behaviour and attention, Mr. Mamlock believes that the Gospel is impressing itself on their hearts. He specifies the case of two Jews, who regularly attend the meetings, and who said:"We truly long for Friday evening and Saturday to come, that we may come here to hear you. We would like to arrive on the other days, but, you see, we are working men: we have to work the whole of the week. Friday evenings only we are free. We go home, wash, change clothes, and come here. Sometimes we have not even time to do this, and therefore you must have noticed that we come now and then in our working clothes, and without even washing our hands, for fear we might be too late for the meeting." "I was very much pleased," says Mr. Mamlock, "to hear it, and thanke rod for it. They both read the Bible I gave them, and join most heartily in the prayers and singing of hymns. But it might be asked, have they always been so? Not at all. They were among those who were the most turbulent and noisy, who were in the habit of coming to the Hall towards the end of the meeting, and immediately that was over, delighted in making unpleasant remarks, and in being turbulent. It might be asked again, how was this change in these brought about? All, and I must say here, and in a good many others too, thank God, who like them attend now regularly, and listen most attentively to the lectures at our Mission Hall, I avow, it is by no other means than by the plain preaching of the Gospel of our blessed Lord, and nothing else, that has drawn these and others to the Mission Hall. I believe they are convinced that Jesus is the Christ, and hence the remarkable and visible change in their conduct. 1 could multiply instances of like cases that have and still occur at our Hall, would time and space permit. On Ascension Day we had a crowded and a most attentive meeting. After it, two Jewish ladies came to speak to me; they said, 'We have been much interested in your discourse; we should come oftener to hear you, but unfortunately we live a good way out of Paris.' They made themselves known to me, and told me a story worth repeating. "They said, 'We are the mother and sister of a young man who used to attend your lectures, and used to visit you very frequently, but he has left for America a little while ago.' They went on to say, 'as often as he heard you, or visited you, he used to come home and tell us all you had said, and he repeated the passages of Scripture you quoted, to prove that Jesus is the Messiah. He brought us a New Testament from you, and we are reading it. This is the only book,' they went on to say, 'we like to read.' I remembered well the young man in question, and naturally I was delighted to hear that my work in the Lord is not in vain.

"I am pleased to state that Major-General McCausland, late of the Royal Artillery, who was passing through Paris, kindly accepted my invitation to come to the Mission Hall, and addressed the Jews. The General had never before spoken to Jews, nor had he ever seen such a gathering. The Hall was full of Jews, sitting reverently and quietly with heads uncovered, and listening attentively to a Gospel address delivered by him in English and translated by me into French and Judeo-German. He was so much impressed with the work, that he volunteered to come again to speak to them before leaving Paris. He did so, and on his second visit the Hall was over-crowded with Jewish listeners, who appreciated his address very much, though it was translated again by me. They begged me to thank the General for it in their name.

"On the Jewish Feast of Weeks, Dr. Sanders, a medical gentleman from London passing through Paris, and to whom I was introduced by General McCausland, kindly consented to address the Jews at the Mission Hall. We had again a very

good meeting. The doctor spoke in English, and I translated it for him into French and Judeo-German. He, too, had never spoken to Jews. He had no idea that we have such Gospel meetings for Jews, and above all in Paris. He was so very much pleased with what he saw of our work that he regretted that his stay here is so short, or he would have come again to the Hall to address the Jews."

LEMBERG.

"My chief work during the month," writes Mr. M. Rosenstrauch, of Lemberg, "has been out-of-doors. I went out day by day among the Jews, and had daily religious conversations with some in the streets, promenades, and in several Jewish houses and shops, and wherever opportunities were found, as for instance at Jewish funerals, where I always succeeded in engaging some Jews in religious conversations, the object usually being man's reconciliation with God. There is a common saying among the orthodox Jewry here that the pains and the agony of death of every pious Jew reconcile him to God. I usually begin my remarks by asking why the Jews here bury their dead on the very same day in which they expired, as the passage in Deut. xxi. 23, 'Thou shalt in any wise bury them that day,' refers to criminals who were put to death by hanging, for he that is hanged is accursed of God.' The Sunday afternoon Services in my study have been continued during the month, but will now cease during summer. My new tract, A Catechism for Jews,' is now finished. I have been occupied in correcting it."

DUBLIN.

6

Mr. A. P. Weinberger, of Dublin, alludes to the following strange Jewish custom:-"As I was sitting in a house the Sabbath came to an end, and solemnly gave way to the working day. The Jews reckon from evening to evening. A glass of wine actually overflowing-symbolizing, Ps. xxiii, 5, 'My cup runneth over '— is standing on the table. At least two lights were taken into the hand-in this case burning candles were used; generally, there is an extra taper, consisting of several tapers twisted together-and then the blessing is pronounced, and the prescribed prayers recited. The members of the household stand by during this ceremony. In this case, the wife kept the two candles, otherwise a boy does it. Some spices are in some places set on the table, and all enjoy their scent. The boys are told (a saying only) to hold the taper high up that he might get a tall wife. In some places the men wet their fingers in the spilt wine, and put thein afterwards into their pockets, that these might, in the course of the week, be filled. Here they looked at their nails, using the light of the taper thereto, the meaning of which none knew.

"Attended the funeral of X.'s little son. During the short illness he came to me, poor fellow, and cried. Alter the child's death, he became very calm, resigning himself and his loved child into the hands of God. X.'s own people gave him the testimony that he behaved as a devoted and thorough Christian. And this is the more telling, because, as a rule, a prophet is not esteemed in his own country.' His father, who met him, exulted, saying, in the presence of others, that he rejoiced that his curses are proving true. X.'s reply was: 'If you, father, continue in your present state, you cannot come where my little child is, viz., with Christ.' One of his Jewish neighbours stood and scornfully laughed into the poor mother's face. Another, relating the news of the child's death, used (within M.'s hearing) an expression which is usually used of the death of animals. His wife asked him what it meant. mother saw her, and began to clap her hands and to laugh. He, of course, did not tell her that it was the pleasure at their loss,

His

These are some of the experiences which he patiently and quietly bears."

TEHERAN.

Mr. Norollah, of Teheran, reports: "The Jewish feast of Passover fell on the 1st of April, and I am thankful to say I had a happy time during the feast with the Jews of Teheran. On the second day upwards of 150 visited my brother's house, where I was present, and the subject of our conversation was the institution of the Passover feast, and how it was a type of Christ who was sacrificed for us' as a Lamb without blemish.' I visited the Jewish quarter five times during the feast, and entered into many Jewish houses, which I did not leave without announcing Christ. The Jews are more willing to hear this year than they were a few years ago, and many young men have become my friends and visit me occasionally. Twenty-three persons attended the Visitors'-room during the month, and one was instructed twice a week. The Mission Assistant wrote that meetings have been held for Jews in the Bible Depôt at Ispahan every Saturday afternoon, the Missionaries of C.M.S. kindly attending and conducting the meetings. Many Jews came to hear the Gospel, and had conversations with Mr. Joseph Elyahu after the meetings. The Jew who was lately baptized partook of the Holy Communion for the first time on Easter Sunday, April 2nd. His son, a boy of about nine years of age, was to have been baptized on that day, but he died a few days previously."

Mr. Norollah also reports that on one Sunday, when he held a service in his house, from 150 to 200 Jews and Jewesses were present, who listened very attentively to the Gospel message preached to them. After the service he distributed Hebrew Scripture Text Cards and tracts to the Jews, who promised to read them.

LONDON.

An extract or two from Mr. Stillman's journal: :-"When I

ANNIVERSARIES

SOUTH-EASTERN DISTRICT.

returned home from my visiting, I went into a Jewish shop. I had visited that family several times, but not of late, and I was most heartily welcomed. I have not seen you for an age,' said one of the men present. I had a long conversation with him, and it ended by my asking him, 'If I give you a New Testament, will you promise me to read it attentively?' 'I will,' was the reply. When I entered this shop for the first time, and endeavoured to say a few words about Christ, I was told that a Jew who embraced Christianity ought to be killed, and now we have become good friends. The grace of God can change a persecuting Saul into a Christ-preaching Paul.

"On Tuesday I visited four Jewish families; also visited a Jewish shopkeeper, to whom I offered a tract in Hebrew. He said. I have some,' but added, come in,' and invited me to enter his private room. He looked anxiously around to see whether his wife or any of his family were near. He fastened the door, and then said, 'I have a wife and four children, and that is the reason why I cannot publicly confess that I believe in Jesus Christ as the true Messiah. My father-in-law holds office in the synagogue, and my wife is a bitter enemy to Christianity.' He opened his writing desk and showed me his Hebrew Bible, in which he had made a great variety of notes to the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies in Christ. He begged me not to come again, being anxious to avoid the persecution of his wife and the Jews."

JEWS LEAVING RUSSIA. The exodus of foreign Jews from Russia is assuming larger volume than last year as the period of grace for their enforced expatriation is growing shorter. On an average each departing Russian steamer from Odessa to the Levant carries from 100 to 150 Jewish families. The emigration overland westwards is commensurately large. There are still (says the Daily News correspondent) about 15,000 Jews, classed under the foreign category in Odessa alone, who must quit Russia within the next twelve or fifteen months. A somewhat wanton and drastic hardship imposed by the city authorities is the exclusion from the harbour quays of all friends and relatives of the departing emigrants wishing to make their last adieux. This regulation leads to very painful scenes, and the police and gendarmerie who enforce it are not infrequently more than a little brutal in the execution of their duty.

Secretary. Rev. C. S. PAINTER, M. A,, 30, Lansdowne-road, Croydon.

ASSOCIATIONS, &c.

SOUTH-WESTERN DISTRICT.

BY THE WAY.

NSPECTOR GENERAL W. ORD-MACKENZIE, M.D., who has been a Member of Committee for many years, has been elected a Vice-President of the Society.

With deep gratitude to Almighty God we announce that permission to build the New Hospital at Jerusalem has, at length, been granted. Sir Arthur Nicolson, Secretary of the Embassy at Constantinople, very kindly telegraphed to Dr. Chaplin :

"Jerusalem Hospital Iradé issued, and Chancery of Imperial Division instructed to draw up Firman." We warmly congratulate our friend, Dr. Chaplin. He has been absent for four months, carrying out some anxious negotiations and visiting Jerusalem once and Constantinople twice. God has graciously blessed his efforts and we shall now see the work soon commenced. The Building Fund amounted to £7,202 15s. 8d., on June 30.

We have much pleasure in stating that a "Ladies' Union," in connection with the Society, is in process of formation. The recent Palestine Exhibitions have awakened a great amount of interest in the Society, which it is desired to turn to the best account. Consequently the objects of the Union are to further, in every possible way, the welfare of the Society, by prayer, imparting information, and creating a bond of sympathy and co-operation in Jewish Missionary Work. A copy of the Rules and terms of membership can be had on application to either of the Honorary Secretaries, Miss Gertrude Richardson, St. Edmund's, Tulse Hill, S.W., Hill, S.W., or Miss Gurney Sheppard, Leggatts, N. Mimms, Potter's Bar, Hertfordshire.

On June 30th, the Building Fund of the Girls

School, Jerusalem, amounted to £3,803 58. 1d. We much regret to say that this is £2,131 68. less than has been actually expended, and, moreover, it is now found that a further sum of £800 will be required to complete the Institution in a thorough and satisfactory manner. In order that this heavy outlay may not fall upon the General Fund of the Society, which indeed is not in a position to bear it, the Committee earnestly appeal for Special Contributions to the Building Fund.

It is very gratifying to find that friends at Bristol and Clifton are fully alive to this pressing necessity, and are very kindly making arrangements for holding a Sale of Work and Palestine Exhibition in Clifton this month, the proceeds of which will be given to the New School Building Fund.

We are pleased to announce that Palestine Exhibitions will be held in Reading on October 16th to 21st, and at Bedford on November 22nd to 25th. We hear rumours that Exhibitions are also contemplated at Torquay, Macclesfield, Dudley, and other places in the coming autumn.

Our Secretaries and representatives, when travelling about, are often asked by our friends and supporters, what books are published which would be helpful to them in acquiring information about the Jewish nation generally, in addition to those books which speak directly about Missionary Work. have pleasure in suggesting the titles and publishers of certain works which might supply the information sought for.

We

Da Costa's "Israel and the Gentiles" is a deeply interesting account of God's ancient people from a Hebrew Christian standpoint. It extends down to

1 Nisbet & Co.

8

But ascending to higher ground, we would advise our friends to read Dr. Kellogg's book, "The Jew, or Prediction and Fulfilment," and the able little Anti," and the able little AntiInfidel Tract by Hastings, "The Separated Nation." These two works touch on every point in a clear, concise style. We get Theory and Fact, History and Prophecy, Past, Present, and Future, laid before us. They will well repay patient study.

So also will the Lectures delivered by some eminent theologians, about sixteen years ago, entitled "The Jews in Relation to the Church and the World." " This book, we may add, has proved a blessing to several Jews who have studied it, being a means, under God's blessing, of bringing them to accept the great Messiah of their nation as their Saviour and God.

**

"The Jewish Religion," by Dr. M. Friedländer, is both interesting and instructive, for it shows us what Modern Judaism really is, what are the expectations and hopes of the Jews, and it enables us to see how far the Jewish religious service of to-day agrees with that required by the Almighty from them in the days of Moses and David.

THE JEWS OF HAMADAN.

[COMMUNICATED.]

CORRECT narrative of the present condition of the Jews of Hamadan, who have suffered most terribly at the hands of their Moslem neighbours, may not be out of place, for the name Hamadan is familiar to all readers of the Intelligence. The first preachers of the Gospel to the Jews of this city belonged to the Society. The late Revs. Dr. Stern and J. H. Brühl, and the Society's present Missionaries, the Revs. J. M. Eppstein and J. Lotka, laboured with great zeal and earnestness, sowing the

seed with faith and patience, and scattering the written word of God widely in this district. The American Missionaries at present labouring in Hamadan can well see the traces of their labours. The names of former Missionaries are familiar to many Jews there, and most of them possess the Society's publications. The American Missionaries are reaping the harvest. They take a warm interest in the conversion of the Jews, and one of them lives in the Jewish quarter, where he has opened two Schools for Jewish boys and girls, at which they receive good religious instruction. On Sundays the Missionaries hold a Sunday School for Jewish boys. On Sunday, the 4th June, I attended the School, and conducted the meeting for Jews, preaching on Psalm ix. Every Tuesday afternoon two of the Lady Missionaries hold a meeting in the Jewish Girls' School, when many Jewesses attend. On Tuesday, the 6th, I attended and conducted the meeting. About eighty Jewesses listened very attentively to the blessed Gospel Message, and were very much struck with the prayers which were offered up by us on their behalf.

The Jews of Hamadan, who are the subjects of persecution at the present moment, number about 3,800 individual souls, having four Synagogues, and occupying the best part of the town. They are clean and well educated, and are ready to receive the Missionaries and converse with them. Many of them have accepted the new religion of Bab, and try their best to pervert others.

Their persecution began last February. The chief Rabbi of the community, desiring to make a distinction between Hebrew Christians, Babees, and Jews, went to the chief Mohammedan Mollah (priest), and asked him to do his best to make a distinction between those who are Jews and those who are not. Accordingly the said Mollah sent for the elders of the community, and asked them to tell the Jews to put a red badge on their breasts, to distinguish them from the Moslems. The Jews at first did not accept the Mollah's proposal, but at last were forced by persecution to put on their breasts this mark of distinction. The Moslems, for many days, rushed to the Jewish quarter and plundered houses and shops, and the poor Jews were compelled to keep indoors during that time.

The Jews dare not walk in the Mohammedan quarter, and they cannot leave their own quarter after sunset. The Jewesses are also very savagely treated by the Moslems, and many of them cry out for mercy and there is no mercy. All the Hebrew Christians are allowed to go out without the badge, and no Moslem troubles them. This has caused many Jews to become inquirers into the truths of our religion. When I visited some of the Jews of this place, I told them that they were suffering persecution because of their rejection of the Messiah. It is said that the Jews of Ispahan and Kermanshah are persecuted badly, and may God Himself, from His abundant mercy, help them and show them that it is time for them to come forward and accept Christ as the Messiah and the Saviour of the world.

THE BAGDAD MISSION.-IV.

EW think of the many difficulties which meet the Missionary in the prosecution of his labours, and of the different contrivances he has to employ in order to get access to the people whom he seeks to benefit everlastingly. The Jews look upon him with suspicion and contempt; they know that their religion is given from heaven; "God spake to Moses and the prophets;" the Scriptures which Christians seek to circulate among them, especially the Old

inferior to any of their Rabbis in Hebrew learning, and that we have something which qualifies us especially to become their teachers, viz., hearts full of love to them, because they are full of love to God, the love of God constraining us. We have to encounter opposition from every quarter; the Jew naturally does not like us, the Mahomedan hates us, as Giaours; nay, even the native Christians look upon us with suspicion as heretics, and some of the English despise us as being visionary and fanatical, for entertaining, amongst other things, such a strange idea as the conversion of the Jews.

Testament, are their Scriptures, written in their language; they are, they think, the only legitimate and authentic interpreters of them; their ancestors preserved and kept them, and they are the people who have handed them down to the Gentiles. How dare those Missionaries, renegades and apostates, as they consider them to be, expound the Old Testament to them? Often, unfortunately, they meet with Missionaries inferior to them in education, in the knowledge of the Hebrew language and Talmudical lore, and feel insulted that such should have the audacity to teach them. Thus it needs great tact and much grace to deal with the sons of the Patriarchs; we must show that we are by no means

One of the first difficulties which met us at Bagdad was to find suitable premises for ourselves and the work. After a great deal of trouble, we hired a small house, in which the two Missionary families lived together, as rent was very high. In order to secure these premises, to help the landlord to put them in habitable repair, and to prevent him doubling the rent the next year, we were obliged to advance the rent for three years. All appeared bright and promising. We arranged a chapel, and invited the English to our Sunday and the Jews to our Saturday services. The Jews were attracted by being told that the new Missionary would preach in Arabic, and probably came from no better motive than