Entering the porter's lodge, I was greeted with the short but beautiful salutation of "The Lord be with you." As I replied in Hebrew, he at once showed me every possible attention. I asked him whether he had thought much about eternity and the judgment to come, being surrounded by the dead, and having death always before him; but the poor old man had no thought beyond the grave. He had been told in his infancy that there was a hell for the Gentiles, but a heaven for Israel, of which he, as a Jew, ought to partake. I asked him whether he had ever read the curse that was pronounced against every one that breaketh even one of God's commandments, or the declaration, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die;" to which he simply replied, that he had never read either the Talmud or the Bible, and knew nothing beyond what he had learned from hearsay. I promised him a French Bible, and he assured me that he would read it, and endeavour to learn in his old age what he had neglected in his youth. I have had several opportunities of addressing groups of Jews from six to ten. As their minds were occupied with the fast of the day of atonement, I expounded to them Isa. liii., and presented to them Christ as the only sacrifice for sin. I have visited between 60 and 70 families, and distributed nearly 200 tracts among them. MARSEILLES. Mr. COHEN thus notices the influence of Jewish services on an intelligent mind. This morning I met Mr. ―, who, after a long conversation about sin and the sinner, said: "Although the day of atonement is passed, yet I feel that I am not a new creature; I have not obtained pardon of all my sins committed during the past year, the day of Atonement has not blotted them out." He said: "When in the synagogue on that great day, and when I saw the Jews crying, I remembered your words, which you have told me so often: And when ye spread forth your hands I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. My people have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.' We want something better than we have; all is cold in the Jewish religion, your religion is much warmer, your conversation this morning has done me more good than the whole day of Atonement." me; I wish to serve Him all the days of my life." Mr. left during my absence, on account of not having been able to procure employment. Let us pray that the seed which has been sown in him may not be choked, but may it "bear fruit a hundred-fold." I cannot tell you how much we miss our dear old friend, Miss - - We have spent many happy hours with her, in sweet converse about the things pertaining to our eternal happiness. But, notwithstanding we miss her so much, we would not wish her back, for we know she is with the great "I am," who redeemed her, and whom, having not seen, she loved. It was, indeed, a sacred pleasure to be with her; her faith was simple, but firm, and, although young in Christ, she was enabled more than once to cheer me onward in my work, which was of no small value to me. She left to the British Society 300 frs.; but as a small annuity had, after her avowal of Christianity, been withdrawn, and her expenses during a long illness were considerable, when the funeral charges were paid there were but 50trs., which, but small, will, I am sure, be thankfully accepted, as coming from her. MANCHESTER. The first narrative is introduced to us by the Rer. WILLIAM McCaw, Minister of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Manchester : It is now many months since Mr. a Polish Jew, was introduced to me, one evening, at my prayer-meeting, by Mr. Arnold, city missionary. He professed to be a convert to the Christian faith, and expressed his desire to be baptised. I found, at a subsequent interview with him, that he has been residing many years in this country, had been married to a member of the Church of England, and had for a length of time been an inquirer as to the truths of Christianity; he had a tolerably correct knowledge of the fundamental doctrines of our holy religion, and seemed to be a sincere disciple. I was well aware, however, of the evils that result from a mere nominal profession, and so resolved on putting him on probation, and making all possible inquiries as to his character and history, in order to ascertain the genuineness of his faith. I introduced him to Mr. Naphtali, who has visited him statedly twice a week since, and given him much Christian counsel and valuable instruction. All, on inquiry, resulted in the conviction that he was what he professed to be, a sincere convert to the faith of Christ. My session agreed that he be admitted to the fellowship of the Church, and in token thereof, that he be publicly baptised on Sabbath the 30th of October. On that day, accordingly, the solemn ordinance was dispensed; in the presence of the Church, he professed his faith in Christ, was baptised "in the name of the adorable Trinity, and as the promise is not only to us but also to our children." Then after, his little child was also baptised, and so recognised as a lamb in the flock. On the next Lord's day he sat down with the church at the Lord's table, to commemorate his Saviour's death. I trust he may prove an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile." He is frank and earnest, has an inquisitive mind, and is anxious to avail himself of every means to promote his mental and spiritual improvement. He has a great veneration for Mr. Naphtali as a Christian father, from whose instruction he has derived much benefit. May he " grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Mr. NAPHTALI adds: I am also grateful to send you another copy of the result of the Lord's doing, with which you will be no less thankful. Mr. --a countryman of mine, was baptised on the 8th of November, 1858. The simple narrative of this young Israelite is as follows: Mr. was recommended to me by Mr., a converted Israelite, saying that the said Mr.--is a sincere inquirer; yet at the same time he advised me to use my own discretion. Accordingly I first examined him, and then I had with him many conversations, in which I found that the Spirit of the Lord is with him; I have, therefore, pointed out to him more fully the Gospel Scriptures in the Old Testament, and directed him by all means to attend a Christian place of worship. However, I left to him the choice of a Christian place, where he can benefit most for the spiritualisation of his soul; thus he attended several places of worship. At last he met with a section of the Church of Christ, who are called the Christian Brethren, and meet for worship in where he was kindly treated, as well as improved his mind by spiritual conversation. In the meantime I watched his movements, and was very glad, yea, and thankful, that the Lord has been so mindful of him, and secured a place of safety for him, both as it regards the welfare of his soul and body. Finally, after several months of trial, he was found faithful, and counted fit for fellowship with the people of God; he was, therefore, admitted to unite with the said church, first by the ordinance of baptism, on the 8th instant, and thereby the ordinance of the Lord's supper; thus, once more, hath the Lord been pleased to add to the fold of Christ another lost sheep of the house of Israel, and encouraged us to go on our way rejoicing, yea, and trust in Him, that He will do for us greater things than this, wherewith we shall have yet more cause to bless Him. We regret that we have not space for Mr. NAPHTALI'S grateful and judicious remarks on these proofs of the Divine blessing on his ministry. Poetry. JACOB WRESTLING WITH THE ANGEL. By Jabbok's rippling waters, On Peniel's lovely spot, The weary Patriarch rested, Where human eye saw not; His wives and little ones, Glorious, surpassing far Whom highest heaven adore, Oh, had we heard the blessing By Jabbok's murmuring wave! Rest on his children now. Israel, we look to meet thee In our Redeemer's home, SARAH ANN RYMER. To the Friends of the Society. PRAYER MEETINGS.-It is matter of regret that the monthly meetings at the Office are so feebly attended, and very much to be desired that occasions for prayer should be multiplied. It is now proposed that meetings for this purpose should be held every month in school-rooms and places of worship, where short addresses will be delivered, and prayer offered on behalf of the one object of the Society. It is hoped that this plan will be adopted in the country as well as in London. THE JEWISH HERALD, in closing another year of its existence, asks its readers whether they will assist its onward course. It is, at present, a record of facts, rather than a compendium of sentiment and argument. It might be both more advantageous and attractive, would but a few gifted individuals, alive to the cause of Israel, accord the influence of occasional contributions. We plead also for an increase in its circulation,—and that it may be used at social gatherings, and meetings for prayer; thus identifying the spiritual interest of the Jews with our holiest associations, and awakening a deeper interest in the progress of the cause before the Mercyseat, realising our dependance, and giving all the glory to God. Cards for New Year's Gifts may be had on application at the Office. The aspect of the Society, and the position of the cause of Israel's conversion, at the close of this year, are favourable and encouraging; and the more earnest is our plea for fervent prayer and cordial support. "God will perform the truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham, which He hath sworn unto the fathers, from the days of old." Meetings of Associations, &c. Deputations:-Revs. John Reynolds, J. Wilkinson, James Smith, J. S. Pearsall, W. Barker, and Messrs. Yonge and Ginsburg. The following places have been visited by the Rev. James Smith, of Wisbeach, but no particulars of the services have been received:-Biggleswade, Baldock, Duxford, Therfield, Melbourne, and Foulmire. Also the following places by Mr. C. D. Ginsburg :-Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster, and Blackburn. CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF THE SOCIETY. From October 1st to November 26th, 1858. THE MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL MEETING will be held as usual at No. 1, Crescentplace, Blackfriars, on Wednesday Evening, December 15th, at 7 o'clock. Meeting is open to all friends of Israel. Boards, 12mo, One Shilling. LIGHT A T EVEN TIDE; A NARRATIVE OF LYDIA M *** A CONVERTED JEWESS. WERTHEIM and Co., Paternoster-row, and 23, Holles-street. The London Published by JOHN SNOW, 35, Paternoster Row. : Printed by Charles Adams and William Gee, at 23 Middle Street, West Smithfield, E.C.-No.156-December 1, 1858. |