distinguished for rank or talents than Moses, who was " learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," and, in the first court at that time in the universe, was in- ferior only to the king himself? yet did he not merely condescend to patronize that injured people, but, at the peril of his own life, he espoused their cause, yea, and joined himself to them, that he might participate their afflictions ; " esteeming even the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt6." To any such exercise of self-denial as this, I readily grant, we are not called. But to a zeal for God's honour, and his people's good, we are called : and I feel assured, that if, in this benevolent and holy cause, we do make some sacrifice, the time is coming when we shall not regret it. In the court of Pha- raoh, it is highly probable that all those who were ignorant of the high principles by which Moses was actuated, regarded his condescension as folly, and his zeal as madness. But far different is the estimate that has been formed, both of the one and of the other, by the Christian, no less than by the Jewish, Church; amongst whom, from that very hour, it has been an acknowledged principle, that it is " better to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." This I say, in case it should please God to raise up amongst us men of piety and talent, who shall enter fully into this sub- ject, and devote themselves to the arduous and long- neglected office of enlightening and converting the Jews. Of course, this can be expected of few, and of those only who feel themselves at liberty to conse- crate their time and talents to this blessed work. But, after the statement you have heard, I. hope I may be permitted to say, without offence, If you are convinced that the cause in which we are engaged is good, aid us by your patronage and your contri- butions : and let it be seen, that, whilst Monarchs are declaring before the whole world that such efforts
e Heb. xi. 24—26.
1263.] Christ's reign on earth. 557
' equally become the statesman and the friend of hu- manity V we, in this seat of learning and religion, know what becomes the liberality of Britons, and the disciples of Christ.
f See "Protocole" —
" Seance du 21 Novembre, 1818.
entre les cinq Cabinets.
(Signe) Metternich.
Richelieu. Castlereagh. Wellington. Hardenberg. Bernstorff. Nesselrode. Capo d'Istria."