grace among them ; but in both cases it relates to the commencement of that period when the work shall be completed. The diminution of the Jews was progressive ; and so we trust will be the bringing in of the complement both of Jews and Gentiles. Indeed so far is it from being true that the whole Gentile world must be converted before the work of con- version shall begin among the Jews, that, as appears from the passage just referred to, the Jews in their converted state will be eminently instrumental in converting the Gentile world : and the circumstance of their dispersion through the world, and their knowledge of the languages of the countries where they dwell, peculiarly fits them for communicating to the Gentiles the light of divine truth, the very moment that they themselves receive it. We trust therefore that the very exertions which are now making for the Gentiles, have a favourable aspect on the Jews also. But there is at this time anions: the Jews themselves, and especially on the continent, a considerable expectation of their Messiah" : nor is it an ill omen, that the Christian world have begun to pay some attention to them, and to use means for their restoration to the Divine favour. We lay not any great stress upon the success of past endeavours; though that is by no means contemptible, considering what difficulties there have been to contend with ; but we say, that, whether the time for their full con- version be come, or not, the time for exertion on our part is always come : the time for us to pay our debts is always at hand : and therefore, without presuming to judge of secrets which God has reserved in his own bosom, we call on all to discharge to that benighted people their debt of love.
Is it asked, What shall we do ? we feel that we are their debtors ; but we know not how to discharge our debts ? I answer, What their fathers did for us, that is the thing which we should do for them. St. Paul said, " I am a debtor both to the Jews and to the Greeks :" and how did he discharge his debt ? He
u In Britain also this now (1832) obtains to a considerable extent.