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1837
SCIENTIA
VERITAS
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
PLURIBUS UNUM:
SI QUAERIS PENINSULAM AMOENAME~
CIRCUMSPICE
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↑
CIRCULATING
THE
ORIGIN, PROGRESS,
>
AND
EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES,
OF THE
LONDON SOCIETY
FOR
PROMOTING CHRISTIANITY AMONGST THE JEWS.
AN HISTORICAL INQUIRY.
BY THE
REV. H. H. NORRIS, A.M.
PERPETUAL CURATE OF ST. JOHN'S CHAPEL, HACKNEY,
PREBENDARY OF LLANDaff, and
CHAPLAIN TO THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURY.
LONDON:
SOLD BY J. MAWMAN, LUDGATE-HILL, AND
W. WETTON, FLEET-STREET.
1825.
BV
2620
485
N85
1
Printed by R. Gilbert, St. John's Square, London.
1
+
"
:
"The friends of Jewish Conversion have nothing to fear
from discussion; their greatest enemies are indolent incredu-
lity-and supercilious indifference."-Preface to Jewish Ex-
positor, Vol. IX. p. 2.
"Some gentlemen appear to have a sort of mania for bene-
volence about them. Until they find fresh means of stimulating
people to do good, after the old channels have been filled up, they
have no happiness nor comfort of their lives."-Speech of B.
Shaw, Esq. M.P. Treasurer to London Society, London Tavern,
April 7, 1813. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 221.
"Men would be fanatics, if, when there are fields which
reward the culture, they should sow the seed on rocks, and
expect a harvest." Speech of Rev. J. Cunningham. Norwich
Association Anniversary, 1822, in aid of the Society for pro-
moting Christianity among the Jews, p. 3.
4
ERRATA.
Page 18, line 5, after persons insert not
1111
58,
59,
69,
72,
84,
126,
172,
227,
246,
254,
274,
298,
299,
305,
307,
308,
316,
318,
330,
336,
345,
376,
378,
391,
396,
434,
449,
450,
28, dele inverted commas
15, for led read lead
ult. for App. 3. read App. 2.
18, dele inverted commas
15, for Committe read Committee
7, for opinon read opinion
30, for 33 read 23
1, for country read county
11, for No. 11 read No. 12
ult. after Spirit insert of
21, remove note letter p. to 275, line 7
ult. for case read care
2, dele at
15, for essayed read assayed
7, remove inverted commas from numbers to what this Babbler
should say
19, for Wend read Wendt
penult. for I read he
24, for Secretary read Society
1, dele inverted commas after former, line 3. before by
24, for statess read states
15, for Mendelsham read Mendelshom
ult. dele inverted commas
1, for report read reports
1, before the insert as
7, for this read his
456,
24. for on read in
ult. for Rabbi read Rabbinism
26, before sponsors insert were
3, dele were
i
1
1
INTRODUCTION.
THE utmost that we can do towards the con-
version of the Jews to Christianity, is unques-
tionably amongst the most obvious of those
duties which we owe to aliens from our own
"household of faith: and so many and so affect-
ing are the incentives to it, which the inspired
Writers of both Testaments have put forth, that
there is no Christian enterprise so capable of
being made at once both diffusely and deeply
interesting. It would have been an oversight,
therefore, without a parallel in the annals of
proselytism, if, at a "time" when "Britain"
is panegyrized as the " distinguished seat of
spiritual activity," these most prominent and at-
tractive objects of religious zeal, had not ex-
cited strong emotions at their affecting state;
nay, had not induced the organization of some
plan for their restoration.
That there has been no such failure is well
known to be the case; and had THE LONDON
SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIANITY
AMONGST THE JEWS prosecuted its experiment
upon such a scale, and under such regulations,
that nearer and more important interests sustained
no injury from its operations, whatever doubts
of its usefulness might have been entertained,
it would have had an indisputable claim to for-
bearance, in virtue of the piety of its design.
* Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 3.
B
!
277192
2
Such at least would have been the author's
feeling with respect to it, and he can safely
pledge himself that it would have run its course
exempt from the present investigation.
+
But the glaring facts that no less a sum than
135,000l. has been disbursed by this Society
within the sixteen years of its existence, and
that it has progressively forced on its resources
and expenditure till they have amounted to near
12,500l. per annum, whilst at the same time there
are spiritual necessities amongst ourselves of vital
importance to us, pining for assistance, which they
supplicate in vain-these facts, I say, staring us
in the face, irresistibly provoke inquiry into the
validity of its pretensions, with a special refer-
ence to its claim upon Churchmen to the support
which it derives from them. For, whilst within
our own Communion the means of public worship
and of religious instruction are so deplorably
defective, what Churchmen contribute to it is the
children's BREAD, and therefore, to warrant the
alienation, not only must the emergency be great,
but the parties to be benefited, urgent for relief,
and disposed to hearty co-operation; as also
must the dispensers be very circumspect in the
means and instruments which they employ; in
the husbandry of its resources; and in certify-
ing themselves that the amelioration produced
bears due proportion to those privations which,
had priority of claim regulated the application,
might have been very extensively relieved.
To these points the ensuing inquiry is direct-
7
3
ed; and, for their complete elucidation, com-
mences at the origination of the LONDON So-
CIETY, and accompanies it, through its five meta-
morphoses, to the present period; considering
each of them as an era in its history, and assign-
ing a separate chapter to each.
The survey to be taken therefore falls naturally
under the following heads.
I. The embryo state of the Society, whilst it
was in process of formation.
II. Its incunabular state, whilst its efforts were
feeble, being only provided with the dissenting
part of its establishment.
III. Its state of maturity, when all its energies
were brought into action by the union of an
Episcopal Chapel to the Conventicle.
IV. Its regenerated state, when the Dissenters
retired, and the Church members undertook
single-handed the work of its redintigration.
V. Its consummation, when the British Jews
were discarded, and Foreign dispersions of that
people throughout the universe adopted as the
grand object of its exertions.
This last period of its history is out of all pro-
portion the largest division of the work. It has,
therefore, for the reader's accommodation, been
subdivided; and-the preliminary measures of
the Society towards engaging in its new exploit-
the financial system-the stations occupied and
instruments employed-and the administration
and issue of the enterprise-will be found treated
of each in a distinct section.
B 2
4
Such is that issue, and such indeed the whole
course of the Society's proceedings, as well as
all the intermediate results, that, if the volume
were to terminate where the above sketch leaves
the reader, it is much to be feared that, carried
away by indignation and disgust, he might not
sufficiently discriminate between the great con-
cern itself, and the Society's administration of
it; and that the conversion of the Jews-the sub-
ject of the most splendid prophecies, and of the
Church's most fervent supplications, in all ages,
to the throne of grace-might be disparaged in
his estimation, if he were not tempted altogether
to explode it, as one of the visions of fanaticism,
or as the cunningly devised fable of those who
make a gain of godliness, and whose maxim is,
by our tongues will we prevail."
To guard the reader against this most inju-
rious misconception, a concluding chapter has
been added, in which is shewn, from evidence
furnished by the Society itself, that it is alone
responsible for its own total failure; and that the
conversion of the Jews remains, what the Society
found it, an object of the most intense interest,
left in charge to the Christian Church, as one of
its most imperative obligations, and to be pro-
moted by its ministry, whenever the scripturally
appointed means shall be pursued.
Such is the brief outline of the ensuing en-
quiry, the details of which the author earnestly
commends to public attention.
Hackney, April 25, 1825.
CHAPTER I.
THE EMBRYO STATE OF THE LONDON SOCIETY
FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE JEWS.
THE history of the LONDON SOCIETY, very sig-
nificantly designated by its most distinguished
apologista "a singular history," commences in
a dream, dreamt by JOSEPH SAMUEL CHRIS-
TIAN FREDERICK FREY', a converted Jew, im-
ported into this country by the London Mis-
sionary Society from Mr. Jaenecke's Moravian
Missionary Seminary at Berlin, for the purpose
of being sent to the Cape of Good Hope, to
assist Dr. Van-der-Kemp in the conversion of
the Hottentots. On September 15, 1801, he
landed at Gravesend, and about two o'clock the
ស
Way's Letter to the Bishop of St. David's, 8vo. 1818. p. 4.
b Frey, German for free, but pronounced Fry, was the
surname given to this celebrated convert at his baptism; hav-
ing reference to John viii. 32. 36. the text discoursed upon on
that occasion; Christian Frederick were also then added to his
two former Jewish designations. Frey's Narrative, p. 33.
6
following morning he had what he describes as
"a most remarkable dream," which he recorded
in his day-book as soon as he rose, from an
anxiety, as he expresses it, "to imitate the
c" The dream as it stands in my journal, introduced by an
observation and a short prayer, is as follows :"
"Observation-The design of my day-book is to enable
me, after many days, to survey with gratitude and praise all
the ways in which the Lord has led me; especially to record
from day to day, as much as possible, the imaginations of the
thoughts of my heart, whether good or evil-I consider it,
therefore, my duty to observe what passes in my soul when my
body is asleep, as well as when awake; and though I would
not believe every dream to be the immediate communication
of God to the soul, yet it cannot be denied that there have been
such dreams; and none can affirm that there shall be no such
in our days. It is true, I know not whether the present dream
shall come to pass; however, like Mary, I will ponder all
these things in my heart, and preserve them in my journal.
•
"Prayer-Blessed Jesus! thou hast said, Whoso shall
offend one of these little ones, which believe in me, it were
better for him that a mill-stone were hanged about his neck,
and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.' (Matt. xviii.
6.) I beseech thee, O Lord! let not this dream give offence
to any
who may hereafter read it. If it be thy will let it be
accomplished; but let me never be self-willed, or obstinate,
but may I ever be able to discern the directions of thy wise
and holy providence, and cheerfully acquiesce in thy gracious
will whether it be prosperous or adverse-Now, Lord, unto
thee I commit all my ways: do thou with me, a poor sinner,
as it seems good in thy sight; for thy name's sake. Amen.
"Dream-I read in a paper, that the two brethren, Palm
7
2
Sacred Writers, by giving a full and faithful
account of every circumstance relating to his
public walk in life." This dream he contrived,
about five months afterwards, to bring under
the observation of a brother missionary named
and Ulbricht, (Missionaries imported with him) as well as
myself, were to preach in London: that the Jews in particular
were (in a most affectionate manner) invited to the discourse
which I was to deliver. The appointed day approached; an
immense crowd collected, and I was enabled to preach to
them with great freedom, and to lift up my voice like a trumpet.
I thought that the effect of this discourse was, that I was
afterwards desired to stay in London, to preach both to Jews
and Christians; to which I replied, that I could not possibly
part with my dear brethren, Palm and Ulbricht, and let them
go alone; but that if the Directors would send for another
Missionary to accompany those brethren, I would consent:
and with which the Directors having complied, I resolved to
remain in England." Frey's Narrative, p. 73-76.
This is not the first beneficial dream with which Mr. Frey
was favoured; for he had one equally profitable about two
years before, which transpired much in the same way, having
been extorted from him by a young man who slept in the same
room, and which being bruited about amongst many pious and
excellent Christians, (viz. Moravian Fanatics) soon brought
him and Mr. Jaenicke together. This former dream is to the
following effect. "It seemed to me as if I saw my dear
Redeemer standing before my bed, and could hear him
distinctly saying, Fear not, you shall be a physician to heal
many of their diseases. I replied, By what means shall I
become a physician, who am a stranger in the land? The
answer to this was, You have many friends in this place."
Frey's Narrative, p. 59.
8
Ringletaube, with whom he became acquainted
at Dr. Steinkopff's chapel in the Savoy, and at
Mr. Ringletaube's suggestion, he made a direct
communication of it to the Committee of the
London Missionary Society, as an extraordinary
designation of himself to the conversion of his own
nation, to which view of the case he had been
previously using all his endeavours to dispose the
Committee, by a variety of indirect expedients.
A further and more full statement of his propo-
sal, and of the grounds on which it was founded,
drawn up by order of the Missionary Board,
and to be seen in the Appendix“, determined
that body to accede to it; and in their Report
for 1802, they announce the change resolved
upon in his destination, and the course which
had been taken to qualify him for so interesting
a sphere of missionary labour. Three years are
a Appendix, No. 1.
"It was intended that Mr. Frey should proceed to the
Cape of Good Hope to reinforce one of the missions in Africa,
but his conversion having been from Judaism to faith in Jesus
Christ, his mind appearing to be affectingly impressed on account
of the ignorance and unbelief of his brethren according to the
flesh, and his desire to reason with and to preach the Gospel to
them being very ardent and cordial, the directors have thought
it their duty to send him to their Rev. Brother (Dr. Bogue) at
Gosport, that he may be taught the way of God more
perfectly,' and also receive such other appropriate instructions
as may fit him for the singularly interesting and important
9
devoted to this purpose, during which all that is
worth mentioning of Mr. Frey is the testimony
borne to him by his patrons, that he is "by grace
walking in the steps of that great Father of the
faithful;" and that "they are thankful to the
providence of God, who has furnished them with
an instrument so much adapted to this important
occasion."
66
With these great expectations raised in his
behalf, Mr. Frey opened the Jewish mission on
the 6th of July, 1805, at Mr. Ball's meeting-
house in Jewry-street, where he began a
course of lectures to the posterity of Abraham."
He also commenced weekly prayer-meetings for
the conversion of the Jews; and at the expiration
of a year and a half, he undertook the weekly
catechising of the Jewish children, for whom the
Missionary Society, in further prosecution of
its purpose, had opened a free-school.
With respect to the Lectures, the London Society
reports, that "for a few weeks a considerable
number of the house of Israel were present;" but
that "this number afterwards decreased, some
wanting courage to stand against the insults,
work of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the natural,
the unbelieving descendants of the Patriarch Abraham."
London Missionary Report, 1802, p. 26.
f London Missionary Society's Report, 1805, p. 23.
10
mockery, and imprecations of their brethren,
who crowded the street; and others being pre-
vented attending by their superiors and rela-
tions." Some few, however, persevered in their
attendance, notwithsanding these discourage-
ments, and are stated to "have been perceived
always listening to the Word of Truth; whilst
others," it is affirmed, "came privately, de-
sirous, like Nicodemus, to avoid public notice"."
With respect to the Prayer Meeting; though
such is stated by Mr. Frey to have been its at-
tractiveness, that "at the close of a year a re-
moval from his own apartment to Zion Chapel'
was become necessary to accommodate the
congregation,-yet, as this statement is followed
immediately by the remark, At this meet-
ing we had frequently a few Jews attending;"
however, profitable" were the " hours;
however, good and pleasant" the " unity"
that prevailed; and, whatever the experiences
of the "presence and blessing of the God of Abra-
ham," upon which Mr. Frey and the London
Missionary Directors largely expatiate", it is
evident, that as a means of Jewish conversion, the
results were very inconsiderable.
•
* London Missionary Report, 1806, pp. 27, 28.
h Frey's Narrative, p. 99. London Missionary Report,
1806, p. 28.
11
66
Indeed it seems admitted, that these devo-
tional exercises were instituted as means of
making his (Mr. Frey's) ministry useful to others,
"besides his own nation;" and accordingly the
prominent proofs alleged of their usefulness
are that, through the sovereign blessing of
God, several sinners from among the Gentiles
had been converted, and others established in
the truth as it is in Jesus," who were before
wavering, and on the borders of infidelity; whilst
true believers in Christ had been edified and
strengthened in the faith and hopes of the Gos-
peli."
With respect to the Free School, on its opening
in January, 1807, twelve or thirteen Jewish chil-
dren were admitted; but to this measure the
most decided opposition of the leading people
among the Jews was immediately avowed by a
deputation from the Great Synagogue to the
Treasurer of the Missionary Society, declaring
their intention to obstruct the execution of the
plan by every means in their power; and this
was followed up by the issue of "a formal pro-
hibition from the presiding Rabbi against the
attendance of Jewish children;" the effect of
which upon the free school, according to the
statement of the Missionary Directors, was "con-
i London Missionary Report, 1806, p. 28.
* Ibid. 1807, p. 32.
12
siderably, though not totally, to impede the
wished-for enlargement'. But this is rather a
favourable representation of the case: for when
Mr. Frey, at the winding up of the concern,
presents his balance sheet of the Missionary
Society's Jewish exertions, this is the purport
of it, that, "notwithstanding the Gospel has
been preached three years, and is now preached
four times a week professedly to the Jews, yet
there are not five of them that attend regularly;
and though a free school has been opened for
nearly two years, there are only six children that
receive instruction m.
"
Such, on the testimony of the London Mis-
sionary Society's confidential agent, is the result
of the first essay at Jewish conversion. For three
years successively his employers had been amus-
ing the religious public with" intimations of
divine approbation," and " encouragements to
proceed in the work":" he himself also, under
¹ London Missionary Report, 1809, p. 31.
m
n
Frey's Narrative, p. 203.
"It is ascertained that several are become inquirers after
truth, and a few it is hoped have already been brought to the
true knowledge of Jesus Christ the Lord. These circum-
stances the Directors consider as intimations of Divine appro-
bation, and encouragement to proceed in this work." London
Missionary Report, 1806, p. 28.
"Several persons steadily adhere to instruction under the
ministry of Mr. Frey and others, and some are at this time
13
66
their direction, had been diffusing among
British Christians a zeal for the conversion of
their Jewish fellow-subjects, by annual preach-
ing tours into all parts of the kingdom; the fruits
of which have been very large supplies towards
the support of the cause in hand, drawn from
the pockets of his numerous auditories, on the
credit of his representations. At the end of the
candidates for baptism, and appear to be hopeful. Of others
they stand in doubt, and in one instance they have sustained a
particular disappointment. There is sufficient encouragement
however to proceed." London Missionary Report, 1807, p. 33.
"If the Directors have not to boast of numerous additions to
their list of converts to the faith of the Gospel; they can state,
what is of no small importance, that those who made a pro-
fession of Christianity at the time of the last general meeting
have maintained their stedfastness in the midst of discourage-
ments; and that the few who have since added themselves to
the number, have done it with a clearer view of the conse-
quences than did those who preceded them.
"The prohibition issued by the presiding Rabbi has not caused
any (viz. children) to withdraw who were previously admitted.
The progress made both in religion and other useful knowledge,
affords an agreeable specimen of the advantages likely to flow
from a more extended prosecution of the measure, whenever
Providence shall afford the opportunity. The preaching of the
Gospel by Mr. Frey is statedly continued, and, within a short
time, with increasing advantage." London Missionary Report,
1808, p. 51.
• "Mr. Frey has continued his labours among his brethren,
though with some interruption, in order to gratify many con-
gregations in different parts of the kingdom, who earnestly re-
quested his occasional services, and have requited the Directors
6
1
14
period, he comes publicly forward, and pro-
claims himself and them guilty of the grossest
deception, for that the pretences were all false
upon which the money had been raised, five
attendants upon his lecture, and sir children
in the free-school, being the whole amount of
proselytism which the Jewish mission had pro-
duced.
That Mr. Frey should have published such a
confession as this, reflecting so severely upon
his patrons, and scarcely less upon himself,
(standing as it does at present an isolated fact,)
is not very easy of explanation; but all the dif-
ficulty vanishes when the circumstances belong-
ing to it are known; and they form the catas-
for their compliance, by liberal contributions to the general
purposes of the Society." London Missionary Society's Report,
1807, p. 32.
"Mr. Frey, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Campbell and the
Rev. Mr. Collison, undertook, in the autumn of last year, an
extensive journey into the eastern and northern parts of the
kingdom. They were every where received with the strongest
tokens of affection, and were made the channels of conveying
to the Society various liberal collections." London Missionary
Society's Report, 1808, p. 32.
The produce of these two journeys appears, by the Society's
accounts to have been 22711. (Evang. Mag. 1806, p. 615. 1807,
pp. 384, 487.) Mr. Frey estimates his whole gain, to the London
Missionary Society at 3000l. The travelling expences were
380l. 5s. 10d.; and the cost of the Jewish mission, including
the furnishing of Mr. Frey's house, 2872l. 7s. 11d.
15
!
trophe of this proæmial movement in the enter-
prise under review.
When Mr. Frey penned this confession, it was
intended to meet no other eyes than those of the
Directors, being one of the pleas of a remon-
strance addressed to them, for the purpose of en-
forcing the adoption of some new and costly ex-
pedients to the non-employment of which he
attributed the failure of his labours. But their
continued sturdiness having produced a breach,
which was followed by an appeal to the public
against him, he had no alternative, but to suffer
under the prejudice excited, or to make out the
best case he could against his accusers; and to
the construction of such a case, the publication of
all his private correspondence with the Directors
was necessary. But how reluctantly publication
was resorted to appears from the negociations
to prevent it detailed in Mr. Frey's Narrative,
the constraining argument of which is, the
"handle" which this " private correspondence"
would afford to the enemies of the cause of
Christianity in general¹."
“I find, that in order to justify himself, it is indispensably
necessary that he (Mr. Frey) should insert a very voluminous
and private correspondence, not only between himself, but be-
tween me and one of the Directors of the Missionary Society;
and it is scarcely possible to state the truth, and yet avoid
making some observations which may give offence and increase
the irritable feeling (if any) which exists at present. Reflecting
16
The fact is, that Mr. Frey was, in one sense,
wiser than his teachers: and, as Dr. Bogue told
him in his letter of expostulation, "made use of
the Missionary Society as a tool." That saga-
cious body intended the same by him. They
anticipated the interest which would be excited
by a converted Jew, of some talent and clever-
ness, itinerating the country as the pulpit ad-
vocate of his own nation, and they accordingly
made him up for their purposes in the best way
their Missionary Seminary at Gosport could
upon the probable consequences of inserting any such state-
ment, and deprecating as I do any discussion which may afford
handle to the enemies of the cause of Christianity in general,
I earnestly entreat you, Sir, as a Missionary Director and a
Christian, to consider, &c." Stevens's Letter, Aug. 28, 1809.
Frey's Narrative, p. 253.
"I take the liberty of assuring you that I am alone actuated
by a desire to promote the one great object in view, and to pre-
vent the enemies of this cause, and of religious truth in general,
from having reason to triumph, or an occasion to stumble.'
Ibid. p. 255.
"9
"Mr. Stevens having communicated to the Committee that
he had written to the Missionary Society with a view to prevent,
if possible, an appeal to the public on the part of Mr. Frey.
It is resolved that--the London Society feel extremely anxious
that a good understanding shall be renewed between Mr. Frey
and the Missionary Society, in order that-Mr. Frey should be
relieved from the necessity of publishing in his Narrative all the
particulars and correspondence concerning his separation from
the Missionary Society." Frey's Narrative, p. 258.
Narrative, p. 171.
17
accomplish him. When he was completed, they
began, without delay, to turn him to account;
and they soon found that they had not mis-
calculated in their speculations. But he was
not less quick-sighted than themselves; and no
sooner perceived the immense congregations
which came to hear him, the attentions which
he received, and the money which he collected,
then he began to assume authority in the con-
clave. He attributed the ill-success of his lec-
tures to there being no provision made for the
support and protection of those poor Jews who
should shew a disposition to become his con-
verts, and thus incur proscription from their
own people: and he attributed the failure of
the Free-School to the same defect in the plan
with respect to clothing and boarding the chil-
dren and he engrossed much of the time of
every meeting of the Directors in endeavouring
to force upon them, in varied forms, the esta-
blishment of a small manufactory, or House
r
Γ
"Every application of the Jews produced opposite sen-
sations in my mind, whilst on the one hand, I rejoiced, whenever
one of my dear brethren called on me; on the other, my heart
was, overwhelmed with grief on account of the above-mentioned
difficulties. Having stated these circumstances to a friend of
mine, he, together with some others, proposed that if the
Directors would devote a sum of money to the amount of 1000%.,
some kind of workhouse or small manufactory might be esta-
blished, where many Jews of both sexes and different ages might
C
18
of Refuge for the one, and of a Boarding School
for the others.
Not being able to carry these points, he began
to throw out hints of the probability of other
persons connected with the Missionary Society
associating for the purpose, having previously
taken steps to form such a body, under the pre-
tence of an auxiliary committee to assist him
in his labours among the Jews"; and he had the
address, in a short space of time, to place him-
self, by their means, in a position to tell the
Directors that if they meant to restrain him
be employed. Accordingly I mentioned this plan at a meeting
of the Directors, but it was thought proper not to adopt it."
Frey's Narrative, p. 104.
• "To remove at once all these difficulties...nothing seems
necessary but to establish a school upon a larger scale; to
board, clothe, and educate the children till a certain age, and
then bring them forward into suitable situations among Chris-
tians." Extract from Frey's Plan submitted to the Directors,
Oct. 1807, and rejected. Narrative, p. 138.
t❝ I observed in the next place, that if the public should
hear that such an institution as a Charity-School was wanted to
ensure the prosperity of the Jewish mission, but that the Mis-
sionary Society objected to it, other persons, wholly separate
and distinct from the Missionary Society, would most probably
establish such a school, in which event the funds of the Mis-
sionary Society would be injured much more extensively. I
had scarcely uttered this sentence, when I was charged with
threatening to establish a Society in opposition." Frey's
Narrative, p. 149.
Frey's Narrative, p. 118.
19
from uniting with others, and to limit his exer-
tions for the benefit of the Jews, he should be
under the painful necessity of leaving the Mis-
sionary Society. And he followed this up with
the presentment of stipulations, on which alone
he would continue the connection, to the fol-
lowing effect: that the mission to the Jews
should be wholly separate from the mission to
the Heathen: that a Society should be formed
"for conducting it" from amongst the Directors
and others whom they might think proper to
associate with them: that he, not for honour's
sake, but that he might have the privilege of
attending every meeting, should be considered
as a Director to the Mission: and that his salary
should be increased';" though at the time, as
Dr. Bogue tells him, "his wants were more
liberally supplied than those of three-fourths of
the Dissenting ministers in England "," and the
Directors had, moreover, furnished his house,
and assisted him at various times with money,
in addition to his regular allowance 2.
a
Thus terminated Mr. Frey's connection with
the LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY; and, to-
gether with it, the embryo state of the
LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTI-
ANITY AMONGST THE JEWS: for, as Dr. Bogue
Frey's Narrative, p. 165.
X
Ibid.
P.
172.
y
▾ Ibid. pp. 206, 208..
a
Ibid. p. 223.
€ 2
20
happily expresses it, Mr. Frey had now "made
use of the Missionary Society," till he had
"looked" (and it may be added, most success-
fully) "for more liberal patrons :" and being
therefore able to do without them, he cast
them off"," and took his leave of them on the
24th of March 1809, with this very significant
apopthegm as the text of his valedictory address:
"What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt
know hereafter c."
Frey's Narrative, p. 171.
C Ibid. p. 219,
CHAPTER II.
THE INCUNABULAR STATE OF THE LONDON
SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING
AMONGST THE JEWS.
CHRISTIANITY
THE birth of the London Society for promoting
Christianity amongst the Jews-the event to
which its history is now brought-is in admi-
rable harmony with its origination, at which the
present inquiry commenced; the immediate pre-
cursors of both these events being very much
upon the same scale of respectability.
"Dr. Draper," says Mr. Frey, describing
how the London Society came into existence,
"had lately withdrawn himself from his minis-
terial functions in London; the consequence of
which had been that a Society, formed under
"Those who desire further acquaintance with Dr. Draper,
and with the cause of his withdrawment, will find full satisfac-
tion afforded them in a pamphlet, entitled, THE LONDON
SOCIETY EXAMINED." By B. R. Goakman. London, 1816,
pp. 56, 57.
22
his auspices, and of which he had been presi-
dent for a considerable length of time, became
dissolved, and several of the subscribers were
desirous of continuing their subscriptions in aid
of some other charity. Of this desire "Mr.
Stevens and another gentleman (both subscri-
bers) availed themselves, and made a proposal
to Mr. Frey to form a Society for visiting and
relieving the sick and distressed, and instruct-
ing the ignorant, especially such as were of the
Jewish nation. I (says Mr. Frey) readily em-
braced the proposal, and on the 4th of Aug.
1808, the above-mentioned gentlemen, with
eight' others, united together in the formation
of THE LONDON SOCIETY, and they did me the
honour to nominate me as their President "."
The original destinies of the new Society were
of a very unaspiring character; no higher rank
in the scale of public institutions being contem-
plated for it, than that of "a subsidiary to the
London Missionary Society, to assist in raising
the superstructure upon the foundation which
"There is a trifling discrepancy upon the point, between
Mr. Frey and Mr. Stevens; for the latter gentleman reduces
the founders, to half Mr. Frey's number. I was one' (he
says)' of five persons, and those, like myself, unknown to the
religious world, with whom the Institution originated."" Speech
at the London Tavern, April 7th, 1813. Jewisk Repository,
Vol. I. p. 197.
• Frey's Narrative, p. 160.
23
that Society had laid for the conversion of the
Jews," by removing "the apparently insur-
mountable obstacle-the fear of man-the great
snare, especially to the poor and ignorant
Jews"." But the London Missionary Directors,
endeavouring to drive a harder bargain than
it was deemed reasonable to accede to, and
shewing no disposition to accommodate mat-
ters, and further, (as Mr. Frey states the cir-
cumstance,) it having pleased God to put it
into the hearts of many respectable individuals,
who had for a long time been anxious that the
Jewish Mission should be carried on on a more
extended system, to unite themselves with
them," (viz. Messrs. Stevens and Co.) more
elevated views were immediately contemplated,
and it was "resolved, on the 1st of March,
1809, that the Society formed on the 4th of
August, 1808, for the purposes above stated,
should be called THE LONDON SOCIETY FOR
PROMOTING CHRISTIANITY AMONG THE JEWS."
One great defect noticed by the new associ-
ates in their parent the London Missionary
Society was, that the foraging parties were "in
a great measure confined to the pulpits of the
Independent connection, and had not free access
d Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 27.
e
Frey's Narrative, p. 217.
f Ibid.
24
to those of the Established Church, and of other
numerous bodies of Christians;" and
“that
many individuals withheld subscriptions simply
upon the ground that the Jewish affairs were
under the direction of either professed or by
reputation Dissenters." At the same time it
had been ascertained that "several most respect-
able persons in the Established Church not only
approved of the plan, (viz. the improved plan of
the new association) but were likewise willing
to raise a fund for that purpose "."
This determined the form and fashion to be
given to the New Society. It was, therefore,
put forth, as the feeling of the parties engaged,
that there should be "a complete union of
prayers, talents, and exertions;" and as their
i.
earnest desire, that the word denomination
should be lost in that of Christianity, in support
of an institution of such great importance ;"
since 66
Christianity would be best recom-
mended to the consideration of the Jews by a
cordiality and union among Christians them-
selves, who, although differing in minor points
of doctrine or discipline, were all equally agreed
* Frey's Narrative, p. 194.
h Ibid.
p. 206.
· London Society for Promoting Christianity amongst
the Jews, First Report, p. 7. In all future references, when
Report stands alone, it is to be taken as the Report of this.
Society.
25
in one sentiment-that Jesus Christ was the true
د"
Messiah.'
"their
They proposed, therefore, to take as
model the Bible Society; a Society in which the
* Second Report, p. 2.-The unity of principle between
the Committee in London, and their country propagandists, as
exhibited in the ensuing specimens, is no less admirable than
is the ingenuity so conspicuous in diversifying the phraseology
and varying the illustrations.
"This Society...has but one object in view...simply, to point
out to the Jews, Jesus of Nazareth, their king; there is a bottom
here sufficiently broad, upon which all can stand without jostling
one another. Did this Society interfere, in the slightest degree,
with the sentiments of religion which the Jew might adopt when
he embraced Christianity, I, for one, would cease to be a mem-
ber of it; but being fully convinced from observation, that it
takes no part in endeavouring to persuade the Jews to join one
or other Society of Christians—that it leaves that matter entirely
to themselves, I can cordially as a churchman unite with this
Society." Rev. G. B. Mitchell, Anniversary, 1813. Jewish
Repository, Vol. I. p. 282.
66
Considering the Jew to be the common property of the whole
Church of God...they invited the zealous co-operation of every
denomination, in this labour of love." Ibid.
Manchester Auxiliary, Sept. 16, 1813.
Vol. I. p. 538.
T. S. Grimshaw,
Jewish Repository,
"If the Episcopalian, by his outward and visible sign, can
cause the poor Jew to see the need he has to be clothed with
the inward and spiritual grace-if the Baptist, by his water,
can cause the Jew to see the need he has of being washed in
the laver of Regeneration-if we, by our internal light, can
bring them to the knowledge, that the Lord's ear is ever open
to the cry of the poor and destitute, to revive the spirit of the
humble-if by any means, and by any instrument, they are
7
26
dignitaries of the National Church had taken a
prominent part, aided and supported by all
classes of Dissenters':" and that, as it was the
simple object of the Bible Society to circulate the
Bible without note or comment, and thus to
enlist under their banners all who receive the
Bible as the Word of God; so was it the object
of the London Society for Promoting Chris-
tianity among the Jews to limit themselves to
the simple object that Jesus is the Messiah, the
Saviour of the world: leaving them, when thus
instructed, to search the Scriptures and judge
for themselves respecting all inferior points on
which Christians themselves were not agreed";"
such being "the Catholic spirit" indulged
amongst them, "that they should equally rejoice
in the conversion of a Jew, whether within or with-
brought to the haven of rest, we do rejoice, and we will
rejoice." Mr. Brown, of Huntingdon, a Quaker. Anniversary,
1814. Jewish Repository, Vol. II. p. 238.
1 Second Report, p. 2.
·
m" Of this simple object, or rather of the historical con-
viction' which it wrought in him, Rev. B. N. Solomon, (an
elevè of the Society, to be chronicled hereafter) remarks, in
his Narrative of his own Conversion, that experienced Chris-
tians know it was but a poor cottage built upon the sand, and
little capable of standing the winds of Satan, the world and
the flesh;' that it had lulled him into a false peace,' and
proved so insufficient to make him able to stand,' that he
lapsed back again into 'unbelief,' and actually denied both
his 'Saviour' and his 'God.'" Eighth Report, Appendix, p. 54.
"Third Report, p. 13.
6
27
out the pale of their own peculiar establishment'; and
they professed themselves to conceive "that no
jealousy or suspicion of each other could pos-
sibly exist in the minds of good men when the
views of the Society" were thus " distinctly
stated, and its object properly understood "."
And, that their whole design might be fully before
the public, they set forth their projected plan
of operation to be "a Sabbath-day lecture
to the Jews"-a week-day lecture and prayer
meeting, either exclusively or generally, as
might be deemed expedient-a general free
school, upon Mr. Lancaster's plan, and a
charity school; the former for children of all
denominations, including Jews, and the latter
for Jewish children only, to be selected out of
the former-employment for those Jews who
may suffer expulsion or penury for embracing
Christianity-and the distribution of tracts. And,
as exception had been taken both by Mr. Frey
himself and others, under the former regimè, at
the frequent interruptions of his preachments to
the Jews by his foraging expeditions, it was
now laid down as a "fundamental principle,
that Mr. Frey should not break in upon his
lecture by travelling into the country "."
• First Report, p. 5.
» Second Report, p. 2.
First Report, p. 9.
28
Upon this platform a large incorporation of
members took place, and the Society, according
to the statement given in its own Report,
"be-
came composed of all denominations of Chris-
tians, but chiefly of persons belonging to the
Established Church':" and such was the rapidity
of its advance in popular favour that, when it
had been little more than a year in existence,
Dr. Claudius Buchannan, attending its anniver-
sary, was seized with an uncontrollable pa-
roxysm of "surprise" at the assemblage of
gentlemen congregated for its support, and pro-
nounced "its sudden elevation, and the interest
which it had almost instantaneously created in
the public mind, to be sure prognostics of its
perpetuity-a destiny to be ascribed to it, as
he took the confidence to add, not merely from
its perfect reasonableness, but from its involving
a divine obligation"."
99
The tact and management of those who both
constituted the Society and undertook the
Third Report, p. 108.-The members of the Established
Church, who appear prominent at this period in the exe-
cutive body are, Revs. W. Gurney, J. Wilcox, T. Biddulph,
C. Simeon, Legh Richmond, G. B. Mitchell, T. S. Grimshaw,
T. Fry, R. Hawker, J. Scott, T. Scott, J. Saunders, B. Woodd,
W. Marsh, Dr. Thorpe, J. H. Stewart, and many others, not
equally eminent.
• Second Report, p. 56.
!
29
conduct of its operations are not specified by
Dr. Buchannan amongst the warrants on which
he made himself responsible for its durability;
but they could not have escaped his notice, or
have been omitted in his calculation; for a diffi-
culty had arisen out of the first measures taken
to carry
into effect the Society's designs in the
adjustment of which these qualifications had
been pre-eminently displayed.
The first proceeding of the Committee was
the purchase of a place of worship in Spital-
fields, the property of a congregation of French
Protestants, which was immediately appro-
priated to its destined purpose, under the
designation of THE JEWS CHAPEL. Pos-
sessed of the means of commencing their
enterprise, they turned their attention to the
necessary arrangements without loss of time,
and here the "difficulty occurred;" which
was, "how the chapel could be conducted upon
the principles held out to the public," since
66 Ministers of the Established Church could
not consistently officiate with Protestant Dis-
senters in the same place of worship." This
difficulty was obviously a sturdy one, but the
conciliating ingenuity called forth on the occa-
sion mastered it in the following manner. "To
avoid offence, and to secure the cordial co-
operation of all persons," was laid down by the
Committee as "the first object of their delibe-
30
rations." Free and full discussion ensued; and
the issue was an arrangement unanimously agreed
upon "that Mr. Frey, with such occasional
assistance of other ministers as the Committee
approved, should preach to his brethren in the
Jews Chapel; and that the Ministers of the Esta-
blishment should preach a monthly lecture in
one of their own churches, thus forming a
SECOND, and principal branch of the London
Society '.'
t ""
Upon this scheme of co-operation, so compli-
mentary to the Established Church, the two
detachments entered on their labours. Mr. Frey
lectured and exhorted every Wednesday and
Friday and Sabbath evening, at the Society's
Third Report, p. 3." It will scarcely be credited, that
Dr. Wordsworth has been taken to task, for having done
Lord Teignmouth the justice, to suppose that he could
• hardly read this extract without lively sentiments of honest
indignation and scorn.' But so the fact is. Mr. Dealtry, in
the face of the Church of England, puts the question to him,
Is there any thing degrading in the expression? and then
draws this critical distinction, which is to confound his antago-
nist, at his own dulness. 'It seems to me, that you mistake
the word second, for secondary: had the Clergy been exhibited
as a secondary appendage, you might then have had a right to
complain.' To complete Dr. Wordsworth's confusion, Mr.
Dealtry says further of the Report, (viz. that from which the
passage in question is cited) that it was, he understands,
it'
drawn up by a distinguished Clergyman of our Church!!!"
Dealtry's Vindication, p. 199,
31
head-quarters of proselytism in Spitalfields; and
"the several Clergymen who had offered their
personal services," preached in rotation at Ely
Chapel, availing themselves of the opportunity
afforded them by Mr. Wilcox, (Dr. Draper's
successor,) “of exercising their ministry in this
most important work, without violation of their
own order and discipline," he having granted
that " Episcopal Chapel "" for their use.
Nothing of much promise to the Society, or
very flattering to the preachers, is reported of
that "second and principal branch*;" but the
first and principal branch," the Lectures to the
Jews by Mr. Frey," seem to have made ample
"This venerable edifice is now in truth what it is above
described, and what it was originally, an Episcopal Chapel,
having been purchased of its proprietor, and regularly subjected
to the Bishop of London; but at the time it was so designated,
in the Third Report of the London Society, it had no other pre-
tensions to that title, than what was derived from the persons
officiating in it being Episcopally ordained, but not Episco-
pally licensed. How this structure regularly consecrated and
endowed (See Newcourt's Repertorium, Vol. I. p. 273.) could
be made a lay fee, when the old palace of the Bishops of
Ely (to which it was an appendage) was sold, it is not easy to
explain.
* The next in order, is the lecture that has been preached
in the Episcopal Chapel in Ely Place, by Ministers of the
Established Church....These Lectures have, on the whole, been
well attended by Jews, who, we hope, have reaped benefit from
the able statements, and earnest exhortations they have heard."
Third Report of the Society, p. 8.
32
amends in both respects, to have redounded
very greatly to the credit of the individual, and
to have "excited" such an "interest in the
minds of the Jews," as was at once highly grati-
fying to the Committee, and raised amongst
them the most splendid expectations".
"The Lectures to the Jews, by Mr. Frey, which form
so important and prominent a feature in the operations of the
Society, have been continued at the Jews Chapel; and of them
it is not saying too much to observe that subjects have been
so judiciously selected, and so admirably treated by him, espe-
cially in the elucidation and application of the doctrines and
discipline of the Jews, in exposing the fallacious reasonings of
Hebrew doctors, and in enforcing the grand truths of Christi-
anity, that these discourses will long be remembered with de-
light and satisfaction by those who heard them. Your Com-
mittee regret that Mr. Frey's diffidence has led him (perhaps
too pertinaciously) to resist their repeated application to pre-
pare these Lectures for the press." Fourth Report, p. 3.
"Without making invidious comparisons, or attempting to
look into the causes, it is a fact, which any one who will may
convince himself of, that seldom less than 100, frequently 200
and 300, and upon one occasion from 400 to 500 Jews, have
been patient hearers of the Lecture." Stevens's Letter to a
Missionary Director. Frey's Narrative, p. 255.
"Since the opening of the Jews Chapel," it "has been ne-
cessary, from the concourse of Jews which frequently attend,
for the preservation of order and decency, and because, as
there could be no church government on the principles of the
Society, there are no wardens, &c. ' to form' a committee of
different denominations, to attend there every Sabbath-day, and
on the Wednesday and Friday evening."
Fourth Report
p. 58.
33
But a much more encouraging circumstance
synchronized with the opening of the chapel. A
"Jewish Rabbi" of the name of JUDAH CATA-
REVUS, “a native of Jerusalem, of a respectable
family and connections, and who might, with the
utmost propriety, be styled a Hebrew of the
Hebrews," and "acknowledged by the candid and
liberal amongst themselves, (as Mr. Stevens
testifies respecting him,) to be a prodigy in
Jewish literature," placed himself under the pa-
tronage of the Society; declaring, at the same
time, that he had been long "thoroughly con-
vinced of the truth of Christianity, and had
only waited for a favourable opportunity for
publicly avowing the same.'
(6
So important a conquest, so splendid in itself,
and so big with expectancy of future conquests,
could not fail of being appreciated far beyond
the ordinary rate of estimation. The Committee
soon felt themselves sufficiently relieved from
the slightest suspicion" of the possibility of
fraud in so “interesting an individual," to declare
publicly their full conviction" of the sincerity of
his profession, and of his attachment to the So-
ciety and its objects"." They unhesitatingly
proclaimed Providence" as his conductor to
to their "notice." They circulated hand-bills
* Second Report, pp. 6, 7. Frey's Narrative, p. 255.
2 Second Report, pp. 6, 7.
D.
{
34
b
out of number in all directions, to announce to
the religious public the prize they were in pos-
session of; and having placed him under the
care of the Rev. T. Fry, of the Lock-hospital, "to
receive instructions in the doctrines of Christianity,
and to learn English," they trumpeted forth his
"considerable progress," not only in our ver-
nacular tongue, but "in the Greek and Latin
languages also ;" and by their oracle Mr. Frey,
they promulged speculations on the "effects,
both on the Jewish, infidel, and Christian world,'
which "his conversion" might " produce," "if
it should please the Lord to implant a principle of
grace in his heart.”
""
Spiritual activity" being, as Mr. Legh Rich-
mond states it, the order of the day, the sen-
sation produced was most encouraging, and
"6
larger sums than ever are stated to have been
collected in behalf of an institution, that in so
b "Goakman says, '100,000, upon a moderate calculation.'”
London Society Examined, p. 20.
C
Frey's Narrative, p. 272.
d" Invitation followed invitation. This Jewish Rabbi
became a constant guest at some of the first tables in the
metropolis, and was exhibited in various parts of the country;
and, lest he should soil his silk stockings, or over-fatigue
himself with walking to a public dinner, a carriage was inva-
riably ordered to convey him. Thus was this new convert
bandied about from chapel to chapel, and from house to house,
till he became completely initiated into the Christian Church."
Goakman's London Society Examined, p. 20.
35
short a space of time had given such demonstra-
tive proofs of its utility."
The Committee, however, were not satisfied
with this vast influx of patronage from the ordi-
nary ranks of life. The eminence to which
the Society had raised itself entitled it, they
thought, to the decoration of the mitre, and
this appeared to them the time to ask and have
the wished-for dignity. The presidency of the
Society remained unoccupied. There was in-
deed appended to the table of public officers,
at the head of the Report, a blind sort of inti-
mation that this deficiency was in the way of
being very splendidly supplied; the description
given equally fitting a variety of distinguished
personages. Nothing, however, below the
Archbishop of Canterbury, was now contem-
plated by the Committee; and, with Mr. JUDAH
CATAREVUS in their suit as the trophy of their
great achievements, they confidently promised
themselves success. They waited accordingly
e Goakman's London Society Examined, p. 20.
f "Your Committee have made application to a person dis-
tinguished for his learning and abilities, as well as eminent for
station and authority, with a request that he would become
the President of the Society. They are not at present allowed
to insert his name in the Report, but they are not without hope
of obtaining his countenance and support before another Re-
port is made to the public of the progress of the Society."
Second Report, page following the Title.
D 2
36
upon his Grace with their solicitation. The
proffered honour was not accepted; but the
visit was still turned to the best possible account,
by an announcement in the newspapers of the
application which had been made, and a pro-
found silence, as to the failure of the parties in this
very politic speculation ".
g
But, if the recognition of their merits was
denied them, they had the more substantial
satisfaction of seeing their pretensions accu-
mulate by two new conquests from Judaism,
scarcely less promising than JUDAH CATARE-
The one of these
was a young man
VUS.
"Amongst the events of this important period, The Lon-
don Society for the Conversion of the Jews forms not the least
remarkable object. Application has, we find, been recently
made by the Directors of this Society, to the Archbishop of
Canterbury, for the patronage of the Establishment to their
proceedings." Morning Chronicle, Jan. 20, 1810.
The deputation, to whose address and management the mis-
sion to the Archbishop was entrusted, had never probably
heard of a Lambeth Examination, and had not made up Mr.
Judah Catarevus for this ordeal. This proved a sad oversight;
for, upon being questioned as to his reasons for embracing the
Christian Faith, instead of giving his patrons the credit of it,
who had presented him as the voucher of their own proselyting
efficiency, he took it all to himself, referring it to his own
Cabbalistic researches; and accordingly had his own plumes
restored to him, to the utter confusion of those who had appro-
priated them to themselves-being complimented as his own
converter.
37
i
" "
born in Russian Poland, who had received a
learned education, could speak the Russian,
Polish, Wallachian, French, and German lan-
guages, had separated himself from the Jews
eight years, and had, on the ground of con-
science, declined becoming a member of the
Greek Church, though offered considerable pa-
tronage to become so." The other was a
native of Hungary, a man of extensive know-
ledge in Jewish learning, and of great apparent
sincerity." Both of these persons "professed
a sincere conviction of the truth of Christianity,
and a desire to devote themselves to the diffu-
sion of the knowledge of its principles among
their brethren;" and, therefore, (as the Com-
mittee remark of one of them,) could not appear
otherwise, than as "fit instruments for the
Society".
The measures next in importance to the
chapel were the two schools. The first of these,
"the general free school," is stated to have
been established upon the opening of the chapel;
that edifice being made to serve the double
purpose of a school-room and a place of wor-
ship; and here from 300 to 400 children were
immediately congregated.
The end, it will be recollected, and (as it is
stated,) the "only" end contemplated by the
introduction of this general free school into
h Fourth Report, p. 16.
38
the Society's plan was that, in the religious
mixture of children thronging to it, Jewish
- children might be included. If this subsidiary
stratagem did not succeed to the extent reported
of the Society's more direct courses, it still
placed the Committee in circumstances to add
it to the credit side of their account; and the
moderation of their expectations cannot be more
expressively depicted than by the "pleasure"
which they assume to themselves in remarking,
that "this object has not failed:" for that two
Jew boys, "originally attracted" by this decoy,
"have been received into the charity school,
the more select seminary, appropriated to their
exclusive conversion i."
وو
This second school was of course coeval in
its establishment with the former. The scholars
received into it, were to be clothed and boarded,
under the conviction that " scarcely any Jew
would send a child to be taught the principles
of Christianity, merely for the sake of education.
To provide the means of offering these terms for
Jewish children, "a spacious house adjoining
the Jews Chapel" was taken; and a master and
mistress, pious, diligent, and faithful, born and
educated Jews, but who had "for several years
embraced the Christian religion," were ap-
pointed': and an encouraging influx of children,
1
Second Report, pp. 5, 6. k Frey's Narrative, p. 270.
Frey's Narrative, p. 270.-Mr. Goakman in his gloss
upon this passage states Mr. Marcus, of whom the reader will
39
"for the greater part rescued from the lowest.
state of moral degradation" ;"-some legitimate—
some illegitimate-some of wholly Jewish extrac-
tion—and some half-cast, took place". The first
hear more hereafter, to be the person celebrated in it. London
Society Examined, p. 61.
m Third Report, p. 3.
n
The Committee, with a very commendable delicacy,
would have repressed the public curiosity with respect to the
description of Jewish children "placed under the patronage of
the Institution." In their Second Report they present a nu
merical statement, which they "have the gratification," they
say, "to announce, as the prominent feature of success;" and
then proceed," the Society will perceive the propriety of using
great caution in explaining the particular circumstances and
connections of the children whom they receive," p. 8. But this
attempt to allay inquisitiveness and exposure did not succeed,
for they were reproached with the "illegitimacy of the greater
part of the children adopted" by them; and were therefore ne-
cessitated, in their Third Report, to disclose the secrets of the
School House, and tell their "subscribers" that "it would be a
satisfaction to them to know, that at least forty-six out of the
number which they have received (viz. sixty-five) have been
clearly ascertained to be legitimate, and by far the larger part
of the whole number descended from parents who were Jews
on both sides ;” but that "in some cases, doubtless it must happen,
that the children were illegitimate." But, to neutralize this
exception, they add, with an indecency approaching to pro-
faneness, "Shall it be said, that in that case they cannot be
recognized as descendants of Abraham? If so, then could not
the offspring of Judah by Tamar (who was a Canaanite) be
numbered with the children of Israel: so that even the line of
the Messiah himself would have been altogether vitiated, inas-
much as he was the lineal descendant of this guilty commerce.”
pp. 22, 23.
40
year's admission was eighteen boys and four girls,
which went on progressively advancing during
the three years comprised within the present
period, till it amounted at the close of it to
forty-five" of the former, and " thirty-five" of
the latter.
These two schools had not been long brought
into active operation before a third educa-
tional institution was deemed requisite for those
boys (viz. Jew boys of the above descriptions,)
of whose abilities and piety good hopes were
entertained, and who were, therefore, to be
qualified for the further prosecution of the So-
ciety's designs in the capacity of missionaries to
the Jews. Of this seminary, the Rev. T. Fry,
of the Lock, to whose care the Jewish Rabbi
had been consigned, was made superintendant;
and on the first selection "three hopeful youths,"
and afterwards two more, were placed under his
tuition, to be fitted for the above "honourable
office" either "at home or abroad as circum-
stances might require":" and, that the Society
"Mr. Sailman states, that the Committee received as a con-
vert a common Jewish prostitute, who became the renowned
Mrs. Josephson, of whom the reader will hear more hereafter,
and that she brought with her the produce of her concubinage—
a family of children, who were all received into the school;
one being by a recruiting sergeant,' and so both half-cast and
illegitimate." Mystery Unfolded, p. 42.
• Fourth Report, p. 4.
" Ibid. p. 7.-The three first of these promising youths were
Moses and Lewis Marcus, the two sons of the "pious, diligent,
41
1
might be armed at all points in this depart-
ment of its designs, " the Committee com-
menced a Sunday school for the benefit of such
adult Jews as might be disposed to attend ".
The object next in order, in the London So-
ciety's series of undertakings, was the supply of
a deficiency in the conversional apparatus to
which Mr. Frey had attributed the total failure
of his labours under his former masters, and
upon which those disputes ensued which dis-
solved that connection. This was a house of
industry "for poor Jews whose minds should
become open to Christianity," to serve as an
asylum from "the persecutions of their unbe-
lieving brethren," and the prejudices enter-
tained against them "in uninformed Christian
and faithful" Schoolmaster above-mentioned, and Hyam Isaacs,
who, after a variety of vicissitudes, which the Committee relate
very circumstantially, became "trimmer of lamps" at
"the
Royalty Theatre"-then" errand boy to a watch-maker,"
which situation he exchanged for that of a convert under the
Society, who soon saw that promise in him which warranted
his advancement to a Missionary probationer. The two last
were Abraham Fernandes, a very promising youth, who did not
hesitate to declare publicly that "he cared nothing about Jesus
Christ, so as he could get a good belly full of victuals ;” (Goak-
man, p. 25.) and Charles Hart, whose false pretences, fabricated
for the purpose of effecting an exchange of the work of
"the printing-office" for that of the ministry, were construed
into a call to the Holy Office, and accepted accordingly. Ibid.
• Second Report, p. 51.
p. 26.
42
Society" to provide them with the means " of
earning their bread," and thus to render them,
"instead of being burthensome, profitable to the
institution"." Upwards of a year was spent
in the discussion of plans, and in devising the
means of raising the necessary resources. At
length a manufactory for spinning cotton, and a
printing-office upon a considerable scale, were
established;" from the latter of which "this
most gratifying circumstance resulted," that
"Jews have been the agents of printing a great
part of the Society's publications.
""
The benevolent contemplations of the com-
mittee did not end here, but extended to the
case of Jews of good character, intermarrying
with Christians," and thus losing "the counte-
nance of their Jewish employers." So hopeful
a means of Jewish conversion appeared to "a
principal subscriber," entitled to the removal of
any impediment that should endanger its success.
He threw out, therefore, "the suggestion" of a
fund from which temporary" loans, on good
security, might be advanced" to couples of this
mixed descriptions. The Committee report
themselves to hold in prospect the formation
of it; but owing to objections, which they stig-
matize as "unjust," it is kept in view for another
as not yet acted upon," and then wholly
year,
disappears.
'Second Report, p. 53.
Ibid. p. 6.
43
The last of the means laid down in the So-
ciety's plan of operations, is the distribution of
suitable tracts. The Committee entered upon
this part of their labours, conceiving that they
had “the deficiency of a century” to make up,
and the " Egyptian darkness" of that period
upon the subject of the Jews to remove; and
that it was "not only necessary that appeals
should be made to the Jews, but that Christians
should have their minds stored with arguments
on the several points at issue." They further
deemed it highly expedient, that “ a large
number of the Prophets should be struck off
upon a cheap paper, to be distributed among
the Jews":" and it was also a prevailing con-
viction among them, that "the New Testa-
ment, presented to the Jews in a character and
idiom strictly in unison with their own Sacred
and highly venerated Writings," would make
"a greater impression upon their minds" than
"in the vernacular tongues of the countries in
which they live;" and that it would be cri-
minal to leave "a newly-discovered colony of
Jews in the Crimea, without the New Testa-
ment in Biblical Hebrew."
To discharge their consciences of these one-
rous responsibilities, they set to work in good
Third Report, p. 19.
"Fourth Report, p. 14.
* Ibid. p. 13.
!
44
earnest. They began by collecting all the
writings and opinions of ancient and modern
Jews with a view to answer and expose them."
They followed this up with a general call upon
all persons
"to converse as much as possible
with Jews" and, taking notes of objectionable
points, to communicate them to the Committee.
They made further "a strong appeal to the
literary public" to " evince their attachment
to the cause by preparing small but appropriate
tracts. They offered "a premium" for "the
best answer within the year," to some Jewish
dissertations;" and they "invited young men
to become distributors "."
66
y
So extraordinary an excitement could not be
unproductive of the desired effect.
"Several
clergymen, and other gentlemen of the Esta-
blished Church, and otherwise," instantly felt
the scribendi cacoethes strong upon them; and
an "able work"-" a valuable pamphlet ""-and
no less than "thirteen" tracts were supplied ;
whilst "applications were received almost daily,
from all parts of the United Kingdom, request-
ing that the publications of the Committee might
be transmitted." An extensive circulation of
tracts, "distributed gratis," was thus effected
y First Report, pp. 10-12.
2 Second Report, p. 4.
c Ibid. p. 20.
b
z Ibid. p. 9.
Third Report, p. 9.
6
45
&
amongst the Jews in London, and the different
provincial towns ";" and the chief Rabbies of the
German and Portuguese Synagogues, and seve-
ral of the principal Jews, were, "at the Com-
mittee's cost," presented with " essays," which
it was foreseen they would not "voluntarily
purchase" for themselves. But the energies of
this zealous body scorned confinement to these
limited bounds of exertion. 66 Translations were
made of several tracts into German and He-
brew, and were sent in considerable numbers to
all parts of the world'. Nor were these the
e Second Report, p. 5.
a Fourth Report, p. 20.
"Several Tracts, prepared by different friends to the objects
of the Society, and every opportunity embraced to disperse them
with a liberal hand, on the Continent, in the East and West
Indies, and in America." Fourth Report, p. 20.
"The German Tracts I have embraced every opportunity
of circulating amongst the Jews of this place....I have also
forwarded numbers of the Tracts (both in Hebrew and German)
to Stockholm, Copenhagen, and to a correspondent of mine at
Gross Hennersdorf, in Germany. He informs me, that there
not being any Jews in his neighbourhood, he had given the
Tracts to a preacher from Lobau, who, he was certain, would
distribute them amongst the Jews in that town, and begged I
would send him more, which he will employ other friends to
circulate, in different towns in Germany." Mr. Ebenezer
Henderson at Gottenburg, to Mr. Frey. Ibid. p. 52.
"C
Being charged with a quantity of the London Society's
Tracts by the Honourable Mrs. Grey during my last voyage to
Malta, Smyrna, and Constantinople, and for distribution to the
people for whom they were addressed, some of them, as
A
46
""
only emanations of the Committee's "enterpris-
ing spirit." An edition of the "Hebrew Bible,
from the original of Van-der-Hooght," was un-
dertaken at the press of the Society," under
the superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Frey, now
designated the Society's resident preacher";"
and to make the vacuum of the last century, at
which they were so greatly scandalized, a com-
plete plenum, by means of their single-handed
excitement, and munificence, they engaged in
the publication "of an entire new translation of
the New Testament in pure Biblical Hebrew,'
and convened "a select Committee of literary
men," of all denominations, having "no party
spirit, or narrow views of separate communion," to
give their "cordial assistance" to the accom-
plishment of " this great undertaking "."
99
Public functionaries are liable to be carped
at by their constituents, and the Committee, it
directed, I left at Gibraltar; the remainder were distributed at
Malta, Messina, Constantinople, and Smyrna." Letter without
signature. Fourth Report, p. 56.
ε Ibid. p. 42.
h Third Report, p. 32. The invulnerable neutrality of this
synod cannot be more transcendantly set forth than by the
following exemplification, incidentally mentioned by the suc-
cessors to the executive body under whose auspices it was
convened. "Barrio has been used in Hebrew letters to express
Baptism, from a wish on the part of the translators to avoid
entering into the controversy respecting the mode of administer-
ing that Ordinance." Seventh Report, p. 44.
7
47
!
66
seems, did not escape this ungracious requital.
They complain of having been calumniated as
extravagant in their publications;" but they re-
pel the charge manfully, by casting scorn on the
"animadversions" as " unkind," "and some-
what trifling," and by taking shame to themselves
that they have been “culpably sparing, rather than
indiscreetly profuse." Without entering into this
controversy, it is evident, as the Committee ad-
mit, that their "expenditure" must have been
large;" and this will be put out of all ques-
tion, by reference to the annual statements of
account; the totals of which, for the period
under present consideration, amounting to
nearly 16,000%.
k
୨୨
This sum appears to have been actually raised
by the Committee, who yet describe themselves
with great truth as persons almost unknown,"
having, on the one side "prejudices to remove,
and on the other "opposition to overcome'."
Their financial talents, therefore, ought to be
chronicled equally with their conversional exer-
tions. These talents, however, are not of the
inventive, but of the imitative kind, the expedi-
ents resorted to being precisely those employed
i Third Report, p. 19.
* The actual amount is 15,8607. 17s. 8d. of which upwards
of 10,000l. was spent in salaries, house-keeping, the manufac-
tory and printing-office, travelling expences, and adult Jews.
1 Fourth Report, p. 20.
48
by so many other Societies, and the agents being
in many instances the same.
Lectures to Christians on subjects relative
to the Jews; quarterly demonstration ser-
mons"; auxiliary societies for the higher and
middle orders; and penny societies, under the
patronage and superintendence of ladies, for the
labouring classes P, are no further rateable with
m
"The Westminster Committee have also arranged a
Lecture to Christians, on subjects relative to the Jews, to be
preached at various places of worship at the west end of the
town." Fourth Report, p. 5.
"Your Auxiliary Committee are persuaded, that the
Lecture, when adopted, will prove beneficial to the general
cause.' Third Report, p. 81.
"A Quarterly Lecture, to be preached by a variety of
Ministers of the first character for learning and piety, and
which, for the sake of distinction, are denominated demonstra-
tion Sermons." Second Report, p. 2. These Lectures are
always followed by a collection.
Many Ministers, of various denominations, have kindly
offered to form themselves into District or Auxiliary Com-
mittees. Your Committee earnestly entreat the friends of
Christianity to unite themselves into Committees, for the above
purpose, throughout the kingdom." Ibid. p. 12.
"The Committee are happy to report, that during the
past year, a great increase has taken place in the number of
their Auxiliary Societies." Third Report, p. 10.
"Amidst the zealous support and co-operation of the
various Auxiliary Societies, it would be invidious to particu-
larize any." Fourth Report, p. 6.
"It is with peculiar satisfaction that your Committee
observe, that they have had a great number of persons, servants
49
credit to the Committee, than on account of the
ingenuity displayed in their adaptation. The
same may be said of that parody upon the division
of labour-the division of funds; in applying
and others, in inferior situations of life, who have subscribed
their copper mite. Will not this operate as a powerful incentive
to those who have more at their command?" First Report,
p. 12.
"Several persons, who were anxious to testify their regard
to the Saviour, but who could not conveniently spare a guinea
in one sum, have united together in different places, and formed
themselves into Societies subscribing one penny per week each:
some respectable individuals have been kind enough to become
secretaries and treasurers to these benevolent institutions."
Second Report, p. 13.
"Various Penny Societies have been established in this
town (Manchester) under the patronage and superintendance
of ladies for the lower orders, and especially servants. To
shew the operation of such associations, 4l. has been already
collected by one lady." Manchester Auxiliary Meeting, Nov.
11, 1812. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 116.
"To accomplish this desirable object, (viz. a House of
Industry,) the Committee beg to urge upon their friends and
supporters the propriety of commencing a subscription to be
called the Building Fund. To accomplish this, it is proposed
to create, as an honorary distinction, a new class of members
called Governors, and that a subscription of twenty guineas
shall constitute a governor; of which sum, ten guineas shall be
carried to the account of the building fund. Also, that every
person who has already made a donation of ten guineas, and
has thereby become a life subscriber, shall, upon the further
payment of ten guineas more to the building fund, become a
governor." Second Report, p. 53.
Ε
50
which to their own particular case the Com-
mittee manifested exquisite discrimination; so
managing the classification of the concern under
distinct heads of appeal and expenditure that,
as they take credit to themselves, "however
diversified the mind of man may be, let benevo-
lence but have a seat in any part of his constitu-
tion, and, in the London Society, he may find a
channel for his bounty suited to his own peculiar
views"." Of that productive source of revenue,
prayer-meetings, the same also may be said.
But all these expedients, pushed to the utmost,
did not realize an amount more than adequate to
one moiety of the expenditure. The grand re-
deeming stroke of finance, which kept the Com-
mittee in a solvent state, and enabled them to
preserve the semblance of prosperity, was the
"It is conceived that many persons, who may not feel them-
selves at liberty to subscribe to the other objects of the insti-
tution, will be ready to afford liberal assistance to this branch
in particular,” (viz. the New Testament in Hebrew.) Third
Report, p. 33.
6C
A third fund also appears in the Fourth Report, p. 76, to-
wards erecting an asylum for Jewesses," specially addressed
to the ladies, and to which 1957. 17s. is contributed.
Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 203.
"Of late the Society has been greatly encouraged by the
pious zeal of Christians of different denominations, who have
formed themselves into committees, to aid the Society by fer-
vent prayers, united talents, and liberal contributions." Frey's
Narrative, p. 273.
6
51
unshackling their energies from a "fundamental
principle," too adventurously made obligatory
upon themselves, "not to break in upon Mr.
Frey's Lectures by travelling into the country."
This breach very nearly synchronized with the
public pledge, which they had voluntarily given,
on no account to make it; and Mr. Frey re-
sumed his preaching tours almost as soon as
they commenced their operations. Being at-
tached to no denomination he traversed the
United Kingdom edifying all, and that so effec-
tually, and with such increasing success, that
he actually charmed into the Society's treasury
nearly the remaining moiety of its resources.
"The opposition which the Society met with in its origin, in
a measure threatened to be fatal. It therefore became necessary
to depart, in a degree, from the intention published in the Re-
port, and to request Mr. Frey to take journeys of short duration,
(viz. to Wales and Ireland,) in order to give information as to
the objects, and to remove prejudices concerning the intentions,
of the Society." Fourth Report, p. 20. "It has also been
found expedient, when Mr. Frey has gone from home to preach,
that some one should accompany, or precede him, to make the
necessary arrangements which are perpetually occurring, and
which, from the exertion of preaching two, and sometimes three
times a day, it is obvious he could not have either leisure or
strength to undertake alone. Ibid. p. 59.
It appears from the collection tables, that Mr. Frey raised in
the first year, by thirty-eight preachments, 6031. 10s. 1d. In
the second year, by one hundred and forty-three preachments,
E 2
52
It remains, for the complete survey of the
present period of the London Society's history,
to exhibit the results of the above means and
exertions.
The numerous attendance of Jews on Mr.
Frey's Lectures and exhortations "at the com-
mencement of these services," which was so
much boasted of, and alleged as affording ample
warrant for the most splendid anticipations,
"decreased" so rapidly, and to an extent so
nearly approaching to total secession, that the
very sentence in the Society's Report, which
begins with a statement of the auspicious indi-
cation, closes with recording the disappointment
of the hopes raised upon it, though with such
dexterity in the turn of the expression, that the
retreat is covered by the form given it of a plea-
surable announcement". Reproaches, however,
quickly assailed the Committee, that the deser-
tion was complete, and they were thus driven
27071. 9s. 7d.; and in the third year, by two hundred and
seventy-nine preachments, 42391. 2s. 34d. making a total of
7550l. 2s.
" "At the commencement of these services, as upon former
occasions, a great number of Jews attended, frequently from two
to five hundred; but your Committee have great pleasure in
announcing, that although these numbers have decreased, yet.
it has not yet occurred, that they have wholly absented them-
selves." Second Report, p. 2.
53
to further subterfuges for the retention of the
"readily given credit" of " their religious friends;"
and whilst they excused themselves, on the plea
of necessary" caution," from "refuting the in-
sinuation," they repelled it, as far as it was
"sim-
already unadmitted by themselves, by a
ple, solemn, positive negation *."
The next result to be exhibited is that which
terminated the career of that " prodigy of learn-
ing," so exemplary for piety," the Jerusalem
Rabbi Judah Catarevus, whose conversion from
Judaism under their "patronage" the Commit-
tee glory in, as having " alarmed the Jewish
Community," and as likely to prove of "eminent
service to the Society's cause." Reports to
his prejudice" soon got into circulation, which
they state themselves to have investigated and
dismissed as altogether unfounded". "His tutor
communicated various particulars" indicative of
'depravity of heart," by which he gave great
offence, as casting doubt upon the "success of
their efforts:" but the next time they come
before their constituents, after having commit-
* " Your Committee, in refuting the insinuation, that the
Jews have ceased to attend Mr. Frey's ministry, are compelled
to confine themselves to one simple, but solemn and positive
negation to say more upon this head, would only be to defeat
the object which the Society has in view." Third Report, p. 7.
▾ Second Report, p. 7.
• Goakman's London Society Examined, p. 20.
54
ted themselves in all the ways specified at the
commencement of this chapter, they are obliged
to confess that Judah Catarevus had "unhappily
yielded to the impetuosity of his passions, and given
way to sin," that " the reproofs he had met with
from the Committee but ill suited with his un-
humbled spirit, and that he went back again to
the Jews;" that," at his own earnest and fre-
quent request, he had been taken again by the
Society upon trial, but that they are not so far
convinced of his having undergone any radical
change of heart, as to feel themselves justified in
continuing him in connection with them; though
they still think it right to keep open the door
of mercy to him, and to encourage, by any pru-
dent means, his return to God","
• Third Report, p. 26. In a note appended to the above
narrative, it is stated to have been "once intended by the Com-
mittee to publish the whole documents relating to this subject."
As they have not appeared, the following particulars, by an
officer of the Society, will supply, in some measure, the defi-
ciency." Though it had been frequently stated by persons
who watched his (Judah Catarevus's) movements with the most
viligant eye, that he frequently resorted to a house of ill-fame;
this was merely attributed to prejudice; till, alas! a member
of the Committee, who was passing a house of this description,
in the neighbourhood of Houndsditch, discovered our exem-
plary pious convert, making a most precipitate retreat there-
from. This was now too glaring a circumstance to be doubted.
A committee was summoned. Judah Catarevus was likewise
to appear in the assembly; but strange to tell, the arguments
55
But Judah Catarevus is not the only hopeful
convert who disappointed the Committee's san-
guine anticipations. Their acquisition of him
had been followed by two other conquests from
Judaism, a young Pole, and a Hungarian, whose
high pretensions are also already described. Both
then used to convince him of the impropriety of such proceed-
ings, were not sufficiently forcible to have the desired effect!
He felt his importance hurt at being called to task in so impe-
rious a manner: he, however, promised to be more on his
guard. The matter was hushed up. Judah Catarevus was
again a convert!!! But he now found the London Society act
more reservedly towards him. He did not receive that cordial
shake of the hand to which he had been used. His pride could
not brook so unexpected a change; and, awful to relate, he
renounced that Saviour whom he pretended to love and adore,
and again connected himself with the Jews. His depravity was,
however, too great to be suffered to remain long amongst them;
and in the most cringing manner he applied to the Society
to admit him back; and though they could not refuse him,
they did not think it right to restore him to his former
privileges. The spirit of this great man was not to be
humbled. He still persevered in his depraved practices.
He was at length reduced to great distress, and many times
applied to me for a shilling to purchase bread. He found
means, however, to leave this country, and thus ended the
career of Judah Catarevus, a Jew of literary attainments and
exemplary piety!" Goakman's London Society Examined, p. 21.
The Committee, who are very happy in the allegation of au-
thorities for what they do, in this instance cite from Clemens
Alexandrinus the well known relation of St. John's pursuit of a
young convert who had become leader of a band of robbers,
as a passage" which "will well illustrate their sentiments" and
conduct.
66
56
of them, however, are the subjects of the Com-
mittee's " grief," and both are bracketted with
the last-named apostate; the latter having
proved a profligate, the former an unbeliever.
No wonder that "the removal of Judah Cata-
revus" should be a painful subject" to this
discreet body, and that they should "think it
prudent to forbear from saying much about the
number of adult Jews who at different times
applied to them for religious instruction." They
say quite enough when they tell their constitu-
ents that " they conceived it to be their duty to
extend the protection of the Society to every
Jew who professed to believe that Jesus is the Son of
God" but when they go on to cast all the
guilt” of this cozenage and roguery “upon the
heads" of those who have been "deceivers,"
and to exonerate themselves from blame for being
duped by "false confessions," upon the plea
that they could not "search the heart;" when
they proceed to call down pity upon them-
selves as persons who had "had painful diffi-
culties to struggle with," and "whose faith,
as they humbly hoped, had not failed" by the
trial which their "patience" had undergone;
and when they further take upon themselves to
be monitors to others, and suggest cautions, with
e Ibid.
Fourth Report, p. 16.
d Ibid. p. 10.
• Ibid.
57
respect to the "probation of candidates, to those
who may in future conduct the Society's affairs f"
-this really is beyond all bounds; and can be
listened to only with astonishment at those who
could summon confidence enough to trick out
their wanton lavishment of the public bounty
in such sanctified grimacery; and, with deep
regret for the interests of genuine Christianity,
which suffer so materially and in so many ways
by these scandalous abuses.
g
As a further saving clause to their credit, the
Committee deem it "proper to observe, that nei-
ther of these persons (viz. Judah Catarevus, the
Pole, or the Hungarian) was baptized ;" and
refer, as they represent it "with some degree of
satisfaction, to the forty-one persons received by
the rite of Baptism into the Christian Church,”
of whom they declare themselves happy to be
able to say that, with three exceptions only, (viz.
those whom in the clause last cited they state
not to have been baptized,) they have walked
worthy of their profession ".'
f
' Fourth Report, p. 17.
>>
• Ibid.
h Ibid. p. 16. The exquisite impartiality observed in the
admission of the above converts, recorded by the Committee
themselves, must not be suppressed. It is above all praise.
"It having pleased God very early to bless the efforts of the
Institution, in convincing some of the children of Israel that
Jesus is the Messiah, it consequently became necessary that
the Rite of Baptism should be administered to them.
A part
of the converts accordingly received Baptism in the Church
58
}
This, with the exception of the apprenticing
of two or three children, is positively the only
result openly stated by the Committee, which has
any pretensions to be considered as a successful
issue. No pains are therefore spared to give it
all the importance possible in the eyes of those
who feed the treasury with resources, or to mix
up with it such scriptural stimulants, as will set
their creative imaginations vertiginously afloat,
and prepare them for further infatuation'.
of England, agreeably to the rites of that Church; and others
were baptized at the Jews Chapel, by a minister of the Presby-
terian and National Church of Scotland; and according to the
forms of that National Church." Seventh Report, p. 34.
"In this early stage of the Society's labours, this number,
though not great in itself, affords a pleasing hope that, when all
the energies which are in action shall be brought to full effect,
the success that will attend them will richly compensate for all
the expence and labour that shall be employed." Third Report,
P. 5.
p.
"Since the days of the Apostles, when the Gospel was
transferred to the Gentiles, there is no account on record of so
many Jews in one day making a voluntary public profession
of faith in the crucified Redeemer. Christians! in the spectacle
of yesterday, behold the great Wave Sheaf waved before the
altar, as the first-fruits of our Lord's spiritual harvest."-
Second Report, p. 54.
"But this is tame and spiritless to Mr. Legh Richmond's
prognostics. He prounounces these forty-two Baptisms, (for
he increases the number by one)" in so short a time after the
formation of the Society," to be "a pledge of the approval of
Heaven, if not approaching to a miracle ;" and he goes on to say,
"When I contemplate this I cannot do otherwise than think
that the Spirit of God is moving upon the surface of the waters,
59
R
But there are other results of which the Com-
mittee frequently suggest that a large estimate
should be taken; but for which they require
their word to be received, because of the al-
“
"
leged combination of Jews and others"
against them, and of the consequent danger of
counteraction, were they to be more explicit*.
And, to compensate for all actual defects, and
and that the Almighty fiat is now going forth to the Jewish
world, saying, Let there be light, and there was light. It seems
as if the dry bones of the Jews, prophesied of by Ezekiel,
began to shake, and that the resurrection to truth was actually
began; as if the sinews and the nerves were forming for the
completion of the glorious figure which the words of prophecy
led us to expect." Speech at Manchester, Nov. 11th, 1812.
Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 35, 36.
k" Mr. Frey's Evangelical Lecture-Here many circum-
stances of encouragement might be stated, but your Committee
are in many instances compelled to forego the benefit which
the Society would derive from more minute details, rather
than risk the evils which might thence ensue." Third Re-
port, p. 7.
"Of those boys five have been placed under the care of Mr.
Fry, to fit them for Missionaries at home or abroad as
circumstances may hereafter require. It is in the power of the
Committee to lay before the public very encouraging infor-
mation respecting some of these youths, which, for obvious
reasons, they deem it prudent to withhold." Fourth Report, p. 7.
"God is stirring up the hearts of his ancient people to a
more attentive consideration of that Gospel which they have
so long rejected. Prudence, however, interdicts them from
stating all they feel upon this interesting subject." Second
Report, p. 9.
60
supply what may yet be wanting in the
way of
excitement, there are further results, "the most
beneficial and glorious," (according to the Com-
mittee's representation,) respecting which they
are under no reserve. And though they are
results only in presumptuous expectancy, yet the
prophetical spirit, with which, as it appears, the
age we live in is supereminently gifted, gives
them an anticipated existence, and dispenses
them as freely in furtherance of the Society's
purposes, as if they were already in account'.
"A spirit of inquiry has been excited, which there is
every reason to believe will terminate in the most beneficial
and glorious results." Second Report, p. 2.
"Who can tell, but that out of yon little nursery (the
children were here introduced, and one made an appropriate
speech) which at present appears no larger than a man's hand,
the great Head of the Church may have decreed, that one or
more faithful labourers in his vineyard, shall go forth, whose
exertions he will own and bless in a remarkable manner." Ibid.
p. 11.
•
"While these auspicious signs (viz. Missions to the
Heathen every where multiplying, and the gift of tongues
supplied by a progressive translation of the Scriptures,')
announces the approaching fulness of the Gentiles, the attention
which is awakening to the welfare of the lost sheep of the
House of Israel, seems to indicate that the time of their being
trodden under foot is drawing to an end." Haddington Aux-
iliary Committee Report. Third Report, Appendix, p. 77.
"I believe that the London Society, although small in its
origin, was particularly blessed with marks and evidence of
divine favour in the faith and zeal conferred on its conductors."
Joseph Fox. Fourth Report, p. 60.
61
On no better grounds than these, the Com-
mittee boast of "the success which has at-
tended their endeavours," and audaciously intro-
duce" the Almighty," as having wrought this
success by His "blessing," which they assimilate
to
"the influences which accompanied the mis-
sion of Moses";" whilst the travelling propa-
gandists, not behind them in arrogance, but
more bombastic, give all the currency possible
to the same sentiment in auxiliary harangues".
Thus the Committee, in the very face of dis-
comfiture and bankruptcy, brought on by their
wanton waste of the public profusion, continue
practising upon the credulity which they have
"In the casting off of Judaism for the nominal profession
of Christianity, surely we behold the bones covered with sinews
and flesh; and, blessed be God, we are not without witnesses,
that the Spirit of God has breathed into some of them the
breath of life." Ibid. p. 19.
in
Fourth Report, p. 22.
Second Report, p. 52.
"The prudent diversity of operations, the disinterested-
ness of character, the active zeal, and the ardent desire for a
blessing on the Jews, which have distinguished the present
Institution, justly demand the esteem of the religious public."
Legh Richmond, Manchester Meeting, Nov. 11th, 1812. Jewish
Repository, p. 75.
"This association, for so glorious a purpose, is not a tran-
sitory gleam of light; not a comet or meteor sparkling with
evanescent glare; it is permanent and not dissolvable. It
is a plant nurtured under the light of heaven, and warmed by
the sun-beam of divine favour. It must increase." L. R.
Manchester. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 112.
64
at the Quay meeting at Woodbridge; and here it
was, on the day appointed for his first Ipswich
preachment, that the shock upon the Society just
referred to was inflicted, by as foul a charge
tions will be made for the above Society, April 3, Saturday
Evening, Stoke Meeting-House, half-past 6 (a Lecture to
the Jews); April 4, Sunday Morning, Dairy-Lane Meeting-
House, half-past 10. Afternoon, Long Lane Chapel, Two
o'clock. Evening, Tacket-street Meeting-House, half-past 6.
Since the institution of the London Society, forty-two per-
sons of the Jewish persuasion have been baptized; 104
children have been received into the school, and are wholly
clothed, educated, and maintained. A manufactory and
printing-office are established, in which Jews are employed.
A Chapel in Church-street Spitalfields has been opened. for
their particular instruction, and a new Chapel, within the pale
of the Established Church, is about to be erected (the founda-
tion-stone of which will be laid the 7th day of April next, by
his Royal Highness the Duke of Kent) together with school-
houses and other necessary buildings. The New Testament is
translated into Hebrew, for the accommodation and instruction
of God's ancient people: and the Society have distributed a
vast number of publications relative to this interesting and
extraordinary nation, as well for their benefit as to stir up
the minds of the public, and world at large, to due attention on
their behalf.
Consider, Christian friends, how much you are indebted
to the Jews. Mr. Frey has lately published, price with the
portrait 3s. without it, 2s. 6d. a second Edition of his Narra-
tive, containing an account of his birth and education-his
religious offices sustained amongst the Jews-the time and
place of his embracing the Christian religion-some remarkable
circumstances which led him to a further acquaintance with
Divine Truth-his entrance into the Missionary Seminary at
Berlin-his design in coming to England, and his labours and
65
upon his moral character as could possibly be
preferred, publicly brought against him to his
face, and supported by the evidence of five wit-
nesses, who all deposed that they had within
the last half-hour detected him in the commis-
sion of the alleged delinquency. The details of
all that passed on this occasion, and of the
several examinations that ensued, are in the
author's possession-sufficiently decisive, he is
constrained to say, to have then established that
guilt which subsequently, upon a detection from
which there was no escape, the Committee them-
selves were compelled to acknowledge. The
author's reasons for forbearing to give publicity
to these details, are, he trusts, obvious and sa-
tisfactory. They might have been, and he has
strong grounds for saying that they were, in the
possession of the Committee. What then was
the line of conduct pursued? The
matter,
success amongst his brethren, the Jews. To this Edition the
Author has added an address to Christians, in which he has
laid open the deplorable state of the Jews-enumerated the
chief difficulties in the way of their conversion-enforced the
obligations of Christians to promote the object--and directed
to the means by which it may be assisted. Sold by Goddard
and Conder, Ipswich.
"Stoke Meeting, Baptists.
Dairy-Lane Meeting, Methodists.
"Long-Lane Chapel, Non-descript.
"Tacket-Street, Independent."
Ipswich Journal, March 27, 1813.
F
66
says Mr. Goakman, "was hushed up!!! and the
whole attributed to the prejudice of the Jews":"
and Mr. Frey will accordingly be seen set forth
in the ensuing proceedings, the same holy cha-
racter he was before, in no degree abashed,
circumscribed as to influence, or more sparingly
eulogized, but rather elevated, in defiance of the
exposure which had taken place, in all these
respects.
די
u "London Society Examined, p. 58. Sailman's Mystery
Unfolded, p. 50. in both which places the charge will be
found recorded with aggravations; and what is stated by
the latter writer that Mr. Frey 'pleaded guilty' to it at the
close of his career, receives countenance from the terms used by
the Committee themselves, in reporting his dismissal, four years
from the period now before the reader." Ninth Report, p. 22.
But the author, though he cites these authorities to shew
that the charge was a public one before he touched it, does
not now rest it altogether upon them, but upon evidence
obtained from a much more direct source, and descending
much more into particulars.
..
La
CHAPTER III.
THE STATE OF
MATURITY OF THE LONDON
SOCIETY, WHEN THE APPENDAGE OF AN
EPISCOPAL CHAPEL TO THE CONVENTICLE,
COMPLETED ITS MACHINERY.
THE "hope and trust," with the announcement
of which the last era of the London Society's
history concluded, began to be most auspici-
ously realized early in the ensuing year, viz. on
the 7th of April, 1813, when the first stone of
the intended Chapel and other edifices was laid.
Of "this day," the most prominent amongst
the founders remarked, that it was "the com-
mencement of a new and most important æra for
the London Society; and when it is stated,
that he was now standing upon the platform at
Bethnal Green, "in front of a semicircular
theatre, filled with about 1000 ladies." having
just witnessed the performance of the inaugural
• Mr. Stevens's Speech on the platform at Bethnal Green
Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 198.
F. 2
68
rites ordained for the above-mentioned occa-
sion, and was addressing a prince of the blood
royal, who had just declared himself patron of
the institution, and had come down in grand
cavalcade, with a civic, military, and ecclesias-
tical retinue, to preside at the solemnity-when
these circumstances are laid together and duly
considered, it will be admitted on all hands, that
there was excitement enough to warrant such an
anticipation.
The day, indeed, would be greatly dispa-
raged, were it otherwise chronicled than as the
great day of the London Society-the day of
triumph to its principles-when they were exhi-
bited in pageant, and had homage done to them
by the constituted authorities in Church and State.
The "true catholic spirit" of the Society was
then embodied and made conspicuous and
tangible. There was a Bishop episcopizing in
another's diocese without his consent: a cler-
gyman officiating in another's parish, equally un-
licensed. There were persons "in holy orders,
in pretended holy orders, and pretending to holy
orders;" some propagators of the faith in its
integrity; others in its corruption variously diver-
sified, according to their respective imaginations,
all blended indiscriminately together, and all
habited as one holy fellowship. And to complete
the olio, as well as to consummate the decency of
the arrangements, there was the REV. J. S. C. F.
FREY, in the post of honour, by himself, a sort of
69
nondescript in this all-comprising compound of minis-
terial curiosities: the city regalia, and all the
splendid appendages of the mayoral dignity
being used, to render the whole spectacle as
imposing as possible, and to give the association
currency amongst the undiscerning part of the
community, as warranted by the guardians of
the public welfare with the most decisive marks
of their unqualified approbation.
What was thus made a shew of openly before
the eyes of the gazing multitude, had also a
prominent place assigned to it in the intellectual
The following is Mr. Dealtry's "plain statement" of the
sui generis ministry of Mr. Frey. "He wished to act under
the authority of the Church; with this view he made repeated
applications for Orders to the Bishop of Durham, and, I be-
lieve, to the Archbishop of Canterbury. For reasons, which
I have no doubt were good and conclusive, he did not succeed;
his anxiety and zeal however suffered no diminution, and he
thought it to be his duty at any rate to preach to the Jews. In
a Church he could not preach: he was therefore contented
with a Chapel." After a short interval he takes up the sub-
ject again, and thus vindicates both the ministry which Mr.
Frey exercised, and the rank assigned him. "If Mr. Frey
could have preached within the walls of the Establishment, he
would not have left it. Is this gentleman to be condemned to
silence, till, according to the forms and usages of the Church of
England, a Jew can be admitted into Holy Orders? and if
not, will he not be considered, and justly considered, as the
first and principal organ of any combination for the conversion
of his brethren?" Dealtry's Vindication, p. 199.
* See Programma of the Procession. Appendix, No. 3.
70
festivities of the day. The projected Episcopal
Chapel, and the newly acquired patrons were,
of course, the favourite topics on which the ora-
tory insisted: but the inspiring circumstances
in both-those upon which the eloquence was
most exuberant, and from which, as from a
point d'appui, the imaginations of the several
panegyrists sprung for their most adventurous
flights, was, "the pure disinterested catholic
spirit" already evinced both by the loan of names
and the advance of money, together with "the
amiable object of all Christians uniting in one
grand and glorious effort," to be "exhibited to
the Jews" when the chapel should be com-
plete".
d co They may now see princes, peers, privy counsellors,
clergy and laity of the Established Church, unite with the more
excellent of all other denominations, (but each still preserving
inviolate the consistency of his own character and principles,)
in exhibiting to the Jews, that main fact in which they all
agree, that Jesus was and is the true Messiah." Speech of Mr.
Stevens. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 201.
"The devout spirit of Christian exertion hath risen superior to
all the narrow restrictions of denominations and party. I record
it, with the most conciliated sentiments of respect and affection,
that, in the instance now before us, ministers and members of
the Church of Scotland, of the Independent, Baptist, and other
churches have, in the pure, disinterested, catholic spirit of the
Gospel of Christ, cheerfully contributed to build an Episcopal
Chapel." Speech of the Rev. Basil Woodd. Ibid. p. 193.
"An Episcopal Church was indispensably necessary, in order
71
A
Under all the circumstances of the case, the
dumb-shew exhibition of Mr. Frey in clerical
attire, as already represented, will, perhaps, be
considered as great an outrage upon decency as
any set of men could incur the responsibility of
that Clergymen of the Established Church might (without
violating their engagements, or subjecting themselves to the
charge of inconsistency,) be enabled to co-operate with Mr.
Frey and Dissenting ministers in this great design, and thus
exhibit to the Jews the amiable object of all Christians uniting
in one grand and glorious effort for relieving their distresses,
for removing their ignorance, and for placing before them the
crucified Jesus, in the character attributed to him by a Jew
lately converted on the continent, The lovely of the children
of men.' Speech of Mr. Stevens. Ibid. p. 201.
"When I mark the nobility and gentry of the land, the
prelates of the National Establishment, and ministers of every
denomination of Protestant dissenters, all striving together in
one harmonious plan of beneficence, to raise up the fallen and
disconsolate daughter of Zion, and restore her pleasant places;
when I look at these facts, I cannot but hail this day as the
harbinger of some more glorious event than the world has ever
Methinks I see the Angel of the everlasting covenant
on the wing, never again to cease his flight, till he has encòm-
passed all creation, till all unrighteousness and ignorance, dis-
pelled by the brightness of his visitation, have fled the earth,
and all nations, and kindred, and people, and tongues, have
become the nations of God and his Christ." Speech of the
Rev. T. Fry. Ibid. p. 207.
seen.
"A Society, the foundation stone of which has been laid
by a prince of the House of Brunswick, and the top-stone of
which shall be brought forth by the Prince of the kings of the
carth." Speech of the Rev. Dr. Collyer. Ibid. p. 222.
72
•
permitting. But "connected" as he "had long
stood," and was declared still "standing" by
one of the Committee's official representatives,
"with the best interests of the Society," all lengths
were to be gone with respect to him which
the cause seemed to require. He was taken
up accordingly as a distinct topic of eulogistic
declamation, and that representative, Dr. Col-
lyer, was very happily selected to expatiate
upon his "Christian perseverance-the nobility
of his object-the quantity of his resources, and
the energies which he derived from the word of
God;" and then, under the grossly insulted sanction
of the Royal Chairman, to offer a public insult
to the company assembled, by proposing
" his
health" to them, as a toast which he was
sure they would cordially receive." To what
⚫ Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 227. "No evidence to Mr.
Frey's character ought to be lost: and, that chronological order
may be as closely followed as possible, this is the proper place
for recording Mr. Legh Richmond's Manchester testimony.
I was favoured with his (Mr. Frey's) acquaintance and friend-
ship...along with the Jewish Missionary I used not only to
walk and admire those spots where the voice of nature seemed
most interestingly to proclaim the works of Creation's God;
but we also conversed on the histories and prophecies which
respect the Israelitish people... From his lips I first caught that
feeling which led me deeply to meditate on a subject of which
till then I had been almost regardless; the remembrance of
these conversations I still cherish with great satisfaction for my
friend's sake,'" &c. Ibid.
p. 72.
73
extent this prediction was verified does not ap-
pear; but whether the voices were few or many
that joined in the acclamation, the effect upon
the toasted profligate was the searing of his
conscience to that degree of obduracy, that
outdoing all his former audacities, in the very
presence of some who must have been privy to
the foul charges against him; nay, it is to be pre-
sumed, must have had them under investigation
but the day before, he proclaimed himself inde-
feasibly registered in the book of life; and then,
returning in most appropriate terms the compli-
ment he had been honoured with, disparaged
his own country to the aggrandizement of ours;
declaring, that "the liberty of toleration was
known in Britain, and in Britain only "."
g
The memoirs of this great festival must not
be closed without recording what has even-
tually proved its most important incident-the
accession of Lewis Way, Esq. to the number of
the Society's supporters. Whether he was one
of those whom the treasurer meant to signalize,
f" In New Brandenburg Strelitz my name was first regis-
tered as a member of the Church of Christ, which will not be
blotted out, when the annals of this world shall be no more."
Speech of the Rev. Mr. Frey. Ibid. p. 228.
"Alas! in my own country I could not enjoy the privilege
of speaking, or of teaching, much less of preaching, without
having been first regularly brought up in a university: liberty
of toleration is known in Britain, and in Britain only." Ibid.
1
74
when, with exquisite significance, he compli-
mented "some gentlemen" to whom he was
"addressing” himself, as appearing "to have a
sort of mania for benevolence about them"," as
no specification is made of the persons specially
pointed at, it is impossible to say. But Mr.
Way's encouraging speech in behalf of the So-
ciety had immediately preceded the treasurer's
address, and its concluding aspiration with re-
spect to that officer, and his brother secretary,
"that he might become the treasurer of the
universe," and they "the correspondents of the
world," could not fail to draw financial atten-
tion upon him, as superlatively benevolent to-
wards the Society's designs, and as under that
sort of impulse to keep them afloat and pros-
perous that, well put up to it, he could have,
as the treasurer phrases it, "no happiness nor
comfort of his life," without becoming a profuse
contributor. The dignity of a vice-president
was accordingly tendered to him, which, to take
his own statement of the matter, he accepted
under the belief that he "was called to it by
the dispositions of Providence," having pre-
viously, "for the deliverance of his conscience,'
and that he might stand acquitted to himself,"
"
¹ Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 221.
i Ibid. 220.
* Ibid. 272.
75
asked opinions, respecting the " general prin-
ciples, the objects, and the means of the Society,"
from those to whom it was very natural for him
to look up for correct information; but who, in
this instance, under delusion themselves, con-
firmed him in all his misconceptions'.
1 Ibid. p. 273. In what the author has now stated, and
shall have further to record of Mr. Way, he desires to be
most explicit in declaring that he intends nothing disrepectful
towards that gentleman. He states facts as he finds them,
and such only as appear to him necessary to the full de-
velopement of the history which he has undertaken to in-
vestigate. These facts will prove more and more the excel-
lence of Mr. Way's intentions, together with his inextinguish-
able zeal and unbounded munificence in carrying them into
effect. That such a man should have fallen into such hands
is the only subject of regret, for it is evident, that under dis-
creet guidance and direction he would have been a most effici-
ent supporter of the Christian cause, and have very essentially
promoted the best interests of his country and of mankind.
As a specimen of the panegyricks passed upon the Society on
Mr. Way's elevation to the Vice-Presidency, a passage from
Mr. Alexander Fletcher's effusion on that occasion is sub-
mitted.
"The harbinger of this Society is that glorious personage
who came from Edom and from Bozrah-red in his apparel,
and travelling in the greatness of his strength. The harbinger
of this Society is that glorious and divine person now sitting
between the Cherubim, and receiving the praises of immortal
spirits. That harbinger marches before the members of this
institution, and condescends to sound a trumpet, which has
certainly a sound to be understood." Rev. Alexander Fletcher,
Anniversary, 1813. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 286.
76
"The accession of the royal and illustrious
patron, and of the noble and respectable vice-
presidents," produced, as might be expected,
a numerous list of new subscribers," to which
very important end the Episcopal Chapel was
also made to minister". These new provoca-
m
"It may be proper here to remark, that the members of
the Church of England are called upon in a peculiar manner to
use their best exertions in behalf of this object, which is so
nearly connected with the honour and interest of the Established
Church; the effect of which will be the formation of a Jewish
mission within the Church, in obedience to the precept of our
Lord to preach the Gospel unto all nations, beginning at Jeru-
salem." Sixth Report, p. 14.
This call was not made in vain. The Rev. Dr. F. Ran-
dolph's heart was won by "the plan of erecting an Episcopal
Chapel, in conjunction with the Jews Chapel; and he engaged
to give support to the Society to the utmost of his power."-
Christian Observer, Vol. XI. p. 469. W. Wilberforce, Esq.
came forward also on this occasion, and pleaded his "different
occupations in life," as his excuse for not having taken "the
share which he should otherwise have been glad to take in the
management of its concerns."-Jewish Repository, Vol. I.
p. 261. T. Babington, Esq. felt the awkwardness of his "
not appearing in the list of subscribers;" for which he pleaded
the reservation of himself for " contributing to a local fund;"
and made amends for past indifference by an aspiration in be-
half of the subscribers at large, that "we shall all, small and
great, march on in one amiable and grand procession to the
ark of God.”—Ibid. p. 268, 270. Rev. Gerrard Noel came
forward also, having had his "mind almost overwhelmed in
passing through the anti-room with the sight of those dear
children, among whom he seemed to see the very image of that
name
77
tives also brought into the field several new
pulpit advocates-gave new excitement to those
who had already lent themselves as itinerants
in the Society's cause-and stimulated all its
financial agents to increased exertions". A
monthly miscellany of excitement, was more-
over put forth; and all those other expedients
brought into active operation, by which the
public are taken possession of, and their con-
tributions obtained. Collections after sermons
were made, both in churches and conventicles,
wherever admission into the pulpit could be
gained; and auxiliary and penny societies
spread themselves with an accelerated rapidity.
But the grand financial exploit of this period
was directed at the ladies, to bring them under
contribution distinctly from the male part of
Saviour, who at nine years old, was found among the doctors."
-Ibid. p. 258. As also did the Rev. William Mann, of St.
Saviour's, under the impression, that "the plans of the So-
ciety," which "four or five years ago were regarded as madder
than the maddest of all mad schemes, had, he thought, ceased
to be considered visionary." Ibid. p. 295.
"Rev. G. B. Mitchell, of Leicester, boasted that he had
travelled one thousand two hundred miles in England and Ire-
land, to promote the cause." Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 427.
• "THE JEWISH REPOSITORY, a publication,' which the
Committee apprehend will be found acceptable to the Auxiliary
and Penny Societies in general;' and therefore recommend a
few copies to be taken in by the different Societies for circu-
lation, as a regular medium of information."" Fifth Report,
P. 10.
78
our population". For which purpose, a contrast
between their own condition and that of the
vilest Jewish prostitutes, was obtruded upon
their notice, purporting to be an appeal to them
in behalf of poor Jewesses, from one of their
own sex, and framed with studious adaptation to
the weaknesses of the female character; whilst,
at the same time, the Bible Society's manœuvre
of heading their circulars with influential names,
taken without their owner's consent, was largely
resorted to ². The result was, that in the three
P
"Upon this expedient, the Committee remark, that they
'hope they shall not be deemed too sanguine in presuming
that the money arising from the Ladies Societies, will not only
be sufficient to defray the current yearly expence of the female
department; but that a surplus will thence arise, that shall, in
due time, be sufficient to erect a girl's school, and a female
asylum; which may become monuments to future ages of the
liberality of the Christian ladies of this happy and highly fa-
voured country."" Sixth Report, p. 13.
(C
The proceedings at Leicester in forming a Ladies Aux-
iliary to the London Society may be cited in illustration of the
method in which the above manoeuvre was played off. The
names of forty-eight of the principal ladies of the county were
placarded as " to be requested to be vice-patronesses;" but the
words, FOLLOWING LADIES," and " VICE-PATRONESSES" were.
printed in a very large type, whilst "be requested to be” were
printed "so small that," (as the author's informant, one of these
ladies, writes him word,)" to a casual observer it appeared,
"to
that we were really become its vice-patronesses and advocates.;
and I was twitted about it by one or two persons, as to how my
name got amongst them." Of the forty-eight ladies thus posted
to give a county eclat to the projected female levy, three-
fourths rejected the proposal.
!
79
years from 1813 to 1815, included in the pre-
sent period, the Society drew from the well-
intentioned and spurious benevolence of the
nation, a sum exceeding £31,000¹.
Having had confided to its management such
copious resources, and having, moreover, com-
mitted to the public so many persons of high
consideration, as guarantees of their beneficial
application, it had very considerably increased
its responsibility. Some feeling of this might
very reasonably be expected in the new com-
mittee; but it does not augur well of the live-
liness of their sensibilities in this respect, that
the very first account which they render of their
proceedings, commences with an eulogium on
the "discretion and success of their predecessors"
in office; which they have the hardihood to
represent, as imposing nothing further upon their
successors, than the adhering as closely as
66
The actual amount of the three years receipts was
31,3061. 7s. Upwards of 10,000l. of this money was raised by
preachments, conforming and dissenting, in the pecuniary pro-
portion of nearly four to one on the side of conformity. But in
single-handed competition, dissent carried the day. Mr. Frey
still continuing the favorite, and leading the field; his collec-
tions being, in 1813, 1246l. 5s.; and in 1814, 9497. 19s. 5d.
The Rev. Legh Richmond, however, ran him hard, having
raised, in 1813, 9801. 4s. 7 d.; and in 1814, 6677. 5s. On the
conforming side, also, the Revs. Dr. F. Randolph, J. Fry, Dr.
Hutchins, W. Thistlethwaite, W. Marsh, W. Gurney, G. B.
Mitchell, and T. F. Grimshaw, were conspicuous.
1
80
possible to their plans and principles." This,
however, is an exact outline of the execution
of their trust. Indeed the only inference to
be drawn from the reports of progress during
the present period is, that the committee con-
sidered the personages whose countenance they
had obtained, as throwing that degree of splen-
dour over the whole concern, that they might
depend altogether upon the dazzle of their
names; and had only to be confident in their
assumptions, and to trick their statements out in
sounding words, and then to call upon their
constituents to be credulous to any extent, which
either the defect of evidence, or the extravagance
of the colouring, might render necessary.
Accordingly this is the account which they
put forth of their three years exertions-that the
lecturing establishment by Mr. Frey and other
ministers at the Jews chapel, Ely chapel, Chat-
ham and Sheerness, has been maintained in full
efficiency—that the boys have been removed
from "the house adjoining the chapel in Brick-
lane to a situation where they have the advan-
tage of a better air and exercise"-and the girls
to the larger premises in Church-street, formerly
occupied as the printing-office, having no
ground adjoining for their recreation;" a desi-
deratum which, it is hoped, "the benevolent
• Fifth Report, p. 9.
* Ibid.
p.
10.
81
and liberal exertions of Ladies Societies," will
shortly supply;-that "measures have been
taken for the establishment of the intended asy-
lum for Jewesses; and, in the mean time, a
house provided where four are instructed in
satin stitch, and child-bed linen work ""-that
the cotton manufactory for making candle-wicks
has been abandoned; and, in its room, a basket
manufactory set up, conducted by a person,
favourably thought of by the Committee for his
'piety, who considers it a part of his duty to
converse with the Jews upon religious sub-
jects *" that that "valuable appendage to the
Society," the printing-office, has been carried
on with increased benefit and extended—that
the translation of the "New Testament into
pure Biblical Hebrew" has been " completed
as far as the Galatians," and the two first
Gospels published that 2500 copies of the
" Sixth Report, p. 10.
* Ibid. p. 17.
Z
"A pretty
Fifth Report, p. 12. Sixth Report, p. 18.
appendage! exclaims Mr. Goakman, if their printing before
cost them 1000l., it now costs them double. I soon found
myself surrounded by Jews, all of whom were to be made
printers. I had apprentices sent me from the age of fourteen
to fifty: but as there were frequently some running away or
leaving, vacancies were made for new converts.” London
Society Examined, p. 54.
* Sixth Report, p. 12. Seventh Report, p. 10.
G
82
prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, in
Hebrew, have been printed at an expence of
400l. to "be principally distributed gratis
among the Jews a"-that "the distribution of
tracts has been continued," with the peculiarly
satisfactory effect of an "increasing demand
for them both in town and country ""-that
"the whole remaining stock of publications,
from the late Callenburg institution for the con-
version of the Jews," has been purchased, by
which they are put in possession of the best
means of spreading amongst the Jews the doc-
trines of Christianity"-and that "the Epis-
copal chapel has been opened; the first place of
worship erected for the peculiar use of the
descendants of Abraham, since the period of
their dispersion among all nations, on the final
destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans "."
Such is the committee's own account of the
application of the 31,000l. placed at their dis-
posal. The results of this expenditure, according
to their own statement also, are to the following
effect-that the attendance of the Jews upon
Mr. Frey's lecture has evidently increased;"
and, in conjunction with "other measures
adopted by the Society, unquestionably pro-
a
Fifth Report, p. 14. Sixth Report, p. 12.
b Fifth Report, p. 14.
• Ibid. p. 20.
d
• Seventh Report, p. 10.
83
duced an increased degree of interest and
inquiry amongst the Jews themselves," and "a
much more decided and unequivocal character"
in "the numerous applications daily made to
the committee, than belonged to some which
occurred in the infancy of the Society. This
the committee characterize as "the best test of
the success of their exertions e;" and in truth so
it is for the other results enumerated are—that
"several approving and applauding letters have
been received even from those Jews who do
not yet feel the necessity of uniting themselves
to the Institution f"-that both "adults and
children" have been "received into the Chris-
tian Church by Baptism," in such numbers as to
"afford a pleasing evidence that the Society's
labours continue to receive the divine counte-
nance";"--that with regard to the success of the
e Fifth Report, p. 10.
f Ibid. Two specimens of these letters are given. The
first inclosing 3s. to be expended upon a Testament "for one
of our beloved brethren," and stated to be "evidently written
by a man of education," regrets that family connections prevent
the writer from avowing Christian principles, but desires Mr.
Frey to believe him a true penitent. The second from a per-
son whose body is confined in prison, but his soul at liberty
to put faith in Christ, glories over the victory which the
writer has gotten, notwithstanding all the temptations of the
Jews-but complains of one inconvenience, all his clothes
being in pledge, &c. Ibid. p. 11, 12.
Sixth Report, p. 9.
G 2
84
h"
Female Asylum, the ladies Committee are not
enabled to speak with any degree of confi-
dence "--and to that of "the printing-office,
that its greatest obstacle is the want of work i"
-but that "the business of basket-making has
already been the means of bringing to the So-
ciety more than one Jew, whose names, the
Committee humbly trust, are written in Heaven”
-and that "the chapel, there is reason to be-
lieve, has proved very useful to the Christian
inhabitants, although the Committee cannot
state that many unconverted Jews usually at-
tend it¹."
One other result remains to complete the
series, which the Committe describe as "most
important and interesting connected with the great
objects of the Institution," and which, therefore,
to do it justice, must not be bracketted with
other items of success, but be allowed the distinc-
tion of a separate paragraph. It is no less (to adopt
the terms of the Report) than "the formation of a
Society by the converted Jews, for prayer and
other purposes relating to the spiritual welfare of
their brethren ".: This event took place on Sept.
9th, 1813, and was got up, it must be admitted,
with a very imposing solemnity: for the pream-
b Seventh Report, p. 15.
i Ibid.
p. 21.
* Ibid. p. 21.
Sixth Report, p. 10.
1 Ibid. p. 10.
85
able to the code of laws (which binds the asso-
ciates to attend two Prayer Meetings in the
week, and all the public services at the Jews
Chapel,) grounds the proceeding upon the pro-
foundly awful truth, that the fruition of heaven,
and the enjoyment of God to all eternity, is the
end and consummation of the religion of Christ:"
and sets forth in behalf of "those Jews who,
through the instrumentality of the London So-
ciety, have been led to embrace Jesus of Naza-
reth as their Messiah," that, "believing" this,
they have considered" it "essentially necessary
to meet together for the purposes of prayer
and supplication, not only for themselves, but
for the thousands of their Jewish brethren who
are still involved in darkness and superstition :
and to use such means as may appear best
adapted to promote their present and future
welfare "."
The proceedings at the constituent meeting
are in full accordance with this high tone of
religious sentiment. Forty-one Jewish converts,
under the patronage of the London Society,
assemble on the occasion in the Committee-
room at the Jews Chapel. They assume as their
associated designation BENI ABRAHAM. Mr.
Moses Marcus, senior, takes the Chair in the
absence of MR. FREY. The rules and regula-
Sixth Report, p. 10.
1
86
tions having been read, every member cheer-
fully subscribes his name-a suitable address is
then given on the important objects of the In-
stitution-appropriate parts of Holy Scripture
are read-and the solemnity concludes with
prayer by one of the Christian friends; the fol-
lowing persons having been previously appoint-
ed a Committee for the year ensuing-Rev. C.
F. Frey, Chairman!!! Mr. J. Josephson, Mr.
J. Parisot, Mr. A. Saul, Mr. A. Hirschfield,
Mr. M. Marcus, Treasurer, Mr. D. A. Borrens-
tein, Secretary P.
The Committee's comments upon this perform-
ance soar even higher in the regions of spiritu-
ality. Having detailed the above particulars in
their Monthly Gazetteer, they proceed-" Do
the annals of history present us with such an
interesting scene as this meeting afforded? What
may we expect as the result of FORTY JEWS
assembling together in the name of Jesus Christ,
and offering supplications to heaven for their
Jewish brethren? Surely it may be considered
as the first fruits of a glorious harvest. How must
the angels rejoice at a little company of Jews,'
(with Mr. Frey their President,) "of one heart
and one mind, returning again to their Father's
house? and how readily does He who wept over
See Appendix, No. 3.
Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 505,
>>
87
Jerusalem stretch out his hand to receive his
long lost sheep! A moment's reflection will con-
vince both Jews and Christians of the important
advantages likely to result from this Institu-
tion !!!"
૧
This is put forth in the Committee's editorial
character. In their own persons as Committee-
men they officially resume the subject, (Mr.
Frey's delinquency, let it be recollected, having been
officially before them,) and in a more confident
and still loftier strain they pronounce "the ex-
istence of the Society to be a fact in the history
of the Christian Church, of which there has
probably been no other example since the
Apostolic age; and " they are led," they say,
"to recognize, in the extraordinary circum-
stance, the incohate accomplishment of that gra-
cious promise of the eternal covenant, I will
pour out upon the house of Israel the spirit of
prayer and supplication"."
There are no circumstances which could pos-
sibly belong to any institution in its infancy,
which would warrant such anticipations and
references as these: and least of all to an insti-
tution so constituted as that to which they are
here applied for over and above the develope-
ment which has been already made of the Pre-
Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 505.
'Sixth Report, p. 508.
88
sident's infamy, the characters of the other chief
confessors, and their devotional exercises, are
delineated by one of the Society's confidential
officers who was himself privy to all that he
has recorded, and the exhibition is so dis-
gustingly profligate, that the depravity of it is
almost past belief".
Such then are the specified results of the Com-
mittee's exertions and expenditure for the three
8
The witness here referred to is Mr. Goakman, who was
superintendant of the London Society's printing-office from
July 1810; and from 1813 carrried on that concern in the
roof of the Jews Chapel-the grand receptacle, as already in-
timated, for converts; so that both the individuals, and all
that transpired within that edifice, were under his constant in-
spection.
The author had extracted from his pamphlet sketches of
the picked proselytes placed at the head of the above devotional
institution. But on reconsidering the points to be proved by
these nauseous details, viz. the utter worthlessness of the parties,
to whose attiring in the garb of sanctity religion is here made to
truckle, and the shameless abuse of public bounty in consuming
it upon them they have appeared to him sufficiently established
without the intended recital. He, therefore, gladly excuses
himself from soiling his pages with the transcript, and refers
his readers to the passages as follow:-GOAKMan's London
SOCIETY EXAMINED, pp. 36-39. 56. 60–62. SAILMAN'S
MYSTERY UNFOLDED, pp. 42-49. See also the OBSERVER
newspaper of Aug. 31st, 1817; where the last scene (as it is
presumed) of Mr. Josephson's career is recorded, viz. his arrest
at Oxford for passing forged notes, and the discovery of a
religious book full of them in the seat of the gig in which he
travelled.
89
years included in the present period: in aug-
mentation of which, like their predecessors,
they claim credit for "many interesting cir-
cumstances, which, however it may be regret-
ted by the public, they still consider it a boun-
den duty, from motives of delicacy to individuals,
and with a view to the future advantage of the
Society, to pass over in silence." And there are
further expectations and earnest hopes, with re-
spect both to the Chapel, and the New Testament
in pure Biblical Hebrew-that "the congrega-
tion of Jews at the former may increase as the
Society becomes consolidated";" and that the
latter, which, "if its dispersion be realized,
will be one of the most remarkable occurrences
of the present times, may, in the divine counsels,
be the appointed means of removing the vail
which has so long covered the hearts of the
ancient people of God *.
">
No funds, however, could support the wanton
waste of money which the Committee either
sanctioned or connived at. More than one
fourth of the whole sum raised was consumed
in keeping in motion the machinery of the in-
stitution". Another fourth was squandered
t Fifth Report, p. 9.
"Sixth Report, p. 10.
* Ibid. p. 11.
'The disregard of charitable economy was so glaring in the
London Society's account current for 1813, that Mr. Forby
90
upon adult Jews and Jewesses, under the pro-
cesss of conversion, either in providing them
with labour which turned to no account, or in
supporting them without it. The Chapel at
cites it in exemplification of the enormous indirect expenditure
of charity money by Societies upon the mendicant plan, to
which he did his best to call public attention. What he states
as plainly resulting from the items of that year's disbursement,
tallies exactly with the proportions given above, viz. that
"of every guinea given for the purposes of this Society, nearly
five shillings go towards the handsome conveyance of secreta-
ries and preachers in post-chaises and their comfortable ac-
commodation at inns and lodgings on their official excursions;
towards the support of an expensive establishment of charitable
stipendiaries, and towards incidental and petty expences, not
worth specifying: and he remarks upon this, what is now
completely verified, that should Societies thus constituted,
thrive and multiply to a large and indefinite extent, a swarm
of mendicants must be maintained by the charity of the com-
munity, not less burthensome than if all the four orders were
re-established." Letter to the Bishop of Norwich on Bible
Society and Church Missionary Speeches, p. 55.
The machinery charges for the three years of which the pre-
sent period consists, amount to the enormous sum of 92201. 3s.,
so much exceeding a quarter of the sum collected, as to ap-
proach nearly to one-third.
2 Under the head of labour turned to no account, is inclu-
ded the satin-stitch and child-bed linen of the Jewesses, and
the candle-wicks, baskets, and printing of the Jews. The cost
to the Society of all this industry introduced into its establish-
ment, is 65017. 11s. 2d.; the only branch of it from which
there is any entry on the credit side of the account, is "that
valuable appendage to the Society, the printing-office." That
alone stands charged to the Institution 54657. 17s. 9d., of
91
Bethnal Green, commenced and completed
within the period, was another source of con-
tinual drainage upon the resources. And the
effect was that which such shameless lavishment
must necessarily produce, pecuniary embarrass-
ment in the first instance, and actual bank-
ruptcy in the issue.
The Committee began to feel this check upon
their movements before the first of the three
years, ushered in with such magnificent antici-
pations, had closed; and the Report for 1814 is
very plaintive and pathetic upon the subject of
finances. It states the Committee's concern at
being "obliged to report," and anticipates the
"regret" with which "the members will per-
ceive, that a coniderable debt has been incurred
in prosecuting the Society's various objects:"
for which it pleads "anxiety to carry them
forward," and a "too sanguine estimate of fu-
ture resources." It then throws a gleam of
light into this gloomy picture, by an intimation
which it repaid in Hebrew Testaments and Tracts sold, 2871.
12s. 9d.; but what became of the baskets, candle-wicks, satin-
stitched muslins, and child-bed linen does not appear, though
they cost the Society 1035l. 13s. 3d. The purchase of idle-
ness appears really to have been a better speculation than the
purchase of labour, for it cost the Society, within the period,
only 25787. 18s. 1d.—not much more than one-third of its
productive disbursements.
The three years payments under this head amount to
5055l. 6s. 10d.
8
"
92
that the "embarrassments" are only "tempo-
rary,” there being "property of a much greater
value to counterbalance" the present deficit,
but with this untoward circumstance attending
it, that it is for the most part of the nature of
dead stock,” (viz. baskets, candle-wicks, satin-
stitch, &c. &c.) "not convertible into money,
while the sums due press for immediate liqui-
dation." It then expatiates upon "the fallen
state of Zion"-that "most important undertaking,"
the Hebrew New Testament, "to the prosecu-
tion of which the Committee will be under the
painful necessity of putting a stop"-and upon
the other "transcendantly important ends" which
will "languish." And, upon the operative force
of these irresistible incentives, it assumes confi-
dence, that "the liberality and zeal of the
public" will provide funds for present relief;
or, should this ground of confidence fail them,
that He to whom "above all" the Committee
"look up"-" whose are the silver and the
gold, and who has in His hand the hearts of all
men, will incline His servants to increasing
commiseration "."
b
•
Insolvency, however, was not the only evil
which the Committee had to encounter, for,
together with an exhausted treasury, was com-
bined a blasted reputation. At the very com-
Sixth Report, pp. 16, 17.
93
mencement of the present æra, though parti-
culars are not entered into, it appears that
obloquy," both " private and public," had
"been already thrown against the Society;" and
Mr. Way, who notices this disparaging circum-
stance on the anniversary of 1813, pledges him-
self to the meeting that he "will not accept
the office of Vice-President without satisfying
himself, from his own personal inquiry and
information, that the Society does not deserve
it." How far he redeemed this pledge is no
where stated; but it is quite clear that obloquy
was not wiped off, but continued accumulating,
and increasing the measure of public reproach
poured forth in all quarters against the Institu-
tion: both the courses pursued, and the per-
sons officially connected with it, being made
d
Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 281.
66
& His Royal Highness, the Patron, at the Anniversary, 1814,
testified, at great length, considerable dissatisfaction at certain
charges upon which he had been more than once attacked,"
respecting the undue means employed in obtaining proselytes,
and prosecuting the work of conversion, which, he declared, he
would on no account sanction by his countenance. Jewish Re-
pository, Vol. II. p. 218.
e Mr. Frey was not the only officer of the Society, of great
religious pretensions, who brought scandal upon it, by disso-
luteness of conduct. At this time a new and lamentable dis-
closure of flagrant delinquency took place, and very greatly
aggravated the opprobrium which had been long exciting
general disgust against the whole concern.
94
the subjects of new and very heavy charges,
which were widely circulated, and obtained
general belief.
The confession of the Society's Assistant Se-
cretary, Mr. Miller, that he had "remained at
his post under difficulties and discouragements,
such as, he was inclined to think, were unknown
to any officer of any other religious institution,
very sufficiently displays the desperate state of
its affairs; but the Committee valorously re-
solved not to be baffled in their enterprize till
their whole artillery of expedients was ex-
hausted; and therefore their travelling orators,
both dissenting and conforming, were instructed,
throughout their progress amongst the auxili-
aries at the commencement of 1814, to put down,
by all possible means, the defamatory reports
which were in circulation against them; and, if
Dr. STYLES, the Rev. W. MARSH, and MR. W.
MARTEN, may be admitted as fair specimens
of the execution of this commission by their
respective fraternities, it will be generally allowed
that they did their work to admiration $.
Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 317.
"For my part I cannot regret the opposition the Society
has met with, and over which it must ultimately and shortly
triumph. I believe that the arguments urged against it have
promoted its success. They have not prevailed even to retard
its influence, as the eastern mists which obscure the rising sun;
but rather like the light western clouds, which, by opposing
his beams, only serve to display their varied beauties in pur-
95
This method of repelling imputations, may not
possibly have been without its effect at a distance
from the scene of action: but in London the facts
were too fully proved and too notorious to admit
of its being in the least available to the recovery
of the Committee's reputation. The only measure
then, upon which any hope could be founded of
regaining public confidence, was an unqualified
acknowledgment of the inadequacy of this body,
as hitherto constituted, to the purposes for
which it was designed," and the forming a new
Board of Management to supersede it in the
administration. This effort to save the Society,
followed very closely upon the oratorical expe-
dient, with which it did not tally so exactly
as a due consideration for the credit of the
above-cited panegyrists would seem to have
"6
ple, gold, and other vivid tints, in which they are refracted."
Dr. Styles, Lewes Auxiliary, Jan. 13th, 1814. Jewish Reposi-
tory, Vol. II. p. 80.
"It is true difficulties have arisen-mists have obscured
the brightness of this luminary-but like the orb of day it will
not be impeded in its progress-it will disperse those mists-
it will ascend to its meridian height, and it will then pour forth
a flood of light and glory on our dark and miserable world."
Rev. W. Marsh, Brighton Auxiliary Meeting, Jan. 3, 1814.
Jewish Repository, Vol. II. p. 76.
"He passed some very warm encomiums on Mr. Frey. He
hailed him as the highly favoured of God, appointed to a great
and peculiar work. The Spirit of God, he said, had been with
him hitherto, and he felt a persuasion in his mind that He would
never forsake him." W. Marten, a Quaker, Lewes Auxiliary
Meeting, Jan. 18th, 1814. Jewish Repository, Vol. II. p. 77.
96
required. To effect it, the higher powers vested
in the Vice-Presidency were called into action,
and the royal and noble personages, of whom
that body was composed, were further commit-
ted for the future personal superintendance of
the Society's concerns; and a new code of re-
gulations, pledging them as security for the
non-recurrence of past abuses, was enacted ¹.
h
But besides the loss of character, and the
failure of resources, there was a principle of
dissolution inherent in the very texture of the
Society, which the re-organization of the Com-
mittee could do nothing to neutralize. The
Society was a mixed multitude of all denomi-
nations, and, as Mr. Simeon states it,
66 on the
part of the dissenters there was a jealousy that
"Under this head (viz. Miscellaneous) your Committee
would place a meeting, which was held at Free-Masons Ta-
vern, on the 29th of March last, of the Vice-Presidents and
Committee, to take into consideration new arrangements for
the management of the affairs of the Society. It had been
found by experience, that the General Committee of the So-
ciety, as hitherto constituted, was inadequate to the puposes.
for which it was designed; and its place of meeting was also
very inconvenient for gentlemen who reside in the western
part of the metropolis. It is therefore now proposed, that the
General Committee shall meet once a month at Free-Masons
Hall, and that His Royal Highness the Patron, and the Vice-
Presidents, be requested to attend it, and that the executive
parts of its duties shall be entrusted to different Sub-Commit-
tees." Sixth Report, p. 16. See the Resolutions containing
the various particulars of the proposed arrangements, Appen-
dix, No. 4.
له
97
the Church of England had too great an ascen-
dancy in its concerns," whilst " on the part of
the Church of England there were many who
did not approve of the constitution." To obtain
therefore the co-operation, without which all at-
tempts to relieve the Society from its embarrass-
ments were hopeless, conciliatory expedients,
in addition to those of a precautionary nature,
were indispensable. This induced the necessity
of another dip into the portfolio of constitutions;
and at the close of the present year (1814) a
notification was gazetted, announcing the matu-
rity of a new platform of government, in which,
by making "the Hebrew New Testament, the
printing-office, the manufactories, and the Fe-
male Asylum," a common centre of union to
all parties," and the Episcopal Chapel and
the Jews Chapel, with their respective appen-
dages, "distinct concerns," it was hoped that
discordances would have been harmonized, and
the Society's "affairs put upon a footing which
promised to ensure more confidence and stabi-
lity to the Institution than it ever possessed *."
i Speech at Norwich Auxiliary, 1817, tenth Report, p. 43.
* "London Society for Promoting Christianity among the
Jews.
"December 27, 1814.
"Reports having been circulated prejudicial to the object
and interest of the Society, the Committee have judged it ex-
pedient to inform the public, that its affairs are now put upon
H
98
One provision in these pacificatory arrange,
ments respected Mr. Frey, whose delinquency
had been so far smothered, that the possible of
fence to weaker brethren, which his retention in
office might occasion, was deemed a risk for
which his seductive powers would amply com-
pensate, in all instances where his assumed cha-
racter could be exhibited, and his real one
entirely concealed. It had ceased to be profi
table, and such was his character, that it was
not safe, to send him out, as heretofore, on
foraging excursions, but both safety and profit,
it was thought, might be reckoned upon, if the
original purpose were returned to of limiting
the orbit of their luminary to the Jews Chapel.
His extraordinary mission, therefore, which
adapted him to all pulpits was closed, and his
"intended ordination" was solemnly announced
a footing, which promises to ensure more confidence and sta-
bility to the Institution, than it has ever possessed.
"Its debts are in a course of immediate liquidation-the
collections of its revenue will in future be conducted in the
most unobjectionable manner; regulations are adopted, which,
without violation of the FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE, have so far
modified its operations, as to afford to Christians of every de-
nomination, the opportunity of promoting the common objects,
with perfect consistency, and an assured confidence that their
contributions will be applied to specific objects, or general
purposes, at their own discretion." Jewish Repository, Vol.
III. p. 40. This curious document will be found in the Ap-
pendix, No. 5.
99
by the Committee, which was to fix him to that
conventicle, and to invest him with the exclu-
sive character of "MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
TO THE JEWS¹.
I "
There was, however, one preliminary to the
substantiating all these exquisite speculations,
and that was the raising amongst themselves
the sum of 12,500.-the debts upon the con-
cern over and above the immense disbursements,
having accumulated to that amount.
In ap-
portioning to the two distinct interests embark-
ed in it their respective shares of the deficiency,
the moderation of the Church associates was con-
spicuous; in that they made themselves respon-
sible for two-thirds, and required only one-third
from their dissenting partners. But these shrewd
calculators suspected some double dealing in
this excess of liberality, and determined amongst
themselves that they could turn their money
to better account, in the furtherance of their
own purposes, than by lending it towards the
1 “Intended Ordination of Mr. Frey.
"The Committee of the London Society have resolved that
the Rev. Mr. Frey shall be ordained at the Jews Chapel, as
"MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL TO THE JEWS;" and that he shall
in future regularly preach at that Chapel on Sunday mornings
and evenings, and instruct the Jewish children and adults in
the afternoon. He is also to deliver a lecture on Wednesday
evenings, and to attend the prayer meeting on Friday even-
ings." Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 38.
H 2
1
100
support of a sinking cause, in the management
of which they could not help suspecting that
they were to be made subordinate. This con-
cordat, therefore, never took effect; and the
consequence was, that the Committee "pressed
on all sides by financial difficulties"-actually
involved in some actions for debt," and
"threatened with others"-and arrived, more-
over, at the ne plus ultra of their shifts to prevent
the bubble from bursting, with which they had
so long kept the religious public fascinated and
tributary, found themselves reduced to the last
extremity-that of throwing up the whole pro-
perty of the Institution to be scrambled for by
their importunate creditors, and securing, in the
mean time, the best possible retreat for them-
selves.
CHAPTER IV.
{
THE SOCIETY'S REGENERATED STATE, WHEN
THE DISSENTERS RETIRED, AND THE CHURCH
MEMBERS UNDERTOOK SINGLE-HANDED TO
EFFECT ITS REDINTIGRATION.
THE last period of the London Society's his-
tory left the Institution sinking under the
weight of an immense debt, for the liquidation
of which its managers had been for a long time
endeavouring in vain amongst themselves to
negociate. The present period opens with the
details of a marvellous rescue so suddenly af-
forded it, that the very document, from the first
passage of which the hopelessness of its insol-
vency has been deduced, makes, in the sequel,
solemn recognition of a willingness intimated
to support it, and records a series of resolu-
tions actually entered into to that effect".
Such a revival, wrought at the very moment
when "irrecoverable ruin" is represented as about
* See: Appendix, No. 5.
1
!
102
to ensue, would have baffled all attempts at ex-
plication, had not Mr. Simeon, in a communica-
tive moment, unveiled the mystery. If (says
he) it (viz. the London Society) had fallen, it
would have brought great discredit on all other So-
cieties." In this significant little lapsus, from
the too empassioned advocate, is disclosed the
redeeming qualm of conscience which saved the
Society. It produced a conference between
the dissenting and conforming partners in the
concern, when the following colloquy passed
between them, which cannot be better given
than in Mr. Simeon's recitative. "The dis-
senting part of the managers" opened the in-
terlocutories, and "said to those of the Esta-
blishment, We see that we are all, Churchmen
and Dissenters, sinking together: do you think
that if the management of the concern be wholly
given up into your hands, you could redeem it
from destruction? The Churchmen replied, We
think that if the energies of the Church of Eng-
B
“See 'Substance of a Speech delivered at Norwich, Sep-
tember 26, 1817, at the formation of a Norfolk and Norwich
Auxiliary, in aid of the London Society, by the Rev. Charles
Simeon;' and printed, in a folio sheet, as an exciting circular,
besides being in the Appendix of the tenth Report. It is so
perfect a production of its kind, that it cannot be too exten-
sively circulated, or too effectually secured from being lost.
That the author may, as much as in him lies, contribute to its
celebrity and preservation, he has assigned it a place in the
Appendix, No. 6."
103
land be called forth, there is yet power to save
the Society; and we will do our utmost to that
end." Upon this the bargain is struck; and,
as Mr. Simeon's exquisite figure illustrates the
issue, "The Dissenting part of the managers took
the long boat, and the Churchmen set to work at the
pumps."
The Society's "long boat" was one constructed
for the occasion, viz. a new order of public
functionaries, to be in future attached to it,
designated "HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS"," into
which, that their otium might be cum dignitate,
the dissenting members, with one exception, were
most respectfully let down.
Of the "energies of the Church of England" for
the "acquisition" of which, to meet the existing
emergency, such a sacrifice of dissenting energy
had been so dexterously adjusted, and so self-
denyingly submitted to, those specifically cele-
brated, (to speak of them in their concrete form)
are "Mr. Dealtry and Mr. Cunningham," the
former gentleman being evidently the favourite
from the eulogy appended to his name.
• Ibid.
d Eighth Report, p. 6.
But
• "The Rev. W. Dealtry has entitled himself to the cordial
estimation of the Christian world, by his unwearied, repeated,
and successful defence of that grand institution, THE BRITISH
AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. The sword which he has drawn
in its cause, has been distinguished equally by the keenness of
}
2
104
f
the accession of Mr. Simeon also, ought, on no
account, to have been omitted, though the quan-
tum of Church of England energy, for which the
Society stands indebted to him, far exceeds any
thing that could have been calculated upon by
anticipation.
These, as far as appears, with some few less
ostensible associates, were the joint stock-com-
pany patentees, in their own conceit, of "the energies
of the Church of England," who made the retire-
ment of the dissenting members, from any share
in the direction, a sine qua non of their accession
to it. They saw, (as Mr. Simeon states it,)
that however practicable an union of all deno-
minations was in the Bible Society, where the
object was simple, it was not so in a Society,
where all the points of Church discipline, must,
its point, and the polish of the blade. In the important and ex-
tensive labours of the Church Missionary Society, Mr. Dealtry
has also appeared as an able champion." Jewish Repository,
Vol. III.
p. 470.
"Mr. Simeon had been a contributor to the Society from
its foundation, and had both preached and spoken in its behalf;
but, as he expresses it, it was now that he "had first the honour
to come on board"-his energies, both pecuniary and vocal, were
the acquisition of this period—and accordingly this is the date
of his enrollment in the Society's fasti with the Reverends T.S.
Grimshaw, William Marsh, G. B. Mitchell, Legh Richmond,
and William Thistlethwaite, whose very important services'
had been rewarded with country directorships' under the for-
mer administration." Seventh Report, p. 6.
C
105
""
g
of necessity, form, at no distant period, a bone
of contention among the managers ³.
In this,
however, they were at issue with their brethren
specified in the preceding note, with Mr. Daniel
Wilson also, and even with Mr. Simeon himself,
all of whom had not only acted under the old
constitution, but had, in different shades, ex-
pressed their approval of it, others being in-
cluded in Mr. Grimshaw's testimony, who had
not spoken for themselves". And there can be no
Speech at Norwich, 1817.
"For my own part, though I was a member of it on its
former plan, and should have continued so if no alteration had
taken place, I must still say, that the present system of unity
in all the measures of the Society, which could only be ex-
pected to arise in conscientious persons from an entire unity o
judgment, does afford me a far more pleasing assurance of the
divine favour and blesssing." Rev. Daniel Wilson, Bristo
Auxiliary, 1816. Ninth Report, p. 48.
"He had never felt any hesitation in concurring in its for
mer basis, and could not contemplate the dissolution of that ti,
without recalling to mind many circumstances that endeared t.
...He felt it his duty to avow his own full persuasion, (aftr
using his utmost endeavours fully to ascertain the motives of
that change,) that there existed neither in the Committee itsdf,
nor in any individual member of it, any intolerance of feeling,
any systematic wish to exclude those so lately associated in all
its plans." Rev. Mr. Grimshaw, Anniversary 1815. Jenish
Repository, Vol. III. p. 238.
"I consider the union of Christians, who are not altogeher
agreed on matters of lesser moment, yet fully according in his,
106
question, if appeal be made to the original re-
cords, that Mr. Daniel Wilson, and those who
took part with him, were in the right; for the
Bible Society is there set forth as the model of
the London Society, and, to reduce its object to
the Bible Society simplicity, all points of church
discipline are specifically excluded, and the
exemplary impartiality observed, whilst the
dissenting interest was dominant, in distributing
as a pledge of the permanency to be expected, and of the
ltimate success of the design." Rev. Legh Richmond,
Manchester, Nov. 11th, 1812. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p.
¡12.
"Sects and parties have nothing to do upon this subject;
there is a bottom here sufficiently broad, upon which all can
sand without jostling one another. Did this Society interfere
in the slightest degree with the sentiments of religion which the
Jew might adopt when he embraced Christianity; I, for one,
would cease to be a member of it." Rev. G. B. Mitchell, An-
nversary, 1813. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 289.
"Mr. Simeon himself, at an earlier period of the Society's
career, was equally enlarged in his views of Jewish conversion,
fo he says, as for proselyting them to any particular party in
th Church, we are agreed in merging all inferior distinctions
in that of Christian; and to know nothing more of party than
tha which was spoken of old, Who is on the Lord's side, who?'
and he seems to intimate, that the union of every Christian
demmination for the conversion of the Jews,' is the necessary
security that no influence, except that of pure and genuine
Christianity' will be employed in promoting it." Speech at
Freemason's-hall, Anniversary, 1813. Jewish Repository, Vol. I.
p. 215.

"
107
the converts deemed ripe for baptism, between
the Church and the conventicle, proves the prac-
ticability of union equal in both cases.
It was however ruled otherwise for the ac-
quisition of the above-mentioned energies, and
therefore the Committee, as now constituted,
was composed of Churchmen of two varieties-of
some, viz. who deeming religious amalgamation
practicable in the case of doctrine, scrupled it
where discipline was concerned'; and of others,
who viewing discipline equally with doctrine,
points of “doubtful disputation," admitted of amal-
gamation in both. But it is due to the tender
conscienced part of the new confederacy to state,
that they were not very rigid in their scruple,
except at head-quarters, as the very page which
contains, on one side, the closing particulars of
the meeting at which Mr. Dealtry was so scru-
pulous, exhibits, on the other, Mrs. Collyer and
Mrs. Dealtry bracketted together in the Camber-
well Ladies Auxiliary, and the Doctor, together
with Mr. Collin, two of the " long boat" party, as-
sisting at the Anniversary Meeting, in company
with the Reverends Piggot, Wright, Wood,
i "Rev. Mr. Dealtry said, this was the first Annual Meet-
ing of the Institution which he had attended. His absence was
designed. He had always wished well to the cause; but had
conscientious scruples respecting the constitution of the Society."
Speech at Anniversary, 1815. Jewish Repository, Vol. III.
p. 236.
108
Hawtrey, Ruell, and several other distinguished
Episcopalians.
""
Such then was the party which "set to work
at the pumps.
"The debt," to be drawn off,
as before observed, was known to be 12,000/.
and proved much larger." But the pumpers,
as Mr. Simeon represents the matter, had
amongst them, "an opulent individual of known
zeal and liberality," (a very useful coadjutor, it
must be owned, on such an occasion,) and there-
fore, though there were but "few others"
besides him, they thought their united exer-
tions equal to the occasion," cheerfully under-
took the arduous task, and (what under the
circumstances of the case is not very surprising,)
discharged the immense debt,
"without any
assistance from the public'." The simple fact
is, that Mr. Lewis Way advanced, at least, two-
thirds of the money, and probably more"; though
to have told this plain tale would not have pro-
duced the same stage effect, as the throwing a
little of the air of miracle into the proceeding;
and so piety is prostituted in the ensuing report,
and the communication, that "it has pleased
* Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 240.
Speech at Norwich, 1817.
m Mr. Hawtrey gives the credit of the deliverance to its
real owner
"In the year 1815, the Institution was, under
the Divine blessing, rescued from impending ruin, by the ex-
traordinary benevolence of one individual." Summary Account,
by Rev. C. S. Hawtrey, p. 8.
109
God, in His adorable providence, to raise up for
the Society all necessary help," is introduced
with a representation of the Society's "diffi-
culties," as " so great that, calculating accord-
ing to common principles, it seemed impos-
sible that it should surmount them ;" and with
a solemn reference to the divine omnipotence dis-
played on the occasion-" those things which
with men are impossible, are possible with God;
all hearts are in his hand".
n "
The "hold" being, as Mr. Simeon expresses
it,
"cleared through the goodness of God,"
"the ship" remained to be " "righted ";" and to
this work, requiring as much tact as the former
did bottom to accomplish, the party next devoted
themselves. The dignity of patron had not for
some time, as already intimated, sat very easy
upon the illustrious Prince who sustained it;
and this seemed to his Royal Highness a con-
venient season for signifying his wish to be dis-
burthened of its responsibilities. It was obvious
that no political character could supply an office
which had been so augustly filled, without dis-
paraging it; and therefore, where to look for a
successor, or what representations to make of
the vacancy, which should not detract from the
lustre of the station, were no very easy points to
11
Eighth Report, p. 36.
Speech at Norwich; 1817.
110
decide upon. How the ship was righted in this
respect, it does not harmonize with the author's
principles to touch upon. Nothing could have
been imagined more savingly for the Society's
reputation, than the course actually pursued,
and no higher encomium can be passed upon the
negociators, than the success which attended
their negociation.
The complement of officers, which had been
defective under the old regime, was completed
by the creation of VICE-PATRONS, to which dig-
nity all the nobles in the vice-presidency list
were promoted; and the presidency, which had
hitherto been left in blank, for want of a suit-
able aspirant to the honour of it, was conferred
upon Sir Thomas Baring. The treasurership
was next subjected to the righting discipline,
and what had been consolidated in B. Shaw,
Esq. M.P. was split into two offices, and trans-
ferred to R. Stainforth, Esq. for the general
fund, and Thomas Read Kemp, Esq. for the
Hebrew Testament. The secretariat also under-
went a complete redintigration. Rev. T. Fry,
the conforming gratuitous secretary; of whose
“laborious and indefatigable exertions" so " deep
a sense" had been expressed", was put ashore,
and sent into the country. Dr. Collyer, the dis-
senting gratuitous ditto, was disposed of (as before
Sixth Report, p. 12.
111
stated,) in "the long boat." Mr. James Millar,
the assistant ditto, (not gratuitous,) cashiered
himself; "the change of the constitution of the
Society" having broken his spirit, which had
never flinched "under difficulties and incon-
veniences" altogether unexampled, whilst it
could feel that satisfaction" which the cordial
compound of all denominations afforded it; and
Reverends B. Wood, C. S. Hawtrey, and D.
Ruell, volunteered their services, to fill the births
which had been thus left vacant.
"
Amidst all these changes and accommoda-
tions to the new order of things, one prominent
character retained his station; and, will the
reader credit it? this was no other than the REV.
JOSEPH SAMUEL CHRISTIAN FREDERIC FREY.
When last under observation, having up to that
period exercised a self-appointed ministry, com-
mon to all denominations, and to the whole compass
of the United Kingdom, he was about to be
ordained to a definite dissenting teachership at
the Society's conventicle in Spitalfields; and
therefore, upon the very principle of the proposed
separation, was to cast his future fortunes amongst
his own religious fraternity, and transfer himself
to the honorary life-membership department with
them. But the dissenters, besides disburthening
" See his Letter of Resignation, addressed to Sir Thomas
Baring. Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 317.
112
themselves of their portion of the immense debt
which had been contracted, were wise enough to
perceive how much it concerned them to clear
their hands of this other incumbrance, and how
favourable the present opportunity was for deli-
vering themselves from it. Accordingly, in so-
lemn conclave, they framed a certificate of Mr.
Frey's deservings, which represented him as the
most valuable heir-loom their successors could
inherit, and they incorporated this amongst the
resolutions which were handed in as their terms
of surrender". How this was stomached in the
church convention, has not been disclosed; but
the apprehensions for "similar institutions,”
and the other energies called forth on the occa-
sion, by some means or other forced it down;
and in the new Committee list, that defecated
assemblage of churchmen, there stands, in alpha-
betical precedence before Robert Harry Inglis,
"This meeting feels itself called upon to express the high
sense they entertain of the faithful and zealous services of the
Rev. Mr. Frey, during the continuance of this Society, not only
in publishing to his brethren of the House of Israel, the truth as
it is in Jesus, but also for his unwearied labours in travelling
through all parts of England, Scotland, and Ireland, to make
known to Christians in general, the design and objects of the
Society, whereby those funds have been procured, which were
constantly found to be so necessary to its existence." Fourth
Resolution of Meeting of Dissenting Members of London So-
ciety, February 14th, 1815. Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p.
156. Seventh Report, p. 39.
113
Esq.-J. S. C. F. Frey-
“ Rara avis in terris nigroque similima cygno."
Having thus "righted the ship," as far as
respected the navigators, it remained only to
apply this discipline to the rules and orders.
This was accomplished by two very immaterial
alterations in the old code complimentary to the
Establishment; and by the addition of three new
regulations; the two first providing for the in-
struction of the children under the Society's
patronage, and for conducting public worship in
its future operations, in strict conformity to the
Liturgy and formularies of the Church of Eng-
land; the latter liberalizing this strictness as far
as temporal aid was concerned, in condescension
to the predilections of "the long-boat" party, and
to further the design of keeping them in com-
pany by a chartered interest in the specula-
tion s.
"VIII. That the children under the patronage of the
Society, shall be instructed in the principles, and according to
the formularies, of the United Church of England and Ireland.
“IX. That public worship, in the future operations of the
Society, shall be conducted in strict conformity to the Liturgy
and formularies of the Church of England, as by law esta-
blished.
"X. That, if at any time a Jew, professing faith in Christ,
and seeking for the patronage of this Society, should entertain
conscientious scruples, in respect of conformity to the rites of
the Church of England, he shall not therefore be deprived of
I
114
The negociations and arrangements being all
completed, except the transfer of the patron's
office, which took another year to carry into full
effect; and the key of the Jews Chapel having
been turned upon fifty adult converts to that
conventicle, who, without a hearing, were
passed over to the Church, after the manner of
stock in trade in all shop conveyances'; it was
or precluded from, temporal aid from the Society, if he shall
in other respects be deemed a fit and proper object of the
patronage of this Society."-London Society's Seventh Report,
p. 7.
'JEWS CHAPEL,
Spitalfields.
March 23, 1815.
The Constitution of the LONDON SOCIETY having lately been
changed, and it having been resolved, "That Public Worship,
in the future operations of this Society, shall be conducted in
strict conformity to the Liturgy and Formularies of the
CHURCH OF ENGLAND, as by Law established;
Notice is hereby given,
That the above place of worship will be shut up for the pre-
sent, till arrangements shall be made accordingly.
Timely Notice will be given of its RE-OPENING.
N. B. Those of the Jewish nation and others, who have been in
the habit of attending the above Chapel, will be accommodated in
the interval, at the London Society's Episcopal Jews Chapel, Beth-
nal Green. For their further accommodation, the Rev. David Ruell,
one of the Secretaries of the London Society, has engaged to preach
on subjects connected with the promotion of Christianity amongst
the Jews, at his Evening Lecture, in the Parish Church of Spital-
fields.
5
115
deemed expedient to dramatize the whole pro-
ceeding, as an intellectual treat for the religious
public on the festival of the anniversary, and as
affording the greatest facilities for embellishing
the representation, and exciting the liveliest
interest in what had taken place. Accordingly
after two excellent sermons" to recommend
the cause, by the Reverends J. W. Cunningham
and W. Dealtry, "the one of which was as
much marked by classical learning, as the other
by mathematical precision," the performers and
the audience took their stations respectively on
the platform, and in the boxes, pit, and gallery,
at Freemasons-hall; and Sir Thomas Baring
having been called to the chair "in the una-
voidable absence of the Duke of Kent," and having
delivered" an appropriate speech" as a sort of
prologue to the enactment, it was opened by
Rev. William Gurney reading the report; in
which, amongst a variety of most " satisfactory
facts"-" pleasing accounts"-and "interesting
particulars," he "communicated the gratifying
information" of the Society's deliverance "from
the whole pressure of its debt," and thus put
the audience into the best possible humour for
receiving all that was to follow.
The incident next in importance, and upon
the good management of which very much de-
pended, was that which gave the stimulus to the
effort just reported as crowned with such com-
I 2
116
plete success, viz. the dissolution of the old
committee, and the consignment of its dissenting
members to the post of safety and insignificance ;
whilst the churchmen assumed the post of honour,
enterprise, and power to themselves. For, how-
ever narrow in their views the new recruits
might be in comparison of the rest of the com-
mitteemen, who were episcopalians upon a
much more liberal basis, this narrowness was
limited to the administration of the Society's af-
fairs. Without those limits, especially with re-
ference to the subscription list, nothing could
exceed their comprehensiveness: and the point
upon which they were most solicitous, was to
soothe the dissenting interest into complacency
at the disfranchisement of its representatives,
and to dispose them to continue tributary, though.
despoiled of influence.
The getting up of this part of the performance
could not have been surpassed. Dr. Collyer
was prevailed upon to lend himself for the occa-
sion to act as proxy for the ex-members, and,
having been their official organ whilst in power,
as also being the companion of their retreat, he
was obviously the performer of best promise for
effect, of any upon whom the managers choice
could have fallen; nor did he disappoint his em-
ployer's anticipations. Though he was evidently
under an embarrassment quite unusual to him at
the Freemason's-hall theatricals, and greatly at
117
fault for materials to fill the small interstice
between his exordium and conclusion, yet these
prominent parts of his oratory went full to the
point upon which his testimony was so valu-
able, and put the best face possible upon the
whole proceeding ".
"Great applause" burst from the audience the
moment the Doctor ceased speaking. The So-
ciety's fuglemen provoking it, not as an ac-
knowledgment of value received, but to raise
what was intrinsically worthless, to the neces-
sary measure of estimation. When voices could
be heard, Mr. Wilberforce, following up the
object, tendered his particular homage to the
renowned pacificator; and in his finest flow of
eloquence, declared that the Doctor's "testi-
mony had given him high satisfaction *;" and he
u “Rev. Dr. Collyer said he was happy to have an oppor-
tunity of expressing the affectionate regard he had always felt,
and still did feel, towards this noble Institution .He said
he had never stood in that place without considering himself
as surrounded by his brethren, and that he did not feel less so
now; though, in consequence of the late change, he saw him-
self encircled by ministers and members of the Established
Church. When the good of the object required it, he had
with readiness resigned his office, but his heart would never
cease to breathe a fervent prayer for the success of the cause
itself (great applause)." Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 233.
* "The events connected with the change in the Institution,
though apparently not pleasing, yet might afford matter of joy.
The testimony of Dr. Collyer had given him high satisfaction.
118
was succeeded by Mr. Simeon, who, with greater
exuberance of descriptive terms, expressed him-
self"highly pleased," "abundantly gratified"
and "
delighted" with the speech, and looked
accordingly. From the proxy, the transition
was easy to those whom he came to personate,
and to their constituents. The speeches, there-
fore, now took this direction, and the most
soothing compliments, on " the true Christian
spirit," with which the "separation was accom-
plished," together with the tenderest assurances
of “most sincere respect and gratitude for their
conduct on a late trying occasion," were made
as palatable as possible to the "dissenting bre-
thren:" whilst the intended catastrophe of this
scene of the enactment, viz. that "there should
still be a common heart," animating as heretofore
the supply of the resources, though not a com-
mon hand" in their appropriation, was significantly
glanced at by Mr. Wilberforce, and receipted
by laudatory notice, and a return of thanks in
the report.
"C
He had nobly shewn that he was ready to forego his office, in
a cause which he loved, when the advantage of the object itself
required it. What a lesson was here for the Jews!!!" Mr. Wil-
berforce, Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 235.
"To the liberal spirit displayed by your dissenting sub-
scribers generally on this occasion, it affords your Committee
the most sincere satisfaction to bear a willing testimony. They
119
This part of the representation having been
gone through with so much eclat, there was
another subject to be dramatized, which re-
quired confidence rather than any other quality in
the performers. It could not escape those inter-
ested in the Society, that "under the present
circumstances" "Mr. Frey stood in a peculiar
situation," and "it had been generally asked what
is to become of him ?" Rev. Mr. Grimshaw,"
deemed it most to his taste and talents to take
this main pillar and ornament of the Society as
his hero; and such was his zeal in the cause,
that he volunteered to serve it in two capa-
cities; first, as compurgator of Mr. Frey, and
then as a sort of chorus to develope his future
destinies. On the former topic, that of character,
he was all that the subject required, for he at
once cast all reserve behind him, and went the
length of pronouncing it "much respected." He
then proceeded to dilate upon "the circum-
spection, the integrity, the honourable and up-
right conduct evinced by him through the
whole of that delicate transaction," (the parti-
believe that, with few exceptions, the Dissenters, who were pre-
viously subscribers, will continue their support to the Society."
Seventh Report, p. 9.
"The thanks of your Committee are particularly due to their
dissenting brethren, who have resolved, with a spirit so emi-
nently Catholic, to continue their subscriptions since the late
change in the constitution of the Society." Ibid. p. 23.
120
tion treaty). certified his " enjoying the undi-
minished confidence of all parties connected with
the Society;" and, as a finish to the whole,
stated himself "happy in making this declara-
tion, because he considered the character of Mr.
Frey so identified with that of the Institution, that the
one could not be assailed without injury to the other."
On the other topic, the future destinies of this
important personage, he began by referring to
"the Report," which "announced," he said,
that "he (Mr. Frey,) will continue to act in
unison with the Society"," a reciprocity of feel-
The Report, to which reference is made by Mr. Grim-
shaw, enters much more into detail upon the Committee's
views and proceedings with regard to Mr. Frey, than the
sketch given of it. Its compilers have positively the effron-
tery to publish to the world, that "applications have been
made for the ordination of Mr. Frey in the Church of Eng-
land;" and they go on to state, that "immediate success" is the
extent of their failure," the regulation of the Establishment
not allowing the admission of a person who has so recently
officiated as a public preacher, without any other authority
than that of a licence under the Act of Toleration." They
then proceed, "The sphere of usefulness in which Mr. Frey
may hereafter be called to act, with the greatest benefit to the
cause of his Jewish brethren, is a point which as yet the Com-
mittee do not feel themselves competent to determine; but
they are of opinion that, under all the circumstances of his pc-
culiar case, the prosecution of his studies, with a view to ordi-
nation, and his presence in London, for the purpose of assisting
the operations of the Society, are highly expedient." And
121
66
ing-on his part, "unwillingness to dissolve the
tie”—and on theirs, "delicacy, justice, and grati-
tude" towards him-so faithful a servant-binding
them to each other, by bonds, which they were
as indisposed to violate" as himself. Mr.
Grimshaw now became quite beside himself,
under the excitement of his subject; and it is.
really most appalling to transcribe, from the
officially prepared report of the proceedings, the
rhapsody of profaneness attributed to him. The
text shall not be disfigured with it, but it will be
found below; the object of this history, which
they go on to express their persuasion, that "the suspension
of his ministerial labours will lead, under the blessing of God,
to their more efficient renewal, and prepare him to carry for-
ward a work, the commencement of which has been distinguished
with a degree of success, which can be attributed only to the
blessing of that Almighty Being, who worketh all things accord-
ing to the counsel of His own will." Seventh Report, pp. 12,
13. Mr Frey, who also bears a part in the above perform-
ances, outrages common decency, in connection with the sub-
ject, by observing of himself that," although an evil spirit
might tempt him to fear lest other Jews," of whom there
CC
were many preparing themselves for the ministry, might
eclipse himself, yet he was thankful he had grace to say as
Moses did, Would to God that all the Lord's people were
Prophets.'" Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 238.
6
a “The prophane rhapsody above referred to, is as follows:
• What! When a voice from heaven bids the children of Israel
to go on, to enter in and possess the land, shall the Prophet
be left behind? No! the cloud moves, and he must follow it:
for it is the cloud that points to his own Judea, announcing
,
I
122
is, to strip off the mask from most pernicious delu-
sion, not allowing of its entire omission.
The piece would not have been perfect if, after
such a clearing up of all objections, some patients
in different stages of prejudice, cured of that
distemper by the powerful process, had not
been produced. But no such oversight was
committed: for two characters of this descrip-
tion sustained by the Reverends Mr. Cowan, of
Bristol, and Mr. Courtenay, presented them-
selves at proper intervals; the former, under
only a slight affection of the malady, testified
his recovery by declaring how " glad he was
to find that there was no foundation for the
objections which had been urged against the
late change; the latter, in the very advanced
stage of "strong prejudice," made protestation
of his complete deliverance from this obliquity
of mind " by what he had heard in the Report,
and by the arguments which had followed it;"
of which he professed his willingness to satisfy
the most sceptical by the Committee's own test
that the Almighty hand, which had so long been lifted up in
judgment, was about to be stretched forth in mercy, and that
God had not forgotten the oath which he sware unto their fore-
fathers.'" Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 239.
For a more intimate knowledge of this gentleman, the
reader is referred to a pamphlet, entitled, "A brief Account
of the reasons which have induced the Rev. F. C. Cowan to
secede from the Established Church." Bristol, 1817.
123
of sanity, the "immediately becoming a sub-
scriber."
All that the most fastidious critic could fur-
ther require, to give sublimity to the represen-
tation, and to make it irresistible in its effect, is
the occasional interspersion of brilliant flashes of
descriptive eloquence to illuminate, as it were,
the Institution in its different aspects; that
neither in fuisse, in esse, or in posse, it might
escape the notice of the audience, nor, in any
one of its various pretensions to patronage, be
unobserved. A higher eulogium is not requi-
site than to say of the performers, that in this
last respect they equalled themselves on all former
occasions: but of this the reader shall form his
own judgment, from the specimens below, as
soon as he has heard Mr. Wilberforce's winding
up, in such happy unison with Mr. Simeon's
imagery at the commencement of the narrative.
"Our vessel has been in danger, but she is
perfectly righted-she has got a skilful com-
mander at his post, and he hopes for a blessed
gale from above, to convey her to the haven
where she would be. Thus, at length, this
The brilliancies above referred to will be seen to the
best advantage, if classed under the several periods of the
Society, to which they relate. Rev. Daniel Wilson's "eloquent
speech" furnishes the first specimen. It is comprised in six
lines, and the following retrospective sentence is the gem of it.
“The sight of the Jewish children was a sufficient proof of the
124
splendid achievement in diplomacy is brought
to its close, upon which no parting word of
commendation can be passed, more appropriate
than the Committee's own compliment upon
good that was done." "Mr. Frey" (Rev. being dropped during
his chrysalis state between a sixpenny licenced ministry, and his
anticipated episcopal ordination,) follows up his co-associate's
demonstrative remark, by telling all objectors, to their utter
confusion, that "142 Jewish children had been admitted into the
Schools ;" and then desecrates the awful subject of "the value
of souls," by putting it as a posing problem to the audience, to
calculate "the amount of 142" of them. Rev. W. Dealtry takes
as his topic the actual state of the Society, and pronounces it
in itself "noble,” and in its "purpose magnificent." T. Babing-
ton, Esq. improves upon this simple diction, and cannot help
looking upon the "Society as the capital of that Corinthian
pillar which is now rising to support the temple of God." Mr.
Wilberforce, rivalling his friend, makes it "an arch to the glory
of God," rather than "a pillar to support his temple," which
the confederate Societies are erecting; and then, vaulting from
the "capital" to "the key-stone" for his similitude, not only
gains a decided advantage over his present competitor, but, at
the same time, places himself above all future competition.
To complete the series by a prospective specimen, Hön. and
Rev. G. Noel shall be cited, whose speech eminently exem-
plifies how nearly allied are the extravagancies of enthusiasm
and the blasts of infidelity. In the confidence of his religious
foolishness, he presumes to "trust that the last and worst cap-
tivity of the Jews is drawing to a close," and then he allows
his imagination to rove into the scenes which, upon the con-
summation of this great deliverance will immediately ensue, and
further trusts that "we might soon ask them (the Jews) without of-
fence, to sing us one of the songs of Sion. Soon, perhaps,
125
66
themselves, perhaps the history of the Chris-
tian Church presents few examples of a point
of so much difficulty and delicacy being decided
with such a happy union of those sentiments which
most highly adorn the Christian characterd"
The Society being thus set afloat again, re-
formed in its " political constitution," but with
"its religious object," (as Mr. Wilberforce ex-
presses it," the haven where it would be,")
"the same as ever;" it devolved to the newly
appointed officers to recommence their course,
and for this purpose to raise the wind, to which,
judging from the practice of the Society,
the last named advocate's encouraging augury
must be construed to have had proximate re-
spect. Under this figure, it is scarcely ne-
cessary to apprize the reader that popular
favour resolved into that powerful propellent
funds, is rhetorically symbolized; to the repa-
ration and improvement of which, the Commit-
tee necessarily turned their first attention.
may see their beautiful city and temple rebuilt, and hear their
Redeemer hailing their return to himself." Jewish Repository,
Vol. III. pp. 232–239.
à Proceedings of London Society Extraordinary General
Meeting, Feb. 23, 1815. Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 159.
• For this exquisite distinction, the reader is indebted to
Mr. Simeon, (See his Speech at Norwich, Appendix, No. 6.)
whose own explanation, that by political he means "the union
of all denominations of Christians" is the only comment that
can do justice to the significant phraseology.
3
126
To prepare the religious public for importu-
nate application, they laid as their ground the
great variety of objects embraced by the In-
stitution," viz. the basket manufactory-the
female asylum the temporal aid branch-the
printing-office-the Hebrew New Testament and
the schools; and they recorded an "opinon
that these objects would "demand a large and
increasing income." Their next point was to
beget confidence in themselves, as disposed to
economise as much as possible the Society's
resources; and, for this purpose, they proceed-
ed to "recommend earnestly the enlargement"
of those sources of revenue, from which there
were the fewest drawbacks, and to evince a
special jealousy upon "the article of travelling
charges," for the "diminishing of which as much
as possible," they turned to immediate account
the Episcopal semblance with which the Society
had cloked itself, by a call upon Clergymen
throughout the kingdom," to lend not their pul-
pits only, but themselves also, to the "making
collections f." But still the corps of gifted bre-
thren was not disbanded: as "the Reverends
C. Simeon, Legh Richmond, W. Marsh, T. S.
Grimshaw, H. J. Hare, and W. Gurney," are
chronicled in the Eighth Report as having ren-
dered " distinguished services during the past
year, in becoming the eloquent and successful
f Seventh Report, p. 23.
66
127
advocates of the House of Israel," not only "in
the metropolis," but "in various parts of the
kingdom;" and 2487. 2s. 11d. appears to have
been expended out of the produce of their vocal
powers, in their comfortable conveyance in post-
chaises, with the Secretaries, upon their several
visitations.
Such being the improvement made in the
financial machinery, the working of it is next
to be related-the course of argument taken for
producing an income large and increasing."
The point most obvious, amongst the desiderata
of the new Committee, was the recovery of
those former friends to the Institution, who had
quitted it in disgust at the frauds which had
been practised upon them, and at the scanda-
lous waste which had been made of their in-
considerate bounty. To regain their confi-
dence, the sacrifice of the old managers was
indispensible. It was therefore proclaimed from
the pulpit (to give all the solemnity possible to
the declaration) that none lamented more
than the members of the Society itself, any
errors into which its early proceedings may
have been betrayed, and that none were more
Eighth Report, p. 15. To the above record the Rev.
Daniel Wilson ought to have been added: but for this omis-
sion, compensation is made in the Appendix to the Ninth Re-
port, by the insertion of an office copy of his Bristol declama-
tion. p. 44.
128
anxious, under God's blessing, to pursue mea-
sures of exact prudence in their future con-
duct".
This disclaimer was further extended to the
views of the former managers, and it was ad-
mitted to be " doubtless," that "there was, at
the commencement of the Society, an erroneous
notion that the kingdom of God was to come with
observation, and too great a dependence placed
upon an arm of flesh." But the present mana-
gers, it was represented, were of a much more
subdued frame of mind, and had lowered their
pretensions to what "it was not," as they con-
ceived, "too much to hope that the Institution
might be appointed to-not indeed the glory of
erecting the spiritual temple, but the humbler
honour of clearing away the rubbish which
obstructs its foundations being laid." Nay,
that they may get rid of the reproach of the
Society's ever having been subjected to failure
h Rev. Daniel Wilson's Anniversary Sermon. Eighth Re-
port, p. 27.; the making the proceedings responsible, as a
scape-goat to the men, displays a consideration and tenderness
so amiable, that criticism is disarmed of the shafts she might
otherwise have been inclined to cast at it.
* Simeon's Speech at Norwich, Appendix, No. 6.
* Seventh Report, pp. 26, 27. Query. Does the enigmatic
reporter symbolize all establishments under the term 'Rub-
bish?' See the Birmingham Commentary on the Apocalypse,
chap. xviii. pp. 1-5. compared with xvii. 5, 6, &c. Letter to
Lord Liverpool. p. 119.
129
in "the measures adopted by it to promote
Christianity amongst the Jews," one of its most
celebrated advocates puts an extinguisher upon
the former managers and their proceedings alto-
gether, and professes "not to understand how
an attempt can be said to have failed, when it
is only just now being made, and all proceedings
towards it are in an incipient state'.
But there was another financial measure to
which the Committee attached even more im-
portance than to the recovery of those who had
withdrawn themselves-that master stroke of
their policy, by which they hoped, without
losing any of the supplies from the Dissenters,
to bring Churchmen under contribution, and to
make large drafts from them in furtherance of
their designs. The ground had been broken
most auspiciously upon this topic at Free-
Masons-hall, as far as the Dissenters were con-
cerned; but that part of the argument which
¹ Rev. Daniel Wilson's Speech at Bristol. Ninth Report, p.
47. This is an argument completely special; to be care-
fully kept in disjunction from the General Report, made five
months preceding for there the representation is, that "the
fields are at the moment seen ripe and ready for harvest,"
and that the "crisis of the battle" is arrived, "when victory
seems almost its own." But this was a preferable view of the
Society's position, when the Committee were not exonerating
themselves from past neglects, but urging their constituents to
furnish supplies for "additional labourers" and "reinforce-
ments."-Eighth Report, p. 26.
K
130
had reference to Churchmen was scarcely touch-
ed, but left amongst those details which re-
quired address, to be urged in the way which
the Committee might deem most influential and
impressive and when it is stated that the ladies m
and the anniversary preacher" were the instru-
ments employed, it will be universally admit-
ted, that there could not have been made a
more judicious selection. Nor will the point
appear to have been over-rated in the stress
laid upon it, when a subsequent intimation from
the Irish Secretary is taken into the account,
that "the London Society, in the Episcopal cha-
racter of its constitution, is now looked upon by
many with respect and attention, who would
otherwise have regarded its operations with
Π
m"As Members of the Church of England they are unwill-
ing to believe that, in the withdrawment of those who are of
a different communion, their Society has ceased to be distin-
guished by that zeal which once characterized its operations.
Your Committee would venture to remind you, that the honour
of your
National Establishment is at stake." London Ladies
Auxiliary Second Report. Eighth Report, Appendix, p. 50.
On you my brethren of the Established Church, I would
humbly but importunately impress the point of present duty.
You have not taken this office on yourselves; you are called
to it it is delegated to you by the special appointment of Provi-
dence; a train of remarkable circumstances have (under the
divine controul) concurred in pointing out to you, the way
wherein you should walk." Way's Anniversary Sermon. Ninth
Report, p. 9.
J
131
disgust and jealousy °. At the same time, as
the Committee express themselves in their Re-
port of interesting events, "it is highly grati-
fying to observe" the whole policy in harmo-
nious operation" dissenting ministers and their
congregations" on the one hand, attending upon
the preaching of Episcopalians, and Episcopali-
ans on the other, making honourable mention
of the Christian spirit of Dissenters, though in
the latter case at the expense of truth, and to
be recompensed with public exposure for egre-
gious misrepresentation º.
૧
Letter of W. A. Evanson, to C. S. Hawtrey, Nov. 11th,
1821. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 480.
"In the afternoon (viz. of Sunday June 11th, 1815) Mr.
Basil Woodd pleaded the same cause (viz. of the London Society)
at Bradford; and in the evening at Trowbridge; the rector read
prayers on the occasion; and the dissenting ministers and
their congregations manifested their Christian candour and
good-will to the Institution, by atttending at the parish Church.
It is highly gratifying to observe that, notwithstanding the late
change, by which the Institution has become a Church of Eng-
land Society, our dissenting brethren still continue their con-
tributions, support, and patronage." Jewish Repository, Vol.
III. p. 319.
¶ "As soon as Mr. Ruell "In your account of the
had resumed his seat, the Rev. Leeds Ladies Auxiliary, &c.
Mr. Farmer, a respectable dis- there is a mistake which I feel
senting minister, rose, and in it necessary to correct: it is
that truly Christian spirit, which this, that I expressed my ap-
characterised the dissenting probation of the late arrange-
members of the Society during ment in the executive depart-
K 2
132
The success of this improved system of finance
(except among the ladies who became more and
more tributary under its operation) was by no
means adequate, either to the talent exerted in
devising, or to the zeal manifested in carrying
it into effect; for the Annual Subscriptions, the
Auxiliary Societies, the Penny Societies, and
the Congregational collections, progressively
declined. Still, however, an Auxiliary of great
promise was established at Bristol, under the
T
t
the late separation, addressed ment of the Society; when, in
the meeting in an eloquent fact, I expressed my regret, in
speech, expressing his appro- the most explicit language, un-
bation of the late arrange-der the apprehension that the
ments," &c. Leeds Ladies change might prove injurious
Auxiliary, 30th of Aug. 1815, to the Institution." Letter
Jewish Repository, Vol. III. signed W. Farmer, addressed
p. 439.
to Editor of Jewish Repository,
Vol. III. p. 473.
• but I freely
Letter from Rev.
"As I did not take notes of any of the speeches, I could
only give a concise and general account of that interesting day.
(Leeds Ladies Auxiliary.) In using the expression, late ar-
rangements,' it was not intended that you approved of the late
separation, absolutely speaking, but under the peculiar circum-
stances in which the Society was then placed.
acknowledge that I may have been mistaken."
David Ruell, to Editor of Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 475.'
"This Auxiliary Society (viz. Bristol) has likewise adopt-
ed measures for exciting the attention of the Jews residing
there, to the great truths of the Gospel; and the Committee
here have not been without encouragement in this important
work, though it would not be proper, at present, to communicate
to the public more particular information on this subject."-Eighth
Report, p. 11.
r
1
133
auspices of the Reverends Dr. Randolph, T.
Biddulph, M. Whish, and several other indivi-
duals of less consideration: and "in consequence
of two impressive Sermons, preached at Cam-
bridge by that warm and zealous friend of the
Society, Rev. W. Marsh, of Colchester, some
members of the University formed an Associa-
tion there"-" small in its beginnings," but
big with "" important benefits to the cause,'
being the erection of the Society's "standard
on the territories of that venerable seat of
learning :" and the pecuniary result of the whole
armory of expedients, during the period, consist-
ing but of two years, was 14,1771. 11s. 4d.
66
The financial history of the period being thus
completed, the administration of the Society's
affairs is the subject which next claims consi-
deration and here the reader must not expect
that enterprize which distinguished the former
parts of its career. The present Committee-
men, he is to recollect, entered upon their
office as reformers and economists; and there-
Ninth Report, p. 19. The removal of the "standard"
from this "venerable seat" to "the Theatre at Barnwell!!!" after
"two Sermons in Trinity Church!!!" the Presidency of" Francis
Pym, Esq." on the occasion, and the capital coupling of " Rev.
W. Jowett," and "Rev. B. N. Solomon," in one scene of the
Stage entertainment, are such a Salmagundi of circumstances,
as are of themselves sufficient to give celebrity to this famous
auxiliary, and ought to be preserved as the frontispiece of its
memorial to the latest posterity. Jewish Exp. Vol. VI. p. 200.
134
fore, as might be expected, retrenchment and
the removal of abuses were the order of the day.
The first sacrifice which they made to their
ruling principles was the basket manufactory——
that eminent instrument of conversion, canonized
by the expiring breath of the late managers, as
having been "the means of bringing to the
Society more than one Jew whose names, as they
trusted, are written in heaven.” It is, therefore,
with expressions of "regret," upon the alleged
ground of necessity, and in the mitigated term of
suspension, till a "fit successor" can be "found
for the dismissed master," that the Committee
announce the discontinuance of this establish-
ment; but it is quite evident, from the complete
clearance made, that they do not contemplate
finding the object of their search, or giving any
further instruction to his pupils *.
Their next judicial procedure was against the
Female Asylum, which they put down without
any compunctious visitations amongst them-
selves and "with the full concurrence of the
selves—and
ladies," whose desertion of their own sex on
this occasion, will only excite the reader's sym-
pathy in their mortification at the retrospect
of so large a measure of their tender sensibilities
having been totally thrown away; and at the
many stripes of conviction necessary to persuade
them that "watchful controul and patient indus-
Eighth Report, p. 28.
135
try are ill suited to the general habits of the
lower class of Jewish females in the metropolis;'
and that the continuance" of this branch of
the conversional apparatus "involved an ex-
pence quite disproportionate to any probable
benefit which could be expected from it"."
The next object of the Committee's inquisi-
tion, was the temporal aid branch-which would
have been more technically described by the
designation of the male asylum, as comfortable
quarters, together with food and clothing, were
included in the full complement of persuasives to
proselytism, which it embraced. It came into
court with many prejudices against it;
"ob-
jections having been urged, and doubts express-
ed in various quarters," all impeaching its "ten-
dency to advance the main object of the So-
ciety." The Committee's investigation of the
case was proportionably solemn-for they re-
port themselves to have devoted "three special
meetings" to their deliberations. It would not,
however, have been politic, with reference to
the funds, to have dismantled the Society too
hastily of those appendages, upon which the
"demand" for an encreasing income" was
founded; and therefore they pronounce a sen-
tence of a mixed character-justify the principle
"from the alleged example of our Lord and
his Apostles," and condemn "the mode of admi-
nistration;" which, therefore, they proceed to
(C
Ninth Report, p. 20.
136
1
clog with a variety of restrictions, acting upon
the proscribed expedient rather by the process of
gradual decay, than by instant annihilation; and
then they send it forth with this encomium, that
there are perhaps good reasons for viewing it
with great hope as a branch of growing import-
ance, that so the interest of the religious public
may not flag, nor consequently their contribu-
tions *.
The same policy prevailed when the fate of
the printing-office came under consideration. The
ostensibility of the Society would have been in-
conveniently diminished by the premature lopping
off of this prominent organ of its great designs:
the Committee's "hesitation," therefore, as to
its doom, resolved itself into the introduction of
improved principles" into the conduct of it,
by which it was brought into the satisfactory
state of being carried on without loss to the So-
ciety, and so left till the Committee's plans
were ripe for "further improvement "."
66
The Schools were neither depreciated nor ag-
grandized, and seem to have passed muster
with scarce any observation. They were a part
of the machinery which could not be dispensed
with, and obviously best adapted for domestic
use; inasmuch as whilst they gave a locality
and an imposing presence to the Society, their
operations were removed from public notice,
Ninth Report, p. 24.
Eighth Report, pp. 27, 28.
* Eighth Report, p. 28.
137
and their failures were insignificant, and not
easily detected. The schools, therefore, are to
be considered as occupying a neutral position
in the Committee's re-arrangements between the
superseded instruments, and those intended to
be advanced in honour and in power:
The first of the latter class was the Hebrew
Testament upon the mention of which, the
Committee raise the tone of their descriptive
diction to the highest elevation. They introduce
it to the notice of their constituents as an "ob-
ject transcendantly important," which "claims
the first place in their annual history," and as
the redeeming exploit of the " institution;"
which, if "permitted by the will of God, to
effect nothing more than the publication of it,
"would perhaps have accomplished one of the
greatest and most important works reserved for the
Church in these later ages"," or (as Mr. Simeon
expresses the same sentiment,) more for the
z "The concentration of our schools and chapel, is an object
every way desirable....when finished, the whole will present
a monument of national charity towards the Jewish people, wor-
thy of British Christians, and such as cannot fail to attract and
conciliate the attention of all who behold them." Jewish Expo-
sitor, Vol. IV. p. 77.
a
Eighth Report, p. 9, 10. The Committee's description of
the work is, “a correct version of the Christian Scriptures, in
the
pure Biblical Hebrew of the Old Testament." How far the
translation answers the description, the author has not had the
means of ascertaining. Its religious impartiality has been
138
Jews in the last seven years, than the whole
Christian world had done before in 1700 b."
And they express themselves as having "a
lively hope" derived from their "correspond-
ence," that the distribution of it will be "like
the ministry of John the Baptist " to their future
operations. Accordingly, though the progress
of it had dragged heavily on for the four pre-
ceding years, having only reached the close of
St. Mark's Gospel, they "signalize" their two
years' administration by advancing it from that
point to the end of the Epistle to Philemon;
and nearly treble the annual average of the ex-
penditure previously incurred.
t.
already noticed, Note . p. 46; and further satisfaction upon
this subject is afforded in the Report of the Extraordinary
Meeting, Feb. 28th, 1815, Appendix, No. 5. where a full ac-
count of the conduct of the translation is given. It is, how-
ever, remarked upon, by Mr. Goakman, on "the authority"
(as he states) of a complete Hebraist, that it will be found so
far from Biblical, that it will excite the greatest disgust in
every Jew who has the slightest knowledge of the language."
London Society Examined, p. 63. But since this period it has
undergone a critical review by a learned Jewish convert,"
(name not mentioned) who came over to this country from the
continent; and has been re-reviewed by some of the most
learned Jews in Germany."-Tenth Report, p. 26.
b Speech at Bristol. Jewish Expositor, Vol. II. p. 468.
c Ninth Report, p. 17.
The sum expended upon the Hebrew Testament, from
1812 to 1815 inclusive, was 10347. 15s.; and during the
::
139
66
To complete the abstract of the new Managers'
review of their conversional apparatus, one
implement only remains to be brought under
observation, viz. the Theological Seminary, of
which Rev. T. Fry, the gratuitous conforming
Secretary, was also gratuitous" Superin-
tendant, till the cotemporaneous dispensation
with his services in both capacities, of which as
far as respects the former, notice has been
already taken. The Committee's speculations
went the length of re-establishing this seminary
upon a magnificent scale, under the title of "A
College of truly learned and Christian Jews in the
Metropolis, the very existence of which (it was
anticipated) would excite and command the
attention of the Jews throughout the world, and
might (it was suggested) be the lifting up of that
standard of the cross, which we are assured by
the inspired Prophet, shall be the prelude to the
national restoration of Judah ". But, as "they
did not find the funds of the institution at present
adequate to that purpose," they lowered their
ideas to a more retired establishment, and, with
the best grace possible, closed with Mr. Way's
munificent proposal to provide it for them at
Stanstead, and to be at the whole charge of its
")
years 1816 and 1817, 14817. 9s. 1d. The completion of the
work 20301. 10s. 4d. more-for which an edition of 3500 was
printed.
e Ninth Report, p. 30.
140
C
support. There it was accordingly located, and
some respectable young men of the Jewish
nation, who had expressed a desire to be in-
structed in the principles of the Christian Faith,
were taken in as probationers;" to whom were
soon added "three youths"-Mr. Fry's former
pupils, as also another young man" from the
printing-office, desirous of becoming a Mis-
sionary." And, "a door not being at present
opened for Mr. Frey's ordination in the Es-
tablished Church, the Committee judged it
expedient to give him the destination" of Super-
intendant, and to place the four last named
special objects of the Society's hopes "under his
charge, where" they are reported to "have the
advantage of all the means of grace provided for
their brethrenf."
It would be unreasonable to expect results,
either numerous or splendid, in a period during
the whole of which the machinery was under-
going such reductions; the Committee how-
ever disdained to shelter themselves under this
consideration for," in appearing before their
constituents to present an account of their
proceedings," they usher in their details with
the gratuitous declaration that, though they
are not without many causes of discouragement,
the motives for cherishing sentiments of a more
f Eighth Report, p. 24.
141
pleasing nature, and especially for the exercise
of the deepest thankfulness and unbounded
trust towards God, greatly preponderate over those
of an opposite nature." And therefore it is to be
inferred, that the progress which they have to
report will at least exhibit some brilliant in-
stances of success, and establish some un-
questionable advances.
That the "causes of discouragement" shewn, in
the two Reports of the period, are not over-rated
by the Committee in being stated “many,"
is proved abundantly from the following parti-
culars.
It will be in the reader's recollection that, in
the deed of conveyance which transferred the
Society from the Dissenters to Churchmen, all
its "adult converts," estimated at "upwards of
fifty"," were included; and that the new mana-
gers, without any consultation with the parties
as to their religious preferences, closed the
doors of the conventicle upon them, informing
them, by public notice, that the Episcopal
Chapel was to be henceforth the place in which
they were to perform their devotions. To this the
Committee never allowed themselves to doubt
the most implicit submission, insomuch that
they made a public call upon their members
Eighth Report, p. 9.
Jewish Repository, Vol. III. p. 274.
I
J7
142
to be "thankful that they had lived to see the
day when Jews and Gentiles were found glorify-
ing God and our Saviour with one mind and one
mouth, within the walls of the same sanctuary,"
and proceeded to make a selection of Psalms and
Hymns appropriate to a congregation so com-
posed." Nay, they went the length of publish-
ing, without reserve, their "confident hopes" that
the existence of so large a number of converted
Jews, collected in one congregation under the
patronage of the Established Church, could not
fail powerfully to attract, and ultimately to
command the attention of the Jewish nation k ""
They were obliged, however, very soon to repeat
a former admission of the partial failure of this
latter expectation', but their total discomfiture—
that the fifty converts™ were absentees as well as
i Eighth Report, p. 21.
* Seventh Report, p. 13.
1 Eighth Report, p. 22.
m This exercise of religious liberty, on the part of the So-
ciety's converts, only appears in the proceedings of the BENI
ABRAHAM, (that interesting association formed amongst them-
selves, of which an account has been already given,) at their
Anniversary in the November, following their being thus as-
signed over from the Dissenting Meeting House to the Epis-
copal Chapel. Their "Rules and Regulations," as orginally
framed, (See Appendix, No. 3.) made regular attendance at the
Conventicle in Spital Fields imperative upon every member,
“whenever divine worship was performed;" "admonition" for
the first offence, and expulsion afterwards, being the penalties
1
143
the unconverted-is much more covertly disclosed,
whilst it is from the converts themselves that the
only account transpires of the proscription which
ensued, and of their being all cashiered for this
free exercise of their religious liberty". Thus
of absence. A part of the business of the Anniversary was
the revision of this code of laws, so as to adapt it to the
new religious modification of the London Society. The course
taken by the associated converts was to abrogate Rules five
and six, which determined the place, and prescribed constancy
in frequenting it, and to substitute for them a new Rule,
which left both optional, only enjoining "every member to
state, if required, at what place of worship he or she has at
any time attended." For this relaxation in their terms of Com-
munion, the convert Committee allege "the broad basis of
Christianity," their altered views of which make them “think
that they would be exacting more of their members than what
is really their duty," were they to go further than "most
cordially to recommend their attendance at the Episcopal Jews
Chapel;" and, having done so, to "leave every one to his own
conscience," to determine where he shall go. If the reader
has any wish to see an unrivalled specimen of religious grima-
cery, the London Society's Gazette account of the proceedings
of this memorable day is commended to him. Mr. Frey pre-
sides-" singing and prayer, and a suitable address from the
Chairman, on the command given to Moses by the great cap-
tain of Israel, introduces the business, which consists chiefly
of reading spiritual epistles from the students at Stanstead, the
most etherial of which is from the pen of Mr. Josephson, of
whom the catastrophe will be found, Note . p. 88." Jewish
Repository, Vol. III. pp. 500–512.
S
n WORTHY OF CHRISTIAN NOTICE!
United Brothers of the Seed of Abraham.
In consequence of the late change which has taken place in
the LONDON SOCIETY, we, who have been under their patronage
144
was the Society stripped at once of the larger
portion of its hereditary honours, in the purchase
and preservation of which such sums had been
expended; but this is but the beginning of the
discouraging series.
The next subject of the Committee's grief, is
that the "one adult Jew," whose Baptism they
had sanctioned in the first year of their administra-
tion, had, “since his Baptism, in various respects
manifested himself to have been unworthy of parti-
cipating of that Ordinance:" they are however in
some measure consoled under this first failure of
their own conversional excursions by the complete
demonstration which they produce of "no undue
precipitancy" on their part, viz. the "appearances
of seriousness manifested" by their Catechumen,
"which seemed to indicate the commencement of
the work of spiritual regeneration."
The next tale of woe, which lengthens out
the Committee's lamentations, respects the last
for some time, being discharged from their employ, and left
without their assistance, have formed a Society at
No. 9, Red Cow Lane, Mile End Road,
Where we meet twice on the Lord's Day, (Morning half-past
Ten, and Evening at Seven o'Clock) for prayer and exhortation,
and reading the Holy Scriptures; and on Tuesday Evening, at
Seven o'clock, for prayer and supplication to Almighty God;
trusting, with the help of God, our Christian friends will come
forward to aid and assist.
** A more official Account will be laid before the Public in our
next Report.
"Eighth Report, p. 23.
145
66
"three" of " the four promising youths," "who had
for some years been studying with a view to the
ministry, at the expence of the Society," amount-
ing to upwards of 700/. "one of whom, of his own
accord, had quitted the Institution "-" another
had voluntarily acknowledged that he had no de-
sire to be a Missionary"-and "the third was in
a state of health so enfeebled, as to render it im-
possible that he should be employed in a minis-
terial capacity, except " in a tropical climate P."
66
But the most desperate of all discourage-
ments is yet behind. The Committee are evidently
at their wits end in what manner to cover the
shame which it reflects upon them, and at the
same time to preserve their integrity as reporters.
They "must now (they say) advert to a cir-
cumstance of a very painful nature;" and then
they proceed to state that, "shortly after the
last Anniversary meeting, reports were circu-
lated of very improper conduct in a person who
till then had acted a prominent part in the Insti-
tution;" that," on an investigation of the foun-
dation of these rumours, facts were disclosed,
and afterwards confessed by the individual re-
ferred to, which rendered it the duty of the
Committee to inform him that his connection
with the Society must cease;" and that "he
has since left this country, and is gone to Ame-
P Ninth Report, p. 22.
L
146
rica." It is in this very guarded manner that
the Committee make the disclosure, keeping
the culprit and his delinquency wholly out of
sight, and only further satisfying their con-
stituents that their own trust-worthiness as the
Society's cashiers, is not implicated in the of-
fence, by an appended note, which assures them
that "the improper conduct alluded to was not
of a fraudulent nature "."
There is, it must be admitted, much worldly-
wisdom in the Committee's forbearance and
delicacy of detail on this occasion; for the
plain English, smothered in the Committee's cir-
cumlocution, is, that no less a personage than
the REV. JOSEPH SAMUEL CHRISTIAN FREDE-
RIC FREY is the delinquent, and his crime adul-
tery, not committed once only, but voraciously
pursued and persisted in in the face of detection,
from the first commencement of his hypocritical
career, to the very moment that the " 'facts"
were so fixed upon him, that there was no way
to escape, and he was goaded into a confession".
9 Ninth Report, p. 22.
The case, so covertly adverted to in the above extract, is
thus more plainly stated by Mr. Sailman. A forgery having
been discovered upon Mr. Way's banker, to the amount of
600l. and time, circumstances, and appearances, all combining
to fix suspicion upon Mr. Josephson, a celebrated character,
familiarized to the reader, "Mr. Frey, in the month of June
1816, accompanied by several gentlemen and a police officer,
made a diligent search in his lodgings. On passing through
147
But, how could the Committee state this openly
to the world? He had been characterized by
Mr. Dealtry as the Society's "first and principal
organ." He had been publicly elevated to a
sort of singularity of pre-eminence above the
the apartment where Mrs. Josephson was sitting, seeing Mr.
Frey among the party, she warmly exclaimed that she was not
surprized at seeing Mr. Frey willing to impeach Mr. Joseph-
son—for the man that has seduced the wife, will also betray the
husband. No notice was then taken of those words by the gen-
tlemen present, supposing it to proceed from the impulse of the
moment; but, as Mr. Frey's countenance evinced that all was
not right, one of the gentlemen took an opportunity of calling
alone on Mrs. Josephson, and the statement of the guilt seem-
ed to carry such conviction along with it, that the same gentle-
man lost no time in convening a general meeting to investigate
the important charge. When the strongly suspected report of
his being found in a house of ill fame at Ipswich, together with
similar reports from his servant maids and others-He, like
other criminals whose cases are of too glaring a nature to ad-
mit a doubt, pleaded GUILTY!! The result of which was,
lest the disgraceful occurrence should injure the reputation of
the London Society, perhaps for ever, that he was, in as quiet a
way as possible (for no expositor, no friend to Israel noticed the
event,) sent out, at the expence of the London Society, to New
York, America." Sailman's Mystery Unfolded, pp. 49, 50.
Mr. Goakman, speaking of Mr. Frey's exit, says of this
arch-impostor, that "it is not likely he can carry on the hoax
so successfully in America as he has done in England." Had
the London Society done their duty, such a repetition of suc-
cessful knavery would have been prevented; but the fact is
unhappily otherwise than Mr. Goakman anticipated-he has
carried on the hoax-and he has succeeded-and the London
Society are little less than accomplices to all that has ensued.
L 2
148
Christian priesthood, and inferior only to the Epis-
copal Order in that almost unique cavalcade on
the laying of the Bethnal Green foundation.
When the new managers had negociated the
transfer of the government to themselves, and
his retirement was a thing of course on the
strong ground of religious disqualification, prin-
ciple had been gratuitously compromised to re-
tain him in official connection; and the measure
had not been suffered to pass sub silentio, but
had been publicly justified, by actually represent-
ing him as identified with the Institution, and by
a blasphemous allusion to one of the most solemn
passages in Scripture, in which he was paral-
leled with Moses, and represented in close com-
munion with God. And then, to sum up all, the
most indecent importunity had been used to
procure his ordination; and "promising youths,"
intended for Missionaries, had been placed under
his care, to be trained to that holy function.
The Committee, therefore, could not be more
explicit they could not invoke such an ex-
plosion of public indignation and obloquy upon
themselves-but, to do them justice, their pa-
raphrastical designation of him, as
"a person
His own account of his rupture with the Society and of his
sudden emigration was, that he fled from Ordination, which the
Committee insisted upon his receiving. This was studiously
circulated here, and would of course recommend him to his
American connections.
149
who had acted a part," is most critically descrip-
tive, for never was there so consummate a reli-
gious mountebank palmed upon the world.
"The motives for cherishing sentiments of a
pleasing nature" in the face of these "causes of
discouragement," which, according to the Com-
mittee's estimate, shall "greatly preponderate
over them," must be weighty indeed. They are
soon told, and as speedily valued; and the Com-
mittee's accuracy, together with their estimate
of the understanding of their constituents, will be
demonstrated by the same assay that deter-
mines the question which they have raised.
""
The first source of the Committee's "satis-
faction" is, that "three Swedish Jews have
lately been baptized in this country, some of
whom may, it is hoped, be hereafter qualified to
bear the glad tidings of salvation to their bre-
thren, and expound to them the oracles of God.”
The next 66
pleasing evidence" which they
record," is one manifested by the "children;"
who, "on receiving a brief account of the
Church Missionary Society," given by one of
the appointed visitors of the school, became so
deeply interested in the cause of the heathen,
as to request permission to appropriate all the
money of which they were in possession to that
end. The " impression" and "the subscrip-
Eighth Report, p. 11.
150
tion" then made, being neither of them "tran-
sient," but the commencement of a series of
"sympathies" and "small collections, which
have continued to impart unabated pleasure
to the contributors," and to promote "the
knowledge of that Saviour, whom so lately they
were taught to blaspheme '."
The third is from the same interesting esta-
blishment, and relates to " one of two children
dedicated to the Lord in baptism, of whom
there is reported reason to hope that the outward
and visible sign has not been unaccompanied by
the inward and visible grace'
” է,
The fourth is the baptism of three adult Jews
under most auspicious circumstances; and the
t
Ibid. p. 19.
Eighth Report, p. 18.
* Ninth Report, p. 24. The prominent particulars of the
above adult converts are as follows. The first and the last-
the one a female and the other a male are of this country-the
second is a young Silesian. The female having "been brought
up amongst Christians, had been many years convinced," but
had arrived at the age of sixty-two without a desire for Baptism,
to which she was then "awakened;" and, having heard of the
Episcopal Chapel set apart for inquiring Israelites, made appli-
cation to the officiating minister, who, quite satisfied of her sin-
cerity, gladly baptized her. The male had lived for many years
without God in the world-was induced to attend a Christian
place of worship-was brought to see the sin and danger, &c.-
was led to inquire-soon became convinced-earnestly desired
to be baptized-made his desire known to Mr. Hawtrey, who,
after much conversation, being well persuaded of the purity of
151
66
last the stedfast" continuance of "the two
Rabbies who addressed the meeting at the pre-
ceding Anniversary in their Christian profession
--their diligently pursuing their studies, with a
view to their becoming Missionaries-and the
occurrence of nothing, on the closest inspection
of their conduct, to throw a doubt on the sin-
cerity of their profession, or the spirituality of
their characters "."
his motives, and the reality of his conversion, baptized him.
The young Silesian was converted to the faith in his own
country by reading the psalms-unbosomed himself to Mr.
Von Meyer, a Moravian, at Frankfort, very useful to the Lon-
don Society, who, through Dr. Steinkoff, communicated his
case to the Committee, together with a plan which he had di-
gested for the promotion of the spiritual welfare of the Jewish
nation. An invitation to this country followed-and his public
baptism quickly ensued; the Committee being persuaded that
he was a sincere convert, and animated by a most anxious
solicitude to promote the salvation of the house of Israel.
It would have added much more to the interest of these very
satisfactory statements, if the names of the parties had been
given; but there is a remarkable reserve in this particular in
all the Committee's communications, which it is impossible to
read without a suspicion being raised in the mind, that the
Bishop was kept altogether in ignorance of the intended Bap-
tisms, in direct contradiction to the Rubric.
Ninth Report, p. 23. The names of these two Rabbies, the
one from Germany, and the other from Poland, as is stated in
the Missionary Register for May 1816, are Mr. George Frei-
denburg, and Mr. Benjamin Nehemiah Solomon. The former
of these trophies of the London Society's conversional prowess,
may be left for the present pursuing his studies, without further
152
This is positively the sum total of conjectures,
indications, and events, which the Committee
produce as cancels to the fore mentioned
causes of discouragement," and which they
have the confidence to set forth as "motives"
greatly preponderating over those of an opposite
nature, in the hope that their constituents will
take all for truth, without inquiry, and go on as
heretofore" exercising unbounded trust towards
God" (i. e.) towards them His divinely ap-
pointed almoners, and therefore suffering their
money to flow from them into the Society's
coffers, in unabated profusion.
The period however closes with confessions
much better accordant with the real state of
notice; but the latter immediately becomes conspicuous, and
indeed most opportunely, to fill up the hiatus valdè deflendus
created by Mr. Frey's hasty exit. He is introduced by the
Committee to public notice, as having come to this country in
search of divine truth; and, together with himself, is presented
his "free and ingenuous confession of the great things which
the Lord has done for his soul;" which is a theological pro-
duction far too valuable to be lost, and will therefore be found
in the Appendix, No. 7. Like many other dissertations in that
faculty it has been controverted, and in the first place Mr.
Solomon's Rabbinical character is said to be an assumed one; as
also the motive assigned by him for coming to this country,
which was not to search for divine truth, but to escape from his
father-in-law, whose money, to the amount of 200 ducats, he
had lost at cards. But the confession, and Mr. Sailman's
Commentary, will appear to most advantage together, and
therefore both documents will be found in the No. of the Ap-
pendix above referred to.
153
things; for the anniversary preacher, who may
be considered as delivering the Epilogue to this
fourth of the Society's dramatical enactments,
employing "Jobs" figurative language on the
occasion, and applying it to “the fruit of the
"admits"
Society's husbandry," most candidly
in the name of the whole body, that "thistles have
grown instead of wheat, and noisome weeds instead
of barley-that they had been smitten with
blasting and mildew, in the labours of their hands-
that, when their gardens and their vineyards
increased, the palmer worm had devoured them,
and the locust and the caterpillar had eaten them
up-that they had gathered untimely fruit, and
that their teeth had been set on edge by
sour grapes"-and he goes the length of intima-
ting, in simpler language, his own fears that their
offerings had been unclean in the sight of the
Lord."
66
But then, he seems to check himself in the
midst of his concessions, and immediately
calls off his auditory from these chilling contem-
plations, to the "abundant cause they yet have
to rejoice in the Lord, and to joy in the God of
their salvation;" and, when he comes to his
finale, (the plates probably at this moment be-
ginning to be vocal) he breaks out into a repro-
bation of "the complaint gone out against the
Managers, that sums had been expended, and
souls not converted," as savouring "rather of the
carnal expectation of Simon, than of the fervent
154
faith of Paul;" and throws out for immediate
improvement the redeeming suggestion, that
"the Christian casts his bread upon the waters, and
leaves it to the providence of Him whose path is in
the deep;" and that the "spiritual husbandman,"
(regardless of the "thistles" and "noisome weeds,
the blasting and mildew, the palmer worm, locust and
caterpillar, and his teeth as set on edge by sour
grapes") "sows his seed in the morning, and
withholds not his hand at even, in dependance
on the sovereign blessing of the Lord of the
harvest "."
This latter view of the subject, more in har-
mony with Mr. Simeon's long-sighted fears for
"the credit of all other institutions," than would
have been the candid acknowledgment of another
total failure of this ill-conducted experiment, is
therefore re-produced, and made the most of at
the general meeting which ensues; and, as the
curtain drops, the audience are put in requisition
for further performances, by a resolution una-
nimously assented to on the motion and second-
ing of Mr. Marsh and Mr. Simeon, "that the
circumstances which have occurred to retard the
progress of the cause in which the Society is
engaged, afford no ground of discouragement
with respect to its future prospects and opera-
tions a "
Z
Way's Sermon. Ninth Report, pp. 8, 9. 12.
2 Ibid. p. v.
CHAPTER V.
THE CONSUMMATION OF THE LONDON SOCIETY,
WHEN THE BRITISH JEWS WERE DISCARDED,
AND THE FOREIGN DISPERSIONS OF THAT
PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSE ADOPT-
ED AS THE GRAND OBJECT OF ITS EXER-
TIONS.
SECTION I.
Motives-Encouragements-and preliminary Measures.
MR. Dealtry closed his maiden speech, as a
Member of the London Society, with laying
down the truism, that he and his brother associ-
ates, having taken upon themselves to be the
instruments of effecting" the conversion of the
Jews, "must begin somewhere; and then found
ing upon it this significant question, "Where so
well as at home? Never was a question put
III.
Speech at Anniversary, 1815. Jewish Repository, Vol.
P
237.
156
carrying clearer conviction along with it to
every unsophisticated understanding: for, with-
out entering at present into the details of the
comparison between British and Foreign Jews,
it may be safely affirmed that the condition of
that people here is more ameliorated than else-
where; and that, imperceptibly wrought upon
by our purer profession of Christianity, and bet-
ter morals, they are here less darkened and
demoralized than in other countries, and there-
"From Smolensko to Zytomir, and so on, the Catholic,
the Greek, and the Lutheran Churches are to be found within
a stone's throw of each other; and as far as I have been ena-
bled to collect the sentiments of their respective members and
ministers, they live together rather like the philosophical sects
at Athens than like bodies or communities of Christendom,
and indifference prevails perhaps as much as toleration." Ex-
tracts from Mr. Way's Letters from Poland, 1818. Jewish
Expositor, Vol. III. p. 278.
"There is a great difference in Germany as to party and
opinion-there are a few staunch Lutherans who hold Con-
substantiation—and a few Calvinists who hold Predestination,
and will hold it. But the mass of the Clergy (as the spiritual
part allow) are Deists, Socinians, or any thing but Evangelical
Christians, and the thinking part of the community are strongly
infected still with the infidelity of Voltaire-and the philosophy
of Kant, Wolfe, and others of the German school. To this has
been introduced the new System of Magnetism, which rages at
Berlin, and is, it seems, to spread its influence over morals and
religion." Mr. Way's Letters. Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p.
155.
c“ Dr. Pinkerton said that he had
of the Jews in the continental nations.
seen the existing state
Their religious degra-
157
fore both better disposed to listen to our teach-
ing, and in a better state of mind to be taught.
But the London Society had only reached its
third Anniversary, when its managers discover-
ed a strong hankering after the foreign disper-
sions of God's ancient people, as a preferable
field for their conversional experiment; on the
ground that its prosecution at home, "which,
they say, peculiarly distinguishes their under-
taking from others of the same nature, exposes
them to many objections, from which those who
are engaged in missions to the Heathen, are in a
great measure exempt."
66
The reader will scarcely credit it, but this is
without addition or subtraction the Committee's
own allegation-nay, they do not stop here,
but proceed to explain themselves in these fur-
ther particulars: Missions to the Heathen are
conducted, not under the eye of a discerning Chris-
tian community, but at a distance from immediate
inspection. The Missionaries abroad have oppor-
tunities and leisure for selecting and arranging
the information to be communicated to the So-
ciety at home by whom they are employed;
and the Directors of these institutions are enabled
dation was perhaps greater than it had been even at the time of
the persecution of our Saviour, when the Apostles pitied them.
Their hand was raised against every man, and every man's
hand was raised against them, this was the case every where
but in England." Anniversary Meeting, May 14th, 1823,
Philanthropic Gazette.
1
158
again to select what part of that information they
deem most fit for the public eye. Your Commit-
tee are placed in very different circumstances.
Every step they take is exposed to the eyes of enemies
as well as friends".
"
For this very cogent reasoning, in support of
foreign exertions amongst the Jews, the reader
must have been wholly unprepared; and it really
is so self-condemning, as well as such a betray-
ing of the arcana of "kindred societies," as no
necessity, however pressing, can explain; and
it must therefore be referred either to the Com-
mittee's contempt of the understandings of their
constituents, or to their own infatuation.
They seem however to know thoroughly to
what lengths they may proceed; for having thus
<<
• Third Report, pp. 1, 2. The above cogent argument for
the transfer of the Society's labours, is placed in a new point
of view in the following passage. Experience has often
corroborated the testimony of Scripture, that individuals who
are in earnest in their endeavours to promote the salvation of
others, are generally unsuccessful within the sphere of their
immediate connexions; and associations of men, for a similar
purpose, share a similar fate. The best designs are tarnished
by the infirmities of those who are engaged in carrying them
into exccution; and there will always be those at hand, who
are ready to use incidental circumstances against the operation
of a principle abstractedly just and true. But distance alters
the case; a fairer estimate is made-the favourable side of
the question is presented to view, and transient impression is
often more productive in its influence, than the result of near
and deliberate investigation." L. Way's Letter to the Bishop of
St. David's, p. 16.
159
undisguisedly explained their continental predi-
lections, they began immediately feeling their
way, and forming alliances, and making all the
other preliminary movements for carrying the
measure into effect.
Their first addresses are to "Mr. Ebenezer
Henderson, whose services they engage, on
his return as a Missionary to Gottenburg "," in
the extensive distribution of Hebrew and Ger-
man tracts. They next open a correspond-
ence with a Mr. Nitschke, a Moravian Minister
at Niesky, in Upper Lusatia, and send him
upon a tour of his own planning through part
of Poland, at the expence of 100l. to exa-
mine and report the state of the Jews there '; and
they put in requisition Dr. Schwabe's services
during his summer excursion through parts of
Holland, Germany, Saxony and Prussia, charg-
ing him with the circulation of "a quantity of the
Gospel of St. Matthew in Hebrew; of Mr. Frey's
edition of the Prophets, and of the Callenberg
Tractsh.
g
The results of these continental prolusions,
• Fourth Report, pp. 18. 52.
Fifth Report, p. 16.
Sixth Report, p. 15. The cotemporaneous reports of
kindred societies frequently illustrate each other. It is to the
Bible Society Report for 1815, that the author is indebted for
Dr. Schwabe's name. In the place referred to above, his offi-
cial designation is only given" a respectable member of your
Committee."
h
The Callenberg tracts take their name from an institution
160
were
precisely those which the reader will
anticipate.
Mr. Henderson distributed the
tracts consigned to him, and could not learn of
any good effected'." Mr. Nitschke journeyed
for six weeks, a distance of 830 miles, to as little
purpose *; and Dr. Schwabe, though he sent in-
teresting letters, which gave the Committee rea-
son to hope that his journey would be useful,
yet as far as appears, failed to realise in the
formed by a German Doctor of that name, in 1727; the pur-
pose of which was to propagate vital Christianity among Jews
and Mahometans.
"The German tracts I have embraced every opportunity
of circulating amongst the Jews of this place: I have not how-
ever learned that any good has been effected by means of them,
although I have had the satisfaction to know that they have
been read." Letter from E. Henderson to Mr. Frey. Fourth
Report, p. 52.
K 66
My journey was not attended with great visible striking
effects; indeed the intention of it was properly to examine
the state of the Jews." The discoveries communicated are, that
at this time a great fermentation exists amongst the Jews in
Germany; which, to Mr. Nitschke, "appears as if new life
had entered into the olive tree, which was supposed completely
dead, causing it to thrive again; or, as though the dry bones
began to be shaken with the breath of life...that they shake off
the yoke of their traditions in numerous instances; but that
most of these embrace deism or scepticism, or manifest a total
indifference to all religion;" that "many desire an improvement
in their condition; though by this the majority mean temporal
prosperity only, because their hearts are still carnal, and not
spiritually minded." Mr. Nitschke to Mr. Ramftler. Jewish
Repository, Vol. III. pp. 116, 117.
161
least degree, his encouraging anticipation'. One
point however was gained, and it is the only
one recorded, that "numerous applications were
made to the Committee by foreign Jews, to be
taken under the patronage of the London Society."
This was the state of things with reference to
the Committee's foreign projects, when the
impending ruin of the whole concern, or rather
as Mr. Simeon expresses it, an apprehension of
the "discredit" which so dire a catastrophe
would bring
66 on ALL SIMILAR INSTITUTIONS,
produced the treaty, best known by Mr. Si-
meon's technical description of it-" The Long
Boat" and Pumps,"-by which the Society
was surrendered to the Church Managers, under
covenant of “ very extraordinary exertions" on
their part to keep it afloat.
Past experience had thoroughly convinced
these discerning and indefatigable men, that
paddling about in a little pond at home¹” (to
adopt imagery imputed to Mr. Cunningham)
was the great mistake of their predecessors, to
which their several near approaches to founder-
'Sixth Report, p. 15. The absence of any report from Dr.
Schwabe, of his success as Jewish agent, after holding out such
an encouraging prospect, is the more remarkable, as in his ca-
pacity of Bible Society Agent, he has very minutely detailed
his proceedings. Bible Society Eleventh Report, p. 79.
m Seventh Report, p. 15.
" Speech at Suffolk Bible Society Auxiliary, Oct. 20, 1812.
M
162
ing were wholly to be attributed. The "na-
vigating the waters of the great Ocean"" was
therefore, they knew, their only ground of hope
of better success; and though the experiments
upon a small scale already made were not very
promising, yet a confidence in their own energies
derived from what they had themselves accom-
plished beyond all reasonable calculation in
other Societies, determined them to attempt the
enterprise; and, whilst they were engaged in
closing the several channels of home-expendi-
ture, the employment which occupied them
during the last period of the history, the design
was gradually opened, and, respect being had
to the mental temperament of their constituents,
the most influential considerations were sug-
gested for forcing forward the tide of their pro-
selyting zeal into the most distant regions.
Facts were collected from Bible Society Re-
ports and other sources, of" Jews of London,
of Frankfort, of Poland, of the Crimea, and of
the northern part of Africa," some "subscribing
for Bibles "," others obtaining copies of the two
first Gospels in Hebrew, and reading them;
others publishing the Old Testament in German,
with explanatory
notes'; others "scat-
99
• Speech at Suffolk. Bible Society Auxiliary, Oct. 20, 1812.
P Ninth Report, p. 26.
q Ibid. p. 28.
Y
Eighth Report, p. 33.
163
t
tered here and there, believing in the Messiah-
ship of our Lord, but deterred by the fear of
man from making an open profession "," and
others again "becoming Christian Missionaries :""
and from these facts it was argued, that though,
"whilst contemplated in an insulated form,"
they would not warrant "any general conclu-
sion," yet,
"concentrated in a common focus,"
they did exhibit such a "combination of favour-
able events"-such "a movement taking place in
the Jewish mind at one and the same time in
different parts of the world"-as "strengthened
the presumption that an important æra in the
history of that people was near at hand," and
"surely ought to animate the Society to per-
severe with renewed zeal and redoubled energy
in behalf of the House of Israel "."
This foundation being laid, occasion was taken
to cast disparaging reflections upon the past
"operations of the Society," all of which," with
the exception of the Hebrew translation of the
New Testament, were represented as
"of too
limited a nature," producing little effect upon
the general body of the Jews even in this coun-
try, who were but a handful compared with the
s Ibid. p. 32
u
Ninth Report, p. 29.
" Eighth Report, p. 32. Ninth Report, p. 26, 28, 29.
M 2
164
great body of the nation *."
" It
" Its
The result of all
this evidence and argumentation followed.
is the decided opinion of your Committee, that
if this Society is to be the instrument of any ex-
tensive good to the House of Israel, the great
field of its operations must be abroad."
efforts ought to be at once directed to the East,
the West, the North, and the South, wherever
there is a Jew in a state of unbelief and spiritual
darkness"." All this was enforced, for two years
successively, by specific details of the number
of Jews in the different nations of the world,
whose "spiritual necessities" were all said to
appeal in the loudest and most urgent manner
to British benevolence ;" and, lest any misgivings
as to the "funds necessary for these undertak-
ings," should keep in check the spiritual Quixot-
66
* Ninth Report, p. 29.
Z
y Ibid.
Eighth Report, p. 30.
• Ibid. To what lengths the Committee's confidence carried
them, cannot be better exemplified than in the following plea.
"Let us not forget that the great Apostle of the Gentiles went
forth taking nothing of the Gentiles to preach to them the un-
searchable riches of Christ. Were the glorified spirit of that
great Apostle, from amidst the innumerable assembly of the
Church of the first born, now to address this Meeting in an au-
dible voice, may we not conceive that he would say to British
Christians, Repay ye now to my Brethren according to the
flesh the vast expenditure of my invaluable mission to
the Gentitles with the whole accumulated interest of Eighteen
Centuries." Ibid. p. 31.
165
ism which the Committee were endeavouring
to generate, "the Bible and Church Missionary
Societies," were brought under observation; and
the question was raised "from what source the
one obtained its 90,000l. and the other drew an
annual supply of 20,000l.? To which it was
answered, "These Societies have aimed at great
things, and undertaken great things, and the
liberality of the Christian public has been in
proportion, to the magnitude and the wisdom of
their plans. If we also would achieve great
things, we must aim at great things; and, if we
attempt them with humility, and wisdom, and
prudence, and faith, He, who hath said the silver
and the gold are mine, will not suffer our un-
dertaking to be starved".
b ,
Thus did the Committee develope their new
plan of operations. The Bible and Missionary
Societies were adopted as their models, and they
declared it to be their purpose, in emulation of
the policy which had so aggrandized those in-
stitutions, "to be as sparing as possible in their ex-
pences at home," but to open a campaign of
proselytism in foreign parts, upon a scale of
the greatest "magnitude" that hyperbole could
set forth, for the avowed purpose of putting
"Christian liberality" upon additional tenters,
and stretching it, for the gratification of their
Ninth Report, p. 31.
с
Eighth Report, p. 30.
166
self-seeking conceits, to the very utmost that its
staple would endure.
Their continental allies, who saw new subsi-
dies preparing for them, came forward with ad-
mirable promptitude in the offer of their services.
"Rev. Mr. Nietz of Lindenburg, another of the
Moravian brethren, warmly recommended the es-
tablishment of a seminary for Jewish children;
and, having distributed some "books and tracts"
sent to him, pleaded his poverty for inclosing
"a bill of expences." Mr. Nitschke pointed out
""
a Ninth Report, pp. 29. 40. Mr. Nietz's plan is dismissed
rather uncourteously by the Committee. They seem to intro-
duce it into the Report only for the purpose of passing upon it
the disparaging reflection which immediately follows, that they
have a "louder call for the employment of their funds, more
conducive to the great end in view." This is a Rowland for
Mr. Nietz's Oliver; for he had in his letter said of adult Jew
conversion, their favourite scheme, that it "would be a waste
both of time and money" to write about it, "while there is no
divine intimation, and while no symptons are apparent, that
the breath of the Lord began to shake the dry bones of our
Jewish brethren." And he had made this testimony pro-
vokingly strong, by declaring it to be in decided opposition to
"the impulse of his heart”—a heart, as he describes it, natu-
rally addicted to very strong impulses-so strong, as to be
• apt to interfere with the divine government in his soul;" but
which, in the present instance, was inclined " to act with cau-
tion,” from “the experience which he had made for six years,
in the establishment of Bible and Tract Societies." This was
telling tales with a vengeance; and Mr. Nietz may think him-
167
66
Germany" as the quarter in which "a sphere
of activity for the London Society appeared to
open," and volunteered to "
suggest candidly,
should the Society desire it, some hints as to
the formation of a plan for the purpose." Mr.
Willert of Sarepta, a Moravian also, stated the
result of his observation to be, that " the Polish
Jews were more susceptible of truth than those
of Germany;" and he endeavoured to draw the
Committee's attention to "an honest Israelite"
in Volhynia, called, who would, he be-
lieved, gladly distribute Christian pamphlets
among his countrymen; and who, from the
self very well off that he escaped with the mere putting his
project upon the shelf, when he had revealed such secrets.
• Eighth Report, p. 35.
f It is remarkable how many personages, said to be “called
" the Reports of the London Society introduce to their
reader's acquaintance; and it is indeed very tantalising, when
a lively interest has been excited in behalf of an individual,
by the auspicious traits of character which have been exhibit-
ed, to find him masked as Mr. Anybody, without a specific de-
signation. There is a reason for this in the cases of the young
Pole and the Hungarian, in the fourth Report, and of the
adult Jew in the eighth, who so lamentably disappointed the
presages of the Committee; but in that of the "native of
Germany, in the seventh, who, after one relapse, was believed
a true convert, and baptized accordingly; and particularly
in that of the young Silesian in the ninth, from whose presence
in this country such advantages were anticipated, and of
whom such hopes were entertained: and now again in that of
the "honest Volhynian Israelite," the strict incognito imposed
is quite beyond explanation.
1
packed
168
"commerce" carried on in his "neighbourhood
with Moldavia and Turkey, might, in Mr. W.'s
humble opinion, be of essential service ".
This contrariety of opinion was, it must be
admitted, rather perplexing; and strongly sug-
gested the expediency of a deputation being
sent out by the Committee to reconnoitre, be-
fore, either the field on which the Society should
open the campaign, or the plan on which it
should be conducted, should be definitively ar-
ranged.
The Rev. Lewis Way testified his devotion
to the cause by tendering his services for
this purpose, and greatly enhanced the value
of them by charging himself with the whole
expence ¹. Wherever his name is mention-
ed in this history, the author must repeat,
that he begs to be understood as speaking with
the most profound respect, and especially on
such an occasion as the present, where so many
traits of a character eminently Christian are
exhibited. Mr. W. declared, (and the sincerity
of the declaration is most manifest) that "the
cause was nearest his heart;" that "to supply
the urgent deficiency of it-to relieve the only
appointed labourer in it, then sinking under its
pressure to stand in the gap that none seemed
Eighth Report, p. 32.
"Tenth Report, p. 29.
169
willing to occupy-he entered on the duties of
a deacon;" and that the probationary time ap-
pointed for entering on the priesthood was
scarcely elapsed, before he was led, by a train of
unexpected events to perceive, that his path of
immediate duty was both longer and wider
than that of parochial occupation'.
""
Such were the impressions upon Mr. Way's
mind. He conceived himself under a sacred ob-
ligation to do his utmost towards the recovery
of the whole dispersion of the Jews from their
judicial infatuation, and was thus wound up to
the necessary degree of excitement for under-
taking the important embassy which it was so
much to the Committee's purpose to send out,
and for braving all the hardships, rebuffs and
mortification, to which it would expose him.
He took as his companions" Rev. R. Cox, of
Bridgenorth," or more significantly of Brighton;
and" Rev. N. Solomon," the trophy for the time
being of the Committee's conversional prowess,
the commencement of whose history is before the
reader; and upon whom, Proh pudor !!! Holy
Orders had been conferred; " and the Sultan Ka-
tagarry, a Tartar Prince, converted (as it is
stated) from the Mohammedan to the Christian
faith”—the Rara avis of the last anniversary, who
had contributed his broken English to the interest
of the day, by "very feelingly” describing to the
¿ Way's Letter to the Bishop of St. David's, pp. 9, 10.
170
company
"the light which the divine blessing
of the Scriptures had shed on his mind, and his
desire that the Jews might participate in the
same blessing."
As Mr. Way's journey was one rather of
enquiry than of direct attack upon Judaism,
the chief conversional implement with which
he charged himself was the Society's Hebrew
Testament, just happily completed," and in
such request that, (as Mr. Hawtrey states
it) when Mr. W. went to "the Committee
room" to obtain his stores, "there was a holy com-
petition between himself, the Bible Society, and
the Church Missionary Society, all entreating at
once to be supplied '."
The party embarked at Harwich on the 9th
* Tenth Report, p. 29. Jewish Expositor, Vol. II. pp.
228.358.
(6
¹ Bristol Auxiliary Meeting, 1817. Jewish Expositor, Vol.
II. p. 469. This run upon the Society's depository is accounted
for in the Report; where it is stated that the divine blessing on
the translation had just been conspicuously manifested, “under
the immediate observation" of the Committee, by its effect
upon a Polish Jew," who, "not able to read the English
language, was, under God, converted to the faith of Christ, by
reading the Gospels in the Hebrew tongue, which had been
put into his hands by this Society-had made public profession
of his faith by Baptism at the Episcopal Jews Chapel, on Sun-
day, 20th of Aug. last," (1817) and had," since that time,"
evinced "such conduct, as to afford the best hopes of his sin-
cerity." Tenth Report, p. 27. How tantalizing is it, that here
again the name of so interesting an individual is suppressed!!!
How remarkably blind are the Committee to their own inte-
rests!!!
171
"over
of August, 1817. "The weather," arrayed in
all its "fineness-the breeze favourable," and
above all "a rainbow," arching itself" over the
vessel, as she sailed out of the harbour." These,
it must be admitted, were most auspicious indi-
cations; and they were not lost upon the "friends
from Colchester, who witnessed the departure;
feelings of peculiar interest," being, as they
state it, excited in them, and their "hearts ani-
mated with the fervent hope that this ship ac-
tually carried from our favoured shore the first
swift messengers to a nation scattered and peeled."
What became of the Sultan, does not appear;
but the rest of the Embassy took their route
through Holland, Hanover, and Prussia to St.
Petersburgh, and from thence to Moscow. Here
they were reduced to two, by Mr. Cox's return
to England to interest the anniversary meeting
with his report of progress, and so proceeded
through part of Russian Poland to the Crimea;
the point to which it had been resolved, if pos-
sible, to push their researches.
Mr. Way declares it more than once as "his
fixed intention to state things just as he finds
them," and his statements bear all the marks of
impartiality. But the whole benefit of this fair
dealing, either with respect to him or his compa-
nions, if they followed the example of their supe-
rior, has not been generally communicated, as
m Jewish Expositor, Vol. II. p. 358.
172
only "extracts" from their several Journals, have
been published to the world.
66
The first of these selections, from the Journal
of Mr. Way, which details the adventures and
observations of the travellers from Rotterdam
to St. Petersburg, is introduced with the dispa-
raging remark, that "much that is important
cannot be expected to have occurred in the
course of it"." But it is of importance to the
point at issue, that of five Rabbies mentioned as
having had Hebrew Testaments presented to
them, one returned it without any reason as-
signed; a second as "an unholy thing";" and
a third, turning it over with a scornful look,
said, as it related to a Messiah who was al-
ready come, he would have nothing to do with it,
warned "a young man" against it, as "not
lawful" to be read, and continued running "in
and out of his house in great agitation" whilst
his unwelcome visitors remained". It is of im-
portance, that at Hanover the baptisms of Jews,
which have lately been numerous " in the
higher classes" have, with few exceptions, been
submitted to "chiefly with a view of obtaining
civil privileges, and admission into Christian so-
ciety;" and that in the only instance alleged of a
Hebrew Testament being offered, it was refused
on the ground that the convert had "determined
" Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 75.
• Way's Letter to the Bishop of St. David's, p. 33. Jewish
Expositor, Vol. III. p. 77.
P Ibid. p. 153.
L
173
!
to be a physician, and thought the introducing
religion would injure him in his design." It is
of importance that the remnant of Israel, resi-
dent in the capital of Prussia have, for the most
part, adopted the opinions of Moses Mendelshom,
a Jewish reformer, in "whose character more
of Voltaire than of Luther" is conspicuous-that
their worship is neither Jewish nor Christian-
and that "to reason with them in their present
state, is only ploughing among flints, and reaping
pebbles”—that "the opinions of four" of them
with whom Mr. Way "conversed, taken toge-
ther, might build a little Babel, but would not
square with one stone of the true Jerusalem ""
that "the works" of the infidel founder of this
body "are much read by the Jews in Germany"-
that attempts are making to extend their princi-
ples and practices by means of deputies, sent to
Paris, Geneva, and other places ;" and that
there is not one instance recorded, throughout
this long detail, even of an expression dropped
favourable to Christianity, except in the single
instance of a Jew at Amsterdam, who acknow-
ledged that he had " for upwards of thirty years
attended the Synagogue with a secret conviction
that Jesus was the Messiah, in which duplicity
"Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 153.
S
"All the above characters received the Gospel in Hebrew
with thankfulness." Mr. Way's Journal. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. III. p. 158.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. pp. 156–158.
{
174
he declared it to be his purpose to persist till
his son was settled," when he should like, he
said, "to be baptized, that he might die a Chris-
tiant"
Neither St. Petersburgh nor Moscow seem to
have furnished the travellers with any thing of in-
terest in the way of their vocation, except that at
the latter city Mr. Way had the honour of an inter-
view with the emperor, and obtained from him a
letter of protection for the Rev. Nehemiah Solo-
mon, which he “ describes as the most extra-
ordinary licence and authority ever granted
since Nehemiah received his letters to the go- .
vernors beyond the river "."
Ibid. Vol. III. p.
u
116.
CERTIFICATE.
"The bearer of these presents, Benjamin Nehemiah Solomon,
a Hebrew by descent, having embraced the Christian Religion
in England, and subsequently admitted into Ecclesiastical Or-
ders, at present sojourning in Russia by Imperial permission, is
intrusted to me by his Imperial Majesty to procure for him
special protection in every place of his residence.
"Wherefore all local authorities, ecclesiastical and secular, are
to afford to the said B. N. Solomon, as a Preacher of the Word
of God among the Hebrews, every protection, defence, and all
possible assistance, so that in case of necessity, he may receive
from the authorities in all places, due co-operation and safe-.
guard in the free exercise of his official duty, without any im-
pediment whatsoever.
"In witness whereof is this instrument granted with my sig-
nature, and the arms of my seal affixed thereto.
"PRINCE ALEX. GALLITZEN."
Moscow, 25th Feb. 1818.
175
Armed with this instrument, which it will be
soon seen was far from unnecessary, they bent
their course towards Poland, which they entered
at Smolensk; and having enjoyed the " truly
refreshing" sight after so long an interval of sus-
pended enterprise, of "the delight" expressed
by an "infirm bed-ridden" Jew, "a man of ninety,"
in the acquisition of a Hebrew Testament, "the
value of which," says Mr. Way, "he was not so
sensible of as ourselves," they proceeded "with
all the dispatch they could make" to Minsk,
full of expectations raised by a "printed letter
of Mr. Pinkerton's," which represented "the
Jews of this province well-disposed to receive the
Gospel."
66
A slight damper was experienced, when,
upon visiting the Archbishop, he informed
them that a packet of Hebrew Bibles,
which he had received from the Bible Society,
remained in his house undisposed of; but it was
soon satisfactorily explained, by an intimation
that they were to be paid for, and the "strong
feeling upon Mr. Way's mind that something
would be done in this place," revived in all its
original force. Their time not admitting of
* It was the constant rule of Mr. Way never to attempt any
thing in such places (viz. Government towns) before he had
visited the Governor. His Excellency happening to be out of
town, Mr. Way sent the Prince's Letter to the Vice-Governor."
Rev. B. N. Solomon's Journal, Eleventh Report, p. 57.
176
66
""
tardy measures, it was resolved to send out
a few written notices, in Russian and German,"
inviting the Jews to a conference on the subject
of religion. "The master of the police, who enter-
ed warmly into the business, attended in
person,
and with him "four dismounted dragoons to keep
the doors. Two hundred of the choicest Israelites
of the place were admitted, three hundred of the
ordinary class being kept out by the dragoons, in
whose presence the most perfect order prevailed."
The police-master, introduced Messrs. Solo-
mon and Way at a private door, the former
carrying "a large Hebrew Bible," and the lat-
ter "a bag full of Hebrew Testaments." Mr.
Solomon was "allowed to speak for half an hour,
but when he began upon Sin and a Saviour in a
Christian sense, a murmur commenced, and two
or three could contain no longer, but began to
speak all at once." The police master interposed,
and Mr. Solomon was allowed to finish. A
dispute, which ended in very good temper," was
then held with "the chief controversialist" in the
next room, and the party dispersed as soon as
Mr. Way had distributed a few Testaments
amongst the most attentive and respectable.
Mr. Way's commentary upon this conversional
experiment furnishes the best estimate of it
that can possibly be taken. "Hitherto," he
remarks, "we had tried nothing but bush-fight-
ing and skirmishes, but here we were in the
midst of the enemy, and verily had a brisk en-
177
counter-if we were not victorious, we were not
defeated, and by the goodness of God, who
stilleth the raging of the people, nothing unpleasant
occurred."
>
There is no occasion to pursue Mr. Way's
journal further for the purpose for which refe-
rence has been made to it, viz. to allow the
question at issue, as to the present religious state
of the Jews upon the Continent, all the advan-
tages of his own representations; for he desig-
nates Minsk, taken comparatively with the rest
of Russian Poland, the "Berea" of that country,
and, referring to the district in which it is si-
tuated when he had nearly reached the end
of his exploratory travels, he says, " by all we
have heard and remarked it seems that the
northern provinces, and especially Lithuania,
hold out the best encouragements for a perma-
nent and regular attempt towards their (the
Jews) reformation "."
2
Mr. Solomon, who also journalized, and very
much to the same effect as his patron, speaking
summarily of what had been accomplished, re-
solves it all into the "" distributing largely the
Word of God, (i. e. the Hebrew Testament,) and
speaking a word in season whenever opportunity
y Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. pp. 273-283.
expe-
z That the reader may (if he pleases) satisfy himself upon
this point, the whole that the Committee have deemed it
dient to print of Mr. S.'s journal will be found in the Appendix,
No. 8.
N
178
was offered"." But it comes out afterwards, that
"most of the Jews in Poland could not even read,
much less understand, the Hebrew." So that the
whole result of this first continental exploit
(which had been proleptically set forth as the
probable fulfilment of a splendid prophecy,
pointing to the restoration of the Jews) turns
out to be no more than the conveyance of a
work, upon which thousands of pounds have
been expended, to a distant country to become
the food of worms, or to be desecrated to baser
purposes c.
a Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 395.
This information is from the Society's own Report, (the
Eleventh, p.71.) being part of the conversional gleanings of Mr.
Nitschke, picked up at Breslau, from his friend Mr. Newmann,
principal teacher of the Royal Seminary there; but Mr. Solo-
mon more covertly makes the same confession when, speaking
with reference to Poland, he desires the "Committee to re-
member that an edition of a Jewish German Testament is in-
dispensably necessary."-Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 395.
And he records an undisguised admission of the fact, by the
Archbishop of Minsk, though in more qualified terms than
Mr. Newmann's, viz. " that many did not understand the He-
brew Testament in a grammatical way :" but he endeavours to
ward off the obvious inference from this admission, by ob-
serving, that it is "too true in the Abstract, but ought to be
no more discouragement to us, than it is to the Bible Society."
Eleventh Report, p. 54.
"An old man objected much against the Greek words in
the New Testament; another said they had trodden it under
foot." Becker, Jewish Expositor, vii. 401.
"As soon as I began to distribute New Testaments and
Hebrew Psalters amongst the poor Moorish and Barbary Jews,
}
179
This, probably, will be the reader's conclusion,
at least so the Author ventures to anticipate;
but Mr. Solomon takes a very different view of
the evidence; for he writes to the committee,
"I can truly say, and I rejoice to say, that
even in this short time, (viz. the time spent in
Poland) we have heard and seen enough to con-
vince us forcibly that there is a great work to
be done in that country, which loudly calls for
the attention of Christians of every denomina-
tion; and, need I say, for the more immediate
attention of the London Society. Surely, he
adds, there never was a more glorious field for the
exercise of Christian charity, Christian zeal, and
Christian hope." To which he adds further, on
another occasion, with reference to the Minsk
exploit in particular, that it "inspired him with
greater hopes of success amongst them, than he
had ever entertained before "."
Having delivered this positive judgment of the
ripeness of the Polish Jews for evangelization,
he proceeds to speak comparatively of them,
I am sorry to say, I met with pieces of the New Testaments
and even of the Psalms of David in the street, burnt and torn
in pieces, notwithstanding, I gave only to them who asked for
it; they shewed me afterwards, they themselves, what they had
done with it. As soon as I had offered the Book of Books,
the Word of Life, to those wretched and bodily-poor Sons of
Abraham, I heard blasphemies against Jesus my Lord." Wolf,
Gibraltar, Fourteenth Report, p. 161.
d Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. pp. 395. 246.
>
N 2
180
with reference to the Jews who sojourn in our
island; and he lays it down, that "leaving the
number out of the question, their character,
their general views, their tenets, and their re-
spect for, and ideas of religion, are totally of a
different nature, and such as, in his humble judg-
ment, are incomparably more worthy of our notice,
and calculated to animate us with far greater
hopes of success, provided proper attention is paid
to them, and proper means of grace offered
them." And on these grounds he concludes,
that it is time for the London Society to extend
their views beyond the ocean that surrounds
them, to the lost sheep of the House of Israel,
scattered on the immense continent "."
The Committee had now got some foundation
to act upon, for Mr. Solomon had been under
his patron's close inspection for upwards of a
year, who had reported of him, from time to
time, in the most satisfactory terms. His
e Extract of a Letter from Rev. N. Solomon, July 23, 1818.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 395.
f "On Sunday, August 17th, 1817, Solomon preached at
the morning service on the baptism of the Eunuch. You may
suppose I felt not a little for the first effort of my eldest child,
but I assure you he delivered himself with so much propriety
that I was more than satisfied; and when time and experience,
have given him full possession of his powers, they will, I
doubt not, be owned and blessed to Jew and Gentile." Ex-
tracts from Letters of Rev. L. Way. Jewish Expositor, Vol.
III. p. 77.
"I am quite satisfied with dear Solomon's conduct, and am
181
judgment, therefore, was deemed all-sufficient,
supported, as it was, by more copious details
than the public have been favoured with, which
to the Committee appeared abundantly satisfac-
tory. They now, therefore, proceeded to deci-
sive measures; and," at a special meeting
called July 20, 1818, to take into consideration
the subject of foreign Missions, resolved, that
the Rev. N. Solomon should be stationed in
Poland, as a missionary to his brethren of the
House of Israel, the Committee taking upon
themselves, on behalf of the Society, the entire
expense of the mission ";" "for which (say the
Committee in their editorial capacity) he seems
to have been prepared by the Providence of
God" "_" the over-ruling Hand of which, in the
persuaded he has followed the voice and direction of Provi-
dence." L. Way, subscribed to Letter of Rev. N. Solomon's,
respecting giving a Bill of Divorcement to his Wife, Nov. 14,
1817. Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 33.
"The character of our dear brother Solomon rises daily in
my esteem. I do hope he is a man of God's own choice. Grace
was never given to extinguish nature, but to regulate and sanc-
tify it. I have often seen the silent tear trickle down his
cheek when unavoidable allusions have been made to his fa-
mily; and on one Sunday when he was reading the Litany in
our private service, he was so overcome at the petition' that it
may please thee to provide for the fatherless children and
widows' that he could not proceed, and I was forced to con-
tinue it." Extract of Letter of Rev. L. Way, Nov. 28th, 1817.
Tenth Report, p. 71.
* Eleventh Report, p. 27.
h Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 396.
182
facilities afforded him by the countenance and
protection of the Emperor of Russia," was ac-
knowledged "with gratitude" by a unanimous
resolution of the Anniversary Meeting, when the
appointment was confirmed'.
Whilst Mr. Way was prosecuting the arduous
investigation which he had undertaken, the Com-
mittee were collecting evidence as to the state
of the Jews in other places, and employing con-
fidential agents to ascertain it by personal in-
quiry and inspection. Correspondence upon this
subject was entered into with Dr. Cleardo Naudi,
of Malta, who informed them, amongst other
interesting particulars, that "the Jews of Tunis
were much given to wine"--that "the greater
part had two wives"-that they were dirty,
pusillanimous, perfidious"-that every thing was
modelled by the " Rabbins," who "interpreted
every thing according to their own fantastical
notions, and were sometimes guilty of the most
atrocious cruelties." He was, notwithstanding,
"much pleased to hear of their sending abroad
pious persons to preach the blessed name of our
Saviour amongst the Jews; and hoped, in time,
some of their members might be sent for the
Jews of Jerusalem, Egypt, and Greece, where
this abandoned people were in the most consider-
able number, and, indeed, in the most depressed
state of mind."
' Eleventh Report, p. v.
Ibid. pp. 84, 85.
6
183
Rev. Mr. Jowett, the Church Missionary re-
sident at the above Island, was also applied to,
and, "in reply to various queries with which"
he had been “furnished," he "gleaned from his
journals”—first, the details of a long conversa-
tion with "Rabbi Lazarro Mordos, of Corfu,
the most learned of the Jews in those parts," in
whose "library" he " found many of the works
of the Christian Fathers," but found also that,
66
(6
unhappily, his reading had only fixed him
deeper in his prejudices"-which were, that
"the law of Moses would never change"-that
the morality of the Gospels was all borrowed
from their Scriptures, but the story not true;"
and that their "conversion" was an impossi-
bility," but "by miracle," which they "waited
for." With respect to Jews in general Mr.
Jowett reported, on the above Rabbi's autho-
rity, that "too many, every where, were ad-
mirers of Voltaire, and many were infidels from
reading more ancient infidel writers." And from
his own observation he further reported, specially
of the "Barbary" Jews, that great ignorance
and prejudice prevail amongst them: and of
those of " Leghorn and Trieste," that " they
have a liberality bordering on infidelity, some-
thing very much of the Sadducee character.'
The progress of the Society, however, both
at home and abroad, gave him also sincere de-
light, and he hoped that "one of the first-fruits"
of the College to be established would be "a
184
Missionary to the Mediterranean, to which he
urged the keeping "a diligent look out," as the
Jews of Barbary, Egypt, and Syria, deserved a
separate particular attention;" as a further in-
citement to which, he first administered a
scriptural stimulant-the fulfilment of Prophecy
by "our friends in England" who, in " SO
nobly and zealously espousing the cause," had
already," he said, "taken the precedence in this
work," which Isaiah had assigned to "the Isles
and the ships of Tarshish:" and then communi-
cated an encouraging anecdote of " a poor
a poor Jew"
converted at Jerusalem, by the annual Easter
"miracle of the holy light;" the splendour of
which however, was, he admitted, " in some
measure clouded" by suspicious circumstances."
Mr. Ramftler, of the Moravian settlement of
Fulneck, near Leeds, was desired to gather
what particulars he could in his summer's con-
tinental excursion, and he reported, as the re-
sult of conversation with Mr. Keatman, of Neu-
wied upon the Rhine, "the chief agent of the
Bible Society in that neighbourhood, that the
Jews there, and in many parts of Germany,
might be divided into three classes-the first
consisting of Deists and Infidels; the second of
strict Talmudists, who, like the Pharisees of
old, in a punctilious observance of traditions,
neglect the weightier matters of the law; and
* Eleventh Report, pp. 85–93.
185
the third of righteous observers of the moral
law, who seem to forget the necessity of an
atonement for sin."
He further reported of the Jews of Frankfort,
on the authority of Senator Von Méyer, that
their state agreed with what he had heard at
Neuwied'. To all which Mr. Keatman himself
added, by direct communication with the Com-
mittee, That "the Jews, like most part of the
Christian professors, are merry sinners;" that
he found some difficulty in entering upon a
serious conversation with any of them, in order to
lay before them some of the questions "for-
warded to him," and that, as very few among
them were able to read and understand Hebrew,
he did not believe that the Testament in He-
brew would be read by many "."
Mr. Nitschke was re-commissioned to under-
take an expedition to the kingdom of Bohemia,
to find proper opportunities for distributing the
Hebrew Testament, and to discover a suitable
place for establishing an institution for educat-
ing Jewish children. His account of the state
of the Jews in the line of country through which
he passed, is limited to Glogau, Fraustadt, and
Prague. Of the Jews of Glogau he reports
generally, that he was "told much by a gentle-
man intimately acquainted with them, of their
want of moral and religious principle." Of
Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 321.
m Eleventh Report, pp. 78, 79.
186
those of Fraustadt and Prague he states, from
his own observation, that "the worship" of the
former" was truly disgusting," from " the levity"
which they "manifested," and the talking and go-
ing to and fro, with which it was unbecomingly
interrupted; and that the latter "were a multi-
tude of human creatures who set no value on
the comforts of this life, and have no relish for
the pleasures of a happy mind."
With respect to the first special object of his
journey, he reports the finding three opportuni-
ties (how “proper or encouraging," the reader
will judge) of distributing Hebrew Testaments-
to a celebrated Jew, not "without philosophical
and mathematical knowledge, but a stranger to
the salutary truths contained in the doctrine of our
Lord and his Apostles"-to two adults, and one
of their juvenile companions who were about
to renounce Judaism, and to devote themselves
to the study of medicine and the law," and to a
number of Jew schoolboys under instruction in
the Talmud, that "wall of brass"-as he de-
scribes it, which " encloses and secures Ju-
daism."
In discharge of the remaining trust confided
to him he points out Schlichtingheim, in consi-
deration of "the great poverty" of its Jewish
inhabitants not permitting them to keep a
schoolmaster, as the suitable place for the So-
ciety's projected educational institution; hold-
ing out the prospect of its becoming immediately
187
popular amongst the Jews in the vicinity, and
possibly conducive at some indefinite distant period
to the Society's designs, if, besides not requiring
pay, maintenance were furnished to some of their
fatherless children in the families of the Chris-
tian inhabitants; and if it is made "an ab-
solute condition that they attend the instruction
in Christian doctrine, which is given out of school
hours to the growing youth by the Protestant
(query Moravian)" minister of the place;" this be-
ing a process (as Mr. Nitschke speculates) which
may hereafter give occasion to them to open their
ears and hearts the more readily to the saving
truths of the Gospel." Such is the substance of
the encouragement which near 500 miles travel,
and upwards of twelve pages of diary, produce,
except that, at the close of this tedious docu-
ment, Mr. N. takes credit for "a blessing which
he says probably may have accompanied" his
journey, and for "effects (still unknown to him")
which may have ensued.
But Mr. Pinkerton, "that active and blessed
servant of our Lord"," as Mr. Nitschke designates
him; "whose credibility and authority, (say
the Committee) can no where be more highly or
more justly estimated than in this country," was
their most confidential Counsellor in the mea-
Meetings for edification held for the Children exclu-
sively," a practice stated to prevail in "the Brethren's Settle-
ments" Eleventh Report, p. 66.
• Eleventh Report, pp. 66—78.
▸ Ibid. p. 66.
1.
188
sures under contemplation. He had offered him-
self to Sir Thomas Baring upon his assuming the
Presidency of the Society, "as ready to forward
its interests as far as his other important (Bible
Society) engagements would permit "." He had,
during his visit to this country, favoured the
Committee with a copious exhibition of his views
relative to the course of foreign procedure which
they should adopt ";" and he had met Mr. Nits-
chke, by appointment, at Herrnhut, for the pur-
pose of "conversation connected with the de-
sign of his expedition"." He now came forward
again in confirmation of all he before advanced,
and stated in the first place generally to the
Committee, that the change which was now work-
ing in the moral and religious state of all nations,
by means of the translation and universal disse-
mination of the Old and New Testament, had
brought many of the Jews to their wits' end."
He submitted, also, specially to their considera-
tion, "a memorable Ukase" of the Emperor of
Russia, for the formation of colonies of Christian
Israelites; stated information received from
Letter to Sir Thomas Baring. Jewish Expositor, Vol. I.
p. 172.
· Eleventh Report, p. 40.
Eleventh Report, p. 66.
* Rev. Mr. Ruell celebrates the promulgation of this Ukase
in the following terms: "The Emperor of Russia, ever the So-
ciety's chief friend, has specially promoted its glorious object
by an edict published the first of last January, which is likely
189
the police-master at Wilna, that since the pub-
cation of this" instrument," he had been present
at the baptism of fifty Jews into the Catholic
Church; instances of which, he said, extending
to be nearly as important in its consequences as that of Cyrus.
By that Jews were permitted to rebuild Jerusalem and the
Temple; by this Alexander enables them to receive and read
the Word of God, and judge for themselves." Report of
Speeches at Norwich Jew Association Anniversary, 1822. p. 11.
"Sir George Rose observes upon it, that it is an event,
at this moment, wonderful, most important, and deserving all
attention and admiration, and very pregnant in conclusions,"
from being done to relieve the Jews. Ibid.
The Ukase is indeed entitled to all the above epithets be-
stowed upon it, though, as Mr. Way says with great truth, its
object is not promoting Christianity among the Jews, but af-
fording an asylum to those who are converted to any Church
of Christians." Letter to Bishop of St. David's, p. 38.
66
"For "the most Christian and philanthropic," the "benign
and magnanimous Alexander," the "Cyrus of the Church of
God in these latter days," (as his Imperial Majesty's styles and
titles are set forth by a correspondent of Dr. Steinkopff's,)
grants" (by this Ukase) "the Jewish converts full liberty to
enter which ever Christian profession they choose, assuring to all
of them the same civil privileges, with full liberty of conscience
to worship God according to the ordinances of their respective
communions." Way's Letter to Bishop of St. David's, App.
pp. 67, 68.
The two last cited passages are both necessary to the
illustration of this memorable Ukase. It not only grants the
liberty specified in the latter, but it "affords the asylum” also
adverted to in the former, viz. "a large tract of land on the
shores of the sea of Azof, the spot once destined by Peter the
Great for the capital of his empire," and other "places of re-
fuge in Russia Proper ;" nay, further, it holds out strong temp-
190
to "Christian communions" generally, were “fre-
quent" in almost all the towns of Poland; and
he subjoined to his own memorial, an extract
of a letter from Mr. John Christian Moritz, a
converted Jew, Spiritual Superintendant of the
above colonies, and travelling in Poland under
commission from the Emperor, for the purpose
of spiritually benefiting his Jewish brethren";
tations to them, to enrol themselves in "THE SOCIETY OF
CHRISTIAN ISRAELITES," (the designation which is to distin-
guish the inhabitants of these new colonies) by large exemp-
tions and privileges-and it appoints a Committee at Peters-
burgh, (of which Prince Galitzin, President of the Bible So-
ciety, and minister of all religious concerns in the Russian
empire is patron-and Dr. Pinkerton a Director) which is to
take these Jews under its protection, whatever confession they
either have embraced, or may hereafter embrace, and to endea-
vour to promote true Christianity among them, by furnishing
them with worthy pious men for pastors and teachers, accord-
ing to their respective Communions." Of this Committee Mr.
Way observes," that it seems calculated to supply the long
lamented deficiency of the London Society." Ibid. pp. 37,
38. 74.
The Ukase is so important a document that it will be found
in the Appendix, No. 9.
Eleventh Report. p. 47. Mr. Pinkerton's extract is a
very imperfect one-the letter from which it is taken being
written before Mr. Moritz's tour was half completed. This
defect is amply supplied by a letter directed to England from
Mr. M. to be found in the Appendix to the Twelfth Report;
and as Mr. M. states his intention in sending it to be, that his
Christian friends in England may be able to form some idea of
the success to be expected from their exertions among Polish
Jews-an abridged transcript of it will be found in the Ap-
pendix, No. 10.
191
and having, by a long enumeration of these
auspicious indications, which he described as
"the opening's of Divine Providence," worked him-
self up into an extacy of zeal, he gives utterance
to his impassioned sensibilities in the following
burst of eloquence-"expend not your strength,
gentlemen, in sowing an insulated and ungrateful
acre, while the Husbandman of Souls invites you
to come, and will assuredly provide you with the
means of sowing a field of 10,000 acres of a much
more promising soil."" Direct your efforts chiefly
and unweariedly to the dissemination of Christian
knowledge among the nation of the Jews at large,
by sending qualified men among them, who will
travel from town to town, and from village to
village-converse with them in their families-
reason with them in their synagogues-meet
their objections-remove their prejudices-and
every where circulate the New Testament in
Hebrew, Jewish German, and other languages
understood among them, with short treatises on
vital Christianity, and on the Messiahship of
Christ;" and arguing from the effect produced
by the same course in the Bible Society, in the
prosecution of which he had been himself a
principal agent, he promised them" the patro-
nage and support of thousands in Britain" if they
would adopt it".
The Committee now felt themselves amply
Eleventh Report, pp. 41-47.
་
192
V
warranted to take the decisive step, in prepar-
ing for which they had been, for the last four
years, assiduously engaged; and, at a meet-
ing of the Subscribers, called specially for that
purpose, they cut off the last remaining source
of home expenditure, except the schools, (viz.
temporal relief to adult Jews,) on the pretext
that the new and extensive fields of useful-
ness, opening abroad, would afford full em-
ployment for all the funds which the liberality
of the public might place at their disposal, in a
manner more conducive to the welfare of the Jewish
nation; and immediately turned their thoughts
to "the organizing a systematic plan of ope-
rations."
It had been the opinion of the Committee for
the last two years, that " persons grown up among
the Jews, matured in intimate converse with
their literature, their habits, and prejudices, ra-
ther than those assimilated to Christians, were
the most eligible instruments for a Jewish
Mission"." But Mr. Pinkerton laid it down, that
"the advantages which a converted Jew is
supposed to possess, are more imaginary than
real," and he declared himself to "have found
Y
"With regard to the readiness of the Polish Jews to re-
ceive Christian instruction, the most satisfactory evidence was
adduced in the last Report from the correspondence of Mr. Way,
Mr. Pinkerton, and Mr. Solomon. Their testimony has since
been corroborated by that of Mr. Moritz." Twelfth Report, p. 52.
Eleventh Report, p. 39.
y Ninth Report, p. 22.
X
193
every where that the prejudices of the Jews
against such an individual were more than suffi-
cient to outweigh all such supposed advantages."
His recommendation to the Committee, there-
fore, was "to use British or German missionaries,
in the first instance, for their labourers among the
Jews;" from which this advantage at least would,
he told them, result-that they would be less
exposed in future to the impositions of designing
men, and to the grievous disappointments with
which in time past their Institution had to con-
tend "."
The Committee could not but feel the
force of this reasoning, and accordingly, in the
call which they now made upon "their sub-
scribers and friends, to assist them in seeking
out pious young men to be qualified for such
stations as it may from time to time be deemed
proper to occupy amongst the Jews, in the ca-
pacity of Missionaries, Catechists, and School-
masters,” it is particularly specified that they be
"born of Christian parents";" and, though the
Rev. B. N. Solomon was already commissioned,-
had been proclaimed "providentially prepared” for
his office-and had, by the terms in which he
signified his acceptance of it, given the Com-
mittee the security of a public voucher that
he went forth to the work appointed him in the
2 Eleventh Report, p. 47.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. pp. 481, 482.
Ο
194
spirit and power of Isaiah", yet under a con-
viction, as they express it, of the benefit which
he might derive from the counsel and co-opera-
tion of a Christian brother," they now "resolved
further, that an English Clergyman, or a lay-
man properly qualified, should be procured as
soon as possible, to be stationed with him as a
fellow-labourer in the same work "."
.
There was an alternative in Mr. Pinkerton's
recommendation to the committee upon the
subject of their future "Missionaries," that they
should be either "British or Germand," which,
if the reader has noted it, must have appeared
to him an unaccountable preference of one body
of continental Christians to the exclusion of all
the rest, very much at variance with that im-
partiality upon the subject of denominations, of
which Mr. Pinkerton has put himself forward
"You say, 'they wait for my answer whether I am willing,
in the strength of the Lord, to become so;' and can I hesitate a
moment to enter into so honourable, so divine, and so demand-
ing an engagement, and to answer your question in the affirma-
tive-' Here I am, send me,' is, I trust the language of my
heart." Letter of Rev. B. N. Solomon to Rev. C. S. Hawtrey,
dated St. Petersburg, Sept. 26, 1812. Jewish Expositor, Vol. III.
p. 494.
Thus, Mr. Frey, on a former occasion, was pleased to asso-
ciate himself" with good old Simeon ;" and, as he expresses
it, "in great humility to say, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant
depart in peace." Speech after dinner at the City of London
Tavern, April 7, 1813. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 229.
• Ibid. p. 47.
C
Eleventh Report, p. 27.
195
as the champion. The Committee, in adopting
this part of his advice, and introducing the ne-
cessary clause to provide for it in their new
constitution at this time promulged, express
what they are enacting much more discreetly
by the terms "or (if foreigners) of a Protestant
Church." But, in the Committee's reading, these
two formularies of speech are accurately syno-
nymous, and mean the sect of the Moravians,
e Such readers as desire authentic and full information of
this Sect are referred to A SOLEMN CALL ON COUNT ZINZEN-
DORF-A CANDID NARRATIVE OF THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE
HERRNHUTERS, COMMONLY CALLED MORAVIANS-and A Sur-
PLEMENT TO THE CANDID NARRATIVE-all by Henry Rimius,
Aulic Counsellor to the King of Prussia, and published in the
years 1754, 1755. Of the second of these works Bishop La-
vington says, that, "since Mr. Rimius published it, these filthy
dreamers have been so evidently detected, their immoralities
and impieties so manifested unto all men, that their shame is
sufficiently conspicuous, and no serious and good person, no
sincere Christian especially, can look upon them in any favour-
able light.". Moravians compared and detected, 8vo. 1755, a
work which may also be consulted with great advantage. Mr.
Wesley and Mr. Whitfield also, both originally friends and
admirers of the Brethren, have both contributed to their ex-
posure; the one in a book entitled THE CONTENts of a Folio
HISTORY, &c. WITH SUITABLE REMARKS, by a Methodist-the
other in AN EXPOSTULATORY LETTER TO COUNT ZINZEendorf.
Of the last of these authors, Bishop Lavington observes, that
"he seems to have been no bad spy upon the conduct of the
Count and his Brethren having disclosed, and I am persuaded
faithfully, variety of their secrets, and made the world better
acquainted with the Moravian cheats." Another volume, en-
titled "THE HISTORY OF THE MORAVIANS, collected from the
0 2
196
which had already furnished the Society with
several foreign agents, and seems, at the period
now under review, to have been engaged in a
body to become working partners in the concern
(the Committee here being the capitalists, and
they the speculators) to watch the foreign market,
and make the best bargains in Jewish conver-
sions, that the fluctuations in that commodity
and the different barters for it should admit.
Public Acts of Budingen, &c. with a view chiefly to their political
intrigues," 8vo. 1754, contains also many important disclosures.
As the above works are not in many hands, a short sketch of
the formation of the Sect will be found in the Appendix, No. 11.
'As the author's justification for the above mode of treating
his subject, he submits the following authorities :—
"Another Israelite, who has nothing of the Patriarch Jacob
but his name, in appearance most respectable, after a short
introduction, told me that he had a proposal to make very
advantageous to the cause, &c. Having a strong suspicion of
the nature of the advantage, I desired him to give it me on
paper, and it turned out to be a plan for purchasing 2,000,000l.
in the Austrian funds, with a certainty of ten per cent. profit,
pour tons les speculants." Way's Journal. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. III. p. 116.
"In Russia, a Jew repeatedly and urgently called upon me
that I might purchase his stock of fine wool. But when I re-
plied that I would sell him something better, without money and
without price, even spiritual milk and wine, the enjoyment of
which would cause his soul to live, he wished me a good jour-
ney, and went away." Nitschke's Journal. Eleventh Report,
p. 70.
"A man of the name of Marinus came from Germany into
this country, for the purpose of obtaining a sale for some
Cologne water, of which he professed himself the inventor.
Finding himself run short of cash, he applied to the London
197
Mr. Simeon, as appears from his own state-
ment, was the negociator who brought about
this partnership. He learned, in conversațion
"with a Moravian minister, that a Synod" of that
sect “was then assembled at Herrnhutt," and
that, if applied to, there was little doubt that
'they would cordially unite with him." He
wrote accordingly, and received for answer, that,
"though for want of suitable agents, they could
not send forth Missionaries to the Jews, yet in
their individual capacity, they would all aid him
to the utmost of their power."
66
"Rev.
Before this negociation took place,
Mr. Ramftler," superintendent of the Moravian
settlement at "Fulneck near Leeds," had, as
it is stated, kindly undertaken to become the
channel of communication between the Com-
mittee and their friends in Germany and Rus-
sia ¹ ››
He was now promoted to the dignity of
"Country Director;" a foreign secretariat for
h "
Society for assistance. I asked him if he had embraced
Christianity; his reply was, I am not yet converted, but if I can
get a good sale for my Cologne water, I soon shall be." Goak-
man's London Society Examined, p. 64.
"In your next I should thank you to tell me how I shall
answer those poor Jews who wish to receive instruction and to
be baptized, and who ask for a little help until their baptism.
This is a matter well deserving the consideration of the Com-
mittee." A. M'Caul, Warsaw, Fourteenth Report, p. 133.
Speech at Norwich Anniversary, 1818. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. III. p. 451.
h Eighth Report, p. 32.
1
:
198
correspondence was instituted; and another
"Moravian minister resident in this country,"
of the name of P. Treschow, was placed in that
department'.
1
The most confidential intercourse was thus
established. The United Brethren, scattered
throughout Germany, became the Society's
"faithful and zealous fellow-labourers" in all
their foreign concerns *-they wrought conver-
•
'Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 151. The following high
encomium on Mr. Treschow at once. sets forth his pre-eminent
qualifications, and the discrimination of the Committee in se-
lecting him." We needed (what has been much neglected by
the Churches of Christ in England), we needed a visitation of
some one of distinguished knowledge, sound judgment, and
animated zeal. Such an one the Lord has sent us in the Fo-
reign Secretary of your Society. His visit is likely to prove a
new Epoch in the History of the Church in these quarters.—
G. D. Mudie to C. S. Hawtrey, Hamburgh, June 13, 1821.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 282. The full value of this
testimony can only be ascertained by a more intimate acquaint-
ance with the panegyrist who delivered it. He once appeared on
the stage at a Naval and Military Bible Society Anniversary,
and is then set forth as "Pastor of the Reformed Church,
at Hamburgh," (Phil. Gazette, May 26, 1819.) that being a
better sounding title than "English Chapel," where occasionally
a member of the congregation" officiates, (Twelfth Report, p.
95.) or what would be more correct, a much humbler Sectarian
designation, which he has now exchanged for one equivalent
to it at some Conventicle, near London.
66
"His (Mr. Mark's) whole heart is engaged in the matter,
and the Moravian brethren there are faithful and zealous fellow-
labourers with him. I enclose the copy of a letter to his landlord,
the lay-preacher of the brethren, which shews how he is looked
up to." Freidenberg Journal. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI.
p. 25.
199
n
sions-trained Missionaries "-distributed Tes-.:
taments and Tracts assisted at the formation of
auxiliaries—and acted as a chain of posts in the
interior, by which information was circulated-
unity of action preserved and all arrangements
facilitated whilst, on the other hand, the So-
ciety's Missionaries gave all the consequence in
their power to the United Brethren, by attend-
>
"The Jewish proselyte..a worthy member of the Moravian
congregation by the Moravian brethren, recommended to Mr.
Jaenicke, at Berlin." Letter from Rev. P. Treschow. Fourteenth
Report, p. 122, 123.
7
}
"The young Jewish teacher, J. B. L——, already known to
you, is now fully determined to profess Jesus publicly. We
shall now see how the Lord will lead him. We will receive
him into our connection, and dear Herwig, in Esslingen, will give
him Christian instruction." Mr. Haering to Rev. P. Treschow.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 73.
•
m Mr. Jaenicke's Moravian Missionary Establishment, the
source from which most of the London Society's missionaries
are derived. Thirteenth Report, p. 62. Fourteenth ditto, p. 60.
Mr. Ramftler so engaged. Eleventh Report, p. 80. In-
stances to the same effect are very numerous.
"
Amongst the members (viz. of Jews Auxiliary formed at
Breslaw, by Messrs. Becker and M'Caul) was Mr. Hastings,
of the United Brethren, whose acquaintance was no small plea-
sure to us." Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 404.
P This is exemplified in the letter above cited, from Mr.Haer-
ing of Stuttgard, relative to the conveyance of Mr. Goldberg,
(a splendid trophy of proselytism) from Neuwied to Dresden,
as the Society's missionary there. Mr. Keetman, of Neuwied;
Mr. Tauchnitz, of Dresden; dear Herwig, and Mr. Haering,
appear as the managers of a common interest, conducting it
amongst themselves, and communicating to each other their
respective correspondences concerning it.
200
ing their Services and their conferences ',' and
by becoming their panegyrists, even to the ex-
tent of reprobating all Christian communions
but theirs. Nay, pecuniary reciprocities were
not wanting, for Mr. Elsner, of Berlin, and a
triumvirate of the brethren at Gnadau, near
Magdeburg, excited by the Society's word of
exhortation" in the annual report, collected
and transmitted-the one, his "humble amount"
of five dollars sixteen groats, (17s.)—the others,
their "mite" of seven dollars eighteen grossen,
(17. 1s. 3d.) to which the latter added a monthly
contribution of one dollar eight grossen, (3s. 64d.)
both at the same time offering to receive, in
"We got to Ziest, and attended the service at the church
of the Brethren." Thelwall, a London Society's missionary. Jewish
Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 243.
"Of my journey to Herrnhutt, where we attended the
Conference of Ministers, Mr. Smith (a London Society's mis-
sionary) has given you notice. Our presence at the Conference
will not, I trust, be fruitless, as several voices were heard in
favour of the Jewish cause." Goldberg. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VII, p. 458.
• Mr. Thelwall (a London Society's missionary) having in-
cluded the whole Clergy of the continent in one sweeping cen-
sure of incompetency in that part of the ministerial duty which
relates to the preparing converts for Baptism, proceeds, "I
except, however, the Moravian Brethren from this lamentation;
who, in their prudence (of which specimens will appear here-
after) in admitting individuals to ordinances, and in their
earnest desire to behold a real change of heart before they ven-
ture to speak of a man as a real convert to Christianity, are a
model to all the Christian world beside," Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VII. p. 416.
201
any quantity, tracts for distribution; whilst
Revs. D. Wilson, J.W. Cunningham, T. S. Grim-
shawe, and G.T. Noel, have aided the Moravian
cause by single congregational collections; and
Revs, W. Marsh, of Colchester, W. Gurney,
Legh Richmond, and J. Saunders, have entered
the Brethren's Missions in their respective
preaching itineraries, and have given them a turn
every now and then, as they traversed the
country, and found popular credulity sufficiently
free and easy of belief for extraordinary, as well
as ordinary cajolement ".
t
-
Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. pp. 277, 443.
" London Association in aid of Moravian Missions, Fourth
Report, pp. 39, 40. Fifth ditto, p. 73. The town of Bruton
was placarded last year with the following hand-bill:-
A SERMON
In behalf of the London Association in aid of the Moravian Missions,
Will be preached at
BRUTON AND BREWHAM CHURCHES,
BY THE
REV. W. MARSH, M,A.
Vicar of St. Peter's, Colchester.
At Bruton Church on Tuesday evening, June 3rd.
At Brewham Church on Wednesday evening, June 4th.
Divine Service to begin at half-past Six o'clock.
To this notice is subjoined the grounds of the appeal. The
first of which is, that "The Church of the United Brethren
(or Moravians) has been fully recognized by Act of Parlia-
ment as an ancient Protestant Episcopal Church.”
If the reader has made the reference to the Appendix to which
Note*, p. 195, directed him, he will know the actual value of this
Church argument, which is designated a Church argument for
this reason, that the LONDON SOCIETY IN AID OF MORAVIAN MIS-
}
202
A co-operating body being thus secured in
the very heart of the Jewish population abroad,
the preparation of instruments in the several
capacities of "Missionaries, Catechists, and
SIONS, "consists of Christians of other denominations," as well as
churchmen; and, accordingly, there are meeting-house preach-
ments simultaneous with those in Churches, when the succes-
sional claims of the Brethren are kept wholly out of sight,
as may be seen in Baldwin's Weekly Journal, Oct. 11, 1823,
where, appended to a notice of Rev. J. A. James, of Birming-
ham, being to preach for the above Society at Union Chapel,
Islington, on October 14, 1823, there are also set forth the
grounds of the appeal; but not a word about "ancient Epis-
copal Church," or the Parliamentary recognition of it. Nay,
when it suits the purposes of the Episcopalian members of the
London Society, these very Moravians are distinctly classed with
and declared to be Dissenters. See account of Norfolk and Nor-
wich Jew Assn. Anny. 1822, p. 18, where the following passage
will be found, "Our Dissenting Brethren, i. e. Moravians,
Independents, Baptists, &c. &c. &c." It is remarkable, that this
aid Society, synchronises in its institution with Mr. Simeon's ne-
gociations with the Synod at Herrnhutt; which were, therefore,
probably founded upon the basis of mutual benefit, to be pro-
duced by mutual co-operation. The Brethren, indeed, seem to
transmit no money to the London Society, beyond the above
donations, amounting to 17. 18s. 3 d., together with a monthly
subscription of 3s. 6d.; whilst, from congregational collec-
tions alone in churches and meetings, they received, in 1822,
1234l. 4s. 10d., besides 4887. 13s. raised by associations; but
it is presumed, that this money balance in their favour is amply
compensated to the London Society in exertion. The Church,
however, appears to great disadvantage in the account; for two
itinerating preachers are all that went forth from her communion
in the above year, who did not raise a quarter of the above sum ;
whilst the Dissenters put in requisition seven of their choicest
performers, and raised all the rest.
203
y
X
Schoolmasters," remained to be provided for.
This was to be a home operation; and an esta-
blishment for the express purpose, set on foot
by Mr. Way, at Stanstead Park, and supported
by his munificence, has already been brought
under the reader's observation. That establish-
ment appears to have been broken up on the
sudden loss experienced of Messrs. Frey's and
Josephson's superintendence; and, in the
Committee's enlarged speculations, was to be
superseded by a College, also adverted to in
the foregoing pages, the "burthen" of which
they stated it to be the imperative duty of the
Society to take upon itself as soon as its funds
should permit; and they made "an urgent call
upon the public" to raise them to the necessary
sufficiency. The plan was not executed upon
the projected scale, nor in the metropolis," as
had been contemplated; but the Committee so
far attained their object, as to re-open their
former seminary, still free of expense as far as
rent was concerned, but in all other respects
upon their own responsibility. "A proper tutor
to superintend the institution" was now the only
desideratum, and, such an one (viz. Rev. Edwin
* See page 145.
y "Mr. Frey procured for Mr. Josephson a situation at Stan-
stead Park, where he acted as clerk to the church; but was
principally useful in assisting converts to repeat their respective
tasks of verses of Scripture, for their first introduction to the
London Society." Sailman's Mystery Unfolded, p. 45.
Ninth Report, p. 30.
204
Jacob, M.A. scholar of Corpus Christi College,
Oxford,) being recommended to them by one of
the Patrons in concert with the Rev. Mr. Bid-
dulph, of Bristol, he was appointed to that situa-
tion at a Special General Meeting, Jan. 17, 1821.
Four Missionary students were immediately
placed under his care, to be soon followed by
two more from Mr. Jaenicke's Moravian Mis-
sionary Establishment at Berlin ; and the new
Chapel, provided by Mr. Way's munificence,
for the use of the students, having been pre-
viously "consecrated with great solemnity” on
the appropriate "holiday of the conversion of
St. Paul," the Society was thus completely
re-organized for its new exploits in Jewish
conversion.
a
Thirteenth Report, pp. 61, 62.
a
b As is usual on such occasions, an entertainment was given
at the Hall, which is only important on account of Mr. Si-
meon's Grace; a composition too much out of the ordinary
routine of such formularies to be lost.
Recitative, by Mr. Simeon.
"We thank the Lord for this our food;
But most of all-for JESU'S BLOOD!
Sent down, like manna, from above-
The Bread of life-a Saviour's love."
CHORUS.
Words repeated accompanied by the organ-the whole com-
pany joining.
4
205
SECTION II.
Financial System.
An expenditure so unbounded and adventur-
ous, as that now engaged in by the Committee,
obviously required energy and ingenuity in the
financial department distinguished by the same
characteristics, to push to the utmost limits of
productiveness the old ways and means, and to
strike out new ones sufficiently drastic to reach
the heart's blood of inconsiderate sensibility, and
drain that into the fund of the Institution.
<<
The first requisite-energy-was abundantly
provided for by the acquisition of Mr. Simeon,
who, though a subscriber "almost from the
beginning," had now 'first the honour," as
he expressively states it, "to come on board
the vessel." He saw" the Society," it will be
recollected, "like a ship with so much water in
the hold that there was little or no hope of
saving it from destruction;" and not merely so
perilously situated itself, but threatening also to
involve "all similar institutions" in its own des-
tiny. His all was embarked in these bottoms—
he had been the chief architect in planning them
-and the chief artificer in their construction-
they had been the labour of his life-his fame
206
was identified with them-his affections doated
upon them-they were officered by men, the great
majority of whom, he had publicly declared,
coincided in sentiments with himself-and he
was looked up to as a sort of Commodore over
the squadron. The state of excitement, there-
fore, under which he led on the party to " the
pumps," is to be paralleled only with that which
animated the heroes of Butler and Cervantes,
and, though “the hold was cleared and the ship
righted," the " navigating" it upon its new ad-
venture remained as indispensable to the deli-
verance undertaken as the two former exploits;
and, as appears from Mr. Simeon's statement,
admitted no abatement of exertion; for "all our
might" are the terms used to express the mea-
sure of it which "navigating" required, and
which was actually devoted to the object by
these enterprising voyagers.
The details of Mr. Simeon's errantry from
1817 to the present period fully warrant this
description; for they exhibit him constantly in
the fore-ground of one or other of the Society's
excitative detachments-now journeying to the
northern and midland counties-then touring to
the west-and filling up the intervals between
these annual progresses with shorter excursions,
to conduct special exploits, having reference to
the increase of funds. On many occasions,
a Mr. Simeon's Speech at Norwich, Sept. 1817..
207
Mr. Marsh and he appear as comrades in one
commission, and stimulate each other to extra-
ordinary efforts by an amicable rivalry for col-
lectional pre-eminence. On others, he heads
the foraging party in one line of country, and
Mr. Marsh is leader of a similar enterprise
in the opposite direction. Whilst Mr. Legh
Richmond, too highly-talented to be second
in command, takes the neighbourhood of the
Tweed, and all beyond it, as his field of action,
and there accumulates laurels upon his brow
by three very productive campaigns. Nor
The acknowledgment of these services-how “
very mate-
rially they contributed to a revival of zeal" where the "chilling
influence of misrepresentations and objections" had been "felt"
--what "fruits were reaped" from them-and how much the
progress of the Society depended upon them"-will be found,
Tenth Report, p. 20; Twelfth, p. 43; Thirteenth, p. 55; and
Fourteenth, p. 55: but for the particulars of the several "feats
of Christian charity," as the Society's historiographer designates
them, reference must be had to the Jewish Expositors, where
the itineraries are regularly Gazetted-the whole financial pro-
cess detailed-and the result in each instance noted.
• The recognitions of Mr. Legh Richmond's thrice repeated
labours in Scotland-of "the true demonstrations of Christian
feeling in behalf of the lost sheep of the House of Israel,"
which "every where gladdened" him-and of the liberal con-
tributions which he was 66
made the medium of communicating
to the funds of the Society "--will be found, Twelfth Report,
p. 44; Thirteenth, p. 56; Fourteenth, p. 56; but the only le-
gends which adequately depict his peregrinations, are his own
epistles. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. pp. 202, 206, 320–323.
2
208
must Mr. Lewis Way be left out of this ac-
count, as the Irish energy in the cause grew out
of his and Mr. Marsh's excitement, when (as the
Committee word it) it was their "privilege" to
visit the Sister Island as its delegated advocates,
and to give that stimulus and direction to "the
sensibilities of that generous people," which
the Reverends Bushe, Hamilton, and Evanson,
have since fanned and fostered".
"the
a Messrs. Way's and Marsh's success in Ireland, on
revival of the cause" there, seems, in the Committee's estima-
tion, to have surpassed all other financial achievements. Not
content with generally describing "the event," as having " abun-
dantly realized the sanguine anticipations which they had formed
of effectual co-operation in that Island," they proceed to parti-
cularize, as the effect produced, that "the warmest sensibilities
of that generous people seem to have been called forth in full
exercise towards the scattered descendants of Abraham; whilst
their vigorous understandings appear to have embraced, as if
by intuitive perception, the magnitude and interest of the
Jewish cause, in its bearings not only upon the unhappy race
itself, but on the whole Gentile world." Thirteenth Report,
p. 57.
e “In Ireland we have not been idle, neither have our labours
been in vain in the Lord. We have inscribed on our standard,
that the cause of the Jews is the cause of the Bible, and we
have made many willing 'captives by our sword and by our
bow.' Our noble and zealous friend, the Rev. George Hamil-
ton, has preached for the Society in the churches of Athy,
Maryborough, and Monastereven, and in each was respectably
attended, and obtained no small accession to our funds. My
brother Secretary, Mr. Bushe, also preached for the same
purpose, and with similar success, in the churches of Baltur-
209
In taking account of the energy introduced
into the London Society's financial department
under its new administration, these gentlemen are
entitled to precedence; for though Mr. Simeon
bal and Cavan. We have very lately formed an Auxiliary at
Belfast. In September, I attended the anniversary of the Cork
Auxiliary, (a cion planted by our dear friend, and now become
a goodly tree).....In the strength of the God of Jacob, I went,
as I thought, alone; friends, however, joined me, and many
others came cheerfully to our aid. The day had been fixed
previously to my leaving Dublin. I found it was a monthly
breakfast meeting of clergy and laity, for the purpose of pro-
voking one another to love and to good works. We discussed the
cleventh of the Romans, and spent a most delightful and profit-
able hour in conversing upon the blessings promised to Israel,
and the duty of Christian exertion to impart them. The divine
blessing was earnestly sought by prayer, both upon the result
of our conference, and upon the intended meeting. We ad-
journed to the Commercial Hotel: after a few judicious and
Christian observations from Dr. Quarry, I entered into a con-
sideration of the scriptural character of the London Society-
the rational and scriptural means which it uses-the encourag-
ing success which has attended those means-—the weakness of
the objections-with some general remarks on the claims, &c.
and the very pleasing signs of the present times. My friends
ably filled up the outline, and furnished a complete and, I hope,
a convincing statement of our most excellent cause. We had
hoped, before this, to have published the proceedings, but
delays have occurred in obtaining the speeches. On the 17th
of October, I attended the anniversaries of the Boyle and
Rockingham Church Missionary and Jews Auxiliary Associa-
tion; that truly excellent and Christian nobleman, Viscount
Lorton, presided; Rev. Joseph H. Singer, F.T.C.D. Secretary
to the Hibernian Church Missionary Society, my fellow-tra-
P
210
is the only actual accession, yet, besides his
own personal exertion, he brought with him a
stimulus which operated powerfully upon all
his associates, and especially upon these staff-
officers, exciting them to activity beyond all
former example. Still however they are only to
be considered as primi inter pares; for the three
secretaries--the Reverends C. S. Hawtrey and
D. Ruell, in particular-distributed according to
circumstances in one or other of the detach-
ments, bore their full share in the toils both
of pulpit and aulic declamation, and contributed,
equally with those to whom the posts of honour
were yielded, to the general effect: and though
the Revs. Daniel Wilson, J. W. Cunningham,
J. Grimshawe, W. Wilberforce, Esq. and some
others, did not enlist themselves for constant
service, they were always at their posts on
general musters, and, with the exception of the
our cause.
veller in the deputation, very ably and judiciously advocated
We find a very increasing zeal (upon the general
question of bringing the Jews to the knowledge of Christ)
among our brother Clergy of the Established Church....
At my Missionary Lecture at Bethesda Chapel, (not episco-
pally licensed) on Wednesday evening last, I read the com-
munications of Dr. Pinkerton about the Polish Jews. A
clergyman of the Established Church present, put his name as
an annual subscriber of a guinea.
"Your very affectionate brother,
"W. A. EVANSON."
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 479.
་
211
latter gentleman, occasionally met their com-
rades at the field of action, and then put forth
all their strength in furtherance of the achieve-
ment of the day. "The unsuccessful cause," as
Mr. Cunningham takes the sentiment from the
lips of "
Cato," "delighted them, as it called
f ""
forth all their energies,
But the cause of the London Society was not
merely unsuccessful, but accumulatively disgraced
and degraded; so much so, that its most de-
voted patron, who thoroughly knew its deme-
rits, lays the examination of them under the
most solemn interdict that could be imposed,
at the same time admitting generally that "its
peculiar circumstances," at this particular pe-
riod, were such as would have involved any
institution of a mere worldly nature in utter con-
fusion," and as made the appeal, about to be
urged upon public bounty in reparation of its
f Speech at Anniversary, 1817. Jewish Expositor, Vol. II.
p. 228.
"Whatever may have been the errors of the first Society,
it does not become the present to examine them--it would be
to break up the tomb of a parent." Way's Letter to the Bishop of
St. David's, p. 8. The retaining Mr. Frey upon the Committee,
in violation of the principles of the new constitution; the jus-
tifying that measure by that most profane allusion to Moses
and the pillar of the cloud, see p. 121, Note A.; and the sub-
sequent importunity to procure episcopal ordination for him,
were errors not of the first Society, but of that which is here
charged to be so piously forbearing to its parent's sepulchre.
P 2
212
h "
funds, to be paralleled only to going to "a de-
sert" for resources ¹. It was not, therefore,
energy alone, to whatever degree excited, that
could effect what the financial corps had under-
taken: ingenuity of the most exquisite descrip-
tion was equally indispensable; and it will soon
be seen that they were as unrivalled in dexterity
and contrivance, as they were in execution.
Mr. Simeon manifested a rare combination of
both these qualities, by at once taking, as the
phrase is, the bull by the horns-that is, by ad-
mitting all the charges alleged against the So-
ciety, and then turning his concession to the
advantage of the present administration, whose
"removal," he said, "of all those persons and
things which were dishonourable to the Society
in its former state, was a pledge to the public
that the affairs of the Society were, and should
be, as far as human prudence and caution could
effect it, conducted with all possible care for
the glory of God and the advancement of the
work committed to them." He compared its
difficulties and deliverance with the trials and
liberation of the Israelites;" undertook for it
that, having been refined in a furnace, it was
now come out a vessel fit for the master's use;"
and obliquely hinted that "the circumstances.
«
h Way's Letter to the Bishop of St. David's, p. 6.
i
Speech at Norwich, 1817. Tenth Report, p. 49.
* Speech at Bristol, 1817. Jewish Expositor, Vol. II. p. 408.
1.
213
which had lately occurred in its affairs" had
been used by Providence to try the faith of good
men'.
m",
of
Mr. Wilberforce, in prosecution of the same
argument, treated as "ridiculous the idea" of
exemption from "difficulties and dangers,"
and pronounced it "folly to complain
them; and Mr. Marsh put the case of "Judas,"
coupled with that of St. Peter; and, on the
ground that their respective "falls" were not
fatal to Christianity, asked his auditory, "Shall
the cause (viz. of the London Society,) fail,
because there are some apostates "?"-the So-
ciety's founder being, since the last day of purifi-
cation, by no means the least of them; and he
provided on a subsequent occasion against all the
discomfitures that might ensue, by broadly
laying it down, that "were there not a Jew
converted-were every Jew now professing
Christianity to apostatize-though it would pain
our hearts, it ought not to relax our vigour, be-
cause the event does not depend on the stability
of man, but on the faithfulness of God; to which
the Committee have added, from the mouth of
one of their Missionaries, this clincher-" that
'Speech at Freemason's Tavern, 1817. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. II. p. 227.
m Ibid. p. 226.
" Ibid. p. 227.
• Address at Norfolk and Norwich Association Anniversary,
1821. Ladies Committee Report, p. 18.
༔
214
fruit can only be had in the great harvest," and
that "now being only seed-time, it is premature
to look for it "."
Thus was the most formidable objection which
the Society had to contend with, not merely
parried, but adroitly turned to its advantage,
and completely disabled from further hostility.
Objections indeed were the only materials forth-
coming for the construction of arguments in its
recommendation, and they were all fabricated
into obligations to support it, with the same
dexterity and success.
The state of the Jews abroad had been ascer-
tained by actual survey, and had been shewn
to be desperate, both with respect to religion
and morals. Rev. J. H. Stewart took up the
former topic, and adduced their " obstinately
closing their eyes to that light which might con-
vince them," as a motive for attempting
pluck these brands out of the burning";" whilst
Mr. Cunningham took up the latter, and, from
“the uncommon number and degree of their vices,
deduced "so many reasons to do all that could
be done to make them better "."
r
"" to
22
But this line of argument was by some deemed
P Fourteenth Report, p. 75.
¶ Address to Missionaries. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII.
p. 259.
r
Report of speeches at Norwich Association in aid of Lon-
don Society, 1822, p. 2.
215
much too chivalrous for the ordinary sensibilities
of those upon whom the Society's pleaders had to
operate; and Mr. Faber, who lent his services
in the cause as an Anniversary Preacher, very
candidly admonished them of their mistake. He
told them, that "it is not in our nature to work
heartily, if we have but a very faint, or uncer-
tain, or trifling prospect of success-that, let
it be right or wrong, we are all inclined to turn
from a less promising to a more promising field"
--and that it was "far from clear" to him whether
this casting scorn upon "results," and setting forth
"a handfull of converts as sufficient recompense
for every exertion," was "not the most prejudi-
cial to the cause of Jewish Missions" of any
course "that could have been devised."
therefore pointed out to them a new course-
a course indeed which their predecessors had
occasionally taken-that of pleas from pro-
phecy, in which, he said, “full reason" was
given "to hope for success in the national con-
version of the Jews:" and he drew out for them
the argument which to him appeared to warrant
this confident assurance.
He
As his foundation, he laid down this prophe-
tical axiom-that " exactly on the same prin-
ciples of arithmetic and history that Daniel
calculated the approaching return of his peo-
ple from Babylon, and that the Hebrew con-
temporaries and immediate successors of our
216
Lord calculated the speedy manifestation of
the promised Messiah, on those identical prin-
ciples may we calculate the rapidly approach-
ing conversion and restoration of Judah."
Having "set this forth with sufficient copious-
ness," he next took, "in connection with it,"
"the congregation before him-the numer-
ous friends of the Hebrew cause in the British
Islands and the Continent-and the existence
and increase of a Society whose special object
is to evangelize the house of Judah in every
quarter of the "globe," and these he pro-
nounced to be "all proofs, that the hand of God
is now specially stretched forth upon the earth"
-that "the appointed time of the accomplish-
ment of the Jews' national conversion is near at
hand; so near, in truth, as to be comparatively
at least at our very doors." Having spoken so
peremptorily of "the times and the seasons,
(forgetful, doubtless, of our Lord's rebuke to his
""
Sermon prefixed to Fourteenth Report, pp. 27, 28, 49.
As a harmony of expositors is not without its weight in
matters of doubtful disputation, the ensuing testimony, strongly
corroborative of the correctness of Mr. Faber's view, is sub-
joined: Messrs. Marsh, Hawtrey, and Simeon, the advocates
of the cause, returned to their respective homes from their
western Jewish tour, with a renewed conviction that God's
servants are, indeed, beginning to take pleasure in the stones
of Zion, and to favour the dust thereof; from which they draw
that heart-consoling inference, that the time, yea, the set time,
for the Lord to arise, and have mercy upon her, is come.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 487.
217
1
Apostles upon this subject) it would have been
a forbearance quite unprecedented if Mr. Faber
had not gone one step further, and, availing
himself of the Society's "various published ac-
counts" of "an unusual excitation among the
Jews," strengthened his speculations by a re-
ference to this phenomenon, and by placing it
before his auditory as a moot point whether
it was or was not an incipient completion of
what he had just predicted t."
The fact of the "excitation" is unquestion-
able; for the Committee are cheered with reports
of it from their agents and correspondents in all
quarters"; and of its having risen occasionally
+ Sermon prefixed to fourteenth Report, p. 50.
u
"It is a most pleasing phenomenon of our times, adds this
devoted servant of God, (Leander Van Ess) that an almost
general stir is observable among the Jews." Fourteenth Report,
p. 86.
"Professor told me, that in Marburg and its neigh-
bourhood, a strong stir is observable in the minds of the Jews."
J. D. Marc. Ibid. p. 130.
"The news from Poland is, the Jews there seem to be con-
vinced that some important change in their condition is pre-
paring, and to be ready to offer hands for co-operation." Ibid.
p. 81.
"The stir among the Jews is increasing." J.D.Marc. Ibid.
p. 83.
Many Jews are of the same opinion with me respecting the
Messiah, and I am of opinion that a great discord will soon
arise between these Jews and the Pharisean Jews." A Tunese
Jew to Professor Habicht, at Breslaw. Jewish Expositor, Vol.
VI. p. 360.
218
to an height so much resembling (as Mr. Si-
meon illustrates it) what may be conceived to
have been the rush of the starving Irish upon
"a ship load of potatoes," that the Society's
agents were in danger of being " trodden down ;"
and the "police," insufficient without the assist-
ance of "6 gens d'armes" to protect them; so
eager were the desires of the children of Abra-
ham to tear out of their hands the tidings of
salvation *. But, in what spirit this was done,
and whether the Society were the fomenters
of these 66
excitations," upon
66
upon which they
* This splendid excitation was deemed so conclusive, that it
was alleged, though with variations, by Mr. Simeon and
Mr. Ruell, on one anniversary festival, whose different gettings
up of it follow each other.
(6
During the late famine in Ireland, when a ship of potatoes
arrived, if there was but one man to deal them out by measure,
how long do you think the people would wait? Not five mi-
nutes before the crowd would sweep all away. Why? because
of the pressure of hunger. Well, this very thing is taking
place among the Jews; so that our agents are forced to call in
gens d'armes to assist the police in preventing the copies from
being torn out of their hands at once, so eager is the desire of
them." Mr. Simeon.
Incredible, a few years past, would have been what now
takes place; Christian missionaries go among Jews to whom they
are unknown, and proclaim the Gospel; and they are obliged to
obtain military aid, that they may not be trodden down by the
crowd of the children of Abraham rushing on them for the
tidings of Salvation, through that Messiah whom their fa-
thers rejected." Mr. Ruell, Norwich Association Anniver-
sary, 1822, pp. 5, 9.
8
219
found their auguries, and which, upon Mr.
Faber's hypothesis, seem ascribed to God, will
be no question with those who take the pains to
wade through the details of their several agent's
foreign proceedings.
However this be, it was turned to good account
by the Society's travelling financiers. Mr. Simeon,
upon the strength of it, descanted upon Eze-
kiel's prophecy of the " dry bones" with more
confidence than ever; and Mr. Cunnningham
entered very interestingly into the "process
of their reanimation, resembling it to "that of
""
"I discovered distinctly the hand of the Lord in the offer
made by a young gentleman, (Hobschuker) a native of Bavaria
to make the distribution of the Hebrew New Testament and
of Tracts. On the great day of atonement they went with a
small number of them into the Polish Synagogue, and Mr. San-
der shewed to the first Jew who stood near him, one of the
small cards. Like an electrical stroke the introduction of that
little stranger was felt in the spacious and crowded Hall. All
the Jews from every corner crowded about Mr. S., and in their
eagerness almost tore the few Tracts he had out of his hands.
They now visited some other synagogues, and in one of them
excited so great a sensation, that the Cantor requested them not
to disturb their devotion." Mr. Tauchnitz; Leipzig, 1820.
Thirteenth Report, p. 124.
2 "I beg you to read Ezek. 37, in your closets. Did the Lord
promise that upon prophecying to these dry bones, they should
all rise up in a minute as a great army? No; but first there
should be a motion among them. That this occurs you allow
....The early part of the prophecy is now taking place....
There is an universal stir among them; bone coming to his bone,
and even flesh covering them." Norwich Association Anniver-
sary, 1822, p. 4.
220
"In
the recovery of a nearly drowned man by the
Humane Society," in which you "first see a con-
vulsive motion of the limbs, then the muscles
play, soon the influence reaches the vital part,
the pulse beats, he breathes, and lives."
the Jewish body, generally," he went on to
say, the process had advanced no further than
the first stage-" to the motion of the limbs :"
(alluding probably to Mr. Ruell's account of
treading down the agents,) "but in some individuals"
(as he proceeded) all the stages had been hap-
pily gone through, and the Society might be
congratulated" on their being "revived," and
that they "live in the sight of God"."
This of course suggested another prophetical
excitement to contribution, admirably adapted
for the time being to serve the purpose of the
London Society, and against which there was
this only objection, that it disparaged all those
kindred Societies which each in its turn had had
the same preference assigned to it, when its re-
commendation to popular favour was the order
a Norwich Association Anniversary, 1822, p. 3. "The Nor-
folk Ladies Association is very profound upon this prophecy, as
follows. Such facts (viz. as above stated, No. x.) and the in-
creasing desire of educating their children, prove, at least, a
shaking of the dry bones; which, coinciding with the activity
and spirit of prayer for Jews now general among the Lord's
prophets, is surely preparatory to their being quickened by the
breath from on high, who shall enable them to rise up an
exceeding great army." Report, 1821, p. 4.
6
221
!
of the day". This excitement was the occupation
of these dry bones upon their revival as mis-
sionaries to the Gentiles, and therefore the di-
vinely appointed priority of Jewish conversion,
and the consequent precedence of the London
Society before all others in its claims upon the
public for support. Upon this topic Mr. Faber
spoke with great decision, having been antici-
pated in his hypothesis by Reverends G. Noel,
Dr. Draper, Daniel Wilson, C. Simeon, and
L. Richmond, all of whom had previously advo-
cated the Society's cause by diversified state-
ments of the same influential commentary ª;
d
See Author's Letter to the Earl of Liverpool, pp. 160—
163, where this is proved by an induction of particulars.
"The truth is, that, whatever partial success may attend
missionary exertions in regard to individual Pagans or Moham-
medans, the Gentiles will never be converted nationally and upon
a large scale, until the Jews shall have been first converted;
and the ground of this is, that the Jews are destined in the
unsearchable wisdom of God to be the sole finally successful
missionaries to the Gentile world."
"The fact of our little success is notorious and indisputa-
ble; the reason is, because an honor, reserved for others, neither
will nor can be conferred upon us." London Jen Society,
Fourteenth Report, Sermon by Rev. G. S. Faber, April 18,
1822, p. 13.
"Almost every one conversant with the Scriptures will
agree with me in opinion, we are not to look for very great
progress in the introduction of Christianity into the world,
until after the conversion of the Jews." Rev. G. Noel. Anni-
versary, 1813. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 259.
"We are the auxiliaries; auxiliaries did I say? help me to a
222
and indeed by the whole associated body as-
sembled in Free Mason's Hall on the preceding
Anniversary, who, upon the view of the above
and many more particulars, and on the motion
of Robert Grant, Esq. seconded by Sir Clau-
dius Hunter, Bart. resolved unanimously, that
these "are circumstances which seem to de-
monstrate that the predicted shaking of the dry
bones has commenced, and are an urgent call
upon Christians to prophecy to them, and to
pray that the Spirit of the Most High' may
breathe upon them that they may live."
6
But the most imposing scriptural appeal in be-
half of the Society's funds was the production of
more exalted term; we are the most valuable and efficient
allies of every other Society, whose object is the advancement
of the Gospel. Our success must include theirs." Dr. Draper.
Anniversary, 1813. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 291.
"In fact, it is not perhaps too much to say, that the various
schemes of mercy now on foot in this country, wait at this
moment for the Jews as their auxiliaries...Our Societies for
the dispersion of the Bible, and for the encouragement of
missionary exertions." London Society. Eighth Report. Dan.
Wilson's Sermon, p. 25.
"The Jews have, in reality, a prior claim. God has said
expressly, that his salvation is sent to the Jew first, and next
to the Gentile," &c. &c. Simeon. Norwich Auxiliary, 1817.
"The enlightened friends of missions will not lose sight of
that scriptural priority of character which, in the whole record
of history and prophecy, attaches to the Jewish nation, and,
by consequence, in our own endeavours to fulfil the will of
of God." L. Richmond. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 203.
e Thirteenth Report, p. v.
223
6
Mr. Marsh, derived not from a Prophet but an
Apostle, constructed (as he states the case) under
circumstances of peculiar interest, no less than
the parting company between him and his
“portmanteau,” on one of his preaching expedi-
tions. On his arrival at the scene of operations
the disaster was discovered. He, therefore,
shut himself up, and took the Bible, and hav-
ing "read Romans xith with prayer that he
might understand it, it appeared to him that St.
Paul himself was with him, and that he asked
him questions to the following effect: St. Paul!
Some Christians desire to promote Christianity
among your countrymen the Jews. Is it
Is it prac-
ticable? He replied, God is able to graft them
in again, if they abide not in unbelief.' But if
practicable, some persons are not willing to
make the attempt unless success is probable.
Is it probable? He answered, If thou wert cut
out of the olive tree wild by nature, and grafted
contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how
much more shall those, which be the natural
branches be grafted into their own olive tree.'
Though it is both practicable and probable, there
are minds which will not undertake any thing
unless the result be certain. Is it certain the
Jews will be grafted in again? His words were
strong. The deliverer shall take away ungod-
liness from Jacob, for this (saith the Lord) is my
covenant unto them when I shall take away
224
their sins; and I would not have you Gentiles
ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your
own conceits, that blindness, in part, is hap-
pened unto Israel, till the fulness of the Gentiles
be come in.' Be it admitted that the Society
has brought forward an object practicable, be-
cause God is able to graft in the Jews; probable,
because they are the natural branches of hist
olive; certain, because of the divine covenant;
yet, some think it will take place at a period
known only to God, and by supernatural means,
in which human agency is to have no concern.
Hence they only offer prayer that he will hasten
the conversion of all nations including Jews.
Methought the Apostle smiled when he said,
Read a preceding passage, and you find me not
merely "praying in my heart to God that Israel
might be saved," but declaring that "there is
no difference between Jew and Gentile, for the
same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon
him." The effect of this conference upon Mr.
Marsh was, as he states it, to remove every
objection which weighed upon his mind," and
to induce him to devote "to the cause the larger
portion of time he could spare from ministerial
labours'; and, doubtless, it had a very winning
66
f Address at Norfolk and Norwich Ladies Association, 1821.
Report, p. 15. It is remarkable how the geniuses of different
ages soar to a sort of common altitude, and follow each other in
one track in their finest flights of imagination. This is most strik-
225
effect upon the Ladies who were first favoured
with it, in producing a similar sacrifice to the
cause, of their domestic duties; which, it may be
feared, has not failed to be its operation upon
other female auditories on every recital.
In the progress which has been already made
in opening the budget of the Society's new finan-
ciers, the ways and means exhibited have been
ingly exemplified, with reference to the above colloquy, in a
Sermon of Mr. Case, before the Peers in 1646-a preacher
as eminent in his day as Mr. Marsh is at present. Bishop
Womack, who cites the passage in question, is rather severe
upon its author; for he charges him with sacrificing the holy
text to gratify a conceit then producing violent religious ex-
citement. How far the censure applies, is left to the reader's
arbitration: Mr. Case's interlocutory, founded upon Heb. xi.
13. being as follows. "Go with me," he exclaims with that
exquisite familiarity which lets down the pulpit to the same
level with an ordinary place of concourse-" Go with me, and
ye shall find Abraham with his staff in his hand, and his sandals
on his feet, and his loins girt: please let me ask him two or
three questions by the way: see what he will answer. Reve-
rend Patriarch! Whither are you going? Ans. I know not.
How will you subsist? Ans. I know not. He is in haste as well
as we; and therefore I'll ask him but one question more. Abra-
ham! Why then do you go at such uncertainties? To this he
will answer, I go not upon uncertainties, I have a call; I have
a command; and that will secure my person and bear my charges.
By faith, Abraham, when he was called to go into a place which
he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and went out,
not knowing whither he went." Bishop Womack's Aron-bimnucha,
4to. 1663, pp. 85, 86.
Q
226
their own creations, either purely imaginative, or
else ingenious retorts upon objections. It would
be an act of great injustice to the parties con-
cerned, to suppose that they even contemplated
an expenditure upon so greatly increased a
scale, without having the foresight of further
and more efficient expedients for raising the
supplies necessary to sustain it; as, however
well these would work as auxiliaries, and how-
ever materially they would contribute to the
desired result when combined with something
more substantial, it was evident that, without
such combination, they would be unproductive.
66
+
The Society's present executive were by no
means such short-sighted politicians. The "insu-
lated acre," whilst that enjoyed exclusively their
fostering care, had proved, as Dr. Pinkerton very
significantly expresses it, " ungrateful." Here
was the great source of the Society's misfortunes
-the "infelicitous circumstance" (to adopt Mr.
Legh Richmond's phraseology) which enfeebled
"the energies" excited "in behalf of the poor
Jews," and stopped the current of public benė-
volence from adequately feeding the resources.
When the Society had, at a great expense,
printed the "Hebrew Scriptures," a spirit of
jealousy (so the report complains) kept "the
great mass of the Jews at a distance," and "the
opportunities of giving them" were thus so
very confined," that one only "anecdote," from
2
227
<<
а distant country," of the word of the Gospel
being conveyed into the mind of a Jew through
the medium of this Hebrew translation, was all
the managers of that day could collect to exem-
plify the progress of conversion".
But the field of 10,000 acres" to which, at
Dr. Pinkerton's suggestion, they had transferred
their labours, was, as he reported to them, a
"much more promising soil." There was no "spirit
of jealousy" amongst the Jews there, to "keep the
great mass of them" at the same "distance" from
the Society's agents, as prevailed here, with such
irremediable obstinacy: or, if there should exist
so untoward a spirit, it was not "under the imme-
diate eye of a discerning Christian community;" and
"the Missionaries" would have " opportunities
and leisure for selecting and arranging h.: "The
directors" also would have their turn for "again
selecting," till, by this double-refinement, the grand
totals of "HEBREW TESTAMENTS, GERMAN HE-
BREW ditto, JUDEO-POLISH ditto, HEBREW PRO-
PHETS, HEBREW PSALTERS, TRACTS, and CARDs,
distributed and gratefully received," would so
predominate over less auspicious indications that
the astonished auditories would be entranced in
"
computing the good both in esse and in posse, to
the present generation of Jews, and to generations
* Ninth Report, p. 16.
Third Report, p. 2.
Q 2
228
yet unborn, by these silent heralds of Salva-
tioni," and their contributions would increase
progressively with the strength of the infatua-
tion. Here was the new ministry's sheet anchor
of finance. Accordingly, as soon as the plan
was all digested, the Secretaries received
instructions to address letters to the kindred
Secretaries in all parts of the world, for any
anecdotes about Jews that they could furnish; and
every Missionary, upon his appointment, was
specially charged, as his first duty, to journalize
every thing, and to keep the Committee regu-
larly supplied with produceable information *.
An abundant and progressively increasing store
of little histories of White Jews, and Black Jews;
Leghornese, Algerine, and Tunisian Jews; Polish
Fifteenth Report, pp. 31, 32.
The reply of Rev. W. Jowett of Malta to one of these
circulars shews that they are accurately described above, and
shews also the use to be made of the correspondence. After
apologizing for so long delaying his answer, and passing some
introductory compliments, he proceeds: "Bible and Mission-
ary Societies should every where be tributary to you; you will
one day repay them with large interest... Will you accept then
the offering of a few incidents and observations, gleaned from
my journals. They may interest some of your readers." And
then he tells a long story of Rabbi Lazzaro Mordos, of Corfu,
a physician nearly blind, and quite deaf, one of the most dis-
couraging specimens of the Jewish character that could have
been exhibited-but it was about a Jew, and that was all-suf-
ficient. Eleventh Report, p. 85.
Mr. Legh Richmond also sends a communication, profess-
+
229
1
Jews, and German Jews, and Portuguese Jews;
Mendelsohnians, Subsaids, and Karaits; Orthodox
and Pharaseean Jews, and Atheistic ditto; together
with auspicious conversional indications amongst
many of them, and actual conquests to Christi-
anity in some instances, were consigned to the
Committee from their various correspondents.
Thus were they soon put in possession of the
means of making "interesting and successful ex-
planations relative to plans, labours, and pros-
pects;" and of putting out, in any quantity,
"encouraging appearances on the continent of
Europe," interspersed with " information and re-
marks from Bible and Missionary agents in other
parts of the world';" and thus of strengthening
ing to be a few circumstances interesting to the Committee, re-
lative to their cause which he has been promoting in Scotland,
which is accurately what he describes it as far as the circum-
stances are concerned; for they are very few, but frothed up
by the addition of long descriptive passages of Scotch scenery
spiritualized, to the length of nine closely printed pages.-
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 202.
¹ Poor Mr. Thelwall (with whom the reader will soon be
better acquainted) bitterly complains of this hard service im-
posed upon him. His Journal entry of one day opens, " I
believe any one, who attempts to give a history of his proceed-
ings day by day, will every now and then be surprised to find
how poor a figure all his labours make upon paper. So, at
least, it is with me in relation to the employments of this day.
I have worked harder than usual.....The morning was chiefly
employed in calling upon persons with whom I had not before
૩
230
the spell of their incantations with that ingredient
which their predecessors in office had in vain
sought after, and which, dextrously dispersed,
would" cherish and augment the flame of spiri-
tual feeling for the lost sheep of the House of Is-
rael "," almost to any degree of fanatical excite-
ment.
The process of dispensing their contributory
stimulants is the next feature in the new finan-
cial system to be displayed, and is by no means
the least splendid exemplification of the Com-
mittee's ingenuity. The Committee were already
in possession, as a general channel of communi-
cation, of the Society's monthly journal-THE
JEWISH REPOSITORY-which had, however,
"failed to attract the notice of the Christian
found sufficient opportunities of conversing at full; and in
making arrangements with one of the ministers, and a zealous
and intelligent bookseller here, for the establishment of a Tract
Society; and the afternoon in writing some letters to Amster
dam." Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 415.
This is a fair specimen of the details of a six weeks' tour,
of which they are the only fruits.
m The above is Mr. Legh Richmond's account" of the in-
tercourse which took place" between him and "his Scottish
brethren within the last three years," (i. e. prior to 1821, or
from 1818 the period at which the importation of foreign
intelligence commenced ;) and of his own method, during that
period, "of recommending the Jewish Mission and its unwor-
thy representative, to their feelings." Rev. L. Richmond's
Journal. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 202,
231
public" to the extent required, purely from the
want of excitative materials. Of these there
were henceforth the fairest prospects of an ample
supply; but still it would have been waste of
power to work that journal up again into popu-
larity, when its dead weight could be at once
shaken off by dropping the old title and starting
fresh under a new designation. This, therefore, was
the first specimen of the Committee's distributive
sagacity. THE JEWISH REPOSITORY was cast
scorn upon, as betokening "a mere recipient," or
place in which materials are collected and laid by, and
so consigned to perdition; and from its ashes
sprung up the JEWISH EXPOSITOR, a more titu-
larly active production, having “the desire of in-
quiry—the
quiry the process of investigation-and the practice
of communication," emblazoned upon its very
frontispiece; and this was ushered in with a new
prospectus, made as "generally acceptable" as
possible by having respect, in the fabrication of
it, to "many classes of persons," and throwing into
its bill of intended fare something suited to their
several inclinations, dispositions, and attain-
ments
n "
n
"The circulation of the Expositor is on the increase: it
is regarded as a very useful and interesting publication.
W. Evanson, of Bethesda Chapel, Dublin, to C. S. Hawtrey.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 480.
232
But the Committee's talents for dealing out
their stimulants, went far beyond this aggregate
appeal. The point which that body aimed at,
was to bring the whole population under the
influence of the system, and to push on the
levies till they actually amounted to a poll-tax
throughout the United Kingdom.
To effect this-religious discrepances—ser-age
-and rank of life were brought under considera-
tion, and a separate course was prescribed for
dealing with each, which, for the sake of pers-
picuity, shall be set forth under the heads of
Dissenters the Ladies--the Lower Orders-and
Children.
The Society, it will be recollected, under the
new modification of its religions character upon
Mr. Simeon's "coming on board," became, as to
its outward seeming, rigidly and rather clamor-
ously Episcopal, at the same time that it made
"Our Committee meet regularly every Monday morning,
and our hearts are often much refreshed by the communications
from the parent Society, and from various parts of the coun-
try, where the cause is rapidly gaining ground." Ibid. 481.
"Our Committee deemed it expedient to avoid parsimony
in their publications, being aware that the public mind requires
copious information, multiplied evidences of good doing and
done by the Society; as well as to be disabused of many erro-
neous views and weighty objections and prejudices against a
cause so little known, and at first blush so uninviting.
W. Evanson, of Bethesda Chapel, Dublin, to C. S. Hawtrey
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 481.
""
233
}
}
the most conciliatory demonstrations towards
Dissenters. This policy was assiduously per-
severed in, and every opportunity seized of set-
ting forth "the peculiar liberality" with which
Dissenting Ministers came forward at auxiliary
meetings to give "the cause their most zealous
.
• It must not be allowed to pass without its due tribute of
admiration, how well the breadth of bottom (as the Rev. G. B.
Mitchell expresses it) is preserved in this narrowed recon-
struction of the Society. Mr. Faber exults, with great exclu-
siveness, in its "avowed and immediate connection with our
venerable Mother, the Church of England," who is thus, he
says, “taking her proper place as the main bulwark of Pro-
testantism;” but he has his fraternal embrace ready for " our
Protestant Dissenting Brethren," in whose favour he makes
instant proviso, that he "means to shew them neither ill-will
nor disrespect." Fourteenth Report, pp. 51, 52. Whilst Mr.
Wardlaw, on the other hand, with equal decidedness asserts his
principles and maintains his consistency, declaring the Episco-
palian exclusiveness which the Society had assumed, an offence
of that magnitude that a sense of duty made him "hesitate"
as to the "continuing to countenance and support it."
"But
then, (as he proceeds after a little interval) it has been the only
existing Society for this specific object; and where is the Presby-
terian or Independent, or Christian of any denomination, how-
ever conscientious his convictions, that can allow his mind for
an instant to hesitate whether it be preferable that a Jew should
continue a Jew, or that he should become an Episcopalian
Christian." (Speech, Glasgow, March, 1819. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. IV. p. 193.) There is no "jostling of one another" here,
at least in earnest-a little sparring with gloves on, to keep up
appearances but the shaking hands afterwards is most cordial,
and there is evidently a perfect understanding.
234
and cordial support "." Still, however, each
party had its points which were not to be com-
promised, if on no other account, yet on this, that
the financial advantages of distinctiveness would
be lost, were the points of either disregarded.
""
Here the Hebrew Testament, or H. N. T. fund,
(as for glibness of utterance it has been recently
entitled) was turned to excellent account. In
its first formation, the accommodation which it
might probably afford to some persons undefined,
who "might not feel at liberty to subscribe to
the other objects of the institution, was set
forth as its prominent advantage; and Mr. Marsh
told the Norfolk and Norwich ladies, that this
was the sole object in view in taking it out of the
hands of the Bible Society, at the suggestion of
that sagacious body to which it properly belonged,
and giving it a place amongst the designs of the
Jew Society. During the whole period of the
all denomination government, there was no offence
» Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 470.
See p. 50. Note .
r❝In reference to the H. N. T. fund, the Bible Society
might have accomplished it without our Society. The friends
of both discussed the point; the former replied, there were
many Christians in England, not members of Bible Societies,
who would assist the specific object of returning the Scriptures
into the hands from which we received them." Report of Ladies'
Norfolk and Norwich Association in Aid of Jews' Society, 1821.
Rev. Mr. Marsh, p. 20.
235
given to tender consciences, and of course this
provision for them was rarely, if at all, resorted
to. But, now that (as Mr. Simeon expresses it³)
"the object" of the Jew Society was found "not
simple" enough to render the above "union
practicable," from the circumstance of "Church
discipline forming a bone of contention" which
"must, of necessity," produce "discord and disso-
lution," and "Church of England ascendancy"
had, therefore, been established; this "distinct
fund" at once discovered its usefulness, and how
judiciously the friends of the two Societies had
acted in turning it over to the latter. For it now
presented itself to all who were squeamish upon
the point of discipline as "a sphere of combined
endeavours, on the unexceptionable principle of
the Bible Society" renounced in all the other
departments of the institution; and this on the
ground, (as Mr. Legh Richmond lays it down)
that the London Society is the only one which
has executed this important work, and is the
sole source of supply of that great instrument in
every attempt to promote the knowledge of
Christianity among the Jews. Our Scotch
friends (says the adroit Advocate) fully appre-
ciate this fact, and, as their donations and col-
lections testify, feel happy that no ecclesias-
tical sentiments or prejudices in the least inter-
Speech at Norwich. Appendix, No. 6.
236
fere with the conscientious and zealous support
of this branch of your proceedings. Other
Dissenters are exhibited resorting, for the pre-
servation of their consistency, to this inge-
nious subterfuge "; and Mr. Simeon states, that
"not only Dissenters in general," but that de-
nomination who approve not of any stated pub-
lic ministry-the Society of Friends-who are
friends to every good work, and who are com-
monly known by the name of Quakers, have
come forward, and nobly too, in aid of this
blessed work." With great reason therefore does
Mr. Simeon celebrate the New Testament in
Hebrew "as an incalculable benefit," since it serves
Journal. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 202.
""Mr. Youngman, though a Dissenter, liberally addressed
the Meeting in favour of the general cause, especially of the
separate fund for distributing the Hebrew New Testament
among the Jews." Norwich Meeting. Jewish Expositor, Vol.
VII. p. 472.
"A respectable Dissenting Minister rose and declared the
willingness with which he and his Brethren should support
that part of the Society's labours which were directed to the
circulation of the Hebrew New Testament among the descen-
dants of Abraham." Gloucester Meeting. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VII. p. 487.
"Others who think they cannot openly aid the general efforts
of a Church Society; eagerly, and as if fearful of forfeiting
their share of the Christian spirit of good-will to all mankind,
come forward and help us in giving the Gospel to the Jews."
Report of Norfolk Ladies' Association, 1818, p. 6.
I
* Speech at Norwich, 1817. App. No. 6.
237
as a sort of" covered entrance into the Society
for Christians of other communions," to make
the access easy to them during their noviciate,
and till they have attained the necessary ripeness
for "a more open manifestation of goodwill-a
growing result which the Committee notice" in
their Report for 1822, "with much satisfaction."
The next class of persons marked out by the
Committee for special and appropriate excite-
ment was the ladies. It has been already stated
what pains were bestowed by the present
Committee's predecessors in office, and what
expedients employed to embody them in asso-
ciations exclusively female; and notice has al-
ready been taken, generally, of the present
Committee's own exertions to increase the pro-
ductiveness of this revenue department; but
y Fourteenth Report, p. 56. "It has often been a source
of sincere pleasure in the progress of this Association to ob-
serve, that the Communion of Saints, which is so touching an
article of our Creed, is not restricted to any peculiar class;
but that all who are in Christ Jesus, feel the extension of His
kingdom to be a common cause. Your Committee have no
members more active than some who dissent from the Church
in minor points, but agree in fundamentals; who take a circuit
of many miles to afford the poor an opportunity of bringing on
their own heads the promised blessing, by giving their mites to
offer the bread of life to the perishing heathen, and his forfeited
inheritance to the out-cast Jew." Norfolk and Norwich La-
dies' Report, 1818, p. 6.
Z
Pp. 77, 78.
2 P. 132.
238
justice cannot be done to their ingenuity, with-
out descending to particulars. The first im-
provement under the new dynasty, with refer-
ence to those associations, was the making them
the objects of visitation by the travelling agi-
tators, separately from the auxiliary of the dis-
trict, and thus providing for the administra-
tion of stimulants more special in their kind
than could be administered in mixed assem-
blies on these delicate occasions. How the la-
dies were addressed is too recherchè to be ever
reported; but, if Mr. Marsh's public appeals to
the female part of his auditory may be taken as
a ground of conjecture of the kind of eloquence
b "The Hull Ladies' Association assembled at Rev. J.
Scott's to hear (from Rev. W. Marsh) the latest accounts of
the proceedings of the Society, and to express their willingness
to continue their exertions in its behalf." Jewish Expositor,
Vol. II. p. 427.
"Rev. Messrs. Cox and Hawtrey met a small Association
of Ladies, recently formed in the city of Bath, in support of
our important cause. The facts which were communicated
respecting the present state and prospects of the Society, were
such as tended to animate them to perseverance in the good work
in which they have engaged." Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 493.
A meeting of Ladies was held the following day at Mr.
Mitchell's, (Leicester) Messrs. Marsh and Ruell, the attendant
deputation. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 402..
"A meeting of Ladies was held on Monday morning, and
our friends were kindly introduced by the Rev. Messrs. Dykes
and Scott. Evelina sent to the general fund 17. 1s."-Hull.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. 403.
239
which flowed from him and his coadjutors be-
fore these more select assemblies, it must have
been very touching, and all surprise will cease at
its electrical effect.
To this effect every succeeding Report bears
"additional testimony;" recounting the increas-
ing results of female mendicancy, and making
those libations to it which are so treacherously
soothing, and which too well succeed in the
purpose for which they are offered-as incen-
tives to the further dereliction of appropriate
female duties, and to the further surrender of
its affections and energies to the Society's de-
signs.
“Mr. M. closed by exhorting British matrons and sisters
to espouse the cause of this benevolent institution, which he
had seen in as great danger as the babe Moses in the bull-rushes;
but which he could completely trust to their care, assured that
they would hear the voice from Heaven- Take this child and
nurse it for me."" Jewish Expositor, Vol. II. p. 473.
d Eleventh Report, p. 19. "Your Committee is here re-
minded once more to express the deep obligations which the
Society is under to the Ladies' Associations in different parts of
the kingdom. The contributions obtained through their means,
constitute a large proportion of the Society's Annual receipts."
Thirteenth Report, p. 54.
"The zealous exertions of the Ladies' Associations again de-
mand the cordial acknowledgments of the Committee. Their
contributions continue to form a very principal portion of the
sums remitted to the Society's treasury." Fourteenth Report,
p. 57.
240
The service hitherto exacted from the So-
ciety's female devotees was only pushed to the
weekly penny collections, in making which it
is indeed stated that "a circle of many miles"
was taken, and therefore, of course, much
valuable domestic time consumed. The time
actually passed at home was, however, still at
their own disposal for family purposes; and here
it was, in making merchandize of this also, to be
carried to the Society's account, that the po-
tency of the new managers fascinations, no less
than their remorseless rapacity, was exhibited.
The impost now added to the former exactions
was "fancy, and other work," such as "baby
linen, clothes for the poor," &c. &c. which,
were to be forwarded by "the end of March,"
"For this augmentation in the funds of the institution, (viz.
233l. 14s. 3d.) your Committee are deeply sensible of the
extent of their obligations to their female friends, whose
contributions have, as heretofore, constituted so large a por-
tion of the pecuniary supplies of the year." Fifteenth Report,
p. 28.
e
"The other object of the Association (viz. besides "assist-
ing the circulation and sale of the Society's books") is "to aid
the funds of its parent.".. " Collectors, we are thankful • • have,
in the last year, increased from 28 to 52; let us be watchful to
enlarge the number whenever we hear of any one of our own sex
who is anxious that her fellow-creatures should through her
mercy obtain mercy." Norfolk and Norwich Ladies' Associa-
tion, 1818, p. 5.
'See p. 237; note.
Γρα
241
annually, "to the Secretaries, No. 10, Ward-
robe Place," to be turned into money, at a sort
of fair held for that purpose in Freemasons' Hall.
To make this the more taking amongst those
whom it was to lay under further contribution,
the ladies had the credit given them of having
"devised" it themselves, to the "no inconside-
rable honour," it was added, "of their sex." The
Bristol Ladies Society, moreover, which had
signalized itself as foremost in this new act of
devotion to the funds, was cited as an example,
and employed as a pretext for calling upon all
the Society's "female associates, in other parts
of the kingdom," to make their " industry and
ingenuity" productive of similar "fruit ;" and
thus at once to "redeem their time"-to "con-
secrate the amusement of their leisure hours to the
service of God”—and, with special reference to
"the Jewish cause," to render "the elegancies
of taste and the decorations of art tributary to the
spiritual improvement of this ancient people "."
With persons of a certain cast and temperature,
the corban of the Scribes and Pharisees" will be
equally influential in our days as in those of
their sanctimonious domination. Accordingly,
from the first opening of this " peculiarly appro-
priate source of pecuniary benefit to the So-
Thirteenth Report, p. 54. Fourteenth Report, p. 57.
Fifteenth Report, p. 29. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 87.
↳ Mark vii. 11–13.
R
242
ciety," the kind and
"kind and successful"
successful" fancy
workers"in the cause of Israel," annually mul-
tiply, as do also their supplies'; and such im-
portance have they assumed amongst the ways and
means for supporting the Society's expenditure,
that Miss E. Dornford is appointed a sort of Clerk
of the Works, to answer every "inquiry respect-
ing the most suitable articles;" the Committee
having the fullest confidence that "the bright
i
1 Fourteenth Report, p. 57.
“Our acknowledgments are due to the ladies of Hel-
stone, Gloucester, Manchester, Stoke-upon-Trent, Knaresbo-
rough, Reading, and to many in London and its vicinity."—
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 282.
"We gratefully acknowledge the liberal contributions to the
last Repository, and return our warmest thanks to the ladies of
Hereford, Worcester, Hull, Colchester, Stoke-upon-Trent,
Knaresborough, Manchester, Huddersfield, Reading, Birming-
ham, Cambridge, Brighton, Gloucester, Derby, Louth, Brad-
field, Boston, Helstone, and Exeter, as well as London and its
environs." Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 484.
1
"No less than 1267. was obtained in this way (the sale of
work) by the Bristol Ladies Society. From a similar source
the ladies of Bath have raised 571. 13s. 6d. And the Derby
Ladies Society 26l. 15s. 6d." Thirteenth Report, p. 54.
"Amongst these a prominent place is due to the sum of
120l. Os. 5d. obtained by the Bristol Ladies Association, from
the sale of work; and of 82l. 5s. by the Bath Association, from
the same source." Fourteenth Report, p. 57.
"More than 5007. has been obtained from this single source
(sale of fancy and other work) by the Ladies Associations of
Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Derby, and London." Fifteenth
Report, p. 29.
243
and animating prospects which are opening to
its view will prove a powerful stimulus to their
female friends, and not merely "renew," but
"increase their valuable exertions"."
The next class of persons to be dealt with
separately, and to be plied with drastics peculiar
to themselves, was the Lower Orders, upon
whom hitherto no further force had been put
than the importunity of the domiciliary visitors.
The first additional stimulus provided for their
more effectual excitement, was "a series of
half-yearly papers, to be entitled JEWISH RE-
CORDS―intended," (as the notice of their publi-
cation sets forth) (after the manner of the
Church Missionary quarterly papers) more par-
ticularly for the poor," and to be regularly for-
warded by the Secretaries of the Parent In-
stitution," to "the Secretaries of the Auxilia-
ries," in such quantities as they should be able
respectively to dispose of with a prospect of
usefulness"." Such was the rate of dispensation
when the issue commenced; but a smaller dose
at quarterly intervals was, after three years ex-
perience, substituted for the times and quanti-
ties originally prescribed; for this very sufficient
reason, stated in the last half-yearly record to
the parties themselves, that coming more fre-
( 6
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 282. Vol. VII. p. 484.
a Jewish Expositor, Vol III. p. 248.
R 2
244
quently, it will tend, under the Divine blessing,
more effectually to keep alive your zeal in that
holy cause in which you are engaged "."
99
The substance of these Records is of course
selections from the journals and correspondence;
but, as the persons for whom they are provided
are not so susceptible of the desired impression
as the Committee's exigencies require, they are
interspersed occasionally with pathetic appeals
to the reader, scriptural analogies, and exam-
ples of their own mighty operation in humble
life; by which the poor are taught how they
• Jewish Record, No. 8, p. 1.
"Reader, say not I contribute to a Bible, or a Missionary,
or a Tract Society already, and therefore I shall be excused
for declining to help this. What! excused from helping to
save souls, when you have the opportunity and means to do it!
How will this plea avail in that day when the secrets of all
hearts will be disclosed?" Jewish Records, No. 2, p. 8.
"When the wise men had opened their treasures, we read
that they presented gold, besides their incense and myrrh, to him
who was born King of the Jews. But this Society provides a
treasury both for the wise and unwise, wherein the rich and
poor, parents and children, masters and servants, may deposit
their Christmas offerings." Jewish Records, No. 2, p. 8.
.
* "I have no doubt, (writes a man in humble life,) nor
ever had, as to the propriety and obligation of Christians, to
endeavour the conversion of that miserable, but dear and inte-
resting people (the Jews)." Jewish Records, No. 3. p. 7.
"A poor widow, with three children, was so struck with a
sense of gratitude to the Great Jew, and to Patriarchs, Pro-
245
ought to be affected, and what is the improve-
ment expected from them in return for these
little disinterested ministrations to their edifica-
tion. The special purpose contemplated in these
manuals is home excitement; next in order to
which, in the Committee's improved system of
penny subscription finance, comes congregational
excitement, administered monthly at "the Jewish
contributors meeting"-a convention held for the
purpose of reading the Expositors to the penny
subscribers, and sermonizing upon them, in the
way best adapted to bring home to their pockets
all the tales that have been told'. Here col-
phets, Apostles, Martyrs, and Evangelists-Jews-that she
went about seeking some one to take her monthly sixpence;
and her zeal so increased, that she requested a friend to come
to her cottage to read the Report of one of our Associations to
herself and four others. Then she urged a regular meeting there
for such as might choose to come. Neighbours sent carpets
and candles, chairs and tables, and a pile of Bibles. At the
fourth visit to her, twenty met together. She said, before I
helped the Jews, I could not find work to do, and was in great
want; but ever since, work comes to me more than I can do.”
Jewish Records, No. 3. p. 8.
* The nature of these addresses will be best explained by a
passage from the summing up of one of them. "Oh! if there
remains one here not anxious to cry-a rescue for these cap-
tives of Satan-if one unwilling in favour of such a cause-to
obey the Apostles precept, once a week let every one of you
(disciples of Jesus indeed he addressed, and so I trust I do,)
lay by in store as God has prospered him, to give to him that
needs.' If such an one remains, go to the Christians' death-
246
lectional ingenuity might seem to be exhausted,
but it has one further provocative in reserve under
this department, viz. an evening anniversary for
the accommodation of those whose daily labour
will not allow them the privilege of mingling
with their superiors in the gay morning throng,
and being thus brought under the finishing per-
formances of the travelling agitators.
beds, and contrast the scene," &c. But the whole address is
so finished a specimen, that it will be found in the Appendix,
No. 11.
"For the purpose of giving information respecting the pro-
gress and operations of the Parent Society to the weekly con-
tributors, and others who could not attend the Anniversary in
the Hall, another meeting was held on Tuesday evening, Oct.
the 8th, in the boys school-room, Tombland, which was at-
tended by not less than four or five hundred persons, and ad-
dressed by Messrs. Girdlestone, one of the Secretaries of the
Norwich Auxiliary, Ruell, Thelwall, and Barker. The cause
of God's ancient and neglected people is evidently gaining
ground in this venerable city." Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII.
p. 471. Nothing sufficiently striking to have a distinct record
made of it, resulted at the moment from this well conceived
convocation, but at Hull, on a former occasion, Mr. Ruell,
ably supported by Mr. Marsh, obtained a trophy which speaks
volumes, and is immediately in point. "The servants' offering,
the produce of a kitchen box, 1. 6s. was sent on Monday.
morning, with the following simple and pious note, which is
submitted as a specimen of the feelings of some of the lower
ranks of life in favour of God's ancient people. The servants'
offering is humbly presented to the beloved friends who are
labouring to promote the spiritual welfare of the children of
2
f
247
The last class singled out by the discrimi-
nating eye of the Society's financiers for a mode
of treatment appropriate to their age and imbe-
cility is Children; for such of whom as belong
to the better educated classes a " Moral Tale for
young persons” has been got up, abounding in
misinformed religious sentimentality, and confu-
sion of religious principle. The heroine—
a young spoilt girl, transplanted from the
gaieties of a fashionable clergyman's family into
that of another of the cloth, but retired and
pious, in Wales, meets there with a sweet wo-
mụn, a Mrs. W. a Wesleyan methodist, whose
table is covered with books from the Jews So-
ciety, and is brought into a charming state of mind,
espouses the cause most ardently, and becomes
a most successful advocate". To what extent
:
Israel. These dry bones shall live-these outcasts shall be
gathered. Oh! that the salvation of Israel were come out of
Zion. Oh! that the Lord would turn back the captivity of his
people, &c. is the prayer of faith. If the kingdom of heaven
suffered violence, the violent would take it by force."" Messrs.
Marsh and Ruell's Journal of a Northern Tour. Jewish Ex-
positor, Vol. VI. p. 403.
"The title of the tale in question is "Influence," ill-
written, but at the same time specious and ensnaring to
the parties to whom it is addressed. The question debated
concerning the Jews is, "whether our attempts to convert them
are not more likely to impoverish our own country than to
hasten the desired restoration?" A young man is introduced
as an opponent; the Clergyman ventures to wager any thing
1
248
this tale may have made juvenile proselytes to
its heroine's mis-persuasions it is impossible to
say; but "the young ladies of several schools,"
who are precisely the persons whom it is calcu-
lated to infatuate, are made distinguished men-
tion of in the Committee's acknowledgments
to their "fancy work and baby linen" contribu-
tors, and animated to the further misemploy-
ment of their time in the same way, by the
winning expression of "the pleasure it gave the
Committee to receive their contributions","
For the children of the lower classes, particu-
larly those congregated in schools, personal ap-
peals from the travelling agitators have been
deemed most operative, and Mr. Legh Rich-
that Miss A. will make him a proselyte to her opinion in less
than two hours and provides the disputants with Newton and
all the best commentators; but Miss A. desires no other pole-
mic implement but the Bible. Then follows a discussion, in
which some few quotations of prophecy and promise are ad-
vanced, and the exertions of England, and the effects to be
seen in Spitalfields, are the conquering arguments. Miss ends
with exclaiming, Remember, that both a command and a pro-
mise remain with us. Oh pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
they shall prosper that love thee." This makes the young
man a convert at once-he gives his five pounds, and desires
to become an annual subscriber. To get this tale into circula-
tion, it was represented as very charitable to purchase it, be-
cause written by an invalid, who devotes the profits to the
support of an aged parent.
3
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 282.
249
mond is particularly signalized for having uni-
formly availed himself of " the highly interesting
opportunities" which presented themselves dur-
ing his Scotch tours, "of visiting and addressing
the children of the Sabbath and other schools,"
and gleaning from them "collections made by their
own desire in behalf of the funds of schools for
the Jewish children ". The same "liberal and
warm" effusions of sensibility have been drawn
from the children of the Stanstead Sunday
School; but at Norwich the financial opera-
y "
Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 83.
Legh Richmond's subscription list, will
"The entries in Mr.
shew how discrimina-
ting the young contributors are in the objects of their bounty.
£. s. d.
5 0 0
Dundee Juvenile Bible and Missionary Society for
printing and distributing Hebrew Testaments·
A few young boys, who desire to give this small
testimony of their love to the Redeemer of Israel 0 5 0
Collection made by the children of South Leith Sab-
bath School, for the female school fund
Children of South Leith Sabbath School, after an
address by L. R. for Jewish children's fund
Children of Leith female Charity School of Indus-
try, after an address by L. R. for female Jewish
school
Children of Miss Grierson's School of Industry,
after an address by L. R. for ditto...
Children of Mr. D. Pitcairn's Pilrig Sabbath School,
1 0 0
2 2 0
1 7 0
200
after an address by L. R. for Jewish school fund 1 14 0
Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 122.
*" The inclosed bill for 5l. 3s. 6d. is the first subscription of
250
tions upon this class have been advanced to the
highest perfection. There, as the Report states,
a new association of heartfelt interest has been
recently formed by our youth of different denomi-
nations, in testimony of their early sense of the
duty, the privilege, and the blessing of helping
to form schools, and to send bibles to the mil-
lions of Jew and heathen children reared in sin,
from not enjoying as they do the benefit of Chris-
tian instruction a." It had been observed upon
Mr. Legh Richmond's exploits in this way, that
"the early impressions thus made upon juvenile
minds, in behalf of the poor children of the Jews,
affords a lively prospect of lasting benefit to the
cause" the Norwich Committee seem to have
imbibed this feeling very strongly, and have most
takingly expressed themselves
"Your
it.
upon
Committee," they say, "anticipate little increase
of funds from this association," but " they do
anticipate much good to the young members, by
becoming personally interested in the work and word
of their Redeemer; and eventually to all Christian
the Stanstead Sunday School boys, in aid of the fund for print-
ing and distributing the New Testament in Hebrew amongst
the Jews. I think few sums have been subscribed with a
more liberal and warm heart than this of the poor children.”
Letter from Mr. O'Neil. Jewish Records, No. 8, p. 4.
a
Report of Committee of Norwich and Norfolk Ladies As-
sociation, 1823, p. 1.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 85.
*
251
Societies, from our youth being thus prepared to
become their future supporters and advocates:
and they do expect that such an association
will be a means, under God, if watered, as in
other instances, by the Divine blessing, of many
sons growing up before him trees of righteousness,
and many daughters becoming as the polished
corners of his temple." Here the profound po-
licy of this department of the ways and means
is exquisitely set forth. The reader will divest
it of its canting phraseology, and at once per-
ceive how insinuating and how deleterious it is to
the rising generation.
For the full exemplification of the financial
ingenuity of the new managers three other sti-
mulants must be taken account of, which have
been at different times introduced into the sys-
tem as further provocatives to contribution.
The first of these is "a distinct fund for foreign
schools and missions," which "they deemed it"
(as the Report sets forth) "expedient to open","
upon transferring their conversional experiments
from this country to the world at large.
The second is a much more objectionable ex-
citement, and cannot be contemplated without
the most painful emotions. It is no other than
с
Report of Committee of Norfolk and Norwich Ladies As-
sociation, 1823, p. 1、.
d Eleventh Report, pp. 38, 39.
252
66
Prayer for the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit,"
which was first authoritatively introduced into
the system by a unanimous resolution of the
Anniversary Meeting of 1822, moved and se-
conded by Lord Gambier and Rev. J. W. Cun-
ningham, and has from that time been forced
by the Committee into general use throughout
the confederacy, by every means in their power.
"Resolved unanimously, IV. That deeply sensible of the
inefficiency of human endeavours, unless accompanied with the
special aid of Divine Grace, this Meeting earnestly calls upon
Christians to unite in fervent prayer to God, for the abundant
effusion of the Holy Spirit, both on the Jewish and Gentile
world." Fourteenth Report, p. vi.
“It will be interesting to our friends to hear that we have
received information, upon which we can rely, that this subject
(viz. prayer for the general out-pouring of the Holy Spirit) has
engaged the attention of many of the Clergy in England, Scotland,
and Ireland, and has also been approved and adopted by other
denominations of Christians. Resolutions recommending spe-
cial prayer have passed at many of the public meetings of the
religious societies..In several large towns courses of lectures
have been provided. In smaller towns and villages several of
the Clergy have called the attention of their different flocks to
this subject, Ministers of other denominations have also been
very earnest in pressing this subject upon their congregations.
Some very pleasing effects have already followed these Chris-
tian exertions." Amongst them "a greater zeal for the
spread of the Gospel, and a more tender compassion for Jews
and Heathens have been manifested. It is hoped that this grati-
fying intelligence, may, by the Divine blessing, excite heads of
families and pious individuals to more earnest prayer for the
gracious influences of the Comforter, The commencement of
1
253
The desecration of it to a financial expedient
seems to have originated in Norwich, for in the
Ladies Association Report of that city, published
in Dec. 1821, the Committee state themselves
a new year is a most appropriate season for engaging with re-
doubled earnestness in this sacred work. When we contemplate..
that ere another year closes, 20,000,000 at least of our fellow sin-
ners will have passed hence; that, however extensive the outward
means used for their conversion may be, unless they have
the Spirit of God, they cannot see his kingdom. Whoever
seriously reflects upon these truths, will feel deeply humbled,
&c. Will commence the year with these solemn inquiries, &c.
Oh! that these inquiries might be general. That in this new
year the Church of Christ would say with the Patriarch, ‘I
will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VIII. pp. 20, 21.
"It will be in the recollection of the friends of the Society,
that at the last General Meeting in London a resolution, una-
nimously passed, &c. (as given above) the importance of this
resolution has been confirmed by its frequent adoption in sub-
stance at the Annual Meetings of several of the Associations.
The Committee, desirous of reducing it to practice, have de-
termined, by Divine assistance, to meet every Friday evening
at half-past 6 o'clock, at the Society's House, Wardrobe-place,
Doctors' Commons, for special prayer for the gracious aid of
the Holy Spirit upon the particular objects of the Society, as
well as for his more general effusion upon all flesh. Their first
meeting, it is proposed, should be held on the first Friday in
the new year, Jan. 3, 1823.
"The Committee make this notification that they may have
the assistance of their friends, who visit the metropolis, at their
meetings; and also with the hope that it may excite others to
more fervent supplications for the Lord's ancient people. As
they become more acquainted with the Jewish cause, and as
254
to have observed " uniformly that the activity
of those who attend prayer meetings increases,
and that deficiencies occur where they are not
formed:" and therefore, "they trust they shall
be pardoned for repeating their entreaty that
country associates will consider, if only two or
three can meet in a cottage, they may claim the
promise, and bring down a blessing far beyond
the enlargement of means, which will also," they
add, "be the almost certain result of an attempt
alike beneficial to members and to the cause "."
This, therefore, is their specific, constantly pre-
scribed for the supply of pecuniary deficiencies";
g
their prospects of usefulness enlarge, as they are now doing on
every side, they feel more deeply their need of Divine aid at
every step of their proceedings. Under this impression, they
earnestly entreat the prayers of the friends of Israel, for the
Spirit of wisdom, of love, and of power, and of a sound mind.”
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 38.
• Norwich Ladies Association Report, 1821, p. 1.
h❝The collections of your associates, chiefly in the country,
have so diminished, that their efforts in obtaining several new
collectors, mostly in the city, and by boxes, but just made up
the deficiency. Two evenings in the week have here, however,
been recently devoted, by separate little circles of friends, to im-
plore the Redeemer to manifest himself again to his ancient peo-
ple, and to bless the Society's labours and labourers in every de-
partment. And your Committee urge on their country collectors
similar social meetings, to promote that interest and those ex-
ertions, which can be expected to be general and uniform only
when supported by continual information," (viz. Jewish Expo-
sitors, Records, and female preachments) "and a spirit deeply
255
and not improbably the local policy which sug-
gested the resolution adopted by the Annual
Meeting for general use.
The last stimulant, from the same ingenious.
factory of extortional contrivances, is "the
Union Box," designed, as explained by its in-
ventors, "to pick up the fragments of charity in aid
of the four chief means of dispersing Christian
knowledge at home and abroad" upon the grossly
profaned warranty of "2 Kings xii. and 2
Chron. xxiv. ;" which "may suffice," it is al-
leged, "to rescue this humble plan from con-
tempt, and to recommend it to more general
adoption ¹.
i ""
humble, yet confiding, persevering, and fervent prayer." Nor-
wich Ladies Association, Report, 1822, p. 1.
"Norfolk ladies continue their acknowledgment of its claims,
and aid its funds this year with 310l....the four prayer meet-
ings are regularly but thinly attended... Fervently does your
Committee yet hope to hail the day, when Christians will sup-
ply means more adequate to the opportunities offered by the
God of Israel. Norwich Ladies Association, Report, 1823, p. 1.
Norwich Ladies Association, Report, 1822, p. 1.
" In
further explanation of this precious device, the Committee
state in a note, that they "gladly furnish boxes gratis to any
Norfolk and Suffolk friends, willing to adopt the Union plan,
for Bible, Jew, any Mission, and any school or sick poor So-
ciety. But having formed it in hope of leading the mind from
an exclusive regard to any one Society, to dwell on the great
cause which all aim at promoting, they deprecate the appro-
priating boxes to any exclusive object, which can be managed
by a book and a purse." Ibid.
"As an improvement upon the plan, the next report sets
i
256
Thus at length has the new managers' system
of finance been explored and developed, the
produce of which, from the commencement of
the period in 1818 to the present time, has
been nearly 70,000l.
forth, that the above donation of "a box" will be made " by the
Committee, to any child who can collect six-pence monthly, from
young friends, for the united objects;" (those viz. above spe-
cified) and then follows this aspiration,
"Oh! that all may re-
ceive grace to imitate Him, whose ways are equal, and whose
blessing alone renders gold and silver effective in the hands of
any Society." Ibid. 1823, p. 1.
“19l. 8s. 63d. was sent as the fourth of its first year's pro-
duce, to assist the Jewish funds." Ibid. 1822, p. 1.
"The next year's Report is- 'it still gathers the mites cast
in from our abundance, and sends up one fourth to this branch
of the Christian cause 171. 10s. 5d." Ibid. 1823, p. 1.
257
་
SECTION III.
Missionaries-Stations-Alliances.
SUCH being the successful issue of "the Church
of England energy" concentrated in the new
Committee, as far as respects the department of
finance, their administrative talents are the
next subject of enquiry; and, in the first place,
the genuine Church feeling and the profound dis-
cretion manifested in the choice of instruments to
prosecute their designs.
66
The Rev. B. N. Solomon's designation to the
honourable distinction of their first Missionary
has been already recorded; together with the
Committee's cautionary resolution, "to station
with him, as a fellow-labourer, an English Cler-
gyman, or layman properly qualified," and to pro-
cure, as soon as possible," one or the other.
They were not long in supplying themselves
with this great desideratum; for, in the next
paragraph to that which announced Mr. Solo-
mon's acceptance of his office, they
"have
much pleasure," they say, "in reporting that a
gentleman, who, they have reason to hope, will
prove fitly qualified for the purpose, has recently
offered to act for a time as coadjutor with Mr.
Solomon in his arduous undertaking "."
⚫ Eleventh Report, p. 28.
տ
S
a
258
This gentleman, whose name was Smith, was
not "an English Clergyman," but an exciseman,
who had exercised that calling for about two
years at Colchester, and had, during that pe-
riod, attached himself to Mr. Marsh. Whether
he now entered for the first time into the ser-
vice of the Society, or had some experience in
the office he aspired to that, viz. of "Chris-
tian brother" to a Jewish Missionary-the author
cannot positively state; but the fact is, that a
person of the name of Smith acted as Mr. Frey's
"Christian brother" in that Norfolk and Suffolk
excursion which terminated so shockingly. No
insinuation to Mr. Smith's disparagement is in-
tended by this remark, (for the "coadjutor" on
that occasion, whoever he was, was as much
scandalized as any one at what had taken place)
it is simply mentioned as a conjectural fitness in
the individual for the appointment, and therefore
as surmising what would at once explain the so
speedy adoption of the lay alternative, and extin-
guish further curiosity respecting it.
The next recruit to the Society's missionary
phalanx was the "Rev. Mr. Nitschke, the Mo-
ravian minister of Saxony," whose name is
familiar to the reader. His engagements with
the Society had hitherto been only occasional;
but he now "gave himself up to its service, to
further its objects by making tours, distributing
Testaments and tracts, aiding the formation and
259
superintendence of schools, and by such other
methods as his wisdom and piety might suggest"."
But one tour in Poland of 1250 miles, merely
sowing the seed of the word of God, "the bless-
ing of which," he says, " is not known to him-
self, but to the Lord alone was the extent of
the benefit he was allowed to confer on "the
lost sheep of the house of Israel;" for, as the
Committee word it, "it pleased God, whose
ways are in the great deep, by suddenly removing
him from this transitory scene, to disappoint their
expectations.
The next "Missionary" enlisted was the "Rev.
A. S. Thelwall, of Trinity College, Cambridge,"
who is introduced by the Committee to their
constituents as "a Clergyman peculiarly fitted
b Eleventh Report, p. 37.
© Twelfth Report, p. 114. See sketch of this tour, Appen-
dix, No. 13.
Twelfth Report, p. 50. This pious chiding of the Al-
mighty for interfering with the Society's arrangements is the
devotional breathing of the Committee on all such occasions.
Thus, they cannot announce the death even of a Mr. Murthiem,
a Barbary Jew, celebrated by Dr. Naudi as a splendid trophy
of the conversional operativeness of "one of the Society's
tracts," and who, by Dr. Naudi's own account, was, at the
time of his conversion, suffering under the infirmities of which
he died, without reflecting upon "the removal of those who
appear to us to be necessary and useful instruments to promote
the Redeemer's kingdom on earth," as amongst the mystę-
rious ways of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of
his own will." Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 35.
CC
$ 2
260
g
""
to the work by his zeal, talents, and piety."
This is all the information which the Committee
furnish respecting him: but Mr. Thelwall is
more communicative, and has enriched this ge-
neral statement with several interesting parti-
culars. He reports of himself, that his "edu-
cation" was " irreligious," and describes the
spiritual state to which it brought him as "the
depths of infidelity "." These, therefore, are, upon
his own shewing, the first rudiments of his re-
ligious character. The finish of it is, also, deli-
neated by himself, viz. " that entire trust and
dependence upon God which is the peculiar fea-
ture of truly evangelical religion"." It was not
necessary for the information of the Committee
that he should journalize "the way in which
he was led from such first principles to such a
result," as they were doubtless thoroughly in-
formed upon the subject; and, therefore, he
touches very cursorily upon the process of his
transformation; but one step is detailed which
is far from unimportant, viz. that having ac-
quired an unhesitating belief in the divine in-
spiration of the Old and New Testament," he
laid down this as a consequent obligation-to
endeavour, with the simplicity of a child, to take
all his religious opinions from the Sacred Vo-
• Twelfth Report, p. 47.
66
↑ Thelwall's Journal, Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 446.
$ Ibid. p. 415.
h Ibid.
261
lume alone." Dr. Buchannan, whose education
had been religious, when at the age of twenty-
five he took the same resolution, candidly ad-
mits that "the Bible appeared to him like a
confused heap of polished stones *."
It is no
wonder, therefore, that Mr. Thelwall, in pursuing
this course, should soon become bewildered, and
that his religious conceits should become fana-
tical in the extreme, as will appear by the
annexed specimens of his theology, which are
brought under the reader's notice only as evi-
dence how "peculiarly fitted" Mr. Thelwall is for
his missionary appointment, and how decidedly
Church of England the Committee are in their
selection'.
i Thelwall's Journal, Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 446.
* Buchannan's Life, p. 44.
1.66
Any one who would labour among the Jews must go forth
with the conviction and deep impression that there are but two
sects in the world-the believers and the unbelievers-those
ho love God and those who love him not-and his only
design must be to win souls from the latter to the former,
without the least regard to minor divisions and differing deno-
minations." Thelwall, Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 368.
с • •
"Whatever speculative opinions men may entertain, whether
downright Atheism or strict Calvinism, the actuating principles
in all unconverted men are much the same the cause and
tenor of the life in all is practical Atheism, till a divine influ-
ence enlightens the understanding and renews the heart...
the great and real difference is between the natural man and
the spiritual . . . therefore, whatever a man thinks, whatever he
believes or disbelieves, I am principally concerned with a
262
The three Missionaries now enumerated were
two of them "British" and one " German," in
deference to Dr. Pinkerton's advice, the expe-
diency of which the Committee now felt them-
selves called upon to re-consider; grounds of ex-
ception, materially affecting the success of their
exertions, having presented themselves both
abroad and at home. From abroad the Com-
mittee were informed of a new
66
phenomenon'
""
more important question-is he renewed in the spirit of his
mind, or is he not?" Thelwall, Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII.
p. 451.
•
"The Rev. Mr. S., Minister of the Reformed Church...took
us to see a Jewish family baptized on the 13th of January last,
and we had a long conversation with the son. pointing out
that the O. and N. Test. contained the very same views of
the awful fall and apostacy of man from God, his deep and
universal depravity... finally, I pointed out that the doctrine
of spiritual regeneration was contained with equal distinction
in the O. and N. Test. an inward change and a renewal
unto holiness being insisted on as a work of divine power
and grace, and assigned to the Spirit of God...and for this
precious gift we are taught to seek and pray... On this point
I insisted much more at length, and in the way of personal
application ... All this conversation might, indeed, appear less
important as addressed to one who is already baptized, but I
had no reason to hope that thus far he had received that
baptism of the Spirit, without which the other is but an out-
ward form. I have stated the substance of the conversation
more at length, because I wished to give you a brief view of
the line of conversation and argument which I have been led,
by various circumstances, to think the fittest to be tried with
the Jews." Ibid. pp. 323, 324.
8
263
i
>
in Jewish conversion-that many Jews of the
class of teachers, and without fortune, for the
greatest part strangers, were unexpectedly ap-
plying for reception into the Church of Christ;
but that all desire to become apostles of Chris-
tianity among the Jews. Whilst at home" much
interest" was found to be "excited by converted
Rabbies attending auxiliary meetings, and ex-
plaining their happiness since they became ac-
quainted with Christianity," and making ap-
66
m Extract of a Letter from Mr. Von Meyer. Fourteenth
Report, p. 114. "These (viz. such Jews as belong to the
class of teachers) form almost the majority of the converts to
the light of the Gospel. A. Vonder. R. Von. V. Dusselthall,
August 22, 1822." Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 491.
"I have had much conversation with P, J, and
F, they all desire to be Missionaries ...... Their spiritu-
ality of mind is as great as can be here; but this alas is not
the place for spirituality." Jewish Records, No. 8, p. 1.
"Most of the present converts desire to become apostles of
Christianity among the Jews, which is partly the effect of the
activity of the London Society." Rev. Mr. Ruell, Norwich
Association, 1822, p. 10.
"Teachers are in general the poorest in the Jewish Com-
munity, for teacher means nothing more than a petty school-
master, who teaches ten or a dozen ragged children to read out
of a ragged Talmud." M'Caul, Vol. VII. p. 46.
"It is no wonder," says Mr. Marc, referring to these teach-
ers, “that the more civilized class of Jews, whose official duty
calls them to meditation and investigation, is now more favour-
able to Christianity than the merely carnal merchaut and
banker." Letter to Foreign Society. Jewish Expositor, Vol.
VI. p. 239.
264
peals in behalf of their benighted brethren "."
It would have betrayed very culpable indiffer-
ence to the advancement of the great cause
which had been undertaken, and scarcely less
to the edification of its supporters, not to have
paused upon such representations as these,
especially as Mr. Nitschke, of whose “wisdom"
the Committee had had so much experience,
was decidedly opposed to Dr. Pinkerton, and
had long ago pronounced upon the point, that
a Missionary of Jewish descent" was, without
any exception, preferable to "Christian Minis-
ters"." The Committee therefore now adopted
a middle course, and whilst they so far adhered
to "the concurrent opinion of Dr. Pinkerton
and those who thought with him," whom they
"Two Jews from Poland and Germany explained their hap-
piness since they became acquainted with Christianity." Pro-
ceedings at Ninth Anniversary. Jewish Expositor, Vol. II. p.
228.
"Much interest was excited by the appeal of two converted
Rabbies, the one from Germany, the other from Poland, in
behalf of their benighted brethren. Camberwell, &c. Ladies
Auxiliary Meeting, H. Inglis, Esq. in the chair. Jewish Ex-
positor, Vol. II. p. 229.
• "A Missionary of Jewish descent, who, from personal ex-
perience, would declare to his kinsman according to the flesh,
what bliss he has found by believing in Jesus Christ, would be
much more likely to be successful among this people, than
Christian ministers, against whom they are strongly preju-
diced." Rev. Mr. Nitschke, dated Niesky, Nov. 26, 1812.
Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 351.
265
complimented with the title of " their most expe-
rienced advisers," as to resolve "that Gentiles
might be profitably employed;" they also de-
clared it "not by any means their intention to
abandon the plan on which they set out, of
employing also converted Jews of tried principle
and piety P."
They had already acted upon this latter reso-
lution before it was promulged, in the instances
of Mr. Marc and Mr. Freidenberg, the two next
enrolments in the Missionary phalanx, "of
whom" they say "they have frequently had occa-
sion to speak, and to whose sincerity and readi-
ness to promote the views of the Society, they
are again called upon to bear a most favourable
testimony." Here again the incommunicative-
ness of the Committee with respect to names
is very disappointing, for this is their first intro-
duction of these two splendid trophies of prose-
lytism under specific designations; to whom,
notwithstanding, they state that they have "fre-
quently" borne "most favourable testimony." By
the help of the Evangelical Magazine Report
of the Society's Anniversary proceedings for
1816, Mr. Freidenberg is identified to be one
of the "two Rabbies (Mr. Solomon being the
other) who addressed the Meeting on that oc-
casion;" and "gladdened all hearts by the fer-
P Twelfth Report, pp. 67, 68.
• Ibid. p. 50.
266
vent desire which they expressed to be enabled
by the grace of God to become Missionaries to
their brethren;" and these being the personages
to whose "stedfastness, diligence, and spiritu-
ality of character" the Committee testified ano-
nymouly in the report of the year ensuing (of
which notice has been taken in its proper place'.)
Mr. Freidenberg is identified to be one of them
also, and thus one of the Committee's frequent
"favourable testimonies" respecting him is as-
certained.
The same reserve on the part of the Commit-
tee is persevered in with respect to "the provi-
dential occurrences which led Mr. Freidenberg,
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to cast
away his former prejudices, and cordially to
acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth to be the Mes-
siah." All these are stated to have been de-
tailed at length in the anniversary "narrative"
above referred to, and to have “impressed every
heart with a conviction of his sincerity." Justice
to themselves therefore as well as to him, no
less than a due regard to the gratification of
their non-attending constituents, seem to have
left the Committee without a choice as to the
publication of such interesting particulars; and
the only way in which their suppression can
Jewish Expositor, Vol. I. p. 233.
• See p. 151.
'Jewish Expositor, Vol. I. p. 233.
267
be explained is by supposing that the experience
of these first-fruits of "6 Germany and Poland"
tallied so exactly, that Mr. Solomon's confes-
sion, given at great length", is to be taken as a
common document, in which the leadings of
Mr. Freidenberg are also exhibited. In this
absence of so much that the Committee might
have communicated, there is this to be gleaned
from his own correspondence respecting the
commencement of his career, that his birth-
place was "Aschaffenburg," which he "quit-
ted" in 1809, "Jewish prejudices on one side,
and youthful rashness on the other," having "shut
up"
"his parents "hearts" against him. And,
when the Committee had given him their Church
of England finish for the work he was to do,
there is this trait of churchmanship furnished
from the same source, that at Hamburgh he se-
lected Mr. Mudie's conventicle for his public de-
votions, and solemnized the evening of the Sab-
bath, at the house of one of the congregation, in
the edifying religious exercise of reading
"the
speeches delivered at the last Bible Society Anni-
versary."
Mr. Marc, the Missionary bracketted with
Mr. Freidenberg in the above honourable me-
X
" See Appendix, No. 7.
Freidenberg's Journal. Thirteenth Report, p. 119.
› Freidenberg to Rev. C. S Hawtrey. Twelfth Report,
p. 95.
268
morial of "frequently" bestowed commenda-
tions, is a character even more involved in mys-
tery than his fellow labourer. If there is a
word of truth in the Committee's "frequent tes-
timonies" respecting him, the credit of the So-
ciety demanded that every possible publicity
should be given to so great a prize; but the
man in the iron mask was scarcely shrouded
with more jealousy from detection than this
proselyte seems to have been by the Commit-
tee; for till he is ushered into notice, in the
Twelfth Report, as a long accredited adoption of
the Society, with whom its members ought to
be familiarly acquainted, there is no trace of
him in any record of the Society, or in any re-
lation of its proceedings, except in the register
of baptisms administered at the Episcopal Jews
Chapel, where is an entry of the baptism of a
son of "John David and Elizabeth Marc, on
June 23, 1819."
But, in one of his letters to the foreign secre-
tary, he calls the attention of that officer to a
"memorial, which," he says, "five years ago I
delivered to the Committee." And it so hap-
pens that, precisely at that distance of time
from the date of this communication, there is a
statement in the Society's report of "a plan
digested by a young man born at Glogau, in
Silesia, for the promotion of the spiritual wel-
2 Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 75.
269
fare of the Jewish nation," and "communicated
through Dr. Steinkopff to the Committee,"
which creates so favourable an impression in his
behalf, as to the advantages likely to accrue
"to the cause of the institution" from his pre-
sence in this country" that he is "invited to
come over”—accepts the invitation-" makes a
public profession of his faith by baptism," and
is proclaimed "in the persuasion of the Com-
mittee a sincere convert, animated by a most
anxious solicitude to promote the salvation of
the house of Israel"." But this is not all-for
Mr. Marc speaks of himself as having been "a
teacher at Frankfort before he went to Lon-
don";" and the Society's Report states of the
young Silesian, that "he was at that time"
(viz. when Dr. Steinkopff made his communica-
tion to the Committee) at Frankfort on the Maine,
where he maintained himself by private teach-
ing"-and further, the Committee in one of their
quarterly intelligencers to the poor, have chro-
nicled "the pious and learned Mr. Von Meyer
to be his friend and patron"," who is also stated
in the fore-cited report to be one of the persons
to whom the young Silesian "unbosomed him-
self," and "before whom he laid the plan which
b
a Ninth Report, p. 25.
" Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 78.
Ninth Report, p. 24.
a Jewish Records, No. 4. p. 8.
270
he had digested, for the purpose of its being
transmitted to London."
There is one difficulty still to be unravelled,
for the young Silesian is stated in the Report to
have been baptized "since his arrival;" and
from another source of conversional information
it appears, that Baptism was administered to
him "publicly at the Episcopal Jews Chapel,
on March 9," 1817; whilst upon referring to
the register of baptisms, the name of Marc does
not appear upon it in that year. But the name
of "David Donatty, born the 12th of November,
1788" does; and it was but a proper compliment
to his Moravian patron and confessor, "the pious
and learned Mr. Von Meyer," to adopt a cus-
tom of that fraternity on the occasion, and not
only to prefix a Christian name to his Jewish
designation, but to change his surname also for
another having some reference either to his
experiences during the progress of conversion,
or to the Scriptures read or expounded as a
part of the service when he was baptized;"
whilst no expedient could more effectually mask
him than this transmutation". In the present
instance, however, the expedient has not suc-
Ninth Report, 25.
'Jewish Expositor, Vol. II. p. 158.
* See great authorities for this practice, p. 5, Note"; p. 316,
Note ¹.
See reason assigned for departing from the custom in the
case of Goldberg, p. 277, Note ".
271
ceeded, and David Donatty and John David
Marc are proved to be one individual, viz. “the
learned and respectable young Jew,"
" born at
Glogau in Silesia," "who, under the blessing of
God, was converted to the faith of Christ by an
attentive perusal of the Psalms;" and who is
ushered by the Committee into notice with this
certificate under their own hands, that "there
is every reason to think that the sacred ordi-
nance (viz. Baptism) was to him a seal of the
righteousness of faith which he had, being yet
unbaptized," and whose Missionary talent is thus
pithily characterized by "Mr. A. Von. Der R.
Von. V." one of the Moravian fraternity at Dus-
selthal, that he is particularly well skilled
in giving a better direction to the multifarious
singularities of his people *.'
The next accession to the missionary corps is
the Rev. Melchior Tschoudy, of whose previous
history all that has been divulged is that he is a
"Swiss Protestant minister," and therefore a
Gentile, of whose piety and talents, after much
correspondence with such of their friends on
the Continent as are most likely to assist them
in procuring suitable instruments for their work,
they have reason to think well '.
<<
He is succeeded by an acquisition of great
1 Jewish Expositor, Vol. II. p. 158. Ninth Report, p. 24.
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 491.
1 Twelfth Report, p. 67.
272
account from among the Jews, a schoolmaster
of the name of Beer or Bernhard Goldberg, first
introduced to the notice of the Committee by
Mr. Keetman, of Neuwied, near Cologne, and
strongly recommended to them as a sincere
convert to Christianity ".
m ">
His previous history, as given by himself, is
that he was born, in 1780, in Upper Lusatia,
and destined, like Mr. Solomon" and all the
rest of the Society's missionary converts, for
Rabbinical studies; that at an early period the
merciful hand of God laid hold on him to draw
him to himself, both by inward excitements
and outward providences, which are all detailed;
and that, disgusted at the Talmud, he neglected
Jewish rites, and became a natural religionist.
This was his condition till " new-year's night,
1803," when, having been for two years settled
at Neuwied, he "went with several other Jews
from mere curiosity to the chapel of the Moravian
Brethren, and for the first time heard of the
nativity, the office, the sufferings, the death,
and resurrection" of the Saviour was "seized
°—was
m
Eleventh Report, p. 39.
¹ See Appendix, No. 7.
• A commentary upon this passage by the Committee would
have been very useful to reconcile it with their Confessor's
previous statement of "various prejudices against Christian
truth" entertained by himself before he came to Neuwied, as
most of the heads under which Christian truth is digested are
comprised in the above enumeration, now said to be heard for
the first time.
273
"" re-
by a solemnized feeling," and so affected in his
heart that it" flowed over in unspeakable joy
and happiness," which "cheered his soul dur-
ing sleep" that "this blessed impression soon
vanished," but that "God" continued causing
him to undergo such experiences," as
duced" him, after twelve years strugling with
the Divine chastenings, to the most op-
pressing wants and the most miserable con-
dition." The grand crisis now arrived, viz.
in "November, 1815. He could not so much
as think upon God with any interest of heart,
and suffered terrible torments of body and soul"
-when "one night, about twelve o'clock," hav-
ing "retired to rest, almost despairing, he exclaim-
ed “Oh! Lord, how long!" "God immediately
raised him by a bright ray of hope that he soon
would deliver him”—" peace of soul" was now in-
fused-" his wife, moreover, was refreshed by
similar consolations"—he became "actuated by
another spirit"-" laid aside pernicious books,
which had seduced him"-" felt himself drawn
towards the Holy Scriptures" and "the pro-
mised Redeemer"-and was thus "led insensi-
bly nearer and nearer to that period when the
good Shepherd would open to him the door of
his sheep-fold, and bring him from the fatal
darkness of Judaism into His marvellous light.
وو
Here enters into the drama "that estimable
gentleman, Mr. Keetman, the Lord's appointed
T
274
66
by
“ burst
instrument" for working" that first and effectual
change in his heart," to be consummated.
the divine power" operating upon it by a
of the true light of salvation." Mr. Keetman
found this chosen vessel, to all outward seem-
ing, not in a very hopeful state; for Mr. K.'s
report of the first interview is, that
"the free-
thinker appeared" in the answers returned to his
queries. "An English Clergyman's (viz. Dr.
Bogues's) Essay on the Evidence of the New
Testament" was, however, tendered and ac-
cepted; which having been read, the first pang
of the new birth was experienced—the embryo-
convert" now felt uneasy." "Mr. Buchannan's
Reports from India" were then administered,
and advanced him to the nascent point-he be-
came "convinced of the truth of Christianity;" his
wife being also ripened to "the same opinion."
But still the fear of the Jews, and especially
of his family," prevented the consummation-
"he dared not to confess it "."
"This truly enlightened Christian, (viz. Mr. Keetman)
...having led him into the way of life...applied for him to that
respectable Society in England . . . whose laudable exertions
already have been blessed with the most encouraging results, and
informed them of the sincere intention of Mr. Goldberg and
his family to surrender themselves to Christ: and by this gene-
rous Society he has been enabled to look out for a place, first in
Switzerland and afterwards in Wirtemburg, where he, with his
family, might attain to a more accurate knowledge of the truth-
275
1
Here the London Society becomes a party to
the conversional achievment, to what amount
does not appear, as that is merged in the general
item of foreign exertions; but that it must have
been considerable is evident from the several
references to it in the published details of the
Society's proceedings. And, as "dear Gold-
berg" states it, their truly wise and suitable
measures," adopted, under the influence of divine
direction, to lead back the strayed sheep of the
house of Israel, and which he certifies to be
exactly the right way to further the object pro-
of the Gospel, and to the establishment and confirmation of his
heart in the same; where he, moreover, might prepare himself
for the blessed office of disseminating it among his brethren
according to the flesh, after having with his house received the
holy Baptism." Narrative delivered in part of Baptismal So-
lemnity. Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 352.
"I cannot thank you for the generous support you have
granted me in the name of the Lord in a better way, than by
praising and exalting God my Saviour, both, &c. and for his
merciful and wondrous providence with respect to the bodily
wants of myself and my family, by committing the care, &c. to
your beneficent charity." Goldberg to his "most honoured fa-
thers and patrons in Christ Jesus." Ibid.
Ibid. p. 112.
in
my
"I thanked my Redeemer...for having inclined your hearts
favour, so as to grant me now, and to be willing to grant
me a longer time, your protection, your benevolence, and your
support."
"I feel it deeply how manifold the sacrifices are your cha-
rity has devoted to me and my house, for the sake of the Lord
and his people." Ibid. Twelfth Report, pp. 114. 116.
T 2
276
q
posed," had in this instance all the effect that
could be desired. The timid convert's fears-
the last obstacle-were quickly overcome-
"he entered into outward communion with
the followers of Christ ;" whose " edifying
conversation," aided by the "particular instruc-
tion and forming" of that "forbearing, meek, and
charitable" pastor, dear Herwig of Esslingen,
under the assistance of the Divine Spirit, so far
improved him and all the members of his family
in the knowledge of Christ and his salvation',
• These “tutelar angels," as Mr. G. designates them, were
"the Rev. Inspector Blumhard, and the estimable Mr. Spittler,
at Basle; the venerable Antistes Hess, at Zurich; those two
faithful disciples of the Lord, the very Rev. Dr. Flatt, upper
counsellor of the Consistorium, and the excellent Mr. J. J.
Haering, at Stuttgardt, the chief place of a kingdom highly
blessed in religious respects." Jewish Expositor. Vol. V. p. 113.
"As to the state of his (Mr. G.'s) mind, and the disposition
of the several members of his family, I refer to his own letter,
here inclosed, the expressions of which I declare to be a genuine
picture of his sentiments and feelings." He is decidedly for
the Lord. His wife no less so. His children have learnt well-
have gladly received the Christian truth-have manifested very
pleasing and cordial impressions of faith and love to Jesus...
Mr. Herwig's Testimony. Jewish Epositor, Vol. V p. 17.
"I can truly say that I have an increasing sense of the
change which has taken place in me (before baptism) of regene-
ration, justification, and sanctification." Goldberg's Letter. Ibid.
p. 319.
"My heart leaps for joy in the Lord, that he has given to
my wife such a believing heart, ready to sacrifice her own will
277
8
that they were pronounced ripe for baptism in
about eight months after their training com-
menced. Special solemnities were prepared for
its due celebration on Trinity Sunday, 1820';
and signal manifestations from above accompanied
the administration', which was immediately
and to follow the will of her God only. My children, also,
are drawn nearer to the Lord. They are led to reflect upon
their depravity and sinful propensities with deep shame and
repentance, and they turn in the simplicity of their hearts to
Jesus." Goldberg's Letter. Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 319.
"My respected friend Dr. Flatt, Mr. Haering, and Mr.
Enstin, in communion with other Christian brethren, have
approved of the public profession of faith to be made, and the
manner in which that solemn service is to be conducted. With
a view to the cordial and active share which you, my dearest
friend and brother in the Lord, (P. Treschou) will take, as re-
presentative of the venerable Society, in the welfare and the
future destination of our good Goldberg, we have thought it
just to recommend to his acceptance your name and that of
his earliest Christian friend Mr. Keetman, in Neuwied. His
Christian name will therefore be Johannan Peter, but he will
retain his family name Goldberg, that it may not have an
appearance as if he would keep secret his transition by the
adoption of a family name. His wife, hitherto called Sarah,
will be called Maria Sarah; his first daughter, Labijah-
Louisa Dorothea; his second, Esther-Esther Catharina; his
third, Bilha-Christiana Beala; and the fourth, Leah-Eliza-
Frederica." Herwig. Ibid. pp. 316, 317.
+
"On the morning of my baptismal day . . . my eye
my eye filled
with tears, looked up to heaven, and I was, as by a divine
voice, raised, comforted, and called to the enjoyment of celes-
tial joy.
"When I entered the Church to appear in the presence of
278
succeeded by the Godfathers and several other
Christian friends dining with the new baptized
convert at Mr. Haas's, under a sense of divine pre-
sence," and by experience of the most distin-
guished love and kindness from the directors of
the Stuttgard Bible and Missionary Societies."
Such were the gracious and marvellous lead-
ings" of Mr. Bernhard Goldberg-and such his
eminent fitnesses for the Missionary muster-roll
of the London Society ".
The Missionaries hitherto enumerated were
all either in training before the Stanstead Semi-
my God and Saviour, His Spirit spoke words of comfort to my
soul, and I felt something of that peace in my heart and consci-
ence, which arises from the assurance of the forgiveness of
sin, from the present enjoyment of life eternal, and a grounded
hope of a blessed immortality.
"When...Rev. Mr. Herwig stretched out his hand over me
in the name of the Lord, and baptized me, my feelings became
so sanctified, that I feel not at liberty to communicate them to any
human being... My wife and my elder daughters had, when
they were baptized, the same holy feelings, and have now,
through the continuing activity of the Holy Spirit in their
souls, the testimony of being by the grace of God converted
from darkness to light, from death to life." Goldberg to
Treschow. Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 323.
"Many thousand persons assembled, among whom the pre-
sence of the Lord was effectually perceived." Ibid.
"The above sketch is compiled from various documents so
extravagantly fanatical, as to be profane in the highest de-
gree to be found, Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. pp. 112-115.
316-324. and 347-362.
7
4
279
V
nary was re-opened, or were prepared for their
vocation abroad. On the re-opening of that In-
stitution, it has been stated that four Missionary
Students were received into it; and their names,
though not given in the Report, are communi-
cated in the Monthly Journal of the Society as
follows: "Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Becker, Mr. Mac-
Caul, and Mr. O'Neil." The next Report con-
veys the information that these four have been
increased to "" eight, all of them except one
Gentiles ;" and that "four more have offered
themselves as candidates, and will shortly be
admitted into the Seminary "." The Report
following records the admission of the above
four candidates, and the addition of a fifth,
whose name appears to be the "Rev. W. B.
Lewis;" and of a sixth also, the "Rev. Charles
Neat"." Eight therefore are still undesignated,
of whom two only, Messrs." Wendt and Hoff","
are personally introduced by the Committee to
the acquaintance of their constituents. The
other six remain anonymous, a growing sensi-
tiveness in the habitual delicacy of that body
towards probationers having produced the great-
est possible reserve upon every clue to their
X
▾ See p. 204.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 113.
y Fourteenth Report, p. 60.
z Fifteenth Report, p. 32.
2 Ibid.
280
identification; which is the more remarkable in
the present instance, as they are all officially
reported “advancing in divine knowledge and
grace, and consequently in a fitness for the holy
b
The state of the Seminary, given in January last, appears
to leave one student unaccounted for-" five" being set down
as the number of embryo Missionaries preparing to follow
their brethren to the field of labour. (Jewish Expositor, Vol.
IX. p. 20.) It would be satisfactory to be informed whether
there is amongst them the young student of the University of
Berlin, of the name of Reich, who was baptized with so much
parade and circumstance at the Dome church in that city, to-
gether with his wife and children, Sir George and Lady Rose
being "amongst the Sponsors"-and who, having "devoted
himself to the ministry as a Missionary to his brethren," is said
to have “arrived in this country in 1819, to pursue his studies
under the auspices of the Society." Jewish Ex. Vol. IV. p. 362.
It would be further satisfactory to know whether "the young
Israelite, a native of Germany, who was baptized at the Epis-
copal Chapel, on Christmas-day," 1818, and who had then
spent a year under the care of a Clergyman in the country,
and been instructed in the new system of teaching," is includ-
ed. (Eleventh Report, p. 39.) His name is kept a profound
secret in all the Society's published statements of proceedings ;
but by the register of Baptisms it appears to be James Maurice
Levin, and there is no record of any such person having ever
been drafted off to the Society's "field of labour.”
It would further be satisfactory to be favoured with the sequel
to the history of the "Jewish teacher," who was so ultra a con-
vert as to revile Judaism in terms which the Reporter deerned
it inexpedient to print, without a note upon them, to bar their
obvious application. As also of his "intelligent and really
learned friend," "of like persuasion with himself," whom he
represented" burning to exchange superstitious Judaism for
281
but arduous office for which they are prepar-
ing.
The first of the above students, Mr. Joseph
Wolfe, is described as "a young Jew of consi-
enlightened Christianity," and who was to be so "so valuable
a member and ornament of the Church."
Their urgent appeal was transferred in 1817 from "the
learned and pious Van Ess's participating heart," to "the
Christian charity and generosity of the venerable Society," and
by that body so "powerfully" commended both to the "kind
friends" of the institution, and "to the zeal and liberality of
the public," that both, "the sum immediately necessary to
carry the professors wishes into effect," and, "at Leeds alone,
651. towards defraying future expences were," contributed;
and these two elevès are both reported placed at a Protes-
tant University in Germany, under the direction of their pious
friend and advocate," and as studying there:” but of the
issue of these studies nothing has transpired; nor of the indi-
viduals does there appear upon record any further information.
Tenth Report, pp. 34, 35. 54-57.
(6
And it would further be satisfactory to be informed what
report of progress has been received from the Polish Jew "of
venerable and interesting appearance, with a long beard and
flowing locks, and a countenance strongly indicative of humi-
lity and benevolence," who, though unable to speak much in
English, made so affecting a profession of his faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ," at the Society's eighth Anniversary, accompanied
by "tears" and "benedictions ;" and who, in compliance with
his "anxious wish, was entrusted with some copies of the He-
brew Gospels to distribute amongst his countrymen." Jewish
Expositor, Vol. I. p. 233.
C
"Report of the half-yearly visitors, Messrs. Simeon, Sar-
jent, Hawtrey, and M'Caul." Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII.
p. 286.
282
d
derable talent, early converted to the Christian
faith, and fired with a zeal for making known
the truth to his brethren; the first part of whose
Missionary education was in "the college" of
the Propaganda "at Rome," from which "he
was dismissed as a heretic," and was then " di-
rected" by Providence" to this country, be-
"an elevè of Mr. Simeon's, who placed
him at Chesterton" to study "under the eye of
the learned Professor Lee," from whence he was
removed for a finish to the Stanstead Seminary.
came
Mr. Wilhelm Becker, the student next in rota-
a The sort of fire-so active an ingredient in Mr. Wolfe's
composition-cannot be figured more to the life than in the
following exemplification of it from his own pen. "I fancied
to day that the Rev. Lewis Way, Mr. Bayford, you and Mr.
Simeon, entered my room; I was so caught up by that thought,
that I exclaimed with a loud voice Angels of the Lord!' and
after that I perceived that it was only a fancy of my imagina-
tion, I shed abundance of tears." Fifteenth Report, p. 199.
Mr. Wolfe's character in the
6
Further light is thrown upon
following sketch from the masterly pencil of Mr. Way. "He
is so extraordinary a creature there is no calculating a priori
concerning his motions. He appears to me to be a comet with-
out any parhelion, and capable of setting a whole system on fire.”
"He knows of no Church but his heart, no calling but that
of zeal, no dispensation but that of preaching. He is devoid
of enmity to men, and full of love to God." “As a pioneer
I deem him matchless aut inveniet viam aut faciet,' but
if order is to be established, or arrangements made, trouble
not Wolfe." L. Way's Narrative, Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX.
p. 50.
• Jewish Records, No. 4, p. 9. Jewish Expositor, Vol.
VII. p. 47.
283
tion, a Gentile, is by birth a German, and Barle-
burg his native town'. He states " Elberfield,"
a Moravian settlement, to be "the place of his
spiritual birth;" and "the Rev. C. A. D. an
Israelite indeed, to have been his spiritual fa-
ther." When this latter adopted relationship
was formed is not recorded, nor is it very clear
what change in his condition the statement is
meant to describe; but as Barleburg and El-
berfield are many miles apart, and as, being born
in a Christian country, it is to be assumed that
he received Infant Baptism, the probable infer-
ence is, that it is Moravian phraseology, descrip-
tive of a superfotation of that Sacrament when
he was become adult, and proselyted to the
Brethren". And this is the more probable, as
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 36.
* Fourteenth Report, p. 134.
h This solution of the mystic phraseology receives support
from an entry in Mr. Becker's Journal, under the date April
15, 1823. "Relating to her something of my conversion, and
how I had been brought to preach the Gospel to the Jews, she
seemed to wonder." Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 327;
and is fully confirmed by Mr.Jaenicke, who "gives testimony,"
as he says, “in the presence of the Lord, that he, (viz. Mr.
B.) now three years ago, at Elberfield, by the Rev. Mr. Doring,
has been brought to a knowledge of his sinfulness, and has been
convinced of that great truth, that Jesus our God and Lord
must be his Saviour and Redeemer." J. Jaenicke to the
Foreign Secretary. Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 278.
284
he appears under the protection of "the Missio-
nary Society" at Elberfield in 1817, and to have
been then "sent" by that body "to Berlin","
to Mr. Jaenicke's Moravian Seminary, from
which dear brother Becker" was shipped "for
England."
Mr. Alexander M'Caul, the student next in
succession, is stated to be "a graduate of Dub-
lin College," viz. A.B. and to have been "re-
commended by Mr. Mathias, of Dublin"-viz.
of Bethesda Chapel-an unlicensed appendage to
the Irish Church Establishment; "and Mr.
Peter Roe, of Kilkenny," a gentleman eminently
conspicuous at Bible and Missionary Anniver-
saries on both sides of the water. The only
further descriptive characteristic upon the So-
ciety's records respecting him is supplied by
Mr. Thelwal, who says, that though as natu-
ral men, two persons could scarcely differ more"
than himself and Mr. M'Caul, "yet, by the grace
of God, they had both been led to a remarkable
coincidence on all essential and practical points'."
Of the five remaining students who have names
"The Missionary Society (viz. at Elberfield') by which
four years and a half ago I had been sent to Berlin." Becker
to Rev. C. S. Hawtrey, Nov. 24, 1821. Fourteenth Report, p.
134.
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 113.
¹ Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 399.; for Mr. Thelwal's
essentials, see pp. 260, 261. note '.
1
285
given them, there are no farther particulars com-
municated, than that the Rev. W. B. Lewis is
"of Trinity College, Dublin," and, with Mr.
O'Neil, was adopted by the London Society on
the same recommendation as their countrymen—
that "Mr. Wendt and Mr. Hoff are Germans,
educated under the auspices of the pious and
excellent Mr. Jaenicke," and that the Rev.
Charles Neat is an English Clergyman, well
known to the Committee, his attention having
been for some time directed to the Society's
objects."
Such are the instruments chosen by the Com-
mittee, to achieve their conversional enterprize;
upon whom this passing observation may for the
present suffice, that viewed either as a whole or as
distinct specimens, they display to admiration
the Committee's competence for discharging them-
selves of their self-assumed responsibility, if
they can be supposed to be in earnest, in the
object of their association; and at the same
time, incomparably illustrate their Church-of-
England predilections. The particular which
next claims attention, is the distribution of these
emissaries to the several foreign stations, where
their conversional functions were to be per-
formed.
It has been already stated that Poland was
Fifteenth Report, p. 32.
286
assigned to Mr. Solomon as his field of Mission-
ary labour". He was at Petersburg when he
received his appointment in Nov. 1818, and the
fragment of a letter-all that the Committee
have deemed it expedient to publish of the dis-
patch-dated in May following, and stated to be
written on his return from a Missionary jour-
ney," testifies his alertness in commencing ope-
rations; and exhibits two picked specimens of
his achievments in the governments of Ecatheri-
naslav and Cherson, as prognostics of his future
success °.
66
n See p. 181.
་
In the former town (viz. Ecatherinaslav) some Israelites
heard me patiently, and with seeming attention in their syna-
gogue. But what was truly gratifying to my feelings was the
very kind reception which the Rabbi of that place gave me.
I found this good-natured old gentleman over his Zohar, which-
he laid aside on my entering the room, but soon after took it up
again to shew me some passages, and said he need not be
ashamed of that book for me, for he has never seen such a
Christian before. He repeated the common-place objections
against the Christian religion but in a very proper spirit, and lis-
tened with surprising attention to what I had to say in return.
When I shewed him the Hebrew Tract, &c. he read a few pages,
and hoped I would leave it. He observed, at the same time, that
it appeared to him an inexplicable enigma how I could take.
the trouble of travelling such a distance, only for the sake of
informing the Jews that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Mes-
siah: but Jews began to gather about us, and it was thought
advisable to break up. I left the good man, not without hopes
that God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,
287
Mr. Solomon's sphere of action, which had
been hitherto within the limits of Poland, was
now changed by the Committee for " Odessa,"
on the alleged reason that it is "the general
may shine into his heart, to give him the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
In the government of Cherson, I witnessed a scene as pleas-
ing and interesting as it is new in the annals of modern history.
.... A respectable body of Jews, no less than 4000 souls, who
have newly left their trades in Poland, and cultivate the ground,
which the noble Alexander has granted them. . . . whether
this might be the beginning of a preparation for their return to
their own land, I am not authorized to judge . . . . I hesitated
not to declare this my opinion to them, and when they said
they would rather be in Jerusalem than on the steps, I told
them they might have here more than a Jerusalem, a Paradise
itself, &c.—There is one advantage which I had here above
other places, viz. that I found amongst them much less diffi-
culty of introducing the subject, and obtaining their ear. . . .
whatever colony I entered I had no sooner alighted from my
Britchky, than I saw all the inhabitants around me and the
Rabbi himself on my side. Bibles, Testaments, and Tracts
were brought in, we read them together, we pointed out pas-
sages to one another, and the conversation was every where
carried on with mutual candour and amity, and sometimes for
three or four hours together-in some places the Rabbi him-
self proposed we should meet in the evening or on the next
day again, and in the mean time they read the Testament in
their houses. Not to enter into particulars, I will only say,
that from all that occurred, I have reason to bless God, that I
have been led among them, and if the prayers of the righteous
attend my poor endeavours, I shall never despair of seeing that
seed which I have been enabled to sow among them spring up
*
288
"""
resort of Jews from all quarters of the world
for commercial purposes;" and Mr. Smith, the
"Christian Brother," who (it will be recollected)
had been apointed "his fellow labourer," "sail-
ed for the continent, to meet him at that place "."
Whether the counsel and co-operation" so
considerately provided for him, was an assist-
ance which his energies revolted at, or was in
other respects not altogether to his taste, or
whether the great object he had in view ap-
peared to him more within his compass in Po-
land (his own country) than at his new destination
--whether one or both of these considerations
were the cause, the issue was, that he did not
go to Odessa, but came to England, and at the
anniversary of 1820, regaled the assembly with
a speech, having been previously announced as
"returned to this country for a time, for the
purpose of personally consulting the Committee
upon some points of deep interest, connected with
his ministry on the continent."
To give an air of seasonableness to Mr. Solo-
mon's account, and to provide (if necessary) a
specious pretext for his continuing here longer
into everlasting life. B. N. Solomon, to Rev. C. S. Hawtrey.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IV. pp. 319-321. For an account
of the noble Alexander's colonies of Jews, and of their conver-
sional hopefulness, see p. 188. Note .
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IV. p. 321.
Twelfth Report, p. 49.
289
“
than the alleged cause of his coming over would
account for, they divulged their "long felt" con-
victions of the "importance" of "a translation
of the New Testament into the dialect of the
Polish Jews;" and, at the same time that they
reported him present at the meeting, reported
also that he had already nearly completed
the Gospel of St. Matthew," and would "be em-
ployed during his stay in carrying on the work'.”
And they followed up this general intimation
with the more specific intelligence, that "
after the Anniversary Meeting he proceeded to
the residence of the Rev. Thomas Scott, of
Aston Sandford, to devote himself, uninterrupt-
edly, under the roof of that venerable and faith-
ful servant of God, to the accomplishment" of
the great object, which, "it was hoped, he
would be able" to do in a few months; when,
under the divine blessing, he was to return tɔ
Poland to circulate it amongst his brethren"."
8
• Twelfth Report, p. 49.
" soon
Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 228. Never was there a
speculation excogitated of equal profit in the way of puff and
declamation at so little risk of character-for where was
the Judeo-Polish linguist to be found to criticize Mr. Solo-
mon's translation? The very statement, however, as the Com-
mittee have put it forth, is of itself sufficient to satisfy any one
who exercises a moment's thought, of the utter worthlessness
of the performance. But the following extract from the Com-
mittee's own official documents supersedes further remark:
"I was delighted with the sight of a Polish German Testament
U
290
What time he arrived at this retirement, and
when he quitted it, is not specified; but, at the
close of the month of July, he is gazetted as one
of a deputation from the Parent Society to the
Ipswich Auxiliary Anniversary : and, on the
3rd of November following, he is chronicled as
engaged at Plymouth in "an amicable discussion
of three hours continuance with a respectable and
candid Jew on the subject of Christianity, in which
he proved himself far advanced both in the know-
ledge and spirit of the Gospel: for "he was
enabled," say his official panegyrists,
"with
meekness and fear to give a reason for the hope
that was in him, and to speak like a workman
that needeth not be ashamed "." After this he
was resident in Hackney, holding similar con-
ferences to that last mentioned with vagabond
Jews, who were paid for subjecting themselves
to his conversional powers; and in conspicuous
attendance upon the Episcopal Chapel, making
open shew of the edification which he received
by the groans which he uttered*.
This discovery renders great part of Solomon's labour, and
the expence attending it, unnecessary." Friedenberg, Twelfth
Report, p. 98.
U
Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 362..
Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 477. Thirteenth Report,
p. 55.
* This information is derived from a private source, but of
unquestionable authority.
291
But Mr. Solomon's catastrophe was now fast
approaching. Instead of "a few months," he
had remained in England a whole year; and the
Committee could not meet their constituents,
without both, accounting for past delays, and
making some definitive statement as to his em-
barkation. Upon the former topic they first
communicate the completion "of the very de-
sirable work in which he was engaged;" and
then proceed to inform the meeting, that a
principal object of his continued residence in
this country" was the being ordained Priest;
which having been done at St. Paul's, Covent
Garden, on the preceding Sunday, he "is now
(they go on to say) preparing to return to Po-
land, accompanied by Mr. Alexander M'Caul,"
and is to 66 spend a couple of months in Am-
sterdam on his way, in order to preach to his
countrymen there "."
He and his companion accordingly "sailed
from Harwich, on Friday, the 25th of May, 1821,"
▾ Mr. Solomon's ordination is not suffered to transpire
quietly, but is blazoned forth at the anniversary with accom-
paniments which the author studiously suppresses, in a resolu-
tion moved by the "Rev. Mr. Burn, and seconded by the
Rev. Mr. Bushe," and unanimously adopted--and is there set
forth as one of the "evidences of the divine blessing on the
labours of the Society." Thirteenth Report, p. vi.
密
​Thirteenth Report, pp. 63-65.
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 236.
U 2
292
"and the religious public (as Mr. Evanson, in
behalf of the Irish Auxiliary complains) were
kept in the painful suspence of ignorance "" re-
specting them, till the November following;
when the Committee (having been for three
months buoying themselves up with the hopes
that the qualms, not of conscience, but of self-
interest, or (as they express it,) Mr. Solomon's
"own temporal advantage," might spare them
the disgrace of acknowledging themselves the
dupes of a third finished hypocrite, for whom
they had pledged their reputation) at length tell
the doleful tale that, "like the companion of
Paul and Barnabas of old, he had turned aside
from his work, and relinquished for the present his
Missionary exertions:" having, unlike the Evan-
gelist here profanely alluded to, first availed him-
self of his "letter of credit," to the amount of
150/., "of which" "100/., he says, are destined
to keep him for a time, and 50/. for his poor fa-
mily: 257. being, as he states, due to them on
the first of the following July "."
•
Letter of condolence, dated 16, Upper Sackville-street,
Dublin, Nov. 11, 1821. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 479.
e Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 440.
a. This communication is made in a letter to Mr. Hawtrey,
dated Frankfort, about three days after his escape, in which he tells
that gentleman that he is going to Warsaw, where he intends to
stay some time, and may be addressed "Post restante, Warsaw,
which he will be sure to attend to." Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI.
293
With this roguery staring him in the face,
and with the purloined money actually in his
pocket, he still affects to be religious, and takes
leave of his old associates with "prayer," both
for God's guidance and for a future meeting,
"if not here," "before their God and Saviour
in heaven.
“
The Committee, in the exuberance of their
charity, respond to this in accordant strains,
and earnestly commend him to the gracious
protection of that Saviour, whom they would
still hope it is his purpose to serve ;" and Mr.
Evanson, as the mouth-piece of the Irish Auxi-
liary, “while he mourns over his defection,"
white-washes him in all other respects, alleging it
as "matter of consolation," under the temporary
injury which the Society's cause had sustained,
p. 442. Accordingly "to Warsaw Mr. M'Caul proceeded, but"
(says the editor in a note) "he had not been there." Again, at a
subsequent period, Mr. Becker writes word "M'Caul took his
way by post through Galicia, to make enquiries after our poor
friend Solomon, at Lemberg and Brody." Ibid. Vol. VII. p.
378. Nothing, however, has been suffered to transpire of Mr.
M'Caul's communications to the Committee; which is the more
remarkable with respect to his first pursuit, as an extract from
the letter in which the subject must have been detailed, is given
in immediate sequence to the letters of Mr. Solomon, and yet
all reference to Mr. Solomon, the immediate object of his jour-
ney, is suppressed.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 440.
"Fourteenth Report, p. 65.
294
g
that the defection was not attended with any
gross act of criminality ;" and so terminates Mr.
Solomon's brilliant career.
The same resolution of the Committee which
stationed Mr. Solomon at Odessa, appointed
"Mr. Friedenberg to Berlin," where, it was stated,
he was to "finish his education with a view to
future usefulness among the Germans "." To
Berlin accordingly he went, and reached his
destination in August, 1820, and soon "perceived
the necessity of gaining a greater volubility in
the philosophy of the continent-the idol of the
more enlightened Jews"-before he came "in
contact with them, as they expect learning from a
professed Missionary." The "kind resolutions,
however, of the general Committee" interrupted
these studies, by indulging him with a journey
in April, 1821, to Aschaffenberg, to see his
father and brother, and as far as appears for this
only purpose besides, that he might furnish a
Journal for the Expositor. There is no mention
how long he was thus usefully occupied, but the
issue was most disastrous; for on the 18th of
July following, having been returned to Berlin
some time, he closes the last named dispatch
with reporting himself labouring under "severe
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 479.
h Ibid. Vol. IV. p. 321.
i Friedenberg to Rev. C. S. Hawtrey. Twelfth Report,
pp. 95, 96.
k Ibid. p. 103.
295
indisposition," which had " obliged him to dis-
continue all his studies and employments,"
and, in the opinion of the " physicians," had
made it necessary that he should go to the sea,
if he wished to recover his health and spirits;"
and here abruptly breaks off the history of Mr.
Friedenberg-the Committee having never again
made mention of his name¹.
The same abrupt termination closes the Mis-
sionary annals of the "Swiss Protestant Minister,
the Rev. Melchior Tschoudi." "He had already
travelled in the East, and was acquainted with
the languages necessary for such an undertak-
ing." He was destined therefore to meet the
wishes of the Rev. W. Jowett and Dr. Nandi,
and was "to direct his course without delay to
the shores of the Mediterranean, to labour
amongst the numerous Jews in those parts, and
largely to circulate among them the Words of
eternal life "." Accordingly he sailed for Malta,
' Friedenberg to the General Committee. Thirteenth Report,
p. 123. Some clue to the discovery of the sudden exit of Mr.
Friedenberg, may perhaps be furnished in the following extract
from his last dispatch. "No sooner was I gone (viz. from As-
chaffenberg) than they (the Jews of that place) expressed the most
evident marks of hostility against my father and brother, for hav-
ing re-taken up a Twp into the family. One respectable Jew
excepted, they do all they can to grieve my poor father. Those
who had pecuniary demands upon him pressed him sore, so
that he must have been ruined in his little trade, had I not im-
parted to the utmost, yea, and beyond my power."
m Twelfth Report, p. 67.
296
in May, 1820, "with letters of introduction" to
the above gentlemen, and "under orders" to
proceed, as they should advise, either to Egypt
or Palestine. He reached Malta, with "Mrs.
Tschoudi" towards the end of July, was
comfortably lodged at Dr. Nandi's house,"
and deliberated with him and Mr. Jowett, from
that time to September 5th, " on his future pro-
ceedings." On that day his route was fixed to
be from Alexandria to Aleppo, through Jerusa-
lem, Safeta-the ancient Nazareth-Nablus-
the ancient Sichem-and Damascus. Very co-
pious instructions were moreover delivered to
him, in which he was directed to consider, him-
self as "the pilot or guide of a future Missionary
party," and "
very full journals, as for the pre-
sent the most valuable fruit of his mission." And
"after much consideration, it was determined
to furnish him with 2007., partly in cash and
partly on credit, to be in his actual possession
on his arrival at Alexandria; and to settle all his
accounts both in Malta and on his passage ".
Here Mr. and Mrs. Tschoudi vanish from public
view, and the Committee's constituents have not
one word of information given them as to the
cause of their so sudden and so very disappoint-
ing disappearance.
Mr. Smith, when last under the reader's ob-
servation, had just sailed for the Continent, on
"Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 400. Vol. VI. pp. 16-23.
"
297
his way to Odessa, to join Mr. Solomon there.
He proceeded as far as Berlin, and there, it is
probable, was apprized of his intended asso-
ciate's retrograde movement which disappointed
him of his trip to the Crimea. For though no-
thing is publicly heard of him till the anniver-
sary of 1821, except that he had announced
"his safe arrival "" at that capital, it is then
stated, that he had been spending a year in
Berlin, as the Society's agent, to assist in culti-
vating the promising field of labour thus unex-
pectedly opened to them "." His station is then
changed for “ Leipsic," where, as the Committee
inform their constituents, the providence of God
had opened to the Society an access to the
Jews, which was likely to lead to important re-
sults." But here, probably, they were too
Friedenberg to the Rev. C. S. Hawtrey. Twelfth Report,
p. 94.
P Upon the promising state of Berlin, as a field for conver-
sional labour among the Jews. See p. 173.
The "access" here referred to is the proposal of “ a pious
young Printer in that city, of the name of Tanchnitz, (an enligh-
tened Christian, as Mr. Goldberg testifies, (Fourteenth Report,
p. 139.) brought to the saving knowledge of the truth in Lon-
don," who, it is said, "had espoused the cause of the Society
with cordiality,") to put the word of everlasting life, in the He-
brew language, into the hands of the great number of Israelites
who flock to the Leipsic fair, from all parts of the world.
(Thirteenth Report, p. 67.) The Committee's discretion in
the choice of instruments, is represented to the life by Mr.
298
}
sanguine, as the Report, delivered on the Anni-
versary of 1822, touches these "results" with a
very feeble hand, and immediately passes on to
notify the occupation of "another Missionary
station, with encouraging prospects of usefulness
at Dresden," to which, on mature deliberation,
they had determined to appoint the converted
Jewish schoolmaster Mr. Goldberg. And here
Mr. Smith, at length, finds a permanent sphere
for the exercise of his vocation, being "directed
by the Committee to accompany Mr. G. thither
from Leipsic, and to assist in his establishment
there '.'
Tanchnitz, who describes the trust reposed in himself, as
"" Wit-
reserved confidence towards an unknown individual." (Thir-
teenth Report, p. 124.)
66
The auspicious phenomenon of the converts from Judaism,
all desiring to become "Apostles of Christianity," laid so
much stress upon by Mr. Ruell, in his Norwich Jew convert-
ing oratory, has already been noticed. In this over-proof de-
monstration of sincerity, Mr. Goldberg is eminently conspicu-
ous. With an exquisite mixture of cant and cozenage, even
before his baptism, he first expresses himself to the Committee,
fully convinced that the Lord will regulate all his circumstan-
ees for himself and family," and then asks permission of them
indulge a respectful wish" that he may soon be informed
of his destination, and the place of his future activity; and fur-
ther, proposes the alternative either "that this may be ap-
pointed with a kind regard to his four daughters," in such a
manner that he may not be destitute of the means of their edu-
cation for a Christian domestic life, or that he may recom-
mend the case of them to the Committee's fatherly benevolence.”
to
66
༦༽་་
299
睿
​The place next erected into a Missionary sta-
tion by the Committee, was at Amsterdam. Mr.
Way, on passing through that city, had been in-
formed of "an Episcopal Chapel" there, but
without "minister or service;" and having,
through the kind offices of Mr. G
of
H——, a friend of Mr. Cox's, and "formerly
H-
Churchwarden," obtained permission to
preach" there, he did so, assisted by Mr. So-
And no sooner has he reached his station, than pursuing this
topic, he tells the Committee that his “outward situation” here
(at Dresden) leads himself and his Christian friends to wish
that the Lord might so direct it that he soon could be united
with his dear family, enforcing it with the representation, that
his "wife and children, who, by the grace of God, have made
considerable progress in the Christian life, may even be useful in
the cause of the Lord here, by setting before the Jews, and es-
pecially before their children, good examples of Christian con-
duct." The next letter commences "The Lord has safely con-
ducted hither my dear wife and children. The first thing we
did was to kneel down before the Lord...The Lord gave us
to experience his peace, and His Spirit witnessed with our
spirit that we are His property, and that nothing shall separate
us," &c. What portion of the misapplied bounty of the con-
tributors has been squandered upon these "vessels of grace,"
does not appear; but from the libations which the chief vessel
is continually pouring forth to the Committee-for " the large
portion," and "the manifold sacrifices which their charity had
devoted to him and his house for the sake of the Lord," who is
said to have "been pleased to commit the temporal support of
himself and family to their Christian benevolence," it must have
been considerable. Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 320. VII.
pp. 122. 127. 284. See moreover p. 275, note.
300
lomon, on two Sundays and the intervening
Wednesday; and, as he says, "excited a great
desire to have the service continued," which he
communicated to the Committee, backed with
his own strong recommendation, that "certainly
so desirable an object must not be abandoned","
for that (as he further explains himself on ano-
ther occasion,) "in the present form of the Jew-
ish Society, these places open a wide door for
the exercise of a ministry among the Continental
Israelites, without interfering with obligations of a
local nature"."
So promising "a door of entrance and utterance"
was not "opened" in vain ; for though the Com-
mittee, in their corporate capacity,
"did not
dare," for want of “ funds," to accede to the pe-
tition, some "private individuals determined to
rent the premises, and send over a minister, for
two years, that so a correct judgment might be
formed as to the importance of the station, and
• Extract of Letter of Rev. L. Way. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. III. p. 114.
t
Way's Letter to the Bishop of St. David's, p. 12. Mr. Way
is here speaking not of the Amsterdam Chapel exclusively, but
of that and other Episcopal Chapels under the same circum-
stances at Hamburg, Memel, and Moscow. "Sanctuaries,"
as he describes them, "formed from time to time, by the cir-
cumstances of our alliance with foreign powers, the extension
of our commerce, or the zeal of our countrymen, the last of
which was burnt, and the rest deserted." Ibid. p. 11.
301
time afforded to the Society to communicate in-
formation to the public in relation to it." "The
place was" accordingly "secured," and "to re-
open" it with as much eclat and tact as possible
-to collect the congregation—and prepare the
way amongst the Jews-those profound adepts
in all these mysteries, Mr. Simeon ", and his
"friend Mr. Marsh, went over"-the former of
these gentlemen being, as he states, "convinced
that the utmost prudence and care were neces-
sary" in the outset of the plan, that neither" the
jealousy of government, nor "opposition from
those they meant to serve" might be excited
against it.
The first point was more than carried, through
"the extreme delicacy" with which all Mr. Si-
meon's movements were conducted. The go-
vernment not only took no umbrage, but "with-
"From the London Society's Twelfth Report, p. 46, it
appears that the "private individuals" who took the Amster-
dam Chapel at their own risk, resolve themselves into Mr. Si-
meon, as corporation sole in that speculation, for he is there
complimented by name as a person who had "so liberally un-
dertaken the experiment."
This is stated on Mr. Simeon's own authority, being ex-
tracted from one of his Norwich Jew converting declamations,
in which, with characteristic self-satisfaction, he details most
circumstantially" his whole diplomatic course at the Dutch
capital, for the avowed purpose of indoctrinating "friends at
home, who support the Society, what line of conduct I shall
uniformly pursue, as far as I have any hand in regulating and
conducting their affairs." Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. pp.
446-448.
302
out hesitation put the Chapel upon the footing
of the Dutch Churches ;" and though, with re-
spect both to the number of Episcopalians whom
he was able to congregate, and to their subser-
viency to his purposes, he was "greatly disap-
pointed," he still cherished sanguine hopes of
what the "6 ministry of an accredited agent"
would effect, at the same time that he "esti-
mated the importance of the place," not "by
their numbers or influence, but by the facilities
which it afforded for usefulness to the Jews of
that city, and for access to them through all
Germany and Poland'." This accredited agent
was a Mr. Hawkes," a young friend" of Mr. Si-
meon, whom he immediately commends to Mr.
Hawtrey's attention, as an able coadjutor, “as
willing as he was able"-desiring, at the same
time, that he may be "regularly” supplied with
plenty of the Society's monthly publications.
Nothing more is heard of Mr. Hawkes, but
there can be no doubt of his having redeemed
the pledge given in his favour; for at the anni-
versary of 1820, the "Committee" state that
they have great satisfaction in informing their
constituents that, the experiment with respect
to the English Episcopal Chapel at Amsterdam,
having fully justified his (Mr. Simeon's) expec-
<<
Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 448.
* Rev. C. Simeon to Rev. C. S. Hawtrey. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. III. p. 326.
303
tations, they have now entered into an arrange-
ment with the congregation belonging to that
place of worship, by which they are to defray
the expences of the chapel, while the minister,
as a Missionary of the Society to the Jews in
that city, is to be supported from its funds. The
Committee then proceed to report that "the
Rev. A. S. Thelwal has been appointed to that
situation, and that they have also recently re-
solved to send Mr. E. H. Simon, (the Jewish con-
vert, who has for some time past been pursuing
his studies at Edinburgh, under the joint patronage.
of the London Society and the Rotterdam Mis-
sionary Society) to assist Mr. Thelwal in his
labours amongst the Jews, for which he is quali-
fied by his knowledge of the Dutch language,
and of the peculiar sentiments and habits of his
brethren and thus Amsterdam was added to
the Society's Missionary stations.
Mr. John David Marc, alias David Donatty,
had his station appointed him at Frankfort,
"under the inspection of his friend and patron
the pious and learned Mr. Von Meyer," being
* Twelfth Report, pp. 46, 47. The Church of England feel-
ing manifested in this association is very striking. What be-
came of Mr. Simon after this introduction of him to public
notice no where appears. Neither his departure hence, nor his
arrival at his post are mentioned. Nor does Mr. Thelwal,
though confessedly very hard put to it for "intelligence,” ever
acknowledge any of his services, or indeed recognise such an
assistant.
'Jewish Records, No. 4. p. 8.
304
"the lay
lodged at the house of a Mr. Lix,
preacher of the brethren," and having the mem-
bers of that sect in general, who seem to be in
some force in Frankfort, and are indeed the So-
ciety's most confidential agents, "faithful and
zealous fellow-labourers with him "."
d
The Missionary next to be disposed of is the
Rev. Joseph Wolf, whose debut, when that impor-
tant point was to be definitively settled, was
Thirteenth Report, p. 75. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI.
p. 25.
a Mr. Wolf's account of his becoming Reverend, is that he
"received some Orders from the Vicar-General of the Pope,
when at Rome." (Jew. Expr. Vol. VIII. p. 271.) These
Orders were doubtless extraordinary, as besides labouring
in his immediate vocation among the Jews, there are the fol-
lowing notices of his ministerial performances-all, except the
first from his own journal," Mr. Wolf preached twice at
Mr. Wilson's Missionary Chapel of the London Missionary
Society, on Sunday Evenings. (Malta. Fourteenth Rept. p.
165.) Sunday evening, I preached in presence of a large
congregation in the Church. The chief persons who have
been present have been Dr. G. &c. and many other gentle-
men, officers, and soldiers." (Ibid. p. 166.) "German con-
gregation composed of Roman Catholics and Protestants, to
whom I preached every Sunday the Gospel of Christ, in the
house of Henry Salt, Esq. (Ibid. p. 193.) 'I preached a ser-
mon in the Chapel of Mr. Temple," Malta. (Jew. Expr. Vol.
VIII. p. 156.) "Mr. Temple is stationary (three denomina-
tion) Missionary at Malta from America.”
Bayrout. I preached in the British Consulate in the pre-
sence of Mr. Abbot and his family. Wolf, ibid. ix. 354.
Aleppo-Mr. Barker, the British Consul, was so kind to
leave to my disposal his parlour to preach in. I had 24 hearers,
Jews and Catholics. Wolf, ibid. 386.
305
made under other auspices than those of the
London Society. "The Committee," as they
explain the proceeding, "had expected the
pleasure of presenting him" to the meeting on
the anniversary of 1821; but so ardent was his
zeal to be employed in active service amongst
his kinsmen according to the flesh (a zeal in
this sacred cause, which as they report it,
may be truly said almost to have consumed
him,") that he could not brook delay; whilst they
* The accuracy of this description of Mr. Wolf's zeal cannot
be better illustrated than by the following emanations of it,—
no less than the grand design of converting all the Jews in
London, which, that he might leave behind him full proof of
his ministry, he essayed to accomplish during the few weeks
he was detained in the Metropolis previous to sailing. The
means resorted to were attempts, several times repeated and as
often repulsed, to expound the Scriptures in the synagogue,
during the time of divine service ;—and in failure of this ex-
pedient, to put down which force was always necessary, the
dernier resort of accosting every person whom he met in the
streets, having the indications of Judaism about him, and
entering at once upon the subject at issue between Jews and
Christians, which he called going into the high-ways and
hedges and compelling them to come in. As he had money at
command he frequently obtained a hearing, and the floor of
Mr. Solomon's lodging, to which he was in the habit of con-
ducting his catechumens, frequently shook under the energy
of his argumentation. His ill success in London seems not
to have shaken his faith in this latter means of conversion, for
in a letter from Gibraltar, he says, "I intend to preach here
publicly in the street, before my departure; Lieut. Bailey de-
termined to stand on my side and protect me against the insult
X
306
(having had their ardour a a little damped by for-
mer converts) wanted the necessary degree of
inflammatory action to put them up to the send-
ing him to such an arduous sphere, alone, and
had not yet a person duly qualified to send out
with him. They therefore gave him up into the
hands of a pious and liberal patron (Mr. Drum-
mond), who sent him forth at his own expence
“to Jerusalem,” by way of " Gibraltar :" "and,"
as his benè decessit, "they cannot (they say) but
hope that Almighty God, who has endowed the
one with such a holy zeal and the other with such
a kind liberality, will crown their united efforts
with success'." He has not, however, remained
disconnected with the Society-the very satis-
factory testimonies which the Committee" from
time to time received of his spirit and proceed-
ings," and the full proof" given of his con-
stancy and qualifications as a Missionary to his
brethren, having removed all doubt" of "the
propriety of their taking upon themselves to pay
a large portion of his expences."
66
of the mob, especially the Catholics, which I had to expect."
(Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 315.) but it does not appear
that this intention was executed, and possibly the intolerance
of military discipline prevented it.
f Thirteenth Report, p. 105.
* Fifteenth Report, p. 68. It is due to Mr. Wolf to say that
his talents and acquirements are both considerable, and that
there is every appearance of sincerity in his professions, and of
genuine devotedness to the cause which he has undertaken. The
Committee shewed their wisdom in re-inscribing his name in
307
Mr. M'Caul, the next Missionary in the series,
when last mentioned, was at Warsaw in pur-
suit of Mr. Solomon. Failing in this object,
that his talent might not be longer buried,
he turned his attention to Mr. S.'s unconverted
countrymen, and made such a report to the Com-
mittee of " their great numbers," their miserably
forlorn condition, their eagerness to receive books,
and their curiosity to hear what this babbler should
say" that they resolved at once to constitute
Warsaw a Missionary station: and "feeling the
importance of sending forth their labourers two
and two, after the example of our Lord'," they
dispatched Mr. Becker to this "promising field
of usefulness," to assist Mr. M'Caul in its culti-
vation.
Dr. Pinkerton now came forward "in behalf
their muster-roll; for, wild as his enthusiasm is, he is the gem
of their whole Missionary establishment; though, from his own
account, it is perhaps scarcely proper to appropriate him to
the London Society, for he says, "I began to preach the neces-
sity of peace among Christians; and made them acquainted
with the intentions, labours and progress of the Bible Society."
"I told them clearly, (the Arminian patriarch and his attendants,)
that I came to that city (Jerusalem,) not only with the intention
of preaching the Gospel of Christ to the Jews, but likewise to
induce the Christians of the several denominations to enter into
a correspondence with the Christians of England, (viz. Mr.
Drummond and Mr. Bayford) on the subject of vital Chris-
tianity. Wolf's Journal. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 382.)
h Fourteenth Report, p. 66.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 440.
x 2
308
of the Polish Jews;" and, recounting how "they
would often exclaim as he travelled through
their towns, Here comes the Bible man, &c."
made this the ground-work of "the most urgent
representations of the necessity of augmented ef-
forts in that quarter." These were backed by
"letters from the Rev. Drs. Henderson and Pa-
terson," written from the "heart of the district,"
and stating that "their lodgings were almost
besieged by Jews applying for Hebrew New Tes-
taments;" and in addition to these appeals,
information was communicated of "an Edict of
his Imperial Majesty," by which "the Kahals,
or Rabbinical institutions, which have so long
operated as a barrier to the progress of the Jews
in civilization and knowledge, were abolished."
Such a triad of constraining intimations was ir-
resistible. An additional supply of labourers
was forthwith determined on, and Messrs. Wend
and Hoff were drafted off from the Seminary to
co-operate with their brethren: and on Mr.
M'Caul's "return to the interesting scene of his
former labours," after his visit to this country to
receive Deacon's Orders, his "fellow country-
man, Mr. O'Neil, accompanied him” as a fur-
ther reinforcement; and, to give all the
eclat possible to the mission, as well as to ac-
See pp. 175, &c. Mr. Way's evidence of the promising
state of Poland, and of the extent of their knowledge of He-
brew.
* Fourteenth Report, pp. 76, 77. Fifteenth Report, p. 32.
309
commodate the Missionaries suitably to their
،،
dignity, a part of the most famous palace' in
Warsaw" was engaged as their residence, Pro-
vidence, as it is stated, specially interposing in
its procurement.
m
The eye which the Committee had upon Gib-
raltar was indicated as early as 1817, by a
consignment of "six copies of the four Gospels
in Hebrew, committed to the custody of a per-
son who went there "for spiritual purposes ";"
but it was not till 1821 that any thing like a
conversional reconnoitring of the Jews resort-
ing to that fortress took place. In that year
Mr. Wolf performed this service in his way to
Jerusalem; and, in concert with "a gentleman
of piety and intelligence, occupying an official
situation there, who kindly offered his services
in promoting the objects of the Society", pressed
'Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. 312. “It (viz. the Palace,) was
pointed out to us in a very providential way. We had search-
ed for three weeks incessantly, and could find nothing to suit
us. At last we were in despair, when a French gentleman
called unexpectedly to visit me. I told him our ill success,
and he then mentioned that the Count Zamoiski wished to let
a part of his palace."
m Ninth Report, p. 17.
"This gentleman appears, from Mr. Wolf's Report, to be
"Lieutenant Bailey, resident agent of transports," who has been
already introduced to the reader's notice as volunteering his
services to be champion to Mr. Wolf on his intended street
preaching exploit. Mr. Wolf represents him as "a great
friend to the cause," which he illustrates by adding, that “he
310
so strongly upon the attention of the Commit-
tee" a variety of circumstances all conspiring
"to point it out as a most desirable post for the
Society's occupation," that they became at once
convinced of its "importance" in that point of
view. Mr. Wolf recommended, as the best
appointment that could be made, his Rev. bro-
ther Mr. Solomon, from whose "solidity," and
unquestioned sincerity, he said, provided such
<<
power was given him that nobody at Gibraltar
should prescribe him rules"," great things might
be expected; but, as Mr. Solomon had bolted
before this advice came to hand, the Committee
dispatched the Rev. Charles Neat, an English
Clergyman, as already stated, high in their confi-
dence, giving him the designation of "Missionary
to Leghorn and the parts adjacent";" at which
last named place he was to be "for the present
resident," after he had executed his commission
at Gibraltar ".
One other elevè of the Society, the Rev. W.
B. Lewis, remains to be disposed of. His ap-
pointment was, in the first instance, generally
to Palestine, but, "a permanent Mission at Je-
rusalem" having been subsequently "determin-
ran with him about to the most respectable people of Gibral-
tar, introduced him to Ben Abel, and so on." Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VI. p. 315.
• Fourteenth Report, p. 89.
1
P Wolf's Journal. Ibid. p. 162.
Fifteenth Report, p. 32.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 19.
311
"
ed on," that interesting" sphere of action has
been assigned him, and he is gazetted as to
proceed there without delay, accompanied by
Mr. Wolf"."
66
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 20. Since this enumeration,
the London Society's Missionary corps has been made more
complete by some recruits of a new description-viz. medical
Missionaries, adopted, as it appears, on the suggestion of Mr.
Missionary Lewis, who, on his debut in the Holy Land, having
been "accosted" one morning by a young Syrian as one of
the faculty, journalizes the adventure with this improvement
upon it,
it, "I cannot, therefore, help feeling, that a Missionary
doctor might be sent beneficially to the land where the Saviour
sojourned, healing all manner of diseases." Jewish Expositor,
Vol. IX. p. 29. The hint is no sooner received than ga-
zetted and acted upon. "It has heen observed," re-echoes
the Expositor," that a pious physician must make an excellent
Missionary;" and immediately proceeds to express "pleasure
in announcing the presentment of an opportunity of bringing
the truth of the opinion to the test, by the offer of Dr. Edward
Dalton, a medical practitioner of some years standing in Ire-
land, of his services as a lay Missionary, and his engagement
in that capacity. An high eulogium upon his qualifications,
follows, representing them of the first order; and this is suc-
ceeded by a specimen, which the reader will find in the Appen-
dix, No. 14; and by the further important announcement
that he is to be accompanied by his wife, an excellent and pious
lady, devoted equally with himself to the Jewish cause." Ibid.
p. 276. It is an indication of great promise in Dr. Dalton,
that the ardour of his zeal to be exercising his Lay-ministry,
would not allow him to suspend its functions till he reached the
special objects to whom it was devoted; for in his journal of
daily mercies and ordinary circumstances," during the voyage
there is this entry, "I performed divine service every Sabbath,
and expounded Scripture to the men every evening." Jew.
312
·
Such is the distribution of the London So-
ciety's Missionary force, or rather of that part of
it upon its own conversional establishment. But,
besides sending into the field Missionaries im-
mediately dependent upon itself, it has been for
some years "awakening other Communities to
a sense of their obligations" towards the Jews;
chiefly "in the very heart of the Jewish popu-
lation abroad," but in some instances equally
"remote" with itself from the scene of action.
Of these auxiliaries, the Committee declare that
they "anticipate the most important benefits to
Expr. ix. 389. The versatility of the Dr.'s genius is further
developed in another of his memorabilia; for referring to the
dismantled state of the windows at Aintoura College-the
Missionary head-quarters in the Holy Land-he observes with
great facetiousness, that he "shall have to turn glazier as
well as Doctor," ibid. p. 390. and sounds the Committee
whether or no they will pass that item in his accounts.
Another medical recruit appears upon the Society's muster-
roll, as the preceding entry to Dr. Dalton-Dr. Clarke
-also from Ireland, that garden of Jew-converting Mis-
sionaries-enlisted, not as a stipendiary, but "to go out on
his own account," his "anxiety to be made useful in promot-
ing the cause" being his chivalrous motive for "requesting to
be considered as an agent of the Society." Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VIII. p. 455. His field of conversional enterprize is
Gibraltar and Leghorn, as Mr. Neat's associate-Dr. Dalton's—
Palestine. The Polish Mission has also received two re-
inforcements from the Stanstead Seminary, Mr. J. G. G. Wer-
melskirck, and Mr. J. C. Reichardt, of the German reformed
Church, importations from Mr. Jaenicke's establishment at
Berlin." Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 278..
313
the common cause from their co-operation ;" they
must therefore be included in the present sur-
vey, or very imperfect justice will be done to
the Committee's administrative talents, and it
may be added, to another distinguishing cha-
racteristic upon which they most highly value
themselves—their devotedness to the Church of
England.
The first of these is the Edinburgh Society,
composed of the faithful of every denomination
throughout Scotland," professedly indeed "inde-
pendent” in its "operation," for this financial reason,
that "an independent Mission was more likely
to obtain an enlarged support, in that part of the
kingdom ";" but " I fully disposed to harmonise
with the London Society, and "to assist it by
pecuniary contributions *;" which the London
Society reciprocates by "most readily offering,
without payment, any number of Hebrew New
Testaments and Tracts" which its " unaffiliated,"
but "cordially co-operating" sister "may be able
to dispose of to advantage among the Jews'.
This Auxiliary's quota towards "the common
cause" is officially announced to the Committee
in London to be four Missionaries for "the con-
tinent of Europe;" "two very soon to go out
from under Mr. Mudie's care at Hamburgh, and
Twelfth Report, pp. 66, 67.
"Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. pp. 156, 157.
* Eleventh Report, p. 20.
y Jewish Expositor, Vol V. p. 157.
314
the other two about leaving the Seminary at
Basle." What were the labours and success,
or even the names of three of these has never
been reported, but of the fourth-a Mr. Gericke
-great expectations are raised by his preceptor
Mr. Mudie, which receive incipient confirma-
tion from his own detail of his "first attempt in
Mecklenburg to direct the views both of Jews
and Christians to the one thing needful"."
all these auspicious indications are soon blasted,
for the next thing heard of Mr. Gericke is, that
he "had given up his work in despair, because
he saw no fruit of his labours."
But
The auxiliary next in order, according to the
date of its formation, (as Mr. Von Meyer describes
it) "one of the links of the chain of the various
manifestations of God to his own people "," is the
2" Letter addressed to Rev. C. S. Hawtrey, by J. F. Gor-
don, Secretary to the Edinburgh Society." Jewish Expositor,
Vol. V. p. 236.
a "Mr. Gericke then welcomed him (viz. the convert,) into
the Christian Church, charging him to hold fast his profession
without wavering to the end, in a well conceived and very
impressive speech, which gave all present a very favourable
opinion of the suitableness of our young brother for the work
to which he is devoted." G. D. Mudie to Rev. C. S. Han-
trey. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 283.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 163.
c Letter from Rev. A. S. Thelwall. Jewish Expositor, Vol.
VIII. p. 398. Lest this should dishearten weak brethren, a
note is appended by the Editor, setting forth that "Professor
Thelwall had met with Jews at Mecklenburg, who had been
awakened by Mr. Gericke's preaching."
d Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 239.
315
Frankfort Society, "instituted" (as the official
notification sets forth) "in consequence of the
Mission of Mr. Marc to that place," and pre-
sided over by Mr. Von Meyer, Senator "-Mr.
Lay-preacher Lix being Secretary-and to be
supported chiefly by remittances from the "Lon-
don Society." Its first designs aspired to "a
seminary for young Jews, to be employed in a
subsequent time as teachers among their people,
but in the mean while to lessen or perhaps
cover the expences of their education by agri-
culture." This however soon subsided into "a
school for Jewish children," which does not ap-
pear to have been more than talked about, as
there is no mention of its having been esta-
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 235.
"I now expect how far you will be able and willing to
come to our assistance, both by the experience you have had
in the endeavour to lay the people of Israel at the feet of Jesus,
and by the indisputable aid of another kind. We shall want
very considerable support beyond our actual means." C. S.
Lix to the Foreign Secretary. Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p.
235.
:
I request you to communicate to the Committee the follow-
ing suggestions-1st. That the London Committee would grant
to our association, for the first year, a certain sum, to be imme-
diately drawn for by Mr. Lix, in order that the Association
may, without delay, be put into activity, and thereby bring itself
into credit, both here and in distant places." J. D. Marc to
the Foreign Secretary. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 77.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 236.
h Ibid. Vol. VI. p. 76.
6
316
!
blished. One recruit to the Missionary phalanx
is specially celebrated as emanating from this
association-judaically designated Joseph Bam-
berger, but baptismally John Jacob Bergmann-
a convert of "sixty years old," but, "notwith-
standing his advanced age, still full of health,
and vigour, and zeal for the cause," and thus
Von Meyer to the Foreign Secretary. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VI. p. 74. The spiritual anagram of the Baptismal name
is thus explained by the Senator. 'Bergmann, because the
Sermon on the Mount (Bergpredigt) had been so blessed to
his soul." The following account is given of him by the Lon-
don Committee, extracted from "a Saxon newspaper," "at
the time of the great Sanhedrim at Paris, he laid before the
Prince Primate reflections respecting Judaism, which were ex-
amined by a Committee, and printed." Professor Paulus of
Heidelberg republished them, and gives him the following ho-
nourable testimony. "He is a Jewish teacher, full of benevo-
lence for his nation, of valuable talents, and well experienced
in the writings and constitution of his people," &c.; to which
is added, from his own pen, having been addressed to the Com-
mittee, as an excitement to them to "feel warmly interested in
his salvation," this account of his conversion, that he was
་
one who has for a long time gone astray," but by God's
mercy brought hither (viz. to Frankfort) four months ago.
Through his mysterious leadings he got acquainted with the
Missionary of the London Society who resides here, and by his
instruction, example, and power of conviction, was led so near
to the fountain head of life and comfort, that he requested the
Rev. Mr. Stein to give him more explicit instruction in Chris-
tianity, which he also complied with, with so much patience and
cordiality, that on September 22, I received the baptism ac-
cording to the Lutheran rite." Thirteenth Report, pp. 77, 78.
317
happily formed to answer Mr. Friedenberg's
prayer in Mr. Marc's behalf, and to devote
himself to Jews who live in the country," whilst
his invalid yoke-fellow, sitting at home to be
visited by Jews" in all the several stages of
Christianization, acted "with unostentatious acti-
vity the chamber-counsellor of conversion'.
k 66
May the Lord speedily raise a fellow-worker for Mr.
Marc, whose bodily weaknesses so much call for one." Jewish
Expositor, Vol. V. p. 240.
¹ Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 321. “I had an hundred
evidences that Mr. M.'s stay at Frankfort is blest.
With so
many disadvantages from ill health, we must regard it as an
evident mark of God's favour both to the cause, and indi-
vidually, that he is enabled to do so well as he does. He
is visited by Jews, both by such as are persuaded of the Chris-
tian religion, and by such as seek the truth." Friedenberg's
Journal. Ibid. p. 25.
"Behold the fields; they are already ripe for the harvest.
Some young Jewish strangers are now here... we look forward
to numerous crowds... they are now baptized without hesitation
... the private conversation of Mr. Marc and other true Chris-
tians affords them food, direction, and strength to persevere in
the pure spirit of faith." Von Meyer, Jewish Expositor, Vol.
VI. p. 239.
"I must declare in favour of Mr. Marc, who exerts himself
with the most cordial activity in promoting the conversion of
the Jews, that a residence here is very expensive, and that not-
withstanding the last good years, the prices of the necessaries
of life will not fall. With a household of four persons, hus-
band, wife, child, and servant, three carolines per week are not
much, especially when furniture and clothing must be provided
for, and good economy is required to live upon such a salary
without injuring the health." To the Foreign Secretary. F.
Von Meyer, Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 223.
318
The Auxiliaries next in succession are those
of “
Elberfield and Basle," both also "establish-
ed at the earnest solicitation of Mr. Marc" and
like their predecessor both excellently disposed
to assist their common parent in the expenditure
of its resources. The one, by "receiving with great
pleasure, and employing in the best manner pos-
sible the money which may be remitted from
England,” in the support of that “highly desir-
able" establishment "a Christian congregation of
baptized Jews"." The other, in "communica-
ting to Switzerland, Baden, Wirtemberg and
Alsace, Hebrew and Jewish-German Tracts, pra-
vided by Mr. Marc;" and in the institution and
management of a school, to be chiefly maintained
also from the London treasury, in which the pe-
culiar feelings of such "Jewish parents" might
be met, as were indisposed" to venture for their
own persons the public profession of Christianity,
but rather wish their children might be instructed
and formed as eventual Christians °.
m Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 75.
Letter from Elberfield. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p.
492. In further aid of the common cause, the Elberfield Se-
cretary, as Mr. Marc reports, " engage to support that truly ho-
nest, modest character, now confirmed in his faith, and remark-
able for diligence-dear Jadownicky." Ibid. Vol. VI. p. 239.
Mr. Marc predicts of him, that "he will make good progress,"
but of that there is no report.
• The circumstances attending the institution of this school
are quite out of the ordinary course of things.
"The point,
say
the Secretaries, was indeed touched upon, but not taken into
319
The next accession of strength which the Lon-
don Society received was from Boston, in Ame-
rica, from a Society styling itself "The Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions," and com-
posed of the members of "three Churches ","
i. e. denominations in that city. This religiously
diversified body joined the common cause in 1819;
and perceiving Palestine unoccupied, notwith-
means.
consideration, because we had neither place nor the necessary
But behold! The Lord opened about the same time a
pleasing prospect. A solitary, healthy, beautiful house, pro-
bably will be sold at the very moderate price of 6 or 800 louis-
d'or. Without knowing where to get the first louis-d'or, we
have entered into some preliminary conversation with the pro-
prietor, and we are not without hope that the Lord, whose
cause it is, and who knows the purity of our intentions, will
dispose the hearts of charitable Christians to assist us with
their grants. While we believe we have by this communica-
tion discharged a duty we owe to you, most reverend friends,
we recommend our undertaking to your benevolence, and inter-
cession at the throne of grace." Wilhelm Koellner. C. F.
Spittler to Venerable Society, &c. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI.
pp. 123, 124.
To what extent the Moravian fleecing has been carried, the
following extract will exemplify. "I am extremely glad the
last extracts met your approbation...but now I must most
earnestly entreat you to assign to Mr. Edheim his reward as
well for the last extracts as for the former... Professor Molitor
has already informed you that the whole will be forwarded to
you in single specimens in regular succession, and that a remu-
neration for every single specimen may be appointed and early
forwarded." Von Meyer, Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 320.
» Missionary Register, 1823, p. 123.
320
standing Mr. Jowett's and Dr. Nandi's earnest
calls and tempting representations, made
choice of that interesting field for their conver-
sional enterprise, and immediately intimated to
the London Society, through their "correspond-
ing secretary, Mrs. Hannah Adams,” the auxiliary
character which they meant to assume, by 're-
questing to be subsidized with Hebrew Testa-
ments;"" with which," the Committee observe,
66
they need scarcely say that they readily com- ·
plied," so much of a thing of course is this am-
munitioning all applicants from the Society's re-
pository.
The first detachment from this transatlantic
alliance consisted of the Rev. Levi Parsons, and
the Rev. Pliny Fisk, " young men," as it is
stated, of piety and talent-" known and be-
loved in all the American churches """ or-
dained" on purpose for this special service--and
indeed apparently pre-appointed to the double
object which it eventually embraced, by the
singular combination of Jew and Gentile in their
baptismal designations.
9 See pp. 182, 183.
r Twelfth Report, p. 66.
$ J. King to Henry Drummond, Esq. (Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VIII. p. 157.) Mr. Fisk is the person upon whom Mr.
King's portion of the above eulogy was pronounced: but Mr.
Parsons had then fallen a sacrifice to the climate, or he would
doubtless have been included in it, as his obituary, (Missionary
Register, 1823, pp. 121-125.) demonstrates.
7
321
The next succours were the Rev. Daniel and
Mrs. Temple, who came in the new character
of "Stationary Missionaries at Malta'," and for
the express purpose of superintending " a print-
ing establishment," which has been "got into
active operation:" and these have been followed
by
"Messrs. Goodall and Bird, with their
wives," who, at the urgent suggestion of Mr.
Fisk, are placed as "a Missionary family in the
Holy Land ""
The Auxiliary which next presents itself to
notice is that formed at Amsterdam, to aid the
London Society in its "endeavours among the
Jews in the Netherlands." Here the Society
have found it necessary to be very cautious and
circumspect in their proceedings, and to avoid
* Mr. Wolfe to the Committee. (Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII.
p. 159.) This stationary Jewish Mission, it appears, was of a
very mixed character, for, amongst Mr. Temple's "missionary
occupations" are specified, his preaching "in a large room in
their house, twice on Sundays, to about 100 persons, who in-
creased to between 150 and 200-and on Wednesday and
Thursday evenings in the suburbs, to thirty or forty persons-
also establishing a Sunday school, which had soon forty-five
scholars, chiefly English, but a few Roman, Greek and Jewish,
which increased to between seventy and eighty." (Missionary
Register, 1824, p. 27.) That our countrymen resident at
Malta should be so ill provided both with pastoral superin-
tendence and scholastic establishments, as to leave an opening
for the intrusion of American Missionaries into these concerns,
is surely a state of things which ought not to be endured!
"Missionary Register, 1824, pp. 27, 28.
Y
322
studiously all appearance of a proselyting
spirit "," as "difficulties and prejudices are to
be encountered in every direction."
"A general
Tract Society has, therefore, been judged more
expedient, than a Society for the Jews expressly,'
and upon the policy of this pious fraud the Com-
mittee plume themselves, as having been thus
"indirectly" led to opportunities of usefulness,
and to plans of extensive operation among the
Jews, which, under existing circumstances,
could not have been expected from direct en-
deavours *.'
W
Fourteenth Report, p. 63. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII.
p. 368. Thirteenth Report, p. 64. In explanation of these
difficulties Mr. Thelwall states, in the page of the Expositor
last referred to, that "they do not arise so much from the
situation of the Jews, as from the circumstances under which
the various Christian churches are placed with respect to one
another." So that " if what is called the Reformed Church-
the only one to which we can look for really evangelical doc-
trine,—were to thrust itself too much forward in attempts to-
wards the conversion of the Jews, the Roman Catholics would
soon raise a clamour about the unfair means the Reformed
were taking to promote their own interests, and to extend their
influence."
·
• Thirteenth Report, p. 64. Mr. Thelwall has recently reported
more favourably of the Jewish cause in Amsterdam. "The Lord's
time,” he says, was not come," when he "made great exer-
tions four years ago to form a society;" but " now the Lord has
put it into the heart of two ladies to try what could be done in
collecting subscriptions of a penny and two-pence a week, in be-
half of the London Society;" and "eighteen subscribers,
5
323
"Similar reasons to those just adverted to"
produced, in the first instance, the same dis-
guised method of proceeding at Berlin-the sta-
tion next in succession at which an auxiliary
was formed advantage being there taken of
an institution already in existence, "the Berlin
Tract Society," which was "prevailed upon"
by the British ambassador, Sir G. H. Rose,
the zealous friend and faithful counsellor of the
London Society, to circulate its tracts among
such Jews as were willing to receive them." This
mostly of two-pence," have been engaged, who were to form
themselves into "a little prayer meeting for the Jews, on the
second Friday in April” last. "I see," he adds, "the Lord's
hand in it, and am much encouraged." (Extract of a Letter from
the Rev. A. S. Thelwall. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX.p. 233.)
y The loss of Sir G. Rose's "very important services,"
by his return to England, is the subject of "great regret"
in the Society's Fifteenth Report, p. 50; and is followed
by the introduction of "Professor Tholuck" to the notice
of its members, as having "undertaken" that "not easily
supplied office of its representative in Berlin." The character
given of him by the Reporter is, that he is "a gentleman of
piety and most extensive learning, especially in the Oriental
languages," to which this further trait is added by himself, that
in his "views" he "pretty well agreed with Mr. Thelwall.":
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 21. (See Mr. Thelwall's Views,
p. 260, 261.) His duties are multifarious, as, besides the above
superintendence—he writes tracts-edits a periodical "work
in form similar to the Jewish Expositor, for which he prays the
Spirit of the Lord to raise many affectionate supporters"-con-
templates a biography of converts" travels in the summer"
Y 2
324
however was only a temporary submission to
"circumstances," and by no means satisfied the
zealous “Mr. Elsner," whose spirit could take
no rest till "a regular Society was formed to
unite the different talents in aid of the object"." No
pains were therefore spared to bring about so
desirable a consummation, and, as there were
able managers in influential stations, the point
was carried with great eclât, within a short in-
terval of time: and "the hearts of the Free-
mason's hall assembly" were gladdened" on
the ensuing anniversary with the announcement
that the Society was "established under the ex-
press sanction of his Prussian Majesty," with au-
thority to form alliances with "sisters," and ge-
nerate daughters," and with the privilege of
"free postage for the letters!" The Society
was no sooner formed than it commenced active
operations. "Mr. Hands, a sensible young man,
66
as visiting inspector of the "Society's Mission stations"-
and, though last not least, holds a sort of spiritual conversa-
tion every Thursday, at which he entertains a company of from
twelve to twenty divines, with all the interesting accounts which
he receives of the advancement of the kingdom of God among
the Israelites."-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. 374,375. Vol.
IX. 21. 314.
• Fourteenth Report, pp. 78, 79.
a
* Letter of Professor Tholuck, Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII.
p. 481. The Sisters specified are "the Societies in London
and Frankfort on the Main."-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII,
p. 165.
325
from Frankfort, and powerfully constrained by the
love of his Lord," was sent " out into the field','
i. e." to Posen, Kretoshwe, and the contiguous
countries"-the forerunner of a most abundant
and highly spiritualized supply and a subsidy of
300%. expressed the "London Committee's feel-
ing of the great importance" of this new Aux-
iliary d.
The Berlin Society's eldest daughter was the
Detmold association. Baron Von Blomberg was
its real father, having instituted it, as he ex-
presses himself, "by the assisting grace of our
adorable Lord," with the design that "the Prince-
dom of Lippe," in which Detmold is situated,
should afford it succour, and conversional oc-
b Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 481.
• We are now with longing desire looking for the day when
the young man, appointed as second Missionary of our Society,
shall take his examination. This young man is one of the
most valuable gifts we have received of the Lord. He was for-
merly a stranger to the Gospel, cold and indifferent; but now
grace has laid hold of him so powerfully, that, trembling with
joy, he longs for the moment when he may go forth in the name
of the Lord to the people of Israel"-" Spiritual candidates
are in so much request, that they quickly receive their ap-
pointment as ministers.” "Our two Berditshef proselytes can
no longer resist their inward impulses, to go out as Mission-
aries among the Jews. I repeat that these two individuals are
patterns of converted Israelites; the most amiable and spiritual
proselytes I ever saw." Professor Tholuck, Berlin.-Jewish
Expositor, Vol. IX. pp. 313-315.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 98.
326
cupation. But being
But being "libelled to the govern-
ment as a proselyting infatuation which ought
not to be tolerated in a civilized country," it be
came an outcast from its birth-place, and sued
for adoption into the Berlin Society's family,
into which it was received, under sanction of a
"special order of the King's majesty" of
Prussia. Under the fostering care of this in-
stitution it raised itself to sufficient importance
to send forth to the common cause a distin-
guished proselyte from Judaism, "Mr. Carl
Gottfried Petri," whose missionary talents and
spiritual elevations words seem wanting ade-
quately to express, whilst the amicable con-
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. pp. 385. 498. The Count
Marshal Von B. has addressed a letter of thanksgiving to
Mr. Von Meyer for having sent him, in the person of Mr.
P., such an excellent instrument for the work of the Lord,
highly commending his faith, piety and prudence. I believe
that Mr. P. has a vocation from above, for his actual work;
whenever he said a word, it proceeded from the bottom of his
heart, in the power of the Spirit. He receives only 100 dollars
annually-a salary which supports him but very scantily. We
have remitted to him 50 florins. If your Society also would
do something it would serve the cause. J. D. Marc, to the Fo-
reign Secretary. Ibid. p. 75.
Mr. P. a proselyte who has embraced Christianity with a
lively faith in Christ, who quietly and modestly, by his piety
and charity, attracts by degrees some congenial minds-holds
retired prayer meetings-reads the Gospel with them; thus as-
sembles a small society of disciples of our Lord, which gradu-
ally increases by extending its influence over larger numbers.
1
327
tention for him between Baron Blomberg and
the London Committee affords substantial evi-
dence of his value, which is not easily com-
puted f.
""
The second adoption into the Berlin family is the
Kæningsberg Association, "a work of the Lord","
as Mr. Hoff describes it, the first impulse to
which was given" by himself and Mr. Wendt,
whilst detained in that city for their Russian
He appears to me the proper person to bring Israelites to the
Lord. Blomberg,-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 436.
66
The Missionary Petri shews by his exemplary, prudent,
and cautious conduct, how justly he deserves the protection
and the support of your Society. Von Blomberg to Foreign
Secretary. Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 493. This assemblage of ex-
cellencies, however, did not prevent the tongue of calumny
from assailing him; for his patron deposes that he was called
a fanatic," whose Christianity would continue" only "while
he derived profit from his profession." Jewish Expositor, Ibid.
'One of the heads of these families, (viz. Jew families at
Hamburg,) entreated me to stay with them a little longer. I
should gladly have granted their request, did not the very ac-
tive Baron Blomberg insist upon my early return to Detmold.
Petri to his paternal friend in the Lord, (probably Mr. Tres-
chow.) Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 390.
The London Society will do well to appoint a Missionary to
that city, (Hamburg,) but I must lay claim on dear Petri; I
cannot do without him. I doubt whether the contributions from
the Prussian provinces will be considerable enough to pay Mr.
Petri's journey. Recommending myself to the continuance of
your friendship and intercession. Von Blomberg to his dear
friend in the Lord, (probably Mr. Treschow.) Ibid. p. 437,
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. pp. 35. 65.
328
passports, and its foundation laid under God's
merciful assistance" on the 4th of November, 1822,
the Bishop of the Evangelical church-Dr. Ba-
rowski,-the president of the "Heathen Mission-
ary Society" there and his co-associates having
been wrought upon to contribute "40 dollars
annually to its support by Mr. Wendts' "evan-
gelical energy"." One missionary, of more than
ordinary hopefulness, an Israelite of the name of
B-, gives peculiar eclât to this association.
He was the first fruits" of Mr. Hoff's labours,
who found him somewhat deeply grounded in
Spinoza's system, "and a most violent opponent
to the truth of Christianity." But, on their se-
cond interview," he was overcome, as Profes-
sor Weiss reports it, "by the power of the divine
Word, and changed into as decided a believer in
h
"
""
" Upon this "sum" Professor Weiss, one of the co-associates,
remarks, that its "smallness will perhaps excite a smile." But
he has Scripture ready to trifle with in demonstration of the
happy coincidence of "such a beginning with the spirit" of the
undertaking; " because the kingdom of God" as he alleges,
“is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds, and
because the strength of the Lord is made perfect in weakness;"
and how it is to be made perfect, he goes on, in the same strain
of sanctified profaneness, to set forth, making a sort of asset of
"believing prayers," as by them "we acquire," he says, "the
hand of the most High, which holds the keys to every treasure,"
not excepting that of the "venerable London Society," which
he proceeds to draw upon very copiously, though with what
success does not appear. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 66.
329
Christ as formerly he fought against him," and
was so strengthened and established in humility,
faith, and love by the Spirit of God working in
his soul, that it was " quite astonishing to see
it i."
iti.'
So efficient an instrument, so devoted
to the good cause, so fit for it," whom Mr. Hoff
could "see almost daily growing in the knowledge
of the Redeemer k," had, it must be admitted,
high pretensions to be decorated with the Lon-
don Society's commission: but whether that
"venerable" body were equally alive to their
own interests with their disinterested friends at
Koningsberg does not appear, as there is no re-
cord how they exercised the "discretion" left
to them upon Professor Weiss's suggestions'.
The daughter next in succession in the Berlin
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 67.
* Ibid. p. 35.
'I would take the liberty of proposing to you for the con-
sideration of the Committee of your Society, whether it would
not, in a great measure, answer their object, if the above-
mentioned William B-, in whom the cause of promoting
Christianity among the Jews appears to have gained so efficient
an instrument, were stationed here in Koningsberg, as a Mis-
sionary of the London Society? It would highly be in favour
of the good cause, if B-, devoted to it, and fit for it as he is,
shielded by a special vocation, could do the work with greater
authority, &c.; and our Society itself would, by that means, be
supported in its activity, in a very powerful manner; not to
mention the increase of ground the venerable Society in London
would add to the field of operation, in whose cultivation it is en-
gaged. Ibid. p. 67.
330
m². 29
,
family, is the Posen association, "formed" (as
their Committee simply and beautifully express
it,) "by the aid of God Almighty"
on the
"hearts" of " Mr. Becker and Mr. M'Caul," and
"under the patronage of Prince Radzevil.”
"The Christians of that place," agreeably to
their own statement, being no longer able to
resist the admonitions of the divine Spirit,
which they there (i. c. in the Scriptures) found to
be directed to them also." The self-abasement
of the members of this Auxiliary is their most
remarkable characteristic, for they unhesitat-
ingly represent themselves as without "the ac-
quirements and skilfulness" necessary for the
work they have undertaken, and without the
funds for carrying it on; and therefore they ap-
ply to the Missionary-monger, Mr. Von Meyer,
for that commodity, and to the Society here for
money, and in both instances are supplied with
equal promptitude," two young men of suitable
qualifications" being instantly "recommended'
from " Frankfort," and 50l. being voted from
London, as "aid towards their support "."
m Fifteenth Report, p. 55.
» Fifteenth Report, pp. 55, 56. The grant is made, accord-
ing to the Committee's statement, "to give effect in the king-
dom of Poland to the authority and protection already received
by them from his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia."
How complimentary to the Autocrat of the North, to be re-
presented as an Eleemosynary of the Bethnal Green conclave,
331
The fourth daughter of the Berlin Society is
the Breslaw association, fathered also
also upon
Messrs. "Becker and M'Caul"-and represented
as the little Benjamin of these indefatigable pro-
pagandists-the institution which "consoled"
them "under their disappointment amongst the
Jews," for whom, as they were," upon their
own shewing, "not able to effect much," it was
obviously highly useful to provide this instrument
of conversion.
(C
The Oletzko auxiliary, on the Polish frontiers,
is the last of the Berlin family's affiliations, and
is only signalized as the "central point between
Wilna, Koningsberg, and Warsaw "."
Next in order to the Berlin incorporation,
Dresden stands conspicuous for the "associa-
tion by divine Providence formed there," at "the
impulse" of "the London Society's agent, Mr.
Smith," and composed of Princes, Privy Coun-
sellors, Ministers of State, Royal Chamberlains,
Counts, Presidents of the Consistory, and the
Academy, and though last, not least, the British
ambassador. Emulating the Berlin Society's ma-
tronly excursiveness, the formation of " Branch
Societies" is made a prominent "point of duty;"
but the only effect is a "Ladies association,'
""
and as inefficient in his own dominions without their bounty;
and what a warranty for the various processes of extortion,
used to raise the resources.
• Fifteenth Report, p. 59. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII.
p. 37.
332
“in
equally rich" in rank" with the parent stock, and
intended to be subsidiary to it, in succouring by
temporal support those "lambs" and "lost sheep
of Israel," who on those terms would resign
themselves to its spiritual feeding. To an Aux-
iliary of such promise, " 507." together with a
consignment of "New Testaments and Tracts,"
was the least offering the London Society could
make in its "" day of small things," especially
under the excitement of Mr. Leonhardi's com-
munication from Hernhut, of "a ducat" con-
tributed by "a widow, whom he would rather have
given than applied to for money.”
The Malta Jews' Society closes the series of
European alliances. The description of this im-
portant establishment by its founder Mr. Way
is, that it is formed " upon a broad and general
basis," having as its grand object, the presenting
itself a centre of union and communication
66
Fifteenth Report, p. 51. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. pp.
497-499. VIII. p. 36. The degree of excitement pro-
duced by the above communication, cannot be better illus-
trated than by the Committee's comment, which is as follows.
May we not hope, your Committee would here ask, that
He, who when upon earth, noticed with so much approbation
the casting in of the widow's mite to the treasury of the tem-
ple, will also, from his throne of glory, graciously condescend
to accept the oblation of the widow of Herrnhut; and visit
with his blessing the institution to which He disposed her to
contribute."
i
6
333
between Asia, Europe, and America, for all
purposes and plans in connection with the res-
toration of Israel'."
t ""
Its Committee therefore is composed of all
nations and persuasions, but still, agreeably to
Mr. Lewis's statement, it "is as much as pos-
sible in connection with the London Society*
i. e. it looks to that readily communicating body
for the supplies of the Scriptures and Tracts
necessary
to enable it to commence and carry
on its undertaking;" and having transferred into
its own depository from the Society's stores 659
of the former, and 12,000 of the latter, with ad-
mirable intercommunity of interests, it desires that
this appropriation " may be considered as form-
ing a part of whatever grant the Committee may
think it advisable to make for its use "."
Two European stations remain to be noticed,
which are not strictly alliances of the London
Society, but yet are linked to it in different
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 41.
• The Members of the Committee are as follows-“ George
Damerum, Esq. Deputy Commissary General of the Mediter-
ranean, Treasurer-W. de la Condamine, Esq. and Dr. Naudi,
(Maltese) Secretaries-Rev. W. Jowett, (Church Missionary
Charge d'Affaires)-Rev. D. Temple, Rev. W. Goodall, (Ame-
rican three denomination Board of Missions)-Dr. Hennen,
Captain Atchison, and J. Greaves." Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 308.
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 307.
■ Ibid. p. 412.
334
វ
ways, by a less ostensible bond of union. The
one of these is St. Petersburg, and the other
Paris.
66
At St. Petersburg the connection formed by
the Society is with Mr. Knill, a
deeply and
tenderly compassionating" advocate "of the perishing
heathen," of long standing on the London Mis-
sionary Society's Muster Roll. Requiring, as
it is stated, "the bracing influence of a northern
climate" for the reparation of his health, which
his labours in India had much impaired, Silesia
was appointed as his station. But the capital of
the Russian Empire had too many charms to
allow him to proceed further, and so, forgetting
the Heathen, he devoted himself to the perversion
of the members of the Church of England resi-
dent there, and to the forming out of it for him-
self an
English congregation"," and that he
might be the more firmly established, he has
since tacked to it "the laudable and useful in-
stitution—a charity school for the protection and
instruction of foreigners-upon the principles
of the British system².
Into this school "se-
veral Jew boys and girls" were "admitted," of
67.
Y
66
2 99
London Missionary Society's Twenty-Seventh Report, p
› Missionary Register, 1820, p. 504.
• London Missionary Twenty-Ninth Report, p. 83.
335
a
which Mr. K. does not fail duly to advertise the
London Church of England Society, "not doubt-
ing," as he expresses himself, that when that
munificent body saw what he was doing for the
house of Israel, and what "a deal he had to
struggle with in respect to funds," they would
"vote something to help him in the good
work "." After some interval, no remittance
probably being received, he renews his repre-
sentations, strengthened by a resolution of their
"last Committee, that no Jew should be refus-
ed, whatever inconvenience they might suffer for
it ;" and at the same time he engages the pow-
erful influence of Dr. Pinkerton, who enforces
his co-associate's plea with the cogent conside-
ration that it might be introdutory to a greater
field of usefulness among the parents of the chil-
dren also. The business was now done, and the
Society's gazette, "in communicating the Doc-
tor's note and its accompanying extracts, would
remark," it says, "that the Committee of the
London Society has adopted his recommenda-
tion, and made themselves responsible for the
expence of all the Jewish children which may be
admitted into the school of St. Petersburg".
At Paris the connection formed is with a So-
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 406.
b Ibid. Vol. IX. pp. 77, 78.
336
}
ciety superlatively catholic in its views, being
designated "for
for Evangelical Missions among
people not Christians,” and to unite in the exer-
cise of this unbounded and non-descript sort of
charity, the "Protestants of France," with
"their brethren of other countries, attached to
the different branches of the great family of Evan-
gelical Christians." The London Society is not
indeed included in the enumeration of its allies,
further than by the "&c." which closes that
enumeration ; but then in point of actual co-
operation it stands prominent among them; for
the only "opportunity" which the Paris So-
ciety has "embraced of contributing its aid to
the direct work of missions," is the "sending a
Missionary to Jerusalem," to reinforce the de-
с
d
Missionary Register, 1823, pp. 130, 131. The inaugural
proceedings of the above Society, are in the best possible keeping
with its views and designation. "The meeting was attended
(so the Report states) by the Presidents of the Reformed and
Lutheran Consistories, &c. and by other foreign Protestants then
in Paris; amongst whom were "the Rev. Daniel Wilson,"
(Church Missionary)" the Rev. S. S. Wilson," (London Mis-
sionary)" the Rev. Jonas King, (United Statess" three deno-
mination Mission Board)" and the Wesleyan Missionaries in
France, Messrs. Cook and Croggan."
a The Societies specified are the Bâsle Missionary Society,
the Church Missionary Society, the Wesleyan Missionary So-
ciety, the London Missionary Society, with an "&c." which
covers all the rest.
:
337
tachments already prosecuting that hopeful en-
terprize from London and America .
e
The London Society's European Auxiliaries.
having been all reviewed, the reader must now
be conveyed to another hemisphere-to the
Presidency of Madras, and to the colony of New
South Wales-to have the full compliment of its
Missionary force brought before him.
From Madras, the London Society received
proposals to form “a branch" in aid of its designs
as early as 1817, but it was not till February,
1821, that the incorporation actually took place,
Archdeacon Vaughan presiding on the occasion,
assisted by the Revs. J. Hough and C. Church
-Church Missionary agents-and a few other
persons.
Vigour and enterprise marked even its con-
ac-
e The Rev. Jonas King is the happy selection of the Paris
Society for this auspicious commencement of its Missionary
career. He is stated to be " a native of the United States,"
a temporary resident in the Metropolis of France, for the "
quisition of Arabic, which he was destined to teach at Amhurst
college, America." But the death of his countryman, Mr.
Levi Parsons, (formerly mentioned under the head of the So-
ciety's American alliance) in the midst of his conversional ex-
ploits in the Holy Land, and the patronage now obtained for
Mr. K. at the instance of another countryman, "Mr. Wilder
determined him to proceed thither, to continue Mr. P.'s inter-
rupted labours." Missionary Register, 1823. p. 131.
'Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 162.
• Ibid. Vol VI. pp. 434-437.
Z
338
stituent proceedings, for Mr. J. Jarret, the act-
ing Secretary, and indeed its founder, had for
some time had a Jew from Cochin, of the name
of Sargon, of great literary attainments, under
"careful and continued instruction," to whose
conversion ", the seal of Baptism had been af-
fixed. This treasure he presented to the meet-
ing, so well instructed in his new religious pro-
fession that the little Synod of the Church
Missionaries, to whom his examination was con-
fided, delivered in this certificate of his suffi-
ciency, that his views on the important doctrine
of Justification were very clear and distinct."
"
Thirteenth Report, p. 103. It appears that Mr. Sargon,
like the London Society's Patriarch Mr. Frey, had had some
nocturnal pre-intimation from above, of the spiritual change to be
wrought upon him through Mr. Jarret's instrumentality: for, in
his narrative, delivered at his baptism, after detailing the "
gra-
dual opening of his mind for the reception of divine truth,"
he proceeds, "At last Mr. J. put into my hand the kind ad-
dress of Christians to Jews, by which I was convinced that
God in this way had led me to the fulfilment of my dream. For
this I praised the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is
to come. Considering all these things, I now thought it was
my duty to acquaint my mother and brethren with the state of
my mind, and my intention of becoming a Christian." Jewish
Expositor, Vol. V. p. 230.
'Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 435. In a subsequent ex-
amination, this testimony is extended "to Christianity" gene-
rally. Ibid. p. 437. Mr. Sargon is, however, much less in
his own eyes, for he describes himself, two years afterwards,
a babe in the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour." Ibid.
Vol. VIII. p. 261.
as
339
They would therefore have recommended his
being sent immediately, invested with full
Missionary" powers,
"to his brethren" at Co-
chin.
"
But, better taught and more considerate
than his examiners, he declared his inability
and disinclination to go forth" as Missionary,
"without a previous education for the ministry and
ordination in England;" at the same time "offer-
ing his humbler services to the Committee, for
the purpose of establishing schools at Cochin,
until they could learn the wishes of the So-
ciety" relative to the above proposal. This
offer was accepted, and he was dispatched
forthwith to open the conversional campaign,
upon this reduced scale of operation, at the
monthly allowance of twenty pagodas; the
Committee undertaking to defray his "travelling
expences," and such other incidental charges as
they might approve and he soon reported
himself as having " commenced the work of
instruction under very promising circumstances,"
having set up" a Palanquin and four bearers"
for his daily conveyance from the fort to the
school'.
At New South Wales the alliance formed was
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 435. These wishes have
never been reported; the London Committee, having been
probably at length brought to a happy state of satiety, if not
to a dyspepsia upon this speculation.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 32.
z 2
340
+
not with a body but an individual-the " Rev.
William Cowper, Assistant Chaplain," who,
having been, as he represents himself, for
some time wistfully looking after an opportunity
of being "in the smallest degree a helper in that
blessed work-the salvation of the Jews,”—at
length had his desire gratified through an "in-
terview" which "happened" to him " in one of
the cells at the jail" at Sydney, with an en-
quiring Israelite of the name of Marcus, a visi-
tor to one of its Jewish inmates under sentence.
Eight years elapsed between this interview and
its fructification, during which Marcus "was
probably not much interested about a future
state." But in the midst of the period "he was
visited with a very severe paralysis,” and was thus
at length brought to "discover, either a real or
apparent desire to know the true meaning of
Scripture, and to receive instruction with an
humble mind "." Being the " only acknow-
ledged Levite" in the place, he officiated for
his brethren, 30 Jewish convicts transported
to that colony, at their recently established pub-
lic devotions; and being so influential a per-
son amongst them, awakened Mr. C. to the
possible contingency of "God's being gra-
cious to them," through his instrumentality, "in
the land of their captivity and bondage for sin."
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII.
p. 288.
341
This produced an appeal to the London Society
⚫ for Six New Testaments in Hebrew, and half
the number of Hebrew Bibles, together with
"what besides the Committee in their discre-
tion might think suitable to be handed to this
people "," and so the last of the London Society's
out-ports was established-the supplies being
forwarded as required.
Such are the ramifications, and such the se-
veral particulars of the London Society's Aux-
iliaries. Their prospects, their tactics, and the
results, will be exhibited in the next Section.
» Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 483.
1
342
1
1
SECTION IV.
State of Jews Abroad-Conversional Expedients-
Results.
It is well observed, by an Essayist in the Jewish
Expositor "on the present state of the Jews","
"that it is necessary to consider what their state
at this day really is, before we can form wise
and proper plans for promoting their spiritual
welfare;" and, it may be added, (as suggested
at the commencement of the present enquiry,)
before we can determine a preliminary question,
by no means to be evaded, whether that state
is such as to warrant a large expenditure in
making the experiment, whilst our own house-
hold of faith has many of her spiritual wants very
insufficiently provided for, and suffers very ma-
terially by the alienation of the public bounty.
The Essayist in question charges thousands of
religious people "with determining this point
on no better data than the mere remnant of
old and vulgar prejudices," and thus "con-
necting the name of Jew with every thing con-
temptible and sordid, ignorant, superstitious,
and depraved:" and he appeals to "a great
variety of facts given to the public principally
through the medium of the Jewish Expositor,"
a Vol. IX. p. 241.
343
which, he says,
would quickly dash the con-
fident tone which they assume.
b
Some of these facts have been already pre-
sented to the reader, in the detail of the So-
ciety's reconnoitrings preliminary to the open-
ing its foreign conversional campaign '; and what
their bearing is upon the question at issue be-
tween the Essayist and the " religious thou-
sands" whom he so severely reprimands, may
be safely left to the public judgment to deter-
mine. But the evidence already adduced is
very far from being complete, -the Society's
Missionaries having subsequently added to it
many new and pregnant particulars, in the ac-
counts rendered from time to time of their
several encounters, whilst carrying its enterprise
into effect, and this seems the proper place for
bringing these also into account.
Of the Jews generally then, the following is a
sketch of what remains to be produced from the
Society's Missionary representations that
"most of those who live in villages and small
towns," and indeed "all poor Jews," "are too
ignorant in religious matters to be willing to
enter into any religious conversation ""-that
66
among the busy Jews you may generally hear
excuses similar to those in the Gospel-I have
no time to attend-I must first provide for my
See pp. 169-191.
• Mr. Moritz, Twelfth Report, p. 85. Mr. M'Caul, Jewish
Records, No. 8. p. 3.
!
344
d"
66
family that the most learned explain every
thing in a carnal sense, and have little idea of
any thing above this world "that"
pride and
self-sufficiency are the common vices of the Tal-
mudists f "”—that "the greater part of the Jews
spend much of the sabbath in sleep, the better
to enjoy the rest of that day "," and " calling
this lethargy their paradise”—that "many thou-
sands of them are reduced so low as not to wish
the coming of Christ, because then the world.
will be destroyed ""-that "they are universally
sunk in worldly prospects, body, soul, and spirit
enslaved and fettered to earth i"-will do almost
any thing to "gain money”—and are "dry bones
still," "that want to be shaken more effectu-
ally," and "to be blown upon by the Spirit to
make them again spiritually and temporally
alive ¹.
Descending more to particulars, the same ac-
credited witnesses testify, that at Paris, amongst
the Jews there, "the usual indifference prevails"
insomuch that their estimate of public worship
is that "it amounts to nothing," which,
d B. N. Solomon. Twelfth Report, p. 80.
J. Christian Moritz.
G. G. Friedenberg,
Eleventh Report, p. 48.
Twelfth Report, p. 96.
* G. Petri. Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 26.
Ibid. Ibid. p. 24.
i A. S. Thelwall.
* Lieutenant Bailey.
Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 329.
Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 436.
ven
Ibid. p. 410. J. D. Marc. Ibid.
¹ J. Christian Moritz. Ibid.
1
Vol. VI. p. 76.
1.
";
345
whilst engaged in it, they do not hesitate to
declare, to any unknown inquirer ".
That the Jews of Germany generally-" are
very much adverse to the Gospel of Jesus
Christ," and, "in endeavouring to emerge from
Rabbinical superstition, have all plunged into
infidelity," in which they are patronized by a
very great part of the clergy of Protestant Ger-
many,"
"whose views and feelings are "but too
n
m Smith. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 232.
" J. F. Nitschke, Twelfth Report, p. 101. M'Caul. Jewish
Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 235. C. D. J. A. to the Editors of the
Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 475. The infidelity into which the
German Jews are here said to have so generally lapsed is that
of the new Synagogue, founded by Moses Mendelsham, of
which mention has been made before, (p. 173.) one of the
dogmas of which, cited Twelfth Report, p. 97., to "give"
(as it is alleged)" an idea of the species of faith its members
have in Divine Revelation," is that "could it be demonstrated
that Isaiah had really prophesied of Christ as the Son of God,
it would not follow that Christ was indeed the Son of God, but
that Isaiah was no true prophet." Its promoters are pushing
forward a most successful proselytism; and Hamburg, Mar-
burg, Leipzig, Carlsruhe, Frankfort, Vienna, and Prody in
Poland, are further specifications of places where it prevails.-
Twelfth Report, p. 104. Thirteenth, p. 121, 126,
On the part of the German Jews we see now more than ever
before, the power of unbelief and false enlightening attempts to
counteract that mercy which is at work for their salvation, &c.
Goldberg. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 61.
Glogau, Silesia.-Great numbers belong to the enlightened
classes turn naturalists, or rather persons that live without
God, without religion, and are absolutely earthly minded.
Nitschke. Twelfth Report, p. 107.
346
congenial with their own;" and that even the
ardent Mr. Nitschke, under "peculiar sadness
of mind” at finding "the field he is engaged in
quite overgrown with thorns and thistles," con-
fesses himself to "entertain very little hope of
their conversion ".
n ""
Breslaw.--Count G- gave me but very faint hopes of the
Jews here, which account perfectly corresponded with the pre-
conceived opinions of others upon the subject. Smith, Jewish
Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 324.
Prague. Some conversations I had with Jews convinced me
of their great ignorance in spiritual matters, and their great
indifference with regard to them. Irreligion becomes more
and more general among the professors of the law of Moses,
and there are many among them who do not attend the
gogue at all. Nitschke. Twelfth Report, p. 113, 114.
syna-
In Collin above 100 Jewish families are settled: but one of
their own countrymen assured me, that so great was their stu-
pidity, that no desire after intellectual improvement was felt by
them. Nitschke. Twelfth Report, p. 113.
Knaterschin.-They have not the least idea of their (the
Scriptures) spiritual import, and to reflection they are total
strangers. Smith. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 476.
Kemfer.-None of them appeared to have any scriptural
ideas. Smith. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 405.
Experience has fully convinced us of the pride and vanity
which form so prominent features in the Jewish character.
Count Von der Reeke. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 401.
They (the Jews in Mecklenburg,) are so deeply involved in
carnality, that the care of their immortal souls is to them a
strange idea; and no doubt would continue to be so, if the
Lord himself, in some wonderful way, should not change their
heart. Gericke. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 163.
Twelfth Report, p. 108.
}
347
That in Holland among the orthodox Jews the
worship of the synagogue is conducted in a life-
less, unmeaning, and irreverent manner;" whilst
"a large proportion of those educated Jews, who
are dissatisfied with their own religion, reject all
truths connected with the hope of their fathers "."
That "at Berlin the Jews are divided into
two classes-the old and the new synagogue"-
the latter infidels, as above described, the for-
mer either" bigots or indifferentists;-and that in
the surrounding country "such stubborn perma-
nence in resistance prevails, that there is indeed
need of that consolatory promise “I the Lord
change not," for the support of zealous Mr. Els-
ner and his associates 1.
q
• Thelwall. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 410.
p. 410. The
comparative scale of Jewish spirituality in Amsterdam, cannot
be better illustrated than by the journal-entry which contains
the above representation. A "Mr. B." is noted down as Mr.
Thelwall's informant, who "seemed," says the journalist, “much
to lament" the religious apathy he complained of, and was evi-
dently something superior amongst his brethren in a religious
point of view, for this further reason, that Mr. Thelwall says of
him, "we parted, I think I may say, mutually desirous of further
acquaintance." Yet Mr. T. describes him as sitting in a "room
hung round with a series of prints so grossly immoral, that no
person of delicacy or right feeling could dare to examine them,”
and at the same time "evidently not aware that any exception
could be taken against them."
P Thelwall. Norwich Association Report, 1822, p. 15.
◄ Friedenberg. Twelfth Report, pp. 96, 97. Thirteenth
Ditto, p. 110. From Bachmann, near Memel, the Rev.
Mr. Rhenius writes, "I was moved at the receipt of the books
348
That in Poland "the Jews still possess self-
righteousness and pharisaical boasts in an emi-
nent degree" that "dark and miserable bigotry
yet reigns among them"-that with all "of them
proof goes for nothing," and, "so great is their
blindness, that even when they must tell them-
selves they are in the most dangerous error, they
will not be brought to the truth"-and that "for
a long time they thought Napoleon was their
Messiah," and now "would acknowledge in that
character whoever would restore them to their
own land","
That at Riga in Russia "the Jews neither
believe Moses nor the Prophets, nor any re-
vealed religion "."
That in Portugal "very few attend to any
thing more than those external observances
which are necessary to avoid giving offence to
their brethren; whilst in their own houses they
and Tracts with joy and sorrow at the same time. With
joy that there are souls which think of and care for the souls
of poor Israel-with sorrow because their darkness in our neigh-
bourhood is as yet impenetrable, and they wilfully close their
eyes, lest the truth should enlighten them. Ibid. Thirteenth
Report, p. 111.
B. N. Solomon. Eleventh Report, p. 55. Jewish Expo-
sitor, Vol. III. p. 32. M'Caul, Fourteenth Report, p. 132.
Wand and Hoff, Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 449. M'Caul,
Jewish Records, No. 8, p. 2.
Moritz. Twelfth Report, p. 93.
349
live as mere nominal professors of Christianity
do t."
That at Gibraltar " Jewish prejudice remains
unabated," the Jews there being "mostly from
Barbary, where they are not at all enlightened,
and least of all disposed to change "."
39
That "in Africa, particularly in the interior
parts of the empire of Morocco, where this people
are particularly numerous, they are at present
so degenerated and so ignorant as not to under-
stand the Hebrew language, and are as little
acquainted with their religion *."
99
That" Leghorn is a most unpromising field,"
and that "there and throughout Italy nothing
is to be done amongst them, because, generally
speaking, they are well in outward circumstances,
and so wish to remain undisturbed without
looking to any change in their situation or feel-
ings "
y
That "at Malta they will not bear to be spoken
to on the subject of religion"." And that at
Cochin " they pay more attention to traditions
than to the word of God"-" have no establish-
ed belief in their Messiah," nay, are taught to
'Thelwall. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 282.
"Neat. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 23, 308.
* Cleardo Naudi. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IV. p. 430.
y W. B. Lewis. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 300.
Ibid. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 307.
350
(6
deny that there is any such a deliverance for
Israel,;" whilst, at the same time, they main-
tain the opinion of the Pharisees in our Blessed
Saviour's time that they are the only righte-
ous people above all other nations:" that "the
Black Jews are more obstinate and stiff-necked
than any other people," and those in the villages
about Cochin "so ignorant as not to be able to
communicate passing events "."
The dark side of the Jewish picture which
has been now exhibited, must not be deprived
of those gleams of light with which the So-
ciety's draftsmen have enlivened it; for, of Ko-
nigsberg Mr. Hoff reports, that "the Jews here
are singularly prepared for Christianity;" and
Dr. Naudi testifies of the holy land," that
66
66
things there seem more interesting and more
pressing than any where else:" but then unfor-
tunately Professor Weiss, who follows Mr. Hoff
at only one month's interval, represents "Ratio-
nalism" as equally prevalent in Konigsberg with
Talmudism in Poland, and equally impervious
.
Sargon. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. 253, 254. 259.
“ Malla.—I found the people so ignorant as not to be able to
communicate passing events." Ibid. p. 262. Paroor.— As
ignorant as the Jews at Malla, and their conduct more shame-
ful than that of any other Jews in these parts." Ibid. p. 263.
"Hoff. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 35.
• Dr. Naudi. Ibid. Vol. IX.
p. 72.
by
351
59
with that "wall of brass" to the truth of Chris-
tianity; whilst Mr. Wolf, in his "little picture,
given to his friends in England, of the spirit
which prevails amongst the Jews at Jerusalem,
crowds into one paragraph almost every odious
quality that can be named, and, as he expresses
it, with " eyes running down with water," de-
clares, from what he sees himself, that to be their
accurate representation. There is, however,
a set off to all this, from the pen of Mr. Way, of
which it would be inexcusable to deprive the
reader, that "the thinking persons of the various
tribes and sects, of which the present inhabitants
d As in the interior of Poland Talmudism prevents the Jews
from receiving the Word of God in its divine simplicity, in our
city it is opposed by that coldness which, during a long period,
has been spread abroad by rationalism, through the instrumen-
tality of some Christian Ministers, and lately has gained new
strength by the arrival of Dr. Frankholm, a Jewish preacher
who holds the same sentiments. Professor Weiss, Konigs-
berg. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 66.
• I weep for the Jews of Jerusalem, and my eyes run down
with water, for I see them going about, stubborn, obstinate and
stiff-necked, and boasting themselves in their stubbornness, ob-
stinacy and stiff-neckedness, as did their ancestors of old ;”
"considering themselves to be wise, they are become fools;
they are liars, unmerciful towards each other, deceitful, covetous,
vindictive, and despising other nations," boasting themselves to be
descendants of those who crucified the Lord of glory, and ap-
proving of the wickedness of their ancestors. Wolf's Narra-
tive, Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 225.
352
of Palestine are composed, universally indulge
anticipations of great moral, physical, and political
changes are all looking towards an universal re-
ligion-all place the seat and centre of it in Pa-
lestine, and there expect the armies of the world
to be assembled, and the last great contest de-
cided f."
One other conjectural relief is thrown by Mr.
Thelwall into the Society's portraiture of Juda-
ism, who, arguing from the more abundant pro-
duce of "the preaching and prayers of many
Christian ministers amongst their female hearers,
shrewdly suspects "that "Jewesses" would
turn out a profitable speculation, and would
(C
Rev. L. Way's Narrative, Ibid. p. 51. The further parti-
culars which Mr. Way communicates are, that "the Jews ex-
pect their Messiah; the Druses their Hakem; other oriental-
ists one who is called Meyhedi; who according to each party
is to govern the world ;" whilst "the Turks and Catholics are
both looking for a change in their system. But darkness," he
proceeds to state, gross darkness covers them all. Their
considerations are not drawn from the fountain of truth and
the stream of prophecy, but have come down through cor-
rupted channels of Oriental tradition, and are diversified by the
varieties of sect and opinion. The most remarkable thing is,
that magic and sorcery are as prevalent in Egypt as in the days
of Moses, and perhaps as many monthly prognosticators may
now be found in Canaan, as when its inhabitants were dispos-
sessed for witchcraft and other abominations; multitudes of
whom are ready to believe any lying wonder which Satan and
his agents may be permitted to practise."
353
repay the Society's culture better than "the
men," by "much more of real and abiding fruit,
if its particular attention were turned to them."
The pro's and con's which bear upon this hy-
pothesis, are submitted below to the reader's
consideration h.
The inquiry, challenged by the Essayist cited
at the commencement of this Section, has now
been prosecuted throughout the Expositors to
* Thelwall to C. S. Hawtrey. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII.
p. 329.
The Lord has so much enlightened her mind as clearly to
discern between human fictions and the revelations of the Spi-
rit of God. Mr. Goldberg's first fruits at Dresden. Jewish
Records, No. 10, p. 1.
I know but little about this Jesus, for I was never taught.
But I know that he is a Saviour, for he has manifested him-
self to me since I have been sick, even for the salvation of my
soul; I believe he will save me, although I have never before
loved him; I feel that I am going to him-that I shall ever be
with him. A Girl of seventeen, on the Banks of the Ohio.-
Jewish Records, No. 9, p. 4.
Of the two, I fear the women are worse than the men.
They drink hard-a spirit extracted from figs, raisins, &c.
called Jew's brandy-a most potent and pernicious spirit it is.
Lieutenant Bailey, Gibraltar. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII.
p. 436.
They all (viz. multitudes of Jewesses to whom Mr. M'Caul
had opportunity of speaking) ridiculed the idea of being happy
in the world to come, and laughed at the notion of serving God
in the present one.
More than one said, that to eat and drink
and sleep well is supreme happiness, and that to have this world
is to have the world to come. M'Caul. Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 235.
да
354
which he made his appeal, and the issue to be
joined cannot be expressed more pithily than in
Mr. Cuninghame's similitude (the Society's
Glasgow advocate,) who “compares the Jewish
mind to the dark chaotic mass of this world, when the
earth was without form and void i.'
In such a state of mental degradation, an or-
dinary understanding would not discover that
special call for conversional exertions which
should give the character of “ corbank”, to all
that can be wrung from the indigent, or canted out
of the pockets of the wealthy; and should render
it a sacred duty to overlook the wants of our own
spiritual household for the sake of such an alien-
ation. The Society's seers, however, take a
very different view of the subject. Mr. Petri
very technically describes the state of the most
promising part of "the Jewish population" as
"unpreoccupied¹." Mr. M'Caul-comprizing "the
nation" generally in his view-as in a state of
readiness" to receive any impression ";" both
“to
which forms of speech it must be admitted har-
monize admirably with "the chaotic mass” of
Mr. Cuninghame. Mr. Thelwall goes further,
and, referring specifically to the new synagogue
party, represents them as in a state of "most de-
i Jewish Expositor, Vol. IV. p. 189.
¹ Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 26.
Jewish Records, No 8, p. 2.
* Mark vii. 11.
355
sirable approximation to Christianity" whilst
"some intelligent Jews at Carlsruhe, who affect
to be neutral," go further still,
go further still, and pronounce
"the new synagogue" system to be “a gradual
transition" of the whole Jewish nation "to the
Christian church"." This sanguine view of things
is, however, controverted by Mr. Friedenberg and
Mr. Tauchnitz, the former of whom only ven-
tures to question" whether "the cause of the
Gospel will lose or gain by an access thus pre-
pared and brought about ";" but the latter as-
sumes a decided tone, and" intimates that they
must be made Jews again before they can be
made Christians ¶.” But then again the Commit-
tee interposes, in its moderational capacity, be-
tween these disputants, and decides in favour of
Mr. Thelwall and the neutral Jews, that the in-
fidelity so prevalent among their brethren may
probably, "in the wonderful workings of Him
whose prerogative it is to bring good out of evil,
proye eventually one amongst other means of for-
warding their conversion, by helping to break
down the barrier of rabbinical superstition."
♪ Ibid.
* Norwich Association Report, 1822, p. 15.
• Twelfth Report, p. 104.
Thirteenth Report, p. 126.
Fifteenth Report, p. 40.
The wisdom manifested in
this decision soars too high to be adequately appreciated. It
is a wisdom above what is written by an Apostle-nay
higher still, above what is spoken by Christ. For both St. Paul
and our Saviour found the rejection of Christianity by the Jews
A a 2
356
This point, however, be the decision what it
may, seems to be unworthy of account in their sub-
lime speculations, for Mr. Cuninghame's view of
Judaism is the most hopeless that can be; but,
pursuing his figure, he immediately introduces
the "Spirit of God" actually moving on the face
of the waters-beholds a ray of light even now
in their unbelief of Moses; and our Saviour moreover in-
timates that a belief in his writings is the necessary preliminary
to their recovery from this reprobacy of mind. (John v. 46,
47. 2 Cor. iii. 15, 16.) But this is not all, it is a wisdom
which sets all data at defiance-for the following are a few
traits of the infidelity which the Committee pronounce to be a
mean of forwarding Jewish conversion. "The founder" of this
apostacy, "Mendelshom, answered Lavater, who attempted his
conversion to Christianity, that could it be demonstrated that
Isaiah had really prophesied of Christ, it would not follow that
Christ was indeed the Son of God, but that Isaiah was no true
prophet." To this statement the attention of the Committee
is especially called by Mr. Friedenberg, being sent, as he tells
them, for the very purpose of giving them "an idea of the
species of faith which the new synagogue have in divine revela-
tion," and by inserting it in their Report (Twelfth, p. 97.) they
prove that they have had it before them. Another correspondent
addressing them under the signature of Philo, writes, "each
creates himself a religion of his own imagination . . . one mem-
ber told me, that he did not believe in the possibility of mi-
racles; and another, when I asked him to which of the syna-
gogues he belonged, said, to none. To what religion then,
said I? To that of nature, cried the Reformer; and he
added, in a decisive tone, that his God was purer than the God
of Moses.
Such (continues Philo) are the reformed Jews,
whether they are at all approaching nearer to the Christian re-
ligion your readers will judge." Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 82.
357
penetrating the surrounding darkness-and re-
presents it as doubtless that God will soon issue
the creative mandate which will render the illu-
mination univeral'. The general meeting also
adopt this presumptuous sentiment unanimously
under a different metaphor, and so it is rẻ-
solved, as Mr. Lewis expresses it, with a con-
sistent hardihood of resolving, "we must go on
and preach, whether this people will hear or
forbear "."
The Essayist's appeal to the Jewish Exposi-
tors, upon the present state of the Jews in foreign
parts, has now been brought to a full hearing
before the reader, and, deeply criminating to the
Society as his decision must be, it is no longer
liable to be cast scorn upon as founded " on pre-
judice," since the challenged "facts" have been
all adduced, which it was hoped public indif-
ference would have taken upon trust, and re-
posed upon as substantial grounds for an oppo-
site conclusion.
S
The enquiry now proceeds to the conversional
Speech at Glasgow Meeting. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IV. p. 189.
t❝ Circumstances (detailed at large in the Resolutions) seem
to demonstrate that the predicted shaking of the dry bones has
commenced, and are an urgent call upon Christians to pro-
phesy to them, and fervently to pray that the Spirit of the
Most High may breathe upon them that they may live." 2d
Resolution, Annual Meeting, 1821. Thirteenth Report.
"Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 307.
358
expedients employed by the Society's Mission-
aries in prosecution of their enterprize, and to
the different modes of application to which they
have resorted. And upon the first point the
opinions of these empyrics are so contradictory,
that it is scarcely possible to exhibit a more
perfect specimen of intellectual confusion.
Mr. Simeon lays it down with decretal con-
ciseness, at the very outset of the Society's
foreign adventures, that" in comparison of
translating the New Testament into Hebrew, all
other means are of little worth," and in this
conceit he is supported by Dr. Pinkerton, ano-
ther of the Society's oracles, and further, by the
deliberate judgment of the whole London Commit-
tee, who, reissuing the Dr.'s prescription to
themselves, encourage the application of it
even to
to Moses Mendleshom's "communi-
ties;" putting it forth as a grave question,
which it behoves any gainsayer previously to
resolve, Will he say that the keen edge of this
heavenly weapon may not pierce the conscience
of some sceptical freethinker "" of that infidel
66
* Speech at Norwich Auxiliary Anniversary, 1817. See
Appendix, No. 6. p. 37.
* See Dr. P.'s "interesting communication to the Com-
mittee." Fourteenth Report, Appendix II. p. 110. "Circulate
the New Testament as widely as possible."
2❝ Circulate the New Testament among those freethinking
communities." Twelfth Report, p. 62.
* In support of this speculation the Committee state, that in-
359
fraternity? Mr. Friedenberg sets himself in ar-
ray against these great authorities, and pro-
nounces the Hebrew German Testament more
useful than the Hebrew, in at least a ten-fold ra-
tio ";" and he is supported by Mr. Nitschke, who
assigns these substantial reasons for his pre-
ference—that "many of the Jews, at this time,
do not understand either the Old or New
Testament in the Hebrew language, with
which the female sex are almost wholly unac-
quainted." He recommends, therefore, "a large
edition" of this version to be printed " at Bres-
law, in order to scatter the seed of the Divine
Word as widely as possible."
66
The next note of discord comes from the Ma-
dras Committee, to whom it appears a point of
the greatest moment, indeed absolutely necessary,
to instruct the Jews, in the first instance, in their
own Bible, (the Old Testament) preparatory to
their understanding the sublime truths more ob-
viously brought to light in the New ":" and with
them agree both Mr. Jowett and Mr. Petri, the
d
formation has been received, " on authority on which," they say,
"they can rely, that instances have actually occurred where in-
dividuals who have ventured the reading of the proscribed
Volume, from no better motive than because it was proscribed,
have been found of Him whom they sought not, and humbled
like Saul of Tarsus at the feet of a despised and persecuted Sa-
viour." Twelfth Report, p. 63.
b Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 240.
с
e Eleventh Report, p. 77.
Fourteenth Report, p. 108.
360
one of whom declares, that he has "long felt the
Old Testament to be one of the most important
works for the conversion of the Jews; and the
other, that he is "convinced that whenever they
will be better acquainted with it, they will
thereby be best prepared to receive the Gospel of
Christ.
Mr. Thelwall, the next controvertist, puts a ne-
gative upon all that his precursors have affirmed.
It has been his grief, he says, to observe (as he
often does) the "Word of God" left to do its own
work, and put into the hands of a man who,
opening it without the least discrimination
wearies and disgusts himself with passages at
which he is disposed to stumble and to cavil, be-
fore he meets with those which suit his case, and
which we might just as well have directed him
to in the first instance." And he makes further
this most unseasonable disclosure, put question-
wise to the Committee, "With all the copies of
the Scriptures which have been distributed
among the Jews (and I might add among Gen-
tiles too) of late years, how few have been
awakened by that best and sacred volume?" Under
this impression his suggestion is, (founded, as
he says, upon “the consideration of facts,”) that
66
very often the imperfect productions of mere fal-
lible men, are made more effectual to awaken sin-
ners than that perfect volume itself;" and gives
€
• Eleventh Report, p. 90.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 30.
361
it as his judgment that a much more successful
issue would have been produced "had the gift of
the Scriptures been accompanied or preceded with
a scriptural tract, or a scriptural exhortation.” Here
dismay overtakes him at the confession which
he has made, and he winds up with a caveat
against the conviction staring him in the face,
that he has disparaged the Bible alone scheme
of conversion, and has put forth an unanswer-
able "objection to distributing it without note or
comment "
g
The next contributor to the confusion of the
conclave is Mr. Smith, who "thinks it would
be better to have a less number of tracts, and
to publish the whole Bible in the form of tracts,
with a short clear commentary," "this" being,
as he goes on to say, "the only way to keep up
the attention of the Jews to the study of the
Scriptures they not having the least idea of
their spiritual import".
*
He is followed by Mr. Treschow, who recom-
mends a merely Biblical Catechism, published
by a Committee of Jews and Christians," so con-
structed, that "a Catechist who believes in
Christ" can, without difficulty, "lead his pupils
from the Old Testament to the Gospeli."
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 368. This I speak of course
not in disparagement of the Scriptures, nor as any objection,
&c. (as above.)
h Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 476.
j Fourteenth Report, p. 126.
362
Mr. Treschow may be succeeded by Dr. Bogue,
with whom Mr. Marc is in accordance, as, whilst
the latter limits the Society's wants to "per-
sons employed in watering, that is to say, tra-
velling Missionaries:" the former pronounces
preaching of the Gospel as the grand means "of
conversion," and is very peremptory in his de-
cision, that "where that prevails not, nothing is
donek "
Last in the series, to render the Babel com-
plete, comes Mr. M'Caul, who, in the joint
names of himself and colleagues, propounds it
to the Committee as "one of the best possible
means of forwarding their views, to have a pub-
lic worship, whither the Jews might come,
where they might hear the Law and the Pro-
phets explained to them according to the mind
of the Holy Ghost, without being distracted by
thinking what they should answer'.
The same discord that has been exhibited with
respect to conversional expedients, prevails also
with reference to the methods of application. Mr.
Marc, Mr. Keetman, and the Elberfield Missionary
Society", are for proceeding individually in ope-
rating upon the Jews: whilst Dr. Pinkerton,
k
* Frey's Narrative p. 173. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 74.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 194.
m Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 397. Vol. III. 322. Vol. IX.
p. 192.
363
Mr. M'Caul, and the Berlin Society", explode
the very
idea of " devoting labour to individuals"
as a course by which their " efforts, they say,
would only be paralyzed;" and deliver it as
their judgment, that single conversion should
not so much be looked to as to sow the seed
every where, and turn attention to the whole
mass."
And again, whilst Mr. Tauchnitz, Mr. M'Caul
and his associates, together with Mr. Neat and
Mr. Wolf, resort to conferences and disputations
with the view of reasoning the Jews out of their
unbelief, Mr. Thelwall, a Dr. S., cited by him, and
"a pious Professor of Theology abroad," brought
forward by one of the Vice-Presidents ³, pro-
nounce arguments not applicable" to the Jewish
case, and assert "the necessity of attempting
to reach the hearts of the Jews, rather than to
begin with convincing their understandings."
Thus is the London Society's conversional
course what Mr. Thelwall accurately describes
it, a succession of "experiments" to be "repeat-
ed" indefinitely, both with respect to time and
contrariety, till, as he states it, "the true way"
shall be found out "of dealing with a people
whose mental and spiritual condition presents so
n
" Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 216. Vol. IX. p. 344.
• Ibid. Vol. V. p. 235. Vol. VII. p. 216. 117. Wolf and
Neat's Journals, passim, Vols. VII. VIII. IX. p. 296, &c.
P Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 399. Vol. VI. p. 242. 359.
364
many obstacles and difficulties to any one who
attempts to labour among them "."
The particulars which next claim attention in
the London Society's conversional schemes, are
the occasions taken by their Missionaries of ac-
cess to the Jews, and those, though not antago-
nist to each other, are as diversified as there
are situations in which the various concerns of
human life place individuals. The highway'.
the streets-the market-place--the fair"
a Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 324.
Not to lose time, we endeavoured to disseminate divine
truth by distributing to persons whom we met. To one Jew I
gave a tract; but whether he could himself read Dutch seemed
doubtful. Thelwall. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. 242.
Short distance from Posen met a Jew. Shewed him a New
Testament. Spoke of the necessity of atonement. Becker.
Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 401.
A poor Jew came to our carriage and begged alms. I threw
some Hebrew and German Tracts into his hat. Petri. Ibid.
Vol. VIII. p. 29.
8 Walked up and down the streets, to espy an opportunity to
converse with Jews. Marc. Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 496.
I was engaged in a conversation in the street with a Jewish
baker. Hands. Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 316.
* On a market day, I went to the market place, where I was
soon surrounded by more than twenty Jews, to whom I began
to preach Christ crucified: but I was interrupted by a noise
which was excited by some bigotted Jews. Petri, Ibid. Vol,
VIII. p. 29.
u
The 28th and 29th of May were days of blessing. During
this week a fair is held in this place, which is frequented by
many of the Jews. Bergman. Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 409.
The Committee of the Dresden Society commissioned me to
365
the shop-the coffee-house-the inn-the
go to Leipzig to spread the seed of the Gospel among the
Jews who attend the fair. Goldberg. Jewish Expositor, Vol.
IX. p. 320.
Our excellent friend Mr. Elsner could do little or nothing,
on the last Frankfort fair. He had indeed with him 30 Testa-
ments, 40 Prophets, and Tracts in plenty, but the few Jews that
came seemed bound under an ecclesiastical interdiction. Nay
he had his disinterestedness questioned by the ungrateful ob-
jects of his proselyting exertions, who cast it in his teeth.
Aye, we know your tricks: your brother makes those books,
and you sell them." Friedenberg. Thirteenth Report, p. 111.
Mr. Nitschke, fanatic as he was, was not wild enough for
this conversional project, for one of his Journal entries is,
"Passed through Weissenkerchen, where 150 Jewish families
reside, as on that day the fair was held, and the earthly busi-
ness of human life did not admit any activity for promoting the
interest of the kingdom of God. Twelfth Report, p. 113.
"I visited many Jews in their shops." Bergman. Jewish
Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 409.
Spoke of the Messiah to another Jew who was in the house
on business." Becker. Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 442.
y "Went to a Turkish coffee-house, where ten principal Rab-
bies of the Spanish Committee came...the conversation lasted
an hour." Wolf. Ibid. Vol. IX.
p. 267.
"Hoff spoke to a number assembled round the waggon,
while the horses were fed." Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 422.
At Marienpole-spoke a good deal to the landlady while
the horses were fed, who was so attentive, that I could not help
thinking of Lydia.
At the inn a young Jew passed my window. gave him a
tract...about two hours after my room was full of Jews, and
about 100 before the house not a little clamorous to be ad-
mitted." Smith. Ibid. Vol. VIII.
p. 405.
CC
Having given...one tract to the factor of the inn, desiring
5
366
វ
school"--and the Synagogue-all in their turns
are made the theatre of conversional exploits.
him to shew it to the Jews, one young man came...Having
spoken with him half an hour, those with whom I spoke last
night entered my room...our conversation lasted till eleven
o'clock, and I hope it was not in vain." M'Caul. Jewish Ex-
positor, Vol. VII. p. 398.
po-
a "Introduced to the Rabbi, he received me with cold
liteness; one of his disciples was just translating, ' in thy seed,'
&c. asked him to explain...objected against the explanation...
another boy now repeated an Hebrew prayer...Here, said I,
the Messiah is promised. Three Jews stepped into the room;
as the Rabbi did not choose to converse with me, I addressed
myself to them...The Rabbi became angry, and said he would
no longer be disturbed by me in his instructions." Petri. Ibid.
Vol. VIII. p. 25.
"I went straight to the Synagogue...Jews made some ob-
jections... On entering, I observed a young man who could
read Hebrew well...engaged in conversation with him...the
rest hearing us with the utmost attention ...I had my Hebrew
and English bibles before me, also a Hebrew New Testament,
which the young man opened and read, &c...·laughed at his
simplicity...when I saw that they wished to withdraw, I con-
tinued speaking to them on the probable consequences of their
unbelief." Sargon. Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 256.
"On the Sabbath I went to the Synagogue; here I had to
encounter very hot disputations." Hands. Ibid. Vol. XI.
316.
"C
p.
'My Jew Rosenburg returned from his Missionary tour.
He carried, in spite of the very inclement weather, on his
back, 11 Bibles, 66 Testaments, and many tracts, which he
has disposed of among nine Jewish congregations. The Holy
Spirit will, I trust, prepare their hearts for the reception of
the saving truths, &c." Marc. Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 236.
367
The principle is to embrace every opportunity,
nay, to make opportunities where they are not
presented, and for the making of them to have
no consideration whatever for the parties to be
evangelized-not even in their devotional hours
-nay, to have so little consideration for them-
selves that guards are necessary for the se-
curity of their persons so little also for the
C
"From time to time I have circulated among them the
whole of the tracts, and laid them down before them in the Sy-
nagogue." Report of one of Mr. Thelwall's agents, and ad-
duced in proof of the utility of his May excursion,' in ‘a car-
riage hired for the time,' to open channels for distributing the
Society's publications. Fourteenth Report, p. 62.
C
"I went to the Synagogue, where I found a Jew reading a
Prayer-Book. I represented to him the folly of the Jews in
using that book. While I was thus employed, a young man
interrupted me, saying, that I was disturbing their worship,
and that if I did not immediately leave the place, I should be
compelled to go." Hands. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 94.
See also p. 219, note ".
"Our lodging has been almost besieged by the Jews...
clamorously asking for tracts...the crowd became so great, that
in self-defence we were obliged to stop. On Monday it would
have been the same, had not the government sent us a Gen-
darme, through whose aid we were enabled to keep up order.
M'Caul. Posen. Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 174.
}
"Moritz describes the Jews as you do...he had been obliged
as you at Posen, to place a watch to hinder too many crowding
in at once. He gave out in five days 500 Hebrew tracts, 100
German Jewish, and 45 New Testaments, very well received,
with great signs of sincerity. I was forced, Mr. M. says, to
this expedient, otherwise I should have been suffocated." Ber-
368
Society's conversional stores that in one instance
they are delivered without counting; in another,
made a scramble of from the window; in a third,
torn to pieces by the receivers ; and in a fourth,
actually subjected to the same dismemberment, by
the Society's Missionary himself".
lin Correspondent to M'Caul. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p.
38. Fifteenth Report, p. 60.
"Several hundred of the most learned Jews of Aleppo
visited me often, so that it was necessary to place a guard to
keep them in order.’ Wolf. Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 75.
وو
e❝ At Cracow the Jews came in such disorder for books,
we could not count the books or the persons exactly.” M'Caul.
Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 460.
↑ "Our devotions were interrupted by the Jews coming for
books...The crowd was so great, and so noisy at one time, that
I suggested throwing tracts out of the window; and it was cu-
rious to see the scramble.-The books we gave at the door,
and I observed one Testament go through several hands, and
many fought for it before it came to the proper owner. One
might wish to see the Jews more orderly, but it was pleasing
to see their eagerness for the Scriptures. Lewis. Ibid. Vol.
IX. p. 462.
"Lissa. The press was so great, that it was impossible to
distribute the books in an orderly manner. When any one re-
ceived one, all grasped at it, and so the books were almost torn
in pieces before they could be read. I therefore was obliged to
call for the assistance of a police-officer. Becker. Ibid. Vol.
VII. p. 397.
ʼn “At Travino my room was full of Jews, and one hundred
before the house... The next day it was the same from morning
till late in the evening, and so it continued, until I was quite worn
out and ill. I had but a few Hebrew New Testaments, so that
369
The Society's Canons for regulating the inter-
pretation of Scripture, so as to secure, through-
out the Missionary phalanx " the faithful preach-
ing of the Word of God," come next in course
to be drawn forth from its arsenal. Divine
truths are divided by it into "essentials" and
circumstantials;" the former comprising those
"great points" on which we (the Society com-
posed of all denominations, but still Church of Eng-
land) are agreed”—the latter" those on which we
(the Society) differ." These last are very justly
estimated "a great stumbling block to the Jews; and
therefore the first canon ordains the cherishing the
most enlarged tolerance with respect both to the
66
The
particular forms" and the "particular doctrines"
which are differential, and the not laying by any
means "too much stress upon them." This
Canon relates to Scripture generally.
next, which completes the code, refers to "the
prophecies," and is only a special application of
the same liberal principle to that important por-
tion of the Sacred Volume, to which the Jewish
Missionary must have so frequent occasion to
resort; and directs "in the interpretation of them
the keeping the Jewish question as clear as pos-
sible of all particular systems." The framer of
I was obliged to take off the binding and divide them. Hun-
dreds got nothing...I have given here but an imperfect sketch,
but sufficient to shew you that, making all due deductions for
curiosity, &c. your labours are not in vain." Smith. Jewish
Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 406.
B b
370
these canons is" the pious and intelligent Mr.Thel-
wall," who constructed them for his own go-
vernment. But the "Committee" have, under
the seal of their authority, pronounced them
"sound and judicious," and have accordingly
promulged it as "most desirable, that upon such
just and enlarged views, all the efforts of the
Society should be conducted."
The instrument next to be examined in the
Society's apparatus, is the Baptism adopted
by it, which is of a description characteris-
tically its own. Its creed with reference to "the
Church of Christ," as that article is propound-
ed by Mr. Bushe, the Secretary of the Irish
Jew Auxiliary, is, that it is not to be described
by any Christian name or denomination, in all of
which her members may be found, and to none of
which they exclusively belong; but by its Catholic
character, and by its heavenly principle," viz. " one
common confession of their entire sinfulness, &c.
-one common hope, an exclusive and undivided
reliance upon a crucified Saviour for salvation--
one spiritual birth" &c. that is common to all
those denominations, to which the "administration
of Baptism"-his (the Christian's) outward con-
formity to ceremonies-his partaking of ordi-
nances-his bodily service profiteth nothing."
'Fifteenth Rep. p. 36. J Thirteenth Rep. Sermon, p. 20.
Mr. Bushe follows up the above exquisite specification of " the
character of those Christians who compose his Church of
Christ," with an appeal to his auditory, whether that character
371
k "
""
To settle, therefore, the "much questioning,
which it is alleged there " always is, how
the Jews are to be baptized," and to what
Church they are to belong, whether to the
Evangelical, as they now call it, (i. e. to the Lu-
theran and Reformed) or to the Roman Catholic
or to the Greek, Mr. Becker, as the Society's
official, tells "dear Baron Saas," that they are
neither to become Lutherans, nor Roman Ca-
tholics, nor Greeks, but Christians-Biblical
Christians, without any of these names Ac-
cordingly it is announced by the London Com-
mittee, with great Church of England feeling, as
one of the more favourable intimations" respect-
ing the Jews, "unknown in the ages past," that
"not a few are joining the different Christian
communions':" and the different reports of Mis-
sionary progress are interspersed with records of
translations from Judaism to Christianity, in all
its diversities and corruptions-some converts
being chronicled as embracing it in a state of in-
determination, to which denomination they shall
is not exactly described in the expression journeying?" No
term can be more technically accurate. For, if private Christians,
they are not "keepers at home;" if advanced to "Stewards,” they
are not "householders;" if to a Patoral charge, they are not
content with the flock to which "they are appointed;" but they
are continually going to and fro upon the earth, and no chains
can bind them.
* Jewish Exp. Vol. VII. p. 380.
Eleventh Rep. p. 41.
B b 2
372
"go over ""-others as making their election of
the Catholic Church "-others as adopting the
Protestant Church generally others the Re-
formed Church-others the Lutheran congrega-
tion-others the evangelical' (i. e. the composite
order of the former two)-others the Independent
m
A youth from Warsaw told me he had made up his mind
to embrace Christianity, and to study theology, but was unde-
termined whether he should go over to the Catholic or the Pro-
testant church. Smith. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 325.
» From *** I went to ****** with whom I have
had repeated interviews. He is converted to Christianity, but
has embraced the Roman Catholic faith. What can have been
his inducement to unite himself to the Papists, I know not.
Neat. Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 308.
,
Two young respectable Jews, who have studied the law,
have lately been baptized as members of the Catholic church,
because, as one of them ingenuously confessed, they must ex-
pect their preferment in a Catholic country. Bergman. Jewish
Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 408.
A youth of seventeen called on me a second time, quite in
extacies with Bogue's book. He intends being baptized in the
Protestant church. He studies theology. Smith. Ibid. Vol.
VIII. p. 325.
PA brother of Joseph Wolf has been baptized in the Re-
formed church. Marc. Fourteenth Report, p. 130.
Mr. W. has been baptized by the Rev. Mr. Passevant, in the
Calvinist church. Ibid. p. 152.
A Jewish family, consisting of ten members, have made
their Christian profession, and on Christmas day united with
the Lutheran congregation, at Weildersbach, at the Lord's table.
Ibid. p. 153.
}
r The father (viz. of the two respectable young Jews, Note ",)
informed me that another son of his, and also his son-in-law,
who lived in a Protestant country, were determined to become
evangelical Christians. Bergman. Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 408.
19
373
::
t
Church-others the Church in its diffusive cha-
racter, comprising teachers of all denominations
-others, again, in its concrete form, where all
denominations congregate under one individual".
Nor is the Society's catholicism circumscribed even
within these limits, for, to smooth the path to
"On the first Sunday in March, Solomon Joseph was bap-
tized, by Mr. Dewhurst," according to the mode used in the
Independent church," and "immediately admitted a member.”
Jewish Expositor, Vol. II. p. 115.
'After receiving the most satisfactory letters . . . of the evi-
dences he (—) gave of his having obtained faith, Wednesday
was fixed on for his baptism. The solemnity was rendered
more interesting by the presence of my beloved brother pastor,
Merle d'Aubignè, of the French Reformed Church-Pastor
Gregor, of Altona-my young missionary brother, Gericke,
(Scotch Missionary). The service was opened by a Lutheran
psalm. The pastor of the church gave an animated discourse
-our dear friend Mr. Treschow (Moravian) followed-He
was then baptized by our venerable brother L., after the rites
of the Lutheran church . . Mr. Gericke then welcomed him
Thus
and we had the satisfaction of partaking of the Lord's
Supper together, without distinction of any party.
finished a kind of solemnity never perhaps witnessed in Germany
before. Mudie. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 283.
I attended to witness the baptism of a young Israelite.
He had been persuaded, some months before, to go to hear
the Rev. Mr. Gosner preach, a gentleman of the Church of
Rome, who (protected by his Imperial Majesty in St. Peters-
burgh,) preaches in German the pure, unadulterated word of the
Gospel, to immense congregations of all denominations, Greek,
Roman, Lutheran, and Jew. Mr. Gosner's simple preaching
soon convinced him of sin. He then applied to Mr. G. to be
baptized, and as to all human appearance, he had faith in the
Lord Jesus, his desire was complied with. Ibid. Vol VII. p.
488. If further acquaintance with Mr. Gosner is desired, sa-
tisfaction may be obtained by referring to the Sixteenth Report
of the Bible Society, p. 157.
374
proselytism where baptism under any modifica-
tion would be a hindrance, "the inward baptism
of the Holy Spirit" is set forth as all-sufficient *.
Nay, an easier transition still is pointed out-viz.
the simple acts of belief in Jesus, and receiving him
as their Redeemer-the very beginning which, is cer-
tified to enquiring Israelites, to be their complete
Christianization': and, as the climax of compre-
hension, "a strong hope" is held out, of“ not es-
caping the Saviour of souls," to those Jews who
"believe Christianity is not intended for them,"
under the very accommodating proviso that they
"revere Christ as the Messiah of God to the
Gentiles." Thus does wisdom above what is writ-
× We had a very pleasing conversation with them, (Mr. S.
and Mr. H. teachers of the Government School, at Warsaw,
for the Jews,) both declared that they were willing to become
Christians, but that they were as yet hindered by several things
from being baptized. We spoke to them about the inward bap-
tism by the Spirit. Becker. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 241.
:
y The Jews exclaimed, one after the other, What shall we
do? We cannot help being Jews. I replied, So you are now.
But whenever you begin to believe in Jesus, and to receive him
as your Redeemer, you cease to be Jews, and enter into the Chris-
tian church. Gortz.
Gortz. Ibid. Vol. VI. p. 159.
z "I cannot deny myself the pleasure of giving you a sketch
of another young Jew, to whom scarcely a parallel will be
found…..revering Christ as the Messiah of God to the Gentiles
...but still believing that Christianity is not at all fit for the
Jews...He glows in holy enthusiasm at the idea of becoming
a reformer...by changing the cold rational explanations of the
Old Testament, into a living spiritual Judaism...If there were
more of that character among the Jews, they would prove effi
cient forerunners of Christ; and I have a strong hope that even
this young man...will not escape the Saviour of souls." Professor
Tholuck. Ibid. Vol. VIII.
p. 374.
t
*
3.75
1
ten re-edite the Gospel with improvements of its
own, and represent the Christian Church, not
merely (according to its divine founder's ima-
gery) as the universal recipient of fishes of every
kind, but as parabled also by every kind of net,
by which it may adapt itself to every distempe-
rature of the human imagination.
One other expedient completes the London
Society's conversional scheme, (it being under-
stood that it is now contemplated purely as a
religious system) and this is in excellent harmony
with that which immediately preceded it, as it
does the same despite to the Christian ministry that
that did to the initiating Sacrament. It is no less
than the blending together Holy Orders, and
their unhallowed counterfeits into one amalgam-a
device for which the religious public are indebted
to Mr. M'Caul.
That gentleman, it will be recollected, after
one probationary excursion into Poland, (in which
if no other Missionary talent displayed itself,
full proof was given of his good husbandry of re-
sources") came home again for deacon's orders.
"Our usual equipage-a hired waggon and horses, has
been exchanged for a waggon and horses of our own. Besides
the advantage of being able to stop where, and when, and so
long as we please, we are able to carry at least 2 cwt. of books.
The three horses, a foal, the waggon, harness, and fitting up
of the waggon, do not cost 20., and we expect, at the very
least, to save the Society as much more, by having made an
end of hiring horses, &c." M'Caul. Jewish Expositor, Vol.
VII. p. 401. The modesty of this equipage, and the self-sa-
crifice to the cause manifested in it, will not have full justice
376
*
On his return to Warsaw, (where, as he report
it, his " Ordination" had given an increased con-
sequence both to the Society and to himself")
the exchanges of the right hand of fellowship be-
tween himself and the elders of the Reformed
Church, (Moravians) are most cordial. He pre-
sents to them the Church of England Liturgy,
which they volunteer to use, and grant him in re-
turn their place of worship for the exercise of his
ministry. Upon this reciprocation of civilities
he observes," thus the Lord is prospering us,
and laying the foundation of all our plans surely."
And these plans are neither more nor less than
the Salmagundi of Orders, just brought under the
reader's observation.
done to it unless contrasted with the vehicles of the other Mis-
sionaries-with Mr. Thelwall's carriage.-Mr. Sargon's palan-
quin.—Mr. Solomon's bridgky.—and Mr. Moritz's calash.
"I cannot omit that my ordination procures every where
more respect for the Society, as well as for myself,and gives much
more weight to what I say, especially in the Reformed Church,
which considers itself a sister of the Church of England...when
I told Professor C. that I was ordained, he immediately called
me his brother." M'Caul. Ibid. Vol. VIII.
p. 477.
On presenting him (Professor C.) with a copy of theGerman
Versior of the Prayer-Book, after he had read the Communion
Service, he declared that he would make use of it.
"I reminded him (Mr. Diehl) of his proposal concerning
English Service. He was still of the same mind, but requested
that a formal application might be made. This was accord-
ingly done by the English, in a paper addressed to the Elders
of the Reformed Church, for permision to have divine service
celebrated in their place of worship. This was immediately
granted." Ibid.
377
Preparatory to the grand denoûment, Mr.
M'Caul throws it out that "the Polish Reform-
ed Church is Episcopal, and has its ordination
from the Bohemian Brethren, whose ordination
is valid by Act of Parliament." This is made
the burthen of the next despatches, which pro-
mulgate that " Becker is actually ordained deacon
by Mr. Von Diehl, General Senior or Bishop of
the Reformed Church in Poland, who has pro-
mised to ordain him Priest in the summer_____
that "the ordination of Wendt and Hoff took
place in the Lutheran Church”—and (" what
pleased him exceedingly,) were ordained as Mis-
sionaries of our Society, and not as merely Luthe-
ran ministers"-he, sitting pro forma in his
canonicals, among the members of the consis-
tory, during the solemnity." Having notified
these great events, he goes on to expatiate upon
their vast importance, which is, as he sets it
forth, that "by happening, the one in the Re-
formed, and the other in the Lutheran Church,
connect us (viz. the Missionaries) with both con-
sistories" for the more complete effecting of
which ministerial confusion, he goes on to say,
"Besides I (a deacon, viz. of the Church of Eng-
land,) expect shortly to be admitted formally
into the Reformed Church, the first steps thereto
being already taken "." And he adds, that he
66
• On the validity of this plea, see pp. 195, Note; 201,
Note"; and Appendix, No. XI. e Jew. Exp. Vol. IX. p. 77.
1 Ibid.
p. 110.
* Ibid. p. 77.
378
i
has "from Mr. Von Diehl a positive promise of
ordination for all that may yet come "."
That Mr. M'Caul having now, as he says,
by the blessing of God, secured the Episcopal
Ordination of all the Germans," should be a lit-
tle in extasies at the part which he has perform-
ed, is no more than might reasonably be ex-
pected: the sequel therefore follows in due
course from the premises which lead to it, viz.
the erection, by Mr. M'Caul's fiat, of "the de-
partments of Warsaw, Plook, Haliz, Cracow,
and Lublin," into "five stations for the king-
dom of Poland, requiring two Missionaries each;"
and an urgent call upon the Committee to ship
off from the Stanstead Seminary the "four"
remaining "Germans," that these stations may
"be occupied as soon as possible." But there
is a lamentable sinking from these elevations, in
the winding up of the whole-that "the seed
already sown will otherwise die," and that "the
h " Ibid. p. 110. This is called by Sir George Rose "esta-
tablishing the Nucleus of a Protestant Church in Warsaw."
He afterwards acquaints the last anniversary meeting that,
"but that he had read and felt the prophetic page, he
should not have been there," having previously stated that.
"prophecy is a perilous topic for a layman to touch upon." The
assent to this proposition, so seasonbly propounded, will doubt- .
less be unanimous, and will possibly be extended to Theo-
logy in general, in the particular instance to which it belongs,
if the above view of the " Church" be taken into consideration.
No man should aspire to the chair in more than one faculty."
Account of Proceedings at Sixteenth Anniversary, pp. 7, 8.
་
379
first step towards sending them must be to write
to Petersburgh for the Emperor's permission
and protection".
"9
Such are the Society's conversional expedi-
ents, which Mr. Bushe is so far beside himself
as to designate from the pulpit "the ordinary
appointed means of God," and to take as his war-
rant for describing her as " bearing a shield,
emblazoned by the God of Israel himself, behind
which she would fight the battles of the Lord.”
The result of these battles is now to be in-
quired into, as the point which is to bring the
grave question of the London Society's merits
to a final issue, and to close the present length-
ened investigation. And if the Society in its
corporate capacity, synodically assembled, and
delivering itself unanimously upon the representa-
tions made to it from the several fields of action
of the vast seat of war, be deemed a competent
witness to itself, though nothing approaching to
the conquest of Judaism can be pretended, yet
credit must be given to it for actual advances,
and for encouraging indications of further suc-
cess.
For these anniversary announcements, year
after year fulminated from the President's chair
in the form of resolutions, and attested by the
acclamations of the whole assembly, pledge the
Society's good faith, for "the encreasing readi-
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 110.
Thirteenth Report, Anniversary Sermon, pp. 28. 40.
380
ness," nay,
66
eagerness" with which the Jews
seek after" and "receive" "New Testaments
and tracts,"—for the multiplied evidences"
brought before it "from various parts of the
world of the favourable disposition of the Jews
towards Christianity," and "of an increasing
spirit of enquiry on the subject of it," and "an
increasing readiness to receive Christian instruc-
tion"-for the "especial" manifestations of these
"indications amongst their youth, and in their
seats of learning"-for the "encouraging recep-
tion" of their Missionaries "in the Synagogues
of Jerusalem"-for "the readiness of the chief
Rabbies" there to enter into discussions on the
subject of Christianity," and for their willing-
ness to receive and read the Scriptures"-for
numerous and unquestionable testimonies of
a general and simultaneous stir amongst the
Jews" and lastly, for "the actual conversion of
many individuals in distant and unconnected
places to the faith of the gospel." These, all
delivered with awful solemnity and with reite-
rated ascriptions of praise and thanksgivings to the
Almighty for such wonderful vouchsafements ".'
66
m
The Committee in their Annual Reports de-
m The above testimonies will be found in the resolutions of
the XIIth, XIIIth, XIVth, XVth, and XVIth Anniversaries of
the London Society, moved and seconded by Robert Grant,
Esq. Sir Claudius Hunter, Bart. the Rev. C. Simeon, the
Rev. B. H. Solomon, Lord Bexley, the Rev. Dr. Pinkerton,
Major Mackworth, William Cuninghame, Esq. the Rev. Lewis.
Way, the Rev. J. Brown, and Lord Calthorpe.
381
1
scend further into particulars, and, if implicit
credit is to be given to them that what they al-
lege, is a full and unqualified representation of
the actual state of things in their several foreign
departments of Missionary enterprise, it must
be admitted that an imposing case is made out,
which though highly extravagant in many of its
items, yet affords a sort of warranty to the
aforesaid anniversary announcements.
For, in the first place, all the evidence is fa-
vourable. In the next place it appears indiscri-
minately collected with reference to place, for
the instances cited are from Switzerland-Grod-
no-Wilna-Krakow-Gotha-Leipsig-Wurz-
burg-Mittau-Breslaw-Darmstadt-Kreutz-
nach-Frankfort-Berlin-Komrau-Posen-
Cologne-Dresden-Elberfield-Aleppo-Jeru-
salem-and several other towns and districts.
Thirdly, it comprises all ages, and both sexes.
Infant Jews --Jew boys and Jew girls P-Jew
n
n
Sixteenth Report, p. 14. Jewish Expositor edition. Mr.
Goldberg gives the following pleasing account. On the 23d
of December one of the children received into the Institution,
only one year and a half of age, was added by baptism to the
Church of Christ...The Ladies association will doubtless always
remember the powerful blessing from above with which it (viz.
"the Holy transaction,") was distinguished...This sense of
sympathising love (viz. on the part of the other " dear children
of the Institution,") rose to holy joy, when hymns of praise
for the gift of Immanuel ascended from their lips, &c.
• Fifteenth Report, p. 60. Sixteenth, p. 22.
Thirteenth Report, p. 79. Sixteenth, p. 14. The cause of
382
youths and Jew maidens-Jew fathers of fami-
the Society advances steadily in the Saxon territories. The
truly Christian spirited Mr. Goldberg writes.--What the Lord
has since my last done to give success to my humble labours,
has powerfully encouraged me. The Jewish girl, who from
her whole heart believes in the crucified Jesus as her Saviour,
was baptized, &c. She made her profession of faith with so
much humility of heart, and under such a sense of the Divine
presence, that all assembled were moved to tears.
a Twelfth Report, p. 54. Thirteenth Report, p. 82. Six-
teenth, p. 22. Mr. Smith testifies of this latter sample, who,
he says, were not more than fourteen or fifteen, that they ap-
peared to him " Israelites indeed," &c.
• Fifteenth Report, p. 52. Sixteenth, p. 23. This case is
represented as "peculiarly affecting." "The young Jewess,
it seems, in early life, had entertained a wish to become a
Christian, but having subsequently fallen into sin, had given
up
the idea. In this state Mr. Hands found her at Posen, and
on her second visit read to her some hymns on repentance,
which made such an impression on her soul, that sobs and tears
scarcely left her the ability of utterance. Finding her so con-
trite, Mr. H. proceeded to set forth to her the atonement
through Christ: but it was awfully striking to observe the
sudden coldness with which she was seized. When she heard
the name of Jesus mentioned, she shewed marks of bitter hos-
tility. When being asked the reason of it, she confessed that
the name brought to her mind all the horrid curses and exe-
crations which she had formerly herself uttered, and which she
had heard used by the Jews every day, and thus it seemed every
spark of love which had been kindled in her soul was quenched.
She, however, frequently repeated her visits, confessed with great
emotion her sinfulness, and expressed a great anxiety to become
a truly penitent Christian. Here the conversional process abrupt-
ly breaks off, but Mr. Hands does not leave it without putting in
requisition all who hear the story, to commend the wandering
383
:
lies, and Jew matrons—and aged Jews, both
male and female"-not even omitting Jews at
the point of death. Then again it comprehends
all degrees of Jews-Jew Rabbies, and Jews
destined for Rabbies"-Jew schoolmasters-and
Jew private teachers opulent Jews, and poor
b
sheep to the Friend of sinners, to be by him brought into the
fold; and such confidence had Mr. H. in the result, that he
anticipates the leading of others to the great and good Shep-
herd, from her influential example.
Thirteenth Report, p. 66. "A remarkable coincidence"
gives celebrity to this case, that the husband and wife, resident
at a distance from each other, were about the same period led
to the same conviction, to which a sister was also a party.-
Ibid. p. 83. “The wife in this instance is an important per-
sonage, grand-daughter of David Sinzheimer, who was president
of the Sanhedrim held under Buonaparte."-Sixteenth Report,
p. 15.
Fifteenth Report, p. 48. Ibid. p. 49. Sixteenth,
Sixteenth, p. 21.
u Fifteenth Report, p. 40.
- Thirteenth Report, p. 70.
Twelfth Report, p. 54. Fourteenth, p. 67. Sixteenth,
p. 13. This last case is especially celebrated as a solid work
of grace." The subject of it, however, it seems, was consider-
ed as still requiring some "lessons of humility," to teach
him which he was sent upon a tour amongst his brethren, where
it was anticipated that severe trials would betide him.
z Thirteenth Report, p. 66. a Twelfth Report, p. 55.
b Thirteenth Report, p. 84. Fifteenth, p. 47. This was a
surprising achievment. On his first visit he used all his wits
to prove that Jews may be happy without Christianity. On
his second, God be praised, says Mr. Hoff, as a penitent sin-
ner he seeks pardon through Him who was wounded, &c.
e Thirteenth Report, p. 79.
3
384
Jews -Jew shoemakers-Jew engravers-Jew
merchants' clerks, and Jew servants"-individual
Jews, and Jews in bodies. Then further it in-
cludes all the moral and intellectual varieties—
Jews of "very excellent character," and Jews of
depraved character '-remarkably modest Jews"
Jews amiable as well as modest "-and mild and
meek-spirited Jews-honest-looking Jews-upright
• Thirteenth Report, p. 71.
1.
e Ibid. pp. 83. 100. The latter of these two samples from the
shoemaking fraternity, is signalized for "the expressions of
scriptural delight in his manner and countenance," and the
shining of his face with joy on first partaking after Baptism
of the Lord's Supper, whilst others came from the table cast.
down and weeping."
CC
f Thirteenth Report, p. 84. "This is a splendid case, a young
man is the subject of it. On the leading truths of the Gospel
being first laid before him, he had nothing to reply but silly
questions and the most absurd chit chat." Other Christians were
then called in, but they were not more successful. He now went
to Manheim-was introduced to an experienced minister in
the neighbourhood, who had a great deal of trouble with him,
until, by immediate divine interposition a sudden change was ope-
rated in his soul; and since that moment he does not cease to thank
and to praise Jesus who has made a new man of him. On the 18th
of February he was baptized...many tears of joy were wept
during the solemn act. His former apparent stupidity is quite
changed, he is very clever in his art, and has plenty of work."
* Sixteenth Report, p. 13. ↳ Fifteenth p. 52. Sixteenth, p. 9.
i Twelfth Report, p. 52.
*Thirteenth Report, p. 80.
m Ibid. p. 54.
¹ Fifteenth Report, p. 41.
n
h
Fourteenth Report, p. 67.
Thirteenth, Report, p. 70.
Ibid. p. 75.
385
a
Z
Jews,and highly esteemed Jews-respectable and
clever Jews-very nice and quick Jews-liberally
educated Jews"-Jews of superior promise-Jews of
fine understanding-Jews of extraordinary talents
--and Jews of more humble acquirements ª. Lastly,
it sets forth the Society's success upon the above
subjects of its conversional experiments in every
shade of proselytism, that the most refined spi-
ritual dichotomy can discriminate. For first,
with respect to the New Testament, one Jew is
chronicled as requesting a copy for his son.
another as wishing very much for it himself-
another as receiving it with thankfulness -ano-
ther as attempting to kiss the donor's hand-ano-
ther as actually saluting him—a small party as
reading it in secret-others as reading it in
groups in the street "--another as forgetting his
}
Sixteenth Report, p. 8.
• Twelfth Report, p. 35.
Sixteenth Report, p. 20.
y Thirteenth Report, p. 80.
a Sixteenth Report, p. 18.
Fourteenth Report, p. 67.
с
t
d
· Thirteenth Report, p. 79.
* Fifteenth Report, p. 60.
Fifteenth Report, p. 48.
z Fifteenth Report, p. 47.
b Ibid. 21.
Twelfth Report, p, 52.
e Ibid. p. 57. So "deeply" were the parties signalized in
the present instance, "affected" towards Mr. Elsner, that,
balked in the above tenderest expressions of their gratitude,
they "bowed so lowly to the ground, that he considered it as a
revential acknowledgment to God, for having put his word into
their souls."
f Fourteenth Report, p. 67.
Twelfth Report, p. 52.
* Ibid. p. 82.
сс
c c
1
386
business in his eagerness to read it another as
astonished at its contents *-another as brought to
thoughtfulness by reading it'-another as pierced
by it in his heart and soul"-others as reasoning
upon it"-others as comparing it with their own
Scriptures-others as convinced upon comparing P
-another as making a tacit acknowledgment in
favour of it-others as making an express avowal
-another as reading with rapture and loud ex-
pressions of assent-others as believing its truths,
but not with sufficient strength of faith to renounce
Judaism-others as offering to contribute to the
૧
r
Fifteenth Report, p. 53. The splendid feature in this
case, is that the Jew did not know what book the New Tes-
tament was even after he had read it, till informed by Mr.
Goldberg, who therefore records it as “
a new proof of the life-
giving power of the Word of God."
* Twelfth Report, p. 53.
"Thirteenth Report, p. 80.
n
1
Ibid. p. 51.
Fifteenth Report, p. 54. This case is noted upon by Mr.
Goldberg as a prognostic of the near separation of the obedient
from the stiff-necked Jews. Ibid. p. 60. These reasoners are
nice quick boys boys, of twelve or thirteen years old.
• Twelfth Report, p. 51.
4 Twelfth Report, p.
55.
P Thirteenth Report, p. 72.
• Ibid.
• Thirteenth Report, p. 70. This rapturous reading was
during the fair at Leipsig. Of the real fruit, observes the
reporter, "nothing can be said," but "patience and prayer” is
only necessary, and the produce may be excellent.
t
Fourteenth Report, p. 75.
1
387
printing of it"—and others as ready to engage in its
circulation*.
2
Secondly, with respect to the grand result,
conversion: some are set forth as preparing for
controversy others as inviting discussion"-two
parties as discoursing without the least contradic-
tion several as asking serious and momentous
questions, in the same unlitigious spirit-one
as listening with tears-one as sincerely de-
sirous of seeking the truth one as resolved to do
so many as pledging themselves to consider
one as thoughtful on the subject of religion -six
as serious inquirers¹-three as deeply impressed
e
d
g
f
" Twelfth Report, p. 56. The Committee's comment upon
"this fact" is, that it "speaks volumes.”
› Sixteenth Report, p. 11.
a Fourteenth Report, p. 75.
c Sixteenth Report, p. 9.
* Twelfth Report, p. 54.
* Twelfth Report, p. 52.
Twelfth Report, p. 53.
d Ibid. p. 8. This Jew is stated to have been for some time
in England, where a bitterness of spirit, it seems, is epidemic
among the Jews, (Fourteenth Report, p. 75.) but a remark-
able series of providential circumstances leading him to Amster-
dam, there Mr. Thelwall found him every thing that could be
desired in a convert.
e Fourteenth Report, p. 75.
Twelfth Report, p. 55.
Sixteenth Report, p. 22. These conspicuously thoughtful
subjects are Jew boys, of the Breslau free school. Mr. Smith
had rarely seen their equals in religious thoughtfulness, even
among those of " their age born of Christian parents," and he
is very deeply impressed with such encouraging symptoms in
the rising generation."
Twelfth Report, p. 54.
i Ibid. p. 57.
c c 2
388
one as truly awakened-one as dissatisfied with Ju-
daism, but not altogether reconciled to Christianity'
-many as inclined to embrace it "-many also
as discovering a real thirst after instruction"—
three as promising to pray for light-some as
taking off their hats and bowing respectfully to the
Missionaries"-several as on the road to the know-
ledge of the truth-one as consenting to conver-
sion for his children, but not for himself—many
as convinced—three as believing, but not strong
enough to renounce all-three as attenders on di-
vine service and religious meetings, but cannot sepa-
rate from their brethren "-many as worshippers
of Jesus, but not daring to make open confession *
Thirteenth Report, p. 84.
Twelfth Report, p. 55.
Twelfth Report, p. 54.
¶ Fifteenth Report, p. 74.
1 Ibid. 82.
"Thirteenth Report, p. 69.
P Sixteenth Report, p. 11.
Fifteenth Report, 48. This subject is a sort of Barzillai in
Judaism, "pierced to the heart with the proofs given him of the
truth of our religion," but in his own account too old for such a
change himself, to which the versatility of youth is better ac-
commodated. A parallel case to the above is among the later
picked specimens of the Committee, and cited by them as an ex-
ample of the work going on slowly, and with deep deliberation. It
is of a Jew teacher, neither baptized, nor a candidate for bap-
tism, but still labouring for his own soul's health, and that of
others also, by distributing tracts-and therefore the Committee
hope, under the teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Sixteenth Report, p. 10.
• Twelfth Report, p. 55.
u
Thirteenth Report, p. 80.
'Fourteenth Report, p. 75.
* Fourteenth Report, p. 82.
389
b
-one as almost burning from a desire to be a
Christian, but arrested by one only difficulty—
one as believing with her whole heart-one as
hesitating about his baptism-one as intending to be
baptized, with his wife and children -another
as very
desirous of it-another as in a state of
longing after it ª-another as resolved not to delay
it-another as resolved that it shall take place
to-morrow, if there exists a true Christian congre-
gation'-several as become Christians—many as
baptized"-one as changed from a real Saul to a
▾ Thirteenth Report, p. 84. * Sixteenth Report, p. 14.
a Ibid. p. 10. This halting proselyte, whose wife (to be
taken from him the instant he was baptized) was the for-
feiture "his faith was not strong enough to enable him to en-
dure," would have been a grand prize if the conquest had been
completed-for Mr. Thelwall describes him as "appearing to
have clearer views of the nature of vital godliness, and of the
distinguishing marks of the real Christian character, than any
Jew himself or Mr. M'Caul had ever met with.
b Thirteenth Report, p. 83.
d Ibid.
f Ibid. p. 82.
*
• Fifteenth Report, p. 52.
e Thirteenth Report, p. 80.
• Ibid. p. 79.
keep in mind that Canon of
¹ Ibid. If the reader does not
the Society, which provides for Jews becoming Christians without
baptism, (see page 374, note, and ",) he will not perceive the
marked difference between this and the foregoing advance of pro-
selytism.-Fourteenth Report, p. 34. Fifteenth Report, p. 40.
This baptismal specimen, comprising a mother and five children,
is made conspicuous by Mr. Thelwall's certificate appended to
it, that “there is, he thinks, in the mother, better evidence of
a real change of heart and Christian feeling, than in any Jewish
convert he had ever conversed with." What a discriminating eye.
1
1
390
Paul, and almost a Luther-one as wanting to
leave father and mother, and a good fortune, for
the name of the Lord Jesus-another as having
actually abandoned every thing for the cross of
Christ-another as having renounced bright
prospects to follow his Master in poverty"—another
as having become a truly zealous proselytist"—
two others as having held fast their profession un-
must Mr. Thelwall be gifted with, for detecting the differential
traits of spirituality in converts!!! (see note a.)-Ibid. p. 48.
This specimen comprises four baptisms-of two of them, one is
pronounced of good, the other of superior promise. What are the
promises of the other two, it has not been deemed expedient
to specify.-Sixteenth Report, p. 13. This specimen is signa-
lized by having been brought to the Lord more by a deep
sense of his "natural depravity, than by learned researches"-
and "the pleasing hope indulged" respecting him by Mr. Do-
ring, that "he has found acceptance with the Lord."-Six-
teenth Report, p. 15. This specimen, a Jewess, Mrs.
and seven of her children, is to be specially noted, from the
circumstance, that Jewish acquiescence in the proceeding was
so complete, that "military aid was thought necessary, lest any
unpleasantness should arise."
i Sixteenth Report, p. 19. What the grace of God has done
for this man, is stated to be inexpressible. "The first beam of
Gospel Grace," it is alleged, "penetrated his soul two years ago."
The apostolical Mr. Jaenecke "was then the model to whom
his aspirations pointed, and "the Holy Ghost" is represented
as having wrought the desired similarity upon his mind. He is
further reported." frequently indisposed," which is considered
"a beneficent visitation to a man of his great energy and zeal.”
Sixteenth Report, p. 24.
1 Ibid. p. 16.
m. Ibid.
· p. 20.
n
Fifteenth Report, p. 47:
>>
391
der great trials, and severe persecution-and the
grand climax of the Society's achievments, an-
other over and above all this, as having become
a supporter of the Bible, Tract, and Missionary
Societies P.
The reader has now before him the Society's
case, as it is made out by the Committee, to-
gether with a summary of the evidence which
they have exhibited in its support, and it is for
him to decide how far, upon their own represen-
tation, they are warranted in applying our Sa-
viour's phraseology, "The fields are already white
to harvest," (so eloquently descriptive of His
reception by the Samaritans,) to their fields of
Missionary Quixotism-how far they are war-
ranted in ascribing "seasonableness and utility” to
their labours, or in designating "the means"
which they employ for the diffusion of Chris-
tian truth,” as "the most efficient," or "the tes-
ci
• Fourteenth Report, p. 83. The first of these Confessors
was assailed both by flattering promises and by all manner of
threatenings, and by the cries and tears of sister, aunt, and an
old father, and by invitations from opulent Jews, and by two
or three thousand carolines, but he nobly withstood all; and, if
asked what he was seeking? his answer was, salvation; or
what he expected, his constant reply-To be saved.-Thirteenth
Report, p. 66. The second confessor, of the weaker sex, had
a more fiery trial to withstand; not merely the solicitations of
relations, but an unmerciful beating, followed by a turning out
of doors.
P Fifteenth Report, p. 40.
4 Ibid. p. 5%.
1
39.2
timonies" which they continue to receive as "the
most encouraging ""-how far, moreover, they
have substantiated the annual acclamatory pro-
mulgations from the platform of Free-masons
Hall; and, lastly, "how gloriously," agreeably
to their own assumptions, "all unite together
in our remarkable day," under their self-delegated
superintendance," towards the appearance and
kingdom of Christ, when there shall be one fold,
and one Shepherds."
It is due to the Committee to state, that one
obvious exception to the evidence which they
have brought forward has been met openly, and
put down with a high hand, by the irresistible
reasoning of one of their own most eminent apos-
tles-the total suppression (viz.) of the names of
all the converts. This claro obscuro sketching of
achievments has been already occasionally sub-
jected to the Author's animadversions, when
Jews at home were the trophies to be exhibited;
but now that foreign Jews have been substituted
for their rejected brethren, and exploits so splen-
did take place, so far removed from British ob-
servation, even the Society's "good friends" are
"displeased" at the concealment, which was evi-
dently misconstrued into a serious ground of of-
fence, till made to appear so wise and profitable
Twelfth Report, p. 51.
Ibid. p. 52.
393
by Mr. Thelwall's ingenious and satisfactory ex-
planation *.
Mr. Thelwall is the Committee's compurgator on this
subject. I found, he says in a letter without an address,
"that our good friends in various parts of England were some-
what displeased, that in all my former letters which have been
printed, nothing but the initials of either persons or places
appeared; but I wish to assure all the readers of our foreign
intelligence, that this was not without just cause and serious
consideration." He then sets out at length the inconvenience
which would accrue to the converts themselves from specifi-
cation, and proceeds, "Besides I think our concern is not so
much with persons as with facts; and I fear that the conti-
nual mention of names, has a great tendency to draw off our
minds from the simple consideration of what God is doing in
his providence and grace, and to excite merely human feelings
towards the individual, who ought to remain, as he is, a mere
nameless nothing." This is self-extinction in profundis! too
admirative not to be supremely satisfactory! Mr. Thelwall
"I make no doubt but the rash mention of names,
(which has always the effect of inducing us too much to glory
in men,) has been one great cause of the lamentable disap-
pointments we have experienced. I have observed in the course
of my own ministry, how the Lord takes care to visit me for
all my human confidences, and regularly, the individuals whom
I have been the most inclined to make mention of, have after-
wards proved those over whom, for one cause or other, I have
had the most reason to mourn and weep, even if I were not obli-
ged to stand in doubt of them altogether." This is most con-
clusive. "It has been a lesson," Mr. T. says,
"to himself,
about publishing the names of Jews he converses with, which,
he trusts, he shall never forget," and most certainly it ought
to have the effect on "his friends which he wishes to impress
goes on;
394
!
}
But with whatever success this exception has
been invalidated, there is another, which de-
stroys the conclusiveness of their representation,
however over-powering in itself, and renders fur-
ther reference necessary, before the merits of
their case can be decided; and this is the bye
law of the Committee, according to which all
their justificatory appeals are constructed.
This has been already brought under the
reader's notice, at the commencement of the pre-
sent chapter"; where it will be seen that one of
the chief advantages anticipated by the Com-
mittee, from the transfer of their conversional
experiment to foreign parts, was "the opportu-
nities and leisure" which it would afford "the
Missionaries for selecting and arranging the infor-
mation to be communicated to the Society at
home," and the farther facility which it would
give "the Directors" of "again selecting what
part of that (already once selected) information
they should deem most fit for the public eye." The
Committee's reports therefore are avowedly not a
simple statement of the whole case, as an impar-
upon them, that of repressing their so natural curiosity." Jewish
Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 281.
Mr. Smith chimes in most harmoniously with his well-school-
ed fellow-labourer-" one sees,” he says, "that the cause goes
forward without being lamed by leaving out names and places.”
Ibid. p. 404.
n See p. 157.
395
tial eye-witness would deliver it, but a case, by
double refinement, and skilful flavouring, clarified
and doctored into a sort of London particular. This
is occasionally so glaring, that even the Com-
mittee themselves are haunted with compunctious
visitations, and "protest it to be by no means
their wish to give too high a colouring to these
encouraging details," nor "to dissemble, with
respect to the Jews upon the Continent, that
much opposition is still made by many amongst
them, or that, in some instances, where a fa-
vourable disposition has for a time been mani-
fested, there has been no lasting impression*;"
and, on one occasion, they refer those who wish
to acquaint themselves with these supernumerary
particulars, "to the very interesting corres-
pondence in the Jewish Expository."
To this less select evidence, then, the reader
shall now finally be introduced; and, defective
as it is, from the omissions and reservations
which occur continually throughout its state-
ments, it will still answer all the purposes of
justice in the case under investigation, and place
the question of the London Society's merits and
pretensions in the clearest point of view.
This final appeal from the Committee, to their
* Fifteenth Report, p. 60.
Fourteenth Report, p. 87.
396
Missionaries and foreign Correspondents, can-
not be more properly introduced than by carry-
ing to the account of that body several addi-
tional specimens of conversion which they have
omitted to bring forward, and which, in justice
to their constituents and the public, ought not
to be left merged in the large mass of periodical
information.
The first of these specimens is picked by Mr.
Friedenberg, on account of "his remarkable
history," out of three proselytes, all of whom
he pronounces
"real Christians indeed." The
distinguishing features of his case are, that he
was educated "neutrally" till his thirteenth
year, "when he embraced Judaism," to which he
continued attached to the age of nineteen, when
"his conscience becoming uneasy, he took bap-
tism," but without the experimental knowledge
of Christ," for which he waited "a year longer,
when it came to him "from hearing a sermon
of an Evangelical Minister," and finished him off
into a "serious" Christian, "walking as becomes
a disciple of Christ"."
The next on the series shall be " a Soap-
boiler," one of Mr. M'Caul's trophies, and such
an one as that zealous missionary may well be
proud of, for he left "his business and came to
L
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 30.
+
397
Warsaw, solely for the purpose of being in-
structed and baptized;" and, when there, made
such surprizing progress in his religious studies,
that" in three weeks he was master of four
Tracts, the four Gospels, the Acts, the Epistle
to the Hebrews, the first four chapters to the
Romans, and some odd chapters of the Epistles,"
and that so completely, as to undergo "a very
solemn cross-examination" to Mr. M'Caul's en-
tire satisfaction".
Appended to this last conversion, as a sort of
corollary to it, is that of another young man, "to
whose baptism the Soap-boiler opened the way"
by promising to teach him soap-boiling also.
The sketch given of this convert is most highly
promising in the very outset of his conversional
career, for M'Caul, speaking in the name of the
whole Mission, testifies on his behalf-" we
have good reason to hope that the Spirit of God
has long since begun a work of peace in his
heart:" but in the midst of the process of
pro-
selytism, there is a fearful interruption-" he
began to doubt very much of the deity of Jesus
Christ"-" diligent and anxious investigation,"
however, "soon relieved him, and much im-
proved his spiritual state," and the soap boiling
proposal coming at this nick of time, Mr. M'Caul
baptized him," satisfied of his preparedness
Z
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 471.
398
*" as to the knowledge of Christianity," and hoping
it as to his "Christian experience a."
The next specimen shall be "a respectable
stranger,” an elevè of Professor Tholuck's, though
prepared for that illuminist's labours, by some
previous "blessed conversations" with Mr.
M'Caul. He is notified as " fully believing the
truth of Christianity," the demonstration of
which is, his being "so overpowered at the
Professor's pathos, in lecturing upon our Lord's
spontaneous self-abasement," that he declared
himself "ready to cry out loudly, so sympa-
thetically was he drawn to Christ "."
The case of "Rabbi Judah R." shall be the
next in rotation, communicated by "a very spi-
ritually minded Christian connected with the Conti-
nental Society," and gazetted by the Committee
amongst their own Missionary achievments.
He had mastered the grand difficulty in the
very threshold of Jewish conversion-viz. the
Messiahship, and passed advent of Jesus, in both
of which doctrines he declared his belief, but
"not sufficiently powerful to lead him to a
frank confession before his countrymen," though
his "convictions" were wrought in him by “a
dream," in which he "saw two persons"-the
one clothed in white, and of a commanding
66
a Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 472.
b Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 482.
399
'
stature," who was presented to him by
the other," with the following accompanying
announcement: "This is the Messiah whom ye
wait forε."
The three last specimens are too profane to
appear in the text, and would not be allowed in-
sertion in any part of the author's pages, but that
they appear necessary to the complete enlight-
ening of the public mind upon the London So-
ciety's merits and pretensions. And here the
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 427.
* There has been with me a young man, whom the Lord has
led to the truth in a very extraordinary way.
About a year
ago he came to Berlin, and fell sick. It so happened that the
attendant procured for him was a Christian, and a serious
Christian. The patient's ear, however, was so deaf to truth,
that the Christian waiter had given up all hopes of making an
impression, when one day, to his joyful surprise, he found
him (the patient) reading the New Testament, with his face all
bathed in tears. The young Jew embraced him, and said, now
I believe the things you so often have spoken of. He then re-
lated that he had seen Jesus Christ repeatedly in a dream,
kindly nodding with his head towards him from the cross•• •He
told me several weighty reasons which detained him from making
immediately an open profession of Christ; but I was charmed.
with the thankfulness with which he took a letter, &c. I trust
he will never forget the great things the Lord has done for
him here, and in due time become a monument of glory to God.”·
Friedenberg to C. S. Hawtrey. Ibid. Vol. V. p. 32.
"",
"This, dear Sir, is the confession of faith laid down by Mr.
according to the notions of religion I had received in
my early youth, I believed in an Almighty God, revered his
400
favourable side of the Society's case is brought to
a close, and the allegation of the countervailing
evidence commences.
commands, and dreaded his punishments... But true sentimen-
tal feelings were wiped away when I entered the University.
Here cold understanding...and egotism raged in my breast
furiously...at times there returned the anguish and disqui-
etude of my former days. One day this gloom prevailed more
than ever...I shuddered, and betook myself to prayer. This,
I am aware, was the first glance of the true light...Not long
after I proceeded to Vienna. Here I got acquainted with the
first real and spiritual Christian I ever saw...One day, all on a
sudden, whilst I was reflecting on our conversations, a flash
of light shone through my mind, giving me a glimpse of the
mysterious truths of the Gospel...From that very day the
Spirit of God was active in my soul..but the mercy of God in-
tended to complete the work. It was in January, 1821, after
a disquieted night as it were by the blowing of a wind, I was
carried from the father of sin, Adam, over all the sinful gene-
rations to Abraham, and still higher to Moses,...and so on, to
all the centuries of sin and corruption, till the call of the Gos-
pel and a divine Redeemer sounded in my ears—then I lifted
up my eyes, and recognized, for the first time, Jesus, &c. 1
saw him on the cross...I heard his last words...and, seized with
an unconquerable impulse, which could not proceed but from
faith...I cried out, Lo, the Lamb of God, bearing the sins of the
world! I do not know how, but this very moment I believed, and
all my former doubts disappeared, the resurrection, &c. all
the way was clear to me. I got overwhelmed by the power of
my feelings, so as to cry loudly, and repeatedly, I believe!
I believe!…..Now I have an inexpressible desire to be received
into the communion of the Christian Church by holy baptism."
The commentary upon this narrative states, that "from the
first moment of Mr. M.'s awakening, he felt a strong desire to
401
Under the first division of that evidence, ac-
tual rejection of proffered conversional services,
and actual repulses experienced by the Mission-
aries, shall be exhibited: and though their jour-
nals are avowedly but a selection of the adventures
study for the ministry," which "purpose," (after some inter-
val) it goes on to declare that "God shewed clearly that he
approved," as "three days had scarcely elapsed" when the
Commentator "had been enabled to collect seventy dollars for
this Nathanael, even half of which sum he could not make up,
two weeks before, for another distressed friend in Christ.".
Letter from a learned and pious Professor of Theology abroad,
to one of the Vice-Presidents. Ibid. Vol. VI.
Ibid. Vol. VI. p. 355–357.
From the same correspondent the following" account of
another proselyte-a rare example," is recorded.
"Mr.
received all what he had of religious ideas out of poems and
romances...the result was a purified deism...he entered the mili-
tary career," which "wore off his mind almost every trace of
religious feeling." Such was his state when a young Christian
in who had formerly been with him in the same classical
school, met him in the street. Several very unpromising at-
tempts at conversion ensue. At length an observation made
by "K. with an affecting voice, Believe me, dear Sir, there is
an anchor holding us to all eternity!" proved "an arrow in
poor 's heart, which he could not get rid of." K. lent
him different religious books. The Bible he brought back, with
these words: "I cannot read it; all is so antiquated I hardly
can understand it; and as to Jesus, I have a better image of him
in my heart, than I find in the Bible. I must change; but, my dear
friend, not by the Bible, nor by Jesus can any thing be effected; I
have a disgust at these old stories." K. then lent him “
high poetical but moral books," which were "returned with dis-
satisfaction." He then tried "Lavater's Journal," which made
him "like to hear of Christ, but merely as a human being." "He
D d
some
402
་
of each day, yet the discomfitures detailed in
them are so numerous, as to set at defiance all
attempts sufficiently to compress them for in-
troduction either into the text of the history or
even into the notes. An abstract therefore is
all that can be attempted, for the particulars of
which, the reader must be referred to the Ap-
pendix.
That which first commands attention, on this
most cursory survey of these copious exemplifica-
tions of defeat, is, that whilst the Society's trophies
pe-
afterwards read Fenelon, and a book of the Moravian bre-
thren,” which, “I dare say," says the Professor, "accomplished
the work of the Holy Ghost in his heart. For when he had
rused them he came to K. touched to the quick, sensible of
his great guilt, longing for light, and expressing that he
heartily wished he could believe in Christ as God. He assured
him that this very longing was the forerunner of real belief.
And so it was the case. After three days he returned, with holy
mirth on his face, tears sparkling in his eyes: "O! all is
clear! to me," did he exclaim; "all is clear to me; Jesus has
revealed himself to me! Jesus is truly God! O! how merci-
ful is Jesus! I see him before me alway, as my crucified Re-
deemer!" Four days after this blessed change, he received the
order to remove to a distant fortress in Prussia, where "he
was for one year growing continually in holiness and fidelity,
when he communicated his decided wish to devote himself to
the cause of God as a Missionary." The Professor's commen-
tary upon the narrative is, that he is "glad to give it" to the
V. P. "that his zeal in the cause may not be slackened by
those many disappointments which he incurs." How tantalizing
in this V. P. to debar the readers of the Expositor the pleasure
of sympathizing with him, by remaining in concealment !!!-
Ibid. pp. 357-359.
403
are individuals, or at the most single families, these,
in very many instances, set forth crowds of Jews,
the bulk of the population of the place where the
enterprise is attempted, as the opponents to its
success. They exhibit, moreover, every de-
scription of subterfuge that can be resorted to,
and every species of failure that can take place;
from the unprofitable results of long conversa-
tions, to insults and outrages of all sorts by
which demonstration can be made, that "to
make them Christians is considered (as Mr.
Thelwal expresses it *) an intended injury," and by
which therefore scorn and indignation can be
manifested' in repelling the attempt.
But the Society's discomfitures are not all
summed up in the repulses which it has experi-
enced. Paradoxical as it may at first sight ap-
pear, its most extravagantly magnified successes-
the very
seals," as Mr. Bushe designates
them, of its Missionaries' testimony""-are its
most disgraceful defeats.
Mr. Thelwal with great truth "remarked"
of Jewish conversion, that " rapid progress" in
it warrants the suspicion, that the proselyte
"skips the difficulties instead of overcoming them,"
:
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 411.
g
See Appendix XV.
* Sermon XIII. Annual Report, p. 46.
D d 2
404
and affords too just ground "to expect that the
work will turn out superficial and transitory
h "
Whether the circumstances and the results of
the Society's foreign baptisms suggested this
observation does not appear, but, however this
may be, they could not have been more appo-
sitely commented upon, nor could Mr. Thelwal
have illustrated his apothegm with more preg-
nant exemplifications.
For, in the first place, it is the boast of Mr.
Von Meyer, in his cheering report to the Lon-
don Society of the "many Jews, for the greatest
part strangers, unexpectedly applying for recep-
tion into the Church of Christ," that they are
all here (viz. at Frankfort) baptized without hesi-
tation"-temporal motives, viz. "the desire to
become apostles," and of course to live of the gos-
pel, being their avowed inducement. The same
secular reasons are assigned from Saxony as ge-
nerally applicable to the Jewish baptisms which
had taken place there, and which are therefore
most contemptuously spoken of as "little worth
rejoicing at:" and Mr. Way, it will be recol-
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 80.
Fourteenth Report, Appendix, p. 114.
That Jews apply for baptism, to be more successful in their
trade, both in buying and selling, or to get rid of numberless
provocations to which they are exposed, is no rarity, and little
worth rejoicing at. The case is more seldom that a respectable
Jen, from true conviction, becomes a Christian."-Extract from
Saxon Newspaper, Oct. 7, 1820. Thirteenth Report, p. 126.
405
lected, casts the same scorn upon them, in the
case of baptisms which had lately taken place at
Hanover when he made his exploratory tour'.
It might be assumed of such baptisms as
these, that the difficulties were all skipped by the
parties who had received them; but this is mat-
ter of record in very many instances, the journal
entries being frequent of Jews in almost the
same breath, desiring baptism, and either dis-
covering or confessing themselves in an uncon-
verted state, or else actually baptized, and
still in a state either of ignorance of the
doctrines of the gospel, or of hostility to
them ". Mr. Marc, it is true, attempts an
• See
p. 172.
"A respectable young man wishes to be baptized: though
I have no reason to think that his heart is changed, yet his desire
to hear, and his zeal to bring his acquaintances to hear also, is
no small gratification."-M'Caul, Warsaw.-Fourteenth Report,
p. 150.
"Several young Jews have declared to me their intention to
be baptized-some of whom are not more than fourteen or fif-
teen years old—who appeared to me Israelites indeed, in whom is no
guile."-Smith.-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 325. Breslaw.
"Another Jew was sent to us by the Rev. Mr. Diehl, who
is shortly to be baptized; but we are sorry to say, he knows
nothing of true Christianity."-Becker, Wendt Hoff. War-
saw.—Ibid. p. 242.
“A young Israelite much wished to be received into the
Christian Church; he confessed that he was not quite satisfied
as to the principles of the same-at which I stated to him
my surprise," &c.-Smith.-Jewish Expositor Vol. IX. p. 118.
None is received into the number of Ingenieur-Leiutenants
406
explanation of these discouraging phenomena
by representing that "there is a difference in
the degree of the receptivity of the good seed, the
had been therefore
except Christians or Heathens; Mr.
obliged to get himself baptized. He addressed for that pur-
pose the minister, in the place he was in at that time. O shame
of those ministers who bear the name of Christians! told him,
'you are an educated young man, my dear Mr. , you
need no Christian instruction whatever, we shall manage the
matter quickly. So he got baptized; but of course without
the least influence on his heart."-Interesting Letter from
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 359.
"A Jewish girl and a whole family were baptized here last
week. God grant that their hearts may be baptized also."-
Smith, Militsch.-Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 476..
"I had the pleasure of being visited by a young Jew. This
young man, had indeed afterwards been instructed and bap-
tized. I entered into conversation with him, and found him to
be…..apparently without any experience of regeneration by the
Spirit of God."-Professor Tholuck.-Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 314.
"A Jew, of the name of Levi, wished to become a Mission-
ary. Sincere, as this young man appeared, I could not help
feeling concerned, when I heard that the Rev. Mr.
at
mi..
had baptized him without any previous
nister of
instruction." -Elsner.—Ibid. p. 116.
"Rev. Mr. M. had, about five years ago, baptized a Jew,
Mr. E. of whom he gave me a very interesting account...
Called on Mr. E. in company with Mr. M. I cannot say
I was much gratified; instead of the meekness and humility
one would especially desire to find in a converted Jew, he is
disputatious, exceedingly tenacious of his opinions, and in all
reasonings, it seems as if he had utterly forgotten that there is
such a thing as a Divine Revelation in the world."-Thelwal's
Journal. Ibid. VII. 413-415.
407
66 a
fruit of which, in one appears quickly and abun-
dant, and in another slowly and scantily." To
remedy which, he states himself not to "have
been wanting in his exertions among those who
have been baptized under the protection of the
Frankfort Society, to discover and to remove
the doubts which might be lurking in the back
ground of their hearts, and to lead them to the
living fountain of truth:" and he expresses
well founded hope" that the greatest part of
these proselytes have not "received the grace of
God in vain"," and "will at a future time adorn
the Church of Christ by their life and conversa-
tion P." But Mr. Thelwal, making an official
report of his visitation of the Frankfort Jew con-
verting district, about five months subsequent
to the date of Mr. Marc's prognostics, takes a
very different view of his embryo ornaments, and
informs the Committee at home, "we could not
learn any thing that particularly pleased us re-
specting them, and had reason rather to fear,
that here, as in other places, that sacred ordinance
had been sometimes too precipitately administer-
ed." And that this is indeed the case, testi-
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 78.
P Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 237.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 397. The place to which
this remark is specifically applied is Elberfield, but the Society
there is one of the dependencies of the Frankfort Society, and
comprised, equally with the latter place, within Mr. Marc's
4
408
mony from other places so abundantly proves,
that, taking into account the glaring fact of its
being selected testimony, unmitigated by a sin-
gle well established case of sober-minded, stea-
dy, persevering conversion, the only conclusion
is, that the Society's precipitancy, and other
misconceits, have rendered all its purposes
abortive; and that its successes are actually dis-
comfitures more desperate and shameful than all the
accumulated instances on record against it, in
which its attempts at proselytism have been re-
jected and repulsed'. This is beginning to be
sphere of conversional enterprize-and it is from Frankfort that
Mr. Thelwal dates his communication.
"This minister (a great friend of the cause) has baptized
some years ago an hopeful Jewish youth, but who was by his
relations terrified back into Judaism—a similar case I have ex-
perienced myself a fortnight ago."-Friedenberg-Twelfth
Report, p. 104.
"The two Jews at Barut, who have been recently baptized
by Mr. Tschudy, continue to pass outwardly to be Jews, and
the one of them is fallen back into Judaism, and has denied
Christ in presence of the convert Abraham."-Wolf's Journal,
Jerusalem, March 12, 1822.-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII.
p. 381.
"By the senseless mass of nominal Christians, a baptized
Jew is considered a despicable being. Some think he has re-
nounced his God; and it is but too true, that not a few of them
have given rise to such sentiments by the impurity of their mo-
tives, and by the breach of their baptismal vow."-Von Meyer,
Oct. 24, 1820.-Ibid. Vol. VI. p. 75.
"Experience has taught us, that some baptized Israelites,
though fully convinced that Jesus of Nazareth is Messiah,
409
felt even by those who have shewn themselves
almost past feeling by the grossness of their im-
positions; and the profanation of baptism is sus-
pended both at Detmold and Frankfort, because
the mockery of it at length surpasses all these
Societies' means of concealment or palliation.
yet, from human frailty, have fallen into sin, and thus induced
a suspicion as to the reality of their conversion, and feelings
of disaffection in the minds of enlightened Christians, who per-
haps are too apt to forget the patience and long-suffering
which the Lord showed to them in the beginning of their
Christian course."- Frankfort, Society's Report, Vol. IX.
p. 387.
"A baptized Jew, who is a visitor here (Pyrmont) is a great
trial to me, as his conduct is likely to counteract the effects of
my labour. His cunning tricks were not of the Spirit of God,
but of Satan. When I asked him what could induce him to
become a Christian, he left me in a fit of anger.
"On a following day I visited a family of baptized Jews from
H. and was sorry to find that they also were strangers to him
who is the only Head of the Church, and Saviour of the body.
An awful responsibility rests on ministers, who do not scruple to
baptize Jews without leading them to Jesus."—Petri.—Ibid.
Vol. VIII. p. 28, 29.
"The plan is, not to make any proselytes among Jewish
individuals, but by the abundant dissemination of the New
Testament and of Tracts, to prepare the way of the Lord for
the salvation of all Israel."—G. B. B. to the Foreign Secretary
Detmold.-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 493.
"We do not think it necessary to urge them to be baptized.
'We do not aim at the introduction of individual Israelites into
the Church, but invite them generally to faith in Christ."-
Frankfort Society, Second Report.-Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 387.
410
But though this last act in the process of
conversion-this sealing, as Mr. Bushe phrases
it, of "the Missionaries' testimony," may have
been prematurely solemnized, still it is a record-
ed fact that near 50,000 copies of the Scrip-
tures, in whole or in part, and upwards of
500,000 tracts and cards, have been distributed
by them during the Society's foreign specula-
tion. And the pulpit has been employed to
give impressiveness to the announcement-that
these "silent heralds of salvation" (as they
are technically called) are "received with an
avidity and earnestness of enquiry," which fully
warrants the preacher's figurative promulgation,
that the "fields are truly white to harvest;" or
(to speak in Baron Blomberg's simpler terms,)
"Many more hopeful Israelites have applied for baptism, but
for reasons already specified, we have not been able to meet
their wishes.”—Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX.
p. 389.
'Bushe's Sermon, Thirteenth Report, p. 45. "Who can tell
what effect the distribution of even twenty-seven New Testa-
ments and 300 Tracts, amongst such a population (as that, viz.
of Sklov, where nearly 10,000 Jews reside,) may through the
Divine blessing produce upon the minds of themselves or their
children." Twelfth Report, p. 53.
"Twenty Testaments, two in Judeo-Polish, forty Catechisms,
five Messias Echad, thirty of Two Letters, fifty Self Examina-
tions, fifty Gospels contained in the Old Testament, fifty Ex-
tracts from Rabbinical writings, 200 Cards. This, dearest sir,
is the seed sown on a field of about 150 miles in circumference.
How much is fallen on good ground, the eternal harvest, will
shew."--Becker. -Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 401.
411
that the way of the Lord for the salvation of
all Israel," is in a very advanced stage of pre-
paration.
But, in the first place, with respect to the
New Testament, evidence has been already pro-
duced, that the Hebrew into which it is trans-
lated is "so far from biblical, that it will excite
the greatest disgust in every Jew who has the
slightest knowledge of the language ";" and this
has been fully confirmed to the author by a gen-
tleman who has compared the London Society's
Version and Hutter's together, and who, besides
an unqualified assertion of the manifest superio-
rity of the latter over the former, in every pas-
sage in which they differ, places in the clearest
point of view the intrinsic worthlessness of
the Society's Version, by describing it as "in
fact nothing but the English translation turned,
not into Hebrew idiom, but into Hebrew words"-
the original of the Old Testament being not
even adhered to in the citations from that por-
tion of the Sacred Volume, which is of itself
enough to set any Jew against it. But, as the
judgment of the Committee's own correspon-
dents, upon their "grand instrument*" of Jewish
"See p. 138. note.
X
Perhaps it is not too much to say, that this (the Hebrew
Testament) is likely to be the grand instrument of bringing the
whole Jewish nation to confess that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed
the Christ, the anointed of God.”—Rev. William Cooper.-
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 289.
412
conversion, may appear less questionable than
any which the author can adduce, Mr. Nitschke,
and Mr. Becker, shall both be cited to speak to
the present question, which they will do so de-
cidedly, as to put the charge involved in it
wholly out of dispute ".
"
From the unintelligible barbarisms of the grand
instrument of conversion, the reader's attention
shall next be directed to the intellectual disability
of those, upon whom, in conjunction with the
Society's tracts, it is said to have had such be-
neficial operation. This bar to its conversional
usefulness is admitted, as far as "the Jews in
this country" are concerned, who are acknow-
ledged to be, for the most part, very ignorant.”
But the case, as represented by the Committee,
is far different with the Jews" in Poland, in the
Crimea and in the East, many of them being in-
telligent, well versed in the Hebrew, and so at-
tached to it, that they receive almost any thing
written in this, which they esteem the sacred
"Mr. Neumann remarked, that in the four Gospels I had
sent him, some passages were translated too literally, and there-
fore did not fully express the sense.”—Mr. Nitschke, Eleventh
Report, p. 71.
"Four other Jews entered-the third a great Hebrew scho-
lar. He shewed me several places where it was difficult to
understand the true meaning in the Hebrew New Testament;
words being used that conveyed another idea."-Becker.-
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 329.
413
1
·
language, with avidity and curiosity." Here,
however, as far as respects Poland, the Commit-
tee are at issue with their own confidential
agents, and have very candidly recorded their
contradictory evidence, and as far as respects the
East, have woefully neglected to profit by their
knowledge-for Mr. Sargon complains that they
had sent him to Cochin "Tracts and Cards in
the German Hebrew character, which the com-
mon people were not able to read "."
This latter dialect is recommended by Mr.
Freidenberg as that which ought to have been
made choice of as the medium of communication
with the Jews in Poland, and accordingly it
was adopted by the Committee in conjunction
with the Hebrew, and appears, in the several
enumerations of copies of the Scriptures, and
tracts circulated by that body, as the language
most in use for the Society's conversional pub-
lications. But Mr. Smith tells rather a dis-
heartening tale, when he reports of "boys from
the classical School at Breslaw," that "most
of them read it with great difficulty," and that
the Jewish Students in the University prefer
the German". Whilst Mr. Marc makes a much
• Seventh Report, p. 43.
* See p. 178, note b.
b Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 254.
• See p. 359.
4 Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 325.
414
more desperate representation of the case, sta-
ting the number to be "few of the country Jews in
the province of L-- who were able to read it;"
and then, having hazarded the conjecture that
"there may be more countries where the state
of the Jews is the same," propounds to the
Committee this embarrassing question: "What
benefit may be expected from circulating reli-
gious books among persons of that description
This question the Committee have not answered,
but the confidence which they manifest in their
constituents, in submitting it to be speculated
upon by them, claims the highest admiration.
e "
From Jewish disability the transition is very
natural to Jewish disinclination, which has been
expressed much more determinately by those
who have received copies of the Scriptures and
tracts, than by the vast multitudes who have
refused them.
The least hostile purpose for which these incen-
tives and helps to proselytism appear to have
been accepted, is for that of cavilling at their
contents, and furnishing the receivers with ma-
terials for strife and disputation. Every report
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 78.
fil
April 16, 1822. Rabbi Reuben accepted with joy a He-
brew Testament... April 18. Rabbi Reuben told me he has read
great part of the New Testament, and he had now to ask me
a question, &c. Rabbi Reuben did not expect that answer,
and I may say that he was not able to go on with his arguments.
415
made by those engaged in " scattering the So-
ciety's seed tells the sad tale, that it is no
sooner sown than choked either by contradic-
He observed, we ought to believe the majority of Israel, than
to those few only who embrace the Messiahship of Jesus."-
Wolf-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 508-510.
"The conversation lasted an hour, (viz. upon Exod. xxiii.)
My heart revolted to see the Rabbies perverting a text in such
an abominable manner, to make the Holy Ghost a liar."—Ibid.
IX.
p. 267.
"A Jew of the Spanish community called on me-one of the
most respectable of them. He desired me to lend him sixty
piastres. I told him I could not, &c. He immediately brought
forth the New Testament which he had received from me, and
shewed me Matt. v. 42. From him that would borrow of thee
turn thou not away."-Ibid. p. 291.
"Three young men came again, and three others, with whom
I disputed for several hours, but it was surprising how they
wrested and perverted the Scriptures to model them to their own
purpose.-Becker.-Ibid. VIII. p. 442.
"The two Jews who had received the New Testament from
us last week, came to us, and shewed that they had read it
for strife's sake. They had marked a number of passages, and
tried to prove the inconsistency of the New Testament, both in
form and doctrine... The two learned Jews came again, they
seemed to think they should gain a complete victory by shewing
the difference in the two genealogies of Matthew and Luke.”—
Wendt and Hoff.-Ibid. IX. p. 421.
"Rev. Mr. N. to whom I had transmitted Tracts and New
Testaments, told me the greatest part were in good hands, as I
should learn myself on visiting them. Called upon two very
respectable Jewish heads of families. They showed me all the
tracts very neatly bound together, and also a Hebrew New
Testament. They assured me that the latter afforded them
416
tions or blasphemings, and that the very par-
ties themselves employed in dispersing it, are
continually amazed at the waste they are ma-
king, inasmuch as the objects of their religious
cultivation, are, upon their own shewing, judi-
cially disqualified for the perception of Chris-
tian truth, by the "vail still upon their hearts;"
and are, moreover, so embittered against it,
that it is quite surprising how they will
Co
very great satisfaction. This led to a religious conversation,
during which they repeated the same objections they had made
to Mr. N. arising from a want of belief in divine revelation in
general.”—Bergman.-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 407.
""
Many young Israelites comforted me. They assured me
the tracts I had sent hither had excited a great stir.-Ibid.
p. 408.
• I besought him (Rabbi Mendel) to read it (New Testa-
ment)...he took it not very readily; but as he has taken it, and
promised to read it, I hope that the grace of the Lord will en-
lighten his prejudiced heart...Rabbi Mendel sent for me...My
heart does not permit me to write the blasphemies which Rabbi
Mendel said about Jesus Christ. Rabbi Mendel has not yet
looked into the New Testament.-Wolf.-Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VII. p. 505, 506.
"It would have made any one amazed who was not accus-
tomed to converse with Jews upon these subjects, (that Jesus
was the Messiah) to have seen what shifts they were put to
in order to evade the force of the evidence that was produced
in favour of Jesus being a divine person...as it was in the days
of the Apostles, so we find it now, the vail is still upon their
hearts when they read Moses and the Prophets." Extract of a
Letter from the Missionaries at Astracham. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. V.
p. 237.
417
sometimes oppose, contrary to their own better
conviction "." Dispersion, however, is every thing
with the Society's agents, insomuch that Mr.
M'Caul, having "lent tracts," which the borrow-
ers purloined, writes word home that their very
keeping them has been to him matter of conso-
lation i."
But the worst purpose for which the Jews
play into the Society's hands, by enabling them to
make such large totals of distribution, is that
they may fight the Missionaries with their own
weapons, by actually pelting them with the torn
remnants of the tracts which they have distri-
buted; and that they may further revenge
themselves upon the aggressors for that which,
in the present state of the Jewish mind, is
neither more nor less than cruel persecution, by
destroying the records and other formularies of
the religion attempted to be forced upon them,
h Mr. Schneider. Twelfth Report, p. 105.
i Fourteenth Report, p. 127.
"On the market-place, as many as thirty, old and young,
gathered round me. I spoke to them about an hour. The
moon sometimes shining as through the clouds: but, alas!
there was no winning any of them for the Lord who bought
them by his blood. At last, when one threw at me with the
pieces of a tract rolled together, I told them they should be-
ware of sinning against God, &c. and so went away." Becker.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 400.
E e
418
with every mark of indignity that could accom-
pany the destruction ¹.
"Yesterday morning somebody came before the windows
and tore a tract." M'Caul. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII.
p. 47.
"The old Jew came after me repeatedly, saying, he would
be saved; telling him he must believe in Christ, he said no, I
should save him; but he meant with money. Afterwards he
came with a tract in his hand, and doing as if he were willing
to tear it." Ibid. p. 399.
"Came to Gleisnitz... Several Jews were standing. They
contradicted every thing that was said, and made a jest of the
books... The Jewess, to whom a tract was given, having found
out what it was, gave it to a Jew; and as M'Caul over-heard
another Jew telling him to destroy it, he took it away again.”
Ibid. p. 459.
"The next day great numbers of Jews visited us, to whom
we spoke concerning our coming, and what consequences this
would have for them in eternity, after their receiving or not
receiving our message. But, alas! soon we learnt that se-
veral of our tracts were lying in the streets, torn in pieces. We
went to find out who had done it; this had the consequence,
that they ceased from destroying them publicly." Hoff and
Wandt. Jewish Expositor, VIII. p. 449.
"I received from his heirs (Mr. Nitschke's) his whole stock
of Hebrew New Testaments, Prophets, and tracts... Though
rendered cautious by some lamentable instances of books being
destroyed by the Jews, my stock has been so far reduced, that
we are very thankful for the three chests received from your
Society. •as I hinted before, we must be very cautious. May
the Lord bless the stock in hand." Dr. Scheibel. Jewish Ex-
positor, Vol. IX. p. 117.
"Several Jews called on me, and desired New Testaments,
&c. I gave them the books gratis. They read them in the
419
This point has been already touched upon in
the account given of the Committee's reconnoi-
trings preparatory to their foreign campaign ",
but the instances there cited may be taken as
casual irruptions of Jewish passion, rather than
as acts of premeditated hostility. They will
now be shewn to be systematic, determined upon
in council by the Rabbins", formally enjoined by
streets; but the Jews from Barbary took them out of their
hands, and burnt a great many of them. Wolff's Journal-
Jerusalem. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 424.
"I went this evening to Rabbi Joseph Ben Wolf. I ob-
served, that out of the Bible which I had presented him with,
several leaves had been torn. I asked the reason of it. Rabbi
Joseph told me that an enthusiastic Jew had done that mischief,
on account of the crosses which are to be found in the Bible. I
was so much displeased and hurt about it, that I left the room."
Wolf. Ibid. p. 422.
"A person employed to sell the Hebrew Testament met
with a Jew who said he would give half a dollar for it. But
when he was asked what use he would afterwards make of it,
declared, with considerable warmth, I will tear it in pieces and
trample it under foot before your face." Neat. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. IX.
p. 23.
m See
n
p.
178. note *.
"The chief Rabbies have this morning proclaimed in the
synagogue, that every Jew must burn all the Hebrew Bibles,
(Reineccius's edition) on account of the Samaritan text and the
crosses, &c. To prevent so great an evil, I wrote to the first
high-priests, &c. and they sent the clerk of the synagogue to
desire me to go there. As soon as I entered the hall, those who
sat on the divan arose, and gave me a seat between them. After
stating their objections to the edition of the Old Testament,
•
E e 2
420
},
proclamation on pain of heavy penalties annexed,
and rigidly executed to the extermination of the
proscribed volumes wherever they could be
found". Mr. Thelwal's posing question, there-
they proceeded, With respect to the New Testament which
you have distributed, you must know yourself, for you are of
the seed of Israel, that it is against the law of Moses, which
you yourself so highly approve, and we are therefore determined
to burn every copy of them.' Wolf's Journal-Jerusalem.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 424-5.
"The Jews had the day before proclaimed the excommu-
nication against the New Testament only, but Catholics against
both New and Old. Ibid. p. 421.
"He had retained his tract-the Rabbi, when he heard
of it, allowed him no more publicly to read the law." Becker.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 443.
-
"In the evening we heard that a banishment (Dan) had been
pronounced in the synagogue against those Jews who shall
continue to come to us, which gave us also reason to pray for
this blinded people." Hoff and Wandt. Ibid. p. 448.
"I met Gedilyah, he complained to me that his New Testa-
ment was taken from him last year by force." Wolf. Ibid.
p. 367.
"I asked Rabbi Mercado why he had collected, after my
departure, all the copies of the New Testament which I had
distributed. He told me he had only taken the books from
those of whom he thought they were not capable of judging.”
Wolf. Ibid. 369.
"Some thousands of tracts have been already distributed
among them; many of them have been burnt by the Rabbies."
Wolf. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 419.
"One of those Jews who had received a tract from me in
Calvary, viz. on my Journey from hence (Warsaw) to Russia
雅
​421
fore, relative to the Scriptures, may now be
put inclusively of tracts also as equally ap-
plicable to them,-"with all the copies circulated
amongst the Jews, how few have been awaken-
ed by either "?" Nor are the forebodings which
Mr. Smith communicates less pointedly apposite.
"Some think the attack made by Christians upon
the Jews too great a venture"."
Here it should seem that these laborious re-
searches might terminate, the London Society's
pretensions having been all confronted with its
own selected statements, and stripped of every
semblance of truth by this least disputable of all
methods of investigation. But, in the face of
such details of discomfiture as have been brought
under the reader's cognizance, the Committee
put it forth, as "a subject of devout thankfulness,
that there are seventeen Missionary agents un-
der the direction of, or in connection with, the
London Society, now labouring among God's
last
year, told me that the Rabbi, after I had left that place, or-
dered all the books to be burned; upon which two Testaments
and many tracts had been committed to the flames, of which
he was an eye-witness." Becker. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII.
p. 443.
“On account of the measures of the Rabbies and the Rahal,
no Jew now ventures to come to my house. These engines of
Satan have gone about from house to house, and wherever they
have found any of our books they have made an auto-da-fé of
them." Moritz, Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 196.
•
See p. 360.
"Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 475.
422
99
His
ancient people in different parts of the world.”
They present, moreover, a survey of the several
stations in which these Missionaries are re-
spectively engaged, and they "call attention to
their exertions" as "sufficient to afford ample
encouragement to those who have learned not to
despise the day of small things"." To complete
the enquiry, therefore, a last reference must be
made to these fore-cited witnesses, both as to
the conversional courses which they are pursu-
ing, and as to the actual state of their affairs.
Mr. Thelwal shall be first introduced.
scene of action is Holland, and his head-quarters
Amsterdam; where, it will be recollected,
door of entrance and utterance was opened to
him" by means of an Episcopal Chapel-a joint-
stock concern between the congregation and the
London Society-of which he was placed in
charge. The beneficial results of this specula-
tion, according to his own report, were the
"supplying more than twenty persons with the
means of grace," and with the "feeling in their
own hearts" of "the comforts of vital religion;"
of which, "without the efforts of the Society,"
they would have have been manifestly" des-
titute. This was the encouraging produce of
6'6
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 18. Jan. 1824. This year
the survey has been omitted.
t
Rev. Mr. Thelwal's speech at Norwich, Jewish Associa-
tion Anniversary, Oct. 4, 1822. p. 17.
a
423
three years ministerial labour-not indeed Jewish
produce-but still such as (from the mixed na-
ture of the Amsterdam undertaking ") might fairly
be alleged in proof of the Society's usefulness,
as far as the actual worth of the services ren-
dered would support the representation. Yet
had Mr. Thelwal, when he made this boast of
his successful ministry, left his hopeful flock (as
himself expresses it "as sheep without a shep-
it"
herd,") for upwards of four months, with the de-
clared purpose signified from the pulpit, of not
preaching to them in future, but at opportuni-
ties, very much interrupted and uncertain ;" and
with the more decided intimation in his report
sent home, that this preachment "might be con-
sidered in some respects as a last effort" in the
capacity of Episcopal Chapel minister *.
See pp. 299-303.
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 323. That a Clergyman,
who, according to his own statement, had had "great and ma-
nifold experience of God's effectual help in a situation" of pro-
fessional duty with which he had charged himself, should not
only abandon that situation, unprovided with a substitute, but
should actually, as he says, "make improvement in a Whitsun-
day discourse upon the unusual circumstances in which himself
and his congregation were thus placed, and on the uncertainty
which hung over their future relation, is a species of edifica-
tion of which there are not many parallels, even in the annals
of modern spiritual empyricism. This, however, is not the
crowning particular of Mr. Thelwal's climax, for he pro-
ceeds, "I have reason to think, both from the deep impres-
424
The Jews in the interior of Holland now be-
came the objects of Mr. Thelwal's conversional
enterprise, and it is reported, in the account
given of the anniversary of the Bristol Jew Aux-
iliary in 1822, that he "excited much interest by
the information which he imparted from per-
sonal knowledge of their state." But, unless
he contradicted his already published Journal,
his description of "their present state," as far
as the London Society were interested in it,
must have been that they were so " estranged
and averse from religious conversation," that
the very "entering upon it," with "the abrupt-
with which an unintroduced stranger
was necessitated to open his communications,
“awakened all those prejudices and suspicions
which are most opposed to the object in view 2"
-that any attempt "to make them Christians
would be considered as an intended injury
and that he should have found his time hang
heavy upon his hands, but that, having made it
a rule to take every opportunity of scattering
seed on the right hand and on the left, when
he could not find access to the Jews he turned to
ness
""
a ›
sion which appeared to be made on the congregation at the
time, and from more particular circumstances which I learned
afterwards, that the Lord was pleased not to withhold His
blessing."
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 485.
a Ibid. p. 411.
Ibid. p. 325.
A
425
" intelli-
the Gentiles"-and yet after all, the
gence" he could scrape together was so scanty,
that, at the close of his report of progress, he is
obliged to admit, that for "the space filled up" he
is in a great degree indebted to "observations:
d ››
,
This excursion being ended, a trip to England
was Mr. Thelwal's next Missionary exploit, to
form part of the yearly foraging “deputation
and to call down blessings and pence upon the
Society, by those animating details of success of
which two specimens have just been recorded.
He returns, however, to Amsterdam after a
year's absence, and the next thing heard of him
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 325.
• Ibid. 329. Two of Mr. Thelwal's journal entries are sub-
joined as samples of their composition, respecting which, it is
a moot point whether the "intelligence" is the more interesting,
or the "observations" the more devotional.
"I devoted the remainder of the day to visiting the very ex-
cellent institution here for the education of the deaf and dumb,
and learning something of the state and regulations of a Dutch
university. For myself, I would willingly let alone all those
matters which commonly engage the attention of travellers, in
order to devote all my time and thoughts to one object: but.
it may fairly be questioned, whether we gain any thing in the
end by keeping the bow always bent; though it is humiliating
to think that in the Lord's work we should be so sensible of
weariness, or need so much relaxation as we do."
Journal. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 414.
Thelwal's
"I went to the Dutch Church, where Mr. M. administered
the sacrament..and though I did not partake of the ordinance,
I found it good it to be there." Ibid. p. 370.
d Ibid. p. 470.
426
is, that “the Lord had thoroughly broken him
to pieces," (viz. by sickness)" and given to him-
self and his friends the clearest evidence of his
own nothingness," and that "the only ground
of hope respecting him seems to be, that " He,
who chooses the weak things of the earth to
confound the strong that no flesh should glory
in his presence, would probably begin to work
by him" and such appears to have been the
actual result, for in the Society's last report this
cheering circumstance is imparted to the audi-
tory, that Mr. Thelwal has, "for the first time,
a Jew under regular private instruction "." Mr.
Thelwal's own views, however, chastised by his
recent indisposition, are now expressed in the
humblest strains, for he confesses, that,
say true, we have not even filled our hands
with seed as yet ";" but his " very deep impres-
sions of his own mortality," which a "con-
stitution broken," as he apprehended, "beyond
remedy," had engendered, and which made him
begin to think his future usefulness over,” are
very seasonably tempered with the strong reli-
<<
e
""
"" to
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 78. The sources of these
solacing anticipations were "2 Cor. xii. 9, 10. and the reduction
of Gideon's army," from "meditating" upon which, during his
sickness, Mr. Thelwal "found (he says) great comfort and en-
couragement."
Sixteenth Report, p. 8.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 80.
427
h”
gious cordial, that "till his work is done he is
immortal "and so he is still at the Dutch ca-
pital, toiling with exemplary patience in "the
gradual diminution of Jewish prejudices against
Christianity," and in "exciting the attention
of Christians to the spiritual improvement" of
Jews'.
The survey passes on to Dresden, where the
Jewish convert-Mr. Goldberg-assisted by the
Christian brother-Mr. Smith, who seems to os-
cillate between that place, Leipsic and Berlin,
are the London Society's representatives. Upon
"the success of their labour" Mr. G. reports,
after a year's engagement in it, that it "has
not answered their wishes," and that "many a
pleasant hope has, through the malice of the ene-
my, proved to be vaink." In this, after the lapse
of another year, he is confirmed by Count Donha,
h Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 78.
• Ibid. p. 18. "Some days ago I just hinted that some-
thing is at length doing here. Four years ago I made great
exertions to establish a society, but all efforts failed.⚫princi-
pally, because the Lord's time was not come. Now the Lord has
put it into the hearts of two ladies to try what could be done
in collecting subscriptions of a penny and two-pence a week in
behalf of the London Society. Some humble and earnest
prayers is the point I am most anxious about, and therefore
have been endeavouring the establishment of a little prayer-
meeting for the Jews..I am much encouraged, because I see
the Lord's hand in it." Ibid. Vol. IX.
p. 233.
k Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 455.
428
an amateur upon the spot, who says, that, "with
the exception of some Jews with whom Mr.
Goldberg, during the fair at Leipsic, and
on other occasions, has had beneficial conversa-
tions, and the visit of another Jew who,
though very ignorant in spiritual matters, ma-
nifested a great concern for salvation by di-
vine mercy, no Jew has made himself accessible
enough to justify a hope of his conversion'. And
Mr. Smith's testimony, though not of the direct
but of the inferential kind, is to the same effect;
for, it is a lucubration as to futurity, excogitated
by "long thought" devoted to his favourite sub-
ject, that "the minds of the people will be pre-
pared for better things," and that "having no more
of Judaism" about them than "the outer garb,
they will "throw it off" when the "period shall
arrive that they think they may throw it off
with safety™."
This view of the state of things at Dresden is
limited to adult Jews, and must be carefully
distinguished from what is doing there towards
Christianizing the rising generation, as, with re-
ference to these interesting objects of proselytism,
Mr. Smith reports a most auspicious commence-
ment of operations; viz. the opening of a "school
for six children"-all the offspring of "a poor
woman who deals in geese," and who, on account
1 Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 410.
Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 76.
429
of her preference to Christianity, has been left by
her husband with ten children to provide for "."
And he further states, that" things are so ar-
ranged that there can be no doubt of Goldberg's
being usefully employed, being "protected by
the first man in the town, or rather the na-
tion "."
These confident anticipations are fully con-
firmed by Mr. Goldberg himself in one of his
"The "interesting case" of "this deserted, but respectable
Israelitish woman," drawn up for the purpose of enabling her
"to extend her business," (i. e.) to enlarge her flock of geese
by a subsidy of "200 dollars," accompanies the above state-
ment; having been forwarded to the Committee through "his
Excellency Sir George Rose," his Majesty's ambassador at Ber-
lin. It very pathetically sets forth the privation of all earthly
means of subsistence, to which this "unfortunate mother" is ex-
posed, in consequence of her having "persisted," though "in
secret, in the Christian instruction of her children." It represents
her to "entertain a wish to throw herself" and them “upon the
Christian Church." It-further sets forth, that "fifty dollars is
the most that can be got at Dresden," and it very delicately hints,
that as she “has suffered, and has still to suffer so much, for
the sake of Christ, it is certainly an especial duty to provide a
fund for her relief by Christian contributions." The result of
such an appeal need scarcely be specified; but lest the Com-
mittee should not have justice done them by some sceptical indi-
viduals, who do not sufficiently appreciate its Judaizing sensibili-
ties, the recorded announcement of commiseration is subjoined—
"The rules of our Society would not permit of relief being given
from its funds, but private benevolence has not been wanting on
the occasion." Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 76, 77.
• Ibid.
"
430
most recent communications P; and it appears,
from his reports, remitted from time to time
during the progress of the institution, that "a
real work of grace has been wrought on the soul
of the eldest of his pupils"-that an unusually
strong desire for baptism," and a very unusual
degree of happiness, on receiving that Sacrament,
has been produced in another-that "a dear
and hopeful boy of four years old, after having
himself declared his profession of faith, has been
devoted by baptism to the divine God, and to
his Saviour Jesus Christ" and that two others
of the "children, only one and a half years of
age, have also been added to the Church "---
whilst the mother-the "respectable dealer in
geese" before mentioned, having by her needy
circumstances (notwithstanding the large accession
to her flock) suffered herself to be deceived by sin","
» Since my last, it has pleased the Lord to pour out upon
the work established for the salvation of Israel in this capital
(Dresden) an increased measure of his blessing. During
Lent, Mr. Leonhardi held every Friday evening a devotional
meeting for the children, which has produced very blessed
effects." Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 319.
Ibid. p. 320. The baptism was performed by Mr. Leonhardi.
The young proselyte was deeply affected...She said to me, she
never could have thought it possible that one could be so
happy on earth as she was. She doubted whether the angels in
heaven were more happy.
' Ibid Vol. VIII. p. 193, 194. 60.
• Ibid. p. 62. To what extent sin had gained the mastery
431
}
has been so reclaimed as to "become a pattern to
her three grown up children," and not only so,
but to give, by her meek and humble behaviour,
so much weight to her prayers and remon-
strances with her husband, that he-one of the
most violent enemies and blasphemers of Christ—also
evinces marks of serious impressions."
se-
"Still," however, says Mr. Goldberg,
veral Jews are hostile to Christianity," and "curse
both the Society and the Missionaries, whom they
call impostors and deceivers." The incorrigible
obduracy here manifested is truly appalling, but
it is very consolatory to observe, that Mr. Gold-
berg, though his temptations are great", supports
over this "respectable" Israelitess, is not specified; but the down-
fall given her must have been a desperate one--as "Minna
Schmidt," one of the lady-patronesses of the institution, writes
word that "the sentence has been mitigated to imprisonment."
This "indefatigable" lady, as Mr. Smith designates her, is
herself a trophy of the institution, for she confesses to her
anonymous "worthy friend," that she now feels ashamed of
the little faith "she had a short time since :" and as, notwith-
standing the interest excited in several quarters, we are still,
she says, "
so poor, that we can only rely on the Lord's
assistance," she piously closes her epistle with a prayer, that
it "may please the Lord particularly to excite many females
to contribute, by annual subscriptions, to its blessed conti-
nuance."
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. $20.
"Now unbelief attempts to exercise its damnable power
-now my love to my adorable Redeemer waxes cold, as if I
7
432
himself under them, and "with his family and the
foster-parents of the children" (" a truly Chris-
tian married couple, who devote themselves to
their education,") perseveres in taking "care
of these lambs in the unity of the Spirit," and
in "feeding them to the honour of their divine Shep-
herd" and continues" praying to the Lord," in
behalf of the Committee, "that he will not suf
fer their faith and their patience to abate in the
great work he has committed to them for the
salvation of Israel"."
The reader's attention shall now be directed
to Frankfort, a station famous in the Society's
reports for the most energetic operations, con-
ducted by Mr. Missionary Marc, and “his
faithful and zealous fellow-labourers"-Messrs.
Von Meyer, Lix, and a choice little coterie of
Moravian Brethren. In the early days of this
conversional establishment, Mr. Von Meyer re-
ported of it, it "thrives in silence. . .and the Lord
prepares really an open door *." At a more ad-
never had had a spark of it in my soul-now a coldness to per-
sons who do not believe as I wish-now a sinful fear of men-
and, at another time, a no less sinful desire to please man, will
invade my peace-nay, a deep-rooted depravity, in more than
one shape, which I was far from suspecting in my bosom, will
sometimes carry me away to the brink of despondency." Jewish
Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 192.
* Ibid. p. 60.
* Ibid. Vol. VI. p. 74.
▾ Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 128.
433
vanced period Mr. Marc threw a further gleam
of light into the picture" the work of the Lord
appears to me now to glide gently like a rivulet,
but when He shall speak the word it will become
a mighty torrent," and very soon, as it should
seem, this deluging moment burst upon the un-
dertaking, for Mr. Lix, (diversifying Mr. Marc's
imagery, as he had Mr. Von Meyer's,) very
closely follows him with the rapturous intelli-
gence," the time has arrived to reap the fruits of
what has been thus sown among the Jews," by
the "much that has been written," and by "the
many thousand tracts and copies of the New Tes-
tament" which "are in circulation "."
b
The reader will scarcely believe his eyes when
he sees the context of this last announcement.
It is absolutely to the following effect-" that
all that hitherto has been done to the deliverance
of Israel"-" all our toil and all our expences will
be in vain, and the whole will be dissolved and
fall to ruin," unless what?-unless "the esta-
blishment of Israelite-Christian Congregations, in
the form and spirit of the settlements of the United
Brethren" be immediately adopted; "in which
converted Israelites might live together without
being compelled to mix with a dead world, where
* Fourteenth Report, p. 84.
b
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 490.
F f
434
too easily they may lose again whatever by the
grace of God they had obtained."
The ways and means of forming this esta-
blishment are then submitted to the Committee;
and these "Rev. Brethren in Jesus Christ" are
informed, that, "if they have faith, and are led
by a pure love to God, and this ancient people,"
such as are "adequate will be found"-that "a
capital of 10,000%, to be drawn for in small
sums in the course of a year, will be requisite
for the purchase of the estate, and the erection
of the necessary buildings," which, "if the un-
dertaking should be too expensive for the Lon-
don Society alone," might perhaps be raised by
an union" with the Edinburgh Society"-that
Frankfort, the princedom of Nassau, or the
Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt," would be
preferable situations for erecting the institution,
because, in either of them, "the necessary pri-
vileges might be procured" to exempt the Holy
Brotherhood from "the spiritual direction of the
Consistory"—that "a Board of Managers must
be appointed of no common power and spiritual
gifts-of indefatigable zeal and patience-and
of a courage not to be overcome by the most
painful trials and disappointments," with a presi-
dent "full of grace and the Holy Spirit"-that
66
God, if He inclines the hearts of the Commit-
tee to enter upon the undertaking, will also pro-
5
435
vide and fit out proper instruments-that great
benefits" might be "anticipated" if Mr. Marc
could be employed in executing the work"-and
that "so deeply interested did Mr. Lix himself
feel in it, that, if it was the Lord's will, he was
ready to devote himself entirely to it."
This attack upon the Committee's purse was
of too formidable a nature to be made single
handed, another "faithful friend and brother"
therefore A Von der R. Von V. seconds the
assault, which is immediately thirded by "dear
brother Doring," who points out the vicinity of
Elberfield, where he is Pastor, as "well calcu-
lated for such an institution," and offers the ser-
vice of the "Missionary Society" there, to "re-
ceive with great pleasure, and to employ in the
best manner possible, whatever may be remitted,
especially from England-to exercise our super-
• The spiritual persuasiveness of this appellant, who turns
out to be Count Von der Reeke, is almost irresistible. He
avails himself of the parable of the man fallen among thieves,
and sets forth, that "the brotherly hand to be lent to Israel must
not be confined to their deliverance out of the hands of the
murderers, but that their wounds must be bound up, and oil
and wine poured in, and they must also be brought into an
inn-these patients, darkened, fettered, and infatuated by sin
and Satan, standing in need of different treatments," and being
so circumstantiated, with respect to their spiritual maladies, that
if "the cure of all were attempted by one method, and in one
room, they would only infect one another." Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VII. p. 491.
1
Ff2
436
、
intendence over the colony, and to invite the
neighbouring ministers to a similar inspection "."
d
""
The Committee could not fail, on hearing this
appeal, to call to mind their dearly bought ex-
perience of a similar establishment in England-
the grand instrument in Mr. Frey's conversional
apparatus *—and the limit which they had there-
upon imposed upon themselves, confining their
purposes, in all future dealings with the Jews,
to the promotion of "their spiritual welfare'.
"Books, and Missionary exertions," therefore,
was all the aid they could engage to furnish;
but their needy and rapacious co-partners were
not to be so easily repulsed. Count Von der
Reeke opened his establishment at Dusselthal,
as did the Elberfield Society theirs at Stockham,
for the declared purpose of " removing those
economical hindrances "" which, as Mr. Marc
states it, in the case "of persons who, with few
exceptions, understand nothing but hawking, of-
fer the greatest difficulty to their conversion".
d Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 489-492.
* See pp. 17. 22. 41. 135.
h "9
"Hereafter it shall not be the object of this Society to
grant temporal aid to the adult Jews: the purposes of the in-
stitution being confined solely to promote their spiritual wel-
fare." New Constitution, 1819. Rule iii. Eleventh Report,
P. vii.
& Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 193.
Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 237.
(
437
He then plied the Committee with Mr. Von
Meyer's convictions, that, "without this Stock-
ham institution, all the continental Societies would
become ineffectual;" whilst Mr. Thelwall, with
great pathos, represented the "bleeding of Count
Von der Reeke's heart, that he was obliged to let
slip so many opportunities of promoting the spiri-
tual welfare of Israel, for want of the means of
building houses for them;" and Professor Tholuck
suggested, as the Society's funds were so narrow-
mindedly restrained, that a sum should be collected
in England, by private contributions, to enable the
Count to receive young Jews recommended to
him, and that the Society should pay the salary
of some proper divine, who might be employed
by the excellent Count in the spiritual care of the
children and young persons of the Jewish na-
tion in his establishment'." Dr. de Valenti,
moreover, the superintendent of the Count's co-
lony, pressed the same point with great impor-
tunity. He assured the Committee that "since
his arrival, in spite of many unpleasant occurrences,
in which the peculiarity of the Jewish character
had been strikingly exhibited, his hope of suc-
cess with regard to the Jews had been greatly
increased," and representing the appointments
of "a new teacher," and "a regular evangelical
1 Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 237.
Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 115,
¹ Ibid. p. 22.
Uor M
438
minister" as indispensable; "if you ask me," he
says, "do you possess the means of supplying
them? I can only answer in the words of Jeho-
shaphat, We know not what to do, but our eyes
are upon thee, O Lord! and then, with exquisite
tact and spirituality, turning a very sharp corner
on the Committee, he delicately insinuates who
the Deity is that they are actually looking to-
perhaps a favourable breeze may spring from
England to swell the sails of our little vessel!!!”
66
The Committee, unable to resist such winning
ways to render them propitious, had already so
far yielded to the prayer of the petitioners as to
notify to their constituents" that they were far
from wishing to check the benevolence of in-
dividuals who may be disposed to contribute to
these persecuted converts "." They now made
m Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 231.
n Fifteenth Report, p. 45. The Committee's casuistry, by
which they specially plead the cause of private subscription to
the above object, and frame a pretext which is to neutralize
with respect to their constituents, those "many important
and well understood reasons" which still lock up the Society's
public funds from such an appropriation, is in the best taste of
that casuistical body, and to the following effect. "Though it
cannot be denied that on a prima facie view of the question, a
presumption lies against the sincerity of such dissembled convic-
tions, it ought not to be forgotten that presumption is not
proof, and that the representations of men of piety and judg-
ment, being in the midst of these Israelites, conversing with
them, and watching their conduct, ought not lightly, and upon
439
the further concession to their entreaties, of ap-
pointing Mr. Thelwal and Mr. M'Caul a depu-
tation "to ascertain, by personal observation
and enquiry, the state of the two institutions °;"
and had their ardour sufficiently chilled, by these
inspectors' frigid representations, to "feel a
difficulty," in the last report, of deciding a
question so embarrassed in itself," and pro-
nouncing upon their expediency "," though they
66
mere general grounds, to be rejected. Much, caution, doubt-
less, is to be observed, in admitting the existence of an alleged
faith in Christ, when that faith shrinks from an avowal; and,
from what is known of the character of many converted Jews,
a reasonable jealousy may be entertained of the operation of
sinister views in such cases. Let not, however, this caution
and this jealousy be pushed to an extreme inconsistent with the
charitable genius of the Gospel, and repugnant to the spirit
and conduct of its Divine Author, and its first professors.
When Nicodemus applied to our Lord for instruction, he did
not turn him away, nor even upbraid him, because he came to
him by night secretly, for fear of the Jews-nor were the Gen-
tile Churches, in the first age of Christianity, restrained from
contributing to the relief of such converts, by any fear of
thereby holding out a temptation to insincere pretenders to
conversion."
• Sixteenth Report, p. 11.
▸ Ibid. p. 13. "His plan (viz. Count Von Reeke's) is perhaps
somewhat too enlarged and complex, and has so little connec-
tion with the special object of our Society, that we could not
recommend it to the Committee for their support."... There
were, when we visited it, five Jewish children and three adults,
and the Count was daily in expectation of a Jewish family,
440
still did not hesitate in concurrence with their
"the pious
Commissioners, to recommend
Count Von der Reeke's benevolent undertaking
to the notice and support of the Christian
world."
Upon this large fund of charity, therefore, the
German Jew converting projects depend at pre-
sent for their existence. The zealous promoters
of them content themselves with "inviting Isra-
elites generally to faith in Christ, till Christian
Israelite colonies are established';" and Mr.
Marc reposes himself at Stockham, that "healthy
situation" so necessary to a constitution broken
by "agonizing sufferings," and offers up "thanks
to God" that "nothing has been neglected in the
main object”—a snug retreat for himself and family,
and a comfortable allowance from the London So-
ciety for their support³.
The next station to be brought under review
is Poland; which may be considered as the
head-quarters of conversional operation for the
North of Europe, comprising both Prussia and
Russia, within its sphere of enterprise. It was
which would be added to their number. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VIII. p. 392, 393.
"At Elberfield there were 200 Jews-of these some have
been already baptized.—We could not learn any thing that par-
ticularly pleased us respecting them." Ibid. p. 397.
9 Ibid.
p.
392.
r Ibid. Vol. IX.
· Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 393. Vol. VIII. p. 237. 391.
p. 387.
441
first regularly occupied by the Society as one
of its Missionary departments in 1822', who
then commissioned Mr. M'Caul and Mr. Becker
to open the campaign of proselytism amongst
the hoards of Jews which constitute the bulk
of its inhabitants, and, in consequence of " the
animating accounts" of these zealous propagan-
dists, soon strengthened their hands by the fur-
ther reinforcements of Mr. Wendt, Mr. Hoff,
and Mr. O'Neil.
Every fresh despatch opened brighter pros-
pects to the Committee, insomuch that, in their
official synopsis of the distribution of their forces
at the commencement of the last year, they held
out to their constituents the confident expecta-
tion that "a field of usefulness was there opened
for many faithful labourers, whom they devoutly
prayed the Lord might send into His harvest "."
The month in which this anticipation was
promulged, had not elapsed before it was veri-
fied by an urgent call upon the Committee to
empty the Seminary of all the Germans, for the
service of the Polish mission; for the due admi-
nistration of which it was represented that ten
"Missionaries would be required;" and very
shortly after advices still more encouraging were
transmitted that "the cause of the Society
• Mr. M'Caul reached Warsaw in August 1821, but was not
joined by Mr. Becker till December the 25th in that year.
"Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 19. Ibid. p. 110.
V
442
1
was now advancing, not merely beyond the
hopes of the Missionaries, but if possible beyond
their wishes*." Indeed, Mr. Becker is quite in
extacies at the prospect before him. "Now,
indeed," he exclaims, "a door is opened for
Missionary labour amongst the Jews, that is
great and effectual... More than two millions of
Jews may now be supplied with the bread of
life. Oh! if the Society would send fifty or one
hundred Missionaries, and ten thousand Testa-
ments and tracts, there would not be too many".
All this looks very splendid and specious till
the secret springs are disclosed which set the
door open so widely. The moving cause has
been already glanced at, in what has been said
of the Emperor of Russia's policies with refer-
ence to the Jews, and now it must be completely
developed.
Mr. Nitschke furnishes the first clue to the
developement, in a letter written in 1820, but a
few days before his translation; in which, speak-
ing of the Jews throughout "Germany and Po-
land," where, according to Sir George Rose's
representation, "they form a numerous and
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 312.
y Fifteenth Report, p. 58.
"He was suddenly removed by an apoplectic stroke from
this transitory world, to the more immediate presence of the
Saviour whom he loved." Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p.
232.
443
weighty class of the population"," he represents
them as a great nuisance to the other citizens,
from their mode of trafficking, and from their
usurious practices; and he goes on to say, that
nothing would be more desirable than that
the Sovereign's, by suitable measures, would en-
deavour to fit for cultivation the stony ground of
Judaism," and that "a political crisis, with re-
spect to them, is at hand." This political crisis
had indeed commenced, for Mr. Friedenberg,
writing to the Committee upon the same subject,
says, that "as early as 1811 the Emperor of
Austria had published an edict perfectly effec-
tual towards the suppression of the Talmud and
the Rabbinical System," but that "the inter-
vening great events" had "diverted the public
attention" from it, and thus afforded “the old
Jewish party" facilities, of which they had
"availed themselves, to neglect the several in-
junctions;" and he further states, that a dignitary
of our Established Church (viz. of Prussia)" had
lately published a Sermon, entitled, The Signs
a Speech on the Sixteenth Anniversary. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. IX. Account of Proceedings, p. 6.
Mr. Nitschke illustrates the nuisance by the following
facts. "The cotton and cloth manufactories in Germany,
which formerly occupied many thousand workmen, are daily
declining, because the Jews buy up, during the fairs, great
quantities of English cottons (calicoes) and cloths, then go
about hawking them from house to house, and sell them at a
much lower rate than they could be made for in the manufac-
tories." Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 232.
?
1
444
A
of the Times, in which he insinuates the expec-
tation that the king will follow the example of the
Austrian Emperor;" and he drops a significant
hint to the Committee, that "Government (viz.
of Prussia) will not fail to facilitate and encou-
rage the use of means which must conduce to an
end so auspicious for human society." The mea-
sure, however, was not yet matured, and there-
fore"the Society's faithful counsellor-Sir George
Rose-the British Ambassador at the Prussian
court," repressed the zeal of Mr. Elsner, &c.
for the establishment of "a public Society"
about the period (viz. 1820) now under contem-
plation; having "judged" (as the Committee
explain the matter) that it was "advisable for
the present to postpone" so undisguised a demon-
stration of their design, and that,
"under ex-
isting circumstances, the silent diffusion of reli-
gious information among the Jews would be
more beneficial ª.
d "
Such was the state of the Society's affairs in
the North of Europe at the commencement of
1822; on the first of January in which year
"the Emperor, in his tender concern to re-
lieve the Jews, did what the Austrian Em-
peror had already done, and what it had
been reported the King of Prussia was about to
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 238, 239.
Thirteenth Report, p. 65. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX.
Number for June. Account of Anniversary Meeting appended
to it. p. 7.
445
e
do" he "issued an edict, breaking up the
Kahals or Rabbinical institutions, in all the
Jewish communities in the towns of Poland,”
to take effect from the very "day of its pub-
lication "."
This was the signal for unmask-
ing the Society's Prussian battery against Ju-
daism, and opening in good earnest their Polish
campaign, which could now, as their politicians
calculated, be opened with effect, when they
had "got the government on their side," and
were to act upon a people in whose character
they knew it was a prevailing principle to be
very timorous with regard to their superiors"."
Accordingly Sir George Rose, as he states the
case to the general meeting, "had now the ho-
nour to suggest an intimation to the illustrious
King," which was "cordially acceded to:
"the
formation of the Society" in Berlin for his Jewish
subjects", was the issue; and, on the 9th of
e
• Fourteenth Report, p. 77.
""
"I have been in the Jewish quarter with Mr. M'Caul...I in-
tend to propose addressing them in their common language...I
must first feel my way among them, and ascertain, if they do
come, whether they are likely to create disturbances or not. You
know that here we have not got the government on our side, as we
have in Russia." Solomon to the Rev. C. S. Hawtrey. Am-
sterdam. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI.
p. 441.
"See Maxims of Conversional Policy, digested into the
form of instructions for Mr. Tschondy, by the Rev. William
Jowett and Dr. Nandi." Ibid. p. 21.
h Proceedings at the Sixteenth Anniversary, appended to
Jewish Expositor for June 1824, p. 7.
446
!
{
}
February, the" constitution of the Society" re-
ceived his "Royal confirmation i"
i❞—it was taken
under the "Royal patronage"-had the King's
"prime minister and confidential friend" assigned
to it as its "president "-"the Crown Princes" as
its supporters-and "the most distinguished scho-
lar in the University of Berlin" (query Mr. Hands)
as its first Missionary—as it had, moreover, "a
peculiar fund allotted by his Prussian majesty"
in aid of its designs-and was further endowed
with many valuable exemptions and preroga-
tives'. From this moment the civil authorities
throughout Poland were most obsequious in af-
fording the Society's Missionaries every assistance
in furtherance of their conversional exploits ",
i Fourteenth Report, p. 114.
* Account of the Proceedings of the Sixteenth Anniversary,
p. 7.
¹ A Prussian cabinet order, that all parcels and letters from
the Berlin Jews Society, and its axuiliaries, should be allowed
to pass carriage free. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 391.
"You will be glad to hear that we are now, in a few days,
to have the permission from the Polish government for Wendt
and Hoff, and that they will then, according to the advice of
his Excellency, Sir G. Rose, leave Warsaw to visit the Jews in
the northern part of Poland · · All Hebrew books, except our own,
are prohibited." Becker. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 194.
"We have been detained so long by the papers," which are
not granted without consent of his Russian Majesty; but by
him immediately were, as soon as the matter was brought be-
fore him."
66
Ibid.
m" The Burgomaster assisted us in our work as much as he
}
447
n
and most prompt and decisive in their support
of the Missionaries, if they either encountered
or even anticipated opposition-nay, the inter-
vention of relatives, if exercised to the obstruc-
tion of proselytism, was summarily put down—
could; he frequently introduced Jews of rank, who had business
with 'him, that they should converse with us...told us what
steps had been already taken for the improvement of the Jews of
this place; but expressed his grief for their blindness, since they
did not make use of them." Wendt. Jewish Expositor, Vol.
VIII. p. 446, 447.
"Visited by a well educated Jew, a custom-house officer; he
thought it very useful that those Jews who are converted should
unite in assisting us in our work. However, he still wants
much knowledge in those things which belong to his eternal
peace." Wendt. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 451.
"A young Jew came after dark to receive Christian in-
struction. The Jews attempted to transport him out of Warsaw,
through the medium of the police, because he is not a Warsaw
Jew but in this they failed, as on a representation being made
that he receives instruction from us, the police have given him
permission to remain." M'Caul. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX.
p. 237.
:
"As soon as the Jews found out that he visited us...they
even used their influence with the police to have him tran-
sported, but here it pleased God that our influence should be the
strongest." Ibid. 472.
• "On Easter Monday the Church was nearly filled with
Jews, as a report had been spread that the Jewess would be
baptized on this day. On this occasion we were also indebted
to the police, as the inspector of the district came in person."
Ibid. 235.
"The Jews had discovered her (a young Jewess) inten-
tions to become a Christian, and immediately commenced a
448
interruptions of Jewish worship were more than
justified, for it was made criminal in the Jews to
repel this outrageous aggression -and the arbi-
trary hand of power went the length, in one in-
stance, of closing the doors of a Synagogue
persecution, in which her own family was foremost. The Jew
with whom she lodged, &c....most probably bribed by her uncle
—one of the richest Jews in Warsaw-treated her so ill, that
she began to fear for her life. She therefore came to Mr.
M'Caul, beseeching him to find her a lodging in the house of
a Christian. As this could not easily be effected (true Chris-
tians, and lovers of the Jews, being rather scarce) Mr. M'Caul,
being married, saw no impropriety in retaining her with him-
self and his wife. She now sent to her Jewish landlord for her
little property, which he refused to give up. A proper appli-
cation being made to the vice-president of the police, he imme-
diately gave an order to have them taken by force; and in the
execution of this order the inspector of the district very kindly
went in person. We are glad to have an opportunity of thus
making an acknowledgment to the civil authorities." Jewish
Expositor. Vol. IX. p. 234.
q "While I was thus employed (viz. representing to a Jew
in the synagogue the folly of the Prayer-Book he was reading)
a young man interrupted me, saying that I was disturbing
their worship, and that if I did not immediately leave the
place, I should be compelled to do so. The counsellor of the
court of justice, who had been informed of the uncivil conduct,
called on me to know how I wished him to be punished • •The
good counsellor insisted that I should have gens d'armes for
my protection, to which I reluctantly consented; and it was
well I did, for this gentleman had hardly left me, when a large
number of Jews, Jewesses, and children, filled my room."
Hands. Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 94,
449
against its congregation'; whilst, on the other
hand, transition to Christianity had all the con-
sequence given to it that Royalty could bestow,
by tricking out baptismal solemnities with the
pomps and vanities of the world, and actually
luring converts to the font, by the very objects
of baptismal renunciation *.
"An order has been given by government, a month ago, to
shut the place of their meeting, (viz. the Reformed Jews) here
in Berlin; and, in spite of all opposition, it has been carried
into effect. Their minds, as you may eaasily conceive, are
much exasperated by that measure, which is partly imputed to
the suggestions of our Society." Tholuck. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VIII. p. 372.
"As the family of the Jewess, mentioned in my last, is rich
and powerful, we thought it would be well to secure her the
protection of his Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Constantine.
We therefore begged him, through Colonel Fanshaw, to con-
descend to be sponsor-he returned an answer in the affirma-
tive, inviting us to perform the baptism at his palace. Mr.
Becker, O'Neill, and myself, had the honour of being present-
ed, after which I baptized the Jewess by the name of Constan-
tia. You will easily conceive the importance of this His
Highness's condescension to our mission. It has established
one thing beyond contradiction, that we have a right to bap-
tize. It also silences all adversaries. We returned thankful
to the Lord, who thus honours his own work." M'Caul. War-
san.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 271.
"Mr. H― has communicated the baptism of L-, a young
Jew of unfeigned piety, and of very considerable talents…..Se-
veral of the persons holding situations under government were
present." Ibid. p. 470.
"Two young Jews from Berditchef, breeding up to Rabbi,
G g
450
Mr. Treschow remarks upon these “ govern-
ment interferences," that they "may seem strange
to an Englishman," and undoubtedly he is not
wrong in his conjecture, for there is nothing at
which a genuine Englishman more revolts than
trampling upon the rights of conscience, or
propagating Christianity by any other means
than rational conviction. No interpreters of
English feeling can express the public sentiment
upon this subject more fully and unequivocally
than the Committee themselves. For, commenting
upon the revival "of an old Edict" at Rome,
obliging 300 Jews to attend every Saturday
the preaching of a priest at one of the con-
vents," they reprobate "this compulsory mode
of proceeding," and "should rejoice," they say,
"to hear that it was exchanged for a mode more
congenial with the mild and rational spirit of
Christianity" yet do the very same parties
"bless God for the important accession of
strength to the cause of the Society," which the
above most decided marks of his Prussian Ma-
jesty's favour have produced! Yet, do they
66
were publicly baptized at Berlin early in the spring. Their Royal
Highnesses the Princes, the three eldest sons of his Prussian
Majesty, and many persons of high rank and office sponsors.
The King represented by Major-General Von Witzleben. Six-
teenth Report, p. 16.
• Fourteenth Report, p. 125.
"Sixteenth Report, Jewish Expositor edition, p. 32.
451
offer, "in subordination to Him from whom all
good things do come, their warmest acknowledg-
ments to those individuals whose exertions have
led to the happy event!" and yet, when recur-
ring to the subject on a succeeding anniversary,
do they declare themselves again called upon to
adore the kind providence of God, in inclining the
hearts of persons in authority abroad, (viz. "the
reigning commissioner of the police,” and all his
myrmidons,) to facilitate their proceedings *!!!"
But the strong hand of power is not the only
cogent argument by which the London Society's
Polish designs are promoted-the almost equally
efficient persuasive-bribery-is also put in motion.
▾ Fourteenth Report, p. 81.
* Fifteenth Report, p. 58. What would the London Society,
or any of its religiously diversified supporters say, if even a rumour
were set afloat in this country that the Russian and Prussian
conversional courses, for which the Committee are adoring God,
were in contemplation with reference to themselves!!! They
have each of them, they know, their diverse doctrines and inter-
pretations, and their Kahals, or Rabbinical institutions to support
those favourite dogmas. What would they say to a proclama-
tion "breaking them up, to take effect immediately it was pro-
mulged?" What would they say to the interference of the
police in these matters ?-to having a disturber of their preach-
ments, whom they had turned out from their meeting-house,
made the arbiter of his own wrong, and desired to fix the penalty
to be inflicted upon them for resisting the interruption ?-and
what would they say to that extremity of intolerance, the shut-
ting up their places of assembly? These questions are left for
the Committee to answer at their leisure.
Gg 2
452
Against this mode of proselyting a regular
caveat had been entered in the constitution of
the Berlin Auxiliary, but, before two years were
expired, the proscribed expedient is in full oper-
ation, and, as far as the means can be scraped to-
gether, either from considerations of policy, or by
fanatical excitements, is brought also to act upon
the Jews as a further scriptural motive to con-
version. Royal "donations" and "Royal stipends,”
equally with Royal sponsorships, are actively
employed. Importunate beggary for "worthy
proselytes, during their preparatory studies,"
which are said to be of "five or six months"
duration, is resorted to in aid of the Royal boun-
tyª. A mendicant Society is formed to give a
J
y The Society will never entice proselytes, by holding out to
the Jews temporal profits, which would result from their transi-
tion to Christianity. Berlin Society Constitution, Rule 2.-
Fourteenth Report, p. 113.
z "The proselyte S. also a student of divinity, has received
from the King the sum of 200 dollars, as a donation. I fear
lest his too great love of science may prove a hindrance to his
growth in grace." Tholuck. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p.
398.
"Another young Jew, lately baptized...has received from the
King a stipend for five years. Two other proselytes who are
very poor have also received temporary relief from the Royal
bounty. Oh! how desirable would it be if some effectual mea-
sure could be found for the temporal support of deserving pro-
selytes." Ibid.
"Will it not be desirable to assist this Christian of the
house of Israel. It is for conscience sake, and from love for
}
453
degree of system to these levies, and to con-
centrate the energies of those who raise them ".
Appeals to England, as in the case of Frankfort,
by the same grand almoner, Professor Tholuck,
rounds the period of eleemosynary expedients,
backed by a tender of securities for the "con-
scientious administration to sincere but needy Is-
Mr. for whom I feel as for a brother in Christ, that I
address these lines to you. May our Saviour accompany
them with his blessing. Doring to Dr. Steinkopff. Jewish
Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 150.
"This *** and another young Israelite, also a student of
divinity, are in great temporal want... Will not British benefac-
tors have so much benevolence as to make a small collection
to assist such worthy proselytes during their preparatory stu-
dies." Tholuck. Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 153.
"Candidates for baptism from the Jewish Church, must, in
this country, go through a course of instruction, which requires
about five or six months. I wish to recommend to the serious
consideration of the Committee, whether it would not be ad-
visable to adopt some measure for the relief of such cases. A
separate fund for the support of candidates for baptism from
the Jewish Church...does exist here, but it is a very inconsi-
derable one." Smith. Dresden. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX.
p. 118.
I
"Besides the existing Society for promoting Christianity
among the Jews, another is about to be instituted, to provide
Jewish proselytes with means of support. Berlin. Tholuck.
Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 315.
"Oh that the friends of Israel in Great Britain would
assist us with their advice how to arrange for such helpless
proselytes! We have here only one Christian among the
tradesmen who takes an active interest in the outward situa-
tion of these converts. Ibid. p. 399.
454
raelites" of all that may be remitted, and by
the great authorities of Drs. Henderson and Pat-
terson, and (as Sir George Rose designates him)
the excellent Mr. M'Caul, certifying asylums
to be required.
But, after all, there is a sad sinking in the last
reports sent home to the Committee-" We go
on as usual, preaching....the number of Jews
varies. •some never come again, others come
regularly....several of whom we have good hope,
rest satisfied with a speculative knowledge, and
are absorbed in the love of the world: still, how-
ever, the work of the Lord goes on very percepti-
"
a "Without desiring any pledge from you, I have to sub-
mit the following to your consideration. In case that Mr.
Elsner, the merchant, should be intrusted with grants of money
for the support of sincere but needy Israelites, we the under-
signed declare our willingness to co-operate for their consci-
entious administration."" Schultz, D. Nicolai, Dilwitz. Ibid.
p. 116.
• "Drs. Henderson and Patterson were with us of opinion
that working houses should be opened, and masters, truly
Christian, appointed to receive those that are willing-the
same might perhaps be done for females." W. F. Becker.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 74.
"For all I can see, there is but one way to bring about the
object of the Society, that is, by erecting a Judæo-Christian
community-a city of refuge-where all who wish to be bap-
tized could be supplied with the means of earning their bread.
Let us suppose the very worst, that all such persons are hypo-
crites; is it nothing, I would ask, to bring such persons under
the sound of the Gospel, and to supply them with the means
of grace?" M'Caul, Fourteenth Report, p. 132
6
455
bly: our Church-our arguments-our Sermons
form the chief subject of conversation among the
Jews in Warsaw.... Few disputing Jews visit
us....There are several infidel Jews who feel
dissatisfied with their philosophical principles,
and desire to know something better....our in-
tercourse with them is for ourselves peculiarly
instructive....We might write oftener, and
say more, but we are fearful of raising expecta-
tions which may not be realized. For some time
the number of Jews attendant upon our German
services has diminished. Last Saturday they were
as few as sir". To which may be added
an article of intelligence from the New Times
Newspaper-" Measures have been taken on the
frontier to prevent the emigration of the Polish
Jews from Prussia."
The Russian reports from Mr. Moritz―the
Emperor's superintendent of his Christian Isra-
elite colonies, are not much more encouraging—
he has been labouring in his vocation seven
years, "visited by Jews" without number, "of
the poorer and ignorant class;" and what he
writes from Zitomer may be considered as a sort
of synopsis, both of his success, and of the pros-
pect before him. "The seed has been in abun-
dance sown here. There have now, upon the
whole, been with me at least 800 Jews of all
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 340, 341.
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 469.
New Times, Dec. 22, 1824.
h Ibid. p. 472.
456
ages. I have distributed 1000 Hebrew and 500
Polish Tracts, and 52 New Testaments, in these
languages. At least sixty were very nice boys,
of the age of twelve and thirteen, have been with
me, to reason with me about what they read, but
hitherto no effect has been visible of all this. The
dead bones seem to be quite without life; but
who knows how soon the Lord's hour and time may
come?" Another question, had Mr. Moritz pro-
posed it, might have been more easily answered,
What the Emperor now thinks of the issue of
his Christian Israelite speculation? For it seems
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 119. Journal entries from
Berditchef and Minsk are equally promising.
r
Berditchef. I told you of three other young men of whom
I had good hope. They came often for religious conversation,
and seemed quite ready to embrace the truth; but one Sunday
my heart prompted me to speak to them like Paul to Felix, of
righteousness, chastity, and judgment to come...upon which
they went away, without coming to me again; and when I met
them in the street, they went out of the way." Jewish Expo-
sitor, Vol. VIII. p. 118.
((
Upon the whole there are now twelve young Jews at Berdit-
chef, who are earnestly inquiring what they must do to be
saved." Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 313.
"I have the pleasure to see that the fruit of my labour in
this place (Minsk), more than five years ago, united with those
of my present endeavours, are very cheering and encouraging;
not indeed that to my knowledge any have actually turned to the
Lord, but that almost all the Bochrim (young students at the
Beth Hamedrash) have begun to lay aside the fables and tra-
ditions of the Talmud, (the Kabals, be it recollected, being
broken up) and begun diligently to search and study the Scrip-
tures of the Old Testament." Ibid. p. 427.
457
he has lately promulged another Ukase upon
that subject, in which he threatens banishment
from his dominions to those Jews who shall not
within two years conform themselves to his co-
lonizing policies'.
m
Gibraltar is the next station to be brought
under review to which place the London So-
ciety's survey sets forth, that "the Rev. Charles
Neat, an English clergyman, and Geo. Clarke,
M.D. an Irish physician, have lately proceeded
as Missionaries "." Their reception by their
"kind friend, Lieutenant Bailey," was rather
disheartening, for he greeted them with the in-
telligence, that "the ignorance, prejudice, and
obstinacy of the Jews here, were lamentable in
the extreme"." They soon, however, as Mr.
Neat states it, saw enough to convince them of
the importance and responsibility of the work"," and
to make them resolve that it was "still their
duty to sow in hope"-nay, that "perhaps the
greater their (the Jews) indisposition towards
the Gospel, the more incumbent this duty may be
on the disciples of Christ to perform "," and "a
The author had his information of this Ukase from a person
of the highest respectability, who had read a statement to the
above effect in the newspapers, within the last six or eight
months, but could not give the exact reference. The author
has endeavoured to obtain this, but hitherto his researches
have been without success.
m Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 19.
• Ibid. p. 24.
* Ibid. p. 23.
p Ibid. p. 23.
1
458
66
conversation of nearly three hours with ==,
*-* acting as interpreter," so much" encou-
raged" them, that they began to entertain
sanguine hopes that God would bless their ef•
forts;" and they made such representations
home, that the Committee put it forth that the
"station was daily becoming an object of greater
interest-that the residence of the Rev. C. Neat
and Dr. Clarke, had already been productive of
much good-and that all their many opportunities
of discussion were attended with favourable re-
sults"." But a very little further "intercourse
with that wonderful people," as Mr. Neat ex-
presses it, "proved" to them, "that the bones
were very dry," that "nothing but the promises
could support the mind of the Jewish Mission-
ary, and nought but the divine influence of the
Holy Ghost reanimate and recover the Jews to
spiritual vitality and purity""-and it almost
immediately follows-"The Jews now manifest
no disposition to communicate with me, and the
efforts which I have made to obtain further in-
tercourse with them, have been unavailing....
Mr. Bailey is of opinion that there is nothing
here now to warrant the additional expence of
my remaining, when perhaps my time may be
much more usefully employed elsewhere."
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 137, 138.
• Ibid. p. 228.
• Ibid. p. 128.
Ibid.
459
It is remarkable how harmoniously this con-
siderate suggestion chimes in with another, not
behind it in good policy, from Dr. Clarke at
Leghorn, that "Mr. Neat should come thither
without delay, it being very probable that he
would be called upon to officiate as locum tenens
until a chaplain should be appointed-a circum-
stance which would give him a great facility"."
Accordingly to Leghorn Mr. Neat transfers him-
self with all possible despatch, and though "cir-
cumstances of a local nature," as the Committee
dextrously word it, "forbad the publication of the
journals which have been since received, it may
be satisfactory to the friends of the Jewish cause
to learn, that these gentlemen (viz. Mr. N. and
Dr. C.) are usefully employing themselves in
their master's work Y."
The last of the Society's stations to be re-sur-
veyed is Palestine, that "most interesting coun-
u
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 229.
* Some light is thrown upon this cautious policy in the fol-
lowing communication:-" Leghorn. Dr. Clark does not un-
derstand that any objection is likely to be made to his address-
ing the Jews in a private way, provided he does it so as not to
offend the Rabbies, or to provoke them to complain to the go-
vernment; but, in case of such a complaint, he thinks it pro-
bable he should be ordered out of Tuscany...Lord Burghersh,
the British minister, has expressed himself in a friendly man-
ner, and promised his countenance and support to Dr. C. should
occasion require it." Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 229.
y Ibid. Vol. X. p. 66.
1
460
1
try, towards which" the Committee state in
their survey of their Missionary departments,
that the attention of the Society may now be
considered as effectually turned-" a permanent
mission at Jerusalem" as the centre of operations,
having “been determined on by them ".
"." Much
eloquence has been bestowed upon this Mission
to set it forth as "one of interest," as "peculiar"
as that of the place to which it is consigned; in
proof of which a favourable result has been anti-
cipated, and it has been represented as " defeat-
ing the enemy in the very citadel ;" and further,
a comparison has been instituted between
"Jews converted at Palestine," and elsewhere,
and determined in their favour to the extent of
"a hundred fold," from the increased quantum of
influence which they would have "in the con-
version of their brethren:" and, on the strength
of all this, the Committee (whose financial
acuteness has been largely chronicled) levied a
new tax upon their constituents, very po-
pularly designated the Palestine Fund, which
2
2
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 20.
Speech of William Cuninghame, Esq. Sixteenth Anni-
versary. Account of ditto appended to Jewish Expositor for
June 1824, p. 12.
b" Previous to his (Mr. Way's) sailing (viz. from Nice) sub-
scriptions were entered into by several well-wishers to the
cause, under the head of a Palestine fund, for the erection and
maintenance of chapels, schools, &c. and for other missionary
purposes, within the precincts of the Holy Land. Upwards of
461
has taken surprisingly under their scientific ad-
vocation. "For who that has ever mourned
over the desolations of that sacred city and land,
does not long to build the old waste places, and
to raise up the foundations of many generations?
Who would not be called the repairer of the breach—
the restorer of the path to dwell in © ?"
C
The Rev. Joseph Wolf has been recorded as
the first Missionary, and his "reception by the
Jews in Palestine" has made that impression
upon Lord Bexley, that at the last anniversary
"his Lordship declared himself particularly
2801. were contributed towards this object, by persons whose
names have been transmitted to this country. The zeal of your
Committee was provoked by this gratifying intelligence. They
felt themselves called upon to adopt a plan so auspiciously
commenced by their brethren at Nice, and accordingly have
resolved to open a special fund for the support of a Mis-
sion to Palestine. Fifty pounds were immediately subscribed
to this fund by the President; another liberal contribution has
since been received, and your Committee cannot allow them-
selves to entertain a doubt that, when this determination be-
comes genenerally known, many friends of Israel will gladly
pour in their offerings to so interesting a department of the So-
ciety's treasury." Fifteenth Report, p. 62.
"The contributions already received amount to about 7001."
Sixteenth Report, p. 34.
• Fifteenth Report, p. 62. There is more to the same pur-
pose in the place from which the above irreverent misappropria-
tion of prophetical passages is taken; only mixed up with a
profane allusion to " Him who wept over Jerusalem, and prayed
for his murderers," and therefore the author spares both him-
self and his readers.
462
:
struck" with it". Whilst Mr. Cuninghame, who
had "watched his (Mr. W.'s) progress at every
step," with the "daily" increasing conviction of
his being" a chosen vessel to bear the name of his
God to his kinsmen after the flesh," in calling the
attention of the Meeting to the "encouragements
afforded to the Society's cause," is " chiefly
led," he says, "to notice the eventful career of
Wolfe" Now, most certainly, Mr. Wolf's re-
ception in Palestine has been striking, and his
career eventful, but the desperate state of the So-
ciety's cause cannot be depicted in more ex-
pressive colours than by appealing to the Pales-
tine mission as a chief encouragement. The author
has already done justice, and no more than jus-
tice, to this ardent and indefatigable Missionary;
but what is the result, as recorded in his own
journal, of all his intercourse and reasoning at
Jerusalem, with his kinsmen after the flesh?
The following portions of two of its entries,
forming an interlocutory between the Rabbies
and himself, will give a complete answer to that
question. "Rabbies. We are always thinking
of arguments by which we may convince you, O
Rabbi Joseph Wolf, that we are right, and you
are wrong &" Wolf. The Rabbies are false
d
Speech on Sixteenth Anniversary. Account of Proceed-
ings, p. 4.
• Ibid.
p.
12.
* See p. 306, note º.
* Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 267.
463
teachers, who teach lies-the Rabbies are hypo-
crites, who teach and act differently! Tell your
Rabbies, in my name, that they must undoubt-
edly go to hell, if they do not bow their knee be-
fore Jesus Christ, the King of kings, and Lord
lords"!" Before these unequivocal declarations,
how Mr. Wolf, and the objects of his Jerusalem
enterprize, stood affected towards each other,
he had solicited his patrons to remove him to an-
other field of conversional exertion; and within
half a year afterwards it is announced, that, after
a second visit to the holy city, during which
"he lodged" among his brethren, and was en-
gaged from morning to night, and often all
night, in preaching to them the Gospel, he had
carried this purpose into effect,-had "for-
warded journals from Damascus and Aleppo,
and was about to proceed to Mesopotamia and
Persia with the first caravan, intending to pass
through Nineveh, Bagdad, and the desert of
Hit!"
But though Mr. Wolf has quitted his post, "he
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 225.
i "If you have no objection, I would settle myself at Mo-
soul, and travel about from time to time in several parts of Per-
sia, India, and China. To all appearance the Lord, who gives
me the means in hand for the execution of his purposes, may
crown that mission with success." Wolf. Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VIII. p. 111.
Sixteenth Report, p. 33.
1 Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 108.
464
has cleared the way, it is said, to these modern
Jews"," and Palestine is still occupied by the Ame-
rican Missionaries, in conjuncion with Dr. Dalton
and Mr. Lewis, and "accounts of a most gratify-
ing and encouraging nature" are reported to have
been received-viz. that they are "summering in
the mountains," at Antoura College, and there
taking "sweet counsel together," on matters con-
nected with the general cause" which they have
m
Sixteenth Report, p. 34.
"The devotional harmony of this little Salmagundi of
countries and denominations, is truly delightful. It being the
first Monday in the month, Mr. Fisk and I united in prayer to
implore the divine blessing on the exertions of Societies, of
Missionaries, and individuals every where... Indeed, I think it
for the good of religion in general, in this country, that we
should make it a common cause, and act as much as possible in
concert." Lewis. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 30.
"We (viz. Messrs. Lewis, Fisk, and Wolf) dedicated our-
selves as it were anew to the service of God, in receiving the
sacrament of communion together, as instituted by our Lord
and Saviour." Ibid. p. 35.
"Mr. Simeon opens his speech, after the last anniversary,
with thanking God for the happy union of all Christians in the
work of Jewish conversion."-Account of Proceedings, p. 9.
At Norwich, in 1817, in an episcopal mood, he pronounced it
not practicable in a Society for the conversion of the Jews,
from the circumstance of "all the points of Church discipline
forming a bone of contention among the managers."-See p.
104. But this was an opaque interval in his religious views, or
rather the dark age of the Society, and a display of the accom-
modating nature of his convictions; for, on the Anniversary of
1813, he considered "the union of all demonstrations for the
465
""
all at heart"". are receiving frequent visits from
persons desirous to converse with them about the
Scriptures," and sallying forth frequently on con-
versional exploits, in separate detachments, and in
different directions-and, as the Malta Secretaries
"trust," are making such demonstration of "the
fruits of Christ's Spirit to those benighted people,
under whose roofs they are living, as will draw
their attention the more strongly to the words of
peace and eternal life, so advantageously preach-
ed to them;" and substantiate the necessity of
those "more Missionaries," for whom Mr. Good-
all" earnestly calls "," as well as the full belief
which the Committee promulge, that "the time
is approaching when the standard of the cross
shall wave triumphantly upon the walls of the
holy city."
It has, however, but an ill omened aspect upon
conversion of the Jews," a necessary security that "
pure and
genuine Christianity" only was employed. See p. 106, note.
But, as he says, "We are beginning to breathe a loftier and a
purer spirit," (Account of Proceedings, 1824, p. 9.) and so the
dense atmosphere doctrine of 1817 is no longer necessary.
Calamy, and above 100 ministers, congregated at his house in
1640, were equally wise in their generation with respect to the
Service Book, lest by exploding it too soon they should be ex-
cluded from assisting Divine Providence in that great work of
reformation." See Respectful Letter to the Earl of Liverpool,
p. 107.
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 108.
Sixteenth Report, p. 34.
Hh
P Ibid. p. 295.
466
!
these splendid anticipations, that, in the very
despatch which contains them, the Malta Secre-
taries communicate the arrest of one of the Mis-
sionaries at Jerusalem, "accused by the supe-
rior of the religious houses for bringing to Je-
rusalem books which neither Christians, Jews,
nor Mussulmen wanted." Pains indeed were
taken to varnish over and qualify, as much as
possible, this inauspicious requital of the So-
ciety's costly benevolence, but still there stands
the record, that for the above imputed delinquency,
"Mr. Bird was taken into custody-carried,"
first "before the judge-afterwards to the go-
vernor," and kept in durance a whole day, whilst
"a crier was sent round the city, ordering all
the books to be brought to the governor which
had been either sold or distributed"." Nor is
this the only significant hint of the same com-
plexion given to the Missionaries; for, Messrs.
King and Fisk were Mr. Wolf's associates at Je-
rusalem, when, on his second visit to the holy
city, said to be "so truly gratifying," he received
a greeting equally ominous from "Rabbanu Zusi,
the High Priest of the Spanish Jews;" who, on
the ground that Mr. W. had taken up his abode
in the Jewish quarter the more easily to draw
Jews to Christianity, with great politeness pro-
tested against his "remaining" there, telling him
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 296.
1
467
that if he persisted, though the poor Jews in
captivity could not turn him out by force, they
should immediately send a messenger to the
Pasha of Damascus to complain."
It would have been equally unworthy, both
of the cause to which the Missionaries had de-
voted themselves, and of the patrons whom they
served, to have attached any importance to these
pre-intimations, and to have acted in conse-
quence more warily, and with greater reserve.
A cause so sacred was to be prosecuted at all
hazards, and so Messrs. Lewis, Fisk, &c. pro-
ceeded as they had begun, till, as the last ac-
counts state, "Bulls from Rome, and Firmans
fromConstantinople, issued simultaneously, and, as
it should seem, in concert for this purpose, direct-
ed, amongst other things, (viz. “the preventing of
the distribution of tracts, and preaching by Mis-
sionaries in Palestine,") the seizure and burning
of all the books of Scripture, which either have
arrived, or may arrive, within the Ottoman do-
minions." But what of all this in such a cause
as that of the London Society! "Let the Chris-
tian world (as Mr. Lewis prescribes to it) still go
on in humble confidence, and give the Lord no rest
until he pours out upon the house of David, and
• Dr. Dalton.
• Jewish Expositor, Ibid. p. 101.
Ibid. Vol. X. p. 70.
Hh 2
468
upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of
grace and supplication "!!!
Besides the Missionary stations "under the
direction of the London Society," the official
survey comprises others only "in connection with
it," and the re-survey would be incomplete if
these were not included. They are in number
two-Cochin, in India, and Sydney, in New South
Wales.
With respect to Cochin, Mr. Sargon is already
before the reader as the organ of the Madras
Auxiliary's benevolent intentions, which em-
brace not only the adult Jews, but the rising ge-
neration also. Here the Society has one gleam
of light, such as it is, breaking in upon the
large expanse of darkness. The adult popula-
tion, indeed, as far as they themselves are con-
cerned, recompense the labours of the Mission-
ary, as in other places'; but, says the last re-
* Ibid. p. 18.
"Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 109.
y "With regard to the Jews in a religious point of view, they
are much the same as when I wrote to you last on that subject;
their prejudices still prevailing against their private convictions,
and when they are brought to a point in argument, they actual-
ly, in many instances, to evade the truth, deny Revelation."-
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 310.
"With regard to the distribution of books I have been very
careful, and only distributed seven Hebrew Bibles among the
white Jews; I have had many applications from the black
Jews, but I have not given any, lest they should make a bad use
of them.”—Ibid. p. 311.
469
port, on the authority of the Madras Committee,
"nothing can exceed the willingness of both white
Jews and black Jews to come forward with
their children for instruction"." Concerning the
latter class, Mr. Sargon's report is by no means
so sanguine; indeed the expression is highly
figurative with reference even to the former; but
2
Sixteenth Report, p. 35. The substratum of Mr. Sargon's
educational exertions was, as he states it, a “school established
at Jews Town" by the Church "Missionaries at Cotym,”
which, by an amicable arrangement between the two Committees
at Madras, composed nearly of the same individuals, was as-
signed over to his superintendence; to which was added ano-
ther school of "seventeen children, kept by a white Jew's ser-
vant,” and, at the instance of Mr. Sargon, taken "under the pa-
tronage of the committee." To these two schools there was a
reported accession, in the first year of twenty-three, and in the
second of twenty-six children, making the whole compliment
one hundred and sixteeen.-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII.
p. 28–35. Vol. VIII. p. 255.
a "As for the black Jews they have not sent any of their
children."-Sargon, July 7, 1821.
"With grief I inform you, my dearest Sir, that the black
Jews have still their objections, and will not send their children
to the school." July 25, 1821.
"You will see in the list of the second school, (that kept by
the white Jew's servant) the entrance at last of some black
Jews' children. August 18, 1821. Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 32. 34.
Vol. VIII. p. 253.
"I am sorry to say that a few dissatisfied characters have
established two schools in opposition to ours; but the children
that attend them are chiefly the offspring of poor black
Jews." June 30th, 1823. Ibid. Vol. IX.
p. 311.
"
470
the hyperbole is, in either case, scarcely worth
noticing; for, exaggerated to the utmost, there is
still this extinguishing circumstance to be added
to the account, that "the mode of teaching"
adopted is "agreeable to their (the parent's)
prejudices," (who, both classes" alike, "are
quite frantic after their own traditions "") without
which concession the children would not be per-
mitted to come: and under this restriction they
"are taught Dr. Watts's Catechism, and to read
the Old and New Testament," and "
this, says
Mr. Sargon, is all that we can do at present. We
are waiting the good pleasure of our God to pour
out his Spirit upon the children, and on the lost
sheep of the house of Israel." The "advantages"
however, in the Madras Committee's esti-
mate, so bright, that that body, being without the
means of establishing more schools either at Co-
chin or in the interior, apply earnestly to the Pa-
rent Society for pecuniary assistance, with which
request the London Committee have expressed
their readiness to comply.
are,
With respect to Sidney, the results fall infi-
nitely below the Cochin standard. The conver-
"Three of the white Jews' elders came, particularly to ex-
amine whether my mode of teaching was agreeable to their
prejudices; and I am happy to say they testified their satisfac-
tion. Ibid. Vol. VII.
p. 32.
c Ibid. p. 33.
Sixteenth Report, p. 36.
• Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 310.
8
471
sional achievement wrought there by the Rev.
William Cooper, assistant Chaplain, upon a pa-
ralytic Jew of the name of Marcus, was one of
the announcements in the Thirteenth Report;
put forth as "a most unexpected and gratifying
communication," and with this interesting ac-
companiment, that it might be considered as the
66
beginning of a spirit of enquiry" in that “land
of captivity and bondage for sin," amongst the
thirty Jewish convicts transported thither; Mar-
cus being the only" acknowledged Levite” in
the colony, and therefore taken as their offici-
ating minister at the public worship which they
had" lately agreed" to establish f.
All mention of this Australasian Auxiliary has
been avoided in the succeeding reports till the
last, in which "the Committee are induced,
they say, once more to refer to it," but the ac-
companiments are all gone, and the "individual
Jew Marcus" is the only trophy exhibited.
For their silence, the Committee had most sub-
stantial reasons; for they had received, though
they had not deemed it expedient to publish, a re-
gretful lamentation from Mr. Cooper upon the
indifference and inattention to which the Jews
in that place (Sydney) had returned"." Those
'Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 483.
& Sixteenth Report, p. 38.
"In the months of July and August last I wrote to you,
which letter I hope has, ere this time, arrived in England, I
472
va-
beginnings of a spirit of enquiry, therefore, by
which they had raised their constituent's expec-
tations, were all dissipated, and "one instance
of genuine conversion,"
conversion," "the aged convert"
Marcus', was all that remained; and of his "
lue" in that point of view no very high estimate
will be taken, when it is stated that he has yet
advanced no further than to think seriously of
making public profession of his faith, though he
was reported "favourable to the Christian doc-
trines, and voluntarily attendant upon the
Church" service three years before, and was
evidently sinking into the grave, in which it is
most probable he now reposes, as it is above
two years since he has been heard of*.
then expressed my regret on account of the indifference and in-
attention to which the Jews in this place had returned."-Jew-
ish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 333.
The letter here referred to is inserted in the same Volume of
the Expositor, p. 68.; but without the "regrets,” which were
too unwelcome a part of the despatch for the public perusal.
¹ Sixteenth Report, p. 38.
* "Mr. Cooper's Reports of his Convert's progress are as
follow-Feb. 1820. Joseph Marcus has devoted much time to
the study of the Scriptures-is favourable to the Christian doc-
trines-voluntarily, as his infirmities permit him, attends our
Church, and expresses his approbation of our mode of wor-
ship." Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 483.
"Nov. 1821. The case of Marcus is still very hopeful...Be-
fore I received the Hebrew Testaments from your Society, he
repeatedly assured me that all his prejudices against Jesus
473
Such then is the success of the London So-
ciety's "strife against Israel'," as far as the fo-
reign dispersions of that people are concerned,
and it has yet found objects abroad of con-
versional enterprize: but very active search is
making by its indefatigable agents after the
ten lost tribes, and therefore new exploits are in
embryo, and the religious public have only to
Christ and the Gospel were entirely removed." Ibid. Vol. VII.
p. 288.
"C
'July, 1822. I have still good and even better hopes that
this Son of Abraham possesses the faith of that Father of the
faithful, and is stedfastly looking for salvation through Jesus
Christ. Ere long I hope he, like Simeon, the Jew will so take
the holy child Jesus in the arms of his faith, as triumphantly
to say, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, &c.
Aug. 1822. Marcus says he feels better in his health,
which he attributes, in a great measure, to the supporting per-
suasion, that he has peace with God through Christ• •To con-
verse with a believing Son of Abraham affords a felicity un-
speakable and altogether sublime. It is perhaps, in a degree,
not unlike conversing with Abraham in the Paradise of God."
Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 68.
"Feb. 1823. This Son of Abraham (viz. Marcus) appeared
yet more alive unto God. His bodily indisposition does not
allow him to attend our public worship...He has thought seri-
ously about making a public profession of his faith in Christ,
and receiving Christian baptism. He came to me for two or
three Testaments and some tracts for his Jewish brethren in
Van Dieman's Land... Is not this the Lord's doing? May he
speedily accomplish the number of his elect both from Jew and
Gentile!" Ibid. p. 334.
'Sixteenth Report, p. 16.
f
474
find funds to be secure of the Committee's con-
tinuing to amuse them with splendid underta-
kings™.
m "The main point of this discovery is to prove, if possible,
these Beni Israel, are a part of the lost ten tribes." Note
by the Committee.-"This subject being of much importance, a
reference will be made to Mr. Sargon for all the information he
can obtain."-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 254.
"In compliance with the above reference, Mr. Sargon
visited Cannanore, a town in the interior, where they (the Beni
Israel) are suffered to reside; and Mr. Jarret, who has
stated to the Committee at some length the result of his
enquiries, remarks upon the communication, that probably,
from all the circumstances, we may safely include them
(the Cannanore Jews) among the offspring of the long-lost ten
tribes. Mr. Sargon ascertained that there were considerable
numbers of these people living in other places not far distant
from Cannanore, respecting whom it is probable that further
researches will be made under the direction of the Madras
Committee."-Sixteenth Report, p. 36.
"Mr. King suspects the Druses to be descendants of the ten
tribes."-Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 352.
"Mr. Diberich, missionary of the Basle Society... speaking
of his journey through the Persian provinces, &c. says, he heard
of numerous Jewish families throughout the whole province
of Dagestan...all these Jews relate that they have learned from
their ancestors that the Padesha (king) of Mosul (the old
Nineveh) led their forefathers captive from Palestine, and
brought them over to these countries.-It is not impossible
they may be remnants of the ten tribes led into captivity by the
Assyrians, and perhaps the numerous Jews living on the North
of Persia, and on the borders of the Caspian Sea, may also be
descendants of the ten tribes."—Goldberg. Ibid. p. 397.
This speculation is not now first started, for it formed a
475
The reader's attention must now for a few
moments be called back to the Society's domestic
proceedings, that the whole estimate of its
claims upon public bounty, and of the worth of
its services to the cause to which it has made
itself so largely responsible, may be brought as
it were into a focus before him. What then has
it done at home in furtherance of Jewish conver-
sion, during the six years which it has been
prosecuting its foreign speculations? For five of
those years the "insulated, ungrateful Acre "," as
far as adult proselytism is concerned, has been
totally neglected, and it is not till the last re-
port that the "Committee” bethink themselves
of the question," which they say "is not un-
frequently asked," but which, since the pump
and long-boat compact, they have never before
deigned to answer, "What is the Society
part of the religious excitements during the usurpation, and was
prosecuted with great zeal by those who were called the godly
of that period, who had decided the question in favour of the
North American Indians.
When this Judeo-Historic Problem has exhausted itself there is
another in reserve, which, it is surprising, the Committee have
not yet touched upon; viz.-respecting "the Jew yet living and
wandering through the world, who was an assistant at the death
of Christ."-See British Museum Catalogue....This remarkable
character would be such an object of interest to the religious
public as none of the kindred societies could rival; and his dis-
covery and conversion such a trophy as none of them could vie
with.
» See p. 191.
476
doing at home? Is it gaining any ground among
the Jews in England? and, in reply to this ques-
tion, they proceed to allege "several facts" de-
monstrative of a mild and temperate spirit in "the
Rabbies" in discussing "points of controversy,
and of "a much more lively interest" taken by
Jews and Jewesses in Provincial Meetings, Anni-
versary Sermons, and Monthly Lectures on the
Old Testament types," which, though they are
far from amounting to a proof of conversion, cer-
tainly evidence, as the Committee say, a dimi-
nution at least of "rancour and hostility;" and
then they proceed" to allude to the baptism of
“to
three Jews," on the evenings of the "monthly
lectures" at the Episcopal Chapel-of a fourth
at Chichester-and of a fifth at Manchester—
winding up the whole with a certificate of "good
reason to hope well of the sincerity of all these
converts "."
Now, with respect to the ameliorated tempe-
rament of the Rabbies, it is most unfortunate
that, in the Notes to Correspondents at the close
of the very number of the Expositor to which
the above statements are appended, "Rabbi Hart
Simonds" is informed that the editors cannot
"insert his communications," unless "he will
express himself in kind and courteous language';"
and, with respect to the baptisms, they are in-
Sixteenth Report, pp. 5, 6.
P Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 240.
་
477
deed only alluded to, for no names are given of
any of these hopeful converts, nor the least clue
afforded by which personages so interesting, and
witnesses so necessary to sustain the Society's
reputation, can be found out".
With respect to the three Episcopal Chapel converts, the
author had hoped that he should be able to gratify his readers
from the Parish Register of Bethnal Green, but so careful are
those concerned, in this delicate affair of their converts, that
they have not yet subjected them to the publicity of parochial
registration. His enquiries have also been all baffled with
reference to the Manchester convert, except that a Mr. Burton
was the baptizer: but he has succeeded better with the con-
vert baptized at Chichester; and the following are the particu-
lars of that very interesting person. His name, as entered in the
register of the Church of St. Peter's the Great in that city, is
"W". Michael, son of Joseph and Sarah Mayers, of Yarmouth.”
From Yarmouth he came to Colchester, where he and his bro-
ther kept a shop, and had the benefit both of Rev. W. Marsh's
preaching and conversation, having previously to his acquaint-
ance with Mr. Marsh acquired, by his researches, some convic-
tions favourable to Christianity. From Colchester he went to
Edinburgh to study physic, and returned to Colchester in the
summer of 1823. His next removal was to Chichester, when and
why is not discoverable. But here Rev. W. Marsh happened to
be in the January following (1824) at the period (as the Report
states) of the anniversary of the Auxiliary Society in that city,
and here found his quondam catechumen disposed to and pre-
pared for baptism; and "through the kind permission of the Bi-
shop of the Diocese" (the late Bishop a few months prior to his
death), he baptized him. Messrs. Barbut, Davies, and Jacob, toge-
ther with Mrs. B. and a Mrs. Hopkinson, being witnesses, and
(it is believed, in conformity to the Bishop's injunction) no other
478
!
The only other home redemption of the So-
ciety's pledges is the conversional schools, those
“ monuments of national charity towards the Jews,"
so worthy of British Christians," and so attrac-
tive and conciliatory of the attention of all who
behold them." Upon these the Committee re-
mark, that "in them, since the Society's com-
mencement, nearly three hundred Jewish chil-
dren, voluntarily given up by their parents for
that purpose', have enjoyed the benefits of
Christian instruction, and that in several in-
persons except the clerk being present. The call to Chichester,
whatever it was, did not detain him there long after this time, for
at the very commencement of the May following he was at Yar-
mouth, giving proof of his proficiency in Christian knowledge,
by his exceptions to the doctrine which he had just heard de-
livered at Church, and by the preference which he expressed
to the sermons of some dissenters before those of the Clergy of
the Establishment. The last item of information respecting him
is that he is a pupil of a Mr. Sargent, and intends, if he can
accomplish it, to go into the Church.
• See p. 137, note z.
"Can you expect the Jews will give ear to what you say•
First, you took the advantage of their poverty, and took several of
their little children: you cannot call them converts, for a con-
vert ought to be able to speak for himself."-Joseph Crool.
Third Report, p. 84. See also a Hand-bill, headed SEDUCTION,
put forth by Isaac Isaacs, offering a reward of five guineas for
the discovery of his son Hyam Isaacs, said to have "been tre-
panned from his friends”. seen at the Jew's Chapel"-de-
nied by some of the managers-and suspected to be secreted by
some one or other belonging to the London Society. Ibid. p.
118. See also p. 93, note d.
66
1
479
stances there is good reason to hope that the
good seed has not been sown in vain-that they
have no difficulty in obtaining situations with
Christian masters for the children who are of
age to leave the schools-and that, in many
cases, satisfactory testimonies of their conduct
have been received from their employers."
If this could be established by evidence to
any thing like the extent alleged, it might be
urged, with considerable effect, as a very popular
palliative of the Society's other total discomfi-
tures, and of the enormous waste of public bounty
which has been made; but, like all the rest of
the Society's specious details, it will not stand
the test of investigation. For, the school is to
be viewed, not in the light of an ordinary chari-
table institution for the education of children,
but in the light of an establishment formed
for the conversion of the Jews to Christianity, and
only to the extent that it, promotes that object
can it be brought into account. The Judaism,
therefore, of the children admitted, and not
their gross amount, is the first point of conse-
quence in the enquiry, and the next, how far the
Society's educational process has succeeded in
making them Christians, not in name only, but in
deed, and in truth. This proviso being made,
the facts of the case are to be stated.
It has appeared in the earlier part of the his-
• Fifteenth Report, p. 30.
480
tory that a very slight shade and a very inferior
quality of Judaism was deemed a sufficient pas-
port to admission"; and the Reports shew that,
of the alleged number (" about 300 ") taken in,
eighty only have passed through the school and
been placed in situations; and, though it is said
above of these eighty, that in many cases satis-
factory testimonies have been received, yet how
many the cases are, and what the particulars,
there is not the least specification; nor is there
a hint dropped to direct any one disposed to
satisfy himself upon the point where the satis-
factory cases are to be found a silence quite
remarkable, when compared even with the re-
served communicativeness upon the Committee's
foreign topics of gratulation.
As the school is within sight of the author's
residence, he might justly be accused of having
shrunk from enquiries which were within his
reach, if he had not visited that institution; he
has therefore very recently done so, and he with
pleasure testifies, that no institution, formed for
the Christian education of children, and for
making them, at the same time, (especially the
females) useful members of society, can, to all
appearance, be better appointed, or do more ef
ficiently, what it undertakes. But still the
question recurs, to what extent is the conversion
of the Jews to Christianity promoted by all this?
" See p. 39, note ".
481
The reader is left to form his own conclu-
sions when he is put in possession of two parti-
culars which the author learnt upon the spot-
that, by a change in the Society's regulations,
a child must be baptized before he applies for
admission"; and that it is still only requisite
that his father be a Jew.
What a noble establishment for that descrip-
tion of proselytes, which these two rules must
bring under the auspices of the Society *!!! It
stands upon an area of five acres. It is ap-
proached by an entrance enfiladed by two very
imposing lodges. The different apartments
are all lofty. The school-rooms distinct from
the refectories. The lavatories distinct from
both, furnished with basons of Queen's ware
having escapes at bottom-water laid in over
each-and wardrobes opposite to them, divided
into compartments for all the various articles of
apparel-and the diet is alternately mutton and
beef. The royal and episcopal foundations of
w The record of the baptism of Jews both adult and infant,
which have taken place at the Jew's chapel, being a curious
document, it will be found in the Appendix, No. XVI. as com-
plete as the enrolment of those solemnities in the Bethnal Green
Parochial Registers, has enabled the author to make it.
* Mr. Bushe, in his animated attempt to "warm the hearts "
of his Sligo auditory "in this, (the Jewish) cause," very pa-
thetically describes "these children as "outcasts who had
been turned adrift upon the world, without a shelter, and without
a home."-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 120.
I i
482
Eton and Winchester will not stand in compe-
tition in these respects with the foundation at
Bethnal Green; and the bed-chamber scene in
Don Quixotte, with Sancho Panza royally at-
tended, must become real life every time a new
convert is introduced.
But still the question recurs, what advances
are made towards evangelizing the Jewish people
by this comfortable domiciliation of half-cast
children, and the immense annual expenditure
of upwards of 23007., disbursed in the concern?
and the answer must be-none--absolutely nonę-
for with such an asylum thrown open to the
Jews, and within half an hour's walk of that
part of the metropolis where thousands of them
reside, the children of mixed marriages are of
necessity made eligible, and even then, not more
that five children annually, upon an average of
the whole term of years, can be got to com-
plete the course of their education.
There is not then a single entry on the credit
side of the London Society's account, which does
not disappear when submitted to the test of in-
vestigation; but the case against that body is
worse than this, and its own journals also con-
tain the evidence to prove it. So far from ame-
liorating the spiritual condition of the Jews, the
London Society has greatly contributed to aggra-
vate their guilt, and to encrease their perverse-
❝y To persuade a man to become a Christian, and, when by
that step he has been made an object of abomination to his rela-
483
z
ness so far from advancing them one degree to-
wards their conversion to Christianity, it has only
prepared them to be "ensnared" by those cloked
infidels "the Jesuits," or to swell the ranks of
open and avowed unbelievers "."
saw,
"
"
b
Its proselytes are precisely what Mr. M'Caul
represents the politically "baptized Jews of War-
"a great stumbling-block both to Jews
and Gentiles," attaching, in the eyes of the
more respectable of the Jewish community,
every thing that is base and contemptible" to
tives and countrymen, to leave it to his option either to eat the
bread of charity or to starve, or through hunger to apostatize
from Christianity, and thus to aggravate his guilt in a far
greater manner than when he lived as an ignorant Jew...this
thought fills me with horror". Professor Ehrman.-Ibid. Vol.
VIII. p. 237.
"Tuchal the Chasid, returned the New Testament; like the
Pharisees of old, he has become more perverted by seeing the
great deeds of Jesus.-Hoff and Wendt.-Jewish Expositor
Vol. VIII. p. 451.
“The Jesuits are very active, and have to a certain extent
ensnared some of the young Jewish proselytes." Mark. Jewish
Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 231.
b "Unbelieving Jews, of whom alas! the number is daily
increasing"-Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 245.
"All the brewers and distillers in Warsaw are baptized
Jews; they form quite a distinct class, as they visit and marry
only amongst themselves; their number some say is 5000. The
conduct of these persons is a great stumbling-block both to
Jews and Gentiles."-M'Caul. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII.
p. 45.
1 i 2
484
the Christian name; and if there be any truth
in that "dogma of the Roman Catholic Church"
which Mr. Way refers to-that "Antichrist will
gather the Jews together, and seduce them,
before they will turn to Christ ""-this is the
amount of the London Society's services, and of
the furtherance which it has given to God's an-
cient people's ultimate restoration, that it has
assumed the office of forerunner to this last
grand apostate, and been the fomenter and the
stimulant of that ferment and " stir," among
them which, by Dr. Pinkerton's own confession,
is driving them" to their wits end,'," and will very
possibly goad them to that extremity of des-
peration which is requisite to the success of the
above arch-deceiver's seductions.
Such, beyond all question, is the direct and
only tendency of the London Society's conver-
sional courses with the Jews. That it is in the
Society's purpose to produce so tremendous an
issue, the author is the furthest possible from
meaning to insinuate. What its purposes are,
those most profoundly versed in its mysteries
shall specify. Mr. Simeon covertly disclosed
them, when he assigned as his motive for that
act of heroism by which he saved the Society,
"I am indeed a Christian but I never shall be baptized,
that I may not be called a baptized Jew, because to this title is
attached every thing that is base and contemptible."-Bergman.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 408.
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. III. p. 278.
Eleventh Report, p. 44.
485
that all other Societies would have had discredit
brought upon them by its fall." Mr. Thelwal
made a further developement, when, as a stimu-
lant to contribution at Norwich, he represented
"all Societies" as "means of raising the standard
of Christianity at home"-and Mr. Jowett sup-
plied what was yet wanting to render the deve-
lopement complete, when, in his Missionary Ca-
nons prepared for Mr. Tschoudy's government,
and with an eye to the last and most important
of his instructions-to consider " very full jour-
nals as for the present the most valuable fruits of
his mission"-he indoctrinated him in the reason
of state on which the instruction was founded, that
"the animating sight of a simultaeous move-
ment throughout the whole world, was both the
vital and the sustaining principle of that Bri-
tish spirit," by which all the "religious societies
were supported."
The object then which the London Society
has in view in all its conversional enterprises, is
at length detected and exposed. It is the re-
action of these enterprises upon the Society's
Christianity, and upon the "spirit" which, in
concert with other kindred institutions, it has
stirred up
in Britain. It is their reaction upon
* See page 102.
h Anniversary proceedings of Norwich Jew Converting
Association. 1822. p. 16.
i Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. p. 19.
486
that "great communion of all the varied colouring
of sectarian opinion," so blended together that each
sect loses its peculiar hue," and the whole mixed
multitude only present to the eye one pure unva-
ried whiteness, bright, spotless, and immaculate*.'
k
"
Essay on the probable consequences to the Gentile world
of the Conversion of the Jews. By J. W. Moor, A.B. Jewish
Expositor, Vol. I. p. 102.
Mr. Bushe's Catholicism (see p. 370.) is in admirable har-
mony with that here propounded by Mr. Moor, whose special
excellence consists in his embellishments of the new Christianity.
The fine frenzy rolling in his imagination which suggested to
him his prismatic imagery, and those optical deceptions, by which
he rendered his different, "hues of Sectarian opinion” achro-
matic, is above all praise.
As this "bright, spotless, and immaculate" body designate
themselves a "great communion," and as the old Churchmen,
unless disposed to be renovated, will be the only schismatics when
it is established, it is presumed, that a few original sketches, of
undoubted authority, descriptive of its comprehensiveness and of
its advances towards maturity, will not be uninteresting, at least,
to those, who in the language of the Puritan pacificator Dury, “si
consilium istoc amplecti nolint...veluti contensiosos et publicæ
pacis osores ac perturbatores, ab omni charitate et mansuetu-
dine alienos, lege latâ compescendos, et ope majistratús, Ec-
clesiis, urbibus, ac provinciis ejiciendos esse judicat." Irænicum
Duræanum a Johanne Meisnero, 4to. 1675, dedicat" :- -"Let
Christians then remember " (a Mr. H. in the Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VIII. p. 148. makes this proclamation) that "the Reli-
gious Societies" congregated annually "in London," in the
month of May, are the "great communion" above specified;
such being their “nature," that "though branched out in different
Societies, they have all one object, to assist in promoting the
glory of God," or (as Mr. Legh Richmond expresses it) the
487
It is their reaction upon that " shock," which,
having "commenced in this island, is going on still
universalizing the Redeemer's kingdom over the face of the
earth."-Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 112.
Let them remember also, that "the Metropolis at these sea-
sons" is considered, in their pious speculations, as "resembling
Jerusalem of old at their holy festivals," (Jewish Expositor,
Vol. VIII. p. 148) when (as Dr. Collier predicates) those “feel-
ings are realized which St. Paul entertained, when he said,
“henceforth I know no man according to the flesh;" i. e. (as that
great theologian explains it) according to his denomination;” and
that "
prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ answered," which be-
sought his Father "that all his disciples might be one."-Jewish
Repository, Vol. I. p. 210.
CC
a
"Let them also remember, that a devotional service for the
general out-pouring of the Spirit, adapted to the comprehensive
views of the "great communion," has been authoritatively put
forth, and Rogation days appointed preparatory to the great
festival solemnities, (see p. 252.) (after the example, as it is stated
of “Daniel and his companions”—Jenish Expositor, Vol. VI. p.96.)
for His "special influence" upon "the preachers, speakers, active
officers, and assemblies collected at these seasons ;"-Ibid Vol.
VII. p. 148.—and lastly, let them remember, that "inasmuch
as it was an Apostolic injunction, that all things should be done
decently and in order," (such is the preamble promulged)
temple truly worthy of the objects," has at length been resolv-
ed upon, "modestly to take its place amongst the varied
edifices of the great city,”—Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 191-and that
13,5001. has been contributed towards it in shares of 501. each.
That the ministers from all parts of the country attendant upon
these anniversaries receive "the spiritual refreshment" they"
seeking" is very probable, but that "our nobility and gentry who
take these opportunities of observing the plans and spirit of those
Societies" succeed equally in that object; or that "our youth
here receive some of their most interesting impressions”, -Ibid.
"are
488
vibrating over the surface of the earth, to the east
and to the west, to the north and to the south'—and
which, "whether it be the roar of cannon that we
hear, or the Hallelujahs and praises of our Churches,
or the plaudits of our anniversaries, is—THE LORD
COMING OUT OF HIS PLACE TO SHAKE TERRI-
BLY THE EARTH':" for these are the Society's
p. 148-is very questionable indeed." For further particulars
respecting the Devotional Service and the Temple. See Ap-
pend: XVII and XVIII.
¹ Rev. W. Mann. Speech at Jew Converting Anniversary,
1812. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 294.
"Dr. Pinkerton's great authority is in happy accordance
with that of Mr. Mann; only the Dr. takes a more peaceful
view of the great changes in progress; but Mr. Faber, who, in
his sermon before the Society, adverts to the interesting topic,
remove che apparent discrepancy by showing how the pruning
hooks will be turned into spears. "The spirit of the times and
the voice of Divine Providence, sounding in our ears from so
many distant lands, authorise us to believe that the spiritual
seed time of the world is come The seed of divine truth has
been purged of the chaff of human wisdom (notes and com-
ments) and human errors, and the nations of the earth are now
sown with it from the rising of the sun until the going down
of the same. The Almighty is preparing the way for the in-
troduction of a state of things on earth much more glorious
than any preceding.”—Dr. Pinkerton. Eleventh Report, p.
43, 44.
"It is impossible not to observe that, at the very time
when an anxious desire to communicate the light of Scripture
to the whole world has sprung up after a manner long un-
known, the spirit of the Antichrist, which is defined by St.
489
Christianity, and "the British spirit” which it
speaks of, as its own authorities, have depicted
that Christianity and that "spirit" to the world.
Such is the account which the London So-
ciety has to render of the 135,000l. which it has
received, and such the nature of its pretensions
to the continued favour of the British public,
and of its especial claim upon the members of
the establishment for their countenance and
support; and yet to that extent does infatua-
tion prevail that, whilst other genuine Church
institutions, fraught with tangible benefits, are
pining for support ", the Committee sum up
John to consist in a more or less intense denial of the Father
and Son, is also peculiarly rampant and active. Thus are the
materials preparing for the last great contest"-Faber's Ser-
mon. Fourteenth Report, p. 12.
m "The institutions here referred to are those for encouraging
the BUILDING AND ENLARGEMENT OF CHURCHES, and for the PRO-
pagation of the GOSPEL IN FOREIGN PARTS. The former Society
has since its formation in 1818, assisted 376 parishes in lessening
the want of Church room to the amount of 108,812 sittings,
and has now 237 applications under consideration with a fund
reduced below 50007.; and the latter Society, after having suc-
cessfully laboured for upwards of a century, in our North
American colonies, where it is now actively engaged in dif-
fusing the Christian faith, and administering spiritual instruc-
tion and consolation to many thousands who would otherwise
be without a teacher, by means of 103 missionaries and 100
schools, has, within the last three years, been obliged to sink
23,000l. of its capital from want of due support; whilst claims
upon it are encreasing both in the East Indies and in New
490
their last year's exploits with "rejoicing in the
conviction that the Society is steadily making its
advances amongst all classes of Christians, and
more especially amongst the Clergy of the Esta-
blished Church, and feel assured that the cause
of Israel is daily becoming more recognized as
the cause of the Bible, and identified with the best
interests of the Church of Christ"."
South Wales as well as in America; to which latter dependency
of the empire alone there is now a call for 49 additional mis-
sionaries and 43 schools, if means can be found to support
them."
• Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 438.-" With what good
grounds this boast is made, the Itinerary of Messrs. C. Simeon,
E. Jacob, D. Ruell, and W. A. Evanson, upon which it is the
commentary, will too painfully exhibit; and to what degree the
infatuation is become dominant, will appear under the head of
Cambridge, where "the Vice Chancellor" is stated to have
taken the chair on the anniversary.-The above Itinerary will
be found Appendix, No. XIX. and will shew how appositely
Mr. Bushe singles out and expatiates upon "journeying," as the
religious characteristic by which "those Christians," of whom
he is the panegyrist, are "exactly described." See p. 370, notej
1
CHAPTER VI.
CONCLUSION.
THE author has at length brought to a close his
laborious investigation, not harbouring in his
heart, God is his witness, uncharitable feelings
towards any man, but determinately opposed to
that spurious religion which has too successfully
diffused its specious infatuation through his na-
tive country, and which, propagated from Eng-
land, and intrenching itself in societies, all linked
together by the best concerted combinations,
is waging, as he conceives, a masked but most
deadly warfare, against what remains of genuine
Christianity throughout the earth.
The London Society invited the inquiry, in that
challenge of theirs, prefixed as a frontispiece to
the preceding pages, in which they proclaimed
"indolent incredulity" and "supercilious indifference
as their greatest enemies," and vaunted that
they had "nothing to fear from discussion".
To that which they asked for their proceed-
* See motto, page following the title.
492
ings have been subjected; and the author now
submits the question at issue between himself
and them to the tribunal of the public, fully
concurring with Mr. Cunningham in his view of
"the character of Englishmen," that they "at-
tach little credit to the eloquence of passion, but
much to facts"."
b
On entering upon the work, which is not one
that any person would covet whose chief respect
was had to an uncensured and undisturbed pas-
sage through the world, the author sheltered
himself under those two great authorities, in the
Scoiety's account, their quondam treasurer, Mr.
Shaw, and the gentleman last mentioned-Mr.
Cunningham-one of their most chivalrous asso-
ciates; and whilst his pages, as they have multi-
plied, have been a continually accumulating illus-
tration of the Treasurer's significant dictum-that
there appears" about some gentlemen a sort of
mania for benevolence," which allows them "no
happiness nor comfort of their lives" till they
have substituted "fresh means of stimulating
people to do good" for "the old" and antiquated
"channels;" the completed volume abundantly
proves the terms of Mr. Cunningham's hypothesis
-that "seeds have been sown on rocks and a
harvest expected, in preference to fields which
b
*
Speech at Norwich Jew Converting Auxiliary Anniver-
sary, 1822. See Report, p. 1.
• See motto.
493
reward the culture," and therefore fixes upon the
Society their associate's sentence, which the author
gladly leaves with him to deliver.
How far this sentence quadrates with the de-
merits of the case, or whether a delinquency
deeper than fanaticism is not to be awarded
somewhere, on view of the whole course of the
proceedings, the author also spares himself from
pronouncing, but calls upon the judgment
of the considerate and impartial reader to de-
termine. His mind at this particular period of
his labours, when all that has transpired in prose-
cution of the Society's enterprize, together with
the results, are in review before him, is absorbed
by another subject of the most consummate in-
terest-how God has been fought against under
the semblance of advancing His merciful pur-
poses-and how, under the fascinating pretext of
promoting Christianity amongst the Jews, their
enmity against our holy religion has been aggra-
vated-and the very work itself so exposed to
contumely and covered with disgrace, that a ge-
neral apathy if not disgust with reference to it,
is greatly to be apprehended.
This is what the author deprecates beyond his
power of utterance to express ; for, the claim of the
Jew upon the Christian remains unaltered. It is
that of the elder, upon the younger brother who
is in possession of the inheritance, and to whom
it was transferred by the Almighty Father of the
6
494
1
Family, not as an irrevocable forfeiture, but, as
St. Paul explains the dispensation, that through
his mercy his elder brother, tremendously chas-
tened for refusing mercy at first, may at length
receive it". It is therefore a debt of no ordinary
magnitude and obligation which the Christian
owes to the Jew; and in accumulation of all that
the London Society has put forth upon this topic,
in the financial expostulations of its various pro-
pagandists, there must now be added all the
cruel wrongs it has itself inflicted on that griev-
ously oppressed people, in its officious execution
of its own misguided conceits for ameliorating their
condition.
The appeal, therefore, which Israel makes to
be fraternally commiserated in her most for-
lorn and recently much aggravated estate, on
d Rom. xi. 31.
e "We have been assembled here to day to discharge as vast
a debt of obligation as men could ever owe to their fellow-mor-
tals." M'Ghee's Speech at Exeter Jew Auxiliary Anniversary,
1820. Jewish Expositor, Vol. V. p. 478.
"We demand, Sir, justice for the Jew-you have wronged
him-cruelly wronged him; too promptly did you lend
yourselves to be the instruments of a chastening God...we de-
mand retribution."-Evanson's Speech at Bedford, Do. Ibid. Vol.
VIII. p. 352.
For better acquaintance with both these eloquent advo-
cates, the reader is referred, in addition to their respective
Speeches, to the Barmouth Clerical exploits of the former record-
ed in the John Bull Newspapers of Nov. 24 and Dec. 15, 1823,
and to the Bloomsbury Auxiliary Bible Society extinguishment of
the latter, detailed in the Morning Herald of March 9th, 1825.
495
the ground of repayment and
strongest that can be urged.
retribution, is the
Nor is the requi-
tal less with which she promises to recompense
her restorers, for "if the diminishing of them be
the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their
fulness? if the casting away of them be the re-
conciling of the world, what shall the recovery
of them be but life from the deadf?"
If, however, these powerful pleas are disre-
garded, let the last of St. Paul's arguments be
appreciated as it deserves, that “ they are still
beloved for the father's sake "," and that in their
h
>
66
case emphatically "the gifts and callings of
God are without repentance;" and that "their
conversion," though not disjunctively as the Com-
mittee have represented it, yet in conjunction
with that of the fulness of the Gentiles,
"is the
mighty pivot on which the grand consummation
of this world's affairs revolves "," and shall take
effect at its appointed time, either subordinately
furthered by the co-operating agency of Chris-
tians, or in despight of their indifference or op-
position-the only contingency over which they
can arbitrate being this-whether or no the
blessing shall be theirs of being under workers
with their Divine Master in the restoration.
The details of which the preceding history is
compiled, exhibit, it is true, nothing but dis-
comfitures: but the very documents themselves,
out of which these details are collected, furnish
f Rom. xi. 12. 15. * Ibid. 28, 29. h Fourth Report, p. 2.
496"
facts and statements which leave the Society, and
not the objects of their proselyting exploits,
chargeable with the total failure which has en-
sued; for, in the first place, what is the state of
Christianity in those countries where the So-
ciety has prosecuted its enterprise?
This point has been already touched upon as
introductory to that part of the enquiry which
relates to the Society's foreign exertions; where
it has been shewn, on the authority of Mr. Way,
that in Poland "the members and ministers of
the Catholic, Greek, and Lutheran Churches live
together rather like the philosophical sects at
Athens than like communities of Christendom;
and that, in Germany, "the mass of the Clergy
are Deists and Socinians, and the thinking part of
the community strongly infected with the infi-
delity of Voltaire:" to which is now to be ad-
ded from others of the Society's confidential
agents, that such is "the progress of infidelity
among the higher classes," and such the "deri-
sion" in which "Christianity and the sacraments
are held," that it is become a topic of common
conversation "both among Jews and Christians k”
-that in "Poland the market is held on Sun-
days," whilst "the Saturday Sabbath is kept by
the Jews in a scrupulous and calm manner," ex-
See p. 156. note ".
* Hands. Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 317.-See also
ibid. p. 318.
497
hibiting "a striking contrast" to the Christian
profanation"—and that "a very great part
of the Clergy of Protestant Germany," so far from
propagating amongst the Jews the revelation of
Christ, are actually engaged in seducing them
from the Mosaic revelation; that instead of pro-
selytes to Christianity, they may have those
"hitherto zealous guardians of the Old Testa-
ment" their "auxiliaries"-in their "hostility
against it."
Now, can any considerate Jew feel the slight-
est disposition to renounce Judaism, and embrace
the Gospel, under such circumstances as these?
or can he be otherwise affected towards the
Christian Missionary, who invites him to the
transition, than with scorn at his proposal; or
without retorting upon him the inquiry "why
he does not turn his pious endeavours towards
making those that are Christians already, but
merely in name, better acquainted with the true
dictates of their religion?" This is actually the
question with which Mr. Way was met by a
Jew at Berlin, of whom he speaks in terms of
the highest respect, and who addressed a long
expostulatory letter to him in the same strain of
remonstrance: and similar greetings are re-
h Nitschke. Twelfth Report, p. 110.
1 Letter from C. D. J. A. to the Editors of the Jewish Ex-
positor, Vol. V. p. 475.
* See Way's Letter to Bishop of St. David's, p. 44, where
K k
498
corded both by Mr. Thelwal and Mr. M'Caul",
and by others of the Society's correspondents",
as having been experienced by themselves.
In the next place, how is the considerate Jew
likely to be affected towards Christianity by the
converts which have actually been made? By
the shewing of the Missionaries themselves, they
are either "persons who understand nothing but
more to the same effect as the following extract will be found:
"Why do you not persuade your brethren in the faith, that
pure and divine as it is, it can lead them to felicity only if it
influences every motion of their heart, every action of their life?
Can there be found in the life and behaviour of most of those
who call themselves Christians, the least sign of such a pure
universal love? Nay, are not the actions of most of them
wholly contradictory to that which was practised by Christ?"
-Ibid.
"He insisted that the plans of the London Society were
totally wrong, and all hopes of success visionary, and that the
only thing to be done for their conversion was to teach Chris-
tians to live more consistent lives than they do."-Thelwal.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 415.
m
Almost every Jew asks, What shall I be better if I was a
Christian? Where do you see such adultery, fornication,
murder, robbery, amongst the Jews as amongst the Christians?
And as for a Sabbath, you have no Sabbath at all."-Letter from
Mr. M'Caul. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 45.
n
"The bad lives of Christians, and the infidelity of Chris-
tian ministers themselves, are the two great stumbling-blocks
of the Jews."-Letter from New Dessau. Thirteenth Report,
p. 111.
"A learned Jew assured me that Christians in general be-
ing so little benefited by their belief in Christ was his greatest
stumbling-block."-J. P. Diedrichs, Elberfield. Ibid. p. 112.
499
hawking," or petty schoolmasters, who teach ten
or a dozen ragged children to read out of a ragged
Talmud," or "Jews who apply for baptism to
be more successful in their trade"-the
--the very refuse
and off-scouring of the Jewish community, upon
whom it is distinctly stated that reasoning is
thrown away-and is it possible to excite a
greater disgust and repugnance at conversion in
the mind of reputable Israelites, than by encou-
raging as the first-fruits of an attempt to evange-
lize that nation, such proselytes as these? The
Apostles, when they promoted Christianity
amongst the Jews, though with signs accom-
panying their evangelizing labours, made some
selection of the persons they appealed to, so far
at least as to address themselves to those who
were capable of rational conviction; and accord-
ingly among their earliest converts "a great
company of the Priests" are numbered as "be-
come obedient to the faith ""; who, doubtless,
contributed materially under God to the mighty
growing of the word in Jerusalem.
But has the Society and its Missionaries done
nothing to conciliate these influential characters?
Not only so, but almost every thing to wound
their feelings, and to goad them into hostility
against it. At a very early stage of its pro-
• See p. 436.
See p. 404. note *.
P See p. 263, note
r Acts vi. 7.
M
Kk 2
500
ceedings, whilst the Jews of this country were
the subjects of its experiment, Rabbi Joseph
Crool, Hebrew teacher in the University of
Cambridge, told the Committee some home
truths as to the courses they were pursuing.
But that body, or rather their successors in of-
fice, have neglected to profit by his expostula-
tion; their dealings with the Jews abroad having
been, (as Mr. Missionary Smith most accurately
describes them) equally with their home exploits,
an
8
"attack" upon that people-insult" and
"Do you think it very likely the Jews will read them (the
Society's publications) when they can see nothing in them but
insult? In one of your numbers you say the Jew lives without
God...you say in your numbers the Jews are hardened. Who
hardened them? you, by your continual insults. Can you ex-
pect that the Jews will give an ear to what you say? ... First,
you took the advantage of their poverty and took several of
their little children... the second step you took to insult them,
you bring forth your proofs against the Jews that you are in the
right way; afterwards you produce the arguments what the
Jews have to say. Here you are a counsellor for yourself, at
act as a counsellor for the Jews also, to
which they have not engaged you: then you become a judge
and pass the sentence."-Third Report, pp. 83, 84.
the same time you
* See p. 421.
u
"Mr. Bergman (for an account of whom, see p. 316,) is
in admirable example of the sort of conciliation which the
Society's emissaries employ. His first journal entry of “ a
Missionary tour" relates to a Rabbin highly incensed against
Christianity, of whose state of mind he is no sooner informed
than he goes, under shelter of his baptismal security, to ex-
asperate him more, by the tender of tracts attacking his pre-
judices in the most offensive manner, and then relates, as a
501
X
a "
outrage having been very generally the argu-
ments by which those who have opposed the
Society's measures have been encountered-and
the consequences are, as Mr. Bergman specifies
in one case, that the " Rabbins are more than
ever incensed against Christianity," and that
Mr. Becker sighs in vain for " one of their great
men to profess the Christian religion"." Nor
are the results of the Society's measures less in-
jurious to the great cause which it has under-
taken than the measures themselves; for "the
conduct of those who have gone over to the
Christian Church is narrowly watched," as Mr.
Petri testifies, by "their unconverted brethren,
who are obviously the considerate part of the
brilliant conversional exploit, the " rage" which he had ex-
cited, and how he had set the insulted Rabbin at defiance, by
giving him to understand that he was no longer under his
power, having "for two years professed the Evangelical
Christian religion." His second entry is in the same spirit,
"proceeded on the following day to S., it was a Sabbath,
and many Jews saw me when I alighted from my carriage...
a multitude of both sexes assembled to gaze at me. I stepped
among them, and said, dear people you must not be angry
with me for having travelled on a Sabbath-already two years
since I am become an Evangelical Christian, and I am most
cordially ready to shew you also the way of life, &c.-Upon
these words, they all, as if struck with horror, suddenly dis-
persed."-Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 404, 405.
* See the conversional process in Prussia, Russia, and Po-
land by means of Ukasses and the Police, pp. 442 to 457.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 404.
Z
? Ibid. Vol. VIII. p. 327.
b Ibid. p. 29.
502
community, and thus the very persons who, if
gained, would indeed be trophies, because (as
Mr. Becker states it) "multitudes would follow
them"," have had a fresh "stumbling-block" cast
in their way by almost every conversion: and the
issue is, that the very work itself of fetching home
these out-casts to the flock of Christ, is become a
bye-word and an object of scorn and ridicule
amongst them, being scoffed at as "the English
madness, which has infected many persons in
Germany "."
These are causes of discomfiture growing out
of the misdirection of the Society's efforts to parts
of Christendom so far departed from the faith,
and the mismanagement of its affairs by its ac-
credited agents. But the reader must now be
called home to his own country, where the de-
sign originated, and from whence have emanated
the succours both of men and money to carry it
on, as well as the policies by which it has been
conducted; and his attention must be directed
to the state of religion here, and an inquiry in-
stituted how far that state is such as to warrant
engaging in the undertaking-how far we have
discharged the preliminary duty of taking the
beam out of our own eye, and therefore how far
we are qualified, according to our Lord's pre-
scription, for tendering our assistance in that
behalf to our Jewish brethren.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 409. © Ibid. p. 327.
1
503
If the representations made from the several
countries to which they refer, by observers
upon the spot in the Society's confidence, in
any degree approach the truth, there can
be no doubt that in point of morals, compara-
tively surveyed, the English scale is such as to
call forth the most devout thankfulness to God,
for the distinguished pre-eminence of our condi-
tion. But still, as Mr. Evanson, carried away
by the force of truth, rather unseasonably lets
out "there lies within the limits of this sea-girt
Island, and the adjoining bright gem of the
ocean many a moral waste," abundantly proving
a Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. p. 351. Speech at Bedford
Jewish Auxiliary Anniversary, 1823.
This highly-dressed reference to our "sea-girt island
wastes," is the summing up of one of Mr. Evanson's most
brilliant passages, in which he takes "Christian benevolence"
and "charity" rather severely to task for their " “anomalies
and "aberrations," in "overleaping the circle of domestic
and national duty, and traversing the globe in search of novelties
to satiate an ever-craving and heated imagination." Its intro-
duction when one of the foreign wastes was the topic of the
day, can only be accounted for by supposing that his memory
in a cross-grained moment obtruded upon him a passage from
one of his other speeches, got up for some of the home
concerns of the party, instead of that belonging to the occasion,
for never surely was so fine a flow of oratory so much out of
place. What effect it produced upon Sir R. H. Inglis, who
was in the chair, or upon Mr. Treschow and Mr. Grimshaw is
not stated, but at length Mr. Evanson was brought to his re-
collection, and begged he might not be "misconceived-to
mean in the faintest degree to pour discredit upon the generous
504
that even from our own eye, morally considered,
the beam is very far from being removed, and
therefore our spiritual perceptions by no means
in that pure and perfect state to fit us to
become spiritual oculists to others.
The same pre-eminence may, with similar
prostrations before the throne of grace, be recog-
nized as our precious privilege, if the compari-
son between ourselves and other European na-
tions be extended to our respective religious
states doctrinally considered; for, lamentably nu-
merous as are the sects and parties separated
from our Church, the deleterious spirit of indif-
ference has not yet sufficiently paralysed the
sensibilities of her ministers and members to
warrant any reference to "the Philosophical
Sects at Athens," in illustration of her commu-
nion with them: nor can it be said of our Clergy
and Laity, with any semblance of truth, that the
one are either "Deists or Socinians," and the
other disciples of Voltaire. But still our reli-
gious divisions, too rampant to be concealed,
disqualify us for engaging with any hopefulness
in the conversion of the Jews; for, it is declared
by themselves, and admitted by the London So-
ciety's advocates and agents, that our “differ-
ences appear to argue against the truth of our
·
and scriptural heroism of missionary zeal, in the pure and
brilliant emanations of which he traced the spirit of the Apostles."
See also App. XX.
e See p. 496.
1
505
religion," and "are great stumbling-blocks to
them ;" and it is further alleged, that their cus-
tomary rejoinder, "when addressed upon the
evidences of Christianity," is a posing question
to the following effect. "Till you agree among
yourselves what is your common Christianity, do
you call upon us to forsake the faith of our fa-
thers"?" "first settle your own differences, and
then you may expect, with some degree of confi-
dence, that the Jews will embrace your system."
The London Society claims, by one of its found-
ers, to have been " established, amongst other
important objects, for the obviating this objec-
tion';" and, by a celebrated advocate of its cause ›
to have " removed, by its fundamental principle,
this greatest obstacle which hitherto has existed
to the conversion of the Jews *.' What this
f Observation of a Jewish physician, at Amsterdam.-Ibid.
Vol. II. p. 399. See also, Extracts from a controversy be-
tween Rev. Legh Richmond and a Jew signing himself Ma-
nasseh, Appendix XXI. "Several learned Jews at Sklov, in
Poland, put a great stress upon the many abuses which are so
universally prevalent amongst Christians both in their doctrines
and practices, and would from thence infer that Christianity
could not be a revelation from God, otherwise it would not be
so deformed even among its outward professors." Moritz.
Twelfth Report, p. 84.
8 Thelwal. Ibid. Vol. VII. p. 326.
¹ W. Cuninghame, Esq. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 292.
i Stephens, Esq. Ibid. p. 200.
k
Stephens, Esq. Jewish Repository, Vol. I. p. 200.
* W. Cuninghame, Esq. Ibid. p. 292.
1
506
magic principle is, the preceding pages have
abundantly exhibited; but that the reader may
have it before him, Mr. Legh Richmond shall
be called in to recapitulate. It is then, as that
great mystagogue propounds it in his aforesaid
disputation with Manasseh, that the various
sects which disfigure Christianity are, neverthe-
less, taken comprehensively "the Universal
Church"-are all worshippers "in the same spi-
ritual temple'," and are all of one mind amongst
themselves, both that the points on which they
differ are non-essential, and that the two on
which they are agreed, viz. that "Jesus is the
Christ, and that faith in him is essential to sal-
vation," are the whole necessary credenda of
that Catholic body ".
Gracious Heaven! that, in the nineteenth cen-
tury, and in this enlightened country, where the
whole population have their Bibles to refer to,
¹ There has been a previous reference to this " spiritual tem-
ple," in the annals of the Society (p. 128.) to which the reader
is referred; and in further illustration of the symbol-“ rub-
bish"-obstructing its erection, which the Committee there re-
port themselves engaged "in clearing away," there may now
be added Mr. Wolf's recent revelation respecting "all temples
built with stone,” that, like "Baalbeck" of which he agrees with
the Arabs in believing" the devil was the builder," they "shall
be deserted and broken down." (Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX.
p. 354.) As Mr. Wolf was initiated in religious mysteries,
under some great " masters of assemblies," this predictive woe
of his is far from unimportant.
m See Appendix XXI.
507
a Clergyman of the Church of England should,
in the face of day, string together and advance
such a series of propositions!!! Astonishment
would here pause and exhaust itself, but that a
theological prodigy, even more extravagant,
carries it forward—viz. the application of these
conceits to the obviating the great obstacle in
the Jewish mind to conversion!!! What is the
precise character of this expedient is exhibited
in the issue. The Jews explode it as "the Eng-
lish madness”—and beyond all question (to speak
of it in the most charitable terms) it is the very
Nadir point of religious infatuation.
The total discomfiture then which the London
Society has experienced has been produced by
causes which have only illustrated an "obvious
reflection" of Mr.Jowett's, "how peculiarly ill
adapted a corrupted Christianity is to propagate
itself"," but have done no actual disparagement
to their undertaking-the conversion of the Jews
-which remains just as much an object of Chris-
tian interest, equally within the compass of
Christian means, and equally fraught with en-
couragement to employ those means in pro-
moting it, as when that body undertook the
enterprise by methods of its own, and charged
itself with its awful responsibility.
To discover what means are Christian for
furthering this great design, no better course
presents itself than an appeal to St. Paul, whose
"Eleventh Report, p. 87.
508
heart was set upon his brethren's conversion, and
who has recorded the "provoking them to jea-
lousy" as the method to be employed, citing
Moses as his authority for the prescription.
Here then is both a scriptural and a very feas-
ible means commended to our use; for, the
operation centres in ourselves. We have to pre-
sent ourselves before the Jews in that religious
position, that they shall recognize their forfeited
privileges in those that we enjoy-the kingdom
taken from them in that which we inherit-the
Orders of our ministry analagous to theirs-
composed, not of men who have taken this ho-
nour upon themselves, but have been called of
God, as was Aaron, and have been continued
successionally, as the Aaronic Priesthood was,
if not in the same family by natural generation,
which was no longer possible under the Gospel
state, yet in the same fellowship by adoption into it,
signified by the laying on of hands by those, for
the time being, personating the Apostles, whose
commission was co-extensive with the world,
both as to time and space, and also as to every one
of its inhabitants;-the Lord's House the same,
only accommodated to the altered circumstances
when it is become a house of prayer for all na-
tions, and therefore lifted from Mount Sion, on
which it stood, to the top of the mountains, that
all nations may flow into it; but still designated
Rom. xi. 11.
Matt. xxviii. 20. Mark xvi. 15.
» Heb. v. 4.
Isa. ii. 2.
509
$
to be the House of God as the Temple was, by
having His Name set in it, if not personally by
Himself, by His delegated representatives the
means of divine intercourse-the Sacraments—
corresponding with theirs, or no further altered
than there is Scripture warantry for the altera-
tion-the Law and the Prophets not destroyed,
but perfected in our faith and practice-in the
exercise of which-that faith and practice, viz.
once delivered to the Saints, and neither to be add-
ed to nor diminished in any of their articles-with
one mind and one mouth we glorify God, offering up
to him with one accord our common supplications,
and being in fact the Jerusalem of the present
day-a city at unity in itself.
If this state of things, or any thing approach-
ing to it were, through the Divine blessing upon
our endeavours, brought about amongst us, at all
events, the alleged Jewish objections to conver-
sion would be removed; at all events, the Jews
would cease from saying we "are mad"," and there
Exod. xx. 24. Matt. xviii. 20.
Ps. cxxii. 3. A profound typist in the Expositor (Vol. VIII.
p. 148.) who has not favoured the public with his name, ap-
propriates this similitude to the metropolis at the seasons of
the Anniversaries; but whether it does not then represent Babel
rather than Jerusalem the author ventures to question. The
having "one object," on which the letter writer grounds his
resemblance, is common to the parties congregated at both
places their characteristic difference is, that in one case that
object was to exalt themselves—in the other, that God alone
should be exalted.
u
" 1 Cor. xiv. 23.
510
is further scriptural encouragement for indulging
the hope that they might be won to positive de-
monstrations of reunion with us-to the "falling
down with us and worshipping God, and report-
ing God to be in us of a truth ".
99
It is admitted against themselves by the Lon-
don Society's partisans, that "the Jews do not
feel the same prejudices against the establishment.
that they do against dissenters." This is all in
harmony with the foregoing anticipations. It is
moreover in harmony with the truth; for, the
Church of England is, within these dominions, the
only body which can substantiate the draught;
and though beset on every side by open ene-
mies and insidious underminers, and very de-
fectively supported by the sons whom she
has brought up, yet is she nobly exerting her-
self, both by her own constitutional energies,
and by the Societies which she has established,
to bring this blessed consummation to pass.
Let her children then go round about her, and
mark well her fair proportions-the perils with
w 1 Cor. xiv. 25. Mr. Way's Berlin correspondent, before
cited, p. 497, speaks very decidedly to the above effect. He
tells Mr. W. that if he would exert all his mighty powers upon
his brethren to make them rightly understand the Divine words
of his great Master, and render their holy effects visible in their
lives, the Christian Religion would extend its branches without
any further efforts. Letter, &c. p. 45.
* Letter recommending the London Society. Christian Ob-
server. Vol. VIII. p. 285.
;
511
which she is surrounded-and the paramount
and emergent claim which she has upon them
for all the aid which they can bestow. Let them
withdraw themselves from those spurious insti-
tutions which, as it has been shewn in more in-
stances than one, are lavishing thousands in the
production only of confusion; and let them com-
bine with her holy fellowship in the labour of
love in which she is occupied-the producing
Christian unity and peace. Let our universities
do their part in rearing for her service a pious,
an enlightened, and a sober-minded ministry. Let
the legislature prosecute with an unsparing
hand the good work which it has begun, and
which has so completely answered to the ex-
tent to which it has advanced-the providing
Churches for our accumulated population-and
let private benevolence turn the stream of its
bounty into those co-operating institutions by
which-the last-named national work is furthered
-the children of the poor religiously educated-
and Christian knowledge promoted through the
land.
There will yet remain one other imperative
claim upon us from our brethren in foreign parts,
peopling our extensive dependencies, to be made
sharers with us in those religious blessings of
which they are equally inheritors with ourselves,
and to be raised progressively with ourselves
towards the above exhibited standard of Chris-
tian perfection. Here the Society for the Pro-
512
pagation of the Gospel tenders her services,
commending herself to the national confidence
by 125 years assiduous and efficient administra-
tion, of which there is documentary evidence be-
fore the world. Let her almost exhausted re-
sources be liberally replenished, and the means
afforded her of making those exertions, which are
now in a degree paralysed for want of the neces-
sary support. Then will England obey the call
which Mr. Evanson makes upon her,
66 to assume
her proper and dignified station, as the dispenser
of light and life ";" for, then may she be contem-
plated under Isaiah's predicted appellative of "the
righteous nation which keepeth the truth"-then will
she shew forth Christianity in all its beauty of
holiness, both at home and abroad-the Lord's
ensign," as it were, lifted up "upon the moun-
tains”—and then will she have prepared herself,
as an instrument fitted for her Divine Master's
use, whether it be to make "the Heathen his in-
heritance "," or to be sent as his "swift messen-
ger to a nation scattered, and peeled, and meted
out, and trodden under foot, to bring them to
Mount Zion, as a present to himself," when
"that determined shall have been poured out
upon them."
ઠંડ
b
>
y Speech Bedford Auxiliary. Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII.
p. 352.
2
Isa. xxvi. 2.
b Ps. ii. 8.
a
Ibid. xviii. 3.
C
c Isai. xviii. 2. 7.
d Dan. ix. 27.
6
APPENDIX, No. I.
FREY'S LETTER TO THE DIRECTORS OF LONDON MISSIONARY
SOCIETY.
Narrative, p. 80—87.
Page 8.
MR. RINGLETAUBE, having one day read in my journal
the dream which I had at Gravesend, advised me to
write a letter on the subject to Mr. Hardcastle. Accord-
ingly I wrote to that purpose; in answer to which, I was
desired to draw up an account of my life, and to state
fully, in a letter to the directors my request, together
with the motives which induced me to it.
of
In compliance with their wish, I wrote a short account
my narrative, and sent a letter to the directors, which
I wrote in the German language, and of which the fol-
lowing is a literal translation :-
Rom. ix. 1-3. "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not,
my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my
heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from
Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the
flesh.
"Beloved brethren in our Lord Jesus Christ, these
and similar words of the apostle Paul, in which he ma-
nifested his love to the Jews, and his heartfelt sorrow on
account of their unbelief, have often raised in me so
A
ii
great a desire to go as a missionary amongst the Jews, as
to overbalance all the dangers which such a mission
might expose me to. Indeed, soon after I was truly
awakened, I felt an anxious wish, out of love to my dear
Saviour, who gave himself for me unto the most painful
and ignominious death, and out of love and compassion
to the ignorant amongst Christians, or amongst heathens,
to preach the blessed Gospel of Jesus Christ, that the
Son of God has endured the greatest sufferings, even
unto the death of the cross, for poor accursed helpless
men: yet it is also true, that as often as I saw a Jew,
one of my own brethren and kinsmen according to the
flesh, my whole heart was stirred up within me; and my
prayer to God was, O that this poor lost sheep might find
the right way to the good Shepherd, who gave his life a
ransom for our souls! Whenever I found an opportunity
to speak to one of the descendants of Abraham, I told
him that the promised Messiah was already come, not
only as the son of David, but also as the Son of God;
that he was made a curse for us when he suffered and
died on the cross, to deliver us from the curse of the law,
but that the same person rose again from the dead on
the third day, according to the scripture prophecy; that
he ascended on high; and that in believing this, I en-
joyed happiness that could not be expressed. I also
translated, at Berlin, into German Hebrew (i. e. German
language in Hebrew letters) three of Mr. Cooper's ser-
mons, preached to the Jews in London, in expectation
that the Baron Van Shirnding would cause them to be
printed for the use of the Jews. I also translated Lu-
ther's shorter catechism, and wrote several things, which
I frequently read to some of my dear brethren, and often
observed, that many of them resisted the truth merely
out of fear of men. On the Sabbath, I used to go to the
iii
synagogue, for the sake of having religious conversation
with my dear brethren. Two or three hundred would
stand round about me, to whom I spoke with the greatest
boldness, respecting their unbelief and misery, and declared
to them the suitable, free, and full salvation by Jesus
Christ; and assured them of his wonderful love to poor
sinners, yea, even to the chief of sinners. Some brought
forward objections against Christianity, but, through
grace, I was enabled, from the writings of the Old Tes-
tament, to defend myself. Although I have not yet seen
any fruit of those labours, yet I know and believe that
the doctrine of the cross will produce its effects in due
season.
"The reasons, therefore, my dearly beloved brethren,
why I believe that my blessed Saviour will count me
worthy, if not here, yet somewhere else; and if not now,
yet at some future time, to make known his blessed Gos-
pel to my brethren and sisters, are these:-
First-The inexpressible and irresistible wish and de-
sire which I feel to point out, through the grace and
assistance of him whose strength is made perfect in our
weakness, to the poor and wandering Jews, the way to
obtain eternal life.
.66
Secondly-It is well known, that a Jew, who has em-
braced the Christian religion, is generally looked upon
by his own nation with the greatest contempt and re-
proach, yea, even persecuted, as much as lies in their
power; yet, to my great surprise, I have been received
by many Jews, in Berlin, with friendship and respect.
Twice I had religious conversation with the presiding
Rabbi himself; and here, in London, I have dined
with some, at whose table I have not been ashamed nor
afraid to confess Jesus of Nazareth to be the true Mes-
siah; and not a few have already visited me at my apart-
ments, for the sake of having religious conversation.
4
A 2
iv
"Thirdly-I have observed, that my brethren will ra-
ther listen to what I say, than to what they hear advanced
by a Christian; and that they would open, with freedom
and confidence, their mind to me, which they would
never do to one who was born a Christian.
"The last reason which I assign for my wish is—
Fourthly-That I humbly hope I am acquainted
with their peculiar dispositions and conduct; that I know
their religious sentiments; and that I shall be enabled,
through the grace of my blessed Saviour, to become all
things to all men, that I may by all means save some,
especially of those of mine own nation, whom I love with
love unfeigned and inexpressible.
"It is, therefore, my dearly beloved brethren, my
humble wish to remain, if but one year, in London, to
try, if possible, to save if but one soul from the power of
Satan, and lead them to the good Shepherd who gave his
life for the sheep, &c. But Jesus is my Lord and Sa-
viour, who has bought me on the cross with his precious
blood; to him I give myself again in body and soul to
be directed in this important object. He who is infinite
in wisdom, knows best what is good for me a poor worm.
He is perfectly acquainted with the hearts of men, and
turns them as he does the rivers of water. The desires
and motives of my heart are better known to him than to
myself; and he will no doubt lead and rule, according to
his holy will, the hearts of my dearly beloved brethren
and directors.
London, Nov, 24, 1801.
"I am,
"Your willing servant,
"C. F. FREY."
V
APPENDIX, No. II.
PROGRAMME OF THE PROCESSION ON LAYING THE FIRST STONE OF
THE CHAPEL AT BETHNAL-GREEN.
From Jewish Repository, May, 1813.
Page 69.
Wednesday the 7th of April having been appointed
for laying the first stone of the Episcopal Chapel,
Schools, and Asylum intended to be erected by the
London Society, at Bethnal Green; the Nobility, Clergy,
and Gentry, began to assemble at the Old London Ta-
vern about one o'clock, when his Royal Highness the
Duke of Kent arrived.
Precisely at two o'clock, his Royal Highness attended
by the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs, the
Earl of Crawford and Lindsay, the Earl of Besborough,
Lords Dundas and Erskine, William Wilberforce, Esq.
M. P. T. Babington, Esq. M. P. T. R. Kempe, Esq.
M. P. Benjamin Shaw, Esq. M. P. Treasurer, Sir C. S.
Hunter, Bart. and Alderman, Christopher Magnay, Esq.
and Alderman, Ebenezer Maitland, Esq., Lewis Way,
Esq. &c. &c. and a very numerous assemblage of the
clergy and friends of the Society, with the children under
their patronage proceeded from the Tavern in the fol-
lowing order.
Four Constables,
TWO MARSHALMEN,
CITY MARSHAL,
COMMITTEE.
Westminster Committee.
STEWARDS,
Constables-JEWISH CHILDREN-~~~Constables.
STEWARDS,
VICE PRESIDENTS,
* vi
PRESIDENT,
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT,
Right Honourable the Lord Mayor,
ALDERMEN,
SHERIFFS,
Visitors.
The procession was met in Spital-square by a com-
pany of the Tower Hamlets militia who preceded it to
the ground, where it arrived at three o'clock. His
Royal Highness and train passed through a line formed
by the militia with presented arms, the band playing
"God save the King," in the following order:
WESTMINSTER COMMITTEE,-two and two,
COMMITTEE,
STEWARDS,
CLERGYMEN,
The Rev. J. S. C. F. Frey,
Schoolmaster,
JEWISH BOYS-two and two,
Schoolmistress,
JEWISH GIRLS-two and two,
Converted Jews,
VICE PRESIDENTS,
Master Builder, with a Mallet, Silver Trowel, and Coins,
placed upon a Crimson Velvet Cushion.
Architects,
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE Duke of Kent,
Right Honourable the Lord Mayor,
Sheriffs, and Aldermen,
Nobility, Clergy,
and Gentry.
vii
The Committee and Stewards filed off right and left,
to receive his Royal Highness and train upon a platform
erected for the purpose, in front of a semicircular theatre
filled with about 1000 ladies-the stone and materials
being arranged in the area between.
APPENDIX No. III.
From the Sixth Report of the London Society, (Appendix No. 1.)
Page 86.
Rules and Regulations of a Society called the Children
af Abraham, consisting of Jews under the Sanction and
Patronage of the London Society for Promoting Chris-
tianity amongst the Jews: formed at the Jews Chapel,
September 1, 1813.
I. THIS (or Society,) shall have a Committee,
consisting of five Members, a Treasurer, and a Secretary.
II. The Members of this Society are expected to meet
for prayer at the Jews Chapel, every SUNDAY MORNING,
at eight o'clock; and THURSDAY EVENING, at the same
hour.
III. On Thursday Evening, at seven o'clock, the
Members forming the Committee are to meet, for the
purpose of admitting new Members, and to transact such
other matters as regard the views and intentions of this
Society.
IV. All Jews that are desirous to become Members
of this 2 (or Society) are to pay Two Shillings and
viii
Six-pence on admittance, and Three-pence weekly, to be
appropriated to the purposes of this Society.—But dona-
tions from those who may be inclined to promote this
great and important object, although they are not Mem-
bers of this Society, will be thankfully received by the
Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, or any Member of the
Committee.
V. The founders of this Institution request, that every
Member will regularly attend the preaching of the Gos-
pel at the Jews Chapel, whenever Divine Worship is
performed there.
t
VI. A Book, wherein the Name of every Member
will be registered, shall be kept by the Secretary, and
those persons who are found absent at any of the public
services of the Jews Chapel, shall be reported to the
Committee, and if a satisfactory reason is not assigned
for such neglect, he shall receive a suitable admonition
from the Chairman; and after receiving this admonition
three successive times, without effect, he shall be expel-
led from this an (or Society.)
VII. In case any Member of this Society should,
through sickness, or any other affliction, be confined to
his home, such Member is requested to report his or her
illness to the Committee, that medical assistance may be
procured from the London Society's doctor, and two
Members of this 2, in rotation, are to attend at his
abode daily, to read a chapter from the Holy Bible, and
to pray with him, but on the Sabbath-day this duty will
devolve on as many Members as can conveniently attend.
Oh! that we may all imitate our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, who went about doing good. Amen.
VIII. In case of any dispute arising amongst the Mem-
bers of this Society, it is recommended to appoint arbi-
trators, from amongst its number, to adjust the matter:
ix
this will be expedient, inasmuch as it will prevent litiga-
tion and its consequences.
IX. In case of the demise, or resignation of any Mem-
ber of the Committee, the existing Members shall have
the power to elect a new Member, which shall be decided
by a majority of votes present: they may likewise add to
their number, should it be thought advisable.
X. The Secretary shall call a general meeting every
three months, to render an account of all receipts and
disbursements.
XI. In case of the absence of the Chairman, one of the
Members present shall be elected by a majority of votes
to officiate in his stead.
XII. If the Committee at any future period, should
deem it necessary to make any alteration, or addition, in
the Rules and Regulations for the benefit of this an
(or Society,) every Member is expected to give his sup-
port and consent to the same.
XIII. The Rules and Regulations of this Society are
to be copied in a Book, to which every Member is to
subscribe his name.
*** This Society deems it essential to submit their Rules and
Regulations to the consideration of their beloved friends, and
Christian brethren, in order to demonstrate that their "hearts de-
sire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."
The following are the Names of the Members.
Aaron, Mr. Saul
Abraham, Mrs. Hannah
Alexander, Mr. Humphrey
Alexander, Mrs, Judith
Alexander, Mr. Wolfe
Borrenstein, Mr. D. A.
Borrenstein, Mrs. P.
Brown, Mr. George
Clark, Mrs. Mary
Davis, Mr. Abraham
Elias, Mrs. Lydia
Frey, Rev. J. S. C. F.
Frey, Mrs. Hannah
Frey, Master John
X
Hendricks, Mr. Joseph
Hirschfeld, Mr. A.
Isaac, Mr. Benjamin
Isaac, Mr. Haim
Lewis, Mr. John
Lewis, Miss Mary
Marcus, Mr. Moses, senior
Marcus, Mrs. Frances
Marcus, Mr. Moses, junior
Isaac, Mrs. A.
Isaac, Mr. Hyam Burn
Marcus, Mr. Lewis
Israel, Mr. Wolfe
Meyer, Mr. George
Jacobs, Mr. James
Josephson, Mr. Jacob
Levy, Mr. Isaac
Levy, Mrs. Lucy
Levy, Mr. Michael
Levy, Mr. Simon
Lewis, Mr. Abraham
Parisot, Mr. Isaac
Polack, Mr. Samuel
Richards, Mrs. Nancy
Saul, Mr. Aaron
Schluesselburg, Mr. L. P.
Swabey, Mr. Mathew.
Committee for the Year ensuing.
Mr. J. Josephson,
Mr. J. Parisot,
Mr. A. Saul,
Rev. C. F. FREY, Chairman.
Mr. A. Hirschfeld,
Mr. M. Marcus, Treasurer.
Mr. D. A. Borrenstein, Secretary.
N. B. Donations and Subscriptions will be thankfully received
by the Treasurer, at the Jews Chapel, Church-street, Spitalfields.
APPENDIX No. IV.
From the Sixth Report of the Committee of the London Society,
(Appendix No. 2.)
Page 96.
Arrangements adopted at the Meeting of the Vice-Presi-
dents and Committee, March 29, 1814.
THAT this Committee, consisting of the Patron, Vice-
Presidents, and ordinary members be, in future, consi-
XI
dered as the only general Committee for the management
of the general concerns of the Society, and that the dif-
ferent departments of the Society be in future conducted
by Sub-Committees to be appointed by and subject to
the General Committee.
That the permanent Sub-Committees for conducting
the management of the affairs of the Institution, after the
6th of May next, be as follows:
1. Sub-Committee of the affairs of the Jews, House
and Schools.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
of the Printing-Office and Basket
Manufactory.
of Correspondence and Literature.
of Finance.
of Building.
of the Jews Chapel.
Each Sub-Committee to consist of not less than five
Members, two to be a quorum, and that the time and
place of Meeting of each Sub-Committee be fixed by
itself.
That no buildings, alterations, or repairs, necessary to
be done on any of the Society's premises, which shall ex-
ceed five pounds in value, be executed without the ap-
probation of the General Committee, and that notice of
such buildings, alterations, or repairs, be accompanied
with proper estimates.
That no new publication, excepting advertisements,
which shall exceed five pounds in value, be executed
or undertaken without the consent of the General Com-
mittee.
That no sum exceeding two pounds be advanced to or
upon the account of, or by way of engagement for any
Jew, without the authority of the General Committee.
That all monies collected or received by any members
xii
of the Committee, or the Society, be paid or remitted to
the Assistant Secretary within a week of their receipt,
and by him sent to the bankers, and all payments made
by draft of the Finance Committee, all necessary expences
being first deducted.
APPENDIX, No. V.
From the Seventh Report of the Committee of the London Society,
(Appendix No. 1.)
Page 98.
1
A Report read at an Extraordinary General Meet-
ing, February 28, 1815: with the new Rules and Regu-
lations passed at that Meeting, and confirmed by ano-
ther General Meeting, March 14, 1815.
ON Tuesday, the 28th of February, an Extraordinary
General Meeting of the London Society for Promoting
Christianity amongst the Jews was held at Free Masons
Tavern:
THOMAS BABINGTON, Esq. M.P.-in the Chair.
Thomas Babington, Esq. M.P. having taken the Chair,
the Meeting was opened with prayer, by the Rev. Basil
Woodd.
The following Report was afterwards read by the Rev.
C. S. Hawtrey, Officiating Minister of the Episcopal
Jews Chapel.
"Your Committee having deemed it necessary, accord-
ing to the 8th General Rule of the Society, to call an
8
xiii
Extraordinary General Meeting, beg leave to submit the
following Report of the reasons which have led to this
measure.
"It appears, that on the first formation of this Society,
it consisted of Christians of various denominations, without
any reference to their respective differences of sentiment:
and in the earlier stage of its progress, it was stated in its
Reports, that the exertions of the Institution, as far as they
were of a spiritual nature, were to be confined to the
simple object of convincing the Jews of the Messiahship of
our Lord Jesus Christ; leaving the Jewish converts to de-
cide for themselves, what external communion of Chris-
tians they would join *.
"It is evident, that so long as the operations of the So-
ciety were limited strictly to the above object, it was pos-
sible for them to proceed in their course, without coming
upon disputed ground, involving in it the points of differ-
ence between Christians: and thus far, all truly pious
Christians could most cordially act together, without offer-
ing violence to their strictest and most conscientious
views of duty.
"The Society having, very soon after its original forma-
tion, become possessed of a large place of worship in
Spitalfields, since called the Jews Chapel, it was opened
for the Jews; sermons were there delivered by dissenting
ministers of various denominations, and lectures on the evi-
* It is the object of the London Society for promoting Christianity
amongst the Jews, to limit themselves to the simple object of con-
vincing their Jewish brethren, that Jesus is the Messiah, the Saviour
of the world; leaving them, when thus instructed, to search the
Scriptures, and judge for themselves, respecting all inferior points
on which Christians themselves are not agreed. Third Report of the
London Society, page 13,
xiv
dences of Christianity were preached by Mr. J. S. C. F.
Frey.
“By the Divine blessing on the use of these means, a small
congregation of converted Jews was collected; but, as the
Society was not then possessed of an Episcopal place of
worship, your Committee, anxious to conduct the Institu-
tion on the principles of strict impartiality, and to avoid
giving occasion of offence to the conscientious members
of the Established Church who were subscribers to the
Institution, did not then think it advisable that the Jews
Chapel should be permitted to assume the form of a
Dissenting Church; and the Sacrament of the Lord's
Supper has consequently never been administered there.
"But it having pleased God, as above mentioned, very
early to bless the efforts of the Institution, in convincing
some of the children of Israel, that Jesus Christ is the
Messiah, it consequently became necessary that the ordi-
nance of Baptism should be administered to them. A
part of the Converts accordingly received Baptism in the
Church of England, agreeably to the rites of that Church;
and others were baptized at the Jews Chapel, in Spital-
fields, by a Minister of the Presbyterian and National
Church of Scotland, and according to the forms of that
National Church. The Baptism of the Converts from year
to year has continued to be conducted in the same
manner, with the exception of last year only *.
"At the same time that Sermons and Lectures, as above
mentioned, were preached in the Chapel of the Society,
your Committee embraced every opportunity of procuring
* The Rev. Dr. Nicol, of the Scotch Church, who had baptized
the Jews at the Jews Chapel in the former years, being particularly
engaged, the ordinance was in this instance administered by the
Rev. Mr. Arundel, of Whitby.
XV
aid from the talents and piety of the Clergy of the Esta-
blished Church, by soliciting them to preach occasional
Lectures to the Jews in places of worship connected with
the Church of England. In pursuauce of the same ge-
neral plan, and with the design of connecting the Institu-
tion more nearly with its friends of the Establishment,
and of procuring for it more general support in that
quarter, your Committee obtained a lease of a piece of
ground at Bethnal Green; where a large Chapel for the
Jews has been erected, and opened under a license from
the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of London. This Chapel
is under the ministerial charge of the Rev. Mr. Hawtrey,
a regular Clergyman of the Church of England.
"In prosecuting these various measures, it was the ar-
dent desire of your Committee, to conciliate the minds of all
pious persons, both in the Establishment, and amongst the
the Dissenters. It was their view, to establish in the Epis-
copal Chapel a mission to the Jews conducted by the Clergy
of the Established Church; and that a similar mission
should be formed in the Jews Chapel, where the Rev. Mr.
Frey should officiate as the regular Minister after receiv-
ing ordination; and that in this Chapel pious and learned
Dissenting Ministers should have opportunities afforded
them of preaching to the Jews. It was thus the endeavour
of your Committee, to unite both the Church aud the Dis-
senters in the great work of evangelizing the Jews.
"Your Committee must now lay before you the serious
difficulties which have been experienced by them, in car-
rying on the Institution upon the above principle.
(C
Although the Society has met with much cordial and
zealous aid from its friends amongst the Dissenters; and
the Dissenting members of it have, with a catholic spirit
of liberality which reflects upon them very high honour,
willingly concurred in the measures connected with the
8
xvi
erection of the Episcopal Chapel; yet it is well known,
that the Society has never been supported by the Dissenters
generally, or in the same degree as they have aided mis-
sions to the Heathen.
"With respect to the support given to the Society by
the Established Church, your Committee have long been
aware, that many conscientious men in that Church have
declined to support the Institution, upon the alleged ground
of its connection with the Dissenters in matters of disci-
pline; and especially because the Jews Chapel was con-
sidered as a Dissenting place worship. The extent of
this obstacle was not, however, known to your Committee
till very lately. It was discovered in consequence of their
attempts to remedy the financial difficulties under which
the Society laboured. These difficulties, it is now the
painful duty of your Committee to lay before you.
"In the last Annual Report, your Committee called your
attention to the considerable debt which had been con-
tracted by the Society. It is with the greatest concern
they must now add, that the gross amount of debt at this
time appears to exceed the sum of £7500*; besides
what is still due for the building contract of the Episcopal
Chapel, amounting at least to £5000 more. It is true
that there is a large property, and a considerable sum
due to the Society, to set off against these debts; but as
that property is not convertible into money, and a part of
the sums due to you are believed not to be recoverable,
* In the last Report of the Society the debts were stated as
follows:-
Due by the printing account...
General Debt...
£
S.
d.
2878 7 3
2676 6 1
5554 13 4
The increase of debt, therefore, is about £2000.
xvii
no immediate relief can be expected from these
sources. Your Committee are therefore reduced to the
painful necessity of stating, that, unless the greatest efforts
and exertions are made, the Society cannot prosecute its
great objects.
'Pressed on all sides by financial difficulties, which have
been so great, that actions were brought for some of the
debts, and others threatened, your Committee attempted
to meet these exigencies by efforts to obtain more en-
larged support; but they found insuperable obstacles to
this design, arising from the unwillingness of many excel-
lent persons in the Church Establishment to co-operate
with the Society, as long as it was conducted on the prin-
ciple of the union of Churchmen and Dissenters, in matters
affecting church discipline. It was in this way that the
whole extent of the practical difficulty, arising from the
above cause, was ascertained.
"Your Committee, without any delay, set themselves to
consider the best mode of removing the above objection;
and after very carefully considering a variety of plans,
they, upon the 27th of December last, passed the follow-
ing Resolutions.
Resolved, I.-THAT the Spiritual Concerns of the Society connected
with the Chapels, the Schools, and the Education
of Missionaries, be henceforth separately conducted
by the Churchmen and Dissenters respectively.
II.-THAT the Episcopal Chapel and School be a distinct
concern in the hands of Churchmen.
III.-TUAT the Jews Chapel and School be a distinct concern
in the hands of Dissenters.
IV. THAT the Hebrew New Testament, the Printing Office,
the Manufactories, and Female Asylum, be a dis-
tinet and separate concern, forming one com-
mon centre of union to all parties.
B
xviii
V.-THAT a sum (say £6000) be advanced, two thirds by
the Church Committee, and one third by the
Dissenting Committee, for the liquidating of the
debts of the Society, and that the Episcopal
Chapel shall be a security for the larger sum, and
the other assets of the Society for the smaller
sum.
VI. THAT the three distinct concerns have each its own parti-
cular Committee, consisting of twelve persons;
but that six of each of the two Chapel Committees
be also Members of the Committee of the General
Concern; so that the Committee of the General
Concern consist, in fact, of twenty-four persons.
VII. THAT the three Committees have a Quarterly Meeting
together, to state to each other their respective
proceedings.
VIII. THAT the proceedings of all the three Committees, be
comprised in one Report, and be read together,
annually, at the same time and place.
"It is observable, that the above Resolutions consist of
two parts; the one relating to the general management of
the Society, the other to its pecuniary concerns. Your
Committee would offer a few observations on each of
them; premising, that neither of the two parts has been
carried into execution.
"With respect to the part of these resolutions first men-
tioned, it must be acknowledged that every praise is due
to the gentlemen who framed them. They were evidently
dictated by a desire" to preserve the unity of the spirit in
the bond of peace."-But there is reason to believe, that
they have not satisfied those who objected to the union of
the principles of the Church and Dissent in one Institu-
tion. The execution of these resolutions would also have
been attended with practical difficulties of no common
magnitude; for they involve in them the yet untried, and
anomalous, expedient of subjecting the different parts of
xix
one and the same Institution to the management of three
distinct and independent Committees, without any common
controlling power, excepting that of a General Meeting
of the Society. It is much to be feared, that such an ar-
rangement, without mentioning the evils of dividing the
Schools, would have been pregnant with the seeds of un-
holy emulation and dissension.
"For the above reasons, it is the matured opinion of
your Committee, that the execution of this part of the
Resolutions referred to, would have been found inexpe-
dient, and impracticable.
"The other part of the resolutions provided for the
raising a sum of money by way of loan; £4000 to be ad-
vanced by the Churchmen, and £2000 by the Dissenters.
It has been said, in reference to this measure, that
it would have been better if no distinction had been made
between the parties, and that the money had been raised
in common. In reply to this, your Committee briefly ob-
serve, that any friends of the Society, who should have
advanced the larger sum, had a just claim to decide on
what terms they would lend it; and that, as Churchmen,
it was more accordant with their sense of propriety, to
lend it on the security of the Church property.
"At a subsequent meeting of the Committee, held in
January, it appeared that the portion allotted to the Dis-
senters had not been raised by them; and it was stated by
the Church Members, that though their share of the prof-
fered loan was ready, yet they could not advance it, until
the Dissenters should evince a disposition to fulfil their
part of the stipulation. A very long conversation took
place in consequence, and it was determined, that the
Church and Dissenting Members of the Committee
should form separate Sub-Committees, which should meet,
and see what could be done among their respective
B 2
XX
friends, to remove the difficulty, and report to the next
General Meeting of the Committee.
"The Sub-Committee of Dissenters, having met, re-
solved to call a General Meeting of the Dissenting Mem-
bers in and near London. This Meeting took place on
Tuesday, the 14th of February, and certain Resolutions
were then passed, expressive of their design to withdraw
from the management of the Society, and leave it in the
hands of their brethren of the Established Church. The
Resolutions of both these Meetings of Dissenters will now
be read to the present Meeting.
At a Sub-Committee Meeting of Dissenters, held at the
London Society House, February 6, 1815.
MR. LINDEMAN in the Chair.
Resolved-THAT as the debts of the Society have been incurred by
the Committee at large, it appears to this Commit-
tee, that any exertions to discharge the same,
ei-
ther by Loan or Subscription, ought to be made by
the Committe at large, without respect to religious
denomination.
THAT it is expedient to call a General Meeting of such
Dissenters as are Subscribers to this Society, to
take into consideration the present state of the So-
ciety.
THAT this Meeting be held at the New London Tavern in
Cheapside, on Tuesday the 14th instant, at five
o'clock in the Evening.
At a Meeting of the Dissenters in London, who are Sub-
scribers to the London Society for Promoting Christia-
nity amongst the Jews, held at the New London Tavern,
Cheapside, February 14, 1815,
JOSEPH FOX, Esq. in the Chair.
Resolved, I.-THAT it affords to the present Meeting the most heart-
felt satisfaction, to contemplate the success which
xxi
it has pleased Divine Providence to confer upon
the efforts made for the conversion of Israel, since
the establishment of this Society.
II.—THAT as the present exigencies of this Society, and the
exertions which will be required for its future
prosperity, call for greater pecuniary assistance
and increased personal attendance:—it appears to
this Meeting, that from the numerous engage-
ments of Dissenters in London, together with the
various Institutions belonging to themselves, it will
not be in their power to contribute more support to
the Society than they have done hitherto.
III.-THAT as it appears that many zealous members of the
Established Church have expressed their consci-
entious objections to unite with this Society, whilst
its affairs are managed by a Committee consisting
of persons of different religious denominations, and
have intimated their willingness to support it if
carried on exclusively by Churchmen :- -this
Meeting embraces this opportunity of proving that
they never, as Dissenters, had any other design
but the conversion of the Jews to Christianity :-
and, as it is probable that the assets are nearly suf-
ficient to cover the debts,-they therefore cannot
feel the smallest objection to withdraw, in favour
of such of their brethren of the Established Church
who testify a lively zeal in this grand cause, pos-
sessing also sufficient means for promoting it.
IV. ~THAT this Meeting feels itself called upon to express
the high sense they entertain of the faithful and
zealous exertions of the Rev. Mr. Frey during the
continuance of this Society, not only in publishing
to his brethren of the house of Israel the truth as
it is in Jesus, but also for his unwearied labours in
travelling through all parts of England, Scotland,
and Ireland, to make known to Christians in ge-
neral the design and objects of the Society,
whereby those funds have been procured which
were constantly found to be so necessary to its
existence.
JOSEPH FOX, Chairman.
xxii
V.-THAT the cordial thanks of this Meeting be given to Jo-
seph Fox, Esq. for his able conduct in the Chair.
"The said Resolutions of the Dissenting Members
having been taken into consideration at a very numerous
Meeting of the General Committee, held for the purpose
on the 17th instant, the subject was discussed with a de-
gree of Christian temper, forbearance and love, which is
seldom witnessed.--Your Committee at length came to
the determination of receiving the Resolutions, and sub-
mitting them to a General Meeting of the Society, with
such new Rules and Regulations as might be necessary
in consequence of our Dissenting brethren having with-
drawn from the management. It only now remains, that
your Committee should offer a few short remarks, and lay
before you the Rules and Regulations which may be ne-
cessary, should the General Meeting acquiesce in what
has been proposed by the Dissenting Members.
"Your Committee would remark, in the first place, that
the pecuniary situation of the Society is distressing in a
high degree ; and that it most urgently requires the appli-
cation of a remedy, without the least delay. No expedient
for conducting the affairs of the Institution, which does
not provide for raising a large sum of money, can be effec-
tual.
"
Enough has probably been said, to shew the impracti-
cability of continuing the principle of united operation in
the management of this Institution to the extent which
has been attempted; and as the Resolutions of the Dis-
senting Members of the Society, now submitted to this
Meeting, seem calculated to remove the difficulty, by
effecting a separation in a manner the most agreeable to
the feelings of Christian kindness and charity, your Com-
mittee offer to your consideration the propriety of adopt-
ing the following Resolution.
xxiii
"RESOLVED,
"THAT this meeting is most deeply sensible of, and
most cordially and affectionately acknowledges,
the zeal and liberality with which the efforts of
the Society have been aided and supported by
Christians of various denominations through-
out the United Kingdom, from its original
foundation.—The present meeting most deeply
regrets the difficulties which have arisen with
respect to the union of the members of the Es-
tablished Church, and other Christians, in the
management of the Society in matters of church
order and discipline; and also that the execu-
cution of the rules proposed on the 27th of
December last, has not appeared practicable.
-Under circumstances of such difficulty as the
Society is now placed in, unity of design, and
principle, and operation, is peculiarly and in-
dispensably necessary for its future manage-
ment. And as the Dissenting members have,
with a spirit most truly conciliatory offered to
leave the management of the Institution in the
hands of their brethren of the Established
Church; this meeting do, with the same spirit
of Christian meekness and charity, approve and
accept the offer; and the members of it who
are of the Established Church, most earnestly
beseech their Dissenting brethren still to favour
them with their pecuniary support, and above
all to aid them with their prayers; that
they may be enabled, with the blessing of God,
to extricate the Society from the state of diffi-
culty in which it is now placed, and to pursue
the great design for which it was instituted,
xxiv
with renewed efforts of Christian faith, wisdom,
and zeal, to the glory of their common Lord, in
the salvation of Israel,
"The Motion, that the above Resolution be adopted,
having been put and seconded, the Meeting was ad-
dressed by several Gentlemen, some of them of the Esta-
blished Church, and some of them Dissenters, on the
subject of the Resolution. The Dissenting Gentlemen
expressed their determination, though they had with-
drawn from the management, still to continue their aid to
the Institution, both by their influence and example, and
they thus evinced themselves to be actuated by principles
of the most exalted Christian philanthropy and liberality
which we trust will be both felt and imitated in every part
of the kingdom. Perhaps the history of the Christian
Church presents few examples of a point of so much diffi-
culty and delicacy having been decided with such a happy
union of those sentiments which most highly adorn the
Christian character. The Resolution passed unani-
mously. It was then
Resolved,-THAT the following Rules be added to the present Rules
and Regulations of the London Society.
1.-THAT the children under the charge of the Society shall
be instructed in the principles, and according to
the formularies of the United Church of England
and Ireland.
2.—THAT public worship in the future operations of this So-
ciety shall be conducted in strict conformity to the
Liturgy and formularies of the Church of England
as by law established.
3. -THAT if at any time a Jew professing faith in Christ, and
seeking for the patronage of this Society, should
entertain conscientious scruples in respect of con-
formity to the rites of the Church of England, he
XXV
shall not thereby be deprived of, or precluded
from, temporal aid from this Society, if he shall in
other respects be deemed a fit and proper object of
the patronage of this Society.
THAT the following alterations be made in the existing
Rules of the Society.
4th RULE.-Instead of a Committee of thirty-six members, to
be chosen, twenty-seven from the old Committee,
viz. those who shall have most frequently attended,
and nine from the general body :-A Committee of
twenty-four members shall be chosen; eighteen
from the old Committee, and six from the ge-
neral body: the said Committee to be composed of
Laymen. All Clergymen, who are members of the
Society, or its Auxiliary Societies, shall have a title
to attend its Committees, and vote: and all Presi-
dents, and Secretaries of Auxiliary Societies, and
all Country Directors, shall be, ex officio, Members
of the Committee.
6th RULE.-Instead of the present Rule the following one is
adopted :-
The Committee shall elect, at their first meeting in
every year, three Auditors, who shall be members
of the Society; and shall from time to time appoint
visitors in the School; and also such Sub-Commit-
tees as they consider necessary for the dispatch of
business.
12th RULE.-Instead of the present Rule the following one is
adopted :-
Two Anniversary Sermons shall be preached at such
times and at such places of worship, connected
with the Church of England, as the Committee may
think proper:-the Committee to appoint the
Preachers.
xxvi
APPENDIX, No. VI.
From London Society's Tenth Report, pp. 43-52.
Page 102.
The Substance of a Speech delivered at Norwich, Sept.
26, 1817, at the formation of a Norfolk and Norwich
Auxiliary Society, in Aid of the London Society for
Promoting Christianity among the Jews. By the Rev.
Charles Simeon, M.A. Fellow of King's College, Cam-
bridge.
Mr. Chairman,
In rising to propose to you and to this assembly to
form yourselves into a Society, auxiliary to that which is
called, The London Society for Promoting Christianity
among the Jews, I would begin with noticing this melan-
choly fact, that the Jews, though the most interesting of
all people, and, under God, the greatest benefactors of
the human race, have been long treated by us with neg-
lect and contempt beyond any other people under hea-
ven. Heathens of almost every name, and in every quar-
ter of the globe, have been objects of our attention; and
some means have been used for imparting to them the
knowledge of a Saviour: but towards the Jews, scattered
as they are, through almost all the cities and villages of
the United Kingdom, and therefore accessible to us at
all times, we have shewn no more regard, than if they
were not possessed of immortal souls. The same indif-
ference towards them has prevailed throughout the whole
of Christendom. Now whence is this? What reason can
be assigned for it? Doubtless it originates in some mea-
sure from the prejudices, which, form our earliest infancy,
xxvii
we have imbibed against them; their very name being
constantly used by us as a term of reproach. Seeing that
they are abandoned, as it were, by their God, we think
ourselves absolved from all obligation to consult their
spiritual interests; and if we only abstain from all at-
tempts to injure or oppress them, we think we have dis-
charged our duty towards them, and deserved well at
their hands. But that to which our neglect of them
must be chiefly attributed, is, an idea that they are nearly,
if not altogether, as safe in their present state, as they
would be if they were converted to Christianity. When
the Lord Jesus Christ says, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me,"
we think, that there is some exception in their favour at
least; and that, though to Christians, "there is no other
name given under heaven whereby they may be saved,
but by the name of Jesus Christ," the Jews may be saved
by the law of Moses. Knowing as we do, that pious
Jews were accepted of God before the coming of Christ,
we conclude, that mercy will be extended to all who are
sober and moral amongst them, notwithstanding their re-
jection of their promised Messiah. This, it is true, is
directly contrary to the Articles of our Church, as well
as to the whole tenor of holy writ: but, when we see how
confidently men rest on groundless surmises in reference
to their own souls, we cannot wonder that they do it in
reference to a people for whom they feel so little concern.
We are happy, however, to find that the Christian
world are beginning to awake out of their slumber, and
to lay to heart the case of that unhappy people. Indeed,
I must say, to the honour of our country, that the exer-
tions made in behalf of the Jewish cause have been ex-
tremely liberal: for no sooner was an appeal made to
them, than great subscriptions were raised, and a disposi-
xxviii
tion was shewn to carry into effect any well-concerted
measures for their relief. Unhappily, however, the cause
being altogether new, and no way having been marked out
by experience, too many things were undertaken at once,
and too little attention was paid to economy; so that great
debts were contracted, and much disapprobation was excited
in the public mind. Many complained, with too much jus-
tice, of an improvident expenditure: and those who had
been most forward to aid the cause were discouraged,
when they saw, that, with little solid fruit, the Society
was sinking under an accumulated load of debt. In truth,
at that time the Society was like a ship with so much
water in the hold, that there was little or no hope of sav-
ing it from destruction. It was at that time that I had
first the honour to come on board, and to give what little
assistance I was able towards the recovery of the vessel.
I had indeed subscribed almost from the beginning; but
never till then had taken any part in the management of
the concern. It was evident that this Society must fall,
if very extraordinary exertions were not made for its pre-
servation; and, if it had fallen, it would have brought
great discredit on all similar institutions. It was propo-
sed, therefore, by urgent applications to the public for
donations and loans to rescue it from ruin; but, wherever
the applications were made, they were unsuccessful.
Those who had already aided the Society, both among
Churchmen and Dissenters, were indisposed to meet the
occasion by strenuous and united exertions; and those
who had not hitherto supported it, felt a prejudice against
it. On the part of the Dissenters there was a jealousy
that the Church of England had too great an ascendancy
in its concerns: and on the part of the Church of Eng-
land there were many who did not approve the constitu-
tion of the Society, because they saw in it, or thought
xxix
they saw, the seeds of future discord and dissolution.
They saw that, however practicable an union of all deno-
minations was in the Bible Society, where the object was
simple, it was not so in a Society, where all the points of
church discipline must of necessity form, at no distant
period, a bone of contention betwixt the managers. In
this state of things the debt was daily increasing; and no
money was coming in to discharge it: and I hesitate not
to say, that in a very, very little time, irrecoverable ruin
would have ensued. Then it was that the Dissenting part
of the managers said to those of the establishmet, We see
that we are all, Churchmen and Dissenters, sinking toge-
ther: do you think, that, if the management of the concern
be wholly given up into your hands, you can redeem it
from destruction? The Churchmen replied, We think we
can: we think that, if the energies of the Church of Eng-
land be called forth, there is yet power to save the So-
ciety; and we will do our utmost for that end. The debt
was indeed immense: it was known to be at least 12,0007.
and proved afterwards to be much larger: but still the
known zeal and liberality of an opulent individual, with the
united exertions of a few others, were thought equal to the
occasion and therefore the arduous task was cheerfully
undertaken. The Dissenting part of the managers then took
the long boat, and the churchmen set to work at the
pumps; and through the goodness of God, have not only
cleared the hold, and righted the ship, but are navigating
her now with all their might.
:
This is the plain simple truth respecting the alteration
which took place in the constitution of the Society. It
did not originate in any jealousies between the managers
themselves; it did not arise from any one party wishing
to get an undue preponderance, or to effect a separation :
it arose solely from the immense debt which had been im-
XXX
providently contracted, and which could not, whilst the
Society was so constituted, be by any means discharged.
It was proposed by the Dissenters and accepted by the
Churchmen: and was carried into effect with the most per-
fect amity, I may add too, with a piety rarely witnessed
in modern days. The Dissenters were voluntarily ab-
solved from all obligation to discharge one shilling of the
debt already contracted; and the whole was undertaken
to be paid, and HAS BEEN PAID, by those of the Esta-
blished Church.
Let it not, however, be imagined, that because there
has been a change in, what I may call, the political con-
stitution of the Society, that is, in the union of all denomi-
nations of Christians, in the management of its affairs,
there is any alteration in its great religious object, the
conversion and salvation of the Jews: that remains the
same as ever; and calls for the support of the whole
Christian world as much as ever; and it would be griev-
ous indeed, if, because the management of the Society's
concerns is now vested in one body, the members of any
other body, should think themselves freed from their ob-
ligation to support the general cause. This would be
an ill return for the efforts made by that one part to
rescue from shame and ruin the whole body. If indeed
we do not manage the concern with care, and diligence,
and strict economy, we are willing to be forsaken by the
whole religious world: but, if we do, we call on all who
love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity to lay aside their
party distinctions, and to aid us to the utmost of their
power. The Jews have the same claim on all: the obli-
gation to seek their welfare is the same on all: all are
"debtors to them;" and I call on all to pay their debts. Let
me not be mistaken: I call not on any to pay the debts
of the Society; THEY ARE PAID: but our debt to God
1
xxxi
if
and man remains, and can never be fully discharged:
and, if the Samaritan did not say, I will not promote the
welfare of that man because he is a Jew, much less should
any man who calls himself a Christian say, I will not aid
in effecting the salvation of the Jews, because the la-
bourers in that cause belong chiefly to the Church of Eng-
land. Let those who act on so unchristian a principle,
any such there be, think how different was the con-
duct of the Jewish converts in the first ages: they counted
not life itself dear to them, that they might rescue us from
perdition; and we, if we are Christians indeed, shall be
glad to repay, by every possible means, the obligations
we owe them: nor can any change in the political part of
the Society ever absolve us from our duty to advance to
the utmost of our power that which is religious, and which,
previous to the change in the Society, all professed to be
the sole object of their regard.
If it be said, that it is unreasonable to expect that those
who dissent from the Church of England should exert
themselves to promote its interests; we do not ask
them to promote its interests. What we want, and what
we are labouring to accomplish, is the conversion of the
Jews to the faith of Christ; and that, not in England
only, but all the world over. For this end we have pro-
vided with great labour, and at great expense, a trans-
lation of the New Testament into pure biblical Hebrew:
and we are wishing to circulate it through every country
under heaven. It is well known that the Jews will not read
the New Testament in the vernacular languages of the coun-
tries where they live: (the experience of many hundred
years has fully evinced this;) but if it be written in the He-
brew language,that language which they so highly venerate,
they will read it. That language is understood by them
in all countries: all who have any learning among them,
1
xxxii
can read the Scriptures of the Old Testament: and, if
the New Testament be given them in pure biblical He-
brew, they will be able to read that also. Thus they
will all have the same access as we to the fountains of
truth, and may draw water with joy from those wells of
salvation. This is one great object to be attained by the
diffusion of the Christian Scriptures in the Hebrew lan-
guage: we shall induce multitudes to read them, who
never would otherwise have looked into them: and, when
they see how exactly their own prophecies are fulfilled
in the person of our adorable Redeemer, we trust that
multitudes will be brought to believe in him. But this is
far from being the whole of the benefit which we hope
will arise from this measure. We know that the Jews
are ordained to be God's instruments to bring in the
Gentile world to the faith of Christ: (let any one read
with attention Rom. xi. 12. 15. and Isaiah lxvi. 19, 20.
and he will have no doubt of this :) and when God shall
be pleased to work effectually on the minds of the Jewish
people, they will not only have a medium of communica-
tion with each other upon the subject of Christianity,
precisely as they now have on points connected with their
own religion, but will be able instantly to commence the
work of preaching to the Gentiles, as soon as ever their
own eyes are opened to see the truth as it is in Jesus.
Think of this a moment. Suppose a Russian, a Polish,
and a German Jew, each impressed with favourable views
of Christianity, but understanding only the Hebrew, and
the languages of the countries where they were born.
They can converse about the Old Testament, because they
have a knowledge of the language in which it is written:
but if they begin to converse about Christianity, their
mutual communications are immediately stopped because
they have no medium by which they can impart to each
xxxiii
other their respective views. But having the New Tes-
tament in Hebrew, they can refer to it as easily as to the
Old Testament, and can make their observations to each
other upon it with the same facilility. This is an incal-
culable benefit; and, if we were to go no further, we
cannot but see what a blessing the Society has already
imparted to that unhappy people in translating and cir-
culating the New Testament in the Hebrew language.
But, if we contemplate it in its ulterior effects, as facili-
tating the communication of Gospel light by that peo-
ple, to every nation under heaven, we see no end of its
value and importance: no language can fully utter it; no
imagination can adequately conceive it. Here then is a
work in which all may engage. Not only Dissenters in
general, but that denomination who approve not of any
such stated public minstry, as obtains amongst other de-
nominations of Christians, may join in it in perfect con-
sistency with their own principles. And here let me say,
that the Society of Friends, who are indeed friends to every
good work, and who are more commonly known by the
name of Quakers, have come forward, and nobly too, in
aid of this blessed work: and I cannot but call on all
Christians, of whatever persuasion they may be, to assist
us in it. The work has been, and yet must be carried
on at great expense: there are no bounds to the diffusion
of this blessed book. There are Jews all the world
over; and wherever they are, there must this book be
sent. The sums that have been contributed for it have
not by many hundreds of pounds sufficed for what has
already been expended on it; much less will they suffice
for the demands yet daily pressing upon us from all
quarters. Whatever, therefore, may be thought of any
other part of our plans, we call on all to support this :
C
I
xxxiv
and they who contribute to this may be assured, that
their donations shall be applied to this alone.
But there is another part of our plan which must also
be approved of by Christians of every persuasion, I mean
the education of Jewish children. We all know how
neglected the Jewish children are by their own parents :
and it is a joy to us to see what zeal has been of late ex-
ercised by the Christian world, in the education of the
children of the lower classes throughout the land. In
all Missionary plans too, we see how prominent a part
the education of children bears in all efforts for the con-
version of the heathen. And this is one great object also
with the London Jews' Society; an object from whence
we hope that great benefit will arise, not to the children
only, but to the parents also. Have none of you ever
heard what benefits have accrued to parents from the
attendance of children at Sunday Schools? or can you
be insensible of the influence which these children may
obtain over their parents, and other members of their
own nation, when they themselves shall be instructed in
divine truth, and be enabled to impart the knowledge
they have received? We call you then, of whatever deno-
mination you be, to aid us in this part of our plan. We
want to build commodious school-houses near to the
Chapel, where they may be instructed with greater conve-
nience, and without that great annual expense which is
entailed upon us by the rent of houses for that purpose.
The liberality of the public will be well bestowed for this
object also; and a separate fund will be allotted to it.
As to the other parts of our plan, I forbear to touch
upon them, because they have been already detailed to
you by the Secretary of the Society, and are contained in
all our reports. I now, (if I do not detain you too
6
XXXV
long,) will proceed to notice some objections which have
been urged against the Society.
It is thought by some to be a vain attempt. But why
should it be any more vain for us to seek the conversion
of the Jews, than it was for them to seek the conversion of
the Gentiles? Were not the idolaters of former days as far
off from God as they? Wese not the people of this land, for
instance, in as hopeless a state as the Jews at this day can
be? Yet behold what God has wrought in this country;
and shall we despair of them? But God has told us, that
the work of converting them is much more within the
limits of rational expectation than that which has already
been wrought in us: "If thou (says he) wert cut out of
the olive-tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted
contrary to nature into a good olive-tree, how much more
shall these which be the natural branches, be grafted
into their own olive-tree!" Besides, God has promised
that the "Deliverer shall come out of Zion, and shall
turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and that so all Israel
shall be saved:" and therefore we know infallibly, that
they shall be converted to Christ, and become with the
Gentiles onefold under one Shepherd. We do not indeed
certainly know that our efforts shall succeed: but knowing
that the event shall take place, we are encouraged to la-
bour with all our might for its accomplishment.
It is a mistake to imagine that God will convert the
Jews without means, for in that place where God most
strongly declares that he will restore them to life, Ezek.
xxxvii. 1-6. he commands the prophet to prophesy
unto them: and never till he prophesied did the dry
bones begin to move; but on his prophesying as he was
commanded, they arose a great army. This shews us in
what way alone we are authorized to expect the work of
their conversion to be accomplished.
c 2
xxxvi
But, say others, the time is not come. But who, I would
ask, is authorized to affirm this? Who has been the
Lord's counsellor, so as to be perfectly acquainted with
the times and the seasons which he has reserved in his
own power? Supposing that God were to tell us, as he
did David, that the time for erecting his temple among
them was not yet come, would he not at least commend
us for having it in our hearts to build his temple? and
should we not, like that pious monarch, labour to provide
materials for it? He spent not less than eighteen mil-
lions of money in preparing for the temple, though he
knew he was not to build it: and surely all the efforts
that we can use should be put forth to prepare the way
of the Lord among them; and we should account it an
honour to sow, though we knew that we were sowing for
others only, and that others were to enter into our la-
bours. But we have no reason to think the time is not
come: on the contrary, if any man will declare what the
signs of the times shall be, when this great work shall
commence, we will venture to say, that he shall see those
very signs existing in the present day. Is there to be a
stir among the Gentiles, and a commencement of their
in-gathering? At what period has this been more visible
than the present, when there are missions establishing on
the whole face of the globe, and numbers in every place
are turned to the Lord? It is a certain fact, that both
among the Mahometans and Hindoos in India, there is a
general persuasion, that the time is rapidly approaching,
when their respective religions shall give way, and yield
to one general religion. Among the Jews themselves
too there is a general opinion, that their Messiah is spee-
dily to appear. Now precisely as at the first advent of
Christ there was an expectation throughout all the Ro-
man empire, that one should arise out of Judea, who
should sway the sceptre of the world, so there is now
xxxvii
among both Jews and Gentiles an expectation that his
kingdom shall be established upon earth from the rising
to the setting sun. The very zeal exercised in their be-
half at this present hour, so different from any thing that
has occurred for many hundred years, is itself a ground
to hope, that the Lord's time, if not yet fully come, is
fast approaching: and the success which has already at-
tended our efforts, though not great, may yet be consi-
dered as the first-fruits of a future harvest, a drop before
the shower.
In confirmation of the former objection, it is further
said by some, that we have expended much, and done little.
That our success has not yet awhile been great, I readily
admit: but in truth it is not till the present hour that the
fittest means have been used, for effecting the conversion of
the Jews: for in comparison of the translating the New
Testament into Hebrew all other means are of little worth.
Doubtless there was, at the commencement of this Society,
an erroneous notion that the kingdom of God was to come
with observation: and too great a dependance was placed
on an arm of flesh. I think too that there was a want of
due caution in relation to many things. But still it should
not be forgotten that the whole was untrodden ground;
and that in a matter of such difficulty many errors and
many failures might reasonably be expected. But what-
ever objections might be urged against the Society, as it
formerly existed, they are no just cause of objections to
it in its present state, now that every error that formerly
obtained is sought out with care, and corrected with dili-
gence: rather, I should say, the removal of all those per-
sons or things which were dishonourable to the Society in
its former state, is a pledge to the public, that the affairs
of the Society are, and shall be, as far as human prudence
and caution can effect it, conducted with all possible care
xxxviii
for the glory of God, and the advancement of the work
committed to us. I say again, that if the existence of evils
in the Society as formerly constituted and conducted, has
weakened the confidence of any, the unsparing removal
of those evils is a ground for restoring that confidence to
those who now administer its affairs.
Some have said, We wait to see what you do; and if
we find that you do any thing of importance, we intend to
assist you. But how can we do any thing of importance,
unless we are first aided by the public: we cannot em-
bark in great concerns at our own cost, especially after
having discharged, without any assistance from the public,
the immense debt that had been previously contracted.
Let us meet with encouragement to act, and we will do
our utmost to approve ourselves worthy of the confidence
reposed in us.
But, after all, it is not fair to say that little has been
done. If there had been but one truly and savingly con-
verted, it ought not to be called little; since one soul is of
more value than the whole world. But is it little to have
accomplished the translation of the New Testament into
pure biblical Hebrew? No man would say so, who knew
what efforts have been necessary to effect it.
It is,
in truth, a great national work, an honour to our coun-
try: and it has laid the foundation of all that we hope
hereafter to behold in the conversion of thousands and
myriads by means of it. At this very hour it is producing
a spirit of inquiry among the Jews upon the continent to
a great extent: and we trust that the new edition of it
which we are about to issue from the press, will give a
very effectual answer to this objection.
A fourth objection is, that there is work enough for
us to do among the Gentiles. There is; and I rejoice
that God has stirred up the hearts of his people to consi-
xxxix
der their case, and to send to them the light of his truth:
and so far am I from grudging the exertions of Chris-
tians for the Gentiles, that I pray God they may be in-
creased an hundred fold. But still we must not on that
account neglect the Jews: for the Jews have, in reality,
a prior claim. God has expressly said, that his salvation
is sent to the Jew first, and next to the Gentile; and
those who were first commissioned to preach it, were to
preach it beginning at Jerusalem. The Jews have a
claim upon us, which none of the Gentiles have. Who
were the first in God's estimation? The Jews. Who
were they who composed and delivered to us the lively
oracles? Jews. Who was the Saviour of the world him-
self? A Jew. Who were they who first sought the sal-
vation of the Gentile world, and even laid down their
lives for us? Jews. Say then whether the Jews have
not a claim on us? But see what St. Paul has said in
Rom. xi. 30, 31. "As ye in times past have not believed
God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief;
even so have these also now not believed; that through
your mercy they also may obtain mercy." The meaning
of this passage is briefly this: "God made the Jews the
depositories of his word for us; and he now makes us
the depositories of his word for them. We came to the
enjoyment of this blessing through their unbelief: but
they are to be restored to the enjoyment of it through
the mercy vouchsafed to us:" and God expects that we
should improve our mercies for their good *. This there-
fore is our bounden duty: and if we neglect to do it, we
do not answer the end for which our present mercies are
* Mr. S. here noticed some apparent discrepancy between the ori-
ginal, as it is pointed, and the version given to it by the translators;
and pledged himself to vindicate our present translation to the sa-
tisfaction of all, in a future number of the Jewish Expositor.
xl
vouchsafed unto us. Now what would any of you,
if
ye had committed a sum of money to your steward to
lay out for the benefit of some distressed Jews, say to
him, if he withheld it all from the Jews, and spent it on
himself; would you commend him as a just steward?
Would you not rather regard him as a thief and a rob-
ber? What then will God think of you, if, when he has
committed the blessing of salvation to you for the benefit
of the Jews, you withhold it from them, and leave them
to perish for the want of it? Truly, it is no good account
that you will give of yourselves to him. I do not mean
to say that you can with innocence withhold the light
from any for you are not to put your light under a
bushel, but to set it on a candlestick, that it may give
light to all who are within the sphere of its influence :
but this I must again say, that your first obligations are
to the Jews, to make them partakers of the richness of
their own olive, from which, for your sakes, they have
been broken off.
I will only notice one more objection, and that is, that
because we have reduced our expenditure to our income,
our income is equal to our necessities. But this is far
enough from being true. We have retrenched in every
thing to the utmost of our power: and we hope in one or
two things to be able to effect a yet further retrench-
ment: but I beg leave to assure you, and the public at
large, that there are many great and important objects
which we are compelled to decline for want of funds to
meet them. You have just heard from the Secretary the
urgent and pressing entreaties of that great and good man,
Leander Van Ess, (so justly called upon the Continent,
Luther the second,) to take under our care two pious Jews,
who are desirous of embracing Christianity, and of de-
voting themselves to the study of it in order to qualify
xli
themselves for future usefulness in disseminating its blessed
truths. And you have heard the answer of the Commit-
tee just sent to this great and good man, that "though
we wish them well, our funds do not admit of our render-
ing them any assistance." What a heart-rending thing
is this; that to entreaties in behalf of persons so re-
commended, we should be constrained to return such an
answer, because we dare not to run ourselves in debt, or
to contract obligations which we are not able to fulfil!
And I am expecting that many, many such applications
will soon be made to us from the Continent, where our
name begins to be known, and where some of our friends,
together with a converted Jew, are now gone, (but not at
the Society's expense,) to enquire into the state of the
Jews, and to circulate the Hebrew Testament among them.
I beg leave to assure you also, that there are other most
important measures which we conceive would be of the
greatest utility, if we could carry them into execution:
but we must suspend them till your liberality shall enable
us to proceed with them. That time, I trust, is now
speedily arriving; and I hope that what you shall do in
this opulent city, will be a pattern for Christians in every
part of the empire.
I feel persuaded that the members of the Church of
England will shew themselves not unworthy of the cause
they have undertaken, and that they will now arise as one
man to redeem the pledge given in their behalf, and never
desist from their labours till they shall see Jerusalem a
praise in the earth.
xlii
APPENDIX, No. VII.
From the Eighth Report of the Committee of the London Society,
(Appendix No. 2.)
Page 152.
NARRATIVE OF THE CONVERSION OF MR. BENJAMIN
NEHEMIAH SOLOMON, A POLISH RABBI.
[WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.]
A free and ingenuous Confession of the great things which the Lord has
done for my soul; including my belief on the most fundamental prin-
ciples and doctrines of Christianity; taken, I trust, from nothing but
the Word of God and heartfelt experience.
As my present purpose will chiefly be to endeavour
candidly to review the different states of my mind, since I
was led and begun to inquire after the truth of Christia-
nity, and to state my present views and feelings on this
most important subject; I shall leave out the particular
providences of my past life, as a Jew outwardly, and will
but just mention, that I was born in Lemberg, a city in
Poland, in the year 1791, and educated under the care
of parents and tutors distinguished for their piety in
Judaism, with a view of being a Rabbi. Accordingly,
my studies were directed more to the Talmud and its innu-
merable commentators, than to the word of God, which
I was taught in my youth, but in a superficial way, as it
is well known to be read so now-a-days, even among what
they call the most learned Rabbies. I was taught by
tradition daily to expect the Messiah,whom the Old Testa-
ment promises, as I also firmly did. The prejudice against
xliii
the name of Jesus was of course impressed upon my mind
with the deepest profaneness and blasphemy; though I
never heard who Jesus was, nor what he said concerning
himself. About the twentieth year of my age I was told
that Jesus, pretended to have been the Messiah of Israel,
was crucified, and his disciples asserted that he rose
again, and ascended into heaven in the sight of a multi-
tude.
Since that time my desire, or rather curiosity, was ex-
cited to inquire more particularly about this person, but
the Church of my country being Roman Catholic, and
myself confined to the house in study, all opportunity to
gratify my desire failed entirely. In the year 1813, I
was directed by the Lord (for I am now firmly persua-
ded that it was his particular and gracious providence) to
leave my country, kindred, and my father's house, and
was marvellously directed, I trust, by the finger of God,
unto this land, which flows with spiritual milk and honey,
having heard of its distinguished religious character,
though totally ignorant of the exertions here made for the
salvation of Israel. When I arrived at London, (the
2nd of May, 1814) I visited Dr. Solomon Hirschel, the
Rabbi of the Jews, who informed me in conversation, by
way of complaint and caution, that a Society was esta-
blished at London for converting Jews to the Christian
religion, and that a German Jew (Mr. Frey) openly
preached Christ crucified to the Jews. At this I was at
once astonished and obliged, secretly, to the Rabbi, for
such pleasant tidings, and soon after I applied to Mr.
Frey, not without fear of the Jews.
Thus far the glance of my life till the 17th of May,
1814, the day when the Lord favoured me with the first
sight of the Gospel by St. Matthew in Hebrew, put into
my hand, together with a prayer for spiritual illumina-
xliv
tion*, by one of his faithful servants, whom, by the
blessing of the Lord, I have now reason to call, with re-
verence and gratitude, "my father in the Lord Jesus
Christ,” in more than one sense. I now proceed to take
a short and (as far as I can search my own heart) I hope
sincere, view of my inward experience in Christianity,
until this day. Perhaps no man of sense will wonder,
when I tell that the first perusal of St. Matthew and
some of the Epistles of Paul, brought my mind into a
curious confusion, and as the natural man does not know
the things of the Spirit of God, because they are spiri-
tually discerned, I was utterly unable to receive the most
of its recorded facts and doctrines, whilst doubting the
truth of others. Notwithstanding, the impressions which
some of the prophecies made upon the mind, as fully ac-
complished in the person of Jesus, and some degree of
rational deliberation, did not suffer me to deny the truth
at once; and though ignorant of the corruption and
darkness of my understanding, yet sensible of the preju-
dice in which I was trained up, I determined on a further
and more deliberate inquiry.
4
The following four months (being a part of it in Lon-
don under a tutor, and a part in the country) I passed
in a state of uncertainty of mind, as far as it concerned
the subject of Messiah. Far from being sensible of
the need of a Saviour, and cherishing a secret confidence
* () God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, open mine eyes
that I may see the wondrous things of thy law; incline my heart
to thy testimonies; order my steps according to thy word; ena-
ble me to find him of whom Moses spake, who should be raised
up a prophet like unto himself, to whom all the prophets witness,
who is the true Messiah, the Redeemer of his people, the Mighty
God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, Amen.-This
prayer was translated for me into German.
xlv
in my own understanding, I only asked, like the Jews of
old, with a tone of indifference, "How long dost thou
make me to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell me plainly?"
Whilst in that condition, I was led by Providence to Scot-
land, and placed under the care of a pious minister; and
still seeking the Lord God, not in the way in which Daniel
set his face to seek him, but in the regions of human
writings and fallible reason, I perused Paley's Evidences
of Christianity, Chalmer's Evidences, and Wardlaw
against the Socinians; which all stamped my mind with a
thorough conviction, that Jesus is the Son of God, the
Messiah. In that historical conviction I pretty strongly
rested, so that even now and then I was able to offer up
my thanksgiving to God for bringing me thus to the light,
and could eagerly contend for it with some young men of
infidel principles, with whom I frequently fell in com-
pany. I was satisfied with that faith as effectual for my
salvation, though a Pharisaical spirit still warmed my
breast, and kept me at a distance from the throne of
grace. Having had no experimental idea of my natural
depravity, or of the necessity or nature of regeneration,
when I found in the Bible something concerning the de-
ceitfulness and wickedness of the heart, I thought it was
spoken to others; and as for myself, repentance of the
sins of which conscience accused me, and the faith al-
ready mentioned, lulled me into a false peace; thinking
it my only duty to declare, and, if able, to prove to my
brethren according to the flesh, that Jesus Christ is the
Messiah, the Son of God. Experienced Christians will
know that this was but a poor cottage built upon sand,
and little capable of standing the winds and tempests of
Satan, the world, and the flesh. Alas! not many months
* Daniel ix. 3.
xlvi
elapsed before I experienced it;-the time came when the
rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and
beat upon the house, and I say it with shame and confusion
of face, that I was so far from being able to stand, that I
actually denied my Saviour. I said foolishly in my heart,
there is no God, and all men are liars: and I am per-
suaded that in that condition I was concluded under un-
belief; but, O thou merciful God of Israel! how infinite
is thy loving-kindness; I beseech thee, suffer me never
to forget how I was then in the lion's mouth, and at the
very brink of hell; and may I always remember with
praises, how thou hast wonderfully kept and drawn me
back with the bands of love, whilst tottering towards the
horrible pit *.
This pitiful condition was enough to subdue my natu-
ral pride, and teach me that I had no strength in myself;
and blessed be the Lord, who did not suffer me to con-
clude hastily that all Christians are liars; but having ac-
quired some general, though not experimental, know-
ledge of the grand doctrines of Christianity, I resumed
my inquiry with looking more for the teaching from
above, than from human fallible reason. It pleased the
Lord to place me at the same time at Stanstead, under
far more blessed means than before; instead of hearing,
as formerly, two sermons on a Sunday, I had here the op-
portunity of hearing, twice a day, the Scriptures expound-
ed by the Lord's dear and faithful servants. Upon this
and private opportunities of assembling and uniting in
prayer, I slowly fed for a few months, till the appointed
time came, (for which I have great reason to bless the
Lord) when I was at once wounded, or rather enabled to
* It was premised that the intention of this paper is not to men-
tion outward particulars.
xlvii
feel the wounds, bruises, and stings, which I have long
ago received from the serpent, sin, and the world, and of
which, mirabile dictu, I was utterly insensible, till that
sorrowful yet happy moment, when the Spirit of the Lord
convinced me of sin; then I was indeed troubled and
greatly bowed down; and, not to enter into long details,
I hope I may say at least, without hurt to conscience,
that the thirty-eighth psalm, from the beginning to the
10th verse, was the language proceeding from the bot-
tom of my heart; all about me was darkness,-the world
appeared a wretched and detestable spectacle, and I was
hateful to myself; I considered the world and myself as
the causes of my ruin, and would have fled to the re-
motest regions of the universe, if possible, to hide myself
from the wrath and displeasure of a holy, just, and of-
fended God. One would sooner have persuaded me that
fire and water will agree, than tell me that I could ever
escape the torments of hell, and appear before God in
that miserable condition in which I saw myself. I then
felt the necessity of a Saviour, Mediator, and Advocate,
and though convinced that Jesus Christ was able to save
to the uttermost, I could by no means be persuaded that
he would ever receive such a wretched and miserable
rebel. I said, it is too late, my sins are too many, too
heinous to be forgiven;-and far from presuming to ap-
proach the throne of grace with any confidence, I trem-
bling said no more but,-Lord, I fear I have destroyed
myself. Whilst thus writing bitter things against myself for
about a fortnight continually, the Lord stirred up some
of his dear servants to comfort me by their preaching,
conversation, and prayer, till, in reading the word of
God, I was struck with these tender and comfortable
words of Jesus, "Be not afraid, only believe." If I am
in the right, this was the time when Jesus at once re-
xlviii
The first time
buked the winds within my soul, and there began to be
a calm. The first time my mouth was afterwards open-
ed in prayer, was with thanksgiving that I was not cut
off from the land of the living, and that such a glorious.
door was opened for the chiefest of sinners to enter within
the vail. Jesus Christ began to reveal himself to me
marvellously from day to day; he was with me in read-
ing the Bible, in meditation, in prayer, and in hearing
sermons; in a word, I saw him in every thing,-I found
myself as it were entirely in a new world: I was astonish-
ed, I admired, and was lost in the thoughts of the mercy,
love, and glory of God, as they shine in the face of Jesus:
often I was overwhelmed with love, joy, and heavenly
comfort, and the lively sense I had then of my interest
in Christ, and of his unspeakable love to me and to all
sinners, is scarcely to be described. I was almost lifted
up with spiritual pride, and perhaps should have, in that
state, forgotten what I was and still am, and neglected to
ascribe all glory where it is due ; but it pleased the Lord
now and then to teach me, that without him I could do
nothing good. My greatest delight since I have been
awakened, I trust, has been to keep communion with
God, and see the light of his countenance, but I have
experienced that when left to myself, I am dead, and
cold, and ungrateful; my mouth is sometimes stopped,
and my soul troubled, but blessed be God, he has, I
hope, never since suffered me to decline in faith *; in
his strength I can still say to those historical evidences,
in the language of the Samaritans, "Now I believe, not
* Let it be remembered, that when I venture to make an asser-
tion of this kind, I am at the same time not insensible of my insuf-
ficiency in self-examination, and I would add almost to every sen-
tence of this paper, "As far as I am able to search and discern my
own state"
xlix
because of your sayings, for I have heard him myself,
and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of
the world." If I can examine myself aright, I find by
happy experience, that in such dark moments, it is only
as it were, the Lord saying in tenderness, "Think not
that you can do any good thing of yourself, I show you
when I hide my face, you are troubled." By that he
teaches me that his infinite love and goodness consists,
not only in the cross, but also in bringing back lost and
wandering sheep to his flock, in cherishing, feeding, and
preserving them from the malice of the world and Satan,
and from the deceitfulness of their own hearts.
Such is the short sketch of the method in which it
pleased the Lord to lead me unto the way of truth; and
now as to my present view of the principles of Christia-
nity, I think if I were to draw what may perhaps be
called my own creed, from the little experience and
knowledge which I have, by the help of God, received
from his word since I was brought seriously to consider
it, the sentiments would amount to the following particu-
lars, which I shall endeavour to set down, not as labour-
ed propositions, but as they occur to my mind in writing.
1. I believe that in the first Adam all men have sinned
and lost the image of God, in which he (Adam) was
created. This is what divines call natural depravity, or
original sin, by which I understand that the heart of man
by nature is not only far alienated from, but an actual
enemy to God: it is in bondage to sin and Satan, and
naturally hiding itself from God, and drawn to the world
and its sinful lusts.
2. I believe that man in himself is helpless, as well as
depraved; there is no way nor power in him to come
back to his God, for he cannot appear with his past sins
D
1
before a holy just Being, nor can he ever keep the law
perfectly.
3. I believe that in the Godhead of the one God of
Israel, there are three persons, which are named in Scrip-
ture by the terms Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; these
three have counselled, before the foundation of the
world, a way by which sinners may be reconciled to God,
and in due time have accomplished it, each in their re-
spective offices; God the Father hath ordained and de-
clared the way of salvation; God the Son hath wrought
it out, or accomplished it by his incarnation, suffering,
death, resurrection, and ascension'; God the Holy Ghost
applies it to the souls of sinners by his especial influence.
4. I believe that Jesus Christ, being the Son of God
and God himself, as is understood in the foregoing par-
ticular, and having in the flesh fulfilled the law to per-
fection, his blood is perfectly sufficient to atone for the
sins of all who believe in him, and his righteousness to
clothe them with: he is the end of the law for righteous-
ness to every one that believeth.
5. I believe that there is no other way whereby a
sinner can be justified in the sight of God and reconciled
to him, but by a true and lively faith in the person, blood,
and offices of Jesus Christ, by which faith the perfect
righteousness of Christ is imputed unto him; this faith is
not the power of man, but must be obtained from above;
nor is it granted to him for any merits of his, but by the
free grace of God; and though faith is the only condition of
justification, yet if it be genuine, it cannot fail to produce
a holy and consistent life; it worketh by love, purifies the
heart, and overcometh the world: the sinner that pos-
sesses true faith, lives and walks by it, and if no holiness.
is perceived in him, it is a decided proof that the faith is
dead.
li
6. I believe that it is impossible for any man to have
that faith which worketh by love, and that holiness, with-
out which no man shall see the Lord, unless he is renew-
ed or born again by the power and influence of the Holy
Ghost. The manner in which the Spirit works upon the
soul, cannot be otherwise described than it has been by
truth itself; (John iii. 8.) but they who experience it,
know its influence, and will be in some measure able
to discern, by the general conduct of others, whether the
Spirit worketh upon their hearts; Scripture itself war-
rants us, (Matt. vii. 20.) and I believe, that when this
great work of the Spirit takes place in the heart of the
sinner, he is brought under the new covenant of grace,
and the promises made by Jer. xxxi. 33, and Ezek.
xxxvi. 27, are actually fulfilled in him, he has the law
written upon the fleshly tables of his heart, and so he is
a true member of Christ the Mediator of the new cove-
nant, who came, not to destroy the moral law, but to
magnify it and make it honourable.
A Commentary on the above narrative by Mr. Sailman, Teacher of He-
brew, Southampton, extracted from his Pamphlet, entitled MYSTERY
UNFOLDED, p. 52. &c.
THE REVEREND
NEHEMIAH BENJAMIN SOLOMON *.
I have little trouble to introduce this Polish convert to
the world, as he brings his letter of recommendation
with him-I mean his narrative. It contains upwards of
thirteen pages, and I anticipate that it will strike the
reader with horror and indignation when he is informed
* He was ordained in July, 1817.
D 2
lii
of the particulars which I proceed to lay before him.
He is a native of Lemberg, but not a Rabbi; as he used
to travel with his brother-in-law, who was here lately, and
who was also converted, and after getting a new suit of
clothes, a white beaver hat, and a few pounds, off he went
again to Poland. But the hero of this narrative did not
return to Poland. He
He says, in the year 1813, he was di-
rected by the Lord to leave his native land; he might
have said, by the king, queen, or knave, for it was playing
at cards, where he lost nearly two hundred ducats be-
longing to his father-in-law, that caused him to leave his
native land. After Mr. Solomon had lost his money he
came to England, and pretended to be a merchant. He
applied to an eminent hardware warehouse in the city for
credit, but having no reference, his request was not com-
plied with. Having neither friends nor money, he was
for some time at a loss to determine whether he had not
better suffer the rebuke of his relations by going back again
to Poland, rather than meet the various inconveniences he
must otherwise encounter. However he soon made up
his mind to remain; for, as Josephson was upon the look
out whenever an adventurer was likely to be obtained, no
time was lost in offering him such terms (for Josephson
was not restricted as to terms) as were accepted by our
hero. As usual, he was made a true believer; and the
monthly publication announced his conversion with the
usual miracles and mysteries that attend such affairs.
Soon after he was sent to the nursery of converts in Sus-
sex; there his fortune was made, for an elegant silk robe
with silver clasps was provided for him; being thus de-
corated, with the addition of a large well grown beard,
which at that time not being so common in Sussex, cer-
tainly excited a great deal of curiosity among the country
people; but, among the Jews (to wheedle whom he was
ན་
liii
sent to Portsmouth, accompanied, as usual, by a devotee)
it excited no attention. Soon after he was sent to Scot-
land for instruction, from which place the public were
occasionally favoured with a manifesto declaratory of hist
true belief. In the month of February, 1815, his wife's
brother came to England, to obtain a divorce from him
on behalf of his sister; but an interview was not allowed
him with his brother, lest he should seduce him from the
enchanted castle. A letter was sent out to him, signify-
ing that his religion would not allow a divorce, unless in a
case of adultery. The brother, whose name I believe is
Marcus, or Marks, having been at the nursery ground,
and perceiving the happy state of the believers, very soon
after began to believe; but after obtaining a suit of
clothes, and about twenty pounds for the purpose of
bringing over his sister to her husband, he departed for
Poland, from which place he is not yet returned. With
respect to our divine, nothing more was heard from him
until some time in June, 1815, when I was informed that
the Pole, who had been at Stanstead, under the pro-
tection of Mr. Way, was at Portsmouth, having run away
from Stanstead; he was then at the Synagogue, and had
intreated the Elders of that body to send him to London,
from which place he might ship himself for Poland.
Curiosity induced me to see the man, whose narrative
(similar to the above) I had read not long before. Being
interrogated as to the reason of his abusing the very peo-
ple to whom he now looked up for protection, he answer-
ed, WITH HIS EYES BRIMFUL OF TEARS, that these letters
were not his, though they had his signature, and that
they were repeated to him, giving the exact statement
as I have mentioned in my Address to the London So-
ciety. Though I look upon this man to be a complete
apostate, and unworthy of credit, in this case there may
liv
be truth in what he says; and, as I shall soon introduce
this man's letter, written by himself, the candid reader
will, I think, by comparing the diction of the one with
the other, be inclined to think that there is in it some-
thing marvellous. However, he entreated that he might
be sent to London with all speed; and so very desirous
was he to get away, that he had even left his clothes at
Stanstead; not knowing the country, he had walked seve-
ral miles out of his road; and as he had travelled all
night, he at length came to a village called Itchen, from
which place the following letter is dated, and which is a
better proof of this man's real principles than any ar-
gument that can be advanced, being in his own hand
writing:
DEAR BROTHER,
Itchen, 20th of June, 1815.
I beg leave to say a few words to you, though not
known to me. I am a Jew from a foreign country, and
the Rabbi of London knows me very well; I came here
through many circumstances, which are too much to be
written in this paper; but I would be very thankful if I
could have here a brother, before whom I wish to speak a
few words. My circumstances, that I cannot come into.
town before I see him, I will also relate to him; but now
I will take the liberty to write, that I am not one of the
most ordinary kind of people, nor a boy; but I have at
home a wife and children, and the Rabbi of London
knows my friends quite well. I may also say, if he knew
that I am here, he would surely send a man for me. All
that I now ask, therefore, is that, if possible, one of our
brethren shall come here immediately, to whom I shall
be able to speak a few words, and HE SHALL TAKE ME OUT
FROM BETWEEN CHRISTIANS; and I hope that my wish
lv
will be fulfilled, for which I will surely be very thankful,
and you will have a great MISTVAH*; and if no man can
come immediately, I should be very thankful for a few
lines, and wish to see him at least to day, for it is neces-
sary.
Your humble Servant,
(Signed)
NOCHMAN MENKER.
"
The above letter was sent to a resident of Southamp-
ton, of the Jewish persuasion; and as there was no con-
gregated body of Israelites there, it was forwarded to
Portsmouth, where the above-mentioned circumstances
took place. The letter in question I have in my posses-
sion, free for the inspection of whoever may doubt the
same. I need not trouble the reader with any comment
of my own, as his own hand has proved that, after being
in this land, which FLOWS WITH SPIRITUAL MILK AND
HONEY, he entreats to be taken ouT FROM BRTWEEN
CHRISTIANS from between THE LORD'S DEAR AND FAITH-
FUL SERVANTS! However, he was forwarded to London,
as, he said, for the purpose of being shipped for Poland;
but, as no silken robes with silver clasps were to be met
with, and finding that cool treatment which the honest
Jew is apt to shew to the apostate, poor Nochman's si-
tuation was more perplexing than before he had tasted
the milk and honey. After consulting with the lookers-
out in London, he at length made up his mind to Go
BACK AGAIN! In consequence of this pious determination,
up comes the PLATED Josephson, post-haste, to reclaim the
strayed sheep; and, however ridiculous it may appear to
the true religious man, this bearded apostate was receiv-
ed again with open arms at his former nursery, by the
*Meaning a reward.
Ivi
Lord's dear and faithful servants—and, in addition to his
former name, that of the most beloved of the twelve
tribes of Israel-the loving name of BENJAMIN was given
him; and on his arrival, from the instruction he had re-
ceived from Josephson, (repent ye, repent from your evil
way!) his robe with silver clasps was restored to him.
We read in the Holy Writ, that Joseph falsely accuses
his brother Benjamin of stealing his silver cup; but, in
the present case, Joseph steals the silver cup, but leaves
a task for Benjamin to steal the heart; and like pure
silver, he is now thoroughly cleansed, and to the disgrace
of those persons who brought him forth be it said, he is
now a minister of the Gospel!
APPENDIX, No. VIII.
From the Eleventh Report of the Committee of the London Society,
(Appendix No. 2.)
Page 177.
Extracts from the Journal of the Rev. B. N. Solomon;
drawn up for the use of His Excellency Mr. Basil
Papoff, President of the Tutelary Committee for the
Jews at St. Petersburg.
Your Excellency having requested me to send you
some account of our proceedings in our journey through
Poland, I take up my pen with pleasure, and will endea-
vour to lay before your Excellency a short sketch of our
observations among the numerous Jews in that country,
lvii
and the result of our experience during the time we have
resided among them. As I cannot but regard with a
lively interest the object of the Committee of which your
Excellency is the President; as the end which your
pious Alexander had in view in its institution is most ma-
nifestly the present and eternal welfare of Israel; and as
an experimental acquaintance with the Jewish people,
their tenets, prejudices and objections, are requisite
to the same end, I trust the following pages will not
prove altogether useless, and will at least be accepted as
a token of my sincerest gratitude to yourself, as well as
to your noble patron the Prince Galitzin, for all the kind-
ness and assistance with which you have honoured me.
SMOLENSK.
Having taken an affectionate farewell of our Christian
friends at Moscow, we left that city on the 5th of March,
proceeding towards the Smolensk road. There being no
Jewish residences in the whole of that road, we were the
first day amused with the famous monastery and church of
Waskrescensk, called the "New Jerusalem," which we
were told was a perfect copy of the Church at Jerusalem,
where the sepulchre of our blessed Lord was supposed
to be deposited, and afterwards we were much gratified
on meeting the prince Alexander Galitzin, nephew of the
prince at St. Petersburg, who bears the same name. Mr.
Way was struck with his obliging manners and conversa-
tion, especially on the subject of religion, and hearing
that England may probably form a part of his tour, he
gave
him some useful directions and letters to his friends.
On his arrival at this town, which is not yet recovered from
its ruins, we found that the Jewish community here does
not exceed the number of ten families. Calling the next
morning at the house of their superior, I met eight Isra-
lviii
f
.
elites assembled together for prayer, and an old man of
above eighty years of age, reading in his bed the Talmud,
on the subject of the Passover. This offered at once an
excellent opportunity for an edifying conversation. The
old gentleman appeared much surprised at my acquaint-
ance with his Talmud, and this prepared him as well as
the others to listen with attention, when I endeavoured
to explain unto them the nature and use of the passover
lamb, and whom it did prefigure, and shewed them that
no sooner did the substance appear, than the shadow
vanished away. The good rabbin seemed rather struck
with the concurrence of Scripture passages and circum-
stances, but made no reply; the younger Jews could only
answer that they are no scholars, and must therefore fol-
low the religion of their fathers,-a reply with which we
have too often met, but which, as it is founded solely
upon ignorance, can in fact only continue an excuse or
satisfaction to their conscience as long as they are left
without instruction and information. In the afternoon I
visited the poor old man a second time, together with Mr.
Way, who brought him a Hebrew Testament, and pointed
out to him the third chapter of St. John's Gospel, the
contents of which, to our utter astonishment, he read
with such joy and avidity, that he did not only shed tears
himself, but drew them from our eyes, by his interesting
countenance, and the manner in which he perused it; he
added, that he was desirous to read the whole of that
Book, and that he would explain it on evenings to the
family and the rest of the Jews in the town; upon which
we left him with the word of life, and took leave, impress-
ed with the pleasing hope, thut we may one day meet this
child of Abraham in the bosom of his father, and the fa-
ther of all the faithful.
Mr. Way visited his Excellency the Governor in this
lix
place and delivered the Prince Galitzin's letter. He re-
ceived Mr. Way very kindly, and informed him that in
his government the Jews are comparatively few in num-
ber, but added, that as much as would be in his
power
he is ready to assist and further our views. His Excel-
lency then introduced us to the Archbishop Seraphim,
with whom we spent half an hour with great pleasure.
At our departure Mr. Way presented the venerable pre-
late with a copy of the Hebrew Testament, which he
kindly accepted for the use of his Gymnasium, where
the Hebrew tongue is not neglected. In our journey
from hence to Minsk, which was five days long, we spent
the most of our time among Israelites, by whom we were
universally well received, and to whom we found easier
access than we could possibly expect. The first place
on this road where the Jews are settled as a community,
is a little town called Ljaddy, which we happened to
pass by, the post-house being a little way out of town;
meeting however a Jewess going into Ljaddy, we begged
that she would send out to us an intelligent Hebrew, with
whom we might enjoy a short conversation; she went,
and in less than half an hour we were gratified to see a
venerable elder of the Synagogue, with eight or nine of his
brethren, walking into our room successively; the elder,
who was the Mercurius of his company, was possessed of
good sense, and piety unstained by bigotry. He read
the Hebrew Gospels fluently, and observed that this
book was entirely new to him, but that it appears to be
founded on Moses and the prophets; what he knew of
Christianity, he further said, was only by hearsay, and in
most of its articles, some of which he mentioned, he found
insurmountable difficulties; many of these articles, as
they were totally unfounded, and the belief only of an
ignorant and superstitious vulgar, I had no hesitation to
1
lx
..
tell him are false, and not to be found in the book which
I put into his hands, the true depository of Christian doc-
trine; the rest I endeavoured to solve, and took at the
same time the opportunity to impress them with the im-
portance and excellency of the Gospel and its salvation.
When I had finished, he said, " he believes the time will
come when all nations shall serve the true God with one
accord and in one way; that the Jews have once been
the first with God, but they have rebelled, and he cast
them off, and now (speaking in a tone of humility) they
wait to be the last." "That," I replied, "is a voluntary
humility, and while it becomes us to be last on all other
occasions, we ought to strive to be first in the fear and
love of God, and in obedience to his word." The bye-
standers listened with attention, and some of them desired
to have Testaments, and promised to study it, and judge
of its contents for themselves. One old man, a prejudiced
Pharisee among them, inveighed loudly against our en-
deavours; but his exclamations proceeding merely from
ignorance of his own religion as well as of ours, and hav-
ing neither reason nor argument to support them, seemed
to make no impression upon his brethren.
4
The next considerable place we passed was the town
of Orsha, which contains a community of about three-
hundred Jews. As we stopped there only a few hours,
our attention was chiefly directed to our host and his son,
both very interesting though different characters, and of
the first respectability: they spoke the French language,
and therefore Mr. Way could converse with them him-
self. The former we found a well-informed and clever
person, and far from being a bigot; he was, on the other
hand, tinctured by the proud notions of false philosophy,
which however he did not choose to display; he was re-
served, and received a Testament obligingly. The son,
lxi
though unlike his father in his natural dispositions, was
not behind him in point of instruction, which he displayed
in a most striking spirit of meekness and humility. Mr.
Way was much struck with this amiable young man, and
was deeply interested in the welfare of his soul. He did
not, I trust, leave him without an impression; and in part-
ing he presented to him a Testament for his own use,
and three copies more for that of his young friends in the
town and neighbourhood. So true is the prophecy of
our divine Master, that the son shall be divided against
his father for his name's sake; and so invariable is hu-
man nature in all ages and climates, that wherever the
seed of the blessed Gospel will be scattered, it will meet
with contrary soils, and wherever the preachers of the
Gospel shall find their way, they must expect to meet
with Thessalonians as well as Bereans, (see Acts xvii.)
but God has never left himself without a witness, and
should his word prove a savour of death unto death to
some, it must, blessed be his name, prove also a savour of
life unto life to others; for the Gospel is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first,
and also to the Gentile. I thank my God that it is not left
unto us to distinguish between the chaff and the wheat, so
that we must do our duty simply in dependance upon his
blessing, and surely he will not fail to bestow it in his own
time and manner. (Isa. lv. 10, 11.) In passing from Orsha to
Minsk we did not want occasion to converse with Israel-
ites of various characters and education; in so short a
time we could only speak a word in season, leave the
Gospel with them, and recommend it to their serious at-
tention, and them to the blessing of its Divine Author.
The Rabbin of Barrisso, in particular, came to see us at
the post-house on a Saturday, and thanked us heartily for
a copy of the Hebrew Testament.
lxii
MINSK.
As we had previously understood that the number of
Israelites in this city amount to above 1000, that many of
them are well disposed towards the Christian religion, and
that the Russian archbishop of Minsk is zealous for their
conversion; we conceived it worth our while to go a little
out of our way, and visit this interesting town and neigh-
bourhood, which is beset with Jewish inhabitants. As
we happened to arrive here early on a Sunday morning,
we did not visit the Governor until the next day. His
Excellency read both the letter addressed to him, and my
paper from the Prince Galitzin, and observed, that he
thinks the Emperor's Ukase respecting the Christian Is-
raelites, will not fail to make a proper impression upon
his Jewish subjects, and that a few days ago, he had the
pleasure to hear a young man of Minsk express a wish to
be baptized into the Catholic faith; upon which, he sent
him to the Roman vicar to be examined, and received
into the pale of his church; The first Jew, exclaimed his
Excellency, that entered the Roman church in Russia; as,
till the late Ukase made its appearance, no Jew was per-
mitted to be baptized into a foreign church. The Go-
vernor was then kind enough to convey us by his secre-
tary to the Archbishop Anatoli, and sent the Prince's
letters for his perusal. This very venerable prelate re-
ceived us with much kindness, and had a long conversa-
tion with Mr. Way in the Latin tongue, which he spoke
very fluently. In the course of his conversation, the
Bishop manifested abundantly his pious desires, that
Israel might be saved; but appeared somewhat discou-
raged by the prejudices of some Jews with whom he hap-
pened to converse, and especially by the circumstance as
he mentioned to us, that many of them do not understand
Ixiii
the Hebrew Testament in a grammatical way-a circum-
stance which is too true in the abstract; but ought to be
no more discouragement to us, than it is to the Bible So-
ciety, that among all nations, there are thousands who
read and understand the word of God in their respective
vernacular tongues, without knowing any of its grammar
and construction.
The Minsk community being so considerably large and
very respectable, we were naturally anxious to discover
how far they are prepared for the reception of the Gospel,
and what measures might be used in order to convince
them that Jesus of Nazareth is their Messiah; but being
entire strangers, and having no personal acquaintance
with any of the great mass of them, we conceived it best
to invite some to our house, and expound to them a chap-
ter of the Old Testament in their language, hoping, that
perhaps twenty or thirty persons might attend, and so we
might get an opportunity at the same time to converse
with them on the subject. As we could not well make an
attempt of that kind without the Governor's knowledge,
we consulted the secretary about it, and also the Lutheran
minister in the place, both of whom approved of the pro-
posal, and thought it the best way to make an impression
upon them. They advised us to send short notes to the
chief Jewish families in the town, and appoint the hour
they might come to our house the next day. We fol-
lowed their directions, and the next morning the police-
master came to us from his Excellency the Governor, to
say, that the Jews are willing to hear us, and ask if we
wish to come and speak to them in their synagogue, add-
ing, that he (the police-master) would be glad to accom-
pany us, and see that all should be in order. To this mea-
sure I could not consent for different reasons, and chose
rather to remain by our first plan, which was, that they
3
Ixiv
should meet us in a private room at the inn.
When the
appointed hour was expired, the Jews began to assemble
in numbers at our house, and in about the space of half
an hour, an upper room was filled with about two hundred
of the choicest and most respectable in the community;
and more than that number of the lower class were kept out
by four dismounted dragoons, which his Excellency the
Governor sent of his own accord; as we were going up
to them, we met a deputy with the police-master to inquire
whether we wished to have a dispute, or simply to ad-
dress them, and whether they might propose any objec-
tion they might conceive against what will be said. We
replied, that our wish is simply to address them as friends,
and as those whom we love and esteem; that it would be
more convenient not to be interrupted in the middle of
the discourse, and so introduce confusion, but that after
the discourse is finished, we shall be happy to hear them
in return, and to answer their objections. Upon this, we
entered the room where they were assembled, and the
sight of so solemn a congregation of Israelites coming to
hear the Gospel, was sufficient to strike the Christian
mind with awe and astonishment. After a short pre-
amble, in which I expressed our great pleasure to find
ourselves honoured with so considerable an audience, and
our sincere hope, that none would conceive themselves
constrained or obliged in any degree to attend this meet-
ing, but as passing travellers and well wishers to the
house of Israel, we were desirous to remind them on the
things that belong to their peace and salvation, I read to
them Jer. xxxi. from the 31st to the 35th verse, in the
Hebrew language; in commenting on that passage I re-
minded them, first of their former privileges and enjoy-
ment of God's peculiar favours; shewed them the reason
why God has made a new covenant with them, pointed
·
lxv
out the difference between the old and new covenant, and
that the latter consisted in the forgiveness of sin first,
and then the law written in their hearts by the Spirit of
God: for above half an hour I was allowed to proceed,
when the profoundest silence prevailed, all being ex-
tremely attentive, and some even with Hebrew Bibles in
their hands took notes of all that I said, but “the natural
man," St. Paul assures us, “receiveth not the things of the
Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him,” &c.;
(1 Cor. ii. 14.) and it would have been a miracle indeed
had there been found among a whole congregation of un-
believing Jews, no spirit of opposition whatever against the
plain truth of the Gospel, truth so repugnant to the pride
of the human heart, and so completely cutting off, root and
branch, all appearance of self-righteousness, and pharisai-
cal boast, which the Polish Jews still possess in an emi-
nent degree. When I came to speak of the means of for-
giveness consistent with the holiness and justice of the
Deity, and to shew, that such a Saviour as Jesus Christ
was necessary for us, some could no more hold from
breaking out with the usual objections, such as, God can
forgive sin by his mercy alone, &c. In endeavouring to
answer these objections, we soon found it would be impos-
sible to proceed, as many of them spoke at once, and chose
to wander from the point in hand, I proposed, therefore,
that they would choose one among themselves to speak
for them, and then I would be ready to answer him. That
offer, each of them declined, putting it upon his neigh-
bour; and so I was permitted to conclude with some re-
marks upon Isaiah liii. and Daniel ix. relative to our
question: as soon as I had finished, Mr. Way distributed
above twenty Testaments among those who were assem-
bled, and especially to those who could not afford to buy
Ľ
lxvi
one.
Two of our objectors retired with us afterwards
into the next room, where we conversed more privately
on many religious topics, and parted in much friendship
and good-will. In the evening many poor Jews applied
for Testaments, some said, 'they came to hear the Eng-
lish gentlemen, as they could obtain no entrance in the
afternoon.' Thus your Excellency may perceive, how far
the former prejudices so rooted in the mind of the Jew
against their Messiah and his Gospel, are now vanished...
In the town of Mozir which lies between this and Zy-
tomir, and where we stopped but a few hours, we wit-
nessed another very interesting scene. On our arrival
at this place, we called first on the rabbin, who is an intel-
ligent old gentleman, and comparatively free of that spirit
of bigotry and assuming sanctity, unto which almost all of·
his reverend brethren, are, without exception, subject. I
conversed with him for a considerable time on the sub-
ject of religion, and of Messiah, in the audience, as it
were, of a little synagogue of Jews; and as he did not
scruple to receive a copy of the Hebrew Testament in
their presence, many of them came to our inn, and
asked for more copies for their private perusal, and in
compliance with their request, we left five exemplars
among them but what was peculiarly gratifying in the
spirit of that people, was their extreme eagerness to dis-
cover its contents, and their zeal to examine its authority,
for no sooner had they obtained the books, than they
hastened to their homes and set about reading, and not
content with the mere indulgence of empty curiosity some
of them returned in about the space of two hours with the
Testaments in their hands, arrested me in the market, and
pointed out some passages they conceived objectionable,
and others, which they said, were above their comprehen-
lxvii
sion. As we entered on the discussion of these subjects,
the audience increased to such a degree, that I was
obliged to retire with them into a room, and to address
them at length, on the nature of revelation, the evidence
on which it rests, and the identity and similarity which
exist between the evidences of the Old and New Testa-
ment; so upon the same ground, as they receive the one,
they must receive the other also, with all its contents,
without a struggle or objection. This I conceived the
best and most useful instruction I could offer in so short
a space of time; but does not this circumstance afford a
cogent proof of the necessity of sending to the Jews, not
only the Gospel itself, but teachers of the Gospel, men
who would, like St. Paul, not only preach the word unto
them, but who should be able to reason with them, as he
did, day and night, and SHEW them out of their own
Scriptures that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of
God. Acts xx. 20, 21, and xxviii. 30, 31.
ZITOMIR.
The distance between this and Kiov being compara-
tively short, our usefulness in this province was chiefly
confined to the government town, which contains the
number of six hundred Jewish families. It was the con-
stant rule of Mr. Way, never to attempt any thing in such
places before he visited the Governor. His excellency
happening to be out of town, Mr. Way sent the prince's
letter to the vice-governor, who forwarded it to the
præses of the town to open it. This gentleman received
Mr. Way politely, but advised him to desist at present
from any attempt of the kind among the Jews in Zitomir,
as they were peculiarly prejudiced against the Christian
E 2
Ixviii
religion, and in no wise ready to receive the Gospel.
Whether, however, the disinclination of a people to re-
ceive the Gospel of salvation forms a sufficient reason why
it should not be offered to them, will perhaps admit of a
question. For the word of God tells us, that “His
people shall be willing in the day of his power :" and the
Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, to every one
that believeth." But as my object at present is simply to
relate facts, I shall content myself with stating, that in
compliance with the præses' advice, we visited none of the
Jews in this place, nor conversed with them during the
two days we staid here. But our factor, who was an
Israelite, seeing the Hebrew Testament in our room, was
naturally curious to know our object in carrying them;
and being informed that they were destined for the use
of his brethren, he seemed to take much care that those
in Zitomir should be provided for; accordingly, on the
evening before our departure many Jews applied to us
for Testaments, and unwilling to refuse the waters of life
to those who asked it, we distributed in the space of a few
hours twenty-four copies here, and forwarded six more
to Borditchev, a very considerable Jewish residence in
the neighbourhood *. The Jewish inhabitants in the
city of Kiov, which constitute but a small number, are
chiefly composed of factors and innkeepers, and are ra-
ther a concourse of people from different countries, than
an established community of Jews. Their religious cha-
racter, on that account, is very indetermined, and is rather
*Some of them were found reading the Gospel in the street,
and in their houses, to companies of their brethren who surrounded
them; and who can say, but the Almighty.may bless his own word?
Isa. xliii. 13.
lxix
that of no religion at all. We found it difficult to attract
their attention, except that the Rabbin himself, a very
aged man, conversed with us freely, and received the
New Testament, notwithstanding the afflicting state of
mind he was in on account of his young daughter, who,
not long since, confessed herself a convert to the Chris-
tian religion, and was baptized in the Russian church.
Between Kiov and Odessa, the number of Jews are but
very few; and of our journey from Odessa through the
Krimea, Mr. Way's account will, doubtless, give your
Excellency a far better idea than you could collect from
any of my statements.
Having thus endeavoured to communicate to your Ex-
cellency our proceedings among the Jews in Poland, I
trust your Excellency will excuse me, if I have trespassed
upon your patience with too long details, and would now
beg leave to offer some general remarks with respect to
their present views of the Christian religion, and the
means that might be lawfully as well as hopefully used
in order to convince them of its truths and reality.
*
lxx
APPENDIX, No. IX.
A Letter to the Bishop of St. David's, by the Rev. Lewis Way.
(Appendix, No. 4.)
Page 190.
CONCERNING THE SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ISRAELITES, AND
THE TUTELARY COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED FOR them.
Order to the governing Senate.
From the moment that all-ruling Providence has commit-
ted unto our sceptre the numerous nations and families
which inhabit Russia, we have stedfastly purposed to ex-
ercise unceasing care, in order that each nation and each
rank might live in happiness, and in uninterrupted peace
and quiet enjoyment of his rights-it continues therefore
to be the most delightful employment of our heart, and
it is our holy duty to lead every part of this great family
to that most desirable end.-Now through many examples
which have attracted our notice, we are acquainted with
the difficult situation of those Hebrews, who after they
have by the grace of God been convinced of the truth of
Christianity, have either embraced, or are willing to em-
brace, the Christian faith, and to be united with the fold
of the good Shepherd and Redeemer of our souls.
These Hebrews, separated from their brethren by the
Christian religion, lose thereby all communication and
former connexion with them, and not only hazard every
right to the protection of their former brethren in the
faith, but are also exposed to their oppression and every
kind of persecution. On the other hand, among Chris-
tians, their new brethren in the faith, to whom they are as
lxxi
I
yet utterly unknown, they do not find immediately either
an open and permanent refuge, or so well founded an
institution, that in case of distress a peaceful abode
might be secured to every one, and means whereby they
might honestly earn their bread by their own industry.
Hence the new-converted Hebrews are liable to the
greatest difficulties before they are able to choose and
enter upon a way of maintenance. Similar instances have
come under our observation from this particular class of
our subjects, who, on account of the sudden change of
their religion, are totally alienated from the community
unto which they formerly belonged, without having suf-
ficient means in hand firmly to join that unto which they
are just entering.-But since every confession, every
rank, and every class of men in our beloved country, are
through the whole course of their lives secured under the
protection of the law by certain rights and regulations, the
state of those Hebrews in our empire who embrace
the Christian faith must also be firmly and permanently
assured-and as we truly sympathize with those unfor-
tunate Hebrews who are converted to Christianity, and
stimulated also by an awful reverence for the voice of
everlasting grace which calls the children of Israel from
their dispersion to the communion of the Christian faith,
we found it good to adopt the following measures, in
order to protect the believing Hebrews in their new
situation.
1. It is hereby promised to all Hebrews who embrace
the Christian religion, to whatever Christian confession
they may be attached, that henceforth every possibility
shall be facilitated in order that in their new course of
life they may establish themselves, according to their
faculties, in that profession or way of business to which
they feel themselves inclined. Every office, as well ec-
lxxii
clesiastical as civil, is to afford to the Hebrews necessary
protection and assistance at their conversion to Christian-
ity, and in case they flee to them for refuge.
2. Advantageous and convenient places for settlement,
with adjoining lands, will be appointed to the converted
Hebrews, in the Northern and Southern governments of
the empire. In these places, those of them who wish it,
may settle on their own account, under the denomination
of the Society of Christian Israelites. These assigned
places will serve them for a secure and certain refuge,
where, in communion with others of their nation who also
profess Christianity, they will be able to form a society,
where every one shall be able to support himself and his
family by their own labour and industry, according to
their ability and power.
3. We have issued particular regulations respecting the
Society of Christian Israelites, which confirmed by our
own signature we shall adjoin here, that they may be
brought under general observation, and be properly put
into execution.
4. A Committee will be formed at St. Petersburg for
the supreme management of the affairs of these settle-
ments, under the denomination of Tutelary Committee
for the Christian Israelites. This Committee will consist
of a President, several members named Directors, and
Secretaries. All Hebrews of our empire, who either have
embraced or are willing to embrace the Christian faith,
may apply to the Committee, either in person or by letter.
The governments also, as well ecclesiastical as civil, are to
confer with the Committee in all concerns that respect
the Christian Israelites, with the exception however, as
is understood of itself, of all personal criminality and
process which comes under the established courts of
justice.
lxxiii
5. We command the Committee, which is to be formed
for the management of all the affairs of the Society of
Christian Israelites, to give us account from time to time
of the progress of those settlements, and of all affairs
which respect the Christian Israelites, through our
Privy Counsellor Prince Galitzin, to whom the common
concerns of the Hebrews are in general committed by
us, with the exception of individual criminalities and pro-
cess of properties.
Having thus laid a solid foundation in favour of He-
brews embracing the Christian faith, and for the security
of their situation, we command that what is drawn up
here and in the adjoining pages be punctually put into
execution. The Committee also is to advertize it in the
Russian, German and Polish languages, that it may come
under general notice, and be followed accurately by all
governments and persons whom it respects. We are
convinced, that by their arrangement, the state of the
Hebrews who embrace the Christian faith is sufficiently
secured, and that thereby all means will be afforded them
in their new situation to protect themselves from the per-
secutions of their nation, if any where they should take
place, and to maintain themselves by their own industry,
without being a burden to the government or to indivi-
duals. In this condition, if they follow the precepts of
that Gospel which they have embraced, they will grow in
all good works to their own and the common good, and
to the praise and glory of that most holy name by which
they are named.
(The original is signed by his Imperial Majesty,)
ALEXANDER.
St. Petersburg,
Easter Sunday, March 25, 1817.
lxxiv
REGULATIONS RESPECTING THE SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN
ISRAELITES.
In order to insure to the Hebrews who have embraced
the Christian religion, of what confession soever it may
be, a secure and peaceful abode in the bosom of the
Russian empire, we have permitted them to form among
themselves a community under the denomination of the
Society of Christian Israelites-but to promote among
the members of that Society industry, trades, and all
kinds of useful business, we constitute the following re-
gulations.
1. Lands for settlement and domestic economy will
be assigned by the crown to the Society of Christian
Israelites gratis, and for an everlasting possession to them
and their posterity. These lands will not be assigned to
each individual in particular, but to all in common; and
for this reason they can neither be sold, nor pawned, or
in any other way be brought into the hands of others,
but must always remain an unalienable property of the
whole community.
2. On these lands appointed for them they may, if they
please, settle on their own account, and build every kind
of establishment, borough or town, according to their
means and circumstances. It is likewise left to their own
choice either to build all in common or each one for him-
self, provided he does not exclude himself from those
connexions with the Society unto which they must all
without exception belong.
3. To those Christian Israelites who enter the Society,
as also to their posterity, will be allowed an equal, full,
and entire freedom of the Christian confession of faith,
lxxv
without any difference; and each confession permitted to
enjoy their divine service according to the rules and cus-
toms of their church. Consequently the congregations of
each Christian confession which belongs to the union of
this Society, may build and establish churches, schools
and institutions for education, or other God-pleasing pur-
poses, according to the principles of their own church.
4. The Society of Christian Israelites will stand under
our protection, and be dependent only on the Committee
established in St. Petersburg for the management of their
affairs, who are bound to watch for their welfare, and to
whom alone they have to give account of their concerns.
On this ground, not one single government of the place
where this Society may found their establishment, has to
exercise any power over them or mix with their affairs.
The preachers who may be appointed in their settlements
are to apply in necessary cases to the said Committee,
according to laws which respect all other colonies settled
in the Russian dominions.
5. The Society form an office for the management of
their internal affairs, consisting of different members
chosen from among themselves, viz. two superintendants,
and four assistants, approved of by the said Committee,
under the name of Office of administration for the So-
ciety of Christian Israelites. This office is permitted to
have its own seal; and it is their duty to care as much
as possible for good order in the Society, and to reconcile
any misunderstanding, disunion or quarrels among the
members, which may come before them; but what re-
spects disputes about property, hereditary possessions,
and similar civil affairs, or individual criminalities, that
must, according to the common laws of the empire, be
examined and decided by their respective courts of justice.
The office has also to erect in the settlements a police
lxxvi
of their own, for the maintenance of peace, quiet, and
order; and it is at the same time bound to keep a
watchful eye over the conduct and behaviour of every
one of the Society's members. Rebellious, disobedient,
and immoral members, who are only an offence to others,
they must expel from their Society after they have in-
formed the Tutelary Committee concerning it, as they
are also bound to do respecting every member whom
they are newly receiving into the Society. Every one
who is expelled, forfeits in consequence all the rights
and advantages granted to the Society.
6. All civil rights are hereby granted to every member
of the Society of Christian Israelites, and that not only
in their own colonies, but every where throughout the
empire. Accordingly they may, after paying the duties.
established by the Tariff, carry on trade in or out of the
country, and follow mechanical businesses, arts, and pro-
fessions: they may possess houses, keep shops, and
establish every kind of fabric or manufactory without the
necessity of being enlisted in any guild or corporation:
they are also freed from all service, as will be defined in
the sequel under a particular paragraph.
7. The members of the Society of Christian Israelites
are permitted upon their appointed lands to brew beer,
distil brandy, and prepare all sorts of waters and liquors,
not only for their own use, but also for sale to travellers,
who may pass their settlements; but they are neither
permitted to export such liquors from their colonies, nor
to sell them out of their borders.
8. No person whatever, either of the crown or private,
not belonging to the Society of Christian Israelites, is
permitted to set up inns, public-houses, or other buildings
for similar purposes, upon their lands,-nor is any
stranger, not belonging to the Society, permitted to settle
lxxvii
among them without their particular permission. But if
the Society express a desire to receive some person among
them for a time, they are permitted to do so, provided the
persons received by them have regular passports, and the
governors of their concerns, or the office of administra-
tion, be surety for them.
9. The office of administration for the Society of Chris-
tian Israelites obtain hereby a right to give necessary
passports to the members of the Society, which passports
must be signed by the superintendants, and furnished with
the seal of the said office. Such passports will be of
value only for travelling within the empire; but in order
to travel beyond the frontier, or to come from foreign
countries into the empire, the members of the Society must
be furnished with passports from the general legitimate
authorities.
"
10. All who enter this Society are hereby liberated
from all sorts of civil and military services. But if any of
them should himself wish to enter this or the other ser-
vice, he may be appointed to it. All settlements and
houses of the Christian Israelites who belong to this So-
ciety, will be likewise freed from all kinds of quartering
soldiers, keeping posts, and giving horses, and from all
other similar duties of the country. But if some person
should be sent to the settlements by the Committee ap-
pointed for the Society on any business, enquiry, or visi-
tation, he must be duly received.
11. Every colony of the Society of Christian Israelites
is permitted to have continually one of their members re-
siding in St. Petersburg, under the name of Trustee, or
Agent, to execute their commissions, and dispatch all
their business with the Committee appointed for the ma-
nagement of their affairs.
12. All who enter the Society of Christian Israelites
4
lxxviii
have freedom from all duties for twenty years granted to
them; when this time is expired, each of them will have
to pay the same duties which all other Russian natives are
bound to pay according to their different stations, viz.
tradesmen, the regular per cent. of their capital; artists
and professional men their civil duties.
13. Foreign Hebrews, who after they have embraced
the Christian religion, should wish to enter the Society,
settle on the same appointed lands, and to partake of
the right granted to them, have perfect liberty to do so.
They may leave Russia again whenever they should
please, as is likewise permitted to all other members of
the Society, provided they first pay their debts and three
years' duty to the crown, from the capital they have
raised in Russia, according to the account which the
superintendant of the Society will conscientiously give
concerning it.
14. It is left to the discretion of the Tutelary Com-
mittee to draw up, upon the principles here laid down,
the more circumstantial rules; both respecting their local
management, public institutions, and all other affairs
which may contribute best to the order and the happi-
ness of all, but especially with respect to institutions
for moral cultivation and education of youths according
to the true principles of Christianity.
The original is signed by his Imperial Majesty,)
St. Petersburg,
Easter Sunday, March 25, 1817.
ALEXANDER.
lxxix
cause.
In a third Ukase of the same date his Majesty names
the President and Directors who will constitute the Tu-
telary Committee,-leaves it to them to appoint Secre-
taries and Clerks according to their own discretion,-and
in future, in case members should be wanted, to choose
such fellow-labourers as may be fit and given to the
The members of the Committee are declared to
enter upon their labours simply out of zeal for the cause,
and consequently receive no salary. To the Secretaries
and Clerks, however, they are to assign such salaries as
they think proper. For this and other necessary ex-
pences, his Imperial Majesty orders for the present
10,000 rubles to the Committee's disposition, of which
they will have to give account to Prince Galitzin, who
will report the same to the Emperor.
The following lines conclude the account which is at
present published concerning this Society.
The Tutelary Committee for the Christian Israelites
was opened on the 4th April upon the principles of his
Imperial Majesty's Ukase here published. The objects
of the Committee's labours will be the following:-
1. They will take under their protection all Hebrews
professing Christianity, who may wish to settle on the
lands assigned by Government for that purpose, and for
the same end are willing to enter the Society of Christian
Israelites.
2. They will have the superintendance of the lands
assigned to the said Society.
3. They will support the rights which are graciously
granted to this Society; and, if necessary, afford lawful
protection, as well to its individuals, as to the community
at large.
4. They will assist in forming proper regulations, and
introducing useful establishments in the colonies of
lxxx
Christian Israelites; and, lastly, they will provide neces-
sary means that the new Christians may be instructed in
the doctrines and principles of the faith which they have
embraced, in order that they may not only know the sys-
tem of Christianity, but also live accordingly. Those
means will consist in providing for the Society of Israelites
(with the previous approbation of the ecclesiastical go-
vernment) worthy ministers and teachers-in erecting
churches, schools, and every kind of useful institutions, as
well for the education of children as for the exercise of
different arts—in appointing experienced persons for
local inspection and management, that they may by their
indefatigable exertions to maintain public and domestic
order in the colonies, and more particularly by their good
example, lead the Society, by the help of God, to that
truly happy end, which the good will of his Majesty, our
most gracious emperor, had in view in establishing them
-the internal welfare of the Society, peace, quiet, union
and order-the free exercise of all useful professions-
industry and mutual assistance among themselves-good
education of children-provision for the superannuated
and the sick, for helpless widows and orphans, and the
care to introduce all good and laudable institutions, will
be the object of their institution, and the sole end of
the Committee's labours.
The Committee having previously published in the
Petersburg papers an advertisement to the Hebrews who
have embraced Christianity, they conceive it necessary.
to inform them hereby repeatedly, that those Hebrews
who wish to enter the Society of Christian Israelites, and
to settle on the lands assigned to them, are by no means
obliged to come to Petersburg in order to negociate with
the Committee on that subject, but that every one is
permitted to apply to the Committee by letter, and in
lxxxi
}
this manner to express his wish to be admitted into the
Society of Christian Israelites, and to the lands granted
them according to their established rules. In these let-
ters must be stated when and where the candidate has
been converted to Christianity, and to which confession
he belongs-what his profession is-how large his family
and how old every one of its members-likewise the
name of his residence, viz. in which town, village, and
county he lives, that the Committee may know where to
address their replies-both the Christian and family
name must also be distinctly written. Such communica-
tions may be written in the Russian, Polish, and German
languages, and upon ordinary paper. By this means the
Committee will be able to have information of all those
who wish, and apply to be admitted into the Society of
Christian Israelites. In necessary cases, however, those
Hebrews may apply to the ecclesiastical and civil govern-
ments on the spot, who will on their side offer them all
possible assistance according to the orders issued on
their behalf. The Committee find it further necessary
to add, that according to the true sense af the Ukase
issued on the 25th of March, the Hebrews who profess
Christianity come only then under the name of Chris-
tian Israelites when they are admitted into the Society
according to its regulations, and settled on the lands
granted to them.
F
L
lxxxii
APPENDIX, No. X.
From London Society's Twelfth Report (Appendix, pp. 80-94.)
Page 190.
Extracts from Mr. Moritz's Journal of an excursion into
Poland to spread the light of the Gospel among his
former brethren there.
These (viz. the innkeepers or Randars) I found for the
most part so very ignorant and superstitious, that I
could begin nothing at all with them..at one of these
inns found the Randar not at home. I entered into con-
versation with his aged mother and wife... shewed them
some tracts and a New Testament, and then briefly in-
formed them of their contents. They entreated very much
a copy each-I cheerfully complied with tears in
their eyes they prayed for a blessing on me. I left
them with tender emotions of love, trusting that God
will hear my prayer, and bless the reading of his word
to their souls.
Polotsk.-Invited to one of their synagogues-found
above seventy of their most learned Rabbins assembled;
spent with them four hours and a half..after much con-
troversy, desired them to allow me to speak for a few
minutes uninterruptedly..they kept perfect silence. I
then left the synagogue and went home, trusting that
* Mr. Moritz, a converted Jew, Spiritual Superintendant of the
Emperor of Russia's Colony of Christian Israelites.
lxxxiii
the good Shepherd of souls will make his name glorious
in the eyes of these men, and cause his seed to become
in them a fountain, springing up to eternal life..I de-
parted from this place, having distributed there 15 New
Testaments, and 500 tracts.
Witepsk. Staid sixteen days..in order to try if the
attention of the Jews could be roused to hearken to the
message of peace, which I had to deliver to them in the
name of Christ. But it was all in vain, they not only
avoided all personal intercourse with me, but would not even
accept any books from me, and had even secretly agreed on
in their own synagogue to hurt me if possible.. When I
seriously addressed them about the need of a Saviour as
an atonement for their sins, they began to laugh, saying,
I may keep him for myself, if they only can get money
and earn their bread they care for no more; God will
save them at last! and so they went away.
Orsha.—Invited to tea where many Jews had assem-
bled... a very tedious dispute about the authenticity of
the Talmud-three hours spent . . . would not admit that
all mankind have sinned to the extent the word of
God represents it; and when I came to state to them the
only remedy set forth in the word of truth, they would hear
no more, and said I can never understand the real meaning
of the word of God without believing in the comments of
the Talmud, and then they left me. Sunday-many Jews
came-had to reason with them the whole day, so that at
last I could hardly utter another word for pain in my breast.
I distributed 10 Testaments, and 50 tracts. I trust some of
the 1200 Jews who live in this place will, by these means,
be brought to a saving knowledge of Christ. In the
evening invited to their Beth Hamedrask.. found at least
100 Jews with their Rabbin assembled. I desired, and
{
F 2
lxxxiv
they accordingly chose one to speak for the rest; but
when they perceived that he was nearly silenced by my rea-
soning from Scripture, they all began with an angry and
passionate voice to cry out against me, and their Rabbin
said that my arguments proved nothing, because all these
Scripture texts speak merely of the Jewish nation, but
not of the Messiah;..they screamed so loud, and spoke
in so confused a manner, that I could not utter a single
word, nor would they pay any attention when I did
speak..Seeing that no good was to be done, and that
no opportunity was left to speak, I went home, after
giving them first a few serious admonitions about their
hardness of heart and wilful blindness, at which they
mocked and laughed..I therefore left Orsha.
Sklov.-Nearly 10,000 Jews...the first days not one
would visit me, nor would they speak to me. The Ge-
neral Intendant desired some Jews to call upon me...
great numbers came...this gave me an opportunity to
sow the seed of truth... They made no objection to these
remarks, desiring me to give them a few New Testa-
ments and some tracts, which they would diligently peruse,
to see if these things be so. Upon the whole, I have
distributed in Sklov 27 New Testaments, and more than
300 tracts.
Mohiley.-From 6 to 7000 Jews-quite indifferent
for the most part, some even very embittered against me.
I therefore had not much opportunity to do good. I have,
nevertheless, distributed 28 New Testaments, and nearly
400 tracts among them. One evening a few decent
clever Jews came in-had some conversation together..
They left me without saying a word, rather disquieted.
Tolotchin.-400 Jews. I found them very unwilling
to enter upon any religious conversation...gave them
two New Testaments and eight tracts.
There came a
lxxxv
}
few more Jews to me for mere curiosity, for when I
would speak to them they went away.
Borrisov. 1000 Jews. I began a conversation with
the son of the Jew where I lodged...he wished to have
some tracts before, in order to read them. I gave him
a few, in the hope that the Lord will open a door of use-
fulness to me in this place. I was soon visited by several
Jews...began a controversy which lasted four hours...
they were forced to take refuge to the last extremity of
the Jews in general, that they will not believe Christ to
be the Messiah, until God himself shall reveal it to them
in the same manner as he did the law from Sinai.
Minsk.-12,000 Jews. I was visited by nearly all the
Jewish school-masters, and by several thousands of Jews.
Attheir request I preached to about 400 in my very large
rooms,...I was much pleased with the serious attention
they paid to the word, and the perfect silence they observ-
ed during my speech, which lasted two hours...I hope
the Lord will bless this seed to the conversion of many
souls unto himself.
**
Rodonov.-300 Jews. The Rabbin and some other
Jews paid me a visit...quite astonished at the contents
of the New Testament, and also of the tracts... They
had never heard these things before, and therefore would
give them due consideration. They promised to call
again in the evening: but somewhat late the Innkeeper
came in, telling me that the Rabbin and the other Jews
would not come, fearing lest they should be obliged to
acknowledge what I said to be true... I had however
the satisfaction to know, that in the house of the Rabbin,
as also with my Innkeeper, several Jews were assembled
to read these books together, and knowing what the
word of God can do without the aid of men, I left it.
lxxxvi
with the Lord to bless his own word to their souls, and
departed.
Nieswitch. The Jews... flocked in crowds... I dis-
tributed a good number of tracts, and a few New Tes-
taments...have the best hope that three young men,
who have three evenings together visited me, have been
pierced in their hearts... An old Rabbin requested me.
to give him a New Testament and some tracts, which I
gladly did; after which he took an affectionate farewell
of me. One of the richest Jews in the town invited me
to his house. I found several Rabbins-the first words
they uttered were blasphemies against our holy Saviour;
and like many Jews in other places where I had been,
they said the Prophets do not speak of any Messiah at all
for the Gentiles, or that he should die for the sins of the
people...Seeing that my arguments availed nothing, and
that they could only mock and laugh, I left the room, tell-
ing them that they had not made me a liar, but that they
are making God a liar by their explanations of his holy
word; I should therefore leave the cause for him to de-
cide, who will one day convince them in an awful manner
that he is true, but that those Jews who keep such prin-
ciples are liars, and deceiving themselves to the destruc-
tion of their own souls...I left this place, having distri-
buted eight Testaments and 200 tracts.
Bialistock-6000 Jews...seeing I could not supply
them with New Testaments they were offended, and
would not even speak to me.. but a good many took tracts
..At his request (viz. a very learned and respectable Jew)
I gave him a New Testament, which he said he would
willingly peruse. A very rich Jew from Bielsk...express-
ed a wish that many may embrace this religion, then he
would also join them; but, said he, I do not wish to be
2.
1
lxxxvii
the first... The wife (viz. of Mr. M.'s landlord) told me
they would not depart from the religion which their fa-
thers have believed, and they know from the Talmud,
that all Jews will have eternal life, therefore they need
no better way. All my endeavours to prove to them
the danger of resting their hopes of eternity upon such
false foundations, which are contrary to the word of God,
had no effect. Begging me, however, to give them a
New Testament, and promising to read it carefully, I
gave them the last I had. In the whole, I have distri-
buted here 200 tracts and three New Testaments.
Grodno. 12,000 Jews, great numbers came to my
lodgings... all wished to have books; my 30 Testaments
and 600 tracts were gone in a few days. Those Jews
in the provinces promised not only to read the books
themselves, but to circulate the reading of them as far as
possible. Astonishing, indeed, that the enemies of the
Gospel should themselves become harbingers of those
glorious tidings to their own brethren. Blessed be the
God of Israel, who alone doth wonders. May he in
mercy be pleased to make these means subservient to
the conversion of many thousand souls from among the
lost sheep of the house of Israel. Upon some of the
more decent Jews here the reading of these books, and
our conversation, seems to have made a deep impression,
and I trust that about six persons are become serious
enquirers after the truth as it is in Christ Jesus...Two
Jewish school-masters came to question me (the queries
were respecting Jacob's prophecy of Shiloh, and a pas-
sage in Isaiah, the former of which Mr. M. largely des-
cants upon). This explanation came quite unexpected
to them; and the school-masters, with the rest of the
Jews, went away without making any remark. I trust
that the good Shepherd of souls will pour out his Spirit
lxxxviii
on them, and enable them to ponder these truths in their
hearts, and incline them to return with tears of remorse,
that he may have mercy upon them.
Wilna.-45,000 Jews. The first eight days I was here
my rooms were crowded with Jews from morning to
evening, and I had to combat their prejudices and objec-
tions till I was almost over-fatigued...I had the pleasure
to behold that many of them acknowledged the proba-
bility of my being in the right... Many very respectable
Jews in this town confessed to me that I was right in
MANY POINTS, and therefore that they would consider
and search, and if they can get convinced of the truth,
will embrace it.-Many fine young men also stated to me
that they were convinced by reading the New Testa-
ment that Christ is the true Messiah, and were inclined
to embrace Christianity. Time will shew if all these
men, who expressed their conviction of heart, belong to
way-side hearers, or to the stony places or thorny ground,
or to the good prepared ground! May the Lord in mercy
make them to be of the latter, that they may produce
some thirty, some sixty, some an hundred fold.
Through every little town I passed (viz. between
Wilna and Mitau), many Jews met me at the post station,
wishing to have books, and when they saw I could give
them none, they went away very much displeased, and
would not even speak to me.
Mitau.~6000 Jews. On Sunday more than 100 de-
cent Jews, and nearly as many Christians, met in my
rooms. I preached to the Jews chiefly... They paid
the greatest attention to what I said, and some went away
thankful for this my address! Some of them visited me
afterwards, telling me that I had been the means of open-
ing their eyes, and that they shall follow my direction to
pray to God to lead them into the truth, and if He
lxxxix
hear their prayer, they would become the disciples of
Christ. I trust the Lord will give evidence to my weak
endeavours, by his Spirit, and cause many of these erring
sheep to hearken to the voice of the good Shepherd,
who gave his life a ransom for them also!
Riga.—Few resident Jews, but many sojourners. Some
Christian friends who had spoken to several, told me that
they had answered them they did not care about these
things, nor do they wish to have books from me. I tried
to speak to a few, but found that they believed neither
Moses nor the Prophets, nor any revealed religion!
Prayer-meetings so well attended and crowded the
two last evenings, that the people could hardly find room
in the apartment... four Jews came to the meeting, and
appeared to be much impressed with the sight of so
many Christians met together for such a purpose...they
kneeled down with us at prayer, and I trust they will
carry a favourable opinion home in their breasts respect-
ing Christ and his people. These meetings a fine op-
portunity for reconciling their (the Jews) hearts to Chris-
tianity.
I have now given you a short extract of my Journal, from
which you and our Christian friends in England will be
able to form some idea of the success which may be ex-
pected from the exertions of Christians among the Po-
lish Jews, if they will only employ SCRIPTURAL MEANS
UNCONNECTED" with ANY POLITICAL VIEWS, and TEM-
(C
PORAL ADVANTAGES.
XC
A
APPENDIX No. XI.
Page 196.
A Sketch of the History of the Unitas Fratrum, or Mo-
ravians, extracted from Rimius's Call, Narrative, and
Supplement.
"The author of Herrnhutism is Nicholas Lewis, Count of
Zinzendorf," who was born Anno Domini 1700. Ac-
cording to the account which he gives of himself, he
formed, from the tenth year of his age, a design to gather
together a little society of believers, amongst whom he
might live, and "who should entirely employ themselves in
exercises of devotion under his direction," and "from the
age of seventeen believed he had a call from Providence
to this condition of life." Upon coming of age, his
thoughts were wholly bent on executing his project, and
being joined by some persons of his own way of thinking,
he settled at Bethelsdorf, an estate of his own in Upper
Lusatia. His first addresses were to the Pope, (Benedict
XIII.) to whom he wrote, dated Dresden, June 4, 1723,
representing himself as earnestly employed that the true
Christians in the Catholic religion, and what are called
the sects, may be acquainted with him, venerate him,
and love him, &c. having conceived the idea of attaining
the spiritual supremacy which he aimed at, (as the found-
ers of the several religious orders had done before him)
under the sanction of his Holiness, with whom he had
previously taken steps to ingratiate himself. This not
succeeding, in the following year he took an opposite
course to elevate himself and his adherents to the emi-
nence he coveted, and advanced the claim (which history
хсі
proves to be a fiction *, but which has been ever since
persisted in) that they were the remnant of those Bohe-
mian and Moravian brethren who, a long time before
Luther lived, separated from the Romish Church, and
who, in the time of the Reformation, entered into bro-
therly correspondence with the two great Protestant So-
cieties, (Lutherans and Calvinists) but without joining
with either of them. He was now joined by a few exiles
from Moravia, converts to Protestantism from the Romish
Church, having a carpenter of the name of Christian
David as their leader. Upon their arrival he commenced
the building of his new settlement in a wood, about half a
league from Bethelsdorf, to which he gave the name of
Huth des Herrn, and afterwards Herrnhuth-(i. e.) the
guard or protection of the Lord (the designation being
suggested by an adjacent hill called the Huth Berg,)
and eagerly prosecuted his purpose of forming a new
sect, under the name of the Moravian Brethren. Many
people now flocked to him from Moravia and elsewhere,
and in 1736 its inhabitants amounted to six hundred.
Having established a sort of discipline in this body,
which closely united the members to one another, and
put them under an entire dependence of their superiors,
he sent out from amongst them a number of emissaries
under different appellations, into all parts of the world,
and among all religions and sects, to recruit, as he was
pleased to call it, the beautiful congregation; and he en-
gaged himself most indefatigably in these peregrinations,
* Jablonski has proved that the ancient Moravian Brethren
mixed with the Reformed in Poland, and that not one of those
who professed their doctrine remained in Bohemia and Moravia,
after the war in which the unfortunate Frederic Elector Palatine,
disputed the crown of Bohemia with Ferdinand II. that monarch
having entirely extirpated them. Le Long. Tom. I.
xcii
posting from country to country under a variety of names,
and crying up himself and his people as belonging to the
ancient Moravian Church, and making proselytes under
that specious denomination. The policy strictly pursued
by himself, and enjoined upon those who acted under him
was, not to dispute any one's tenets. And, to accommo-
date the institution to the taste, humour, and ideas, of
the new proselytes, he introduced into it what he called
tropes, being so many subordinate divisions, designated
by the different Protestant confessions; as the Bohemian
-the Augsburg-the Reformed. Even Socinians, and
people pretending to inspiration, were enlisted, and per-
mitted, as well as the rest, to keep their former opinions,
provided they became Herrnhuters.
Their proceedings soon awakened the jealousy of the
different governments into which they had spread them-
selves, and the Universities were all called upon to exa-
mine their doctrines; which were condemned in strong
terms of reprobation by those of Altorff, Giessen, Got-
tingen, Halle, Jena, Wittenberg, Leipzig, and by the
Colleges of Divines of Augsburg, Hamburg, Lubeck,
Nuremberg, Ratisbon, and Ulm. Royal edicts against
them followed, and they were successively banished from
Poland, Saxony, Sweden, Saxe Gotha, Russia, Den-
mark, Hanover, Bremen, Amsterdam, and Budingen;
all which instruments may be seen at length in Rimius's
Supplement.
It was in the midst of these proscriptions, about 1741,
that the Count and some of his adherents arrived in
England, where a fanatical excitement had recently been
kindled by Mr. Wesley and Mr. Whitfield, with whose
followers they blended themselves, and continued at unity,
till the question of spiritual supremacy, raised between
the three leaders, produced a breach, and subsequently
xciii
an "expostulatory letter" from the last mentioned of the
triumvirate, and a commentary on the Acta Fratrum by
his associate--the Scriptural mottos to which insinuated
against their quondam fellow-labourers the charges of
bewitching the foolish people who gave credence to their
reverees, and the promising them liberty when they
↑ themselves were the servants of corruption.
The stratagem resorted to in Russia, to gain a footing
in that country, was to represent the sect to the Empress
as descended from the Greek Church, on which account
it was to be looked upon as a sister to that established
in her dominions; and, to give this fraud currency, the
Count actually sent one Arvid Gradin to Constantinople, in
1740, to obtain a certificate to this effect from the Greek
Patriarch. In this country the shorter pedigree from the
Church of Moravia was more suitable, and was accord-
ingly preferred; to which was added a declaration that
no repugnancy existed between the credenda of Herrnhu-
tism and our Thirty-Nine Articles; and the Count ma-
naged his conference with Archbishop Potter, upon the
point of conformity so well, as to obtain a certificate from
his Grace, expressive of the satisfaction which he (the
Count) had afforded him upon it. Having succeeded so
far, the next object of the Count's ambition was a legal
settlement in all the King's dominions. To effect this
full accomplishment of his wishes, he got together a
body of evidence, composed of their forefathers' confes-
sion of faith—the Synodal acts of their ancestors-to-
gether with public certificates from men of repute, nay,
from colleges (granted without proof upon their own as-
sertions, but intermediately revoked and contradicted)
and having interested some influential political men of
the day in his favour, chiefly by representations of the
benefits which would accrue to the nation from his fol-
lowers peopling the American colonies, and establishing
•
xciv
manufactures there-(the device with which he had be-
fore succeeded with the Counts of Budingen,) he got his
application, and the documents which supported it,
brought before Parliament, and actually imposed upon
that body so completely, that two Acts were passed,
granting him all that he desired. The nation, however,
did not remain long deceived; for, presuming too much
upon his success, he published his sermons and other
writings, and so betrayed himself. Enquiries were in-
stituted; his pretensions searched to the very bottom; and
full exposure made, that the Moravian name, under which
he had his passport to naturalization, was only assumed
to cover the most insidious designs, and the vilest abomi-
nations. What the Moravians are at present, the ex-
tracts from their own correspondence, very copiously cited
in the notes to the preceding work, so fully demonstrate,
as to render any further illustration unnecessary.
APPENDIX, No. XII.
Page 246.
Extract from an Address at a Jewish Contributors'
Meeting, August, 1822.
The Expositors offer such interesting matter that I could
be content to proceed as usual with reading Wolff's
apostolic sentiments, especially as his journal is so striking
that a gentleman mentioned last week an infidel father
and son who had been led by it to search the Scriptures
for themselves, and were become hopeful characters. But
I have been told that I describe too little the wants of
the Jews; and that some present this evening particu-
XCV
larly need an explicit statement of the case of the Jews.
To me it is unaccountable how Christians can do other-
wise than reflect on the prodigious privileges they en-
joy, and long to impart them to all mankind. But it
may be well to consider the subject together more par-
ticularly.
I can speak only according to my personal views of it.
I cannot bear to dwell on the threatenings of God against
the "daughters who sit at ease, and care not that souls.
are perishing for lack of knowledge." I must on such a
subject use language too strong and harsh to come from
me, or to be endured by you; and for God's threaten-
ings I must refer you to his own word. But he won me
by love and by blessings, to himself, to his cause, and to
care for the spiritual welfare of others, and I would rather
you were thus drawn to the same object.-There is such
a consciousness in the believer's breast of the fulness
treasured up in Christ of all joy and benefits and bless-
edness, that the believer's very selfishness is over-ruled to
impart all he has: in giving he receives, in bestowing
collects, in dispensing treasures up. "There is who scat-
tereth and yet increaseth;" it is the Christian in respect
to spiritual joys. Therefore he goes to his family, friends,
neighbours, countrymen, to Jews and to Heathen, by all
the societies which enable him to reach them," in the
fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace," and gives
the All hail!
Amid the variety of views which present themselves, I
hardly know where to begin, where to take up the sub-
ject with that individual who can enquire (as a sensible
woman and a contributor too did enquire of me the other
day) what is the state, what the wants of the Jews? She
could in looking at the stone deity of New Zealand and the
trumpet which had summoned to carnage, that the victors
xcvi
might eat their enemies, could understand that the mil-
lions who bow the knee to idols, need to be told of the living
God.—But what of the Jews? they do not worship idols,
nor eat human flesh." What of the Jews? Why, the
very light we send to the heathen all came from their fa-
thers. Oh my friends! what of the Jews?-But let us
all humble ourselves first in the dust. Do not let any
fancy that we set two or three aloof from the rest, and
point our arguments at them only; the most enlightened
among us respecting their wretched state, were once far
below this enquirer, perhaps mockers of such enthusiastic
notions as attempts to convert Jews. But if (as I am led
to suppose,) some such enquirers and doubters be pre-
sent, I would be far from awakening the shame of igno-
rance on such a subject without taking my full share for
having been so long guilty of neglecting the Jewish cause,
and in being now so indifferent to their spiritual need in
comparison with what a livelier faith in Jesus, in the won-
ders of salvation, and the unalterable doom of eternity,
would render me. Let us one and all then humble our-
selves in the dust together, nor think the enquiry need-
less for any, but lift up our hearts to the Holy Spirit to
guide us in answering the enquiry, and to remind us that
each of us may see our own natural state in the Jewish
story, for the carnal heart in each and all, is "enmity
against God;”—and, the remains of it are the remains of
enmity against-whom? the Father of all our mercies,
the giver of all our consolation, him who hath redeemed
our life from similar destruction, and who crowneth us
with loving kindnesses and tender mercies!
Thou Holy Ghost! visit every heart present this even-
ing; convince it of its own sin, and of the guilt of neg-
lecting Jews; convince it of the unerring judgment of
him who knows too well the cause of our carelessness re-
xcvii
specting the wretched state of those without God in this
world, who must, if unchanged, be everlastingly "de-
stroyed from his presence" in the world to come. Fill
us with some gratitude for the mercies of a free, full and
finished salvation, and make us proportionally anxious
to bring every sinner to the knowledge of him whom to
know is everlasting life. Specially make us anxious to
be instruments of blessing those through whose fathers
we received all our blessings.
;
Dear fellow sinners! you have heard of the fall of man,
of that awful apostacy from God, by the effects of which
all mankind are very far gone from original righteous-
ness; but do you believe it ?—Did you ever look within,
and see it in the very carelessness (because thoughtlessness)
respecting the eternal state of souls that cannot die
in the want of pity, want of love, want of zeal, ah! not
only zeal in respect to their welfare, but in respect to the
glory of God, which he declares would be promoted by
the extension of his kingdom on earth.-Did you never
see it in oh! how different a mind from that of the righ-
teous One who came down from bliss, and took on
him the form of a servant, to seek and to save that
which was lost.-Look at self, created indeed in the
image of God, but oh! how fallen! and look at him who
was the brightness of his Father's glory and the express
image of his person who, though he knew no sin, became
a sin-offering, a sacrifice, even a curse for us, that we
might be made the righteousness of God in him. What
has sin done in ruining his image within us? When God
looked down from heaven upon the children of men, he
saw that every, imagination of the thoughts of his heart
was only evil. and that continually. When the Scripture
saints looked into their own hearts they said, "Undone,
G
xcviii
undone, unclean! and I dwell in the midst of a people of
unclean lips."-" I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did
my mother conceive me;"-and when the apostle of
whom Rome boasts as infallible, divine, having power on
earth, in heaven and in hell, when he recognised God
manifest in the flesh, he cried out, "Depart from me for
I am a sinful man, O Lord." And St. Paul, increasing
in humility as he gained deeper insight into his own
heart, exclaimed," I am the chief of sinners." When
the Holy Ghost declares the state of mankind he
says, Rom. iii. 9-19. The sentence of the 9th verse in-
cludes all, 12, 17 and 18 describe what each of us must
acknowledge to be personally just. Fearful state!
"guilty before God! all, all." Connect with this the
dread certainty stated by the same Spirit of God in Rev.
xxi. 27. Observe the two first classes, "the fearful and
the unbelieving."-The false charity which draws a veil
over the misery of man instead of pointing out the divine
remedy, cannot alter the decision of the Judge, nor
change the doom.-He speaks not here of the temporal
judgments of divers diseases and sundry kinds of death,
which may be sanctified to the soul's recovery, but of the
second, final death, accurately described in 2 Thess. i. 9,
while verse 8, declares what persons will then be "de-
stroyed from God's presence," in which alone is life;
even those who know not God and obey not the Gospel
of our Lord Jesus Christ; words cannot more explicitly
describe the case of the Jews than the last clause: and
the contrast in verse 10 should give us no rest till we
have told the glad tidings of salvation through faith to
every one. But look again at the last verse of Rev. xxi.
Can any species of candour short of giving God the lie,
say that Jews while blasphemers are "written in the
6
Xcxix
A
+
Lamb's book of life," are washed from their defilements
in the blood of any sacrifice? These are not cunningly
devised fables, but the words of that living God "to
whom vengeance belongeth;" of Him, Jude 14, 15, 16.
-Shudder not! but look at the hole of the pit whence
you have been digged; at "the flame of the fire, the
smoke of whose torment ascendeth for ever and ever;"
from which you have been snatched by that hand of God,
which leads you beside the still waters of comfort." Yea
shudder! would we could feel the awful train of
thought! but yet rejoice in that you are delivered by
how great deliverance! "God spared not," &c. "God
so loved, &c. He died for your sins and rose again for
your justification, and oh! crown of mercies! ascended
into heaven to give gifts to men, even to the rebellious,
and especially that prime gift the "Spirit of truth to
guide you into all truth;" and strengthen you that Christ
may dwell in your hearts by faith, that you may know the
love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that you might
be filled with all the fulness of God!" Astonishing pri-
vilege of the heirs of salvation! those brought out of the
world that lieth in the power of the wicked one, separated
unto God, the very object of their creation! Is this your
high calling? are these riches of grace manifested to-
wards you? Does the love of the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ rest on you, to give you that peace of God
which passeth understanding? Is the grace of the divine
Redeemer sufficient for you in all things? Is the fellow-
ship of his Spirit your guide, support, comfort, joy;
sanctifying you to a growing meetness for the inheritance
of saints in light? Has he opened the kingdom of hea-
ven for believers, and believers only? washed your gar-
ments white in his blood, and purchased for you thrones
and kingdoms in the presence of his Father?--Chris-
.
G 2
tians! for I must hope I am speaking to such as are in
Christ Jesus;-else, else, indeed the wonder ceases of
your asking what of the Jews? and it were needful first
to bring you to the foot of the cross yourselves before we
ask you to lead strangers thither. Or, rather, yet, while
self-righteousness blinds you, if there be a spark of love
to man within, we would rouse it by telling of Jewish
misery, and then shewing the need of a Saviour in hope
you will learn to enquire whether your own need be sup-
plied, whether you have come to him for yourself, indeed
experience the privileges of a Christian, know the Fa-
ther's love, seek constant supplies of Jesu's grace, and
walk in the fellowship of the Spirit, looking for and has-
tening unto the full fruition of God in heaven.
Well then; let us meet the question, what of the Jews?
They are among the fallen sons of man who reject the
only means of recovery: they are a race once chosen out
of the world to teach the knowledge of the only true
God, and therefore gifted with his Holy Spirit, entrusted
with all his laws, oracles, and dispensations, sole deposi-
tories of divine wisdom to make known the only way of
salvation for lost mankind. But now twice fallen! they
have been left of God for eighteen hundred years, be-
cause they forsook his covenant, and would none of his
mercy; but crucified the Lord of life, and imprecated on
them and on their children the blood of Jesus, that is, the
guilt of shedding it, the guilt of rejecting him, the guilt of
blaspheming him, the guilt of defying the just judgment
of the Almighty. No love of the Father visits them,
no desire for it!-No grace of Jesus aids their prayers,
penitence or endeavours, no entreaty for it! No
walk with the Spirit of truth, holiness, and consola-
tion, no notion of it! They are mostly ignorant
and profligate, totally "alienated from God by wicked
2
}
ci
works," without a mediator, without a sacrifice for sin!
-Were I to stop here, I have said enough in the
last words-Sinners without a sacrifice for sin! If the
way of life be narrow, though opened by Jesus; if the
only gate be strait, and few there be that find it, accord-
ing to One whose eye is upon both worlds, "if the
righteous scarcely be saved, where, O where, shall the
ungodly and the sinner appear?" Ye, who go mourning
all day because you so often grieve the goodness of your
merciful God, is it not enough to make the flame of your
zeal burn bright and clear and ardent, to ask but this-
"How can they escape who neglect so great salvation?"
But you who ask what of the Jews? what of blas-
phemers? what of the crucifiers of Jesus? what of sin-
ners without a sacrifice for sin, without a Saviour?-hear
the lower statement of gross iniquity of those who indeed
bear about them the curse they imprecated, "His blood
be upon us and upon our children." It pursues them
without, and it haunts them within; they are under the
curse of the law still, in each precept broken, and under
the double curse of imprecated vengeance. Awful are
the proofs we have to give that, "He who believeth not
the Son of God shall not see life, but the wrath of God
abideth on him."-What the abiding wrath of the infi-
nite, eternal, Almighty, God, is day after day here, were
it only viewed in "cursing our blessings," I dare not at-
tempt to describe; for if considered together, Satan
.
*The sophistry of this tirade against the present race of Jews, can
only delude those who have not the sense to discriminate between
them and that generation which lived in our Saviour's days, and actu-
ally incurred all the guilt which here is imputed: but, delivered
with the proper twang and grimace of affected solemnity, it is secun-
dum artem, and must have been exceedingly money-getting amongst
the penny-subscribers for whom it was got up.
cii
might take occasion against us; though each should
dwell on it alone. What it is in eternity no brain I sup-
pose could even faintly imagine, and retain its faculties *.
The massacre of millions, persecutions, confiscations,
expulsions, banishments from country to country, so that
as their own Moses predicted of them for the very crime
of rejecting the prophet like himself, no rest could the
sole of their feet find; those events outwardly displayed
that wrath for nearly eighteen centuries, upon a people
scattered over the face of the whole earth, outcasts from
their country, without king or any government, without
sacrifice or the only temple in which it could legally be of-
fered, without hope, without Christ, without God, until,
(Christians remember!) until they return to seek Jehovah
their Aleim, and David their king, and fear the Lord and
his goodness in the latter day." But go to the lodgings of
their banishment even in this country, where they are most
favoured, and where perhaps from mixing more with Chris-
tians, they are more outwardly decent †.-Their children,
till lately, (and now but in consequence of the excitement
of our Society schools) seldom educated, except to blas-
pheme, and this indeed has been, (God grant it correct
to say only has been,) their constant instruction. They
* Much of what is here urged, is in the same strain of either
grossly ignorant,or impiously wilful misapplication of Scripture as the
foregoing paragraph-for as "what the Law says, it says to them
who are under the Law;" (Rom. iii. 19.) so what the Gospel says, it
says to them who are under the Gospel; not to them that are "with-
out," whether Jews or Heathen, whom Christians are required to
leave to the Judgement of "God."-(1 Cor. v. 12, 13.)
+ The dealers in false representations, ought to have good memo-
ries. What a confession is this for a set of men to make, who are
cajoling their dupes into the belief that "the only bitter Chris-
tians," the Missionaries bave seen abroad, "were some Jews who
have been in England !"—Fourteenth Report, p. 75.
ciii
mas season.
have a little book called Toldoth Jesu-from which they-
are taught words of blasphemy, especially at our Christ-
Is it enough to tell you they are taught to
hate the only Saviour of sinners? O ye mothers! who
feel that God has committed to your care immortal souls ;
and that it were little to watch and rear the tender babes
if you neglected that which either is "washed, sanctified,
justified in the name of Jesus, and by the Spirit of our
God"-or-goeth where is "weeping and wailing and
gnashing of teeth for ever." If this be not enough; at
twelve or thirteen, when your care over them becomes
more jealous and anxious; Jewish girls and boys are
deemed of age by the Talmud, and freed from the con-
trol of their parents, and parents from the burden of pro-
viding for their children. Aye and from a far heavier
burden were it but felt, (and that it is not, O the eternal
pity!) for the fathers bear the iniquity of their boys till
then, and then they must take it on themselves! and
those of the poor are, with a few shillings, turned upon
"a world that lieth in wickedness," untaught to discern
its snares, to resist its allurements, to fear sin, to restrain
one evil inclination, or to dread the all-seeing eye of the
avenger. What is the consequence? the boys become
almost generally vagabonds and cheats, and the girls of
the poor form a large proportion in London of that un-
happy number who live on the wages of sin, compared
with the proportion of Jews to Christians. Were it not
so, and would God that all I say of Jews could be proved
false! yet at the best the women are taught by the Rab-
bin to think they have nothing to do with religion before
marriage; and afterward only to observe the times of
their purification, to put the first piece of dough for their
sabbath bread into the fire, repeating a prayer, written
in unknown Hebrew, upon a board behind the door; and
1
civ
to bless the sabbath candles on lighting them with the
same incantation. I have seen the boards, but none
could tell the meaning. I have questioned them on the
simplest histories of the Old Testament; but their igno-
rance and confusion made a darkness that might be felt.
There is a place for them in the synagogue; but in vain
have I repeatedly tried to persuade them to attend: they
go only on festivals, when men often intoxicated dance;
and the scene must be one from which it were better to
keep away. The only Jewess who did not "leave re-
ligion to the Rabbi" pretended to read Hebrew prayers
thrice a day and she shewed me a comment on one of
the books of Moses for Jeremiah; had never heard of
Shiloh; and thought Jews' calamities were all owing to
their worshipping the golden calf, long after the days of
David and Solomon!-However you may leave Jewesses,
for their husbands bear their sins as well as their own; a
fearful load!" wrath treasuring up till the day of wrath
and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, when
tribulation and anguish will seize on every soul of man that
doeth evil, (mark the words of the Holy Ghost) of the Jew
first, and also of the Gentile." But what then? what of
the Jew himself?-Most of them by their own boast and
to the regret of the better sort are Deists; i. e. they think
there is one God, and are self-righteous from that acknow-
ledgment, but of his character, attributes, requirements and
dispensations they know nothing; they despise the ceremo-
nies which common sense tells them avail not, laugh at
prayers muttered in an unknown tongue, read no Bible,
believe no revelation, and care no more for Moses than
for Christ, as some have told us saying, there never was
any man to whom God would make known his mind
or will. The better sort are nearly as ignorant of God
and the Bible. They know nothing of his justice or ho-
CV
liness, that he is "of purer eyes than to behold ini-
quity;" and say they cannot understand a word of Scrip-
ture without comments, on which they pile volume on
volume till they lose the text. You can hardly conceive
their silly trifling upon Scripture; because numbers are
denoted by letters, they take a sentence and multiply the
letters as if figures, and tell you that is the measure of
the distance of the throne of God from man; and such
fooleries! They indeed expect a deliverer called Mes-
siah, but it is only as a conqueror of earthly enemies, who
will restore them to their own land in great prosperity.
What becomes of generation after generation of immortal
souls they seem not even to think. Few have any notion
of sin; many sin even on principle, on the authority of
the Rabbin, who says such or such a gratification is not for-
bidden by Moses' law. A few however, do know they break
this law, and are therefore sinners: but they do not care,
they dare not care! for they do not know a remedy, "My
people, saith the Holy Ghost, do err in their hearts because
they know not my ways."-Some hope they are punished in
this world, or that God is too merciful to punish them in
the next for the frailties of human nature; or at least
that he will bring his chosen people to heaven for Abra-
ham's sake. What heaven is, or whether any prepara-
tion for entering it is necessary, appears not to enter
their mind. It is a place of happiness, an eternal rest.
But of happiness in the presence of a holy God, and of
rest from sin, they seem to imagine nothing. That a soul
full of perjury, cursing, falsehood, blasphemy, unclean-
ness, enmity against God and all his moral laws, is not
capable of the enjoyments of heaven even if he could
get there, were to them sound without meaning. I have
not been so happy as to meet with more than three
who considered sin to need expiation. One will not, I
cvi
trust, die a Jew: another when pressed home for an
hour as to what he should do with sin when he came to
die, could not tell; turned pale and felt awhile, but has
not since seemed to care. The third, the son of a Rabbi,
told me at last, that all would expiate their own sins by
a sojourn in Hell proportioned to their crimes, and then
go to Heaven as children of Abraham! ignorant that
Jesus said, none can come out thence till he has paid
the uttermost farthing, that eternity cannot suffice to sa-
tisfy the justice of the eternal God for one sin, ignorant
too that Hell offers no ransom, no opportunity of amend-
ment, or change of life and heart, no repentance, no
work, no meetness for Heaven; that (1 Cor. vi.) "the
unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of Heaven,
that neither fornicator, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor (oh think for Jews!) revilers, nor extor-
tioners shall inherit the kingdom of God.”—In fact, they
live from day to day like the beasts that perish, for to-
morrow they die! and though they are not ignorant they
have a soul, yet jump the life to come and forget that
after death is the judgment.”
6.6
How "they feed on ashes! how hath a deceived
heart led them astray that they cannot see the lie in their
right hand!"-Is it no call for pity, for exertion, for alms,
for prayers to draw them from such refuges of lies to
the refuge of their father's God, who would show them
his salvation? If it be, my friends! act accordingly and
be zealous!
But some may say, if there is no religion at home, is
there none in public worship?-Go to their synagogues!
I wish every one would go; behold the business, the
bustle, the bargains, the strife, the Babel-like confusion
of separate prayers which they understand not, while the
reader gabbles over a part of the law in the same not-
cvii
understood language: listen to the yell at the opening of
the law as if a Sun burst forth unseen till then, see the
unmeaning ceremonies, the bows and gestures, the
fringes and knots run over to each prayer, the coarse
veils of outward humility and penitence, the elders sitting
by and caring for none of these things!-One came to
chat with me during service; I asked if the people knew
what they said?—No!-Can such prayers reach the ear
of God? he shrugged his shoulders and withdrew?-No
knee bent, no sign of a heart uplifted, or a spiritual
prayer, no cry of bitterness for sin, no prophet read in
Israel!-But I will read you the death-bed scene-of this
miserable people.
When a Jew dies all the water in the same and ad-
joining houses is thrown away, and no priest may remain
in them till the corpse be removed. Immediately on his
decease, the body is stripped and laid on straw on the
floor watched by a Jew till the ceremony of cleansing is
performed part of which is to hold the body erect, and
pour over it three ablutions, repeating Hebrew sentences
of the following import. "Then will I sprinkle clean
water upon you and ye shall be clean from all your filthi-
ness," (a specimen this of their way of perverting Scrip-
ture, for did Jehovah mean to signify the Holy Ghost
should come to enter into, cleanse and preserve from sin
dead bodies?) The Jews do not use close coffins but
four boards loosely joined; and the Rabbi says that
the bottom should consist of laths that the worms may
destroy the body the sooner. When removed to the
place of interment the coffin is opened, and some earth
supposed to have been brought from Jerusalem, is placed
over the head in a bag, or strewed over the body as a
preservative, (of what? if it be an object that the body
should soon be destroyed.) Each relation and friend
cviii
approaches in turn, holding a great toe in his hand, and
imploring the deceased to pardon all the offences each
had committed against him, and not report evil of them in
the other world; and the nearest relations have their gar-
ments rent. When the coffin is placed on the ground,
each throws earth upon it, and when the grave is filled
they run away as fast as possible, lest they should hear
the knock of the angel, who is supposed to come and
knock on the coffin and cry, "Wicked! wicked! what
is thy name?" (an acknowledgment here of unexpiated
sin!) or "where is thy name recorded in Scripture?" (this
refers to the Pasuk or Scripture passage which each boy
-not girl, must learn against this day)—such as if his
name be Joseph-" Joseph is a fruitful bough." If the
deceased be not able to answer, the angel beats him with
a hot iron till he breaks his bones, (what a punishment
for the sin of the soul!) while the interment takes place, a
lamp is kept alight in the room where the deceased died,
and a bason of water and a towel placed there, to remain
thirty days from the day of the decease, during which
time the men must not shave, and the water is changed
every morning under a persuasion that the soul of the
deceased now in purgatory, returning to earth each night
and washing itself! from the defilements it had contract-
ed when alive, the door of paradise will be opened to it.
Ten Jews who have passed the age of thirteen, repeat
prayers for the dead morning and evening, and at the
close of these prayers, the sons of the deceased, or his
nearest male relations, repeat a prayer composed for that
purpose, which is supposed to raise the soul of the deceased
one step out of purgatory, and of course advance him
one degree nearer paradise. To my knowledge this is
repeated by the eldest son on every anniversary of the
death, I forget for how many years; and he is highly es-
cix
teemed if, as in a case last week, he comes from a distance,
to repeat it over the grave.-Not long since a pamphlet
was published under the sanction of the presiding Rabbi
in this country, which promised to defray the expences
of the foregoing superstitions for those poor Jews who
could not afford this debt of piety to their deceased rela-
tions on one condition alone, that such Jews steadily
adhere to their opposition and detestation of Christianity.
It is probable that among the wiser part of the Jewish
community, there are some whose minds are emancipated
from these superstitions. But if they rise above such
follies, where can they find a solid ground of comfort in
the hour of death and the prospect of eternity?—Truly
affecting is the account in Talmud, Berachoth, fol. 2,
col. 82, of one of their celebrated Rabbin on his death-
bed. "When Rabbi Johannen Ben Zachai was sick,
his disciples came to visit him; on seeing them he began
to weep. They said, "Rabbi! light of Israel! right
hand pillar! the strong hammer! wherefore dost thou
weep?" He replied: "If they were carrying me before
king of flesh and blood, who is here to-day, and to-
morrow in the grave; who if he were angry with me, his
anger would not last for ever; if he put me in bondage,
his bondage would not be everlasting; and if he con-
demned me to death, that death would not be eternal:
whom I could soothe with words and bribe with riches;
yet even in these circumstances I should weep.-But I
am going before the King of kings, the only blessed
God, who liveth and endureth for ever and ever; who,
if he is angry with me, his anger will last for ever; if
he puts me in bondage, his bondage will be everlast-
ing; if he condemns me to death that death will be
eternal: whom I cannot soothe with words or bribe with
riches; when further there are before me two ways, the
CX
one to hell, the other to paradise, and I know not to
which they are carrying me, should I not weep?"-Do
you not long to have pointed that mourning Israelite to
the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world?
Oh if there remains one here not anxious to cry-a
rescue! for these captives of Satan; if one unwilling, in
favour of such a cause, to obey the Apostle's precept-
"once a week let every one of you (disciples of Jesus
indeed he addressed, and so I trust do I,) lay by in store
as God has prospered him to give to him that needs.”—If
such an one remains, go to Christians' death-beds and
contrast the scene. The torture of disease and the
agonies of dissolving nature may be intense, they are
the consequence of sin, which brought death into the
world and all our woe; but death to them is no longer
penal: he is transformed into an angel of light, a mes-
senger of glad tidings, of release from earth's thousand
ills, from a body of sin, a state of separation and disap-
pointment, in which he only grieves the Holy Spirit,
doing the thing he would not do, and leaving undone
most that he would do: a messenger of welcome home
to the immediate presence and communion of God, to an
everlasting unmixed Hallelujah, to the company of
angels and the spirits of the just made perfect, of Chris-
tian friends, relations, all the children of God of every
age and country, kindred and people; and to Jesus
whom having not seen, he loves, to Jesus his Saviour, his
portion for ever, his exceeding great reward, who re-
joices over him with joy, a jewel of his crown, an heir of
his glory, a partaker of his Father's joy.-Yes, my
friends! the Christian in view of that sure last visitant,
looks not at the shadow of death, looks not at the grave,
but at the resurrection beyond it, and exclaims, "I know
that my Redeemer liveth, and though after my skin
cxi
worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God,
whom mine eyes shall behold, though now my reins be
consumed within me." And not only for the individual,
but in all the relations of life, the Christian's death-bed
is a scene of comfort and hope and peace, yea, joy in be-
lieving; for behold! corruption is about to put on in-
corruption, and this mortal immortality, for in Christ
shall all be made alive, and so death is swallowed up in
victory. O death where is thy sting, O grave where is
thy victory? The husband can say to his widow,
"Henceforth thy Maker is thy husband, the Lord of
hosts is his name." The father can leave his orphans to
him who is Father of the fatherless, even Jehovah, who
when father and mother forsake, assuredly taketh them
up. Some of you know, by experience, that the mother
amid the tears of nature can see her offspring laid in the
dust, in sure hope of a joyful resurrection, to those she
brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,
having always committed them body and soul to the faith-
ful Creator and merciful Saviour. By experience too of
no distant date, some around me can testify of Christian
children following the cherished remains of their best
earthly friends, of those who gave them birth and placed
them before the altar of God, assured that "Blessed are
the dead which die in the Lord; yea, saith the Spirit, for
they rest from their labours, and their works do follow
them." Christian friends exclaim, "Whosoever liveth
and believeth in Jesus shall never die." Therefore we
shall meet at the resurrection of the just, to part no more.
Oh then how bright is the hope that beams from the
cross of Jesus! how clear the Christian's title to blessed-
ness written in Immanuel's blood irreversibly! how firm his
assurance anchored in the Rock of Ages! that Rock
which will shelter believers when the blast of the Ter-
exii
rible Ones shall pass over to destroy the ungodly.
"Verily there is a reward for the righteous! in this
world to be the sons and daughters of the Lord God Al-
mighty, and in the world to come to have everlasting
life."
I leave the application of this contrast to your own
conscience and feelings, but upon the duty, the obliga-
tions, the privilege, the blessing of helping the Jewish
cause, I may speak when we meet again. Meanwhile let
us together, in our families, and in our closets, pray that
God of his infinite mercy and free grace may soon give
Jew and Heathen to rejoice in the benediction with which
we part. May the love of God, the grace of Jesus, and
the fellowship of the Holy Ghost be with you all always :
and so the peace of God which passeth understanding
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge, fear and
love of God, till you appear before him and see him face
to face, satisfied to awake up after his likeness.
APPENDIX No. XIII.
Page 259.
Foreign Designs, No. 10.- Mr. Nitschke's second
Journal.
I SET Out, July 20, strengthened by the remarkable daily
word of the brethrens' church, Fear not, for I am with
thee, and will bless thee.
Fraustadt.-I met the Israelite, with whom I had been
acquainted before. As he makes philosophy his principal
study, I endeavoured to shew him a better way than that
cxiii
he had gone hitherto; but he declined conversing with
me, pleading some urgent temporal business, which call-
ed him elsewhere.
Rawitch.-130 Jewish families. I paid a visit to Rabbi
...He accepted from me some tracts, but as to the
New Testament he declined accepting it, pleading the
many duties connected with his office, whereby he would
be prevented perusing it.
Introschim.-Delivered a copy of all the works I had
with me for the Rabbin. But the inn-keeper told me
that the Rabbin being a very bigotted man, would not
read them, but throw them in a corner.
Lask.-4000 Jews. I paid a short visit to one of the
Rabbins, but was soon aware that my distributing of
books did not meet at all with his approbation.
Rawa.-No opportunity offered to converse with the
Jews, who live here in great numbers, and I could only
give some tracts to one of them.
Warsaw.―20,000 Jews. I had a conversation yester-
day with one to whom I would have given a Testament,
but he declined it, because he had received a copy from
a friend, who lately had been in Berlin-his religious
creed-that all the experiences of divine deliverance in
the dangers and distresses of the present life are the pro-
mised Messiah, or Redeemer.
Lublin.-4000 Jews. One Jew was commended to me
for his great learning, but when he, in compliance with
my desire, favoured me with a visit, I found his pretended
wisdom not to consist in a profound knowledge of the
Talmud, but in the philosophy of Spinoza.
Tarnow.-I visited a rich Jew-his opinion was, that
the Messiah, in whom Christians believe, may be good
for them, but that the Jews want another Messiah. He,
H
;
cxiv
however, readily and thankfully accepted the books I of-
fered him.
As to the blessing with which the Lord may have
crowned my feeble exertions, it is known not to me, but
to God alone. I have merely sown the seed of the word
of God by the means of many books and tracts brought
into circulation...I have spent ten weeks on my journey,
and travelled almost 250 German (1250 English) miles.
APPENDIX, No. XIV.
Page 311.
Dr. Dalton's first Essay at Conversion.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 276.
DR. DALTON had an opportunity of commencing his mis-
sionary labours in London previous to his embarkation,
as will be seen by the following letter, addressed by him
to the Rev. Mr. Hawtrey:-
My dear Sir,
As I cannot hope for the pleasure of seeing you again
previous to my departure for Malta, I leave the particu-
lars of an interesting circumstance which occurred during
your absence. Sunday evening, 22d inst., seven foreign
Jews were at the Episcopal chapel. After service they
were brought into the vestry-room, and interrogated.
Only one of them spoke English, and that imperfectly.
They were, therefore questioned by a person present,
CXV
not come.
who spoke German. They stated they were from Ber-
lin; some of them dealers in jewellery, &c. One of them,
A—, had been at the chapel before, the others came
at his suggestion, wishing to see how things were. Men-
tion was made of my object, and whither I was going;
they all caught at the name of Jerusalem, and one or two
said, "Let me go with you." We walked together from
the chapel. I put some questions (through my inter-
preter) respecting the Messiah. They collected around
us, and argued with much vivacity. The only opinion
they seemed to hold in common was, that Messiah was
B—— said he had worshipped one God and
kept the commandments: when pushed on this point, he
had recourse to the Talmud; and here a very warm dis-
cussion arose between him and A who rejected it as
unworthy of credence. The rest, with the exception of
L-
took little or no part in the discussion, betrayed
great levity and carelessness; appearing more bent on
going to regale themselves at some public house, than on
hearing those things which belonged to their peace.
However, A- and B walked on with us. The
present state of the Jews, the altered feelings of Chris-
tians towards them, the promises respecting them, to-
gether with quotations from Daniel, &c. were placed be-
fore them. We continued conversing until ten o'clock,
and they evinced a very candid spirit and great command
of temper. Towards the conclusion, A——— said, “ If
I could only be persuaded that Jesus was the Messiah, I
would be baptized." B― excused himself as being
unprepared to answer the questions put to him. He ob-
served, the questions were too learned, and he should
like to have time to consider them. We assured him they
were not learned questions, nor was it our desire to put
و
1
H 2
cxvi
difficulties in his way, but to shew him that his own scrip-
tures proved Jesus to be the Christ. He then said, He
should wish to meet me again. The following evening
we fixed for that purpose. We shook hands and parted.
I told them I should go home and pray for them, and
begged them to read over the passages by themselves.
We met the next day. L-came with A- and
B. Texts chiefly bearing on the first advent of our
blessed Lord were selected. B tried to prove
B-
that
Christians broke the second commandment, by worship-
ping more than one God. We shewed him that Christ
and God were one, and the Trinity in unity. He endea-
voured to set this aside; but L-- opposed him, and
added, if Christians break the commandment because they
worship Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we break it also:
for on the last day of atonement we say wp m
and also we say DN three times.
then
endeavoured to prove that Christ was not God. Isaiah
ix. 6. was quoted. L read it attentively, and after
some consideration, affirmed, "that is Messiah." Gen.
xlix. 10. was then referred to, and they all assented to
the fulfilment in Herod's becoming king. The seventy
weeks of Daniel were then urged. L-
L-
cried out em-
phatically, "Messiah must be come, but Jesus is not
Messiah." Isaiah vii. 14. and its fulfilment in Matt. i. 23.
with other passages, were stated. B
who had ar-
gued strenuously before, was quite silent.
A
urged
that the Bible I had was a false one, only containing our
own text. I handed it to L ; he turned it over very
carefully, and finding it quite correct, (it was Bagster's
Polyglott,) he was confounded, and after resisting some
evasive explanations of his brethren, he cried out, clap-
ping his hands, "If these prophecies be true, Messiah
cxvii
"We
"Christians are,
is God: Messiah is come, and Jesus is Messiah."
are in captivity." Yes, yes," they all exclaimed, hang-
ing their heads, "in prison, in prison."
said he, "not in captivity, because they believe Messiah
is come, we are, because we believe it not.”
I endeavoured to impress him with a sense of the awful
state of his people, and of his own soul, not finding
peace in Judaism, nor convinced of its truth, and yet not
believing in Jesus of Nazareth. He shook his head and
said, "It is true; we are all blind-all blind." I told
him of blind Bartimæus, and besought him to beg of the
Lord Jesus to open his eyes, that his soul might live.
He said, I should like much to see a German padre to
speak with him. I promised to try and get one to meet
them on Wednesday evening. They cheerfully accepted
the offer. After having spent more than three hours
with them, I left them, parting with expressions of mu-
tual good wishes. They remained to partake of some tea
with our interpreter; and I departed, blessing God on
behalf of these poor wanderers of the house of Israel,
and praying they might be sheep of his fold.
,
On Wednesday evening, Mr. Treschow attended and
conversed with them. A- was not present, another
came in his place. I gave a German Hebrew Testament
to L, but I leave the circumstances of that evening,
on which I was only a listener, to Mr- T- to whom I
refer you for particulars. Surely it is interesting to
find Jews so ready for quiet, calm, and affectionate dis-
cussion; and more especially persons who, by their own
account, had not been familiarized with these matters be-
fore.
Farewell, my dear Sir, let us go in faith, scattering the
precious seed. We know who alone can give success,
cxviii
May the Lord God of Israel bless your labours, and
those of all the Society, and begging a remembrance in
your prayers,
Believe me, &c.
G. E. DALTON:
May 28, 1824.
APPENDIX No. XV.
Page 403.
MISSIONARY JOURNAL ENTRIES NECESSARY TO AN IMPARTIAL
ESTIMATE of the lonDON SOCIETY'S SUCCESS.
A.
Extract from Mr. Marc's Journal.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 493.
May 5th,-Set out from Frankfort...and arrived at
M The Jewish congregation still deeply sunk down in
bigotry, and in all the superstitions of Judaism..The Rab-
bi, a man who knows nothing, and will know nothing in this
world, but his Talmudical subtlety... This man governs
his congregation with almost unlimited power...Here I
had but little prospect of usefulness...I still felt a strong
impulse to do what was in my power...E. T. called on
my invitation. I found him a complete sceptic with regard
to divine revelation...Some tracts he gratefully accept-
ed. F. C. did not even believe in an all-superintending
Providence...his heart-rending state of spiritual blind-
ness...was
.was a stimulus to me to lead this poor endarkened
individual to the saving light of Jesus Christ. After
cxix
i
great exertion, under which I almost had fainted, I was
glad to perceive in him some marks of contrition...I
gave him some books, and recommended him to the
grace of God...Some time after he desired to have one
more conversation with me...Mr. L informed me
that, a long time since he had been favourable to the
Christian religion...yet while his father was alive he
could not make up his mind to separate from the Jews
...Having left some books with him, we parted under
mutual blessings. G had expressed himself in very
decided terms in favour of Christianity...the effect (I
was told) of his anger because the Jewish congregation
had refused to elect him to some office...I could not
find his house...we met afterwards in the coach to
B -. I invited him into the inn... He assented to all
that I could say...a decided opponent is better than
such an hypocritical babbler.
B-, in a spiritual sense, is M in miniature...
Called upon a Jew, S. S... As some other Jews were pre-
sent, I only whispered who I was, but found that this
perplexed him. He said he would call on me, but I saw
him no more. Called upon the Jewish Physician, Dr.
H.; he told me very freely that he had little credit for a
man that had changed his religion; I shewed him the
absurdity of such a prejudice... this made him more
moderate. He said Judaism ought to be reformed...
Very well, replied I, but until that is effected...Examine
the doctrines they (the Scriptures) contain; sure I am
we soon shall agree...The man became kinder and
kinder-accepted gratefully some tracts, and assured me
that he would read as many as I might send him.
Proceeded to S. Here I felt again refreshed in a
Christian society, by singing, prayer, and conversation
with brethren in the Lord...Went to the house where
CXX
1
the Synagogue is held... gave them an address-at first
they behaved quietly but... when I represented to
them the dangerous state of their souls...one Jew turn-
ed pale as death, and left the room: the son-in-law, in a
rage, attempted to contradict, and withdrew also. Those
who remained continued fretting within themselves; and I
retired in prayer for them...On the following day some
Christian friends went with me into the house of a Jew..
Here the scene of the preceding day was renewed. On
one hand confutation...on the other silly objections and
clamorous invectives...at last I felt quite exhausted. .One
who may come after me will find a pretty well furrowed
ground...The chief magistrate, a Christian, went to the
most respectable Jew, to persuade him to a meeting of Jews
in his house, or to have a private conversation with me.
He declined...I was afterwards informed that the same
Jew had hired some persons to give me a sound drub-
bing...On the following day I walked up and down the
streets, to spy an opportunity of conversing with Jews...
as soon as I came near them the tongue refused its ser-
vice. At last I saw a party in the market-place. I
prayed the Lord for grace to set forth his Gospel...I
found myself soon surrounded...but when I had spoken
for near three quarters of an hour, I heard voices from
a distance calling now one and then another from the
meeting to their home. Therefore turning to the Chris-
tians, I requested them to offer up prayers in behalf of
their unhappy fellow citizens...All promised to do so,
and thus we parted... Set out for C; on the road I
met a Jew, to whom I preached the gospel. He seem-
ed open to the truth. I therefore addressed him to a
Christian friend for further instruction . . .a New Testa-
ment and other good books. Further on I met a young
Israelite, and entered upon a conversation with him. As
1
!
cxxi
he was above the common Jewish superstition, I could
with full liberty dwell upon the most essential doctrines
of Christianity, which appeared to make a great impres-
sion. We parted...he promised to visit me, which,
however, has not been the case...Many (Jews) who met
me in the streets spit before me, or muttered some ex-
pressions of rage or contempt. All my Christian friends,
whom I requested to introduce me to Jewish families,
assured me that my trouble with them would be vain.
Of one Jew it was said, indeed, that he was a Christian
at heart. But all that I could discover in him and in
many other nominal Christian Jews. . .amounts to nothing
more than dislike to superstition, &c. But to true vital
Christianity to conviction of sin, &c. they are strangers.
Though this journey does not appear to have been at-
tended by important results, yet my conscience bears
testimony that I have done as much as was possible or
advisable to do.
B.
Extracts from a Journal of a Missionary Tour by Mr.
Bergman, a converted Jew from Frankfort.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 404.
Set out from Frankfort 9th of May, and arrived in the
evening at H. The landlord cautioned me against
the Rabbin...as more than ever incensed against Chris-
tianity...Having taken some important tracts, I went to
the Rabbin...presented them, with a request to peruse
one with great attention, as it appeared from it that the
Talmud &c.confessed Christ to be Here the Rabbin
in a rage flew up against me. I can flog you, said he, to
death. No, answered I...I profess the Evangelical
Christian religion. . .So, said he, you are a Meshumed;
3
cxxii
an accursed baptized...get you away, cried he, in a pas-
sion...follow the Meshumed as far as the end of the
Jewish street. I took a polite leave.
Went to G It was the Sabbath. Many Jews
saw me when I alighted, and a multitude assembled to
gaze at me. I stepped among them and said, dear peo-
ple, you must not be angry with me for having travelled
on the Sabbath, I am become an Evangelical Christian
…….They all, as if struck with horror, suddenly dispersed.
Arrived at B-, found crowds of Jews returning
from a fair. I asked some of them if they would not like
to read something of a religious kind, if I would give it
them gratuitously. O yes, cried a wit among them, if
thereby I may get cheap cattle, for this we like better
than all your babble.
Proceeded to M, the minister to whom I was in-
troduced advised a visit to opulent Jewish families, and
foretold me very exactly the manner in which I should be
received in each of them. Went to the Israelite J. R.
who was informed of my transition. The reception was
tolerably polite, until our conversation turned upon reli-
gion, and I offered him some tracts. Then he flew into
a violent passion.. I calmly answered his terrible threats...
Went to the house of his brother...he had preceded
me, and caused me to be refused admittance.
Advised to visit an Israelite at ten miles distance; went
there, it was the Sabbath-day... He now...supports
himself and his family very comfortably...He is com-
pelled to postpone his transition...until he has found an
abode where he can exist as an honest man. Conversed
with another Israelite, who has an earnest desire to de-
vote himself to Christ, but must first prepare his bride,
whom he cannot forsake for that change. While con-
versing with those persons, the other Jews excited a ter-
cxxiii
rible noise, and ran to the magistrate, desiring him to
put me into prison as a vagabond.
A few miles from that place, wished to call on a very
intimate Jewish friend of my early youth. When I ap-
proached him he would not suffer me to touch his hand.
I have once known you, cried he, but now no more,
since you have renounced your God. I entreated him
to receive me into his house for half an hour, that I
might talk with him. I shall immediately, roared he,
let loose my mastiff upon you, Meshumed, if you dare to
enter under my roof. I had nothing to do but to shake
off the dust from my feet and proceed. A whole crowd
of Jews followed us beyond the village with curses and
threatenings.
Called upon another rich and remarkably well-inform-
ed head of a Jewish family. He shewed a much greater
inclination to receive the doctrine of salvation, but before
he could proceed in his way to the Christian Church, it
would be necessary for him to prepare his wife, the
daughter of a Rabbin.
Proceeded to C, where three Jewish families re-
side. Two from home. The third refused accepting
tracts, saying, if we have money enough to carry to
Leipzig, we want no Messiah.
Arrived at B—; as I was born only a mile from that
place, a large number of Jews of both sexes filled the
inn, who continually were whispering among one another.
Not one made me welcome, or answered my salutation.
I asked one, how does my brother and his family. He
answered, now you must ask the Goiim (Gentiles).
Went to A, where my brother lives. He gave me
a cordial reception, but requested I would leave his
house immediately. His wife heard of my arrival-flew
into the house like a fury, followed by several of her re-
cxxiv
lations, under a flood of curses and opprobrious words..
She and her sister seized fire-brands to assault me, I
therefore withdrew as quickly as possible to the inn.
Here many young Israelites comforted me. They as-
sured me that the tracts I had sent hither had excited a
great stir.
Set out for B, called upon a cousin. From him I
heard a strange expression. I am indeed, said he, a
Christian-and as good a Christian as any in this town,
but I never shall be baptized, that I may not be called a
baptized Jew; because to this title is attached every
thing that is base and contemptible. When I would
convince him that the Sacrament was indispensable, he
replied, not indipensable, for Christ says, he that believ-
eth not shall be condemned, but he does not say he that
is not baptized shall be condemned. On the 27th called
on a near relative, from whose enlightened sentiments I
anticipated an interesting conversation-was received
remarkably politely-a little surprised, when, having
caused those present to withdraw, he shut both the
doors-asked the reason-he replied, for your life you
have nothing to fear-a Jew commits no murder; but I
have done this to compel you to hear me without inter-
ruption. The step you have taken is base roguery, for
nothing but madness or hypocrisy can induce a Jew to
become a Christian. The English madness has infected
many persons in Germany-but, continued he, more
calmly, the way by which you may return is open—now,
replied I, I will hear nothing more. I withdrew. I lit-
tle relished my dinner.
28th and 29th days of blessing...a fair held...fre-
quented by numbers Jews-conversed with many-the
majority shewed much desire to be instructed, and re-
ceived with eagerness what I put into their hands.
CXXV
30th-visited many Jews in their shops. . .the greater
part listened to my instruction. One of them said, if the
Christians in our neighbourhood behaved to pious Jews
in the same spirit as the members of your Society, large
numbers would go over to the Christian Church.
31st-I found a distant female relative...she spoke
long of domestic happiness; turned the conversation
upon two of her sons, and intimated that it would be no
difficult matter for them to embrace Christianity as I had
done. Oh! she exclaimed, now you are doubly wel-
-one of them has asked our permission to go over
to the Reformed Church in Hungary, and we have grant-
ed it. Returned to Frankfort 6th of June.
come
C.
Extracts from Wolf's Journal-Jerusalem.
Rabbi Solomon Ben Mánahem Shfiro, Rabbi Isaac,
&c. &c. called on me, and remained with me four hours.
They all, except Abraham Ben David, argued with me,
but they did not wish to enter into particular texts of
Scripture. They tried to convince me of the necessity
of acknowledging the authority of the Talmud.-Jewish
Expositor, Vol. VII. p. 418.
Rabbi Mendel expressed his desire of seeing me turn
again to Judaism, and he added to it, that he had some
hopes, &c. We argued for some hours.-Ibid. p. 422-
Rabbi Abraham, the son of Reuben, called on me; he
is disposed even to argue with me, for he has already si-
lenced a Christian this very day... (Ibid. p. 461.)
I talked with Rabbi Mendel about the conversion of
the heart-he answered, it is enough when our works
are good, we are justified when we read the Talmud day
and night. He cited as a proof Psalm xc. 17..I desired
him to explain Isaiah liii...He expounded the whole
cxxvi
་
chapter in the most confused and contradictory manner.
Ibid. p. 466.
I can make nothing of Rabbi Abraham Ben Reuben,
for the answer he gives me is this: My own soul, and the
souls of all the Jews, stood upon Mount Sinai, on the
day that God gave the law by Moses, I cannot therefore
deviate from that law. Ibid. p. 468.
Called on Rabbi Solomon Ben Menahem, who receiv-
ed me very kindly, but declined speaking with me about
religion. Rabbi Mendel was to-day more than usually
confused and ardent in his arguing...I besought him to
read it (the New Testament), and write down his opinions
about it with liberty; he took it not very readily, but as
he has taken it and promised to read it, I hope that the
grace of the Lord will enlighten his prejudiced heart.-
Ibid. p. 504.
Called on Rabbi Solomon. His wife, Abraham Ben
Jeremiah, his son-in-law, and his son Rabbi Isaac, de-
sired me vehemently to turn to Judaism, and burn the
New Testament; to let grow my beard; not to eat
swine's flesh, and to marry a Jewess.-Ibid. p. 505,
Rabbi Mendel sent for me. I went to him. I am
grieved (he said) to see a Jew who has left the law of
our ancestors, and every Jew must be grieved...We
Jews in Poland have a proverb-The wicked one draws
a Jew after him to London, but as soon as the Jew is
arrived in London, the Jew draws the wicked one after
him... I asked him by what sign will you know
that the Messiah whom they expect will be the true one?
Rabbi Mendel said, Not by his working miracles, but as
soon as we shall see that he will build us a Temple- and
observe the Law of Moses, and our traditions...Rabbi
Mendel has the fault of interrupting me, especially when
persons are present.-Ibid. p. 506.
cxxvii
Solomon Ben Abraham, an old Jew, (not the above-
mentioned Solomon) entered my room, and said, in a rough
and angry manner to Rabbi Mendel, that he should not
speak with me, for I came to dissuade the Jews from
keeping their law.--Ibid. p. 507.
The young Mordecai Ben Solomon, only fourteen
years of age, undertook to argue with me.-Ibid. p. 509.
Rabbi Jekosiel, from Safet, a young gentleman, ex-
cused himself with the indisposition of his health, that of
his not being able to argue with me to-day.-Ibid.
I desired Rabbi Zabel Cohen to shake hands with
me. No, I cannot shake hands with you, for it does
break my heart as often as I look at you, for you are of
so much understanding, a lover of Israel, and the son of
a Rabbi, that if you had come to Jerusalem faithful to
the Jewish religion, the greatest man of the Jews of Je-
rusalem had given you his daughter for a wife: but now
it is a pity, it is a pity, it is a pity!-Ibid. Vol. VIII.
p. 109.
The Jew Marpurgo, junior, and his friend Isaac Son-
nino, called upon me; they desired Bibles and Testaments.
...Marpurgo-I have not the least objection to embrace
the Protestant religion. Sonnino-I hope that many
Jews will turn to Christianity...I have however heard
that they were ashamed to confess to others their wil-
lingness of embracing Christianity.-Ibid. p. 112.
Dr. Marpurgo left to my disposition his library room,
for preaching a Hebrew Sermon to the Jews-but none
of the Jews came, on account of the order of their pre-
sidents.-Ibid. p. 270.
Rabbi Abraham Ben Jeremiah, and Rabbi Zebi Ben
Zarah remained with me at night till eleven o'clock. At
first they spoke blasphemous things, but they ceased
cxxviii
when I told them that they wounded my heart by their
unbelief. Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 101.
Three young Rabbies called on me this morning.
They were very stormy, and very unpolite indeed; they
blasphemed...I took all three and turned them out of
my room.-Ibid. p. 143.
I called on Rabbi Zabel Cohen... he was very stormy,
and argued in a very violent and confused manner.
Ibid.
Rabbi Isaac read with great emotion of heart 2 Sam.
xviii. 33. but it lost its effect by his rabbinical questions.
I answered him according to his folly.. .He became an-
gry.-Ibid. p. 221.
I sent to Rabbi Mendel to ask permission to spend the
night with them in their Synagogue, reading the law of
Moses. Rabbi Mendel sent word, that as he knows I
am decided only to read with them the Law of Moses, and
not the Talmud, he cannot permit it...We argued a long
while, and Jalel Cohen became very angry.-Ibid. p.
222.
Several Jews, sons of the principal Rabbies, called
on me. They were very proud indeed, and asked me
in a very arrogant manner why I did not believe in their
Rabbies. Ibid. p. 225.
R. Solomon Sapira confessed to me that he is very
sorry that I always went about to entice Jews to disbe-
lieve the Talmud.-Ibid. p. 227.
I said to Rabbi Mendel...I shall never believe the
Rabbies when they...sometimes call black white, and
white black. All the Jews then became very wild.-
Ibid. p. 266.
The Spanish Jews at Jerusalem are angry with Rabbi
Marcowitz for acquainting me with the ineffable name,
cxxix
and they are afraid that I shall now begin to work mira-
cles with it, in order that the Jews may believe in Jesus
Christ.-Ibid. p. 267.
Ye cannot imagine what a stir was produced among
the Spanish Jews, as soon as they observed that I was
reading their books. Several excommunications were
proclaimed in the Synagogue against those who lend
them.-Ibid. p. 268.
On our return to our lodgings, I had a long conversa-
tion about Christ with Solomon Sapira, who was, at the
end, obliged to say, Let us give up the point in question
for this moment, we will discuss it at another time.-
Ibid. p. 294.
I preached the Gospel to a great crowd of Allepine
Jews; several of them declared aloud that I had spoken
the truth. The next day one of those Jews was found
dead in his bed, with his throat cut ... The Jews said he
had committed suicide. But the Christians assert that
the Jews took his life on account of his bold profession.
Ibid. p. 386.
D.
Extracts from M'Caul's, Becker's, Wendt's, and Hoff's
+
Journals.
At Rawiez... I went to the Rabbi, who received me
very kindly... speaking of the prophecy of Daniel ix. the
Rabbi, before I could properly finish, in a kindly man-
ner took my hand, asking me to take nothing amiss, he
would not either, which I took for an intimation that I
might leave off, and, unwilling to press myself upon
them, I went away. He refused to read the New Tes-
tament, saying he was acquainted with it.-Jewish Expo-
sitor, Vol. VII. p. 398.
1
1
I
CXXX
Coblin.-I visited the Rabbi, but offering him the
New Testament, he refused it.-Ibid. p. 400.
Short distance from Posen met with a Jew-Becker
shewed him a New Testament, he read a little, and then
said, that is too difficult for me. B. spoke with him on
the necessity of atonement-he listened with the utmost
indifference, and refused to take a tract.-Jewish Exposi-
tor, Vol. VII. p. 401.
Moszyn.-Three Jews came to us. They disputed
about the words 'Son of God,' and would not listen to
what we replied. They were all exceedingly stiff-necked.
One said I am as good a man as ever Jesus was.-- -Ibid.
M'Caul asked a Jew if he had seen any of the new
books? Yes. Can you tell me something that was in,
them? No, I have forgotten. It is already four weeks
since I read them.-Ibid. p. 403.
Brieg.-Some Jews were stiff-necked and unbeliev-
ing; denied the resurrection, and every thing else.—
Ibid. p. 459.
When we awoke-two Jews and a Jewish Fuhrmann
had just bound on their Phylacteries, and began to prattle
their prayers... M'Caul asked them why they were of a
different opinion from David, who says, let us worship and
fall down and kneel, &c.; this did not trouble them, they
went out to look after their horses... In the evening
came to Peiskreischen-Becker asked some questions of
a Jew, who answered very roughly; his daughter's hus-
band said money was the chief thing.—Ibid.
There were three Jewish youths with us. Of whom
one pleased us much..but desiring us to give them some
employment..and we being obliged to tell them we could
not, they went away, and never came back again.-Vol.
VIII. p. 196.
Of Mr. H. we cannot give so very pleasing accounts.
B. has had several conversations with him, when he ap-
cxxxi
•
peared to be in earnest about the matter, but we heard
from another person that he is reading Voltaire and Rous-
seau.-Vol. VIII. p. 197.
For some time we had the pleasure to read with some
Jewish boys in Trem: Catechism, and to encourage
them in it, we taught them something of geography... at
first they attended regularly, but it lasted not long...
one day when B—had been explaining some passages
about the Messiah, they were heard cursing, besides they
would take any thing they could get from us, which
one of them sometimes brought back to receive money,
saying, he had seen it with other Jews, who must have
stolen it here.-Vol. VIII. p. 240.
Mr. S and Mr. H, both teachers in theNa-
tional Schools established by government for the Jews,
declared they were willing to become Christians, but that
they were as yet hindered by several things from being
baptized. We spoke to them about the inward baptism
by the Holy Spirit.-Ibid. p. 241.
P. P. visited us again-and Hoff read with him the
history from Adam to Noah, making practical remarks.
When he was going away he asked for some money.
-Ibid. p. 242.
Felt myself happy in the company of three children of
Abraham... one, a schoolmaster, assured me twice, by
God, that he only wished to find out the truth.—Ibid.
p. 328.
The young man, &c. brought his father to hear some
of the words of eternal life, but the poor old man did not
like to hear any thing of what the Messiah had done for
him. In the afternoon was visited by another Jew, a
tailor, who was very ignorant.-Ibid. p. 330.
In the evening some more Jews came, of whom two
I 2
cxxxii
seemed as yet very much hardened-one was the husband
of the woman who stole Wendt's psalter.-Ibid.
Warsaw.-Spoke to some Jews, who happened to be
with Mr. H. on business, and gave them tracts, one of them
seemed much against Christianity.-Ibid. p. 441.
Visited by Mr. B. the learned Hebrew scholar...he
seems much concerned at present about Christianity.
Yea, he said he should be baptized if he had no family,
and if his wife were not so much against it.-Ibid.
Offered tracts to a Jew, who refused them, and was
unwilling to hear any thing of what I had to say to him;
had a long conversation with an elderly Jew, who was
very attentive, nor did he make many objections, but he
had still a high regard for the Talmud, thinking it equal
to the Bible.-Ibid.
Spoke of the Messiah to another Jew, who was in the
house on business, but he was quite unwilling to enter into
any conversation about such things.-Ibid. p. 442.
Again visited by two Jews. I see in them again most
plainly that the peculiar grace of God is necessary to
convince any sinner of the error of his way, and that no
human power is sufficient.-Ibid. p. 443.
Szirock.-Several Jews visited us, but we soon perceiv-
ed they came to quarrel...we turned the conversation
to sin, righteousness, and judgment—some were mocking,
others became attentive...One of them, an old man,
agreed with us in every point about the wickedness of
the Jews in Poland, but could not consent to our insist-
ing on Christ's being the Messiah. We shewed him the
truth, &c. at his departure he embraced us.-Ibid. p. 446.
A great number of Jews assembled again, furnished
with new arguments-by the grace of God, refuted those
objections.-Ibid.
We left many tracts and two New Testaments in this
cxxxiii
place one with our landlord, who, we expect will not
destroy it.-Vol. VIII. p. 447.
Set out for Pultusk-on the road called for a Jewish
inn-keeper who had opposed us very much. We spoke to
him again, and left him two tracts.-Ibid.
Found that our landlord in S― (just before jour-
nalized as seeming "much inclined to believe the truth
of the Gospel,”) is a great enemy to our cause; he not
only rejected himself the truth, but even prevented
others from coming to us.-Ibid.
A great number of Jews were with us... but they would
not listen to the truth, and mocked, where they could
give no answer at all.—Ibid.
p. 449.
Wyszogrod.-Two Jews of the Chasidim defended the
Jewish principles. H. argued with one, W. with the
other. H. soon perceived that his opponent is not a
man who seeks the truth, and therefore was obliged to
bid him go... in the evening (viz. of the next day) he
was a little more reasonable-however, he did not blush
to call again darkness light, and light darkness.-Ibid.
June 1st he returned the New Testaments we lent
him, but like the Pharisees of old, he is become still
more perverted, by seeing the great deeds of Jesus.-
Ibid. p. 451.
A Jew from Ostrolenko came to us and told us he is
willing to become a Christian. We found soon that his
motives were not pure... We gave him several tracts...
In the afternoon our room was crowded with Jews who
wanted books. We gave them as many as we thought
to be useful. However these visits are only for getting
tracts; as soon as we find it good to leave off from dis-
tributing them the number of Jews disappear.-Ibid.
p. 451.
Reached Petrican...visited the magistracy to produce
cxxxiv
our papers...an interesting conversation happened with
some members of the former Kahal. They began with
a confidence of victory, which abated in the course of
conversation...several clever Talmudists appeared as de-
fenders of Judaism, but as usual spoke in a confused
manner...Hoff, therefore, after having sighed unto the
Lord, besought them to listen. He then explained the
Fall, &c. The Jews then came to answer, but being re-
quested to prove their assertions by passages from the
Word of God, they became confused, and thus went away.
Ibid. Vol. IX. p. 420.
During the week many important disputations took
place... two young Israelites assured us they were con-
vinced of the truth of Christianity, but we saw they had
but worldly motives.-Ibid.
To the two young men who wished to become Chris-
tians, two others joined themselves, but they also had
nothing but worldly motives. We continued, however, to
point out to them the real happiness of knowing the Lord
Jesus; but as they had no desire beyond the present
world, they soon staid away.-Ibid. p. 421.
Tuszin.-A number of Jews pressed into his (Hoff's)
room with the vice-Rabbi at their head-most of them,
alas! were intoxicated.—Ibid. p. 422.
Lenezvez.-An interesting conversation took place with
a young well-educated Jew... I may say to the glory of
the Lord, this young man was almost persuaded to be a
Christian.-Ibid.
I was visited by another Jew, well acquainted with the
New Testament, which he quotes with accuracy...I
shewed him the Hebrew Testament, and he was delighted
with it... Notwithstanding his pretensions to the Chris-
tian faith, I could not discover in him any signs of real
conversion of the heart to God. He endeavours to unite
CXXXV
the profession of Judaism with that of Christianity.
Ibid. pp. 427, 428.
Two Polish Jews came lately expressing a wish to be
baptized. We told them that they had nothing to expect
but instruction: we have therefore seen no more of them.
Another came out of curiosity. After some conversation
I asked him, did he believe that a Messiah would come?
He answered, yes. I then asked him, what he expected
to gain thereby for himself? He replied, I am now an ox
dealer, and have a pretty good business: but when Mes-
siah comes, I shall be able to sell much more, as it will
then be permitted to eat the hind quarter. Such was
his hope, and there are multitudes of Jews in a similar
state.-Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. p. 470.
In the afternoon I spoke to about fifteen adults at
once, one or two asking questions, and the rest hearing.
One said before the rest, that when he had come in he
firmly believed the Messiah had not yet come, but now
his mind was wavering. Afterwards there were with me
four fine looking Jews...all these were convinced of the
truth of the Christian religion-family circumstances
hitherto detained them from embracing it.-Fifteenth
Report, p. 57.
E.
Extracts from Mr. Petri's Journal on a Missionary Tour
to Pyrmont and Hanover.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. pp. 24 to 34.
I visited a Jew, F. at B—, of whom the clergyman
of the place told me that he had read the New Testa-
ment. He received me very kindly. But when I had
asked him whether from reading the New Testament
and of Christian tracts, he was convinced of Jesus Christ
being the Messias, he shrugged his shoulders and said,
cxxxvi
whenever other Jews shall turn Christian, I shall also...
Asked him to introduce me to the Rabbi-Rabbi receiv-
ed me with cold politeness... I asked, &c. and objected,
&c. Rabbi made no answer.. Three Jews stepped into
the room, addressed myself to them-one of them told
me in a scoffing manner, that amongst the Jews in this
princedom, all my toil would be lost, because they would
not even read my books. Read to them 1st, 5th, and 6th
chapters of Jeremiah... Rabbi became angry, and said
he would no longer be disturbed by me in his instruc-
tions, but on the other Jews my words produced so much
effect, that in another room they most readily accepted
the tracts I offered them, and promised to read the Bible.
On my arrival at Pyrmont-(it was Sabbath)-In the
evening called on a Jewish banker, whom I found
awake, but so much involved in business, that I could not
speak with him on the subject of religion... The case
was the same on the following day, when I visited an opu-
lent Jewish merchant, who was so much attached to
Mammon, that he would hear nothing of God or the
Bible.
I was met by two Jews, who asked me whether I was
the person who went hereabout to circulate books; and
when I had answered in the affirmative, they began to curse
and to abuse me in the grossest manner...I trust that
occurrences of that kind will not abate my zeal to shew
to my poor brethren the way of salvation. I made an
attempt to that effect, when I had a Jew in my room
who wished to sell cigarros; but though he behaved
decently, he told me plainly he cared much more for his
body than for his soul.
With a Jew from Brunswick I had to encounter a hard
struggle. He was a professed unbeliever, and had no
more regard for Moses than for Jesus. When I had
succeeded in convincing him of the divine origin of the
cxxxvii
Bible, and then wished to shew him the necessity of a
Saviour from sin, he got into a passion, and called me an
enthusiast.
In a village near Hanover, visited one Jew who would
not receive tracts, because, he said, he was too old to
change his religion; but as for his children, they were at
liberty to choose for themselves.
At Hanover some Jews, to whom we attempted to
preach salvation through Christ, not only resisted, but
abused us.
On the Sabbath, about noon, the whole body of Jewish
overseers entered my room, and asked me by what argu-
ment I could prove that the Messiah had appeared, &c.
They attempted to convince me of my errors... the long
conversation led to no profitable result, and the company
left me in a fit of anger.
A very learned Talmudist applied for some He-
brew copies of the Prophets and of the Psalms, for which
he offered to pay...When I began to speak of Jesus...
he objected...became silent and left me, &c. He has read
the Hebrew New Testament, and I believe that he shuts
his eyes against the light of the Gospel, merely because
he is a teacher among the Jews.
In a small town the Rabbin called on me. I pre-
sented him with the tract, No. 8. This, he said, is the
tract which makes so many Jews turn Christians...having
made some trifling objections, which I easily removed...
when I would have offered him some tracts, he stopped
me, saying, he would not be convinced.
In another place I called on the old Rabbin. He ex-
plained Isaiah liii. according to Rabbi Solomon Isaac.
I shewed him the inconsistency of that explanation.
When, after a long conversation, he found nothing more
to object, he fell a crying, and turning to his pupils said,
Remain Jews, I beseech you, until Messiah appears!
cxxxviii
:
In this place I had the great satisfaction to meet with
a Jew, in whose soul the Spirit of God has wrought a
true conviction of the truth of the Gospel.
F.
Extracts from Hands' Journal.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. pp, 478-482. and Vol. IX.
pp, 95-97.315-318.
The Lord... was with me at Frankfort on the Oder,
and opened through me the heart of many a son of
Abraham.
...a harvest among some of the Jewish inhabi-
tants is to be expected, if not at this moment, yet at
some future period.
A Jew having for a long time argued with me, a little
Christian child entered my room and repeated the Ten
Commandments. The Jew was rejoiced when he heard
her. I now asked the little one whether with her heart
she always had obeyed these commandments, &c. Here
the child began to cry, and, under loud lamentations, to
complain over the wickedness of her heart. Here the
proud Jew became more and more embarrassed, &c.-and
when with deep emotion she went on in the same way, he
stopped his ears, exclaiming, it is enough, it is enough, and
ran out of the room. "The dear reporter adds, I remem-
ber our Saviour when his disciples indulged in vain
speculation, placed a child in the midst of them. Surely
a charming narrative!"
An intelligent young Jew...said he wished to become
a Christian, but that he could not do so unless Christians
would promote his views of academical pursuits.
Found my house crowded with Jews...by the Lord's
help spoke so powerfully to their hearts, that they were
cxxxix
quite silenced, and could only murmur at last that I used
à Thorah different to theirs.
A president of the synagogue and a Jewish party
came a discussion ensued in which this person display-
ed the most infidel principles, and declared all the differ-
ent religions, the Mosaic not excepted, to be mean con-
trivances of cunning men.-Ibid. p. 96.
I had some extremely affecting conversations with
Jewish children.-Ibid.
A proselyte came in. He was a complete infidel, and
poured the greatest contempt upon the Bible, and upon
religion in general. He spoke so as to stir up in the
greater part of the persons assembled, rather a hostile
frame of mind against me and my religion. The cousin
of Mr. A. who had previously been somewhat humbled,
became emboldened, and as soon as the infidel had finish-
ed his long discourse, he began vehemently to plead his
cause, and to defend a bare deism, or rather, naturalism.
Also the rest of those who were present, seemed in some
degree infected; even my dear Jewish friend A-
seemed to have a propensity towards naturalism.
N. B. Mr. Hands journalises this party on the pre-
ceding evening, as having had their hearts quickened by
the Spirit from above-and as having parted as members
of the mystical body of Christ.
Took a walk with my Catholic Christian friend... A
young man entered into conversation with us, and told us
that he had been a complete infidel, but for some time
had been shaken in his unbelief. We tried to confirm
him in the faith, and we all experienced that the Lord
was with us, by the peace which during this conversation
was poured into our hearts.
I
I arrived at Gnesin and visited the Synagogue, where
gave away some tracts. I was so closely surrounded,
cxl
nay, thronged on every side, that I retired to my lodging,
to prevent scenes of riot. I had scarcely reached my
room when some Jewish students and boys rushed in, to
whom I endeavoured to expound Gen. xlix... they be-
haved in too bustling a manner to allow a regular address.
When the first crowd dispersed, some Jewish tradesmen
arrived, who told me they wished to become Christians.
Two of them were resolved to become members of the
Catholic Church, and the others of the Protestant
Church.
I was engaged in a conversation in the street with a
Jewish baker. I was interrupted by a Jewish merchant,
who invited me into his house, but the result of a long
conversation I held with him was this, I found him to be
a complete infidel.
On the Sabbath I went into the Synagogue-here I
had to encounter very hot disputations.
A-
The Jew A▬▬▬▬▬ called upon me, who had already in-
formed me of his desire to become a Christian. As I
found him completely destitute of any true repentance, I
read to him such passages of the New Testament as were
calculated to open his eyes, he became serious...the fol-
lowing day he expressed his wish to be baptized, the
sooner the better, if only he could overcome the dread
of absolute poverty.
:
I
At Gilgenburg, in the house of the Jew
met the tutor―a young Jew-a disciple of the great
Rabbi Akelipa at Posen. He readily assented to the ho-
liness of the Law... as also the necessity of a better
righteousness than our own. But when I proceeded to
state that this righteousness had been purchased by Je-
sus Christ, the young man became very violent, and
asked me how I could presume to think that a disciple of
the great Rabbi Akelipa would believe such nonsense?
cxli
How I dared to preach to him-I, a boy, who knew no-
thing of the Holy Scriptures? Although I endeavoured to
soften his anger by mild remonstrances, he yet continued
to rave and abuse me so much, that I was compelled to
withdraw.
In the inn I found an opulent Jew, who at first was quite
unwilling to enter into any serious conversation; but the
grace of God produced gradually such a change in his
mind, that he not only listened, but his heart became
much affected.
G.
Extracts from Smith's Journal.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VIII. pp. 404, 406, 476.
I have no reason to conclude that any of those (viz.
the few Jews in Appeln) are desirous of seeking a better
way. They, however, requested tracts, &c. which I
gave them-it may please God to bless the reading of
the same, at some future period; and should no fruit
ever appear, we shall have the consolation of having
done what we could.
In this town (Kemper) the Jews were swarming...
many came to me, but none of them appeared to have
any scriptural ideas.
It would be much too sanguine to suppose that all our
visitors are sincere in their enquiries, but the means of
grace ought not to be withheld from any, and we can-
not say what they may eventually be, however unlikely
at present; almost every thing teaches us that the ways
of God are different to our preconceived opinions.
Dyhrenfurt.-Iobtained the Jewish German New Tes-
tament, for which I had enquired in vain at almost every
t
cxlii
place of my journey... I asked the proprietor of the Jew-
ish printing-office whether he would print this book.
Gladly as he would have reaped the advantage of it, he
declined it, because he would thereby bring his printing-
office into disrepute among the Jews, and would be sus-
pected of promoting the cause of Christianity.-Mr.
Nitschke. Eleventh Report, p. 70.
The few (Jews) that come here (Malta) are from Bar-
bary. I have circulated the Hebrew Testament amongst
them. One having read the Testament half through,
wished to return it, protesting he dared not to be known
to read it. Another to whom I often gave one, either
gratis or in exchange, so that his brethren might gain a
copy, used to carry it off as a lion his prey, to devour it
in secret places; and with such an air of suspicion and con-
cealment, as if he was afraid that the very stones would
prate of his whereabout.-Rev. W. Jowett. Ibid. p. 91.
Mr. Henning of Buntzlaw says, the Jew. B. of
H was unwilling to accept a New Testament, or
even to cast a look at one of the tracts. I asked him for
what purpose he thought that God kept the Jews a dis-
tinct people? He answered, I should hope not to become
Christians. I said for no other: you will find salvation
and peace no where but with Christ. Here he became
angry, and ran away.-Thirteenth Report, p. 111.
Mr. Schneider, of Gorliz, in Saxony, writes, a Jewish
wool merchant, begged of me a Testament and tracts, but
brought them back after a few days, saying, I was
very much pleased with the matter-but I communicated
it to some of my co-relationists, who were quite incensed
with me for reading such books, and therefore I can
only read them in secret.-Ibid.
APPENDIX, No. XVI.
Page 481.
Baptisms solemnized in the Episcopal Jews Chapel, in the Parish
of St. Matthew, Bethnal Green, by C. S. Hawtrey, A.M.

Parent's Name.
When
Baptized.
Child's
Christian Name.
Abode.
Christian.
Surname.
Quality,
Trade, or
Profession.
+
1814.
Oct. 9.
George Frederic
George and
Sarah
Mayor
Bethnal-
Green
Printer
By whom the Ce
remony was per-
formed.
According to the
Certificate of the
Rev.C.S. Hawtrey,
transmitted to me
on the 30th of Dec.
J. King.
1815.
Mar. 21.
Bethnal-
Lewis Adolphus
Lois
Green
Basket-
maker
Ditto.
March
Joshua Frey
26.
Jacob and
Emma
White-
Jew
Josephson
chapel
Pedlar
Ditto.
May 14.
John
Israel
Green
Ditto.
May 21.
Hannah
Moses and
Frances
Marcus
Green
Ditto.
Lydia Catherine,
July 31. aged 14, daugh. of
Elias and
Davis
Bethnal
Ditto.
Catherine
Green
.
1816.
Lewis and
Lewis Charles
Miers n
Green
Feb. 18.
Elizabeth
Basket-
maker
Ditto.
April
20.
Mary
Barney and
Sarah
Barnet
Green
Spectacle
maker
Ditto.
May 17.
Lewis, born 12th
of Oct. 1803.
Benjamin and
Ann
Lock's-
Jaques
Artist
Fields
Ditto.
May 17.
Lydia, born 4th of
January, 1804.
Samuel and
Ann
Wood-
Israel
Saffron-Hill
seller
¡Ditto.
May 17.
Mary Ann, born
7th of Aug. 1806.
May 17. Isaac, born 1810.
Samuel and
Ann
Isaac and
Mary
Wood-
Israel
Saffron-Hill
seller
Ditto.
Franks
Minories Salesman
Ditto.
May 17.
Mary Ann, born
1809.
Isaac and
Franks Minories Salesman
Ditto.
Mary
May 17. Samuel, born 1804.
Samuel
Lyons Borough
Taylor
Ditto.
May 17.
Edward, born 4th
of May, 1804.
Edward and
Sarah
Benjamin Shoreditch
Hat-
maker
Ditto.
May 17.
Rebecca, born 6th Edward and
of March, 1807.
Sarah
Benjamin Shoreditch
Hat-
maker
Ditto.
May 17.
Henry, born 4th
of August, 1806.
May 17. David, born 1806.
David and
Frances
Sampson and
Mary
Garcia
Mile-End-
Road
Green-
Ditto.
grocer
Sampson Liverpool maker
Spectacle
Ditto.
May 17.
Abraham, born
28th of Nov. 1807..
Abraham
Lindo Minories Salesman
Ditto.
cxliv

Parent's Name.
When
Child's
Abode.
Baptized.
Christian Name.
Christian.
Surname.
1816.
Thomas, born 24th
May 17. of August, 1808.
David and
Mary
Donathy
Cannon-St.-
Road
Toll-
Keepcr
Quality,
Trade, or
Profession.
By whom the Ce-
remony was per-
formed.
According to the
Certificate of the
Rev.C.S. Hawtrey,
transmitted to me
on the 30th of Dec.
J. King.
May 17. Moses, born 1807.
Leo
Ditto.
May 17. Joseph, born 17th
of May, 1806.
Moses and
Margaret.
Hart
Whitechapel Hawker
Ditto.
May 17.
Ann, born Jan.
1805.
Benjamin and
Ann
Jacques
Newington-
Butts
Artist
Ditto.
May 17. Sarah, born Mar. Benjamin and
1807.
Ann
Jacques
Newington-
Artist
Ditto.
Butts
May 17 James, born 27th
of July, 1806.
James and
Ann
Ricards
Skinner's-
Boot-
Ditto.
Street
maker
May 17. Emily, born July,
1810.
James and
Ann
Somer's-
Boot-
Richards
Ditto.
Town
maker
May 17. Ann, born 26th of
December, 1808.
James and
Ann
Somer's-
Boot-
Richards
Ditto.
Town
maker
May 17. George, born 7th
of January, 1808.
Henry and
Sarah
Cheese-
Hart Spital-Fields monger
Ditto.
May 17. Charles, born 21st Henry and
Cheese-
of Dec. 1809.
Sarah
Hart
Spital-Fields monger
Ditto.
May 17. Mary, born 12th of
March, 1803.
Henry and
Sarah
Cheese-
Hart
Spital-Fields monger
Ditto.
May 17. Isabella, born 2nd Henry and
Cheese-
May 17.
of Feb. 1809.
Eliza Lydia, born
15th of Dec. 1805.
Sarah
Hart
Spital-Fields
Ditto.
monger
May 17. Lewis, born Feb.
May 17.
1810.
Abraham, born
August, 1808.
Henry and
Sarah
Samuel and
Ann
Cheese-
Hart
Spital-Fields
Ditto.
monger
Wood-
Israel
Saffron-Hill
seller
Ditto.
Moses and
Amey
Lazarus
Hawker
Ditto.
May 17. John, born 24th of
March, 1804,
John and
Judith
Ellison
Cannon-St.-Instrument-
Ditto.
Road
maker
May 17. Michael, born 25th Michael and
of March, 1810.
Esther
Christian Bethnal- Tailor
Green
Ditto.
May 17. Henry, born 1804.
Colly
Cavaltro
Norwich
Jeweller
Ditto.
May 17.
Rebecca, born 5th
of March, 1807.
Sarah
Evett
Near St.
Hat-
maker
Ditto.
May 17.
Susannah, born
December, 1806.
Jacobs
Salesman
Ditto.
May 17. of December, 1809.
Lydia, born 21st
Lyons
Salesman
Ditto.
May 17.
Elizabeth, born
1810.
Henry
Du Boise
Tailor
Ditto.
May 17. Esther, born 1811.
Lazarus and
Jane
Lazarus
Salesman
Ditto.
Shoe-
May 17. Phebe, born 1808.
Solomon
Ditto.
maker
May 17.
Lydia, born 19th
of April, 1803.
William and
Elizabeth
Nathan
City-RoadWriter.
Ditto.
cxlv
Parent's Name.
When
Baptized.
Child's
Christian Name.
Abode.
Christian.
Surname.
1816.
May 17.
Dinah, born 29th
of August, 1808.
Ann
Solomon
&

Quality,
Trade, or
Profession.
By whom the Ce-
remony was per-
formed.
According to the
Certificate of the
Rev.C. S. Hawtrey,
transmitted to me
on the 30th of Dec.
J. King.
May 17. Anne, born 1811.
Le Bat
Hackney
Ditto.
May 17.
Elizabeth, born
1808.
Anne
Solomon
Ditto.
Ann Gertrude,born
May 23. 21st of Mar. 1816.
John Henry
and Frances
Dittmar
Durham-
place
Sugar
Ditto.
refiner
1817.
Mary Ann
Mar. 16.
George and
Sarah
Mayer
Green
Painter
Ditto.
March
David, born 12th
Donatty
Ditto.
30..
of Nov. 1788.
August
17.
William Wolf
Fink
Bethnal-
Green
Shoe-
Ditto.
maker
1818.
May 24.
Samuel, born 28th
of March, 1777.
Daniel and
Hannah
St. John's-
Woolf
Dyer
Ditto.
street
Nov. 19. 18th of Oct. 1818.
Caroline, born
John and
Elizabeth
Ballance
Old Artillery Silk Manu-
Ground facturer
Ditto.
James Maurice,
1819.
Thurston, born
June 23 Napthali Frederic,
Dec. 25. born 4th May,1796.
June 2. 14th of Apr. 1819.
bn. 13th May, 1819. and Elizabeth
Joseph and
Esther
Levin
Newington Teacher
Ditto.
Thurston and
Hannah
Dale
Durham- Gentle-
place
Ditto.
man
John David
Marc
Shoreditch Linguist
Ditto.
Nov. 7.
Elizabeth, born
29th of Sept. 1819.
Lewis and
Elizabeth
Myerson Jews Chapel
Basket-
Ditto.
maker
1820.
June 15.
Harriet, born 20th
of May, 1820.
John and
Ballance
Elizabeth
1821.
Lewis Harmar, bn.
Dec. 9. 25th of Dec. 1775.
1822.
Aug. 25.
Caroline,
daughter of
John and
Esther
George and
Sarah
Kendrick
Steward-
street
Goodman's-
Fields
Silk Manu-
Ditto.
facturer
Ditto.
Mayer
Ditto.
1823.
Sept. 24.
John and
Ami
Cohen
Mary
Market-
street
Musician
Ditto.
Sept. 24.
Sarah
Ditto.
Ditto.
Ditto.
Ditto.
Ditto.
K
1
cxlvi
APPENDIX, No. XVII.
Page 488.
Hints for a General Union of Christians for Prayer, for
the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. VI. pp. 99 and 196.
I. That all ministers should seek a deeper and more
abiding conviction of their own personal need of the di-
vine influences of the Holy Spirit, both for their own
growth in grace, and for success in all parts of their mi-
nisterial labours; that, under this conviction, they may
be led to more earnest secret prayer for this blessing.
II. That they should, like Daniel and his companions,
unite with their brethren as opportunities offer, in private
social prayer for the general outpouring of the Holy
Spirit.
III. That they should preach upon the various offices
of the Holy Spirit, that their congregations may be more
practically acquainted with his important work in our
salvation.
IV. That in their general discourses, they should more
habitually honour the Holy Spirit, by intreating his divine
aid, and ascribing their success to him.
V. That in large towns a weekly lecture should be set
apart for the above purposes.
VI. That in the prayer-meetings which are now held
by different denominations of Christians, special prayer
should be made for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
VII. That all Christians should be invited to set apart
individually an hour, from seven till eight o'clock, on the
13
cxlvii
Sabbath morning, for private prayer and meditation on
this subject; their prayer may include the outpouring of
the Holy Spirit upon themselves, their family, their minis-
ters, their congregations, their country-all ministers of
true religion, all societies formed for doing good, the
heathen and the Jews.
VIII. That all heads of families on Monday evening
should intreat the same blessing in their family devotions.
IX. That all Christians should read the Scriptures with
a view to a more intimate acqaintance with this subject.
X. That they should mention it to their religious cor-
respondents at home and abroad; each Christian using
his utmost ability to make this union for prayer as ex-
tensive as possible.
XI. That religious periodical publications should be
requested to aid the design; and that this paper, if ap-
proved, should be reprinted, and other tracts written and
published.
XII. That whilst Christians offer their prayers in
simple reliance on the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ,
they should accompany them with deep humiliation for
their own sins, for the sins of their country, and for the
sins of the whole church; and aim in their conduct, to
walk in love with all Christians, to be watchful against
grieving the Holy Spirit, and in all things to adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour: remembering that it is
written, "The Holy Ghost was not yet given, because
that JESUS WAS NOT YET GLORIFIED.”
Several ministers, and many private Christians, have
already begun to act conformably to these hints; and it
is hoped, as means are now using for drawing the atten-
tion of Christians in all parts of the world to this subject,
that by the divine blessing, this union for prayer will, ere
long, become general.
K 2
cxlviii
Such an union cannot be contemplated without feelings
of the most exalted pleasure and bright expectation. It
is an union, in which no party spirit is raised, no prin-
ciples sacrificed, no private feeling hurt, no doubtful
question agitated, no funds required. It is an union of
piety and love! Each Christian may associate in prayer
with those of his own more immediate communion, at the
same time he may unite in heart with all who are seeking
the same object. The poor may assist as well as the
rich; the invalid, unfitted for active exertion, may, in this
way, aid in building the spiritual temple; whilst those
who are at the most remote distance may meet together
at the hour of prayer.
It was among the last petitions of our blessed Lord,
that all who believe in him MIGHT BE ONE.
Christian Reader! let it be your desire to be thus
united! Trust simply. Pray fervently. Expect largely.
Watch soberly. Wait patiently,
"SURELY I COME QUICKLY : EVEN SO COME LORD
JESUS. AMEN."
Prayer for the general outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Thou Holy Ghost, who proceedest from the Father
and the Son, help our infirmities for Jesus' sake! and
while he pleads for us at the right hand of power, make
thou intercession within us according to the will of God,
and teach us how to ask thy holy influences on ourselves
and others. Thou only canst make us feel our need of
thine aid. Breathe on our souls, dead as thou seest them
in trespasses and sins, that they may live unto God;
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, corrupt as they are in
thy sight, cleanse them by thy holy inspiration, that we
may think and say such things as please thee. Enable
cxlix
us and our associates, absent and present, to receive of
the things of Christ which thou wilt shew unto us; give us
faith to look on him whom we have pierced, and mourn for
him, that we may be comforted with the healing he bear-
eth. Guide us into his truth, that it may make us free
from the guilt, and dominion, and love of sin, of our be-
setting sin, of all sin. Grant us power to become sons of
God, even now; restore us more and more to the image in
which we were created, renew us day by day unto holiness,
quicken us to the hope of everlasting life in him, and en-
liven us in all the exercises of that love of God which
alone can maintain in us constant fervent charity toward
mankind. Oh, when thou hast purified and prepared us for
habitations of God through thy power, come, Holy Ghost,
and dwell in thine own temple to govern every thought,
put every word on our lips, and guide every action, that
we may walk in the Spirit, and live in the Spirit, and
bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, knowing, that as many
as are led by thee are the sons of God. And grant us in
life and in death, thy witness with our spirits that we
are his children, very members of Christ, and heirs of his
kingdom, that where he is, there we may be for ever and
ever.
If in the spirit of adoption and grace we dare in Jesu's
name, cry, Abba! Father! pray we for all our brethren
in Christ, the Universal Church, purchased by his blood
from every kindred, and people, and nation, and tongue,
one body in him, and every one members one of another,
Oh, Holy Ghost, author and giver of life! grant to this
whole Church repentance unto salvation; multiply unto
all mercy and peace, and direct them every where into the
perfect love of God; for he that dwelleth in love dwelleth
in God, and God in him. Put on them, as the elect of
God, (whatever their sect, or name, or colour, or country,)
cl
bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness, long-suffering,
in respect of little differences, forbearing and forgiving
one another; especially at home make Church-people
and Dissenters, kindly affectioned one toward another
for their common Redeemer. Put on thy whole Church
-charity, the bond of perfectness, that walking wisely
toward such as are without *, they may overcome evil
with good. Thus let the peace of God rule in their
hearts, and the word of Christ dwell in them richly in all
wisdom. Whatever they do, may they, not having on
their own righteousness, which is of the law, be found in
Christ, doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus, that men
seeing the fruits of faith, may glorify their God.
In this family of our common Father, Redeemer, and
Sanctifier, we implore thee, specially for those dear to us
by ties of kindred, friendship, ministry of the Gospel,
and association in worship, in works of faith and labours
of love. Thou, oh, our Father! numberest them all,
thine eye is upon each; oh, be it on them for blessing;
wash them, blessed Jesu, in thy blood from every spot of
sin, and make them meet for thy kindom, into which
none can enter, who is not born of the Spirit; oh, then
pour upon them thy Spirit from on high, that his work of
righteousness in them may be peace, and the effect of it
quietness and assurance for ever. That thy ministers
and missionaries may in all things adorn the doctrine of
God their Saviour, we pray thee, endue them with thy
Holy Spirit, and enrich them with thy heavenly grace,
fix their mind on the things of the Spirit only, give them
utterance to testify boldly the Gospel of the grace of
God, and apply their words to the hearts of thy people,
in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. To those
*
Query, Who?
cli
who are over us, in whatever Church or Chapel, we be-
seech thee, restore sevenfold the blessings they commu-
nicate to us; may they rightly divide the word of truth
in pureness, in charity, fervent in spirit, serving the
Lord. Wherever thy missionaries wander, enable them
to believe, to suffer, and to love; vouchsafe the special
consolations of thy good Spirit, and a sensible enjoyment
of the communion of saints, in the fellowship of Father
and Son, by the Spirit.
For all religious and charitable institutions, we implore
thy blessing; especially for the Bible, Jewish, Missionary,
and School Committees: be thou always present with
them, as the Spirit of meekness, of truth, unity, and con-
cord, of council and strength, of wisdom, and a right un-
derstanding in the fear of the Lord. To all their sup-
porters grant faith, hope, and charity, the Spirit of light,
and life, and love, that they may not dispense an un-
experienced Gospel. To the objects of their bounty
vouchsafe the preparation of the heart which is from the
Lord the Spirit. Prevent and follow every effort with
abounding grace, and prosper thy word in that whereto
thou sendest it, till the knowledge of thee shall cover the
earth as the waters cover the sea. Father, send in the
name of Jesus, thy Holy Ghost to teach converts from
Jews and Gentiles, all things necessary to salvation, that
in life and in death they may glorify thee, remembering
always, that if the Holy Ghost be not yet given them, it
is because Jesus has not been glorified in them, and by
them.
May special grace be on our neighbours and country-
men, that they may watch against grieving the Holy
Spirit of God; that the young may be examples of be-
lievers in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in
purity; that the aged may be sound in faith, teachers of
1
clii
good things, patterns of good works: that the prosperous
may make to themselves friends, even of the mammon of
unrighteousness, worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice
in Jesus. Strengthen thou weak believers, and comfort
the trembling penitent; restore to the afflicted the joy of
thy salvation, and uphold them with thy free Spirit. Oh,
thou every where present, beholding at this moment every
little band of the faithful gathered unto thee in many
a distant village, separated by thine eye in many a town.
as sheep from the goats; thou who knowest them that
are thine, whether they traverse the burning sands of
Africa or Arabia, wander through the wilds of America,
the defiled plains of India, or the cultivated fields of Eu-
rope; Oh, our Father! at this hour shed on them the
dew of thy blessing: work in them to will, and do, and
suffer, thy good pleasure; prosper their designs, their
labours, and their prayers; keep them, blessed Shepherd,
in thy fold; guard them as the apple of thine eye, hide
them under the shadow of thy wings, preserve them sted-
fast unto the end, and give them eternal life in thy Son,
that all may be one in him, even as thou and he are one.
But, Father of the Spirits of all flesh, we would call
down thy promise on those millions not of this little flock,
and implore that general outpouring of thy Spirit upon
all flesh which shall be the glory of the latter day. How
long, O Lord, holy and true! Oh Lord, defer not, but
hasten the time, and by the coming of the Holy Ghost
deliver from the bondage of sin, death, and Satan, the
multitudes that forget God, and who are dead while they
have a name to live. Send out thy light and thy truth to
the nations who yet know not thy name, and have not so
much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Send
forth for thine own honour, a great company of preachers
to prophesy to the dry bones of Israel. Breathe on these
cliii
slain, put thy Spirit within them that they may live, and
know that thou art Jehovah. Save them out of all the
dwelling places where they have sinned; and cleanse them
that they be again thy people, and thou their God,
and walk in thy judgments, and observe and do thy
statutes, and have all one shepherd, even David. So
shall thy great name be sanctified in them, and the hea-
then know that thou art Jehovah.
Oh, Holy Spirit, convince the whole world of their sin,
of thy righteousness, and of the judgment to come, that
they may tremble at the wrath revealed against all un-
godliness. Thus convert thou the wicked, enlighten the
blind, instruct the ignorant, direct the inquiring, humble
the proud, reclaim backsliders, give faith to the humble,
that they may repent and believe the Gospel; and grant
to all, the diversity of thy sanctifying operations accord-
ing to their several needs; that Jesus may see of the tra-
vail of his soul, and be satisfied that he was made an of-
fering for sin, and bore the chastisement of our peace, to
the glory of God the Father.
Now that for our frailty we are weary of asking bless-
ings, we rejoice and praise thee, O Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, that for thy precious death and merits, thou
art ascended up on high to give gifts to men, even to the
rebellious; that thou ever livest to make intercession for
them, and that thou hast all power in heaven and on
earth. Glorify thine own name; let the dew of thy bless-
ing refresh thine inheritance all the world over, and unite
thy people every where in the fellowship of Father and
Son by the Spirit.
clív
APPENDIX No. XVIII.
Page 488.
Plan of an Association for erecting and superintending a
Building in which the Meetings of Religious and Cha-
ritable Institutions may be held.
Jewish Expositor, Nos. for Dec. 1824 and for Feb. 1825. Adver-
tisements on Covers of ditto.
The want of a suitable place for the Anniversary Meet-
ings of Public Societies, has been long and severely felt.
There is no existing edifice in this Metropolis, which
combines the essentials of such a place of Public Meet-
ing; as no room can be procured sufficiently capacious,
or which affords the necessary means of ingress · and
egress, the facility of hearing, and proper accommodation.
The return of every Anniversary causes extreme em-
barrassment to the several Committees, who are wholly
dependant for the execution of their duties, in this re-
spect, upon the managers of the only rooms which can
be obtained. The accommodation which may even be
had of them is very precarious, and subject to a variety of
inconveniences, too well known to need recapitulation.
Such considerations as these, have led to a plan for
erecting a Building for the purpose, subject to the follow-
ing regulations:-
I. "That an Association be formed for Erecting a
Public Building, in which the Anniversary Meetings of
Religious and Charitable Societies may be held."
II. "That a substantial Building, capable of contain-
ing not less than 3000 Persons, be erected in a central
cly
part of the Metropolis, the immediate object of which
shall be for Meetings of Religious and Charitable Insti-
tutions."
III. "That for this purpose the sum of not less than
20,0007. be raised in shares of 50%. each, to be called for
when wanted by the Directors, who are hereafter to be
named by the Share Holders."
IV. "That as soon as the sum of 20,000l. shall have
been subscribed, a Meeting of Shareholders shall be held,
for the purpose of electing from among themselves,
Twenty-four Directors, to act gratuitously, to whom shall
be entrusted all the arrangements connected with the
erection of the building, and other measures for carrying
these Resolutions into effect."
V. "That the building shall be disposable for the pur-
poses of the first regulation; and that the income derived
from the occupation of the premises be applied, in the
first instance, to defray the incidental expences, and af-
terwards to the payment of interest, after the rate of five
per cent. per annum, upon the capital; it being provided,
that in no case shall the dividend be increased above five
per cent.; but the surplus shall be applied as may be di-
rected by the Share Holders."
VI. "That no individual do hold more than five
shares, or be permitted to dispose of them, unless first
offered to the Directors."
Upwards of 10,000l. has already been subscribed by
Noblemen and Gentlemen connected with the principal
Societies in London; amongst whom are,
Right Hon. Admiral LORD | SIR THOMAS BARING, Bart. M.P.
GAMBIER.
Right Hon. LORD CALTHORPE.
Right Hon. SIR G. H. ROSE,
M.P.
Hon. SIR GEORGE GREY.
SIR R. H. INGLIS, Bart. M.P.
SIR C. S. HUNTER, Bart.
JOSEPH BUTTERWORTH, Esq.
M.P.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS, Esq. M.P.
clvi
And as two desirable sites for building at this time pre-
sent themselves in a central situation, it is hoped those
disposed to promote the undertaking, will send early inti-
mation of their intention, either to HENRY POWNALL,
Esq. 63, Russell-square; or to
Bedford-square.
JOSEPH BUTTERWORTH, Esq. J. G. BARKER, Esq. Wardrobe-
place, Doctors' Commons.
JOSEPH TRUEMAN, Esq. Minc- SAMUEL RIXON, Esq. Pall Mall,
ing-lane.
East.
HENRY DRUMMOND, Esq. Char- Rev. JOSIAH PRATT, Salisbury-
ing Cross.
square.
John Bridges, Esq. Red Lion- Rev. JOSEPH HUGHES, Earl-
square.
street, Blackfriars.
At a Meeting of the Provisional Committeee, held on
Monday, January 10, 1825,
HENRY DRUMMOND, ESQ. IN THE CHAIR:
It was reported that Two Hundred and Seventy-two
Shares had already been subscribed for, amounting to
13,5007. This the Committee have much satisfaction in
stating, as no individual is allowed by the Regulations to
hold more than five shares, in order to secure the use of
the Building to all Religious and Charitable Institutions.
without distinction. But the existing Rules not direct-
ing a General Meeting of the Shareholders until 20,0007.
shall have been subscribed, and it appearing very desir-
able, from the probability of Freemasons' Hall being re-
tained exclusively for the use of the Masons, that no
delay should take place in making final arrangements,
two desirable sites now presenting themselves;—
Resolved unanimously,-That a statement of the pro-
gress already made, be published, together with a List of
clvii
the present Shareholders; and, it having been suggested
that several individuals who have painfully experienced the
inconvenience and disappointments at present attendant
on Anniversary Meetings, and who have only to anticipate
increased inconvenience if some such building be not
erected, may be disposed to make Donations, in prefer-
ence to becoming Shareholders, or in addition to their
shares, the Committee will thankfully receive any Con-
tributions in furtherance of this desirable object.
PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE.
The Right Hon. Admiral Lord | William Grane, Esq.
Jambier.
The Right Hon. Sir G. Rose,M.P.
Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. M.P.
Sir R. H. Inglis, Bart. M.P.
C. S. Hunter, Bart.
W. A. Hankey, Esq.
W. B. Hudson, Esq.
John Hatchard, Esq.
William Harding, Esq.
Samuel Mills, Esq.
Joseph Butterworth, Esq. M.P. William Newman, Esq.
William Allen, Esq.
John Bridges, Esq.
J. G. Barker, Esq.
J. S. Brooks, Esq.
H. C. Christian, Esq.
Henry Drummond, Esq.
W. M. Forster, Esq.
Henry Pownall, Esq.
Samuel Rixon, Esq.
Benjamin Shaw, Esq.
Joseph Trueman, Esq.
A. J. Valpy, Esq.
Valentine, Esq.
Percival White, Esq.
LIST OF PRESENT SHAREHOLDERS.
The Right Hon. Lord Barham
The Right Hon. Lord Calthorpe
The Right Hon. Admiral Lord
Gambier
Sir R. H. Inglis, Bart. M.P.
Sir C. S. Hunter, Bart.
Joseph Butterworth, Esq. M.P.
William Williams, Esq. M.P.
The Right Hon. Sir G. H. Rose, | Allen, William, Esq.
M.P.
The Hon. Sir George Grey, Bart.
Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. M.P.
Allix, Rev. R. W.
| Allix, Miss C. A.
Bainbridge, Thomas, Esq.
clviii
Barker, J. G. Esq.
Bickersteth, Rev. Edward
Blackbone, William, Esq.
Bolton, Rev. Henry
Bray, Mr. David
Bridges, Rev. Dr.
Bridges, Rev. Charles
Bridges, John, Esq.
Bridges, John, Esq. Junior
Brooks, J. S. Esq.
Buckle, Matthew, Esq.
Burnet, Mr. William
Christian, H. C. Esq.
Christy, W. M. Esq.
Clarke, Joseph, Esq.
Close, Rev. Francis
Drummond, Henry, Esq.
Dudley, Mr. C. S.
Farmer, Richard, Esq.
Fell, Richard, Esq.
Fell, John, Esq.
Ferguson, James, Esq,
Forster, W. M. Esq.
Gascoyne, Richard, Esq.
Gaviller, George, Esq.
Gething, Daniel, Esq.
Gething, Owen, Esq.
Gibbs, Michael, Esq.
Grane, William, Esq.
Groom, John, Esq.
Hall, Mrs. M.
Hall, Rev. John
Hankey, W.A. Esq.
Hare, James, Esq.
Hatchard, John, Esq.
Hatchard, Thomas, Esq.
Hawtrey, Rev. C. S.
Haydon, William, Esq.
Haydon, Joseph, Esq.
Haycock, Miss
Hopkins, John, Esq.
Holehouse, Charles, Esq.
Hudson, W. B. Esq.
Hughes, Rev. Joseph, A.M.
Inman, Miss Elizabeth
Kemp, Nathaniel, Esq.
K—, by J. G. Barker, Esq.
Loftus, Arthur, Esq.
Malton, William, Esq.
Mills, Samuel, Esq.
Mortimer, Mrs. Elizabeth
Newman, William, Esq.
Nisbet, Mr. James
Niven, David, Esq.
Palmer, Archdale, Esq.
Parker, T. G. Esq.
Plumtree, Rev. H. S.
Pownall, Henry, Esq.
Pratt, Rev. Josiah, B.D.
Pugh, Mrs.
Purvis, Richardson, Esq.
Rixon, Samuel, Esq.
Roberts, Josiah, Esq.
Sabine,
—, Esq.
Sabine, William, Esq.
Scott, John, Esq.
Shaw, Benjamin, Esq.
Shepherd, Benjamin, Esq.
Smelt, Rev. Maurice
Stephens, John, Esq.
Stibbs, Mr. G. G.
Stocks,Samuel Esq.
Sunday School Union
Surridge, Robert, Esq.
Tomkins, Samuel, Esq.
Torlese, Mrs..
clix
Trueman, Joseph, Esq.
Turner, E. T. Esq.
Walsh, Rev. J. D.
Wardall, Miss Elizabeth
Waterhouse, Miss
*
White, Percival, Esq.
Wilson, Thomas, Esq.
Wilson, John Broadley, Esq.
Yates, Miss M. A.
Yates, Master G. L.
The Shares are 501. each, bearing an Interest of Five per Cent.
per Annum; and One Hundred and Twenty-eight remain open.
APPENDIX, No. XIX.
Page 490.
Journey of the Rev. Messrs. C. Simeon, E. Jacob,
D. Ruell, and W. A. Evanson.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IX. pp. 432 and 476.
We have been favoured with a narrative of the journey
undertaken by the above friends, during the months of
July, August, and September last. Their route compre-
hended the most important points in sixteen counties of
England, and the following is a sketch of their proceed-
ings in the order in which they occurred.
ESSEX.
Sermons were preached by the Rev. W. A. Evanson;
July 21st, at Leigh, (Rev. T. Walter, rector;) 22d, at
Rawreth, (Rev. T. White, rector;) 27th, at St. Peter's,
Colchester, (Rev. W. Marsh, vicar,) for the Hebrew
New Testament fund.
clx
Sermons were also preached by the Rev. Charles Si-
meon, July 25th, at St. Peter's, Colchester, and St.
James's, ditto; 26th, at St. Peter's, ditto, for Palestine
fund. By the Rev. E. Jacob on the 28th, at Saffron-
Walden, (Rev. N. Bull, vicar.)
The 7th Anniversary of the Colchester and East Essex
Auxiliary, was held at Colchester, on Tuesday, July 27th,
Joseph Benwell, Esq. in the chair. The resolutions were
proposed by the Hon. J. J. Strutt, Rev. Messrs. New-
man, Whiting, Simeon, Dodsworth, Evanson, Harring-
ton, Marsh, Burgess, and D. Mustard, Esq. The several
collections added above 100%. to the funds of the Society.
SUFFOLK.
Sermons were preached at Ipswich, by the Rev. W. A.
Evanson, on Sunday, July 25th, at St. Mary Key, St.
Margaret's, (Rev. Mr. Fonnerau, rector,) and St. Ste-
phen's, (Rev. E. Griffin, vicar;) also, by the Rev. E.
Griffin, on July 27th, at St. Stephen's, ditto, and by the
Rev. C. Simeon, on July 23d, at Clare, (Rev. Mr. Whit-
ing, curate,) and at St. Peter's, Ipswich, on July 28th ;
also, by the Rev. Mr. Marsh, on July 20th, at Flowton,
near Ipswich.
The Anniversary of the Ipswich Auxiliary was held in
the Town Hall Ipswich, on Wednesday, July 28th, Rev.
J. H. Nottidge in the chair. The resolutions were pro-
posed by the Rev. Messrs. Evanson, Simeon, Charles-
worth, J. Bull, (of Stow-market,) C. Maitland, J. Bull,
(of Tattingstone,) W. Marsh. J. C. Reynolds, W. Ken-
ton, and G. Smalley. This Auxiliary has considerably
increased within the last year, and a branch Association
has been organized at Woodbridge, chiefly by the kind
clxi
exertions of the dissenting minister of that place. Total
collections at Ipswich, about 377.
Rev. Messrs. Simeon and Evanson proceeded on the 29th
of July to Saffron-Walden, where they were joined by the
Rev. E. Jacob. Mr. Simeon had been expected to
preach at Rannds (Northamptonshire) that evening, but
owing to some ambiguity in the notice, as well as the
great distance from Ipswich, he was unavoidably pre-
vented. The thanks of the Society are however due to
the Rev. Mr. Hannaford, curate of Thrapston, who kindly
undertook, on a very short notice, to preach in the place
of Mr. Simeon, and collected the sum of 71. 15s.
Our friends arrived at Melton-Mowbray, (Leicester-
shire,) where a sermon was preached on the 30th of July,
by the Rev. C. Simeon, at the parish church (Rev. Mr.
Shirtcliffe, curate,) after which a meeting of the Ladies'
Association was held in the chancel, and addressed by
the Rev. Messrs. Jacob, Evanson, Shirtcliffe, and Hut-
ton.
Mr. Jacob remained at Melton, and preached on
the following Sunday, August 1st, at the parish church.
Collections at Melton, nearly 201.
DERBYSHIRE.
Sermons were preached by the Rev. C. Simeon, on
Sunday, August 1st, at St. Michael's, Derby, in the
morning, and St. Peter's, ditto, in the evening; and on
the same day, by the Rev. W. A. Evanson, morning and
evening at Matlock Church, (Rev. P. Gell, curate,) and
in the afternoon, at Bonsall, (Rev. J. Sim, curate.)
The second anniversary of the Derby and Derbyshire
Auxiliary, was held in the old Assembly Room, Derby,
on Tuesday, August 3d, W. Evans, Esq. M.P. in the
chair. The report was read by the Rev. R. Simpson,
L-
clxii
secretary, and the resolutions proposed by the Rev. J.
E. Carr, E. Jacob, J. Dewe, W. A. Evanson, C. Simeon,
P. Gell, T. White, (of Welbeck chapel, London) S. Sax-
ton, and T. Cox, Esq. The collections altogether ex-
ceeded 1507. besides the sum of 767. contributed to the
private fund in Mr. Simeon's charge, for the relief of
converted Jews in poverty. We have to notice, with
pleasure, the aid derived from the Ladies' Association
in Derby and its vicinity, by the sale of fancy work.
YORKSHIRE.
A sermon was preached at Sheffield by the Rev. C.
Simeon, on the 4th of August, at St. Peter's Church,
(Rev. Mr. Preston, minister;) and on the following even-
ing, August 5th, a very numerous and respectable meet-
ing assembled in the National School Room, Rowland
Hodgson, Esq. of Highfield, in the chair. After an ap-
propriate address from the chairman, an association was
regularly organized, and the resolutions proposed by the
Rev. Messrs. T. Best, Runcon, E. Jacob, W. A.
Beat-
Evanson, H. Vale, W. H. Bull, W. Spencer,
tridge, J. Montgomery, Esq. and Wilson, Esq. A
liberal collection was made, and the Rev. Mr. Sutton,
vicar of Sheffield, sent his name as a subscriber, with an
apology for his unavoidable absence, and an expression
of his entire approbation of the proceedings. Total col-
lections, 287. 12s.
On Friday, August 6th, the Rev. Mr. Simeon preach-
ed at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, (Rev. Mr. Becket,
rector,) collection, 227.; and the next day arrived with
Mr. Evanson at Hull, where the proceedings were as fol-
lows:-On Sunday, August 8th, sermons were preached
by the Rev. C. Simeon, at. St. John's, Hull, (Rev. T.
Dikes, minister,) and at Trinity Church, ditto, and by
the Rev. W. A. Evanson, in the morning, at Beverley
clxiii
Minster, (Rev. Mr. Coltman, vicar,) at Trinity Church,
Hull, in the afternoon, and at Drypool, in the evening ;
also, on Tuesday, the 10th, at St. John's, Hull, (Rev. T.
Dikes.)
On Monday evening, August 9th, a public meeting
was held at the school room, Avison Terry, Esq. in the
chair; when an association was formed, (J. Hudson,
Esq. treasurer, and Rev. J. King, secretary,) and the
meeting addressed by the Rev. Messrs. T. Dikes, J.
Scott, J. King, W. A. Evanson, G. S. Bull, and C. Si-
meon. Total collections, about 761.
At Leeds, sermons were preached on August 18th by
the Rev. E. Jacob, at St. Paul's Church, (Rev. M.
Jackson, minister,) also at Horsforth chapel, (Rev. Mr.
Rogers, curate,) and Calverley, (Rev. Mr. Redhead, vi-
car.) The anniversary meeting was held on the 12th of
August, at the Music Hall, Leeds, Benjamin Sadler,
Esq. in the chair. The Resolutions were proposed by
the Rev. Messrs. C. Simeon, J. Fawcett, E. Jacob,-
Madge, D. Ruell, R. B. Holmes, W. A. Evanson, F.
Ramftler, T. S. B. Reade, and W. Wilks, Esq. Collec-
tions exceeded 501.
At Huddersfield, sermons were preached by the Rev.
D. Ruell, on the 8th of August, at Trinity Church,
(Rev. H. Maddock, minister,) at Horsley, (Rev. Mr.
Drawbridge, curate,) and at Hoithwaite, (Rev. Mr.
Jackson, minister.) The anniversary of the Huddersfield
Association was held on the 13th of August at the
school-house, Rev. Mr. Hutchinson, vicar of Kirk-Bur-
ton, in the chair. The resolutions were proposed by the
Rev. D. Ruell, J. H. Maddock, C. Simeon, H. Stowell,
B. Boothroyd, D.D. E. Jacob, J. Drawbridge, W. A.
Evanson, and H. B. Allen, Esq. Collections about 557.
On the same evening, the Ladies' Association at Brad-
L 2
clxiv
ford, held their anniversary, Rev. H. Heap, vicar of
Bradford, in the Chair. The speakers were the Rev.
W. Atkinson, E. Jacob, W. A. Evanson, H. Morgan,
C. Simeon, J. C. Boddington, D. Ruell, and H. Bailey.
A sermon had been preached in the parish Church on
the 11th of August, by the Rev. E. Jacob. Collections
about 121.
The Knaresborough anniversary was held in the
Town-hall on August 10th, the Rev. A. Cheap, vicar, in
the chair. The meeting was addressed by the Rev.
Messrs. Ruell, Jacob, Madge, Gott, Howell, Burst, and
J. Snott, Esq. Sermons were preached on the following
Sunday, August 15th, by the Rev. D. Ruell. Collec-
tions exceeded 267.
J
LANCASHIRE.
At Manchester, sermons were preached on Sunday,
August 15th, by the Rev. C. Simeon, at All-Saints, (Rev.
C. Burton, minister,) and St. James's (Rev. J. Hollist);
by the Rev. E. Jacob, at St. Luke's, and by the Rev.
W. A. Evanson, at Grappenhall, near Warrington, and
St. James, Lachford, do., (Rev. R. J. Allix, rector.)
The eleventh anniversary of the Manchester and Sal-
ford Auxiliary, was held in the Manor Court-room, Man-
chester, on Monday evening, August 16th, John Allen,
Esq. in the chair. The room was filled to excess, and
the report having been read by the Rev. J. Hollist, se-
cretary, the resolutions were proposed by the Rev, E.
Jacob, S. Moxom, Esq., the Rev. W. A. Evanson, S.
Codner, Esq., the Rev. C. Simeon, W. Marsden, W.
Thistlethwaite, (vicar of Bolton,) T. (Greenwood, and C.
Burton.
On the same day, a meeting was held at Delph, near
clxv
Saddleworth, G. B. Allen, Esq. of Huddersfield, in the
chair; when a Ladies' Association was formed, (Mrs.
Lee, president,) and addresses were delivered by the
Rev. J. Hollist, Stowell, and E. Jacob. Total collections
at Manchester amounted to about 100%.
The Rev. Mr. Jacob proceeded from thence to Ken-
dal, in Westmoreland, and preached on the 18th of Aug.
at Mr. Tull's chapel, in that town. Collection 77. 12s.
Messrs. Simeon and Evanson went to Bolton, Lanca-
shire, and attended a meeting of the Bolton Ladies' As-
sociation, the Rev. W. Thistlethwaite, in the chair. On
the next day (18th) the Rev. C. Simeon preached at St.
Anne's chapel, Lancaster, (the Rev. Mr. Houseman, mi-
nister,) collection about 20%.; and on the 19th at Pres-
ton, Lancashire, (the Rev. R. C. Wilson, vicar.) Collec-
tion, 197.
The proceedings at Liverpool, where they arrived on
the 20th of August, were as follows:-
Sermons were preached on Sunday; August 22d, by
the Rev. C. Simeon, in the morning, at St. Andrew's
Liverpool, (the Rev. J. Jones, minister,) and evening, at
St. Matthew's, ditto., (the Rev. T. Tattershall, minister.)
By the Rev. W. A. Evanson, in the morning, at Seaforth
church, (the Rev. J. Rawson, minister,) and evening, at
St. Andrew's Liverpool. The Rev. T. Tattershall also
preached for the Society at his own church, (St. Mat-
thew's) on the same morning.
A meeting of the Ladies' (collectors) was held in the
School-room on Monday evening, August 23d, and ad-
dresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Tattershall,
Evanson, and W. Worrall, Esq.
The anniversary of the Liverpool Auxiliary was held
on Tuesday evening, August 24th, in the Music-room,
Bold-street, which was filled at an early hour by a most
1
clxvi
respectable assembly, the Rev. G. Driffield, vicar of
Prescott, in the chair. The resolutions were proposed
by the Rev. A. Dawson, W. Scoresby, jun. Esq., F.R.S.
the Rev. J. Stewart, D.D. (minister of the Scotch church,
Silver-street,) W. A. Evanson, R. W. Allix, C. Simeon,
J. Bickersteth, R. Rawson, and Hugh Ralph, (minister
of the Scotch church, Oldham-street.)
On Wednesday evening, August 25th, the Rev. C.
Simeon preached at St. Matthew's, a sermon intended
exclusively for the Jews, some of whom we have reason
to know were present on the occasion, and listened with
respectful attention. The church was filled to an over-
flow by a most respectable congregation.
The collections at Liverpool amounted to 1367., being
a considerable increase above those of the former year.
CHESHIRE.
At Chester, a public meeting, of the highest respecta-
bility, and exceedingly numerous, was held in the Court-
house, on Thursday evening, August 26th. The Right
Hon. the Earl Grosvenor presided, and urged the claims
of the London Society, and the expediency of forming
an Association at Chester, in a speech of considerable
eloquence and Christian feeling. The Association was
then organized, and the meeting addressed by the Right
Hon. the Earl of Rocksavage, Hon. R. Grosvenor,
T. Whittell, Esq., (mayor of Chester,) the Rev. C. Si-
meon, R. J. M'Ghee, W. Clark, F. Masters, (vicar of
Runcorn,) W. A. Evanson, T. Ayckbowm, F. Parry, J.
Hoskins, Dr. Thackeray, and G. B. Granville, Esq.
treasurer.)
Collections, including a donation from Earl Grosvenor,
(president,) of 207., the IIon. R. Grosvenor, 10l. and G.
2
clxvii
B. Granville, Esq. 51. with subscriptions made by Miss
Hoskins of 137. altogether amounted to 70%.
STAFFORDSHIRE AND WARWICKSHIRE.
Sermons were preached by the Rev. C. Simeon on
the 27th of August, at Newcastle-under-Lyme, (the Rev.
C., Leigh, rector,) collection 217. 13s.; on the 29th, at
West Bromwich, (the Rev. Mr. Townsend, P. C.) collec-
tion 317. 3s. 10d.; and at St. Mary's, Birmingham, (the
Rev. E. Burn, minister,) collection 467. Os. 10d.; on
September 1st, at Tipton, Staffordshire, (the Rev. Mr.
Howells minister,) collection 207. 15s. 1d.; September
2d, at Darlaston, (the Rev. S. Lowe, rector,) collection
137. 9s. 6d.; and September 3d, at Bewdley, (the Rev.
Mr. Cawood, minister,) collection 137. 13s. The Rev.
W. A. Evanson preached on the 27th of August, at
Tutbury, Staffordshire, (the Rev. G. Robinson, vicar.)
LEICESTERSHIRE.
Sermons were preached by the Rev. E. Jacob as fol-
lows on Sunday, August 22d, at Wyverley, Sproxton,
and Saltby, (the Rev. T. Hutton, vicar,) 24th, at Great
Glen church, (the Rev. Mr. Corrance, vicar,) 25th, at
Thurlaston, (the Rev. H. Hoare, curate,) 27th at Somer-
by, (the Rev. Mr. Nutt, curate,) Sunday, 29th, at Des-
ford, (the Rev. Mr. Fry, rector,) at Ratby, (the Rev. Mr.
Martin, vicar,) and St. Mary's, Leicester, (the Rev. G.
B. Mitchell, vicar.) By the Rev. E. T. Vaughan, at his
own church, St. Martin's Leicester, and by the Rev. W.
A. Evanson, on Sunday 29th, at Rothley, (the Rev. G.
Babington, rector,) All-saints, Leicester, (the Rev. G. B.
Mitchell, vicar,) and Keyham, (the Rev. J. Owen, cu-
rate,) on the 30th of August, at Stoney Staunton, (the
clxviii
Rev. J. W. Doyle, rector,) and on the 31st, at St. Mary's,
Leicester, for the school fund.
The anniversary of the Leicester and Leicestershire
Auxiliary was held in the Guildhall, on Tuesday, Aug.
31, T. Babington, Esq. in the chair. The report was
read by the Rev. G. B. Mitchell, secretary, and the re-
solutions proposed by the Hon. and Rev. H. D. Erskine,
the Rev. T. F. Corrance, W. A. Evanson, E. T.
Vaughan, J. Fry, (of Desford,) E. Jacob, R. Martin. R.
H. Johnson, J. W. Doyle, and R. Hoare. Total collec-
tions in Leicester, &c. as well as we could ascertain, ex-
ceeded 1207.
Mr. Evanson also preached on Thursday evening,
September 2d, at Lenton, near Nottingham, (the Rev.
E. Creswell, vicar.) Collection exceeded 107.
WORCESTERSHIRE.
Sermons were preached on Sunday, September 5th,
morning and evening, by the Rev. C. Simeon, at St.
Martin's Worcester, (the Rev. D. Smith, vicar,) and by
the Rev. W. A. Evanson, at St. Oswald's chapel, (the
Rev. D. Morgan, minister,) and St. Clement's, (the Rev.
J. Davies, rector.)
On Tuesday, September 7th, the anniversary of the
Ladies' Association was held in the Guildhall, Worces-
ter, the Rev. D. Smith, vicar of St. Martin's, in the
chair. The report was read by the Rev. D. Morgan,
secretary, and the resolutions proposed by the Rev. E.
Burn, (of Birmingham,) Cawood, (of Bewdley,) Evanson,
Davies, Meredith, Simeon, Havergal, Hastings, and D.
Morgan. Collections altogether exceeded 80%.
A Meeting was also held at Malvern Wells, on Wednes-
day, September 8th, Joseph Wilson, Esq. of Clapham,
in the chair. The room was well filled, notwithstanding
clxix
the unfavourable weather, and the speakers were the
Rev. F. Close, of Cheltenham, J. Davies, of Worcester,
and C. Simeon, and a collection was made amounting to
137. 12s.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE.
At Gloucester, sermons were preached by the Rev.
C. Simeon, on Sunday, September 12th, at St. Nicholas,
(the Rev. Mr. Barry,) and St. John's, (the Rev. F. T.
Bayley,) by the Rev. D. Ruell, at Christ Church, (the
Rev. S. R. Maitland,) and St. Michael's (Venerable Arch-
deacon of Gloucester,) also by the Rev. G. Hodgson, at
Newnham Church, (the Rev. Mr. Phayre, Curate.)
The second Annual Meeting of the Gloucestershire
Auxiliary Society was held on Tuesday, September 14th,
at the Tolsey, in Gloucester, Major-General Prole in the
chair. Eighteen Clergymen were present, and there
was a large respectable assembly. The report was read
by the Rev. J. K. Whish, Secretary, and the resolutions.
proposed by A. Maitland, Esq., the Rev. D. Ruell, T.
L. Walcott, Esq., the Rev. C. Simeon, Capt. Jenkinson,
R. N., the Rev. C. Neville, Capt. Raymond, the Rev.
Messrs. F. Close, J. Smith, J. E. Jones, Dr. Williams,
and G. Hodgson. Total collections about 677.
DEVONSHIRE.
The anniversary of the Devon Auxiliary was held at
Congdon's Great Room, Exeter, on Friday, September
16th, the Rev. M. Vicars, rector of All-hallows, in the
chair. The report was read by the Rev. J. J. Holmes,
secretary, and the resolutions proposed by the Rev. W.
Cowlard, W. A. Evanson, J. Marriott, of Broad Clyste,
B. Marshall, C. Simeon, T. Kingdom, J. Kenaway, Esq.
clxx
and the Rev. S. Middleton. The Rev. C. Simeon
preached on the same evening; and the Rev. J. H.
Stewart, (minister of Percy Chapel, London,) twice on
the ensuing Sunday, September 19th, at All-Hallows,
Exeter, (the Rev. M. Vicars, rector.)
At Plymouth, sermons were preached by the Rev. C.
Simeon, on Sunday, the 19th of September, at Stone-
house Chapel in the morning, and St. John's, Devon-
port, (Rev. J. Hitchins, minister,) in the evening. By
the Rev. W. A. Evanson, in the morning, at St. An-
drew's, Plymouth, (Rev. J. Hatchard, vicar,) and after-
noon at St. John's Devonport.
The anniversary of the Plymouth and Devonport
Auxiliary was held on Tuesday, September 21st, at the
Royal Hotel, Plymouth, Captain Thicknesse, R. N. in
the chair. Lieut. Rhinde, R. N. read the report, and
the meeting was addressed by the Rev. T. Hitchins, Mr.
Creswell, the Rev. C. Simeon, Capt. Dunne, R. N., the
Rev. W. A. Evanson, Dr. Blackmore, Lieut. Rhinde,
R. N., the Rev. T. Richards, and Mr. Rodolph. The
collections exceeded those of any former year, and the
meeting was distinguished by the respectability of at-
tendance; amongst whom we noticed Admiral Sir James
Saumarez, G.C.B., Capt. Sir John Phillimore, R. N.,
and other naval officers of distinction.
DORSETSHIRE.
The Rev. C. Simeon returned to Dorchester, where
the anniversary was held in the County-hall, on the 22d
of September, R. Williams, Esq. M.P. in the chair.
Fifteen Clergymen were present, and the meeting was
addressed by the Rev. J. L. Jackson, secretary, R.
Phelips, vicar of Yeovil, C. Simeon, E. Aubery, J. H.
clxxi
Stewart, of London, and J. H. Richman, rector of Tri-
nity Church, Dorchester.
Sermons were preached by the Rev. C. Simeon at the
County-hall, Dorchester, (the Church being under re-
pair,) and at Poole, Dorset; by the Rev. J. H. Stewart,
at Sherborne, (Rev. J. Parson, vicar,) and by the Rev.
J. L. Jackson, at St. Paul's Church, Brewham, Somer-
set, (Rev. J. Dampier, perpetual curate,) and at the pa-
rish church, Bruton, ditto. (Rev. Mr. Cosens, curate.)
Collections amounted to nearly 501.
CORNWALL.
We regret that, owing to the illness of our secretary,
(Rev. Mr. Hawtrey,) and the many engagements of those
upon whose assistance we had calculated, we have been
unable this year to avail ourselves of the kindness of our
friends in Cornwall to the extent we could wish. The
Rev. Mr. Evanson devoted about ten days to that inte-
resting country, and preached at the following churches,
viz. on September 22d, at Bodmin, (Rev. J. Wallis, rec-
tor,) 23d, at Roach, (Rev. J. Fisher, rector,) 24th at St.
Austel, (Rev. Dr. Smythe, vicar,) 26th, morning, at St.
Clement's, near Truro, (Rev. Mr. Jenkins, vicar,) after-
noon, at Perran Well, ditto, (Rev. Mr. Bluet, curate,)
and evening, at Falmouth Church, (Rev. J. Oakman,
curate,) on the 28th, at Camborne, (Rev. H. Rogers,
rector,) and on the 29th, at Redruth, (Rev. H. Moles-
worth, rector.) He also attended a numerous meeting
of the Penryn Association on Monday evening, Septem-
ber 27th, Capt. Manderson, R. N. in the chair. Total
collections about 381.
Our friends in the extreme west of Cornwall declined
any sermons or meetings, in consequence of the short-
ness of the notice, and inadequacy of one person to
clxxii
occupy the many pulpits they could offer; we have rea-
son, however, to rely on the continuance of their attach-
ment, of which we hope to avail ourselves at a future
season.
HAMPSHIRE.
The Portsmouth and South East Hants Association,
held its anniversary at the Beneficial Society Hall, Port-
sea, on Monday, September 27th, Capt. H. M. Mason,
R.N. in the chair. The resolutions were proposed by
the Rev. Messrs. Dusautoy, C. Simeon, J. Sargent,
jun., Capt. Austin, Rev. J. Barbut, H. Cooke, Esq.,
M.D. Capt. Clarke, the Rev. Mr. Wilkinson, Capt. Le
Hunt, R.N., Lieut. Leeke, Capt. Cramer, and Capt.
Young.
Sermons were preached on Sunday, September 26th,
by the Rev. C. Simeon, morning and evening, at St..
John's, Portsea, and by the Rev. E. Jacob, at Gosport
Chapel. Collections about 411.
!
NORFOLK.
The
The annual meeting of the Norfolk Association was
held on Thursday, September 29th, at St. Andrew's-
hall, Norwich, the Rev. Dr. Johnson in the chair.
resolutions were moved and seconded by the Rev.
Messrs. Greaves, Arnold, Simeon, Sidney, Girdleston,
Barker, Tacy, and Mr. W. Youngman. On Friday
evening the 30th, a meeting was also held for the infor-
mation of the working classes, and was addressed by the
Rev. Messrs. Girdlestone, Greaves, Barker, and Young-
man.
Sermons were preached by the Rev. C. Simeon, at St.
Lawrence, Norwich, by the Rev. Alexander Greaves, at
ditto, and at St. Edmund's; also by the Rev. Mr. Sid-
?
clxxiii
ney, at St. Augustine. Collections altogether exceeded
431.
BRISTOL AUXILIARY SOCIETY.
The Ninth Anniversary Meeting was held in the music
room, Princes-street, on Tuesday, 21st of October, 1824.
H. Hassell, Esq. (Mayor of Bristol,) in the Chair. The
room was most respectably and numerously filled at an
early hour, and the Report having been read by the
Rev. W. L. Glover, the Resolutions were moved and
seconded by the Hon. and Rev. L. Powys, Revs. B.
Woodd, T. T. Biddulph, R. Brodie, F. Elwin, M. Brice,
W. Day, S. Field, W. A. Evanson, C. Raftler, and C.
Penney, Esq., the Rev. Dr. Brydges, and the Rev. J.
Whish.
The income of this Auxiliary has been nearly doubled
since last year, and within that period, about 12007. has
been remitted to the Parent Society. Of this sum, the
Committee acknowledge with gratitude, 6007., bequeath-
ed by the late Miss C. D. Fripp, of Bristol, and 2751.
as the produce of the Ladies' Association. It was also
announced at the meeting, that a legacy of 50%. had been
left to the Society within the last few days, by the late
Mr. Curtis, of St. Mary, Redcliffe. The amiable and
venerable Mrs. Hannah More, whose valuable life is still
preserved in health and comfort, sent her customary do-
nation of five pounds. A donation of one guinea from a
maid-servant, who wished her name to be concealed,
excited interest at the meeting.
The anniversary sermons were preached as follows.
By the Rev. Basil Woodd, on Tuesday evening, 19th
October, at St. James, (Rev. T. T. Biddulph, minister,)
and on Wednesday morning, 20th October, at St. Mary
Leport, (Rev. Grinfield, curate). By the Rev. W.
A. Evanson, on Wednesday evening, 20th October, at
clxxiv
St. Philip's, (Rev. W. Day, vicar,) and on Friday even-
ing, 22d, at St. Thomas's, (Rev. J. Whish, rector,) also
by the Rev. T. T. Biddulph, on Sunday morning, 24th,
at Bedminster, (Rev. J. Whish, rector,) also by the Rev.
W. L. Glover, on Sunday evening, 24th, at St. Micha-
el's, (Rev. J. Knight, rector.)
MONMOUTH.
The Ladies' Association, (established last year,) held
its first anniversary, on Tuesday, 26th of October, at the
Town-Hall, Monmouth, Rev. H. Barnes, vicar of Mon-
mouth, in the Chair. He commenced by reading the
Report; which detailed the progress of the Association.
Resolutions were proposed by the Revs. B. Woodd,
Ashe Gabbe, F. Close, G. Ridout, H. Gipps, and W.
A. Evanson.
A sermon was preached at the Parish Church on the
preceding evening, by the Rev. F. Close. Collections at
the sermon and meeting, 127. 4s. 4d.
A sermon was also preached on Tuesday evening, by
the Rev. F. Close, at Brampton Abbotts, near Ross,
(Rev. Robert Strong, vicar.)
HEREFORD.
The third anniversary of the Hereford Ladies' Asso-
ciation, was held in the Town-Hall, on Wednesday, the
26th of October, Rev. Robert Strong, rector of Bramp-
ton Abbotts, in the Chair. The Report was read by
the Rev. Benet Hoskins, vicar of Bacton, and the reso-
lutions proposed by the Revs. B. Woodd, H. Biss, C. J.
Bird, W. A. Evanson, Thomas Higgins, Henry Gipps,
George Woodhouse, and F. Close.
The Rev. W. A. Evanson preached the same evening
at St. Peter's Church, (Rev. H. Gipps, vicar.) The col-
lections at the sermons and meeting amounted to 657.,
1
clxxv
beside 37%. collected by a sale of Ladies' fancy work.
This is a considerable increase beyond the collections of
last year.
CHELTENHAM.
We have have much pleasure in announcing the esta
blishment of an Auxiliary Society in this important sta-
tion. A meeting for that purpose was held on Thurs-
day, the 28th of October, in the Assembly Room, the
Rev. C. Jervis, (vicar of Cheltenham,) in the Chair, and
an Auxiliary Society was regularly organized, of which
the Rev. C. Jervis became President, the Rev. D. R. L.
Moxon, Treasurer, and the Rev. F. Close, Secretary.
Resolutions were proposed by the Revs. B. Woodd, H.
Sillery, (T. C. D.), W. A. Evanson, H. Hore (of Wex-
ford), G. Hodson, of Gloucester, and F. Close.
The Rev. Charles Jervis having collected above 100%.
in the spring of the year, after two sermons which he
preached in behalf of the Society, no collections were
made in the churches on this occasion; but the contri-
butions at the meeting and subsequently, amounted to
above 50%.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE CAMBRIDGE AUXILIARY SOCIETY.
On Sunday the 31st of October, the two anniversary
sermons were prcached in Trinity Church, by the Rev.
William Marsh, A.M. Vicar of St. Peter's, Colchester.
Collections 571.
On the same day, the Rev. C. S. Hawtrey preached
in behalf of the cause at Chatteris, (the Rev. Dr. Chat-
field, vicar). Collection 67. 17s.
On Tuesday morning, November the 2d, the anniver-
sary meeting of the Cambridge Auxiliary Society was
held in the Town Hall, and attended more numerously
than on former occasions.
clxxvi
The Chair was taken at 12 o'clock, by the Master of
Corpus Christi College, Vice-chancellor of the Univer-
sity. The Master of Queen's College, Professors Farish
and Lee, with many Fellows of Colleges and Masters of
Arts, were also present. After the Meeting had been
opened by the Chairman, the Report was read by Pro-
fessor Lee, Secretary of the Auxiliary Society. The
resolutions were afterwards moved and seconded in the
following order: by the Rev. Professor Farish, and the
Rev. C. S. Hawtrey; by the Rev. Professor Lee, and the
Rev. William Marsh; by the Rev. Mr. Tacey, and the
Rev. C. Simeon; by S. Knight, Esq. and the Rev. John
Clarke. Every speaker studied conciseness, and none
occupied more than twenty minutes, so that the meeting
was over before three o'clock; but so important and im-
pressive were the arguments urged, the information
given, and the facts detailed, that all present seemed to
feel an increased interest in the cause of God's ancient
people.
Our corrrespondent who has sent us the above ac-
count adds, and we entirely agree with him, that all our
religious meetings would leave a deeper impression on
the minds of the hearers, if conciseness were more gene-
rally the order of the day.
The collection after the meeting amounted to 247.
We rejoice to find that our valued friend, the Rev.
C. Simeon, has not suffered in health by these long and
laborious exertions. He and his fellow-travellers, the
Rev. Messrs. Jacob, Ruell, and Evanson, request us to
express their affectionate thanks for the Christian kind-
ness manifested to them throughout their journey, by
many friends, and particularly by those at whose houses
they found a home, and from whom they experienced
such cordial co-operation.
clxxvii
APPENDIX, No. XX.
Page 504.
Extract from account of Journey of Messrs. Way and
Hawtrey into the West of England.
Jewish Expositor, Vol. IV. p. 433.
A SERMON was preached by Mr. Way, in the Parish
Church of Falmouth. Previous to the commencement
of the service, the following paper was found upon the
Church door, written, as it is supposed, by a Jew resident
in the town. It may suggest some useful reflections to
our Christian readers.
"Our Messiah, when he comes, will establish a sys-
tem of mercy, peace, and kindness upon earth; while
amongst you Christians nothing but disputes, animosities,
and cruelties, mark your passage through the world.
Possibly your religion sanctions those things-ours does
not-for with us the goodness and benevolence alone of
the Mosaic law, constitute their grand authority, and
proclaim aloud their emanation from a good and benefi-
cent God. We want no better, we expect no better,
until Messiah shall indeed come. Then (if the Prophets
of our Sacred Volume speak true) the conduct of a man
towards his fellows will be the reverse of what it is
now. Every man shall then sit under his vine, and un-
der his fig tree. Nation shall no longer lift up sword
against nation, neither shall they learn war any more-
but the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the wolf and
the lamb feed together; and a little child shall lead them.
"Has this happy period, this golden æra of public peace
and private love, ever yet been witnessed? Speak can-
didly Christian, has it been once seen through the lapse
of the last 1800 years!
Tizri, 5823.
"Your brother of the dust,
"ZECHER LACHORCHAN."
M
clxxviii
APPENDIX, No. XXI.
Page 505.
Extracts from Theological Disputation between a Jew
and the Rev. Legh Richmond.
London Society's Third Report, pp. 52-66.
Question by Jew.-To what particular sect of Chris-
tians is it intended that we should become proselytes?
Answer by the Rev. L. Richmond.-The London So-
ciety and its auxiliaries are united and constituted on the
broad and liberal basis of the Church Universal; they
carry their ideas and designs far beyond that of prose-
lyting the Jews to any particular sect or denomination
of Christians.
These Christians, Sir, are all agreed in viewing those
points of worship or opinion, wherein they differ, as be-
ing of infinitely less importance than the grand tenet in
which they all unite, viz. that Jesus is the Christ, and
that faith in him is essential to salvation. They are all
agreed in their present cordial endeavour to bring the
Jews to their acknowledgment of the same truth as the
foundation of their union with the Christian Church;
leaving it to the subsequent determination of the Jewish
converts into what community of professing Christians
they may, after mature reflection, feel it their duty to
enter.
We all worship God in the same spiritual temple.
Jew's rejoinder.-The Romanist affirms that all man-
kind who are without the pale of their Church must ine-
vitably be damned to all eternity. The Calvinist asserts
that none but the Elect, who are few in number, can be
saved; whilst the Arminian Methodist, on the contrary,
clxxix
contends that faith without works is dead, and that un-
less a regeneration takes place, there is no chance of
salvation. Now, Sir, as these separate opinions would
go the length of consigning a very large portion of man-
kind to eternal misery, which doctrine is not to be found
in the Law of Moses...we would rather recommend these
Sectarists should first make proselytes of each other,
before they attempt to convert the Jews, and in that case
we should have one clear and distinct view of the doc-
trines of Christianity, which we might compare with the
writings of Moses and the prophets.
Mr. L. Richmond's sur-rejoinder.-Neither the Church
at large nor in the present instance its representative and
organ, The London Society for promoting the knowledge
of Christianity among the Jews, invite you to embrace
the peculiarities either of Romanism, Calvinism, or Ar-
minianism, but they invite you to the admission of their
avowed universality of opinion and belief, that the Jesus
of the New Testament Scriptures is the very Messiah
foretold in those of the Old Testament.
Jew's Rebutter.-A member of the Bedford Aux-
iliary Society appears to think that no material differ-
ence exists amongst these sectaries; and if this should
be his real opinion, it will require a considerable degree
of ingenuity to account for the virulence which has long
existed between Whitfield and Wesley, and for the late
hue and cry against Popery, which has reverberated from
one end of the kingdom to the other.
THE END.
APR 15 1915
Printed by R. Gilbert, St. John's-Square, London.
By the same Author.
A PRACTICAL EXPOSITION of the TEN-
DENCY and PROCEEDINGS of the BRITISH AND
FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. 8vo. Second Edition. 1814.
:
A RESPECTFUL LETTER to the EARL of
LIVERPOOL, &c. occasioned by the Speech imputed
to his Lordship at the ISLE OF THANET BIBLE SOCIETY
MEETING, October 17, 1821. 8vo. Second Edition.
1823.


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