087 Bar Mens Miller HICKS CA ·F89 PREFACE TO THE FIRST LONDON EDITION OF JUDAH AND ISRAEL. In the Preface to the "Jewish Intelligencer," published in America, the Author considered that that work would be his last. It is proper, therefore, to state the reason for his again appearing before the public as an author. During his late preaching tour through several counties, he found it to be a very prevalent idea, that all the past Christian efforts to promote the conversion of the Jews had been in vain, and come to naught, and that, therefore, it was not worth while to make attempts. any new This mistaken idea naturally arose from the circumstance, that the "London Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews" having, in the year 1815, become exclusively Episcopalian, the Dissenters were shut out from having any hand in the management of its affairs, and receiving scarcely any information of its proceedings-and especially the generation which has sprung up since the change of the Society took place, who can just remember that in the days of their youth some exertions had been made to promote the conversion of the Jews, but having not heard anything of it in their riper years-they naturally concluded that the whole scheme had failed. Hence, after preaching on the subject of the Jews, the people felt again deeply interested, regretted that the sermon had been so short, and wished much to have more information on the subject. Having consulted with several brethren on the expediency of laying the subject before the public in a printed form, in a manner in which it could not be done from the pulpit, and having received their full approbation and encouragement, I redeemed a few hours every morning during my daily journeys, in preparing the following sheets. Considerable part of the matter has been published before by the Author, in America, in different works, but will be, most probably, new to the people in this country, As the present unparalleled efforts to promote the conversion of the Jews were originally commenced by the Author, it was thought the Reader would not be displeased to know something of his history. He has, therefore, prefixed a new and enlarged edition of his Narrative. That the reader may be deeply affected with the truly deplorable condition of my Jewish brethrenfirmly believe the many promises of God respecting their conversion to the faith in Christ Jesus-pray fervently for "the Spirit of grace and supplication on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem "—and engage zealously in promoting the salvation of Israel— is the sincere prayer of the Author. London, September, 1837. ANALYSIS OF THE CONTENTS. NARRATIVE OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE FOR THE LAST SIXTY- EIGHT YEARS: Containing a History of the Origin and Pro- His birth and education.-His religious offices sustained among the Jews.-Time and place of his embracing the Christian religion.-His conviction of sin, and saving ac- quaintance with Jesus.-His entrance into the Missionary Seminary at Berlin.-His design in coming to England.- His labours under the patronage of the Missionary Society. -Origin of the London Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews, and his Missionary labours under its pa- tronage. His Ministerial labours in America.-Origin of the American Society for meliorating the condition of the Jews.-The objects of his late agency to Europe.-The kind reception he met with.-Letter from Sir Thos. Ba- ring in vindication of his character.-Successful circulation of "Joseph and Benjamin" in England.-5000 copies of it printed in the German language.-Plan proposed for a set- tlement for the Jews.-Documents stating the importance of such an institution.-His return to this country.-His THE DUTY OF CHRISTIANS TO SEEK THE SALVATION OF THE THE JEWS HAVE PECULIAR CLAIMS.-Their misery demands GOD HAS GIVEN US GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT.-In His Word. To change our religion is wicked.-To attempt the conver- |