and we would have all, of every rank, and every class, to co-operate with us in the performance of itd.
Not very different from this is the objection arising from a disapprobation of some parts of the plan adopted by the Society. Some do not approve of the education of Jewish children; because, as they think, it operates as an inducement with parents to violate the dictates of their conscience, in permitting their children to be instructed in a faith which is contrary to their own. But to this I would say, that the same argument will hold equally against every missionary society for the conversion of the Gentiles ; since the education of their children has uniformly constituted a very lead- ing feature of such Societies : and, if we reflect from what a state of depravity and ignorance these children are rescued, and what attention is paid to their best interests, every benevolent mind must rejoice that so great a benefit is accorded to them. Some have thought that the children were collected by undue means; but none are admitted, except a written request be delivered in by the parents themselves; some of whom are altogether indifferent what religion their children embrace ; whilst others would gladly inquire after Christianity themselves, if the fear of utter destitution did not constrain them to decline it.
Exceptions have been taken against the affording of temporal relief to such Jews as have embraced our holy religion, as though that operated with them as a bribe to profess what they did not believe. But
d It is a curious fact, that, whilst Churchmen urge this objection, it is equally alleged against the Society by Dissenters also, who, be- cause the Society is now conducted by members of the Established Church, imagine that their great object is to enlarge and aggrandize the Establishment. But the object of the Society is to convert the Jews to Christianity ; and not in Britain only, but in every part of the world ; and this is a work in which every Christian under heaven, to whatever Church he may belong, may well join. For, whatever be men's peculiar sentiments in relation to Church government, there can be no reason why they should not help forward the circulation of the New Testament amongst the Jews, and their conversion to the faith of Christ ; this being a labour of love, which both requires and deserves the united efforts of all who " love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity."