the NORTH-AFRICAN mission on so extensive a scale as appeared desirable. The Rev. A. Ben Oliel therefore retired from this Society, and has transferred his services to a kindred-institution. He had, however, during his connexion with us, distributed by sale or gift, 2836 copies of the Scriptures, in whole or in part, and about 10,000 portions of Scripture-and there are instances plainly attesting the success of his labours, one of which is detailed in the Appendix.

Mr. LowITZ now visits the coast of North Africa, his fixed residence being at GIBRALTAR. He there finds Jewish prejudices much abated; and has frequent visits from the Jews of Barbary, many of whom would gladly remain under his instruction had they means of support.

We can but hastily glance at the other stations occupied by the Society, and will supply the deficiency by extracts from the annual statements of the missionaries, to be published with this Report.

MR. STERN, among 3000 Jews in FRANKFORT and its suburbs, has friendly intercourse with about 150 families, and has often "blessed conversations with them." Instances are related of those who were his pupils as a Jewish teacher, now sitting at the feet of Jesus. He says: "My children in America stand firm and joyful in the Lord;" and his unconverted relatives manifest to him an unwonted affection. He thinks the general religious state of the Jews improved, and states that since the commencement his mission, 86 persons have been baptised, with whom he stood directly or indirectly in relation; and in a recent note he says: "As to those baptised, the greater part follow the Lord sincerely, are not ashamed of the Gospel, and are telling to other Jews that the Cross of Christ is the power of God."

During the past year, Mr. W. BRUNNER, who had previously laboured long and well in London, has commenced a mission in HANOVER. He has met discouragement, arising as much from apathy and misapprehension on the part of Christian as from Jewish unbelief. He is, however, improving in friendly intercourse with Jews of different classes, but entertains more hope of success with the orthodox, who profess faith in the OldTestament Scriptures, though enfolded in talmudical fables, than with those who substitute reason and conscience for the living oracles.

At BRESLAU, MR. SCHWARTZ finds great facility for teaching the truth, and is much impressed by the progressive improvement of the Jewish mind He speaks of having preached Christ to as many as 1500, several of whom have made a public profession; of these he relates very interesting details, and states that they continue to walk stedfastly in the faith. Six have died, of whom he entertains the highest hopes. His heart has been specially cheered by the affectionate movement of his own relatives towards him. His mother, on her dying bed, was constantly speaking of him and his letters; a brother he believes to be converted; and after seventeen years estrangement, his father has lately sought him out, and for seven hours conversed with him of the things which concern his eternal peace.

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Mr. GOTTHEIL's record of his mission, and of the state of the Jews in WURTEMBURG and GERMANY in general, will be read with lively interest, as the result of experience and close observation. He very much urges adoption of colportage, and still more the employment of the pen and the press, for the supply of publications suited to the intellectual and spiritual condition of the Jews. He acknowledges, with gratitude, a grant by the Religious Tract Society of £25, and of some valuable works in aid of these

views. His intercourse with Jewish teachers and others appear to promise very important results.

The mission in FRANCE presents an encouraging aspect, and still justifies the expectation formerly expressed, that not only will many be brought from Jewish darkness into light and liberty, but that the influence will be felt on Christian communities, by specimens of pristine piety witnessing for the simplicity, and attesting the power of the Gospel amidst surrounding idolatry and spiritual insensibility. An ability to send forth more labourers into that vineyard will be among the most hopeful features of our new year.

At MARSEILLES the Missionary has had many opportunities of declaring and of pressing home the truth on the consciences of those going forth to conflict, or returning wounded or dying, as well as to other travellers. Among the residents, his ministry has been savingly blessed to several. One young convert was early called to suffer, was baptised in the hospital by the Rev. J. Monod, and died in the full enjoyment of hope, a sinner saved by grace.

An aged daughter of Abraham, also, we believe, a fruit of his instructions, has lately celebrated the anniversary of her baptism by a devotional service. In a note to your secretary, she says: My conscience has been quite easy ever since my Saviour was pleased to remove the darkened veil from my eyes-oh, what grace! My sight of late is much weakened with some infirmities of my age, eighty-four-and-a-half years. With love may you enjoy the present season and many others." Thus does our venerable sister hold her way rejoicing; and having seen the Lord's salvation, waits the hour of her departure.

We must refer you to the Appendix for details of the progress of the work in LYONS, where Judaism seems to exist scarely but in name, but where the Missionary has been enabled, by the quickening Spirit, to awaken some attention, and even thankfully to state: "that, notwithstanding the trying nature of the work in general, and the varied difficulties that beset the Missionary's path, I have had many tokens that the Gospel has not been preached in vain during the past year, but have every reason to hope that the Spirit of God is carrying on the work of grace in many souls. In some cases deep conviction of sin has been produced; in others, a sincere desire to learn of Christ and follow Him; whilst there are a few who would have come forward and publicly confessed the Saviour, if their position and station in life would permit it-these claim our special prayers, that their faith might be increased, and grace given them to give up all and follow Christ."

Several have emigrated. He has preached to many hundreds-a few have confessed Christ. Mr. FRANKEL hopes soon to visit the Jews in several towns in that section of France.

MULHOUSE has presented us with some of the most affecting proofs of the life-giving power which has attended the humble and earnest ministrations of Mr. GINSBURG. Inquiry has been awakened-conviction has resulted-Christ has been confessed-faith has been tested by the severest persecution. The young disciples have stood firm, and the truth is prevailing. Mr. Ginsburg has suffered severely in his health, and many a tribute of affection have the Jews paid in his sick chamber, and many a lesson of Christian teaching have they borne away with them.

PARIS.-Mr. BRUNNRR speaks very hopefully of the mission prospects

there. With 80 Jewish families he has kindly and familiar intercourse, and is keeping up correspondence with those who have left France. He states that of the eighteen who have been baptised, with the exception of two, all are walking consistently.

Mr. COHEN states that he has preached the Gospel to more than 600 Jews during the past year. Of the conversion of eight he has no doubt. It is proposed that he should itinerate occasionally in different towns, and he has already visited Nice and Cannes.

The mission in BELGIUM has been kindly assisted by the co-operation of friends on the spot, who have formed an AUXILIARY and remitted funds. Efforts have been made, by public lectures, to excite attention to the allimportant subject, both among Jews and Christians. And Mr. KESSLER relates several instances of awakened attention and earnest inquiry.

The concurrent testimony of our missionaries on the CONTINENT OF EUROPE, induces expectations that the progress of Jewish evangelisation may for a time test our patience, perseverance, and prayer, but that it will, ere long, issue in happy and permanent results of the highest order. The atmosphere in which our missions are conducted is not so much one of open hostility to Christian truth, as of indifference to any but the suggestions of human reason. The Jews rarely see Christianity in its native simplicity, and very seldom experience its breathings of love; and it would seem that nothing is adapted to arouse them out of their present apathy, or direct their half-awakened minds into the truth, but the voice of mercy, speaking in the words of Jesus and His apostles, and offices of love rendered by those who tread in their footsteps.

We must not detain you long on the HOME stations, but refer to the monthly "Jewish Herald," and to the Appendix.

Mr. JAFFE states, that he has been more encouraged than in any former year; visiting on an average twenty families in a week, and about 190 individuals. He infers, from the interest manifested by young men, and other circumstances, that the Gospel is making its way, disarming prejudice, and chasing superstition. He also refers to instances of conversion and of public confession. His annual review will be read with lively interest.

Mr. GINSBURG has declared the Gospel to about 400 individuals, and has witnessed the deepest interest awakened among the young, several of whom have placed themselves under his instruction.

Mr. GELLERT has never had so much encouragement, "bright gleams of mercy breaking through the clouds." He has most friendly intercourse with 36 families, after struggles which make present confidence all the more firm. He has conversed with about 130 individuals, several of them youths from Russia. He notices a total decay of the talmudical system, and that the state of the Jews is peculiarly favourable to Christian effort.

Mr. NAPHTALI thus describes the nature and success of his work. Referring to the Russian youths flying for refuge to this country, he says: "The unexpected arrival of fugitives has increased the labours of your Missionary; and the sudden transition from a land of bondage to a land of liberty, has predisposed them to listen to the message of the Gospel. The novel idea of salvation by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, roused them to the utmost inquisitiveness; and but for the poverty of their circumstances and the distraction of their minds, some happy and good results might have been realised. I gave them some

temporal relief, a number of tracts, and a few Bibles, and humbly look to the Lord to give the increase. I have visited the resident poor, and although they are not actually needy, they are obliged to struggle hard to procure their daily bread. My intercourse with them during twelve years years has secured for me their confidence. They consult me on various occasions and disclose to me their private affairs; and, in return, I faithfully counsel them to seek the salvation of their own souls, and also of the souls of their dependent families. I have supplied them with Bibles and tracts; and the result of my experience is a deep conviction that not a few of them are believers at heart. Then again, I have kept up constant intercourse with the middle class, who are more respectable and better informed, comprising shopkeepers, tutors, commission agents, commercial travellers, and small merchants. Their religious sentiments are rather latitudinarian. Moses and Christ, Judaism and Christianity, are of equal consideration. Hence they are unstable like water. Sometimes they gladden my heart by speaking of Christ with the highest admiration; at other times they couple Him with Moses. Nevertheless, the fact that they will compare Christ with Moses, and Christianity with Judaism, is, to my mind, an assurance that the religion of the Gospel, which is adapted to all men and for all places, will ultimately prevail. As for the wealthier class, though Jews by birth, the effect of civilisation has almost separated them from their brethren; social intercourse with their co-religionists has well nigh ceased; and with it a considerable amount of national prejudice has given way. The consequence is, they make no difficulty in attending a Christian place of worship, and even take delight in associating with Christian company. In connexion with this subject, I would humbly offer a practical suggestion. Let such gentlemen as come in contact with the wealthier Jews, put into their hands a suitable religious tract, accompanied by a request that it may be carefully read, and let a subsequent opportunity be taken to ask the question, What think ye of Christ? By such an agency, an incalculable amount of good might be accomplished. Finally, the most important part of your Missionary's labours, in propagating the Gospel among his brethren, is during the annual holidays, especially on the two principal festivals, namely, the Feast of the Passover and that of the New Year, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles;-seasons when the itinerant masses go up to the synagogue to celebrate the solemn Feast. The number of strangers averages from 200 to 300 at each festival; and the duration of their stay, including all the festivals, is about nine weeks. At these gatherings they go about the streets in companies, which affords your Missionary additional facilities in preaching the Gospel to them. Some listen silently, others argue warmly,-a considerable amount of Gospel truth is exhibited; and this being repeated festival after festival, and year after year, we may hope that some lasting good is effected."

Mr. SCHONBERG and Mr. LEVY are enabled to bear testimony to the progress of the work; and Mr. WILKINSON, while vigorously and efficiently engaged in pleading the cause of the Society, has been following out, with much encouragement, the earnest desire of his and our hearts, the converversion of his brethren. His statement will be found in the Appendix.

Mr. LANGFORD, having served the Society for eleven years, has retired. The committee are glad to record the high esteem they entertain for his Christian character, and a very grateful appreciation of his faithful and judicious ministry as a Missionary of this Society.

In bringing this brief statement to a close, there are a few suggestions of a practical character, which may be appropriately offered to your notice :

1. The very critical state of the Society's funds induced your committee to go forward with a reduced staff of Missionaries, and very much to limit the operations of those engaged. The effort so liberally made has relieved us, and sends your new committee onward into another year under brighter hopes than usual. We have, however, still to plead for the increase of permanent support, that while the utmost caution is used to avoid debt, the agency may not be fettered at a moment of so much encouragement and expectancy.

2. The surpassing importance of realising the spiritual character of the work in which we are engaged; so that it may indeed be a work of faith and a labour of love, invigorated and rekindled at the Cross and before the mercy-seat, and cheered by hopes resting too firmly on the Word of God to be depressed by disappointment, or elated by mere appearances.

3. Gratefully let us review the past, not overlooking the mercies that have attended our progress, but watching unto prayer, and abounding therein with thanksgiving. While we appreciate at its unspeakable value the salvation of each soul, let it be our constant aim, that through the Divine blessing on the continuous, though somewhat desultory effort, a Christian element may be so widely diffused that the Jew may find himself every where surrounded by it. We must not leave the Jew, when conscience stirs within him, and, when conviction of sin craves a resting-place for the weary soul, to seek for life among the dead, or to grope his way into yet deeper shades of spiritual gloom. Let him know where to find a Guide, and on every hand a rest for his feet, an interpreter, one among a thousand, ready to show him the path of peace. Oh, Christian, with your whole heart, aid this and every endeavour to bring the Jew to the feet of Jesus. It is a prize of infinite value to the Saviour-to the Church-to the world. You may well expect much from him. His present sin is so blended with personal enmity to the Son of God, that when indeed converted, and conscious that he is saved by the blood of the Crucified One, you may reckon on the fervour of holy indignation against himself, and of unreserved devotedness to his long-rejected Friend. He will stand by you, against popery and infidelity. He will cheer you on in the holy warillustrate by the types of his Old Testament the glorious truths of your New Covenant, and, with the glowing ardour of first love, refresh you with prospects drawn from his own sacred records, blending with the ultimate blessedness of the one redeemed Church, the glory of the one Redeemer. Oh, Christian, if you would exalt the Saviour, revive the Church, and bless the world, save, save the Jew. May He, whose we are, and whom we serve, speedily gather in the remnant, according to the election of grace, and hasten on the day when "all Israel shall be saved." "If the casting away of him has been the reconciling of the world, what shall his reception be but life from the dead."

We very much regret our inability, at present, to give a detailed account of the Annual Meeting. An arrangement was made with the “Christian Times" to supply a full account, which, we are informed, was forgotten.