1262.1 The Conversion Of The Jews. 555

you so long, I will mention but one objection more ; and it is this : / will wait and see what others do, before I will commit myself as a friend and patron of this Society. But, if all proceed on this plan, how is any thing to be done ? If the thing be good, we should aid it, even though no one else should either lead the way, or follow our example. Instead of hesitating or delaying, we should all vie with each other in this long-neglected duty, and labour to re- deem the time we have lost. If any would still pro- crastinate, I would ask, Have not the Jews been neglected long enough ? Will not seventeen centuries suffice to have left them in their perishing condition ? Would we still leave generation after generation to die in the ignorance of that Saviour whom God has sent for them as well as us, and through whom we profess ourselves to have obtained eternal life ? Have we not yet filled up a sufficient measure of iniquity by our neglect ? Would we add yet more to all the inhumanity we have been guilty of? Would we carry on to an indefinite period our injustice and ingratitude towards them, and continue our impiety, till it is past a remedy ? If the Jews have no claim upon us, let us acknowledge none : if the reproofs of God respecting our neglect are not deserving of attention, let us dis- regard them : if there be no excellency in love, let us forbear to exercise it : and if our own souls be of no value, let us continue to trifle with them, even unto the end. But if, as was shewn in our former Discourse, God will resent this apathy, and call us into judgment for it, let every one of us act for him- self, and obey, without delay, the dictates of his con- science, and the commands of God. Let none think it beneath them to espouse the cause of that despised people. Let none suppose, that, because they stand pre-eminent for rank or learning, they should account themselves excused from this sacred work. I ask of all, Are the Jews at this day in a more desperate or degraded state than they were when labouring at the brick-kilns in Egypt ? or are any amongst us more