graffed, contrary to nature, into a good olive-tree ; how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive-tree b ?"
If, notwithstanding these assertions, any one still think that the low estate of the Jews is a just cause for despairing of success in our efforts with them, be it known, that the lower their degradation is, and the more desperate, according to all human appearance, their condition, the more assurance we have that the season for their restoration is near at hand : for God's express declaration concerning them is, " The Lord will judge his people, and repent himself for his ser- vants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and that there is none shut up or left0."
By many it is objected, that the labours of the Society are a mere party-matter ', being not set on foot by authority ; and prosecuted chiefly by a few, whose opinions and habits differ widely from those of the generality. But, with submission, I would ask, With whom did Christianity originate ? or, with whom the Reformation 1 In reference to both, great stress was laid on the objection, that it was not supported by the rulers. But was either the one or the other less excellent in itself, or less worthy of support on this account ? Supposing, then, that the objection were admitted as true, it would have no real weight. But it is far from true in reference to the Society of which we speak ; for that is patronized by some, whose names would add weight to any cause : and I doubt not, but that, when the object itself shall be better understood, it will be more justly appreciated, and more universally espoused, amongst the higher orders, as well as amongst the community at large. As for its being advocated by persons of a peculiar class, if it were true, whose fault would it be ? It is the duty of every Christian in the universe to seek the salva- tion of the Jews : and if any neglect to do it, the fault must rest with them. We invite all to unite in this good work. It does not belong to a party ; it is the work of God, and the duty of all, without exception;
b Rom. xi. 23, 24. c Deut. xxxii. 36.