of work done, and of progress made in the cause; but the Report of last year recorded the scattering of some of the most honoured of their labourers, and the disabling of others; extreme doubt and uncertainty where to send the several Missionaries who had no settled post of duty, along with an empty treasury, affording little encouragement to send them anywhere. This darkness and perplexity enveloped the whole Missionary field except Constantinople; and even there it was only in the German branch of the Mission that encouragement was afforded, every opening amongst the Spanish Jews having proved temporary or delusive. Pesth was still closed; Jassy had been abandoned, and Lemberg was occupied only from day to day; Berlin was affording no comfortable or hopeful field of labour. It is therefore with unfeigned gratitude to God, and with a great disburdening of their own minds, that the Committee have now to report that they have been graciously delivered from all perplexity, all the Missionaries having more work than they can overtake, all occupying positions of a certain measure of security and comfort, and all desiring only to be sufficiently assisted in their allotted spheres.

Pesth has been again providentially opened to our Missionaries, Mr. Smith with his family having been there during the winter, and having recently been joined by Mr. Wingate and his family. In the outfield of the Mission, the demand for the Bible grows, the seed previously sown on the yet stony soil of many hearts has by these been scattered over many more, and has not been lost by the lapse of years, but seems in some to be striking deeper than the surface, and the number of earnest inquirers is at present considerable. The colporteurs, who are converted Jews, and well instructed in Christian doctrine, have again set forth with their precious treasures on their summer excursions amongst their brethren throughout Hungary, and report that their business prospers wherever they go, and that the word of God is now looked upon as the only stable inheritance that belongs to men. During the course of the year Mr. Philip Saphir has been removed by death, having_finished his course and kept the faith. This one instance alone of the fruits of the Mission to Israel is a sufficient seal to the work by the Lord, and a sufficient recompense for all the labour and outlay bestowed on it by man. And now that he has rested from his labours, his works are following him; for his school remains a living monument, both of his devoted

ness to the Lord, and of his singular adaptation for his profession,-his spirit having been so thoroughly infused into children and teachers, as to be abiding still, though he has departed. At the recent annual examination, in the presence of a large and deeply interested audience, amongst whom were many Jewish parents, the pupils, amounting to nearly a hundred, were examined in German, Hungarian, and Hebrew, in all the ordinary branches of a good education, and in Christian doctrine. Their respectable attainments in all, and remarkable proficiency in some, of the branches, and the depth and readiness of their religious knowledge, called forth expressions of surprise and admiration from the Christian Clergymen and teachers who were present. Since the exami

nation, a remarkable increase has been made to the school by the enrolling of a hundred new scholars, so that it will have been resumed with at least 170 pupils.

Lemberg. The Committee feel the greatest difficulty in doing justice to Mr. Edward at Lemberg, ever afraid lest, by publishing too much, they might occasion his removal; while by entire silence they might weaken the interest and impair the prosperity of the cause at home. The simple circumstance of a Protestant evangelist being permitted to live and labour in a part of the Austrian dominions, (where, till recently, no Missionary might enter,) and to hold forth the lamp of life in the centre of the dense night that reigns round and round, is an opening, the importance of which can scarcely be exaggerated. A large number of Bibles have been eagerly bought, while the purchasers have also received both a tract and a living message concerning the Saviour of sinners. Considerable access has been obtained to Jews influential in their own community, and manifesting interest on the subject of Christianity; frequent intercourse has been held with inquiring Jewish students and teachers, and either through these or directly, with students of the Greek and Roman Churches; while by Mrs. Edward a commencement has been made of conveying instruction to the Hebrew children.

Amsterdam.-At Amsterdam, where there is a Jewish population amounting to twenty-five thousand, Mr. Schwartz is succeeding beyond his most sanguine expectations. He has been cordially welcomed by the Christian friends of Israel there; has obtained a recognised footing for the Free Church in the city; is preaching weekly to congregations of

eighty or a hundred Jews, some of them rich and educated, and the whole presenting a most interesting sight.

Constantinople.-At Constantinople, the German-Jewish Church, under Messrs. Allan and Koenig, was visited a year ago by a respected Minister of the Free Church, who found it in a most interesting and healthy condition, and was refreshed by witnessing on Sabbath a congregation of a hundred Jews, to whom the Gospel was preached in German. Since that time, the little Church has been confirmed and established. The schools amongst the German and Italian Jews are prospering, the Italian school having nearly doubled its number during the year. The children are a channel of access to their parents, many of whom are themselves becoming as children, and eagerly receiving instruction. The Missionaries' wives and female Teachers instruct in their own houses the Jewesses past the years of childhood, who touchingly plead for more instruction than they can thus obtain, and entreat to be visited every day; but this apostolic teaching from house to house would require many labourers. A prosperous school has been fairly established by Mr. Thomson amongst the Spanish Jews, great in numbers and influence, but hitherto hard of access; yet it may be now at length admitting the wedge, which, driven by the Lord's hand, will split the solid mass asunder,-when He takes away the veil from the eyes of Israel, and opens their hearts to receive his Word. It is indeed already beginning to open the way to others besides the scholars; but Mr. Thomson being alone since Mr. Deniston's removal, the school itself imposes too much work on a single Missionary; so that the Committee are called on to supply his loss of a colleague with the least possible delay.

The Rev. DR. LORIMER, of Glasgow, stated in the late General Assembly of the Free Church, that he had recently received a letter from Dr. Capadose, of Holland,-the Christian friend and brother whose visit to this country and to this Assembly, four years ago, had delighted them so much. The Doctor's conversion as a Jew to Christianity was remarkable, and the record of it, translated into different languages, had been productive of much good. In his letter, Dr. Capadose stated, that in all the leading towns of Holland Committees had been formed to seek the spiritual welfare of God's ancient people. Prayer-meetings were regularly held for

that end, and lately a prayer-meeting was held in the Lutheran church at Amsterdam, attended by not less than three thousand persons. This indicated

an amount of interest in this cause which one would rejoice to see more frequent nearer home. The Doctor stated further, in regard to the Israelitish school at the Hague, over which he had presided for so many years, that it still continued to prosper,-that one young man, Nicodemus-like, appeared before him in the character of an inquirer, from time to time,-that another, a few months ago, received Christian baptism, after making a confession of his faith, and that a third, who had been baptised, was anxious to study theology, looking forward to the Christian ministry, although he knew that this would expose him to numerous hardships, and lead him to be driven from his father's family as an exile..........Besides these indications for good, and besides many individual cases of conversion which were referred to in the Report, he could not help alluding to a statement in the important work of Da Costa, the friend and countryman of Dr. Capadose, on the Jews and Gentiles. In that work he states, that during twenty years not less than five thousand baptisms of Jews had taken place in Germany alone; and not a few of those become Christian Missionaries, Ministers, and even Professors in Chris

were

tian Universities.

The Beni-Israel at Bombay (said Mr. NESBIT) number about ten thousand persons, and their name was a sufficient indication of the race to which they belonged. On asking the boys their names, they would reply Abram, Solomon, Jacob, and the girls Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and so on. All their names, in fact, bore certain indications of their origin, and their countenances bore similar testimony, as well as their traditions and customs. Unlike the black Jews of Cochin, referred to in Dr. Duff's work, they were nearly pure descendants of the family of Israel. They were noticed by the first Christians who visited Eastern India, and the agents of the American Board of Missions were the first who entered the field. The American Mission established schools in Bombay and the neighbouring towns; but, after continuing for five years, they found themselves unable to support them; and the Scottish Mission, having more funds at its disposal than the American, entered upon the field, took up the American schools, and planted more. These schools had been under the Scot

tish Mission during the last twenty years, and the work of preaching had kept pace with that of teaching. The schools were ten in number, and accommodated four hundred children, about a half boys, and a half girls.

DR. DUFF said: In Madras, last year, I found residing in the Missionpremises several Jews and Jewesses under instruction, with a view to their being ultimately admitted into the Christian church by baptism, if qualified. At Calcutta also we have had much to do amongst the Jews during the last twenty years. There are there about two or three hundred resident Jewish families, and as many more travel to and from the Arabian Gulf every year. Attempts have been made to preach and organise schools amongst them, and in some of our institutions they have often been sheltered. Several Jewesses have found refuge in the Female Orphanage, supported by the Ladies' Association of our Church. In Mr. Ewart's school there are many Jewesses under Christian instruction. Boys have also been accommodated and instructed. And it was felt to be a remarkable fact that, soon after the Disruption, about half-adozen Jewish inquirers, including five adults, came forward, seeking admission into the Church; and, after a full and searching examination, were found qualified, and all baptised at once in the presence of the Free Church there. One of

them was an aged, patriarchal-looking man, who expressed, in the most touching terms, his anxiety to make a public profession of the Messiah. The glistening joy which shone in the eyes of that man, was enough to arouse one's whole soul. He expressed himself to the effect, that he could not rest or sleep; so full of apprehension was he lest he should be called away before he could make public profession of his faith in Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah, as the Messiah promised to the fathers. He and another of these converts have since departed to their rest; but, after witnessing their death-beds, I would say, Would that every one who bears the name of Christ could encounter the swellings of Jordan as they did! Theirs was a brief career as Christian believers; but their lives were lives of growth in the faith, and the death of each was a death of triumphant faith. With reference to the aged saint to whom I have alluded, I can testify that his latter days seemed to be rather one continued scene of ecstasy and rapture. When I asked him, on his death-bed, how he felt under his affliction, with brightening eyes he would, in substance, exclaim, “O happy, happy! I only long to be with Him whom my fathers crucified; but in whom, through grace, I have found the Messiah, the Shiloh, the Star of Jacob, Emmanuel, the Lord my Righteousness!"

22. DIED, March 9th, 1847, at Guisborough, in the Stokesley Circuit, Mrs. Pulman, in the seventy-ninth year of her age. She had often been heard to say, that the prayers and example of her excellent parents produced very beneficial effects on her mind, even in the days of her childhood. She was the daughter of Mr. Thomas Corney, who became a Methodist in 1759, was one of the first members of the Society in Guisborough, continued to adorn his profession by a "meek and quiet spirit" through nearly half a century, and ended a life of trial and conflict (peculiar to the early days of Methodism) in the full triumph of faith, in the year 1807. She was frequently heard to speak, with much pleasure, of the visits of Mr. Wesley and Dr. Coke to her father's house. Though she was the child of praying parents, and

though amid the cares of a family and of business she often secretly wished to unite with God's people, it was not till 1833 that she joined herself to the Methodist church. Shortly after this union, she was encouraged to exercise faith in the atonement of Christ, and obtained the blessing of pardon by the powerful application to her mind of the words, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." During the fourteen years she was connected with the Society, she continued to walk "in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost." She was called to endure painful domestic bereavements, but was happily sustained through them all by the "exceeding great and precious promises" of Scripture. While, however, she was called to suffer the will of God, she knew that she must also do His will,

and was therefore "ready to every good word and work." Her active and benevolent mind led her to seek the wellbeing and happiness of her fellow-creatures, in different ways. In everything relating to Wesleyan Missions, she proved herself a firm and liberal friend.

Her

Her last sickness was long and painful; but her mind was delightfully stayed upon God. She invariably replied to the questions of her friends, "I feel my soul in the enjoyment of settled peace.' conversation was eminently spiritual. The writer always felt it a privilege to visit her. She seemed to "sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." She was much afraid lest she should grieve the Holy Spirit by becoming impatient under her protracted sufferings; but even her strong" desire to depart, and to be with Christ " was graciously kept in "subjection to the obedience of Christ." It was frequently a subject of remark, among those by whom she was visited during her sickness, with what calmness she conversed about her approaching end. It was evident that, in her case, the last enemy would be stingless. She had a "lively hope" of future bliss; and knowing that death would not only release her from pain, but introduce her into the presence of that God with whom is "fulness of joy," and at whose "right hand are pleasures for evermore," she felt as the Psalmist when he exclaimed, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." She continued in this happy state till her pains ended, and mortality was exchanged for eternal life.

GEORGE GREENWOOD.

23. Died, at Dundee, March 22d, aged thirty-nine, Anne, the wife of the Rev. David Edgar. She was for several years a member of the church of England, and in general had the fear of God before her eyes; remaining, however, a stranger to the power of religion until she began to attend the earnest and pointed ministry of the Wesleyan Methodists. When first awakened, she had great conflicts of mind. Sometimes she was tempted to think there was no mercy for her, and that she had committed the unpardonable sin. She was, again, assailed with blasphemous thoughts of God, which greatly harassed her soul. In after-years she used to say, "None can have proper sympathy with those who are so tempted, but such as have passed through similar trials." In 1837,

her mind was painfully exercised with regard to the means by which a sinner can be saved: her views of faith were obscure and defective. At length, however, she was led by the Holy Spirit of God to discover the simplicity of the plan of salvation. One morning, in the spring of the year above noted, as she was going a short distance from home, her mind was engaged in serious reflections on the death of Christ, and the necessity of a personal interest in His merits. She lifted up her heart to God in prayer; in answer to which a flood of heavenly light was vouchsafed to her. She was enabled to repose confidence in Christ, and obtained peace with God. Two years after this she joined the Wesleyan Society in Heskett, near Carlisle; where, with exemplary consistency, she walked with God. Sabbathschool teaching was an employment in which she long took a zealous interest. After the Conference of 1844 she was married. From this period to that of her death, she exhibited qualities which commanded the esteem of all in her circle.

Her conversation was "as it becometh the Gospel of Christ." In her domestic relation she was affectionate and sympathising. As a friend, she was upright, trustworthy, "ready to distribute." At the Conference of 1846 she removed with her husband to Dundee. Although her health was impaired, no immediate danger was apprehended. But from increasing debility it soon became manifest that her race was almost run. In the prospect of dissolution she was led to reflect on the past. She saw that her manifold and peculiar privileges had been inadequately improved. On Sabbath, the 21st, a great change took place. The earthly house of her tabernacle began to dissolve. But God graciously heard and answered prayer. She was enabled to take firmer hold of Christ; and, with a loud voice, she exclaimed, "Glory to God!" Early in the morning of the day of her death, she rehearsed the story of her conversion to God,-a heavenly smile beaming on her countenance. She added,―

"I'll praise my Maker while I've breath." During the afternoon, she was much occupied in prayer, to be fully ready for the coming of her Lord; and she expressed the delight she felt in anticipating His approach. She was much comforted by the pleasing impression that many of her sainted kindred were waiting to welcome her to the skies. A

short time before she died she testified that she felt Christ still present.

DAVID EDGAR.

24. Died, April 1st, at Preston, in the eighty-first year of his age, Mr. William Crankshaw. He was born at New-Church, in Rossendale. At the age of five he was by death deprived of his father; and when he was only seven, his mother also sickened and died. He was thus left an orphan, cast upon the mercy of the wide world, with but few to wipe away the tears of sorrow from his eyes, and none to train him up in the way in which he should go. But He who has promised to be a "Father to the fatherless," directed him, through many changeful scenes of life, to the enjoyment of that religion which ever affords peace and happiness to the mind. Throughout his early years, he was often deprived of all the comforts of life; he often had to endure cold and hunger, with no friend to succour, and none to sympathise. His early life was passed in disregard of his eternal interests; and, until the age of forty, he lived "without God, and without hope in the world." About this period, he was providentially led to reside at Langcliffe, near Settle, Yorkshire. Until this time, there seemed to be no blessing of Divine Providence upon his engagements in the world. He was led one evening seriously to reflect upon his past life, and then earnestly to pray. In after-life he experienced the fulfilment of that word, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." It was at this place that he was first led to join the Wesleyan Society. He obtained mercy, and adopted the resolution,— "This people shall be my people, and their God shall be my God." Forty years he continued a steadfast and sincere member, and manifested the great change which by Divine grace had been wrought in his heart.

Throughout his life, his conduct was exemplary and consistent. In September, 1843, he began to be seriously ill; and he never recovered. For three years and seven months, he was the subject of deep and various affliction; and he often longed to be dissolved, and "to be with Christ, which is far better." Sometimes he thought that his anxiety to be relieved from the burden of the flesh was too great, and would often say, "Not my will, but Thine, be done." Severe nervous depression often caused perplexity; but, towards the close of life, his confidence was unshaken, and he could say with Job, "I know that my Redeemer liveth." His earnest desire for the salvation of all his family was often manifested by affectionate counsel and earnest prayers. During his last twelve days of suffering, he was enabled to rejoice in God his Saviour. Many expressions fell from his lips which betokened his firm reliance on God; and his last words, addressed to his sorrowing wife, and uttered with uplifted hands, were," Glory be to God! Farewell." JOHN CRANKSHAW.

FEB. 28th, 1850.-At Kamptee, India, Major James Woodward, of the Madras army. He was the fruit of Mission labour in the Lord; and was never ashamed to acknowledge that the ministry of the Wesleyan Missionaries was, under God, the instrumental cause of his conversion. By his unexpected removal, the Missions in India have lost a kind, sympathising, and faithful friend, and a liberal supporter. His last illness was of a distressing nature; but he left to his family and friends satisfactory evidence that he was fully prepared for his change.

S. H.

March 16th.-At Hutton-Rudby, in the Stokesley Circuit, Mrs. Sarah Smith, aged thirty-two years. She was convinced of sin under the preaching of the Rev. Robert Young; and soon after received a sense of the pardoning love of God, which she held fast to the day of her death.

During the last year it was manifest that the Lord was deepening His work in her soul. The last date of her meeting in class was February 27th; when she received a rich baptism of the Holy Spirit. This she regarded as a preparation for some great trial that awaited her. The Sunday following she attended the chapel twice; after which she wrote out the following lines :

"The holy calm within my breast Prepares for that eternal rest:

How sweet the Sabbath thus to spend, In hope of that which ne'er shall end!" Her health had been for some time declining; but she grew much worse on the following Wednesday, and continued so till Saturday, when she gave birth to a son, after which she never rallied. She departed in great peace, and entered into rest, on that day week. During her last illness she was graciously supported, and quite resigned