Letters, 1818

Letten — To Rev. T. ThouMflon on Efforts for the Jewi in Holland — Pemale Agency — Kindnesg of Bishop Burgess — Visit to Amsterdam — Interview with Dr. Cappadose — Sermons for the Jews — English Episcopal Church there — Letter to Bishop Buigess on the Objects of his journey to Holland — To the Same, on noticing the Jews in the

King’s stsle of a Student — To Rev. Mr. on Delight in his Work

•^Dutv to a harassed Friend — Advice about various Persons — Kind Counsel for himself — To Rev. T. Thomason on sending Helpers to India — State of his People — Progress of his new Work — To Rev. T. Thomason on the Cambridge Missionary Society — Govmsmen at Trinity Church- To Bishop Mansel, on giving Letters DimissiHy to a Friend — The Bishop’s Reply.

1818.

OOBBEBPONDENCEy ETC.

To the Rev. T. Thomabon.

Harwich, May 13, ISia

My beloved Brother, —

Here I am on my way to Holland. But I must go to
other matters first....

Mr. Lewis Way is gone to Petersburgh, Moscow, (where he was most kindly received by the Emperor of Russia,) and the Crimea; to search out the state of the Jews, and to spread the Hebrew Testament amone them. Mr. C. went with him as far as Moscow, and is returned. There are at Berlin a great number of Jews who put away the Talmuds, and read the Scriptures by themselves, and even believe in Christ as the Messiah, though they do not confess him openly. At Amsterdam too, whither I am going, I understand that there are some of this description. I have got a minister to superintend that chapel; and for two full months, till he can come, Mr. Marsh and myself are going over to collect the congregation, which has been scattered for seven years, and to set on foot a great variety of plans in reference to the Jews. I hope to do the same at Rotterdam also; if, as I expect, a third friend follow us. My strength is not great; but with Mr. Marsh I shall be able to do all that the occasion calls for.

“We propose to converse with the Jews, and to collect into a body all who may be disposed to obey the call: of course our object will not be to call them to merely nominal Christianity. But for all that you will five us credit; you know our minds on such subiects as these. It may seem strange that we should go thither, but with God’s help we may be aole to effect in two

montlur more than quite a young man could in a much longer time; more especially as God has been pleased to make use of me as His instrument to take the chapel, where they have not had service for seven years. I was to have travelled this year into Scotland for the Jews, my last year’s tour you have already heard of;) but I must deler that, in hopes of accomplishing it, if my life be spared, the next year....

On my return from Amsterdam, I propose to go. to Brussels, Waterloo, Valenciennes, &c., and Paris: and I think that when my young minister comes to me at Amsterdam, I shall desire him to take James in charge, and bring him to me. It is a great joy to me, an exquisite delight, to show love to him: and it will be a great benefit to him, I trust, in every way.

“Your Orphan Asylum — What a blessed work 1 I greatly rejoice in it, and bless God that the ladies have begun to exert their influence in India, as they have done in England. In fact, they have done almost all that has been done in the Bible Society, — Missionary Society, — and Jews’ Society. They are God’s great instruments for carrying on every benevolent and pious work. But how shall the Duke of York be prevailed upon to give you £1000? He has no public money at his disposal; and no thousands of his own to spare. But if you will send over a kind of address to him througti Mr. Wilberforce, Mr. W. thinks he may be prevailed on to give you his name. This, perhaps, may be as good as his money..

I thought how Rammohun Roy’s reading of the Scriptures with a number of other persons would terminate: I was well assured it would end in somewhat like Socinianism. But still good may arise out of it all.

*’ Wonderful are the tidings I have to communicate. It appears to our governors in the church that missionaries are sent out by every denomination of Christians, except the Church of England. They have therefore applied to Government for a king’s letter, to ask subscriptions through all the churches of the kingdom in aid of this good work. 1 am endeavoring to take care that the Jews shall not be forgotten. It will give you pleasure to hear that I am on the best footing with the Bishop of St. David’s, and that he will do anything I can wish (in prudence) to promote my views. He is going to establish a missionary class in his college. He has taken under his protection Friedenburgh, a converted Jew of great talent and piety, and a young man from New Holland; both at my request. I hope aid trust that God will make him an instrument of great good. God is evidently gone out before us: and considerable work, I hope, will ere long be done.. •.

It will give you pleasure to hear that two young Jews are now educatmg under the direction of Leander Von Ess, at a Protestant University in Germany, at the expense of some in con-

278 DIART OF A TOUR IN HOLLAND. [cHAP. XX.

nection with myself. If it please God to make them (as, indeed, they already appear to be) truly pious, they will ^eatly further the diffusion ot the Truth amongst their own nation, under the direction of our society.

“I am thankful to God that your dear wife is so laborious and so useful in her statiop. Give my kindest love to her.

“Most affectionately yours.**

Extracts from the Diary of his tour in Holland.

“Amsterdam, June 15, 1818. J went with Mr. Atkinson to Tint Dr. Cappadow, a Jewbh physician. He underrtood English, but conveiBed in French. He is not a strict Jew. Many of his relations have embraced Christianity; but he considers them all as having done it from carnal motives. He b appointed the president of the Jews’ school committee under the edict of the king. He says that five of the rabbies sent a petition, or memorial to the king, desiring to lay down their office *, but afterwards apologised, and recalled it.

“He is a Portuguese Jew; and says that the SpanMi and Portuguete Jews are deteendedfrom Jew» uho bore no part m the Crueifixim qfour Lord, and neeer approved iL I think this will give great facilities for their conversion.

“He conceives that much prudence and patience are necessaiy, if we would do good among them. He reckons the Jews in Amsterdam at 25,000. I joaid him a second visit He says that the Jews in Holland have all posts and honors, nobility not excepted, open to them: and that some high posts are filled by them; and that they are on a footing of equality with otlers. This he considered as a reason why they did not need my aid; but I told him that this was the very reason that I ought to begin here.

“1st Because their prejudices would be less.

“2nd. Because I might then hoki forth Holland as a pattern for other Governments and people.

“Thursday, 18th. Thanksgiving-day for Waterloo. — All shops shut — Nothing to be sold under penalty of twenty-five guilders for every article. — All churches crowded. The preachers’ names, and their texts, all obtained by the printer, and sent out in the evening. Mr. March at the head. Mr. Marsh preached a patriotic sermon, in which he entered into an historical view of the benefits which have arisen to the Dutch Gkivemment and people. 1 announced in the papers that I should recommend and enforce the king’s edict about the educating of the Jews. His edict requires this, and recommends the people to encourage it My sermon being thought likely to do good, I resolved to pnnt It in French, and Dutch; a good many Jews attended — perhaps thirty.

“Sunday, 21st For the first time the EngliHh Episcopal Church is named in the weekly list of preachers, which is alwavs published. No such thing was ever done before. It is a great point gained: though both in the morning and evening it brought us many fpeopIe who could not understand us. This, however, will soon end; and the respectability of the church will be raised in the eyes of the people..

“1 begin now to see that my work here is done. I have great reason to thank God that we ever came: — for

“1st. The English Episcopal Church is now settled on a good footing.

“2nd. The people ot Amsterdam, both Jews and Christians, have their attention drawn to the king’s edict, which was altogether unknown.

“yd. A favorable impression is made on the minds of the Jews, and a way of access to them is opened.

“July 4th. Mr. V. O. a Jew, who is a Christian at heart, visited us. Mr. M. in my absence hafi conversed with him. When I came in he was just gone, and was recalled. My conversation was exclusively on the means by which he might benefit his countrymen. I recommended that he should instruct six youths on ms Sabbath, and agree with each of them to instruct six others, afler the manner of T. in Ireland. He expressed, but in a very modest way, hb gratitude to me for my attention to his nation; and declared his determination to adopt the plan I recommended. He seems simple and upright; and I afterwards heard a good account of him from Mr. H. He is atiraid of losing all for Christ; and I conceive that his remaining a Jew for a season may be overruled by God for gracbus purposes to his nation. My soul was deeply impressed. I

went to prajer; and we all pleaded with GJod, ’ with strong crying and tean, fipr him and his nation.

“It has certainlv been much blessed to our souls; and I do most un&ignedly adoie ay God for this rich mercy.

“July 5th. I administered the Lord’s Supper to about twenty-five, and had a very blessed season. I never before had, for so long a continuance, such a remarkaUe and uninterrupted tenderness in my ministrations, as I have had during these last eight Sundays.’’

To’the Bishop of St. David’s, (Df. Burgess.)

July 24, 1818.

“My Lord, —

To your lordship, as patron of the London Society for promoting Christianity amongst the Jews, I be leave to give an account of what, in concert with the Rev. Mr. Marsh of Colchester, I have been doing on the Continent, with a view to the furthering of the great objects of that society. Your lordship knows, I believe, that the Episcopal Church at Amsterdam, not having had service performed amongst them for seven years, (with the exception of a few times about a year ago by Mr. Way,) and having now, in consequence of the refusal of the English (Jovemment to purchase the chapel, no prospect of serving God according to the rites to which they have formerly been accustomed, and to which in their hearts they are still attached, sent over to our society a request, that we would pufchase it and send them a minister, who, whilst he officiated for them, should pay attention to the Jews in Amsterdam, and further the society’s designs among them.

“This request however the society, for want of funds, was obliged to decline; for though it is indispensable to our success, that we have one or more stations on the Continent, it was thought inexpedient to enter into anything which might have the appearance of speculation, and involve the society in debt. This was the rock upon which the former conductors struck; and it is that which the present managers are fully determined to avoid.

“But whilst, as one of the committee, I perfectly concurred in this opinion, I felt the unspeakable importance of not suffering a place so favorably situated to be lost, without first endeavoring to ascertain how far it was worthy of an effort on the part of our society to secure it. I therefore, after having ascertained the price of the premises, agreed with the proprietor to pay him the interest of the money for two years, and the principal at the close of that time, if at the expiration of it I should think the situation such as to justify an exti;aofdinary exertion on the part of the society

“Accordingly I went in the middle of May (not at public expense,) and commenced the service on Trinity Sunday. The church is small; and, I am sorry to say, the congregation was small also. After having been driven for seven years to the

280 THE king’s edict in favor of the jews. [ohap. XX.

Presbyterian Church, many did not feel themselves at liberty to come back to the Church of England, notwithstanding the preference which they felt for it. But during my stay of two months I had the satisfaction of seeing the congregation doubled, and of establishing it on a permanent basis. Another point of great importance I had the happiness to accomplish. The Church of England worship has obtained there since the year 1707; but never till the present moment was it publicly recognized by the State. But now it is acknowledged by the consistory, and advertised in the public bills, which from week to week are sent forth by the, consistopy for the information of the public. Thus it is placed altogether on the same footing as the Dutch Church, and our minister on the same footing as the Dutch ministers in everything, except in support from the public funds.

“During my stay there I was particularly attentive to everything which could mark mv respect for the State, and for the constituted authorities; and a very remarkable occasion offered itself for showing loyalty to the king, and benevolence to the Jewish people, without laying myself open to any remarks on the score of obtrusiveness or ostentation. The 18th of June was appointed to be kept as a day of thansgiving, being the third anniversary of the victory at Waterloo: and this afforded me an excellent opportunity for noticing the edict, which the King of the Netherlands had issued a year before, relative to the educating and instructing of the Jewish children throughout his dominions. This edict, though so graciously designed, had not been at all attended to: (the Dutch are rather slow in all their motions:) and I thought 1 could not do better than call the attention of the public to it in the evening, after my friend had dilated upon the more appropriate subject in the morning, v I determined therefore to put into the papers an advertisement to this effect. But wishing to act in the most guarded and prudent manner, I first sent the advertisement to the gentleman who is the great agent of the police, (with whom by the way Bonaparte and King Louis had frequent conferences,) requesting him to model it agree’ably to his own judgment, and then to submit it to the burgomasters for their approbation. This done, I had it inserted: and I was glad afterwards that I had used all these precautions, because I found that some, who knew nothing of my prudential care, were rather offended at the measure.

“The sermon which I preached on the occasion was thought likely to be of general use; on which account I have printed it in French, Dutch, and English; and have desired that a copy of the three, elegantly bound, be delivered through the proper channel, and in the most respectful manner, to his liiajesty, and to Lord Clancarty, the ambassador from our own Court. Had the translations been made and printed in due time, I should have presented them in person; but the approaching Confirmation of the Bishop

GBAP« XX.] NOTICIirO THE JBWS IN THE KINg’b LETTER. 281

of London at Colchester, rendered it necessary that Mr. Marsh (the Vicar of St. Peter’s, Colchester,) should be at home to examine the young people, who have been instructed by his locum-tenens, before he gives them a ticket for confirmation; and therefore I was constrained to leave to others what, perhaps, should rather have been done by myself. If your lordship should have any curiosity to see the sermon, I have a few which were sent after me for presents, and should feel highly honored in your acceptance of it; I could send it under three envelopes by the post. These sermons will spread through the country, and dispose many, I trust, to co-operate with our society, and the rather, because the plans which I propose are in peifect unison with the king’s edict.

If your lordship should think the sermon litely to be of use in forwarding anything of a similar nature at home, I could present it to the Bishop of London also, in whose diocese it was delivered. Indeed, I feel persuaded that if our* governors in church and state knew of the edict of the King of the Netherlands, (I have brought a copy home with me,) they would take .care to mention the Jewish people in the king’s letter, which, I understand, is about to be sent through the kingdom, to call forth the exertions of the people in behalf of missions to the heathen. They would never overlook that nation who have the greatest claim on our pity, and make them an exception to the whole world.

*’ But I have a further reason for presenting the sermon to him, because it is to his lordship that I must apply tor the Queen Anne’s bounty, which, I understand, has from the beginning been given to that church. To that I look as a substantia aid; for there are no longer the great and opulent men at Amsterdam there were formerly; and it is evident, that a clergyman of great talents must have somewhat of an adequate support, in order that he may become settled there, and be able to support a wife and family in a decent way. A novice can do nothing there: he must understand both French and Dutch, as well as the learned languages, or he will never be qualified to carry on conversation to any extent among the Jews: and it is only through an extensive acquaintance with the Jews, that he will be able to instruct the Christians how to converse with the Jews: for I am ashamed to say, that even the more intelligent amongst ourselves are but ill qualified to take the Jews upon their own ground. I say, therefore, that as the expense of maintaining such a clergyman must of necessity be large, ffor he must on no account have his time occupied with pupils,) I hope and trust this aid will be afforded towards it; and I entreat the favor of your lordship to represent the matter to the Bishop of London, and to gain for us his countenance and support. I would not presume to trouble your lordship with this, but I have not myself the honor of being knovm to

282 FOBEIGN PBOCEEDINGS IN FAVOR OF THE JEWS. [cHAF. XZ.

the Bishop of London, and the application, if I mistake not, will come with peculiar weight from your lordship, as a governor of that Church whose interests will be upHeld, and a patron of that cause to which the support of such a minister will be so greatly subservient.

“Were I not afraid of being tedious, I could state to vour lordship several other circumstances, which, in connection with the king’s edict, greatly encourage my hope that many of the Dutch clergy, and many of the Moravian ministers, will speedily combine their exertions in behalf of the lost sheep of the house of Israel: but I had rather that you should hear of it, when actually existing, than be led to expect it by any representation of mine. I am, &c. C. S.”

To the Bishop of St. David’s.

“August 19, 1818.

“My Lord, — *

I am truly happy that your lordship approves of my proceedings at Amsterdam. I have just received a letter informing me that a large bbdy of the Dutch clergy, including some who were in the commission to carry the king’s edict into effect, (and who, I am sorry to say, had thought and even published in a report, * that the time was not come,’) are so convinced of the practicability and utility of my plans, that they have engaged to co-operate with me and to work with energy. But I should fill sheets if I were to’ tell your lordship of these matters: I only suggest this, to show your lordship that my quiet, sober, prudent procedure, has not been lost upon them. I am persuaded, that it is in this way alone we can succeed, especially in the cold climate of Holland.

“I feel, from the kindness and condescension with which your lordship treats me, that I am writing to a friend: and with this feeling so strong upon my mind, I fear that I may forget myself, and communicate matters more freely and easily than I ought. If I should do so, I pray you not to impute it to me for forwardness, or deficiency in respect; I would assuredly put on my court-dress, if I were not verily persuaded that you would be better pleased to see me in my gown and slippers. I know that your lordship has deeply at heart the welfare of the Church of God, and of the people of Israel; and, therefore, I think you will be better satisfied with my artless and free communications than with more formal addresses.

“I am not altogether sorry, for the Jews’ sake, that the king’s letter is suspended. For I have a long time been working (silently) through such instruments as I could, to get the Jews noticed in that letter; but the higher powers seem to have thought, with the Dutch clergy, that * the time was not come.’ But who

will say now that the time is not come, when the Emperor of Russia sends forth such aq ukase, and the King of the Netherlands such an edict? Is it too much after this to hope, that our Government will recognize the duty of the Christian world to that degraded people, and put them in. their letter upon a footing at least with the heathen nations 7

‘* With the hope of succeeding in this point, I have been wishing to put my sermon into the hands of the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Liverpool; for though there is nothing, literally nothing, in the sermon itself, yet as arising o%t of the king*s edict, and operating to a great extent upon the Continent in that view, it may serve to remove from their minds the idea that * the time is not. come.’ I pray you, my lord, if on reading the sermon you should think that it will be of any use, as bringing before the minds of our Government the king*s edict and the proceedings that are now going forward in consequence of it through the Netherlands, I pray you avail yourself of the present interval to obtain this most desirable measure.

I have not hitherto suffered the sermon to be seen in End and, because I thought it most respectful to our governors in church and state to put it into their hands r; (on this plan I proceeded in Holland, I would not suffer any to appear before they were presented to the king, and the minister of religion, and Lord Clan* carty;) but as the time does not now press, and the effect of the sermon may evaporate before the letter comes out, I shall send it forth to the public without delay.

“But I hope you will forgive me if I again entreat you not to leave a stone unturned to obtain this small and reasonable boon, the associating of the Jews with the heathens as joint objects of our attention. It will come from your lordship with such peculiar weight, that I think one word from you would turn the scale. I have the king’s edict, if that would be of any use; but the sermon sufficiently illustrates that. Yet I have no wish that the sermon be seen by any one. I care not who does the work, if the work be but done. * That was my plan in Holland; I have done nothing but drive a few piles, (Amsterdam you koow is built on piles,) and I leave other a to build the houses; that will be better done by the natives than by me; but they have engaged to keep up a correspondence with me, so that we may all in our respective places work together.

“I have further views to Russia; but at present I forbear, lest you should think me not quite so sober as I pretend to be.

I should not omit to mention, that the King of Prussia also is favorable to the Jews; two having been recently (if I am rightly imformed) admitted amongst his privy counsellors. The bare mention of them by our Government would aid our efforts on the Continent to a vast extent — I pray you, pardon my importunity, that almost borders upon rudeness.

284 EFFECTS OF BCBNEET. [CRAF. XX.

I am happy -that you approve of Friedenburgh; I wish him to overcome that morbid state of mind, which interferes much with his comfort, and will hereafter impede his usefulness. He wants to discern more clearly the nature of true humility, as contrasted with that which often assumes, the name. It is impossible to feel too deeply that saying, * Who is sufficient for these things V but to suffer a sense of our insufficiency to discourage us is wrong. We should do all we can to qualify ourselves for our work; but when we have done that, we should remember from whence alone our success can flow; and we should be content to feel ourselves but * earthen vessels, that the excellency of the poer’ may the more evidently appear to be of God. This lesson I hope he will learn in due time, and be enabled to rejoice ’ even in his infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon him.’ From hence will flow cheerfulness of mind, which tends to adorn and recommend religion. But after all, we must make due allowance for the diflferent temperament of men’s minds and bodies, and be thankful for the excellencies we see in them, instead of repining at their defects

I am, my lord, with most unfeigned respect and esteem, your lordship’s obedient servant,

“C. Simeon.”

To the Rev. Mr. at Amsterdam.

K C, Camb Aug. 26, 1318.

“My dear Friend, —

“I take up a large sheet of paper to answer your two kind letters, that I also may show my love as you have done yours.

“Your first sentence reminds me forcibly of what I have often felt, and still feel, * This situation I certainly do not like.’ You. refer evidently to the place, and not either the church or people. Now I never come in sight of Cambridgeshire, but I feel, I will not say disgust, but a sensation which tells me what would arise in my mind, if I did not check it. After the beautiful country of Herts, to come upon the dreary fields (field, I should rather say) of Royston, for many, many miles, 1 shiver in the midst of July; the wilds of America are not more desolate in my idea than is the whole horizon to a vast extent. Yet with all this, when I turned my back upon Cambridge twenty years ago for an excursion inta the north, and again the other day when I proceeded for Holland, I looked at every house and tree, as long as anything, of Cambridge was visible, with regret that I was to be so long absent from it, and with prayers to God for his blessing upon everybody in it, whether my people or strangers, whether friends or enemies. So I trust it will be with you in a little time, when God shall have poured out his blessing upon your own soul and, upon your minis-CHAP. ZX.] ADVICE ABOUT STRANGERS. 285

irjf and especially, when He shall have opened for you some door of utterance amongst the Jewish people, your soul will be knit to the place, and you will bless your God that ever your lot was cast there. Amsterdam will still be Amsterdam, and Holland will still be Holland, to the natural eye; but to your inner man it will be an Elysium — the * gate of heaven/

Next, about dear Mr.. People there do not consider

what an exceedingly difficult thing it is to maintain an entirely blameless walk with a Xantippe always at one’s elbow, and that for years together, spending too upon herself what ought to go in the support of him and his family. It is easy for those who have had no such trial to say, *’ How can a man go from quarrelling with hid wife to preaching in the pulpit V but neither the one nor the other has been at his option. One of the most striking evidences of the excellence ot his spirit is, that in all my intercourse with him he never so much as mentioned her once; and, what is more, he never uttered one word to derogate from the character of one excellent man who did not deal out the same measure towards him. From my heart I pity him, and from my soul I love

him It will be your wisdom to side with none, and to

commit yourself to none, but to keep in peace and love with all.

As to Mr. not bein visited, how is it possible in the state of

his family that he could be vigited? no one would choose to interfere in his domestic matters, and consequently all must stand aloof. But before he is condemned, inquire what efforts she makes towards reconciliation; if none, the matter is clear. Unless you have most unquestionable evidence of something essentially wrong in him, (not mere surmise but evidence,) you will do well to strengthen his hands and comfort his heart.

Mr. H. — It is certainly true that he is a Deist, and has no religion whatever. But he has an ear, which is a great thing for you, who may gain considerable information from him about the Jews, and may be an instrument of good to him and to others through him. Paul was once a persecutor, but did not always continue so: and he also may have had worldly motives in his intercourse with Mr. Way, (though I am far from believing that he had,) but he may acquire better* things throueh his intercourse with you. He has the Hebrew translation of the N. T., and reads it carefully; and may be extremely useful to you in your future intercourse with the Jews.

t* Dr. Cappadose is a man of great learning and candor: I am going to write to him on important matters probably by this post It wjU be well worth while to cultivate to a certain degree his acquaintance. Conciliate his regards, and he will prove a host.

“What we want is a door of entrance among the Jews. If the great gates be not open, we must be glad to find a wicket.

“1 rejoice to hear that Mr. Van Offen still remains firm to his

286 HINTS RESPECTING MINISTERIAL DUTIES. [cHAP. XX.

Curpose. Bid him not be discouraged. There are mountains in is way; * but before Zerubbabel they shall become a plain, His way will be to find out some intelligent young man, whose mind is open to a general sense of duty and benevolence, and gradually to stir up in him and others, a desire to aid in the education of the lower classes. Your advice will be of infinite service to him: you can strike out plans for him, and encoumge him to carry them into execution. If he see no prospect of good arising yet, bid him ’ go seven times, and he shall see a * cloud ’ at last, which though no bigger than a man’s hand, (perhaps you, my dear friend, are that cJoud,) shall soon overspread the whole horizon. You greatly comfort me, my dear friend, with those expressions, which with thankfulness to God in your behalf, I will transcribe, * Whether God will be pleased to honor us vrith equal success (t. e. Ezekiel’s in preaching to the dry bones) we know not — that is not our business, though it is our hope; and that hope must be our encouragement, as those promises teach us our duty — may Cod bless us — give us zeal and wisdom — earnestness and patience.’ To all this my soul adds a most hearty. Amen.

“You greatly comfort me also, my dear friend, with the tidings from Rotterdam. Let us bring them more of our fire from England, and we shall at least (Deo juvante) melt their Dutch ice. Follow it up my brother, and let your love to your adorable Saviour animate and quicken all around you. I am truly happy too that you took some hints from one of my skeletons, because it shows that you may make use of them without fettering your own genius, or damping your own ardor. It is in this view that they are chiefly intended. Follow up that plan, whilst you want time for your academical studies. The field is all your own, and such occasional and ready help will entirely remove all wish to put aside the second service.

As you touch upon that point in both your letters, I will proceed to state my views of the proposal..

1. What would be the effect of it on your congregation. Would they not be ready to think, that as you reduced yourself in that respect to a level with all the clergy of the land, there was no difference between you and them? ‘Would they not too, blind and ignorant as they are, lose half the means of grace which God has sent them for their instruction? Is not the second service, too, the very opportunity now afforded for augmenting your congregation, which, if that were set aside, woula settle at its present low rate?

•’ 2. What would be the effect on the Dutch chrgy? Would they feel any impulse from your zeal? Wbuld not your habit be considered by them as a justification of theirs?

*’ 3, What would be the effect on the Jews around you t b this his zeal for Christ? Is this his zeal even for his own congregation? What can there be in principles which operate so coldly

on the very man who is sent over to convert us? We neer preach (the rabbles might say,) because we need not: and if there was no necessity on him. he would do as we.

“4. What would be the effect on Christians in England? What! Is this the man that is gone to convert the Jews? Is this the man whose efforts we are called upon to aid? Is this the man espoused by the London Society, and especially selected by Mr. S. for this great work? Even our own worldly ministers would feel ashamed of preaching only once, and would blush at the very thought of jeducing their two services to one.

“5. What would be the effect upon your own soul? Could you be happy in the thought of cutting off at one stroke half the means of salvation which God has afforded to your people? Could you expect the blessing of God upon the means you did use? Would you not have reason to fear that your own soul would languish and sink down into a low, cold, worldly state?

6. What would be the effect upon the whole concern that we have in hand? The London Society declined purchasing the premises: I said, I will take them for two years, that we may see whether, at the expiration of that time, there are such prospects of usefulness to the Jews as will justify you in purchasing the premises, and in keeping a minister as your agent there. They will inquire, of course, what is done? Whom have you there? What have his labors effected? What have they effected for his own congregation? What have they effected for the Jewish people? Beloved brother, what reply will they make, if I should have to say, * There were two services and he put aside one.’ Would they have anything to do with the chapel? Assuredly they would not: and there would be an end oj the whole concern.

“P. S. That I may not be mistaken in reference to a preparation for a fellowship, 1 add, set apart a day for fasting and prayer. At the close of that day dedicate, as before God, such a portion of your time to the prosecution of academical .studies as you judge right: and then adhere steadily to your plan,’ dedicating to the service of your God and Saviour the remainder of your time. This will bring a blessing upon your soul, and upon your very studies. You need not be told that, by putting oil to the wheels of a carriage, the labor to the horses is diminished, and the progress of the traveller accelerated in a degree that an ignorant and inexperienced person could never conceive. I trust you have often found the blessed effect of a Divine unction: how sweetly and rapidly have you proceeded when in a heavenly frame I Only get * themntment of the right hand that kewrayeth itself, and all will go mil, (Prov. xxvii. 27.)

S68 sBLBcnoir of an aobht. [csap. xb.

To the Rev. T. Thomasoiv.

*<Sept6mberl, 181&»

My beloved Brother, —

I instantly sent off your letter to Mr. Grant; and have since written to him again, desiring that he will visit me in his way to Cambridge, or, if he cannot do that, will inform me when hie gets to London, that I may not lose an hour in seeing him. I feel all the importance of the question, and the others connected with it: I feel, too, the force of the conflicting opinions of Mr. U. and Mr. S.; and I wish, in giving you my advice, to have before me not only all existing circumstances, but sll probable circumstances: that so I may not give you my opinion hastily, or without a full investigation of the point. No time shall be lost — no pains be spared. ‘Tis the service of my brother — ^’tis the service of my God.

The matter for your Orphan School is also much upon my mind. I have repeatedly conversed, though not very fully, with Mr. Grant upon it. There are diflicdties on every hand, to find proper persons, and when found to get them out. But I am alive to it, and will do all I can. I have a young man coming from town to me this very day, whom I could find it in my heart to send out to you: but he is too young; and not married; and when he is of age your bishop may refuse to ordain him. I feel immense responsibility on this subject, and know not what to do. I know what I would do, if I could find all to my mind: but when there are mountains of difliculty before me and on every side, what is to be done? It is easy, when I have done the best I could, for persons on your side to say, * This was ill-judged, — that was imprudent.’ Beloved brother, prepare, when I have done all that man can do, to hear it said, either, ‘He has done nothing,’ or, ‘He has done ill.’ Were it only across the Channel that I had to send a man, I should know the worst of it; but I cannot calculate the consequences of sending a person to India, when I cannot get such an one as I would approve, or that is in all respects fit for the station. I hope that God or His infinite mercy will find us a man after His own heart, and ‘thrust him out’ for your help.

Your drawings, both the larger and the smaller, came safe. The smaller your mother has, the larger I. 1 can scarcely express to you the pleasure which it gives me day by day. I walk with you in your verandah; I talk with you at your window; I ride with* you in your carriage; I go with you to your church. I seem to be quite present with you from day to day. I hope you also have received the drawing which I had made for you of. your mother’s house in the purchase of which she had no little respect to you, in the event of your having a furlough from ill iKalth. It is to her, and I may add to me also, a perfect paradise. Your picture, which you sent from India, hangs in her drawing-room. For % a little time it formed a pendant to Martyn’s in my room; but I am far better pleased with it where it is: for now your mother sees it

daily, as I myself also do: and I have the more of joy in it, because of the joy it occasions to her.

I hear from Holland that the Dutch clergy are determining to co-operate with me, and that my letter to them at Rotterdam produced a good effect I hope one day to have good tidings to give you from that quarter.

“Of my people a few words. Since the proud and conceited separated from me, there has been a peculiar unction upon my mmistry, and a rich blessins on the word. It is said by Solomon, *One sinner destroyeth much good,’ and I have found that one saint too, (soidisant saint,) may do the same. We are now united, loving, and I hope prospering in the best things. My last sermon to them was on 2 Thess. i. f — 7 (whither I am come in my work,) and I had much comfort in addressing it to them; though, of course, I could not go the full length in my application of it to them. I shall probably now in a few months go to press: having finished the Old Testament, and of to 2 Thessalonians in the New, besides at least one hundred sermons from the following epistles. I bless my God that He has spared me to proceed thus far; but the printing of eleven or twelve volumes will occupy two years.

‘’Our (Jews) society is prospering, and I feel no doubt but that Grod has work for us to do. Mr. Way has had repeated and most favorable interviews with the Emperor of Russia. We expect him home soon.” ...

To the Rev. T. Thomason.

November 30, ISIS.

My beloved Brother, —

“You will be surprised to hear that we have just had a public meeting at Cambridge for the Missionary Society. I trembled when it was proposed; and recdmmended the most cautious proceedings... The place of meeting was where the Bible Society, both last year and this, was held. There were at the Bible Society about 1200 persons present, perhaps 200 gown; and the next day about 900 persons, and 120 gown. We had at the Bible Society Dr. SteinkopfFand Dr. Pinkerton: but neither of them would take any part the next day. The latter meeting, especially, was very solemn; the queen’s death being announced in the papers that morning....

As for my church there is nothing new. Those who so greatly disturbed and distressed me are gone: and my church is sweetly harmoniousi As for the gownsmen, never was anything like what they are at this day. I am forced to let them go up into the galleries, which I never suffered before; and notwithstanding that, multitudes of them are forced to stand in the aisles for want of a place to sit down. What thanks can I render to the Lord for a

390 TO THE BIBHOP OF BRISTOL. [cHAP. XX*

sight of these thmgs I I am ready to sing my ancestor’s song, Luke ii. Yours, &c. C. S.”

To the Bishop of Bristol, about giving letters dimissory to Mr.T.

“December 9, l8ia

“My Lord, —

‘* In a matter of such extreme importance as that which I had the honor of bringing before you, you will not be surprised that I am in a state of anxiety; and that every hour’s delay fills me with deep concern. I did not feel quite at liberty to state it to your lordship in conversation exactly as it stands in my mind, because I could not conceive it possible, that any stronger state* ment than that which I gave you should be necessary. But as it is become necessary, permit me, my lord, to convey to you on paper what I could not prevail on myself to speak on my first application to you.

“What is it that I ask? It is, letters dimissory for a young man who has distinguished himself in your college by his studiousness, his regularity, his blameless deportment during the whole of his academic Ufe. But it may be said, I ask this without a title. True, in some sense I do; but in the most important sense I do not. A title is intended to answer two purposes; one is, to provide that there shall be no clergy without -employment in the church; the other is, that the bishop may not be responsible for the support of those whom he ordains. A title, as far as the former of these purposes is involved, he has; and one the most honorable that a man can have. And it is in this view alone that irour lordship can have any responsibilitv to the Church. The after is merely personal; and from that f shall rejoice to relieve your lordship, by giving him a title myself.

“But waving this distinction, what do I ask from your lordship? Nothing but what every bishop upon the bench is in the habit of granting to any protegS of his own.

“But you will thus, it may be said, introduce into orders a person who will not otherwise be ordained. This however is not the case; for I have at this moment at my own disposal three titles, to one or other of which he would instantly be ordained; but that I should thereby lose his services for ever.

Your lordship well knows, that for such a station as, a

person must possess studious habits, considerable attainments, and solid piety. He should also combine a knowledge of Hebrew and French with that of the classics; and have a zeal for the cause in which he is embarked. But where shall I find such persons already in orders, and disengaged? I labored for months to find one, and failed: where then can I hope to find one on this great emergency, when there is not any time to lose, and when.

if one be not immediately substituted in the place of Mr.

the whole concern must be brought to nought, to the great injury of the Church of England in that city, and to the no small triumph of all the Jews that are there resident?

“But why should I not rather apply to the Bishop of St. David’s, instead of to your lordship? First, because the Bishop of St. David’s is already doing infinitely more for me; and next, because the applying to him for a young man resident in your lordship’s college, will naturally raise in his mind a suspicion, either that I have forfeited your lordship’s favor, which your own introduction of me to him at Carlton-house gave him reason to think that I enjoyed; or, that there is something in the character of* the young man that will not bear the light.

“Your lordship does me the honor to approve, and far beyond my deserts, to applaud, my exertions in’ the cause of Christianity, and of the Church of England. But, if not aided in so plain, and unexceptionable, and necessary a matter as this, by those who alone have power to aid me, what can I effect? I am paralyzed at once, and can never do anything in the service of my God. Only think, my lord, what advantage this gives to dissenters of every denomination. If they have ability and inclination to serve the cause of Christ, they can avail themselves of any opportunity that may offer; but if we, at ever so great cost and labor, have already established ourselves in a station of the utmost importance, we must relinquish it, for want of the smallest possible encouragement on the part of those, who have been raised up both by God and man to be the protectors and fathers of the Church. I entreat your lordship to consider more fully what it islhat I ask. Is it anything more than what is actually done in reference to alAiost every missionary that is ordained, and in many instances for those who have never taken a degree? But it is not for a non-graduate that I interest myself, but a graduate of considerable distinction in your lordship’s own college ;. a person well qualified for the office, and willing to undertsuce it; but who will be absolutely precluded from a possibility of undertaking it, if a title be required. My lord, if this request be denied me, what can I ever possibly ask at your lordship’s hands in future? I cannot contemplate amongst the’ whole range of probabilities, even the existence of any circumstances which may give scope for a request more easy, more unexceptionable, in every point of view. I have really labored to find any solid objection to the ranting of it, and I cannot. I therefore hope that your lordship will compare the extreme importance of the occasion, with the light and almost non-existent objections to a compliance with my wish; and that having done so, you will not hesitate to grant it. Your having granted it once emboldens me rather to ask it again: and I will venture to say, that your repeating the favor will be no matter of grief to your lordship in a dying hour. I am, &c. dec.”

THB BUHOP’S ftBPLT. [OHAP. XZ.

The Bishop of Bsibtol’b reply.

‘’Trinity Lodge, Dec 2, I8ia
* My dear Sir* —

Had I not been prevented by a ^ood deal of indisposition, as well as an unusual pressure of business, I should have informed you, that I had determined to comply with your request, before I had the pleasure of receiving your letter this day. I therefore feel myself happy in this opportunity of testifg my deep homage to your cause, and my respect for yourselfT I remam, with great regard, my dear sir, very faithfully yours,

W. Bbistol.**