"It is my distinct wish," he continued, "that admission as members of the College should be given to all Israelites, from whatever part of the globe they may happen to come, provided their learning and moral and religious character qualify them for the College.
"Only in case of there being among the candidates British-born subjects and foreigners, both alike qualified by their learning and character, should preference be given to the British-born subject.
"Students having completed their classical studies in a college or university in England, or in any other country, who desire to qualify for any of the high offices in the Synagogue and the community, are admitted to all the lectures free of charge after having passed an examination in Hebrew and Theological subjects to the satisfaction of the Principal and Director of the College."
Saturday Evening, September 4th.—The new members were invited to witness the completion of a sacred scroll of the Pentateuch, which was effected by Sir Moses, who, in the presence of his relatives and friends, wrote the last verse of the Book of Deuteronomy.
On Monday, September 6th, corresponding to the first day of the year 5630 A.M., the consecration of the College took place, in the presence of all the members of the community, the readers of the Synagogue, and of relatives and friends of Sir Moses specially invited for the occasion.
A procession was formed, headed by Sir Moses bearing the sacred scroll of the Pentateuch. After him came the members of the College and the readers of the Synagogue, carrying books containing the Scriptures and Commentaries thereon, whilst the rear was brought up by the general company, and all proceeded towards the College door. As Sir Moses approached he exclaimed, in the words of the Royal Psalmist, "Open unto me the gates of righteousness, I will go in and praise the Lord," upon which the doors were immediately opened from within, and all present entered, ascending the staircase leading to the Lecture Hall.
Sir Moses, and those who carried the volumes of the Scriptures, made seven circuits round the hall, chanting impressively seven psalms. At the conclusion of the last Sir Moses ascended the pulpit, and expressed his great happiness to see the day on which his ardent wishes had been realised. He also dwelt on the noble character and exalted virtues of her in whose memory the College had been established.
After him, the Principal of the College addressed the assembly, concluding with a special prayer for the prosperity of the new institution.
Sir Moses then declared the College open, and from that day to the end of his life there was no break in the prescribed order of duties. The members attended regularly, lectures were delivered on every Sabbath, and on special occasions during the week addresses on literary or historical subjects were given to the general public. Often when the state of his health permitted he would himself attend the lectures, his presence always attracting a large number of visitors.
About the end of December he was present at the laying of the first stone of the Orphans' Home at Broadstairs, by Mrs Tait, the esteemed wife of Dr Tait, late Archbishop of Canterbury, on the land given by Mrs Tait for that purpose, adjoining the Archbishop's residence. The weather was most unfavourable; there was, nevertheless, a numerous attendance of nearly all of the most distinguished families in the Isle of Thanet.