The Jews

Among the various nations which have flourished on the stage of life, there is none whose history is more interesting, or which ought to occupy the saints more, than that of the house of Israel. Descended from an ancient and honorable stock, and chosen by divine command, to be a peculiar people, distinct and separate from all others on the face of the earth, that they might keep the statutes and judgments of the Most High, and be a light and an example to all surrounding nations.

Whether we trace their history while surrounded with the blessing and privileges enjoyed in the land of Canaan, or while in captivity, and under circumstances of humiliation and wretchedness, there is something peculiar-something striking in their character and procedure, both individually and nationally.

To follow them through the various scenes in which they have been called to act a conspicuous part, different feelings occupy the mind, which linger in sorrow, when we consider, that for near two thousand years, their houses have been left desolate, their harps have been unstrung, the voice of joy and gladness have not been heard; their enemies in possession of their lands and holy places, which, above all others, were the most dear to them; 'their holy and beautiful house, where their fathers worshipped, destroyed, and all their pleasant places laid waste,' while they, scattered and pealed, have had to wander, like fugitives through the world, and have become a hiss and a by word among all people. But there is no necessity for the mind to settle down in gloomy melancholy at their present state, but to look forward, and through the glass of scripture, contemplate a scene of glory and excellency, far surpassing their former exaltation, and beyond the glory and honor of any other nation under heaven.

To the saints of the last days, especially, who through obedience to the gospel, claim a relationship with their father Abraham, the events, which have transpired from the time they became a people to the present, must be doubly interesting.

There are many things recorded in the scriptures, respecting them prior to the destruction of their beloved city, which shed considerable light on their history and future prospects, and, which shew [show] forth the power and majesty of Jehovah, and also, his loving kindness and tender mercies. Their sojourn in Egypt, their exit there from, their wanderings in the wilderness, their settlement in Canaan, their captivity, &c., all afford materials to the contemplative mind, and present before it, all that is great and grovelling [groveling] in man, and all that is glorious, compassionate and just in our Heavenly Father.

Their situation since their rejection of the Messiah, altho' painful to contemplate, is full of interest, and shows to a demonstration, that all those things have come upon them, which were spoken by the prophets and by the Savior, respecting their degradation and overthrow. From the historians who have written since the death of the Savior, many facts are related, which show that the predictions of the ancient prophets, have been fulfilled, and likewise many things respecting their history which are worthy of being handed down from generation to generation. We intend to make such selections, and publish from time to time, such of their proceedings, and anecdotes, which we hope will meet with the approval of our readers, and will illustrate their peculiar attachment to their ancient faith, their ardent love for the land of their fathers, their bravery and indommitable [indomitable] spirit in war, and likewise their unwavering belief of their final restoration to the land of Canaan.

In whatever light the Jews may be looked upon by the world, it is evident, that they will ere long assume an important attitude. That they will "rise from the dust," gather up from their long dispersions, return to their much loved lands, re-build the Temple, and again take the lead among the nations of the earth, is abundantly proven from the word of God.

The assurance of these things, are calculated to raise feelings of no ordinary kind in the bosom of every Saint of God. It was the anticipation of the glorious events connected with the return of the Jews, and the building of the Temple, that caused the sweet singer of Israel to tune to sweetest harmony, and strike his golden lyre in praises to the Lord, and which called forth the unrivalled [unrivaled] eloquence of Isaiah, and the pathos of Jeremiah, who, while contemplating the scenes which are now about to be fulfilled upon the heads of the Jews, broke forth into such sublime and delightful strains; which have a powerful effect upon every mind, and carry conviction, that the writers were then under the operation of the spirit of Him who has said, "I am a Father to Israel and Ephraim is my first born."

Not only have we "the more sure word of prophesy," but the events which have recently transpired, on the old continents, have been gradually preparing the way for Israel to gather to the places where their fathers once flourished, and which are endeared to them by unnumbered pleasing and interesting associations, calculated to raise and give scope to the most lively feelings of the heart.

But it is not their mere gathering together, that awakens such interest in the bosom of the saint of God; but the glorious events which necessarily grow out of the same. We not only contemplate the ancient covenant people of the Lord, restored to happiness, and in the enjoyment of power, wealth, and immense influence, but the much more sublime and glorious spectacle of the glories of Heaven's King resting down upon them, the veil which has long shrouded them in darkness, for ever rent assunder [asunder] , the spirit of grace and supplication poured out upon them, the Savior appearing in their midst, shewing [showing] his hands, his feet, and side, while twice ten thousand tongues, in one commingling strain and glorious exhaltation sing, "BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. HOSANNA, HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST, AMEN, AND AMEN."

"Come thou glorious day of promise,

Come and spread thy cheerful ray

When the scattered sheep of Israel

Shall no longer go astray;

When Hosannas

With united voice they cry.

Lord, how long wilt thou be angry?

Shall thy wrath for ever burn?

Rise, redeem thine ancient people,

Their transgressions from them turn.

King of Israel

Come and set thy people free.

O that soon thou would'st to Jacob

Thine enliv'ning spirit send;

Of their unbelief and misery

Make, O Lord, a speedy end.

Lord, Messiah,

Prince of Peace, o'er Israel reign.

Glory, honour [honor], praise and power,

Be unto the Lamb for ever;

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer,

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Praise ye the Lord!

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord."