Leeves' agent replied, that that very man had been bastinadoed, because a mere Tract had been found in his house or on his person; and, of course, that he dreaded to be found in such company as we were, by a brother Jew.

Last winter, as I was positively informed, four Jews were thrown into the Pacha's prison here in Smyrna, because they were supposed to be inclined to embrace Christianity, or had expressed themselves favourably on the subject: and, to shew how difficult it is for a Missionary to afford any succour to Jews, so much to be pitied under such circumstances, or even to get access to them, I may state that I repaired to the palace-yard and the prison, and made many inquiries after the sufferers; and all I could learn from the Turks was, that they had been liberated the day before, and that they had only been imprisoned a few days on account of some disturbance which they had caused in the town. As to the Jews whom I met and questioned on the subject, they were unable or unwilling to give me any information whatever respecting them: and all that I could know about them afterward from another quarter was, that, having been confined for some days and the principal one sadly beaten, the four were banished without loss of time. It was supposed, as I was told by an Armenian, one of the dragomen of the English Consul, that they were put on board a vessel, and sent to the Barbary Coast.

It must surely be evident, that, unless something can be done to throw a check on so dreadful a persecution, or to counteract its appalling effects, we can have but little hopes of success in lifting up the Gospel Standard for the Jewish Nation in Turkey; and in endeavouring to call forth and instruct the numerous families, as well as single individuals, who, if report be true, are said to be ready, if they had but protection, to make a profession of the Christian Faith.

Mr. Lewis offers some Suggestions for the Removal of these Difficulties.

1. I would propose that some attempt be made toward supplicating the British Government to forward instructions to our Ambassador at the Porte, in order to obtain of the Sultan what the laws of Turkey, let it be noticed, do not forbid, namely, that Jews be publicly permitted, without the fear of persecution, to embrace and profess the Christian Faith.

Such a permission being obtained for them, they should also be allowed to form themselves into a new and distinct Christian Community, under the name of Christian Israelites": and to have their own Church and Ministers; as well as Chiefs or responsible persons, as is usual among the various Communities in this country, to give protection to the rest of the body, and answer to the demands of the Government when called upon to do So. Thus let liberty of conscience be proclaimed and granted, as a just right, in favour of the Jews in Turkey. Let it be but made known, that they are no longer to live in dread of bringing down upon them the vengeance of their great Rabbies and the Turks, when they converse on the subject of Christianity and read Christian Books and Tracts: let it, in short, be told them, on the authority of the Sultan's firmân, that they run no risk of being thrown into the Bagnio, or into the Pacha's or Jews' prisons-of being violently separated from their wives and families, deprived of the means of living, and of being driven into exile, or of losing their heads, should they be induced to seek after Christian Baptismand I have every reason to believe that your Missionaries would immediately have access to these much-to-be-pitied people, to give instruction which would be well received, not by a few, but I venture to assert (if the accounts of the Armenians can be depended on), by hundreds of them. These, moreover, on being admitted to baptism, as well as previously to their conversion, might continue to abide in the towns and places where they had before lived; and to exercise, at least the greater number of them, in quietness and security, the various trades and occupations which they had been accustomed to; so that in all probability, as far as I have been enabled to examine the question, we should have but little to draw for on the temporal funds of your charitable associations to set the more necessitous converts forward to gain their livelihood.

I do not conceive that such an inter

ference as I have suggested on the part of our Government in behalf of the oppressed and persecuted Israelites of Turkey should by any means be considered as a chimerical act; especially since I have understood that a Foreign Power, namely, France, lately interfered with success in behalf of the Catholic Armenians who had been exiled from the ca

pital on account of their unwillingness to submit to the dictates of the Patriarch of the Regular Armenians: now, through the interposition (if my information be correct) of the French Ambassador, they have not only obtained permission from the Sultan to return from exile, but also to form themselves into a totally distinct community from the other Armenians: they have even already despatched three or four priests to Rome belonging to their own body, and with the approbation of the Grand Seignior; one of whom, to be elected by the Pope and consecrated under the direction of His Holiness, is soon expected to return to Constantinople, and to govern the new community as their Bishop and Head. Why, then, should it be deemed a thing impracticable to interpose our Protestant Influence in behalf of the persecuted Jewish Subjects of the Sultan; and, through our English Ambassador, to procure for such of them as are anxiously desirous of an opportunity to be separated from their brethren, the liberty to form themselves into a new, distinct, Jewish-Protestant Community?

Should the Committee, however, be led to see difficulties of an insurmountable character in the way toward the execution of such a proposal, I have only to hope that they will receive favourably what I have now to suggest for their mature consideration, as the only other efficient remedy which I can propose for the evils that we have at present to contend with in the prosecution of our work among the Jews of Turkey.

I would say, then, if the Jews cannot in safety profess the Christian Religion on the spot which gave them birth; if they cannot hold regular intercourse with us for instruction in Turkey, without exposing themselves to a premature imprisonment and horrible sufferings; and if there is no hope to be held out to us of a speedy and favourable interference on the part of our Government toward arresting the arm of the unpitying Rabbi and the Tyrant; what can be done, but to enable Converts and Inquirers, together with their families, as far as possible, to escape from the theatre of persecution -and to find a place of refuge elsewhere, under a better Government, and on a spot where they might receive, without fear of interruption, spiritual instruction, and, at the same time, have it in their power to labour for their bread, and to follow habits of industry and Christian

piety, in tranquillity and confidence? I would, therefore, humbly but earnestly propose that a fund be raised for these special objects; namely,

1. To assist necessitous Jewish Converts and Inquirers, anxiously desirous of Christian Instruction, to quit the shores of Turkey, and to be conveyednot to England, not to Poland, or any distant part of the world; but to some near spot within the precincts of the neighbouring New Greek Territory; say Syra, Negropont, or Athens.

2. I would propose to enable the Missionaries of the Society, appointed to such a station, to provide an asylum for Converts and Inquirers, properly recommended, on their arrival at the place of destination; where they might be lodged and maintained for a certain time, according to circumstances, and free of expense to themselves as well as to the Missionaries.

3. To empower the Missionaries to give to Converts and Inquirers such employment as might best comport with their habits and former occupations; and to have such of them as might stand in need of instruction of this kind taught some trade, which, for a stated period, if thought proper, they might be bound to follow for the good of the community or Institution at large.

Such is the outline of a measure which I should be most thankful to see taken up by the Christian Public, in case it is in vain for us to seek relief from the higher Powers: and I need not surely attempt at present to point out the further advantages that would be likely to attend the establishment of such an Institution, if set on foot in the vicinity of the Jews, so peculiarly situated as they are in Turkey. There would be many difficulties, and more I dare say than I am aware of, in bringing it into operation; but what should we not endeavour to do at so critical a moment as this is, in behalf of the poor Jews of this country?

Remarks, by the Committee, on these

Suggestions.

Admitting, as we do to the fullest extent, the greatness of the difficulties and the cogency of the duties as described by Mr. Lewis, and desiring most earnestly to call the attention of our Christian Nation to them, we would carefully avoid the inference which unbelief would prompt us to draw from the facts laid before us; viz., that the removal of these obstacles is essential to the success of

the Gospel; and that without the guarantee of human influence and protection against persecution, the loss of property, absolute want, and even death itself, it is presumptuous to go on preaching the Gospel and distributing the Word of God among the Jews of the Turkish Empire. The command to preach the Gospel is not made to rest on the will or the permission of man, nor is it within the power of man to hinder the blessing which God has promised. And we believe that we live in times, when it is more and more evidently necessary, for all who are engaged directly or indirectly in the Missionary Work, to proceed in simple faith, not conferring with flesh and blood; to look for the help of the Lord, and not for the protection of man-not turning aside into the crooked paths of human policy, nor ceasing daily to teach and to preach Jesus Christ.

Mr. Lewis's statement deserves serious consideration; and with the prayer that Christians, both in public and private stations, may be brought to a just sense of what is due to the Jewish Nation, even in a temporal point of view, especially when exposed to trial and persecution for Christ's sake. But we would not forget, that, let the difficulties be what they may, the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God - and, therefore, with all Christian humility and affection, and in a spirit of faith, we would speak to our dear Missionary Brethren-that they Go Forward.

66

China.

The Day of Small Things" in China. FROM Canton, Dr. Morrison writes, on the 10th of January—

I regret that a wider door is not opened, to send the Words of Eternal Life through the whole length and breadth of China. Where we cannot send whole Bibles, we can yet distribute portions of the Lord's Word: three modes are being put in operation-the British and Foreign School Society's Scripture Lessons; Dr. Hawker's Scripture Help to Prayer; and Sheet Tracts, containing only Scripture Quotations. I have a confidence and a hope in the pure text of Holy Scripture, as derived from Divine Inspiration, far superior to any human composition, for the sake of the Heathen:

yesterday, Leangafa wrote out, for a Sheet Tract, that forcible and inimitable exhibition of the Vanity of Idols contained in Isaiah, chap. xliv. ; which happened to be the Lesson of the Day, and was read by us, in our little (unseen) Native Congregation.

Afa (as we abbreviate his name) explained the Scriptures to his aged Pagan Father, in the morning; and mentioned, with grateful hope, that the old man's heart was somewhat softened: he listened to the Word; and knelt down to join in prayer to the Living and True God, through Jesus Christ.

There is a Christian Union in China, consisting of a number sufficient to constitute a Primitive Church; according to the maxim, that where THREE Believers in Jesus are assembled, they form a Church. This Union has sent down to the Straits, to the Anglo-Chinese College, for some Chinese Bibles.

Endia beyond the Ganges.

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

MR. Dyer, in speaking of his visits at Malacca to the Chinese, gives the following instance of a

Succesful Method of Dealing with the
Heathen.

Having

Sometimes I meet with very pleasing opportunities of speaking in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Some time since I went into a certain house, where there was a small groupe of people. seated myself, presently a man entered, who immediately began conversing upon my endeavours to convert his countrymen: he told me that it was of no use; and, for a long time, discoursed upon his own idolatrous system, not letting me put a word in. I allowed him to go on, and sat in attentive silence; somewhat afraid lest I should not have courage, and ability as to language, to defend the Cause of Christ. Without arguing, therefore, against his system, I simply stated a few Gospel Truths; such asEvery man has an unclean heart, which he is not able to cleanse: how then can it be cleansed? And, if not cleansed, how can we ever be happy? Jesus Christ shed for us His own blood, and that blood can cleanse us from all sin. If you believe in Jesus, He is willing to cleanse you; but, if not, as your pollution is sin against Him, He will certainly punish youThese, and similar truths, seemed to shut

the mouths of the opposers; and they were left with nothing to say, but "It is right! it is right!" This shews the power of Gospel Truths; and I am fully convinced that the best mode of silencing the opposer is by presenting to his mind the simple Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Endia within the Ganges.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
COTTAYAM.
Translations.

BEFORE his departure from Cottayam, Mr. Bailey had been enabled, amidst many difficulties and much bodily weakness, to carry through the Press an edition of the whole

of the New Testament in Malayalim. When the deplorable ignorance and superstition which unhappily prevails in the Syrian Church are considered, the consequence of ages of oppression and of the privation of the Word of God in their vernacular tongue, it is impossible duly to estimate the value of the boon thus conferred upon it. May the prayers of British Christians ascend to the Throne of Grace, that the Holy Spirit may render the pure Word of God effectual to revive and to purify it!

Mr. Bailey has also completed a Translation into Malayalim of the whole of the Book of Common Prayer, the Psalms excepted.

Copies

5000

500

1000

The New Testament, in Malayalim ·
The Morning and Evening Services of the Book
of Common Prayer, ditto.....
The Book of Common Prayer entire, with the
exception of the Psalms, ditto......
Watts's First Catechism, 2d edition, ditto...... 1000
A Small Tract, 12 pages, Extracts from St.Paul's
Epistles to the Romans and Ephesians..
Family Prayers, in Malayalim, for every Morn-
ing and Evening in the Week, 79 pages...... 250
Catechism of the Ch. of England, in Malayalim, 1000
Extracts from Murray's Grammar, in English.. 200

1000

Syrian Tract against Popery. Oct. 22, 1830-Philippos, Catanar of the large Church at Cottayam, having written a Tract on the particular points in which the Syrians differ from the Romanists, brought it to-day, and requested to have it printed. I had already seen three of the four Dialogues which it comprises.

The First Dialogue is between a Schoolboy, with his Testament in his hand, and an Old Man with a Venthinga-small picture of the Virgin and Infant Jesus, suspended from the neck as a charm. The Boy commences the Dialogue, with permission of the Old Man to ask him a few questions, by asking the use of the Venthinga. The Old Man tells him what he supposes to be the use of it, and quotes Scripture in support of his opinion. The Boy shews the folly of trusting to such things; and proves, from Scripture, that, like the Phylacteries of the Pharisees, they de

ceive the good, and are a cloak for hypocrites. The Second Dialogue is between the same Old Man, who had cast away his Venthinga, and borrowed the Boy's Testament, and the is supposed to take place. The Vicar, seeing Vicar of the Church in which the Dialogue

the Testament in the hand of the Old Man, and missing the Venthinga, inquires after both; which leads the Old Man to deliver his sentiments briefly on the right of the Pope to prohibit the reading of the Scripture. A bold expression of the Old Man's strikes the Priest with surprise that he is not afraid of the Holy Images, in whose presence he stands. This gives rise to a discussion on the lawfulness of Image-worship. As before, the Truth prevails; the Priest becomes

a Convert; and immediately both together set to work and, with axes and hammers, break to pieces all the carved images in the Church.

The Third Dialogue is between the Converted Vicar and his Bishop. The Vicar waits upon the Bishop, and, with affected astonishment, tells him, that, on entering the Church in the morning to say Mass, he heard the Holy Images at high words with each other; and that, shortly after, a regular battle ensued, in which some lost their legs, others their arms, eyes, noses, &c. The Bishop, calling the Vicar a foolish fellow, replies, that these things could not have taken place, seeing the Images were nothing but wood and stone; and says, that some animal must have got into the Church and done the mischief. "That is it," says the Vicar, "that I and old Nicholas discovered; viz. That they were nothing but wood and stone; and therefore we set to, and knocked them to pieces." The Bishop then assures him, that, having been guilty of so great a sin, they had subjected themselves to the punishment of hellfire for ever, without the hope of benefit even from the fires of Purgatory. This opens the way for a discussion on Purgatory, in which the Scriptures are again referred to; and the Bishop, finding that he has the weakest side, yields, and, being convinced of the truth, deHe asks the termines to visit the Pope.