THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE SOCIETY.

T

HE season of Christmas is a very fitting time in which to make an appeal on behalf of the Society's Funds. This is all the more necessary in the present financial year, when an increased activity in Missionary operations will necessarily involve a correspondingly increased expenditure. To mention two matters only, a second assistant Medical Missionary has just been appointed for Palestine, rendered necessary by the development of the work in Galilee; and as the Rev. J. E. Hanauer, of Jerusalem, is about to proceed to Jaffa, this will necessitate the appointment of an additional assistant Missionary for Jerusalem. We, therefore, confidently turn to our friends and supporters for increased help to meet increasing liabilities. The Committee earnestly appeal on behalf of the SOCIETY'S GENERAL FUND.

This Fund has to bear the burden of all expenditure except such as may be provided for by Special Funds. It goes without saying, that this is by far the most important Fund, sustaining as it does the general work of the Society. It is of the utmost necessity that, if the efficiency of its Missionary operations is to be maintained, this Fund should be liberally and generously supported; and we beg our friends not to divert to any special objects Donations which would otherwise be given to it.

But, as some of our friends also desire to aid certain objects, we may commend to their attention. the following SPECIAL FUNDS:

1. THE BUILDING FUND FOR THE GIRLS' SCHOOL AT JERUSALEM.

This building, which forms a most important and valuable addition to the Society's premises in the Holy City, was opened in November of last year,

M

although in an unfinished state. It is admirably adapted for its purpose, and is built on the Sanatorium Ground, about a mile from the Jaffa Gate. The Fund amounted to £3,817 9s. 3d. on October 31, which is, we regret to say, £2,143 14s. 3d. less than the amount already actually expended; whilst a further sum of £800 is required to complete the building.

2. THE BUILDING FUND FOR THE NEW HOSPITAL AT JERUSALEM.

This Fund, we rejoice to say, has received a large and generous support from the Society's friends throughout the country, amounting to £7,276 78.9d. on October 31. It is certain, however, that a further considerable amount will be required, if the New Hospital is to be built in accordance with the exigencies of the work. The announcement that building operations will be commenced in the Spring of next year, or, as soon as a contract has been accepted, will doubtless call forth the needful additional donations to this most important department of the Society's work.

3. THE BUILDING FUND FOR THE NEW MISSION PREMISES AT SAFED, IN GALILEE.

A contract of £820 has been accepted for completing the above work, which is in progress. To meet this outlay the sum of £494 is available, being the unexpended balance of the "Queen's Jubilee Fund." Contributions to meet the deficiency will be thankfully received.

4. THE BUILDING FUND FOR A HOSPITAL AT SAFED. The Committee, having decided to build a small Hospital as an adjunct to this important Mission, are anxious to receive donations for the same. The probable cost of the building will be from £3,000 to £4,000.

Having thus stated the needs of the Mission at the present time, we confidently leave the matter in the hands of Him, to whom the silver and the gold belong, knowing that He will touch the hearts of those who are His stewards to provide out of their abundance the means for carrying on His work.

BY THE WAY.

E much regret to record the death, on October 23, of the Primate of All Ireland, the Most Reverend the Archbishop of Armagh (Dr. Knox), one of the VicePatrons of the Society.

From the same munificent donor mentioned in the October number we have received the further gift of £200 towards the Establishment of a "Labour Home," in connection with the London Mission.

Mr. W. H. Anderson, L.R.C.S., and L.R.C.P., Edinburgh, has been appointed Assistant Medical Missionary for Safed and Galilee. He had a final interview with the Committee on Nov. 17, and left England on the 8th, via Constantinople, where he has to obtain a Turkish diploma.

Mr. A. Beresford Pite has been appointed Architect for the New Mission Hospital at Jerusalem. He left for Palestine on the 13th of last month, in order that the plans already drawn may be modified and adapted on the spot to the limitations laid down in the Firman. An English contractor has also gone to Jerusalem, and, on his return, he will send in an estimate for building the Hospital.

An account of the "Palestine Exhibition" held at Reading in October is given on page 189. There were Exhibitions at Bedford and Tiverton last month. Arrangements are in progress for holding Exhibitions. at Torquay, Dudley, Paddington, Birmingham, Manchester, and other places.

The Rev. A. H. Kelk wrote from Jerusalem on October 5th:-"I had the pleasure of baptizing two more young men last Sunday evening. It is rather remarkable to have baptisms in the midst of a Jewish Feast (Tabernacles). As a rule they are rather afraid at such a time. These two make

up eight baptisms since Easter. We had a Special Confirmation on Tuesday morning, when these eight were confirmed, and one young Hebrew Christian from London."

Three of the Special Course of Sermons in St. Paul's Church, Onslow Square, were preached on November 15, 22, 29, by the Revs. Prebendary Webb-Peploe, Canon Girdlestone, and Archdeacon

Hughes-Games respectively. Three remain to be preached this month, on the three Wednesday evenings in Advent, namely, December 6, 13, and 20, by the Rev. C. H. Banning, the Dean of Norwich, and the Rev. T. Graham respectively. The subjects of these Special Sermons were announced

last month.

It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of Mr. Adolf Blumberg, the Society's Mission-assistant in Warsaw, on October 24th, after a most painful and protracted illness. He was 74 years of age, a proselyte of about 50 years' standing, and had been engaged for upwards of 30 years in work amongst the Jews. He was zealous in his work and faithful to his Master. His funeral was attended by a large number of Christians, Jews and Proselytes. He was highly respected and esteemed by all.

RUSSIAN JEWS AS SOLDIERS.-It is frequently stated by the apologists for the Russian persecutions that the latter shirk and evade the conscription law. How untrue this statement is becomes apparent when the fact is stated that, despite the arbitrary law which does not admit of a Jew rising above the rank of a non-commissioned officer, yet at the present day, there are 126,000 Jews in the Russian army. Between 1875-80 there were in the European Russian army, 40,840 Jewish recruits, against 1,152,541 of all other creeds. These figures were exceeded in the next period ending 1886, for then against 1,228,731 general recruits, there were 53,695 Jews or 4.4 per cent. This percentage has constantly risen till in 1889, when the Jews equalled 3.9 per cent. of the total population, the Jewish recruits numbered 5.7 per cent. and even these high figures were exceeded in 1891, when the Jewish recruits equalled 6.07 per cent. of the total number raised.-Jewish World.

RAILWAYS TO DAMASCUS.-The British Consul at Damascus, referring in his last Report to the various railway schemes connected with that town, says the Damascus-Hauran Railway is approaching completion as far as the line is concerned. Already fifty miles have been laid down, and there remain only about fifteen miles of rail to be laid, the earthworks being completed. Stations and buildings are still in an incomplete state, so it will probably not be finished for some months. This railway was pushed on with a view to discouraging competition from Haifa, but this proceeding must cause the company heavy loss, for until the Damascus-Beyrout line is made, which will not be for three or four years, it is difficult to discover what goods the Hauran line will have to carry. The Damascus-Beyrout Railway is now in process of construction. The work is difficult, and it is apparently not to be built on solid lines, which will increase the working expenses. Were a long tunnel to be built in the Lebanon, though the first cost would be much greater, the line would have had a better chance of success, and the difficulties of the snow would Lave been obviated. Only a small tunnel 500 yards in length is contemplated, which leaves the snow difficulty untouched. The HaifaDamascus Railway has also been commenced, but no, works have hitherto been begun within the Damascus district.-Record.

MISSIONARY JOURNEY TO ROUEN, HAVRE, TROUVILLE AND HONFLEUR.

HE month of July," reports the Society's Missionary at Paris, Mr. L. C. Mamlock, "was, in more than one sense, very trying. We had exceptionally hot weather, indeed too hot for indoor meetings. Then, Paris was in a very unsettled state, and every one was on the qui-vive, expecting every moment a coupd'état, or some extraordinary thing to happen. All this was not very favourable to our work, and we had to close our Hall, as it was not safe to have it open. In the midst of all this excitement we endeavoured, nevertheless, to direct the Jews to a more sure

hope of rest and happiness in Christ Jesus. Towards the end of July I started on a Missionary journey to the north, and again visited Rouen, Havre, Trouville and Honfleur. I found that the seed sown in these towns on former occasions had not remained dormant, nor had it ex

cited, as it sometimes does, a passing interest only. I am glad to say that many Jews acknowledged that they had learned to regard Christ in quite a different light. They used to consider Him as a great reformer and moralist, but now they venerate Him for His holy and heavenly teaching.

for your visit." Another said, "We are pleased to see you; we can rely more on your coming to see us than on our Rabbis, who seldom, if ever, pay us a visit, and enter into a religious conversation. There must. be some force in Christianity to induce you to come all the way from Paris to see us." I utilized this remark to speak plainly of that love of Christ which constrains us to speak to our fellow-creatures

I found in Rouen an extraordinarily large number of Jewish and other visitors from different parts of

of the things pertaining to their everlasting salvation and happiness, and especially to our brethren the Jews, who are ignored and left entirely without the knowledge of the Messiah. After a short stay in Rouen I went to Havre, where I could, without let or hindrance, speak fully and plainly to the Jews of Jesus Christ. Monsieur Louis Blanchard, the Bible Society's faithful colporteur, was again of very great service to me. We went out together to see not only the Jews whom we had visited last year, but others also whom he had come across since. In that way our time was well and profitably employed, and I pray that the good seed sown may speedily bring forth the desired fruit.

Let me give one or two cases only. With a thoroughly learned and Rabbinical Jew I spent many an hour in earnest and serious conversation, on the Scriptural, as well as the Rabbinical evidences, that Jesus must be the Messiah. It was at his own earnest request that I went to him again and again to speak on this most important subject, and, as he said, "If once the claims of Jesus can be satisfactorily established by the Word of God, then we must give up our most cherished Talmudical ideas of the Messiah, whom we have so long learned to look for." But not only did we dwell upon the different prophecies recorded in the Old Testament but also examined very minutely those of the New Testament, and the doctrines taught by our Lord. He reads the New Testament, and I believe he is convinced of the truth that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah.

I also had a very interesting conversation in another Jewish family. The man, his wife, and motherin-law were much interested in the subject, "Jesus the Messiah-Redeemer of the world." The atonement of our Lord was a great stumbling-block to them, “If He be, as you say," they remarked," the Messiah, and at the same time God, how is it that He died such an awful death!" I showed them from Scripture the necessity for a suffering Messiah, and that He must be a perfect sacritice, and in order to obtain remission of our sins for us must be God also. They were much impressed with the Seriptural evidence, and confessed that they had been ignorant of it; but, they added, “Why don't the Rabbis take up this subject, and teach us to believe in Christ!" 1 rep'io," To teach others one must first know and believe the truth oneself, unfortunately, the Rabbis are as much confused and ignorant of it as the rest of the Jews, hence how can they teach it when they don't know it themselves' In a their discourses sermons and lectures not a word is mentioned about the Mossah. We on the other bani, quak entin

ually of Him, and why? because God speaks of Him so very much and frequently in the Bible, and bids us to come to Him, and tells us, that whatever we would ask in His name we are sure to receive." They accepted most thankfully New Testaments; the woman actually kissed her copy, and said she would read it attentively.

I regret to say that I fell ill at Havre. I had overworked myself a little, both in Paris and there, and the excessive heat exhausted A little rest, I am thankful to say, brought me round again, and I resumed my work, visiting Trouville and Honfleur, where I had many opportunities of speaking to a number of Jews of Christ and Him crucified. 1 then returned to Paris.

I am most pleased to say that we are again in full work. Our meetings are well attended, and what is most gratifying, the Jews who used to attend were glad to see me back in Paris, and they take as much interest in the lectures as they did hitherto. What we need is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that all these should not be hearers of the Gospel only, but doers thereof."

A VISIT TO A PERSIAN VILLAGE.

M

R. M. NOROLLAH lately made a Missionary visit to Demavend, which is one of the largest villages near Teheran, and is situated at the foot of the mountain of the same name. The distance is twelve farsakhs from Teheran (forty-eight English miles). It has 15,000 inhabitants, consisting of Moslems and Jews. The name Demavend has two significations. Some believe it means "Doyom Avend," i.. "the second city built after the creation of the world." Others say that Demavend means "Du Mãà Vend,” ie, “between the two waters," from two rivers which irrigate the whole of the village and the fields. The latter signification is preferred by the majority of Persians.

Demavend is the only village in the Province of Trak which has had a colony of Jews settled there for a long time. for a long time. The colony consists of sixty families, having four synagogues. They work very hard to earn their living. In comparison with the Teheran Jews, the Jews of Demavend are stent, and of fair complexion. They are honest, but are almost totally ignorant of the Word of God. The majority are pediers, but a few are physicians and druggista There is Lo Moslema doctor in the village, or in ther villages round, so the Jews make a god deal of money by that work.

Demavend is the summer resort of the Jews of

Teheran. The air is very fresh and pleasant, and many Jews from Teheran pass the anniversary of the destruction of Jerusalem there. They stay two months, and then return home a few days before the Feast of Trumpets. About three miles from Demavend is a village called Gilyard, where is the sacred cemetery of the Jews of Teheran. From the tomb-stones one can see that Jews resided in this village years before Christ; and the Jews have an idea that on the day of Resurrection those who are buried here will rise first and meet the Messiah.

Speaking of his work at Demavend, Mr. Norollah says:—“As soon as I arrived I went to the Governor, who appointed me a lodging in the Moslem quarter, but I declined to live there. I then went to the Jewish quarter, where the Jews placed a room at my disposal. I had visited Demavend in the years 1882 and 1883, and was thus acquainted with the Jews, who were very glad to see me on this my third visit, showing signs of friendship and love. I had a very happy time with them for four days, and opportunities of preaching the glad tidings amongst them, and also before Moslems and the Governor.

"Very few Jews knew what my work was. They thought I was a physician, and they had reason to think so, because on my previous visits I was practising medicine, and cured a few sick persons. Many Jews and Moslems brought sick persons to me to cure, but I told them that, whilst I could not do anything for their bodies, I could cure their souls, and I pointed them to the great Physician.

"A young man, whom I cured of fever in 1883, paid me a visit. Poor man; he had become blind, but came to show his gratitude for the kindness he had received nine years ago. Many Jews were in my room. I opened the New Testament, and read St. John ix. 1-7, and had a long conversation with those present. One Jew said, 'How is it possible for any one to cure a man who has been blind from his birth? I cannot believe the New Testament because it contains such a great lie.' I replied, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' A Jew then remarked, 'Of course, everything is possible with God, but Jesus was a man, and how can a man do such a thing?' I told him, 'Jesus was God as well as man.' 'No, never,' said the Jew; 'do not blaspheme.' 'I do not say it of myself,' I 'I do not say it of myself,' I answered, 'it is written in your own Scriptures.' I then read Jeremiah xxiii. 1—8, and pointed out that the Messiah was called 'The Lord our Righteousness.' I also read other passages of Scriptures bearing on the subject."

"In the afternoon, I visited the Governor at

his own house. There were present two Jews from Teheran, the General of the Demavend Regiment, and about twenty Persians. During conversation, the Governor asked the Teheran Jews, What is written in the Towrah (Pentateuch), and what are the commands contained in it?' The Jews answered, 'Ask Mirza Norollah; he can tell you better than we can, because he is appointel by a Society in London to come here and tell every one what are the contents of the Towrah and Anjil (Old and New Testament).' The Governor turned towards me, and said, 'We are desirous to hear what you have to say about the Towrah; give us briefly a description of those parts which are the most interesting.' I then commenced: The Word of God contains two divisions, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The first is divided into four parts: the Pentateuch, Historical, Poetical, and Prophetical Books. The Pentateuch, i.e. the five Books of Moses, contains a narrative of the creation of the world, the history of the Patriarchs, the captivity of the Jews in Egypt, their release from the hands of the Egyptians, their journey to the Land of Promise, and their laws about sacrifices. In this division of the Bible God has given us four laws: two at the time of Adam, and two at the time of Moses. The first two laws were the keeping of the Sabbath and the law concerning marriage; and the Mosaic laws which were brought down from Mount Sinai contain two divisions, our duty towards God and our duty towards men.'

"I next gave a description of the contents of the other parts of the Old Testament, and said that the Old Testament was like a 'schoolmaster to bring us to Christ,' who in His Holy Book has given us two laws, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, which have been observed by the Church of Christ up to the present time, and will be observed until He comes again to judge the quick and the dead.' The above conversation was of much interest to them, and the Governor invited me to visit him again.

"I also visited two Jewish families, who were friends of my father in Teheran twenty years ago.

I passed the Sunday in prayer that God would bless the message carried to the people of this village during my short stay. In the evening, about seven o'clock, the Rabbi and seven Jews called upon me, and asked me to stay a few more days. I commenced a religious conversation with them on the First Advent of the Messiah. Before going, the Rabbi said to me privately: The Messiah is come, although we do not accept Jesus as the Messiah. But we cannot tell our followers that Messiah is come, for if we did so they would not believe us any more.' I gave them tracts and Scripture Text Cards,"