our law, but also an exact picture of what he is to expect in temporal matters, in thus joining himself to a nation labouring under oppreffion, mifery, and almost uni verfal contempt. All which, fully demonftrates, how inclinable we are towards converting any to our religion. But do not think, Sir, that this proceeds from our un willingness, that others fhould be parta kers of the heavenly blifs, annexed to the due performance of the Mofaical dif penfation; but from a juft and liberal way of thinking, and the universal CHARITY we are taught to live in with mankind in general: for it is the unanimous opinion of our Rabbins, that the LAW OF MOSES, is obligatory on thofe of our na tion only for as we entered into a covenant with God to keep his law, and commandments, we, confequently, are bound to the due performance thereof. But that, we hold not to be the cafe of the reft of mankind; for, if they do but keep the law of nature, that is the feven precepts

of

of the fons of Noah, or Noachides*, we maintain, that they thereby perform all that God requires of them, and will certainly by this fervice, render themselves acceptable to him. And, it is fuch as

conform to thefe rules, that we call "D

the pious of the nations of אומות העולם

the world; and who will be partakers of eternal life. Maimonides on Repentance, Chap. III.

Thus, Sir, you may perceive, that we do not think our religion obligatory upon ALL mankind; nor the only infallible one to falvation; as every other Religion and Sect that I have hitherto heard of, esteems itself. With these just and noble sentiments, inculcated into me from earlieft my youth, it must be obvious to every impar

These precepts are as follows: Firft, Not to commit idolatry. Second, Not to blafpheme. Third, To appoint and constitute just and upright judges :"that justice may be maintained, and impartially adminiftered to all. Fourth, Not to commit inceft. Fifth, Not to commit murder. Sixth, Not to rob, or fteal, &c. Seventh, Not to eat a member of a living creature.

tial and liberal mind, that I do not aim at the converfion of Christians to the Jewish faith; as I do not think fuch knight errantry incumbent upon me, or neceffary to the falvation of mankind.

But as I think it proper, that I fhould declare what is my aim in this undertaking, I fhall, without ceremony, proceed to inform you, that it is twofold.

Firft, to clear our nation from the obloquy which they have laboured under for upwards of seventeen hundred years, viz. the charge of crucifying the Lord and Saviour of the world, as the orthodox Christians hold; or a prophet that was fent to them in the first instance, as you are pleased to affert.

Second. That as you feem engaged in the laudable pursuit of truth, I would willingly affift you therein to the utmost of my power, by throwing fuch lights thereon, as may be a furtherance thereto. In the mean time, with my most earnest sup

plications

plications to the Supreme Being, that he may be pleased to illuminate your mind in the pursuit of truth,

I am, Sir,

Your most obedient humble fervant,

DAVID LEVI.

D 2

LETTER

LETTER. I.

Of the prefent Difperfion of the Jewish

.

DEAR SIR,

Nation.

You tell us (page 12,

of your letters) that "our prefent difperfed and calamitous "fituation, is certainly a proof that we "are at this very time under the divine

displeasure; that we ought to examine "what is the real cause of it, and make

it our business to remove it." So far we agree. But, when you obferve, (page 16,) that we ought to confider that a

66

captivity of feventy years only, without

any peculiar hardships during the con"tinuance of it, were deemed fufficient "punishment for all our offences com"mitted before that period; whereas we

"have