AN ANSWER ΤΟ RABBI CROOLL'S RESTORATION OF ISRAEL.' To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.-ISAIAH viii. 20. Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.-JOHN V. 39. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.-Rev. xix. 10. ON THE PREFATORY DECLARATION.' Page 11. line 1. If ever,' &c. Whatever the author's design in writing might be, the book came into my hands under circumstances which induced me to conclude that he expected it would be answered, and consequently published. It appeared to challenge an answer; and, if none had been returned, the occasion of triumphing would have been given. P. 11. 1. 7. That the author is an enemy to Christians,' &c. There is no reason to suppose that Mr. Crooll is an enemy to Christians; but he is an avowed opponent of Christianity. The writer of this answer is far indeed from being an enemy to Jews; but he opposes Judaism as far as that opposes Christianity, and no further. P. 11. 1. 10. It is well known,' &c. This part of the declaration, being coincident with several things in the body of the work, will be considered in its proper place. P. 12. 1. 20. How much more,' &c. This passage gives me sincere pleasure; and I think it does credit to the writer. As a Briton, I feel a satisfaction at the acknowledgement from a Jew, that he and his brethren, are treated better here than in any other country. It honours our national character: but that character, as far as it is truly honourable, is the result of clearer and fuller views of Christian principles than most other nations possess; and I still more rejoice in the testimony as honourable to Christianity, which is far dearer to me than even my beloved country. P. 12. 1. 27. But the real cause,' &c. As far as the tract here referred to is concerned, it is not requisite to make any remarks. I will, however, fairly acknowledge, that after all which has hitherto been published a Jew may have much to say for himself, and with considerable plausibility. Though I am far from allowing that either the Committee of the London Society, or Christians in general, have answered nothing,' I must own that very much remains to be done; and that the controversy between Jews and Christians has not hitherto been fairly brought before the public. Detached parts have been ably discussed; but the whole of Judaism, as opposing Christianity, has not been fully and comprehensively investigated. This conviction has increased in my mind during the whole progress of the present work. Not that I hope to produce such a full and comprehensive investigation of the subject: I only say that, after a long course of years spent in studying the holy Scriptures, I may probably be able to bring forth some materials which have not yet been fully explored; and of which hereafter more skilful workmen may probably avail themselves. In this I am rather the more sanguine, as the investigation of the several topics brought before me has imparted much light to my own mind on many parts of the Old Testament, beyond what I had before attained. P. 13. 1. 19. As soon as a Jew,' &c. I consider a Jew as an avowed opponent of Christianity; I do not expect him to speak with that reverence of my glorious and gracious Saviour which, I approve and, whatever I may think or feel, I had rather shew by sound argument that what he advances is erroneous, than meet it with hard words. P. 13. 1. 28. If the Committee,' &c. This shews that the author expected that his thoughts would be published with an answer, by the Committee of the London Society.-God grant, that the answer 'may be for good to all parties.' |