RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The Directors of the Missionary Society, to Christians of every Denomination, on the Subject of the Jews. Christian Brethren, It is well known in what a solemn manner the Members of this Society stand pledged to use their utmost endeavours to bring their brethren, of the Hebrew race, to the knowledge and belief of the everlasting gospel. The impression made by the public avowal of this important design, at the last annual meeting, was too deep and too animating to be as yet effaced from the heart of any one who witnessed it. To impart similar sentiments and feelings to those who were absent, will be best performed by referring them to that discourse, which excited them in those who were present. That this able and excellent statement of the obligations under which Christians lie to their Jewish brethren, may be as extensively useful as possible, the Directors have caused a considerable number of copies to be printed separately from the other Sermons, preached at the late Anniversary; and they most earnestly recommend it to the attention of every one who feels any degree of interest, either from motives of humanity or religion, in the case of the Jews. But, it would fall far short of the wishes of the Directors, merely to excite emotions of commiseration in the breasts of British Christians. It is their desire that more permanent and beneficial effects may be produced; effects, which shall, in their turn, become the causes of such judicious and well-directed measures, as may, through the Divine blessing, be followed with the happiest consequences. The Directors have the greatest reason to be assured, that their designs in behalf of the Jews, have the cordial approbation of Christians throughout the United Kingdom. A sense of the great obligations under which they are to that people, and a consciousness of an inexcusable neglect of duty towards them, ought, indeed, to awaken in all the most lively concern for their salvation. How many might, ere this, have been reclaimed from their infidelity, had Christians been faithful to those solemn respon sibilities under which they are in this respect! But no feelings of grief can recal the opportunities for ever past, or obliterate the consequences of this cruel indifference: they may, however, stimulate us to employ with tenfold diligence, the opportunities which remain. This will be the best evidence of sincerity, and the genuine effect which contrition, if real, will produce. This generous sympathy will, no doubt, be discouraged in the minds of some, by ideas of the difficulty, if not impracticability, of accomplishing the desired end. That great obstacles exist, it would be more than folly to deny but when will not this be the case? They are such, however, as have been surmounted in past and present times, and by the same means as those intended to be employed. Besides, the object is not chimerical-the very design is derived from an authority which will fully justify the attempt, however unsuccessful present endeavours may prove. The decree of the Most High is gone forth; it is the basis of hope and confidence; but it is his command, not his secret counsel, which is relied upon as a defence against the charge of temerity. The times and seasons of accomplishing his purposes, the Father hath reserved in his own hand; but it can never be unseasonable to attempt to perform duties which his word enjoins, nor presumptuous to hope for results which are the subjects of promise as well as of prophecy. The operations of Providence are rapidly unfolding the volume of prediction; and what Christian, who is in the least degree observant of the "signs of the times" in which he lives, has not his mind raised to expectations which it would be thought visionary to express ! The barriers opposed to the progress of the Gospel, by Jewish, Pagan, Mahometan, and Popish enmity, are visibly shaken, and tottering to the ground; and there is just reason to believe, that the Angel commissioned to carry it to every nation and kindred, and tongue and people, that dwell on the earth," is hastening his flight. While, therefore, the authority and operations of the " King of Saints," excite his subjects to zealous activity, let every diffident suggestion which would slacken their endeavours, be discarded from their breasts; let 66 them labour in a humble dependence on his assistance, remembering that "blessed is he that believeth, for there shall be a performance of those things which are spoken from the Lord." In the "great day," it will be found to be an honour, far excelling all earthly distinctions, to have contributed the smallest mite of willing service in such a cause. It affords to the Directors the sin cerest pleasure to think, that they are recommending to the general body of British Christians, a measure which wears no partial aspect. As the duty is of general obligation, it is their earnest desire that it should be as extensively acknowledged and fulfilled. It can never become a subject of jealousy to a true Christian, that a converted Jew joins a communion different from that to which he adheres;-that his conversion may prove genuine, and influential upon others, will be the object of his solicitude and prayers. The harvest is great, and the labourers, as yet, very feway the Lord of the Harvest send forth an abundance of genuine labourers, from whatever class or denomination of his people it may please him to select ! in this cause, each will rejoice in the success of his fellows. 'There is, even in Great Bri-, tain, ample scope for the zeal and talents of all the disciples of the Redecmer; for in almost every part of it may some of the unhappy descendants of Abraham be found. Such a union would, at the same time, be an argument in favour of Christianity in the esteem of the Jews, and a ground of hope, that the measures relating to them were undertaken under the especial direction of God, and would be accompanied with his blessing. With the utmost earnestness and sincerity, do the Directors, therefore, entreat the assistance, and, as far as possible, the co-operation of the united body of Christians in Great Britain, in the promotion of the important work in which they are engaged.-To ask it, will, they hope, be to obtain it; for their expectations would be faint, indeed, if they thought that arguments were necessary to add to the weight of the simple request. The considerations which enforce upon the disciples of Jesus the duty of sucking for the conversion of their fellow-men, must immediately present themselves to every mind to these will succeed, with importunate urgency, those which give The Jews a claim to Christian sympa thy, above any race of men which inhabit the globe. God forbid that Christians should longer trifle with such obligations! It is difficult to conceive how the indiference with which the moral and religious condition of the Jews is regarded, can, for so many ages, have maintained itself in hearts, in which the true love of God hath dwelt. Anxious to secure to themselves the blessings of faith, how can they have so supinely witnessed the infidelity of the descendants of faithful Abraham? Were they not aware of its existence? That is not the cast; for it was daily before their eyes. Were they ignorant of its consequences ? That cannot be; for while they anxious ly read the words of the Saviour," He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved," they found coupled with it, "He that believeth not, shall be damned." May this astonishing paradox be from henceforth banished from the renewed hearts of men! Culpable, however, as past generations doubtless were, we cannot now tread in their steps with so small a degree of guilt. Since their days, the obligations to universal benevolence, in communicating the knowledge of the gospel to those who are ignorant of it, have been more generally felt and acknowledged. Emotions of pity are not now considered as a sufficient tribute to the royal law of Christian charity; nor prayers, without correspondent exertions, a satisfactory proof of zeal for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. Negroes have participated in the anxiety of the friends of humanity, to extend to the oppressed the benefits of civil liberty; and untutored Heathens have received the invaluable blessing of the Gospel from the exertions of evangelical benevolence. In such times, the cause of the neglected Jews cannot be pleaded in vain. Under this conviction, the Directors will proceed to point out to their Christian brethren, some of the ways in which they will be happy to receive their cordial assistance and co-operation. 1st. In such an enumeration, the anxious and importunate desire of the Directors, that Christians will make the conversion of the Jews, and the blessing of God upon the measures of the Society to that end, the object of their constant prayer, cannot but take the first place. So much importance do the Directors attach to this request, that the degree in which it is obtained will form a criterion, by which they will estimate the probability of their sucIt appears to them an axiom ia ceas. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. the affairs of the church, that no great event is accomplished, tending to the advancement of the kingdom of the Redeemer among men, before it has become, generally, the subject of the fervent prayers of his people. God thus honours his people, by making their prayers the harbingers of the accomplishment of his promises. Can any Christian refuse his acquiescence in this 'request? Surely not. It can only be through forgetfulness, should it even be withheld; for it must speak to the conscience, the judgement, and the affections of every disciple of Jesus Christ. Ye Ministers of the Redeemer, whose office it is to lead the devotions of our solemn assemblies, an to direct them to proper objects, su fer not the sacred hour to pass, without supplicating the fulfilment of those promises and predictions, relative to the conversion of the Jews, which abound in the Word of God. Whence is it, that a duty so interesting and important should have been so much neglected? What a reproach to a Christian congregation, that a single season of public worship, still more, that a whole Sabbath should please, without one solitary petition being presented at the throne of grace for the salvation of the Jews! Would that this were never the case, even in the metropolis, where not a minister or Christian can go to his place of worship without meeting with one of that nation, whose presence should remind him of his duty, and awaken in him the sympathies of holy affection! May this sin be purged away from our churches, for it is to be feared that we are verily guilty, in this respect, of uncharitableness to our brethren. zdly, The Directors, convinced that further arguments or importunity canhot be necessary on a subject of such plain obligation, will point out another important measure for promoting the object, which they earnestly recommend to the zeal of those whose local circumstances may enable them to adopt it. While there are some Christians who can say that, in praying for the blessing of God upon the mission to the Jews, they have done all that they can do, there are others, whom their situation and opportunities of aiding the cause, call forth to more active exertions. * The views of the Directors are, in this instance, turned to those Ministers and Christians who reside in places in which Jews are to be found, either in greater or smaller numbers. To such, 519 a field of usefulness is presented, which they cannot fail to cultivate, without neglecting to improve a talent, for which they will be found to be accountable. What a happy opportunity of evidencing their attachment to the blessed Redeemer is thus brought to their very doors! How ought it to excite the compassion of a true Christian, daily to see a number of his neighbours, not merely ranking among formal professors of the Gospel, but the avowed rejectors of the only way to eternal life, and despisers of its divine Author! It should fill their hearts with holy zeal, and lead them to resolve, in a dependence on his aid, that no means within their power shall be left unemployed, which can tend to bring back these unhappy wanderers to the fold of their true Shepherd. A In such situations, the Directors would earnestly recommend the adop tion of measures, similar to those which they are aiming to accomplish, in behalf of the Jews residing in the metropolis. For this purpose, let ministers endeavour to excite in their respective congregations a lively attention to their case, by laying before them, ia their public ministrations, just views of the proposed object, the promises and predictions of the sacred scriptures, and their own duties and obligations relative to it. Let the signs of the times, and the aspect of the divine dispensations, which seem to portend the approaching accomplishment of God's promises relative to the universal spread of the Gospel, be pointed out for their encouragement. consistent knowledge of the subject will best counteract that unhappy indifference which hath so long prevailed amongst Christians; and prepare their minds for adopting and supperting a series of well digested measures for the attainment of the desired end. To knowledge and zeal, let union be added.-Ministers should become examples to their flocks, by waving those distinctions from each other, which might prevent a common prosecution of the important design; and when a plan has been concerted, let them invite their congregations to active co-operation. Where meetings for prayer have not hitherto been established, let them be-appointed at the several places of worship of those churches which are willing to unite for the purpose; and let the success of the Gospel among Heathen nations, and especially among the Jews, be the object of constant and fervent suppli cation. Let discourses adapted to the state of the Jews-the subjects at issue between them and Christians, be preached by the associated Ministers in rotation; and all consistent meaus be used to induce the Jews to attend. Christians should endeavour to enlarge their own knowledge of the history, the ancient economy civil and religious, the modern rites and opinions of the Jews; and take every fit opportunity of entering into conversation with them, of exciting their curiosity, and awaking their attention to the concerns of religion in general, and especially to the superior excellence and blessings of Christianity. Tracts should be distributed among them, containing plain and clear statements of the doctrines of the Gospel, as well as of the arguments by which its authenticity is supported, and narratives of Jews who have been converted to Christianity, that they may have materials for re#lection and consideration in private. Bibles should be given to such as will attend the public_ministration of the Gospel. Let private meetings for prayer and conference with those who will assemble for that purpose, be held at stated times, and means adopted for the instruction of youth, and for affording relief and information to such sick persons as may apply for them. Particular attention should be paid to families which have children; and one of the best marks of sincerity in parents professing a conviction of the truth of Christianity, will be their giving up their children to Christian instruction. It hardly needs to be observed, that the circumstances of the Jews, in general, will make them often dependent on Christian liberality, especially as an attendance upon the Gospel may affect their connexions and habits of life; and in such cases, while imposture is to be guarded against, they should be treated with kindness and affection. To find suitable employment for such as may withdraw from loose and unsettled occnpations, or may be deprived of their livelihood by persecution, is an object of high importance, and should be early provided for. The local circumstances of some places, will give them advantages over others in this respect; and it may sometimes be advisable that Jews should remove to such situations on that account. The Directors are persuaded that it cannot be necessary to employ much time in stating the beneficial effects likely to follow such a general atten tion, on the part of Christian believers, to the religious state of their Jewish brethren. Experience fully justifies the expectation, that while they are endeavouring thus to promote the glory of their blessed Redeemer, they will themselves receive the cheering tokens of his approbation, in the increasing prosperity of the Gospel among their own churches and societies. Nor is it to be concluded that there is no prospect of success, even among the Jews themselves. The attention of some will be forcibly excited, by that desire which they will naturally feel, to maintain their traditional creed; while others will be glad to embrace opportunities of indulging those convictions that are found to exist in the minds of many of their brethren. Truth only can stand the test of strict examination: and enquiry, from whatever motive it may be instituted, cannot but he unfriendly to error. The diffusion of light and knowledge is the legitimate means, sanctioned by the word, and employed by the providence of God, for the extension of the Gospel among men. This will be the necessary consequence of the measures now recommended; and it is not presumptuous to suppose, that instances of the power of truth will not be rare among a people, whose errors can so little bear the irradiation of its beams. The union of Christians, in the prosecution of the design, would likewise give additional weight to the natural efficacy of their measures. The Jews are not strangers to the discordances which subsist among Christians; and they have made use of them as a shelter for their prejudices against the Gospel. That Christians should, therefore, by a common consent, join in recommending to their regard the blessings of the Gospel, must appear to them a proof of the sincerity, as it is hoped that, the prudence and affection with which it is done, will convince them of the benevolence of their intentions. How much depends upon the manner in which the design is carried into exccution must be apparent to every one. That the genuine spirit of Christianity should shine with a bright lustre, in the conduct of these who are ostensibly its advocates and propagators, will with justice be required; and no zeal or activity whatever can compensate for the absence of its mild and benignant graces. With what pleasure will the Directors hear of the adoption of suck measures, by their Christian brethren, in every part of the country in which the dispersed sons of Jacob are to be found! With how much satisfaction will they correspond with those who are engaged in them;-communicate, as far as is in their power, whatever may tend to their usefulness and success; and be themselves instructed, stimulated, and encouraged by their example! 3dly, Ministers, and well-informed Christians, who live in places remote from the usual resorts of Jews, may assist those engaged in the work by advice, information, and the efforts of their pens. The Directors will be happy to be advised by those, whose extensive knowledge may enable them to state what have been the most successful means, at any time employed for promoting the conyersion of the Jews. They will be thankful for interesting narratives of Jews cone verted to Christianity; — - concise and forcible addresses, fitted to arouse the attention of the Jews, and excite them to enquiry; brief views of the evidences of the divine origin of Christianity; argumentative tracts on the most prominent points at variance between Jews and Christians;- plain and appropriate manuals of instruction, calculated for the younger Jews, and such as are enquiring into the doctrines of the Gospel, &c.* The Directors, while they do not pledge themselves to send to the press every communication which they may receive, will thankfully acknowledge all, and are persuaded, that there will be but few from which they will not derive advantage. 4th, Christians engaged in commercial, manufacturing, and mechanical Occupations, especially such as reside in or near to places where active measures are pursued for the conversion of the Jews, may most essentially assist the cause, by furnishing employment for such as may stand in need of it, when they have separated themselves from their brethren, by making a profession of Christianity. It is well known, that many Jews are brought up in modes of life not very compatible with the spirit of the Gospel. For such, suitable occupations must be found, that the effects of instruction may not be counteracted by their ha bits and pursuits. It is besides, not 521 very usual for Jews to be engaged in the employment of Christians; and it follows of course, that as soon as a Jew, who is in any way dependent upon his brethren, manifests an inclination to associate with Christians for religious purposes, he will be deprived of his means of support, and be obliged to look to those, by whose endeavour this has been occasioned, for recom mendation and protection. which These are general cases, Christians must resolve to make provision for, if they are desirous that measures for evangelizing the Jews should be zealously and successfully prosecuted. In a few instances, situations have been found for some Jews under the patronage of the Society, through the kindness of friends. There are others, at present, who are in want of occupa tions, and whose cases require immediate attention. The Directors would therefore press this important point upon the regard of their Christian brethren, especially such as reside in or near the metropolis, with great earnestness. They are convinced that much depends upon it, and they inyolence of the friends of the cause, dulge a hope that the zeal and beneexigency as it arises. Situatious are will enable them to provide for every wanted for adult persons, both male and female, and for youths. Those who have it in their power to afford immediate employment to one or more individuals, or, would instruct one in an occupation easily to be acquired, or such families as are willing to take a would take a youth as an apprentice; Jewish female into their service, or furnish her with other suitable employment, are requested to send their names to the Treasurer or Secretary of the Sosist the Directors in this respect. ciety, stating in what way they can as 5th, In enumerating the several ways in which Christians may contribute to the introduction of the Gospel among the Jews, the Directors cannot omit to recommend to their attention ciety. The necessity for this recomthe support of the funds of the Somendation is as obvious as it is urgent. It is not to be thought that, because the objects of this Mission are at our doors, the expences of it will veyance of missionaries to distant he inconsiderable. Excepting the con A learned friend has undertaken to produce a connected series of argumentative addresses to the Jews; but they will not render unnecessary others of a more familiar kind, for less discriminate distribution. XIV. |