cedented in other days. The men who are to succeed us, if there be returns at all commensurate with the amount of culture expended upon them in early life, ought to be far superior to ourselves, and do battle for the truth with more skill and success than we have been able to command. In the work before us, designed expressly for young men, we have a bold and manly utterance of the highest truths, suitable for the minds of the thoughtful among that interesting class, and calculated to guide the inquiring, on subjects of everlasting moment, to a happy and wise decision. We are heartily glad to see the vast superiority of intellectual and spiritual pleasures over mere sensual gratification put in so strong and convincing a light, and recommended to the prayerful consideration of those who are most exposed to the dangerous fascinations of the latter, and who need all the aid which the experience and counsels of others can afford them. There is a healthy and independent tone of thought and expression adopted by the author of this work, at which some hypercritics may take offence, but which we confess has rather a charm for us. May we have a succession of ministers who shall see it to be a most important part of their mission to meet the intellectual wants of the rising youth of our country as Mr. Thomas does, and a succession of young men who shall appreciate the efforts made on their behalf, and profit by them. We cheerfully recommend this book to all our readers. It is every way worthy of their perusal. It would especially benefit an awakened Jew. A Catechism on the History of the Jews. The Little Boy who did not love the Jews. A True Narrative. Groom, 66, Paternoster Row. BOTH these publications are for the young, and both admirably designed to interest youthful minds and hearts in the work of Israel's evangelisation. The narrative shows, very simply and beautifully, how a child's sympathy with the Divine Saviour, when rejected by the Jews, and which at first assumed the form of hostility to that unhappy people, was directed into the channel of genuine pity for a Hebrew schoolfellow, who was ignorant of Christ. The spirit inculcated by this little child's book, is one that cannot be too constantly exhibited by old and young, if we would win the hearts of Israel to Christ. INTELLIGENCE. BRITISH SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE MISSIONARIES' JOURNALS. From Mr. Manning's Journal. Beyroot, Oct. 5, 1849.-By the date of this, you will perceive that I have not proceeded to Jerusalem, as was my intention when I last wrote you, though through mercy I am thankful to say, that neither the weather nor my health formed any impediment to my so doing; but finding on my return from the mountains that this station was vacated by the return of Mr. Winbolt to England--a circumstance I intimated before as likely to be the case-and finding, likewise, several fresh arrivals of Jews from Russia and Poland, I thought I could not do better than remain, at least for a month longer. I think I shall run no risk by putting off my journey, as it is more than probable that the season will be fine aud moderate; for it seldom happens that two severe winters in this country follow in succession. From the intercourse I have at present had with many of the stranger Jews, I have been pleased to observe that they manifest but little opposition, or disinclination to talk with me, but, on the contrary, they ask my advice on many of their temporal concerns, and treat me with a confidence that I should hardly have expected from a longer and more intimate acquaintance. I must regret not having a place to invite them to, as I am staying at a hotel, or rather an apology for one. However, there are frequent opportunities for meeting both in the streets and at the houses of resident Jews, to whom I am well known, and where I am always well received. In meeting with a party the other day, they asked me my opinion of the Messiah-as to whether he was yet come. To this I replied, I was sure he was, and was moreover sure that Jesus of Nazareth, whom the Christians worshipped as God, was he; and challenged them, if they could, to show the contrary. They said if the Christian religion was true, it was certainly one of the best in the world; for to believe only that our sins were all forgiven, on account of another, and that he had goodness enough in himself to procure eternal life for all who so believed, was indeed an easy way compared with theirs of getting to heaven. "But," they said, "you know that your belief is opposed to ours, as it respects the unity of God." I told them that I was aware of that, but that it arose from the circumstance of their belief being derived from another source than the word of God: and I then cited as many passages as I could recollect from the Old Testament, to show that the doctrine of the Trinity was contained therein. We then began to speak on the subject of man's responsibility for his faith, to which they replied, that if theirs was not the true one, it was not their fault, as they were ignorant. I told them, it was not at all clear to me, that the sins of ignorance would escape the judgment of God, especially where we had an opportunity of informing our minds of the truth; and that if the gospel should prove what it professed to be-a Revelation from God-then they could no longer shelter themselves under their former plea, or throw off the responsibility they had now incurred. On hear ing this, some of them assumed a more serious aspect than before, and appeared somewhat affected; and after a little more conversation we parted-each taking a portion of the Scriptures, which they promised to read. From Mr. Gottheil's Journal. Gleisenau, near Eltmann-on-the-Main, Sept. 25, 1849.-By the great mercy of our heavenly Father, I am enabled to send you this from a considerable distance from Nuremberg. This is a small village, where I have found a kind reception in the house of an evangelical clergyman, who takes a deep and lively interest in the conversion of Israel, and who has himself frequently engaged in controversy and conversation with Jews, regarding the one thing needful. I arrived here on Friday the 21st, and he soon invited me to stay with him over Sunday; which invitation I accepted the more readily, as, in a village a quarterof-an-hour's distance from this, there are ten Jewish families, where I could usefully employ my time. That village is called Ebelsbach, and the Rev. Mr. Blendinger is the name of my kind host. My friend Bhas again paid me several visits, which have not been devoid of interest, nor have they been allowed to pass by without being usefully employed. His visits are, I believe, increasing in importance, and we must earnestly pray, that it may please God the Holy Spirit to carry on the good work which seems to have commenced in the heart of this child of Abraham, and to make it issue in the soul's salvation! He seems to long with avidity for some reading, and generally inquires whether I have any new tracts or books for him to take home, to have them read to him. I do not fail, as far as is in my power, to supply him with what I deem profitable for him. Laura has finished the Assembly's shorter catechism; but I intend to let her learn it over once more, which will give us an occasion to enter more deeply into the question. At the same time we read the Prophet Isaiah, the most important passages of which I endeavour to explain to her. On the whole we are grateful to notice, as I mentioned in my last letter, decided evidences of the beginning of a change for good. May the Lord, who gives the increase, enable us to wait and see the issue to his glory! On the 11th of September, a well-known Jewish teacher called. He remained with me nearly the whole forenoon. He has a good knowledge of the contents of the Old Testament as well as of the New. He is well known in the literary world. Not without interest were his expressions at the end of our conversation: "Happy," said he, "are those who can believe those things with all their hearts, -for to them, that faith is a tower of strength in times of prosperity, and also in times of affliction and suffering." Having expressed a wish to possess an English Bible, with the New Testament, I sent him one on the following day, urging the necessity of its being read with a prayerful and humble mind. He replied that he quite agreed with me in what I said regarding prayer: that prayer had often proved to him also a staff and a stay in trouble; he also touched on several points, which we have yet to discuss, if it pleases God to give life and strength. May it be for good to him and to his family! The Colporteur returned on the 14th. During this trip he had been able to sell one hundred copies (either whole or parts) of the Bible, and fourteen New Testaments, and to distribute a good many tracts. The journal he brought with him was very encouraging, and filled our hearts with gratitude towards the good and gracious Lord whom we serve. He has been able to address many words of kindness and exhortation to our Jewish brethren, and in many cases has been listened to, not without pleasure. My time is too short now to give you extracts from his journal. On the 18th, I was permitted to set out on my journey. I arrived at B- on the same day, where there are above 400 Jews. This is the second time I have visited that place, and I think that, when frequently visited, good might be done there. I was able to converse with several Jews; the conversation with one of whom deserves especial notice. He seemed entirely sunk into the gulf of self-righteousness, so that he thought he stood in need neither of a Redeemer nor of redemption. I conversed with him for more than an hour, and believe I succeeded at last in making his pride and self-sufficiency surrender to the powerful attacks of the Word of God. Vain and foolish must that man be who imagines for a moment that he can do anything that is meritorious in the sight of that Omniscient Being whose goodness is equalled only by his mercy and righteousness. Little does such a man know, that those very actions that seem most praiseworthy in his or the world's eye, are to his Creator like the waters of a foul and muddy pool, compared with those of a clear, beautiful, and limpid stream! With another I had a long conversation on the present state of his people in general. He confessed that he did not understand the prayers he made use of, and that he was angry at his former teacher, for having taught him that which he was unable to comprehend. The day of Atonement, then at hand, was the next subject of our conversation, the absence of the high-priest, the temple, and the sacrifice, referred to, and explained. He gave me an attentive ear, and promised to come and see me when at Nuremberg. In the afternoon of that day I met a Jew from Fuerth, who knew and shook hands with me. He introduced me to a family he is acquainted with, from whom I received a polite reception, and was permitted to converse with several members present. A few miles distant from B- —, there are three villages, each containing several Jewish families, most of whom I went to see. They have apparently never been visited by any missionary, and were therefore not a little astonished when they heard of my errand. I was, however, permitted to speak a word of exhortation and admonition to each. They must be visited by the colporteur, as there is a want of Bibles amongst them. Monday the 24th, I walked with my host to a place called Wdistant 12 miles from this. There are some Jewish families there, and the Protestant clergyman of the place is much interested in their conversion. We called upon the teacher, and then upon several others; with one of them I conversed, especially on the subject of the atonement. He showed a good knowledge of the subject, and we then found 'that he had already conversed with other missionaries. This is a proof that a word addressed apparently without success, may yet remain laid up in memory and turn up for good on a future occasion. before him. He was however unable to refute the argument placed in a different direction. I am truly cheered by, and thankful for, the great interest which the Protestant clergy of this district manifest for the Jewish cause. If a zeal like this is nourished and made to increase, we may anticipate blessed results from it. Mr. Ben Oliel's Journal. Visit to the Synagogue in Oran.-On the first evening of the feast of Pentecost, I went to a synagogue, but finding that too full of people, went to another, to the evening prayer. Oh what a spectacle! some laughing; others making a great noise; some praying, and moving themselves as a tree's leaves in a strong wind; others playing with their children; while the snuff-box went from hand to hand around. The parting hymn was sung, and it seemed more like quarrelling than singing the praises of God. For this is a beautiful song, with the exception of these words: "The Almighty will never change His law, nor cause it to pass to another." Another verse says: "He will send our Messiah at the end of days to redeem those who wait for the time of his salvation." These are two of the thirteen principles of the Rabbis' creed, the first in opposition to the religion of the New Testament, and the other to the Saviour. It is worthy of notice that part of this creed is, that the Messiah will only save those who shall be found waiting for his coming. The Rabbis associate with this feast the giving of the law to our forefathers in Sinai, and, therefore, say that this evening must be spent in reading the whole Bible, and portions of the holy books, instead of sleeping. In the same way they are required to spend the evenings of the seventh day of the feast of the Passover, and the eighth of Tabernacles. But as they cannot read the whole Bible, &c., in one evening, the Rabbis say that by reading a portion of the beginning and end of every book of the sacred volume, it will be counted to them as if they had read it all; and in this way they make time for reading portions of what they call holy books, i. e., the Zohar, Mishna, and Gemara. So I went to my lodging, and took my Hebrew Bible, and a number of Epistles to the Hebrews, in Hebrew, and went in the company of a friend to a certain house. We found they had already begun, and were reading much the same as at the synagogue. They received me kindly, and gave me a seat with the Rabbis, who were about ten in number of course not knowing that I was a believer in Jesus. I told them that theirs was not the proper manner of reading, that they should leave the one to whom the portion belonged to read alone, as it is usually done; to which exhortation they hearkened. When my turn to read came, I read it as the Word of God should be read, when all eyes turned and looked with amazement on me, but with great quietness. At about twelve o'clock the reading of the Holy Scriptures was over, and while waiting for tea to be brought, (for coffee and tea are served at intervals, while reading-but when they finish, these are exchanged for wine, liquors, and sweets,) I took out one of |