might the voices of the saints of the Most High chant the song of Mary, "He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy"-and the pealing anthem resound through the universe, the north answering the south, and the east responding to the west, "The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." JEWISH MISSION COLLEGE. THE Committee of the British Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Jews, affectionately and earnestly solicit the attention of the friends of Israel to the following statement. It has pleased God greatly to encourage the Committee by the success which has attended their past efforts. The field of their operations is wide, but their means of meeting, by a suitable agency, the spiritual claims of the seed of Jacob are so limited, that they have been led to regard as a necessary and primary object, the obtaining, as far as it shall please the great Head of the church to enable them, a constant supply of well-qualified agents, who shall be prepared to occupy the new and increasing spheres of labour which are continually opening up before them. Among those of this interesting people who have been led to embrace Jesus of Nazareth as the true Messiah, there are many, who, as far as fervent piety and real love to the souls of their fellow-men are concerned, are well adapted for the work of the Lord among their brethren. But to reflecting Christians it will be at once evident, that, in order to secure real and effective usefulness, something is required beyond these qualifications; that important as they are in themselves, they leave their possessors unprepared to meet the varieties of difficulty which occur in this department of labour, arising from the ignorance, the prejudice, and cavilling of those who fortify themselves in their adherence to Judaism by false, and often specious interpretations of the language of Scripture-and by misrepresentations of historical facts which bear upon the religion of Jesus, and the doctrines taught by the Christian system. The comparatively short experience of the committee in their work has brought them to the conclusion, that the efficiency of all their agents would be greatly enhanced by such a course of study as would, besides rendering them conversant with Jewish literature, bring them into some degree of acquaintance with systematic theology and with accurate principles of biblical interpretation, and give them a facility in dealing with the question of Christian evidences. The committee conceive, moreover, that it is of the highest importance, that, in whatever form instruction may be imparted to candidates for Jewish labour, their special destination should be constantly kept in view. For example, that those subjects in H theology which have a particular bearing on the points of difference between Jews and Christians should be chiefly brought out— that those rules of Scripture interpretation which are most at variance with the erroneous teachings of Jewish guides, should be most fully expounded, and that the pages of ecclesiastical history should be perused, not merely with a view to the acquisition of useful knowledge, but with the special object of having at command, facts which might be appealed to with success in favour of the claims of Christianity on the attention of reflecting Jews. This special bearing of the instruction required, appears to involve the necessity of a separate institution for preparatory study. But the agency employed by the Society is not limited to converts from Judaism. Such an instrumentality has in some cases its advantages, but these are by no means of so exclusive a character as to preclude the Committee from engaging the services of others who may be willing to consecrate their time and their talents to the work of the Lord among their elder brethren of the seed of Abraham. Indeed there are instances of frequent occurrence in which the labours of a Gentile are better received, and his visits more readily appreciated, than those of a Jewish missionary would be. The Committee are, therefore, anxious to secure an agency both Gentile and Jewish. And in looking round upon the churches of our land, it is believed that there are not a few Christian young men solicitous of occupation, of such a character as would enable them to prove their love to Christ by their efforts to save immortal souls, but whose tastes and habits of mind would deter them from entertaining the thought of engaging in the more public labours of the Christian ministry. In the sphere of action which this Society contemplates, these might find a very favourable opportunity of employing their talents for God. That for such there should be provided the advantages of preparatory study, every thoughtful Christian will at once admit to be an arrangement necessary and imperative; as well as that the instruction so imparted should be of that marked Jewish complexion to which reference has already been made. On these grounds the Committee appeal to the friends of Israel. The necessity of some plan which should meet the case which they have now propounded, was alluded to at their last annual meeting. Since that period the subject has had their constant and most prayerful deliberation, and in dependence on the Divine benediction, they have commenced the arrangement, and four young men have been received on probation as students, who will reside with Mr. Davidson, in the College, at No. 116, Stamford Street. They now commend their new undertaking to the sympathy, the prayers, and the liberality, of the churches. They are keenly alive to the additional responsibility which such a plan imposes on them. It must be obvious that in carrying out this project, a considerable outlay will be incurred; and hence, because of the importance of the movement, and of its interesting and promising character, they venture to express the hope that there will be found among their supporters and constituents, some who will be willing by special donations, bearing a proportion to the requisite expenditure, to manifest their sympathy with the Jewish cause, and their willingness to relieve the minds of the Committee on a point which has for months past been the occasion of deepest anxiety, and in regard to which they feel they can, in justice to the claims of Israel, no longer hesitate to take active steps. Contributions for this special object, as well as for the general purposes of the Society, will be received by the treasurer, J. D. Paul, Esq. 217, Strand; and at the Office of the Society, No. 1, Crescent Place, Blackfriars. Donations of books for the College Library will be thankfully accepted. OPENING OF THE JEWISH MISSION COLLEGE. The Committee having taken a house at No. 116, Upper Stamford Street, Blackfriars Road, for the residence of Mr. Davidson and those who may be received as missionary students, a devotional meeting was held in the Lecture Room, on Friday morning, the 16th of April, to implore the Divine blessing on this branch of the Society's undertaking, and to seek for the tutors and students the influences of the Holy Spirit. Portions of Scripture were read by the Rev. J. A. Miller; prayer was offered by the Rev. R. W. Dibdin. The Chairman, J. D. Paul, Esq., then addressed the four students. After which a short discourse was delivered to them by the Rev. R. Redpath, M.A., on the Weapons of the Spiritual Warfare, as referred to in 2 Cor. x. 4, and described in 2 Cor. vi. 6, 7; and the Rev. R. Herschell closed the solemn and interesting service by prayer. We hope the subjoined Appeal on behalf of this object will be responded to by the Christian public; rejoicing as we are in the prospect which it affords of a supply of pious, intelligent, and wellinstructed young men for this all-important mission. LECTURES TO JEWS AND CHRISTIANS. We are thankful to state that these Lectures appear to excite an increasing interest. We hope to be enabled to carry forward the plan for some time to come. On next Lord's-day evening, May 2nd, the Lecture will be delivered at Bethnal Green Chapel, by the Rev. Josiah Viney, on "The Instruction to be derived by Jews and Christians from the past dealings of God with his ancient people." And on Lord's-day evening, May 9th, at West-street Episcopal Chapel, Seven Dials, by the Rev. R. W. Dibdin, M.A. Subject"Hath God cast off his ancient people? If not, what say the Scriptures as to the mode by which he will restore them, and as to the spirit in which they will return to Him?" MEETINGS during the past month have been held and associations formed or collectors appointed, at Andover, Winchester, Fordingbridge, Odiham, Alton, Christchurch, Farnham, Wakefield, Rotherham, Pickering, Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees, Northallerton, Tadcaster, and Deptford. An Auxiliary Society has been formed in Sloane Street, Chelsea, and the Southampton, Guildford, and Chatham Associations have held their Annual Meetings. The Monthly Meeting for Prayer and Scripture Reading will be held in the Office, (D.v.) on Wednesday evening, May 19th, at 7 o'clock. THE EXPOSTULATION. WHY, my Jewish brother, why Who invites thee to draw near? Wilt thou still his Spirit grieve, Still his gracious call refuse? Where's thy splendid temple now, Once the wonder of its day? Altar, priest with mitred brow, Ark, Shecinah, where are they? Bleeding lamb and rich perfume, Heifer slain, thou now hast none, Say, how wilt thou then presume To approach God's holy throne? What, poor sinner, wilt thou do When the blood-avenger's nigh: If no city is in view+ Where thou can'st for refuge fly? But, there is a great High Priest, Day's-man, Advocate on high; Turn to Him, he'll give thee rest,§ Trust in Him, thou shalt not die. Nottingham. * Psalm xxiii.; Isaiah xl. 11; John x. Job ix. 33. Gentile feet have long since trod sway; Long the ruler's potent rod¶ Has from Judah passed away. Many an ancient prophecy In Our Saviour's person meet: Why, O child of Abraham, why Wilt thou not to Him submit? Jesus is the Lamb of God :** For His sake he pardons sin; There is refuge, enter in. We are travelling home to God,‡‡ May to you, to all, be given! Num. xxxv.; Heb. vi. 18. §§ Matt. vii. 14. The Jewish Herald. No. XVIII. JUNE, 1847. THE BRIGHTENING PROSPECT. VOL. II. OUR cause is making head. After struggling with the difficulties incident to every new undertaking, it has at length emerged out of obscurity and is ascending towards its destined moral eminence. Not long ago, ignorance of the deplorable condition of the Jew, and prejudice arising from mistaken views of the Scriptures, rose up like a thick fog around it. The duty of the Church and the glory of God were alike wrapped up in the darkness. This was the trial of our faith and patience but the light has at length burst forth, and the thick cloud is now descending as the dew upon Israel. It will naturally be expected of us to explain the grounds of our confidence. The first we shall name is one which has had long existence, which has often encouraged us in seasons of despondency, and which we still value as the sheet anchor of our hope. It is founded on the spirit in which our Society was originated and has been sustained, on the constancy Iwith which its friends have devoted themselves to its interests, and the growing favour which its operations have met with from the Christian public. Every one acquainted with its history will bear us out in our assertion that this society is the offspring of prayer, that it has been kept alive by prayer, that it has been the blessed instrument of strengthening |