testament, and several thousand tracts in German and other languages, had, during the last year, been in circulation on the Continent; and that the Rev. B. N. Solomon had been appointed to preach to his Polish brethren, under the special protection of the Emperor Alexander. During the preceding year, the collections, donations, and subscriptions, amounted to £9,287. 15s. 2d. and the disbursements to £9,910. 4s. 9d. | The Report being read, the children made their appearance, and afforded much gratification to the auditors, by the neatness of their dress, the propriety of their behaviour, and the pleasing harmony of their voices, in singing a hymn before they retired. 66 At this meeting, it was stated by the Rev. Lewis Way, that "Associa tions are daily increasing in support of this society; and that in Ireland Christians seem to be peculiarly sensible of its importance. They have a Christian feeling for the benighted Israelites; and are as anxious about the soul of a Jew, as of a Gentile." In this kingdom, also, the same benevolent disposition has been powerfully excited towards the Jews. This has been incontestably proved by the liberal contributions which have been made in their behalf. And though Israel be not gathered, yet we cannot doubt that such services, springing from Christian benevolence, are pleasing and acceptable in the sight of God. To extend the influence of this benevolent institution, and to excite an increased attention in a Christian public to the condition of the Jews, the Rev. Mr. Simeon, of Cambridge, and the Rev. W. Marsh, from Colchester, have lately visited Liverpool; and in several churches in this town and its vicinity, so effectually have they pleaded the cause of these descendants of Abraham, as to call forth an affectionate feeling for this long neglected race. On Thursday the 9th instant, a public meeting was held in the MusicHall, which was numerously and respectably attended. At this meeting, a variety of important and interesting documents, respecting the Jews, was produced. These related partially to such as inhabit this country; but principally to those who reside on the Continent, which these gentlemen has lately visited, for the express purpose of ascertaining the state of their moral character, and their prevailing dispositions towards the principles and doctrines of the Gospel. Alluding to the moral condition of the Jews, and the difficulty of inducing them to believe the Gospel, Mr. Legh Richmond made the following observations. If they are so degenerate, our care should be the greater These documents, among other artifor their recovery, and it should act as cles, consisted of an EDICT, which the a stimulus to our exertions. We have king of the Netherlands had lately seen what the ever-to-be-revered How-issued, to encourage and promote the ard has done by his perseverance; and literary, moral, and religious improvewhat that good woman, Mrs. Fry, is ment of the Jews, within his dominions. doing; and her scholars are none of They also contained a PROTOCOL, the most virtuous. The baser the cha- similar in its tendency and effect, signracter, the more her attention is ed by the representatives of all the drawn towards them. Trifles deter her Allied Sovereigns, lately assembled at not in the prosecution of her work; but Aix la Chapelle. These documents, she presses forward, and her efforts in conjunction with other communicahave been crowned with remarkable tions, which state, that a spirit of insuccess. Let us also persevere, and inquiry has lately been awakened among due season we shall see a glorious har- the Jews, furnished some pleasing prevest springing from our labours." sages of future good, and produced, ed, from March, 1818, to March, 1819, |siderations, a few years since, induced to £23,000. But, during the same several benevolent individuals to reperiod, the disbursements extended to flect on the moral condition of the £28,658; thus leaving a considerable Jews, and on the practicability of esdebt for active benevolence to dis-tablishing an institution among them, charge. SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRIS TIANITY AMONG THE JEWS. which should have for its primary object, the offer of salvation through that Saviour whom their forefathers slew, and hanged on a tree. To accomplish a purpose so desirable, two things were deemed essentially necessary; namely, the putting of the New Testament into their hands, and an explanation of that Gospel, which, from their earliest infancy, they had been taught to despise. These circumstances called into existence "The Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews." Ir may perhaps be justly doubted, if the history of any nation hitherto recorded in the annals of mankind, has presented to the eye of observation a people more remarkable for incident, obstinacy, and suffering, than the Jews. For many ages, they seem to have been considered as a particular branch of the human family, existing as monuments of the divine displea- No sooner was this intention ansure, and as being preserved through nounced to the Public, than the hand a succession of centuries to exhibit a of compassion was opened towards living comment on the truth of pro-them; considerable subscriptions were phecy; as a race, whom every one had a kind of inherent right to persecute, and to whom even benevolence itself could not, with propriety, extend its friendly hand. raised in their behalf; and, from that period to the present, no methods have been left untried, which appeared calculated to promote the conversion of the Jews to Christianity. But although much zeal and prudence, under the guidance of pious motives, have been exercised, the successes which have hitherto crowned these laudable exertions, have fallen short of those expectations which the means employed very naturally excited. Among the adult Jews, the prejudices and obsti Nor was this display of systematic persecution, merely confined to individual caprice, and hereditary prejudice; nations have engaged in the common exercise of inhumanity and injustice. On the Continent, this afflicted people have suffered severely from the tyranny of oppressive edicts; and even Britain can claim no exemp-nacy, by which their ancestors were tion from the general charge. During the reign of Edward I. in the year 1290, the property of all the Jews in the kingdom was confiscated to the crown; and 280 of this afflicted race were hanged in one day, being charged with adulterating the coin of the realm. In this reign, which these deeds render disgraceful to posterity, upwards of 15,000 were plundered of all their wealth, and shamefully banished the kingdom. Happily, however, for the honour of human nature, the malignant spirit of those vindictive periods of our history has been succeeded, in modern days, by more enlightened views, accompanied with actions less inconsistent with the belief of Christianity, that "the Lord will have mercy upon Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land ;" and that the Almighty, in his ordinary dealings with mankind, works through the instrumentality of means. These con distinguished, still remain visible. The numbers who have been induced to hear, are not very considerable; and among these, there are not many who have given evidence of a saving acquaintance with God. This general character, however, is not without some pleasing exceptions, which cherish the hopes, and stimulate the exertions, of those who have engaged in the benevolent design. The conversion of the soul, whether of Jew or Gentile, is the work of God. Man is only an instrument in his hands. But it is his duty to use the means prescribed, and to leave the event to omnipotent power. Influenced by this principle, many benevolent individuals met together in Freemasons' Hall, London, on Friday, May 7th, to hold the annual meeting for " Promoting Christianity among the Jews." On this occasion, the principal speakers were the following:Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. president, wwwww who took the chair; W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. Lord Gambier, Rev. Lewis Way, Rev. Legh Richmond, Rev. J. Owen, Rev. D. Wilson, Rev. C. Simeon, and the Rev. W. Marsh. It appears from the Report which was read, that, among the children for whose instruction the society had made provision, the prospects of doing good seemed favourable. In the boys' school, they had 42; and in the girls', 38: eight boys and ten girls had been admitted during the preceding year; and four boys had been bound apprentices to different trades. At Bethnal Green, a school-room had been erected for the boys; and £750 had been subscribed towards the building of another for the girls. It also appeared, that the New Testament, in Hebrew, had been stereotyped, and that 10,000 copies were now in the press; that 1000 copies of the Hebrew Testament, and several thousand tracts in German and other languages, had, during the last year, been in circulation on the Continent; and that the Rev. B. N. Solomon had been appointed to preach to his Polish brethren, under the special protection of the Emperor Alexander. During the preceding year, the collections, donations, and subscriptions, amounted to £9,287. 15s. 2d. and the disbursements to £9,910. 4s. 9d. The Report being read, the children made their appearance, and afforded much gratification to the auditors, by the neatness of their dress, the propriety of their behaviour, and the pleasing harmony of their voices, in singing a hymn before they retired. Alluding to the moral condition of the Jews, and the difficulty of inducing them to believe the Gospel, Mr. Legh Richmond made the following observations." If they are so degenerate, our care should be the greater for their recovery, and it should act as a stimulus to our exertions. We have seen what the ever-to-be-revered Howard has done by his perseverance; and what that good woman, Mrs. Fry, is doing; and her scholars are none of the most virtuous. The baser the character, the more her attention is drawn towards them. Trifles deter her not in the prosecution of her work; but she presses forward, and her efforts have been crowned with remarkable success. Let us also persevere, and due season we shall see a glorious harvest springing from our labours." At this meeting, it was stated by the Rev. Lewis Way, that "Associa tions are daily increasing in support of this society; and that in Ireland Christians seem to be peculiarly sensible of its importance. They have a Christian feeling for the benighted Israelites; and are as anxious about the soul of a Jew, as of a Gentile." In this kingdom, also, the same benevolent disposition has been powerfully excited towards the Jews. This has been incontestably proved by the liberal contributions which have been made in their behalf. And though Israel be not gathered, yet we cannot doubt that such services, springing from Christian benevolence, are pleasing and acceptable in the sight of God. To extend the influence of this benevolent institution, and to excite an increased attention in a Christian public to the condition of the Jews, the Rev. Mr. Simeon, of Cambridge, and the Rev. W. Marsh, from Colchester, have lately visited Liverpool; and in several churches in this town and its vicinity, so effectually have they pleaded the cause of these descendants of Abraham, as to call forth an affectionate feeling for this long neglected race. On Thursday the 9th instant, a public meeting was held in the MusicHall, which was numerously and respectably attended. At this meeting, a variety of important and interesting documents, respecting the Jews, was produced. These related partially to such as inhabit this country; but principally to those who reside on the Continent, which these gentlemen has lately visited, for the express purpose of ascertaining the state of their moral character, and their prevailing dispositions towards the principles and doctrines of the Gospel. These documents, among other articles, consisted of an EDICT, which the king of the Netherlands had lately issued, to encourage and promote the literary, moral, and religious improvement of the Jews, within his dominions. They also contained a PROTOCOL, similar in its tendency and effect, signed by the representatives of all the Allied Sovereigns, lately assembled at Aix la Chapelle. These documents, in conjunction with other communications, which state, that a spirit of ininquiry has lately been awakened among the Jews, furnished some pleasing presages of future good, and produced, SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRIS TIANITY AMONG THE JEWS. To ac ed, from March, 1818, to March, 1819, |siderations, a few years since, induced to £23,000. But, during the same several benevolent individuals to reperiod, the disbursements extended to flect on the moral condition of the £28,658; thus leaving a considerable Jews, and on the practicability of esdebt for active benevolence to dis-tablishing an institution among them, charge. which should have for its primary object, the offer of salvation through that Saviour whom their forefathers slew, and hanged on a tree. complish a purpose so desirable, two things were deemed essentially necessary; namely, the putting of the New Testament into their hands, and an explanation of that Gospel, which, from their earliest infancy, they had been taught to despise. These circumstances called into existence "The Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews." Ir may perhaps be justly doubted, if the history of any nation hitherto recorded in the annals of mankind, has presented to the eye of observation a people more remarkable for incident, obstinacy, and suffering, than the Jews. For many ages, they seem to have been considered as a particular branch of the human family, existing as monuments of the divine displeasure, and as being preserved through a succession of centuries to exhibit a living comment on the truth of prophecy; as a race, whom every one had a kind of inherent right to persecute, and to whom even benevolence itself could not, with propriety, extend its friendly hand. But al No sooner was this intention announced to the Public, than the hand of compassion was opened towards them; considerable subscriptions were raised in their behalf; and, from that period to the present, no methods have been left untried, which appeared calculated to promote the conversion of the Jews to Christianity. though much zeal and prudence, under the guidance of pious motives, have been exercised, the successes which have hitherto crowned these laudable exertions, have fallen short of those expectations which the means employed very naturally excited. Among the adult Jews, the prejudices and obsti Nor was this display of systematic persecution, merely confined to individual caprice, and hereditary prejudice; nations have engaged in the common exercise of inhumanity and injustice. On the Continent, this afflicted people have suffered severely from the tyranny of oppressive edicts; and even Britain can claim no exemp-nacy, by which their ancestors were tion from the general charge. During the reign of Edward I. in the year 1290, the property of all the Jews in the kingdom was confiscated to the crown; and 280 of this afflicted race were hanged in one day, being charged with adulterating the coin of the realm. In this reign, which these deeds render disgraceful to posterity, upwards of 15,000 were plundered of all their wealth, and shamefully banished the kingdom. distinguished, still remain visible. The numbers who have been induced to hear, are not very considerable; and among these, there are not many who have given evidence of a' saving acquaintance with God. This general character, however, is not without some pleasing exceptions, which cherish the hopes, and stimulate the exertions, of those who have engaged in the benevolent design. The conversion of the soul, whether of Jew or Gentile, is the work of God. Man is only an instrument in his hands. But it is his duty to use the means prescribed, and to leave the event to Happily, however, for the honour of human nature, the malignant spirit of those vindictive periods of our history has been succeeded, in modern days, by more enlightened views, ac-omnipotent power. companied with actions less inconsistent with the belief of Christianity, that "the Lord will have mercy upon Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land ;" and that the Almighty, in his ordinary dealings with mankind, works through the instrumentality of means. These con Influenced by this principle, many benevolent individuals met together in Freemasons' Hall, London, on Friday, May 7th, to hold the annual meeting for Promoting Christianity among the Jews." On this occasion, the principal speakers were the following:Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. president, |