pupils. I trust that germs of truths may be thus conveyed to the young minds of his school.

I hope to initiate another movement among my Jewish acquaintances in the course of this winter. I intend, if possible, to gather them around me, once in the week, in a social circle, in order to profitable conversation. I have suggested the idea to one or two, who seemed to enter upon it with pleasure. It will of course require great circumspection to deviate on neither side; to maintain that social courtesy which becomes and graces the Christian, and yet not deny the truth. Dr. Graham once tried a similar experiment, but under somewhat different circumstances.

From Mr. SCHWARTZ:

BRESLAU.

Sept. 22.-In the house where I reside, there lived also, a year ago, a gentleman of great wealth, and his family. The access for a missionary to such Jews is at all times very difficult, and requires great care and circumspection; but in this case there was still, besides this, another hindrance, viz. their extreme Jewish bigotry. But, through the Lord's mercy, I obtained a footing in that grand family, and soon a friendly connection rose up between the two families. My object of introducing the truth as it is in Christ Jesus was for a time frustrated, partly by his being continually occupied with his business, and partly on account of their extreme aversion to enter into conversation upon religious matters.

I have been engaged during the last month with a great number of Jews here and in the neighbourhood, who frequented the fair of this and other places. As usual I went in the morning after them, opened conversations with them, distributed tracts and New Testaments, gave them my address, and invited them to my lodgings for further intercourse. A good many accepted my invitation, and I had as many as six and ten at a time in my room. Our chief topics were, the approaching festivals; the importance which they once owned, as being typical of another dispensation; their complete insignificance now, as the chief things, such as the temple, the high priest and the sacrifices, were wanting; and pointed out to them the Messiah, in whom all these types centered, and who brought about, according to the predictions of the prophets, the redemption, not only of the Jewish people, by the shedding of His precious blood upon the cross, but of all those who believe on Him, whether it be Jew or Gentile. Similar discussions I had for many hours at a time every day (the Lord'sday not excepted), as they had the most leisure time that day. Their objections were partly the old ones borrowed from rabbinism and partly from infidelity, to all of which I answered as the Lord has given me grace. Some, however, did not object at all, as the subject was entirely new to them. The railways, which are now partly finished in Russia, bring us Jews from corners and places to which the voice of the missionary had hitherto not penetrated, and they look with amazement when the Hebrew New Testament is shown to them. But they accept it with joy, particularly on the frontiers, where I met most of them. That the Lord would bless our work is the prayer of your devoted servant.

Nov. 10. As far back as the year 1857, when my Jewish convert Mr. was here publicly received into the Church of Christ, an effect was produced upon the Jews in general, but more especially upon his numerous relations here and in the province, who are of the rulers, and influential in their social position among the Jews, but more particularly so upon the brothers of his, an

elder and a younger one. But this effect manifested itself in a different aspect. The eldest brother, a mild and harmless character, being at first exasperated at the step his brother had taken, was, however, soon reconciled, but with it he sunk into apathy and indifference, from which he was, with all perseverance, not to be roused. Upon the other, though still a youth, it made a most powerful impression, though invisible, and carefully hid from the view of man. He even assumed a horrible position towards his converted brother, and for a long time had no intercourse with him. But within him a fire was burning, and an internal struggle commenced, only known to the Jew, upon antagonistic principles originating from Judaism, and convictions arising from the preaching of the Gospel began to work upon his heart. This is a time of deepest anxiety to the missionary, as this is the turning-point which issues in the weal or woe of the individual; for they generally either plunge headlong into the abyss of infidelity, from which it is most difficult to reclaim them, or they open their hearts to conviction, and return to the embraces of religion, from which they have deeply deviated. To me it was such a time of deep anxiety when I observed the state of mind of the individual in question; and he was often a subject of my prayers and supplications to the Lord, but he came to no decision. For two years in succession I laboured with him without any decisive change taking place; and in this state the military conscription removed him from here, and I lost sight of him for more than three years. He served in an artillery regiment, and, by the providence of God, often heard the sermons of the pious chaplain of the garrison, and under his ministry it seems his mind had undergone a happy and complete change. A few weeks ago, his military service having expired, he came back to this place, and the first thing he did was to come and see me in company with his converted brother (who has a government situation here). He is now fully determined to embrace the religion of Christ, after having settled his affairs at Berlin, where he is at present; and I trust to see him here soon to complete my instructions, and to bring him to confess Christ before men, in whom he fully believes as his Saviour and Redeemer.

The other day, whilst walking in the street, I was surprised by some one calling to me out of a shop, in English, "How do you do?" I turned round, and saw a gentleman standing at the door, of whom I did not seem to have the slightest recol lection. He invited me, however, to come to his shop, which I, of course, immediately accepted, and was not a little cager to know who or what the gentleman was. He looked at me, and said, "What! don't you know Mr. —, who lived so-andso, and whom you used to visit very often?" Now, after having mentioned his name I recollected him, and, in my turn, asked some questions of him. I may state briefly that Mr. and his family had left this country about nine years ago, and had during this time resided chiefly in London, Manchester, and Liverpool. Previous to his departure for England he was well known to me, and the message of mercy was received by him and his wife with great readiness; but the great space of time intervening, together with the large number of individuals with whom I constantly come in contact, contributed not a little to erase Lim from my memory. But what is most interesting for us to know, for our purpose, is that he not only retained a knowledge of my person, but that he retained a hold of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. While he was in England, he sought intercourse with missionaries; especially does he seem to know Mr. Naphtali, of whom he speaks in the highest terms. I had a long interview with him, and I urged home upon him the duty of confessing Christ before men; but it seems that for the present there is little prospect of his thus coming.

forward, as he seems to be entirely dependent upon his orthodox relations of this place. But I shall continue to urge it, notwithstanding improbabilities and difficulties, and leave the result with the Lord. At a subsequent opportunity he introduced me to his wife. She told me that she had brought her English Bible with her, and with which she would not part for the world; that she reads in it very regularly with her boys, who were born in England, and she deeply regrets having been obliged to leave that country. Of course I took this occasion, as well as the former, and preached to them Christ and Him crucified, to which they gave their utmost attention. I am indeed thankful to the Lord that He has by his kind providence opened a door to me to that family, and may He grant me to be the humble instrument of bringing them nearer to the mercy-seat, that they may obtain pardon by the shedding of the precious blood of Christ for the remission of sins.

The house of Mrs.

-;

he was exceedingly atten

the dear, suffering convert of whom I have spoken in my letters so often, continues to afford me excellent opportunities of preaching the Gospel to the Jews. As she is so well known here, she is visited not only by her numerous relations, but also by a great many strange Jews, by whom she is very much esteemed. I have made most valuable acquaintances at her house, and, amongst others, that of an English Jewish family. Mr. is a native of but has been a long time in America and England, but Mrs. is a native of London. I have had a long and interesting conversation with Mr. tive, and it lasted from eight o'clock in the evening till past eleven, and the result was that he very kindly invited me to his house, and I have since visited them in company with my wife, and they received us with a cordiality to which poor missionaries are not very often used on the part of the Jews. They are very liberal in their views of religion, and very tolerant, but of course at present far from the kingdom of God. I have already introduced Christian books, as well as the New Testament, in this interesting family. I hope for the best with them, as they are still young, having been married only a year, and have not yet imbibed the poison of infidelity.

Mr. JAFFE:

BAVARIA.

How cheering it is when, amidst the discouragements and trials of missionary work, we now and then meet with an individual who feels fully alive to his hopeless and helpless state, and is yearning for something higher, more enduring than this world can offer!

I have, some time ago, mentioned a Mr. to you, who was in a fair way of becoming decided for the truth. I have been, since here, a constant visitor at his house, and besides enjoying unlimited confidence, I have, from the first, found him, not only a patient and docile scholar, but also an anxious searcher after truth. In his wife he ever found a violent opponent, who shunned no means of frustrating his object, but, through the grace of God, he was enabled to break through all these trammels and persevere in his design, which was, at last, crowned with the most gratifying results. In the last interview I had with him, he distinctly told me that he is fully convinced of the truths of our holy religion, and whenever the Lord will make his way plain before him, he will not fail of giving proof of his sincerity. Mr. carries on an extensive trade, and is, besides, highly respected. These as is natural, form so many impediments in the way of his openly confessing the Lord

Jesus. A few years ago, he felt very anxious for placing under my tuition, his son, an only child, who was just then being confirmed, and on which occasion I was present; but the firm opposition of Mrs. · prevented his doing so, though he still determined that as soon as his son has finished his apprenticeship, which will be in a little more than a year, to send him to England, with a view of becoming acquainted with the Christian religion, and deciding for himself. I commend this family to the guidance and blessing of the God of Israel.

I have latterly had several interviews with a Chasan (reader) of the orthodox party. For a long time he was inaccessible; but the aversion of speaking to me, gradually subsided, and he became very friendly and sociable. He would then listen, for hours, to the exposition of divine truth, and sometimes it seemed as if his heart were touched; but he seldom or ever would express his own views on the matter. I supplied him with tracts and a Hebrew New Testament, which I have reason to believe he read, not without profit. A short time ago when engaged in conversation with him, I urged him to give his opinion on the topics we had been discussing, and after much shuffling and shifting he guardedly said, that so far as he has had an insight into the doctrines of Christianity, he is bound to own that there is a great deal of truth and beauty in it, "but," added he, "pray urge me not over this subject, for I find that Christianity is a very troublesome stone to all who meddle with it; I fear I have already gone too far, and if I were to follow out the dictates of my feelings, I don't know where it would end." "Then you fear consequences ?" I asked. "Yes, for I don't know what would become of me." I told him that if we seek God's glory by it, then we need not fear what will become of us. If Christ be the Saviour, and we believe it with our heart, and confess it with our lips, then the promise of Christ still holds good, when He said, "There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters for My sake and the Gospel's, but he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time and in the world to come eternal life." The citation of this passage made him very serious and contemplative, and fearing that I might weaken the impression by my further remarks, I thought it best to leave him for this time. Fear of what will become of him in case he embraces the truth, is that which influences him the most; and that is it that deters hundreds, if not thousands, from deciding for the truth. Such persons I always pity the most; they have tasted the truth, they have even been brought under its influence, but whilst the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak, and between willingness and fear, they remain undecided, robbing their souls of that peace which they would otherwise enjoy, and dishonouring God by their timidity and unbelief.

of

Our young friend, Mr. —, I have had the satisfaction and joy of seeing once or twice since my last to you. The Lord has already done great things for him, though he possesses not as yet the full and unmingled joy of the believer. Some months ago he had fully resolved to put the New Testament aside, "but," said he, I felt more miserable afterwards than before." He was irresistibly drawn to its study again, and the more he read, the stronger and firmer did his conviction grow that Jesus is indeed and of a truth the Christ, the Redeemer of the world. "My parents," said he, conjectured the whole, and I was most narrowly watched; but one day I was taken to the task, and, in my great distress and confusion, I denied that I had such a thing as a New Testament, or that even I had read it." His emotions were very deep when reciting this. I reminded him of the fall of Peter, and his consequent repentance, and told him, that if he had looked more to the Lord and less to himself, he might have been spared the humiliation of denying the truth, and defiling

his conscience. "But," said he, "what was I to do? if I had confessed, expulsion and degradation would have been the certain result, and where was I to go? and what to begin? Had I the means, I would join my brother in America, but as it is, I must patiently abide my time, and wait till the Lord shows me the path I am to go in." I was moved to deep sympathy and pity for this young brother, but all I could for the present do, was to encourage, strengthen, and comfort him: I commend him to the special intercession of all who love the cause of Israel.

I truly feel deeply sorry to hear that the Society's financial affairs have not taken a more favourable turn yet, and should from my heart regret it if you should be reduced to the painful expediency of limiting the number of your agents. I cannot help believing but that Christians will yet come to your help, and extricate you from your present embarrassment. It is a time of trial for you and all of us, but let faith be in vigorous exercise. The Lord will appear for you in due time, and show that He has not been an indifferent spectator. Many hints have been given by missionaries how to act in this state of emergency. It ought not, I think, to abide by suggestions merely, it ought to assume a practical shape, and the missionaries, as such, ought to unite in one common practical expression of their love and sympathy. I feel grieved to my very heart that I am unable for this quarter at least, to throw in my mite. This has been a very heavy quarter to us. And besides this, the winter always requires more outlay than any other season, so that I could not possibly do anything now, unless I bring myself into great difficulties, and this I feel confident you will not require of me. But should the affairs of the Society at the close of their financial year not be raised, then I pledge myself to do what I can after that. If there are any who feel deeper obligations to the Society, it is myself, for I have not forgotten what you did for me in all seasons of trial and domestic sorrow. If there was therefore a time when my prayers were more importunate and incessant it is now, and I feel confident that deliverance will come.

FROM ITALY We have grateful tidings and the promise of still better news. In concert with Dr. Mayer, Mr. Perazzi has preached several times in the Waldensian Church, and many Jews (not "of the baser sort") have been amongst the most attentive of his hearers. "This is the very thing necessary," said one of them to Dr. Mayer, "to prove to the Jews that, though a Christian, a Jew does not cease to be a Jew. Your teaching will bear fruit." On another occasion, the very same rabbi said, "Be not afraid, your principles will triumph." Speaking of his need of suitable tracts, Dr. Mayer says: "Their aim should be that of making spiritual Jews, i. e., good and sincere believers in the promised Messiah, who is our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus of Nazareth." "On last Saturday, Mr. Perazzi preached. The chapel was very full indeed-more Jews than I had ever seen there before. After sermon three or four of them came up to him, shaking hands with him, and expressing their gratitude for the sermon.' Dr. Mayer mentions other instances which may, we think, be accepted as proofs that, through the accompanying influence of the Holy Spirit, a work is in progress which will issue in the conversion of many to the faith of Christ, and to the life and liberty and hope of the Gospel. Dr. Mayer adds: "I understand that two of my inquiring Jews, Germans by birth, who left two months ago for their native country, have been baptised at Basle."