, 1867-08-09
The children of Israel.

The prouuucilmento issued by the American
Israeitish Government, from its eadquarters in
New York City, has attracted considerable at
tention, it being to most persons in the Christian
community the first intimation Of a regular and
extended political organization for the accom-
plishment ofa favorte and leading idea-the
return 10 Palestine. None of the prophecies
more clearly indicate a Divine purpose than
those which declare that "the remnant of Israel
will surely be gathered together" No national
tradition was ever cherished with stronger affec'
tion or greater tenacity. Scattered through
Gentle lands since they were bereft of their in.
heritance, and everywhere subjected to ever
.s-.,.'s.sr - ---I- -s.-~;adiaAa. thay
nave stIu had this beacon light to cheer their
pathway. In the whole range of civilization,
from Its dawn to its present, there is no phe-
nomenon like the history of this people With
no common head, and no political union, they
uave ior ages preserved separate vitality and
distinctive nationality. This they have done
oy perseVering adherence to their language and
literature, their peculiar customs and their re-
iigious observances. They have several times
been SO nearly exterminated that their history
LOT thousands OF years appeared to have been one
long continued struggle for self preservation.
But what is most remarkable the nations by
whom they were most completely overwhelmed,
the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Syrians
ana Romans, have all passed away, while thew
the "chosen people," have survived the wrecks
and ruins, and have come down to our day to
bear witness to degree of civil aud religious
liberty in America and Europe which proves for
lhem, as for others, the most effective safeguard
from persecution. 10 the darkest hour of their
humiliation, when they were crushed as a ma.
tIon, despised as a people, socially ostracised
ourdened, degraded, martyrized they clung to
their faith, their ceremonies, their traditions aud
their hopes. They have emerged from this long
nlght OF persecution into the light of religious
liberation.
They have become great merchants and great
hnanciers. They are the money lenders of kings
and princes. They not only sit in parliamepts
but they are Prime Ministers of State. They
have taken the patriotic side in great revolu.
uonary movements. They helped-to sustain the
Union in its late conflict. They have taken high
rank as scholars, and have won enduring names
not merely as theologians, but in the walks of
natural sciences, ofphilosOphy, of mathematics
and music
Whatever may be thought Of the religious
convictions of the Hebrews, all credit must be
awarded to their persistent and courageous de-
Yotion to central idea. The practical realiza-
ton OF their hope is vigorously aimed at in the
present movement. A comprehensive political
organization, shaped and established nearly three
years ago. is already in active operation. 1t has
its high executive officers and its diplomatic
tlnctOnartes. It's business is vast, for it does
not exclusively contemplate protecting care over
Its American interests, but is in earnest co-opes
ration with kindred efforts aud alliances over
the world. 1t is a governmental bond of mai
tional union, and as such exercises authority to
call for loans, and to issue bonds and in every
other way to promote lis objects.
Among the six millions of Its own people scat
tered over the earth, there is abundant wealth
to spare for the fulfment of their fixed purpose
The great hope of their lives-the ultimate in
gathering upon the plains of Judea, the rebuild
ing of the temple, and the coming of the Mes
siah-seems to be nearer attainment than was
ever possible in the past. The tendency of the
points involved in the Eastern question is evi, !
deDtly such as to facilitate this movement. The |
Turk must give way before the advancing tide,
the gilded Mosque Of Omar is doomed to fall, !
and the threshing floor of Ornon the Jebusite is !
once more destined to be the site of ftirer
temple, and the scene of purer worship. !
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