spent much of my time with persons of this description; sometimes they would invite me to their own lodgings, where I sat down with them, and preaching to them freely the Gospel of Christ, urging upon them the consideration of their condition as sinners before God, and at other times defending our most holy faith against the attacks of rabbinnical arguments; and I am happy to state, that in many cases, I have been enabled to conciliate the minds of those who were extremely averse to search the Scriptures, in connexion with Christianity, and I do sincerely trust, that whatsoever their future pursuits in this country may be, that the intercourse which I have had with them, and which I still hope to continue, cannot fail, by the blessing of God, to give to their minds a right bias, and ultimately to operate for the good of their deathless spirits. (Extract for November.)

Humiliating, and of a nature to depress and discourage one's spirits as the work of the "Missionary" of the Cross often is, I cannot help thinking, from the very favourable appearance around us, that there are some bright gleams beginning to pierce the dark overhanging clouds, and to dissipate the long night of Israel's unbelief. Every one who has but a slight knowledge of the aspect of things at the present moment, among the Jewish nation in general, cannot but think that we are rapidly approaching a crisis when great and important changes will take place, with regard to the existing state of religion amongst them. Perhaps but few Christians are aware how slight a hold ancient Judaism has, at this moment, on the majority of the Jews, and how feeble the grasp is (at one time so formidable) even among the most devout. That system, once the terror of the superstitious and ignorant, is shaken to its very centre, and is falling into gradual decay, by the direct and indirect influence of Christianity; and there is but little doubt that we are swiftly nearing the time when that system, like all other false systems, will be obliged to retire and vanish, and will be counted among the things that once were.

However, this is not the only feature to which I would refer: there is something still more important. I mean the gradual admission, on the part of great multitudes of the Jews, of the truth of the "New Testament" history, while not a few even go further, and look upon Jesus of Nazareth, as the person in whom alone they can find rest for their weary souls. We see them distinctly. Two elements, as it were, at war with each other: Judaism rapidly receding, and the Gospel of Christ gradually advancing and gaining ground, even amongst its bitterest foes. One cannot help looking back to a former period, to a time still fresh in my own memory, when the mind of the Jew was still enveloped in thick darkness; and contrasting it with the present, the thought must force itself upon one's mind, "What marvels has the Lord wrought, truly it is wonderful in our eyes!" I have been led to these remarks, from the very many cases which came under my notice of late, of a most cheering description; and, with very few exceptions, that bitter hostility which once characterized the unhappy Jew as the bitterest enemy to the Gospel of Christ, has been mostly abandoned, and a spirit of reconciliation and inquiry are now taking its place.

The conversations that I hold are various, sometimes of a nature to rouse the conscience to a sense of guilt, and endeavouring to direct its inquiries to the proper channel; and at other times vindicating the honour of our Lord as being the Son of the Most High; but in all

cases, I am happy to say, mutual confidence to some extent is established, and if one may judge from outward appearances, I may say, that if the Lord vouchsafes to grant his blessing, an impression is made highly favourable for the good of their souls. Oh! that professed Christians would walk consistently! that impressions like these, which are often the fruit of much exertion and self-denial on the part of the Missionary of the Cross, may not wear off imperceptibly by scenes which continually meet the eyes of such individuals, as is but too often the case. The Lord grant a speedy revival in his Church, that those who are identified with his Name, may indeed be so in spirit and in truth.

In a similar strain, another missionary writes :

Called upon Mr. who came to England purposely to buy 400 copies of the Scriptures, with the intention to dispose of them among the Russian Jews; and, as he told me, there never was a time when the Jews in that part of the world were so eagerly wishing to possess the book of God, as at the present time; this, of course, is comfortable news; but there is something more to cheer those who wait for the salvation of Israel, and that is, an unparelleled movement is manifesting itself among the Talmudical Jews, in connexion with the hopes and expectations of a Messiah, so long entertained by their forefathers, and cherished by themselves. They ask, who is he to be? where is he to appear? and what is he to do? and how is he to be believed? As Mr. D- was telling me some most interesting particulars, my heart and mind were directed to the prophecy concerning the dry bones; which appears strikingly exemplified by the facts to which I was listening. I have to add, that Mr. R- himself is favourably inclined to Christianity: and I assisted him to purchase the above number of the Old Testament, and 40 copies of the New.

The value of the truth, as known or desired by Jews in the season of trouble is thus exhibited :

The Lord has been pleased to own my imperfect services during the now closing month and year; and while, on all sides, I see much to deplore, and in myself nothing to boast, I am thankful to see a little of the manifested grace and power of Him, who only worketh marvels. I cannot tell of multitudes-whether Jews or Gentiles-turned from sin to God; but a few have, I believe, realized the grace of God in truth; and there are yet a few not far from his kingdom.

Severe sickness in one case, has required my more frequent visits to this child of affliction. But, her joy and hope in the anticipation of her "crown of life," through the blood of Jesus, have given me a lesson of world renunciation, that will not, I hope, be thrown away upon myself. In the seasons of her extreme pain, I never have found her faith or patience fail her; so abundant is the grace of the Lord to her.

In another case of grievous family affliction, both I, and other Christian brethren who have accompanied me, have seen the grace of God, and have ministered in some measure the Gospel's consolations. This case was the fruit of dear Brother Franckel.

In the case of a neighbour, (of which I am restrained from giving details in writing), my visits to a rich and dying relative, have been made instrumental to her deep concern for her soul; and as she does not now reject the crucified Jesus, I have a pleasing hope that the conviction

of the need of such a Saviour as her relative found, will be followed by the enjoyment of the same blessed assurance, as cheered his dying hour. The Lord make known his work to his servant! The praise be all to him!

It has recently been matter of great comfort to me, to find poor stedfast in his faith, amidst the adverse circumstances, in which, at present, he appears fixed. He told me on my last visit how he feels his position, and only waits the opening of Providence, to make, as he said, "a full avowal of his obedience to Christ."

The Lord has tried this poor son of Jacob in all but fire; and I sometimes think his faith must, even now, be more than merely intellectual, to have remained unshaken. But its fruits will become more evident when his profession is more open. The Lord finish his work in righteousness!

Another missionary writes:—

Saturday the 22nd, a young man called on me whom I had known during the whole time of my residence here; I had conversed with him several times, and asked him to come to my house; and although he promised to come, yet he never did; on last Saturday he told me the reason, it was with him a matter of conscience; he was aware that the life he led must be displeasing in the sight of God; but, to go to the missionary, he thought would be worse than anything he had done before. It happened, however, that he tired of his ill doings, he had intended to go home, but could get no farther than Berlin; he called on Dr. Holtheim, and conversed with him; he says, he was awakened, -that is as I apprehend-when the young man, being a Talmudical student himself, and the son of an eminent Rabbi in Russia, heard the strange news of Dr. Holtheim on religion, that he was astonished, and alarmed; for thus much I am sure, that Christianity, when laid before the Jewish scholar properly and scripturally, will appear to him far more natural than that new Jewish religion, which is no religion. He asked me to show him what Christianity is; in how far Christians claim to be in the right upon a scriptural basis; I told him that I would gladly do so, but before we begin, said I, I must tell you that your present conduct will not do for Christianity; you must give up many things to which you have been accustomed, and then I will be most happy to teach you. The young man answered me very solemnly, 'Dear Sir, I have not come here to deceive you; for by doing so, I know I can only deceive myself; I have, indeed, been led to think very seriously about myself lately. Reflecting that it matters little, comparatively, in what manner I live, but what will become of me after death? This life I have not the means of enjoying, and if I am to possess nothing in the life to come, oh! what was I born for?' I told him that these were thoughts that ought to occupy the attention of every Jew; I showed him that there is a way open for him to gain salvation; I invited him to come to Jesus: I gave him several tracts, and asked him to call again.

THE FEMALE SCRIPTURE READER is chiefly engaged in the eastern part of London. She has two Bible classes, consisting together of about fifty young Jewesses. In her last report, she states that they continue to be well attended; that the mothers of several not only meet together at their own habitations for reading the Word of God, but that they also come to her abode for that purpose; and that five of them have commenced subscribing for Bibles.

FOREIGN MISSIONS.

MR. BRUNNER relates the baptism of one of his inquirers, Mr. R., in the Church "Des Billettes," on the 22nd of December, when he presented the following statement:

I was born in Jassy, but when I was four years old, my parents, who were natives of Vienna, went back there, and took me with them. I was then placed at an elementary school, where I remained till the age of eleven years. After that time, my parents, who wished to make me a Rabbi, sent me to Presburg, to pass the well-known Rabbinic College, where I studied till my fourteenth year.

The insipid matter and abstruse reasoning of the Talmud, excited very early my disgust; and I returned therefore to Vienna, contrary to the will of my parents. As soon as I came back to Vienna, I entered the Commercial College, where I studied till the age of 17 years. Upon leaving this college, I took an active part in my father's business. During this time my mind began to reflect upon the errors of Judaism; but the Christianity around me did not present to me such an aspect as to prove its superiority.

At the age of 22 years, I entered voluntarily into military service where I was raised to the rank of officer at the battle of St. Lucia, near Verona. After the battle of Novara I left the army, where I served for about 18 months, and received an honourable dismission.

Returning to Vienna, my parents sent me on business to Florence and Livorna, where I began afresh my inquiries after Christianity, which I continued for the last two years. I attended there the Protestant places of worship, where the preaching of a certain Pastor Schafter very much tended to advance my inquiries.

After having read the history of the Reformation, which banished from my mind that prejudice the Roman Catholic Christianity had produced and fostered, I disclosed to my brother, who was with me in Florence, my desire of becoming a Christian. He, of course, endeavoured to dissuade me from it by representing to me the disgrace this step would bring upon the family. Two alternatives were then left to me: either to obey the voice of God or of men. The first prevailed; and I left therefore Florence and came to Paris in the hope to realize here my desire.

The first thing I did when arrived here was to inquire after a Protestant church. I was then directed to the Luthern church" Des Billettes," where I heard Pastor Vallette. I introduced myself to him, and revealed to him my desire of taking Christian instruction. Mr. Vallette recommended me to you, and I shall never forget your kindness and Christian love towards me. Your instructions became, through the grace of God, a blessing to my soul; and I am now ready and prepared to make an open confession of my faith.

I pray now that the Lord Jesus may preserve me blameless unto the perfect day, and remain your ever grateful brother.-P. L. R.

Mr. Cohen gives the following interesting account of his intercourse with some Jewish prisoners :

In my last I told you that I hoped to visit the prison, which I have done several times since I wrote to you; whenever I call I am received kindly

by the governor, who allows me to have the prisoners into his room without going from cell to cell; there are at present five Jews and one Jewess. The first time when I called I found them not only ignorant of the Word of God, but ignorant also of their position as sinners before a holy God, they told me that they were sure of heaven because they were by birth Jews, and because they repeated their prayers daily, and do not eat even the food which is given them in the prison. I told them as one who was anxious for their salvation, if they could not boast of something better than merely that they were Jews by birth, and that they repeated their prayers and do not eat the Gentile's food as the ground of their acceptance before God, that they were in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity, and endeavoured from the Bible to show them that by nature they were children of wrath, and as such it was impossible for them to enter heaven in their natural state; the heart must be changed before they could reach that happy place; all their boasting of being Jews by birth would in the hour of death profit them nothing and entreated them to search the Scriptures which I shall give them, for this is the very time, and the very place. On Monday (Dec. 8), I called, when the Governor told me that two of the men prisoners and the Jewess have been greatly impressed with the truth, which cheered my heart. He said whenever I enter their cells I always find them reading the Bible or the tracts which you left; the woman, he informed me was, he really thought, a true believer in the Lord Jesus (although, I am sorry to say, that he does not believe in him himself); he said "I had a conversation with her yesterday when she told me that she loved the Saviour and that she could now see that it was the will of God that she should come into such a place as she now was in, for had she not been put into prison she would never have known Jesus Christ, and she thanked God for sending you to her;" he told me that, although she could not read herself, she liked to have the gospel read to her, and that she is asking her fellow prisoners all day to read the Testament to her and especially the Gospel and Epistles by John, of which she is very fond. I must tell you that we are all very sorry for this daughter of Abraham, for we are nearly certain that she has been innocently put into prison, but the governor told me to day that he thought she would be soon set at liberty; she has been in prison more than three weeks.

Yesterday morning (Dec. 16), I again visited the Jew prisoners, and again spoke to them about their souls; one of the Jews who has been impressed with the truth, asked me several questions, he said "Do you think, sir, that Jesus will save me? do you think if I were to come to him as helpless as the sick man of the palsy of whom I have been reading in Matthew that he would say to me, "Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee ?" I told him that Jesus came upon this earth not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, and although our sins be red like crimson, if we believe in Jesus, he will make them as white as wool, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" is the language of the "New Testament." They appeared sorry when I told them that I had to leave, and three gave vent to their feelings. I told them I should not forget them in my prayers and once more entreated them to read the "New Testament," for there they would find that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believed on him should not perish but have everlasting life."