ions about it. My wife is strong in her belief of Judaism. Her idea is, that religion consists in keeping Saturday, and not eating pork. Among my domestics, I have one Greek, two Mussulmauns, and a female servant from the interior of Africa, who was never instructed, and has no idea of any religion whatever, and the young man in my shop is an atheist. In my opinion I differ from them all. Still we live in peace." He says the Jews are very strict in their adherence to Scripture rules, in respect to meats, and drinks, and days, with many additions of the Talmud. It is literally true, that in order to kill a fowl according to law, one must be a learned man. viewed as a lawgiver, and the founder of a sect; and says the stories in the Talmud concerning him are ridiculous and absurd beyond all conception. He one day took up a Hebrew Testament, and turned to the sermon on the mount and said, "This is excellent. This would be good to read to the people every day." Remarks on the Hebrew word Elohim. I one day asked his opinion concerning the plural names of God in Hebrew. He says it is merely an idiom of the language. Elohim is used in reference to the character of God as Judge; and hence the same term is applied to human magistrates. Jehovah refers to God as the object of adoration; and hence the superstition of the Jews in respect to pronouncing that name, which leads them to substitute Lord instead of it. Several Jews, with whom I have conversed, have all given the same opinion on this point. ferent languages. The next time I met with him, he told me, that the title of one of the tracts interested him extremely. To use his own phrase, it pierced his skin. This was Leslie's short Method with Deists, which I sent to him in French. He thinks, however, that the argument is applicable to other religions as well as the Christian, and therefore proves nothing. This was the last interview I have had with him. He has just sent me three letters of recommendation to Jews at Cairo. A Jewish Schoolmaster. Another Jew, with whom I have had frequent conversations, is an aged man, named Jacob. Though he is 62 years old, and, in consequence of an ophthalmia, has been eight years blind, he is still the head master in a Jewish school of 40 children. He thinks the whole number of Jews in this town, is 6 or 700. I one day went with him to visit the largest of the two synagogues which the Jews have in the city, and then to his school. His assistant was sitting on a sheep-skin, spread on the floor, with about 30 boys on the floor around him, with their Hebrew books. Opinions doctrinal and critical. I once read to him the 2nd chapter of Genesis. When we came to the fourth verse, he asked, if I knew why the earth was mentioned before heaven here, and heaven before earth in the first verse. I confessed my ignorance. He very seriously assigned the reason. "God is a lover of peace. If heaven had been always mentioned first, it might have claimed precedence, and a quarrel might have ensued between heaven and earth." He says the Rabbins teach, that the Hebrew was the only language in the world, until the building of Babel. Then there were 70, of which the four principal were Hebrew, Chaldee, Greek and Latin.-He says the two parties in Canticles, are God and Israel. "The Jews," he says, "believe that a Messiah is to come when God pleases; but no man can tell when. He is expected every moment. Though a mere man he will be a great prophet; yet, as a prophet, by no means superior to Moses." The Jews, he supposes, will return to Judea, their worship will be restored as in the time of David, all the world will embrace their religion, and the Messiah will be king over them all; or, if there are other kings, he will be Emperor, and all kings will be subject to him. When I urged, I lent him the Life of Frey, and the that the Messiah was to be the son of Da Memoirs of Martyn, which he read and vid, but that, now, the descendants of Dareturned. A few days since, I sent him vid are not known from other Jews, he adan English Bible, and several tracts in dif-mitted that even the distinction of tribes, State of public morals. He gave me, one day, a most horrible picture of the state of morals in this country, particularly among the Turks and Mamelukes. The most unnatural crimes are committed without shame, and almost without any attempt at concealment.— Among the nominal Christians of this country, he says there is no morality; and assigns as the reason of this,-that morality is never found among slaves. any such thing as baptism, is known among the Jews. He said that, in ancient times, when a stranger embraced the Jewish re is lost, but said, "the Messiah will be known by the miracles he will perform." He gave it as the opinion of the Jews, that there will be a general resurrection,ligion, he, and his wife and children, were and a future state of retribution;-all good men, whether Jews, Christians, Mussulmauns, or Pagans, will be happy, the wicked, of all nations, will wander in perplexity and pain, till they have expiated their crimes by their sufferings. I inquired if all are to be finally happy. To this question, put in many different forms, he uniformly answered, "yes;" and then asked for my opinion on this point. I told him, "the Gospel teaches that good men will be happy for ever, and wicked men for ever unhappy." He then said, "we believe too, that some who have committed great crimes, will never come to their rest, but be left for ever wandering in woe." In reading Hebrew, I pronounced the word Jehovah. He was evidently affected by it, at the moment, and afterwards assured me, that it made him tremble to hear that name. I inquired, why the Jews did not pronounce that, as well as the other names of God, but could get no intelligible answer, except that, when the temple was standing, no man was allowed to pronounce it but the high priest. He would sometimes listen to what I had to say respecting Christianity, but manifested no disposition to consider the subject, and seemed strongly attached to all his Jewish ideas. A Jew of Salonica. The third Jew to whom I referred, is Joseph, a young man, employed as a writer in the custom house, a native of Salonica, a place famous for the number of its Jewish inhabitants. He speaks and reads five or six different languages. When our boxes of books were opened for inspection, at the custom house, his curiosity was excited by seeing some of the Hebrew books. He came, very soon, to our lodgings, to see them, and we gave him a Hebrew Testament. In one of his subsequent visits, he told me he had read as far as John, and found it very good. He told me since, that he has read the whole of it, though I perceive, by conversing with him, that he has read it in that hasty and unprofitable manner, which is so common in the east; for he can tell very little about what he has read. He gives it as his opinion, that there are not above 2 or 300 Jews in Alexandria. His opinions on several subjects. We have often read the Scriptures together. After reading the account of Philip and the Eunuch, I inquired whether all baptised. The ceremony was performed by sprinkling or pouring a cup of water on the head; and this was done seven times. Now, foreigners never embrace the Jewish religion; and if they should, he does not think they would be baptised. I do not yet know what other Jews would say on this subject. We read Psalm xvi, and I asked him what the Jews understand by Sheol, the word used, verse 10th, for hell. He says they believe that, in the place of future punishments, there are seven habitations. The first, and most tolerable, is Gehenna, the second Sheol, the third Abadyon, &c. One day I inquired, "What do you Jews believe and expect, concerning the Messiah?" He replied, "That he will come, though we know not when; some say after 200 years, and that he will be a great prophet, and a great king." I then stated to him what we believe concerning Jesus, his divinity, his atonement, the apostasy and depravity of man, and the way of salvation; to all which he listened with_attention, but made no reply. Another day, we read Isaiah liii, in Hebrew and Italian. I asked whose sufferings were there described. He said he did not know. I then explained it as referring to Christ, and told him, after enlarging considerably on the love of the Lord Jesus, that the Jews, according to their own belief, have no Savior to bear their iniquity, and exhorted him to examine that chapter very carefully. He listened, but made me no answer. day we read Genesis xlix, 10, and I inquired what the Jews supposed was meant by Shiloh. He replied, "the Messiah." "Then," said I, "the Messiah must be already come, for your sceptre departed centuries ago. You have no king, no kingdom, no government." "You speak truly," said he. "The Rabbins, however, say there is a place, where the sceptre still remains in the hands of the Jews.* "But where is that * One I presume the confused idea which is here expressed, respecting a kingdom of Jews, is derived from the story which Basnage relates in his history of the Jews, B. 7, ch. 1. It seems that the Jews, in order to prove that the sceptre is not departed from Judah, invented, many centuries ago, many fabulous stories respecting a kingdom called Cozar, situated in Tartary, and inhabited by the descendants of Togarmah, the grandson of Japheth. In this country, there were said to be many Jews, and that finally, the king, after trying all other religions, embraced Judaism, and his people followed his example. The difficulty however, is, that nobody has ever been able to find this kingdom, or ascertain where it may be found. place?" "Who knows," said he, "but it may be, as some say, in America, beyond Mexico, where there is a river of stones, that run along, as water does, in other rivers, except on Saturday, when the river stands still." I assured him that there is neither a river of stones, nor a kingdom of Jews, in America. He then said, "Some say it is beyond Mecca." "But," said I, "travellers have been through all that country, and there is no such river, and no such people there." "The Rabbins say there is such a country," said he, "but who knows any thing about it?" "It is easy to explain the matter," said I, "The Messiah came 1800 years ago, and your fathers rejected him, and you persist in their course of unbelief; for though the evidence from your own prophets is clear, and abundant, you refuse to believe." He replied, "That is true. I have been reading the Testament you gave me, with another Jew, and told him that the transactions which we there read, were a fulfilment of what Isaiah and the other prophets had predicted; whereas we had been waiting 1800 years for this fulfilment, and waiting in vain." He said, "I am myself willing to believe, but my relatives and friends are all Jews, and they will oppose me." I then urged upon him the value of truth, in preference to every thing else, and the necessity of seeking for it diligently, and embracing it boldly, wherever found, and whatever might be the consequences.-We have read together the second chapter of Acts, several chapters in Hebrews, and some other parts of Scripture. In our last interview, he told me he was very sorry was going away, and hoped I should return here again. Distribution of Tracts, &c. I While here, I have distributed 130 different tracts, in 6 different languages, a few missionary pamphlets, 20 numbers of the Boston Recorder, and 18 Bibles, Testaments and Psalters. The population of Alexandria, is estimated, by those with whom I conversed, to be from 10 to 15,000. The great body of the people, are Arabs. It has given me great satisfaction to be able to preach the Gospel, argue from the Scriptures, and circulate the written word of God, in this city, where some of the most eminent primitive Christians lived. Cairo, March 19. I close my letter to forward it to the care of Mr. Temple, at Malta. A letter from Dr. Naudi, which I received ten days ago, informed that he had, that moment, received a line from Mr. T., who had just arrived in the quarantine harbor. I cannot tell you how much I rejoice at his arrival. I defer the VOL. XVIII. account of what little I am doing in Cairo, to another opportunity. I say but little about the future, because, in these troublous times, it is impossible to say where I shall go, or what I shall be doing. May God prepare me for whatever may be his holy will. Yours in Christian love, P. FISK. EMPLOYMENT OF MR. KING* IN THE PALES TINE MISSION. AFTER the death of Mr. Parsons, his bereaved associate, Mr. Fisk, greatly needed a fellow laborer, who could accompany him, in his contemplated journies, preparatory to the desired establishment of the mission, to which he is attached. Deeply feeling this want, and having received an intimation that the Rev. Jonas King, then at Paris, might be induced to offer his services for a limited period, Mr. Fisk wrote earnestly requesting that some ar rangement might be made to that effect. The letter was dated early in May, but did not reach Mr. King till sometime in July. He immediately endeavored to ascertain the path of duty; and with the advice of his intimate and valuable friend Mr. Wilder, concluded to offer his services for three years. Mr. Wilder generously offered $100 a year for the time specified; and two other gentlemen made liberal donations towards defraying the necessary expenses. Mr. King wrote to the Corresponding Secretary stating these facts, and adding, that he expected to leave Paris for Malta about the 15th of September, and to take with him the two founts of Greek type, which had been ordered at Paris for the Palestine Mission Press, and which were se lected at the manufactory of one of the first foundaries, by Professor Kieffer, Mr. Wilder, and himself. There was a probability that he might reach Malta before Mr. Fisk should enter upon his contemplated tour. After the subject was fairly proposed to Mr. King, there was not time to write to this country, and receive directions, without putting the business back a year;-the fall being the proper time to commence journies in that part of the world. When the correspondence on this subject was laid before the Prudential Committee, it was resolved to accept the services of Mr. King. Communications will be made to him by way of Malta. The alacrity, with which individuals of liberal views and benevolent hearts, on the continent of Europe, as well as in Great Britain and the United States, patronize exertions for the spiritual good of mankind, is very gratifying. Mr. Mertens, of Brussels, a gentleman distinguished for his Christian beneficence, writes to Mr. King, with the offer of 500 francs, as follows: "To contribute to the success of so laudable a cause, must be considered a privilege and great joy to every Christian heart, which loves its Lord and Master. May you, my dear Sir, enjoy that peace and comfort, which are the portion of all those, who are engaged to serve their Lord sincerely. May every blessing attend you, and may you find strength to undergo the fatigues of the body, and the labors of mind, attached to such an undertaking, by steadfastly fixing your eye on what has been accomplished at Calvary." In referring to any dangers, to which he may be exposed, by travelling in unhealthy elimates, and by other causes, Mr. King observes: "Here, [at Paris, ] I see around me, with crippled limbs and scarred bodies, men, who risked their lives at Jena and Marengo, Austerlitz and Waterloo, to gain a little perishable glory, and shall I not risk as much in the cause of the Prince of Peace, who gives to all his faithful followers the high prize of immortal glory, and joys inconceivable?" It would be well if this consideration were more frequently operative on the minds of missionaries, and of the friends of missions too. MISSION AMONG THE CHOCTAWS. LETTER FROM MR. KINGSBURY TO THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY. Our readers will deeply sympathize with the writer of the following letter, in the melancholy event, which calls him and the mission family to mourning. In the removal of Mrs. Kingsbury, beside the separation of those tender ties, which bind a mother to her infant children, and a wife to her affectionate husband, the cause of missions experiences a great bereavement. Possessed of a vigorous mind, good sense, great resolution, perseverance, cheerfulness, patience, faith, and enlightened || SINCE I last wrote, it hath pleased our blessed Lord and Master to visit us with affliction. Mr. and Mrs. Jewell arrived here in feeble health on the 17th of August. On the 25th of the same month, Mr. Jewell was taken down with a bilious fever, and his wife with the same fever on the day following. The attack was more severe than any they had before experienced, since their arrival in the country. For several days it was doubtful whether But the Lord was they would recover. pleased again to visit us with mercy, and to make our afflictions lighter than our fears. On the 3d of September they began to amend; but, for a considerable time, continued in a very low state. During the summer we have also had a number of sick persons in our family;some of them hired men; others strangers, who were taken sick on the road and could proceed no further. It is always inconvenient for us, with our large family, and many cares and labors, to have the additional care of sick persons; especially those, who do not belong to our family, and for whose accommodation we have made no provision. But, in the above cases, we considered that we were called, by the Providence of God, to exhibit the benevolence of the Gospel, and to imitate him, who, while here on earth, went about healing the diseases, and relieving the dis tresses of mankind. With the exception of one or two chronic cases, the health of our own family continued good, until Mr. and Mrs. Jewell, and the other sick persons, were on the recovery. On the 6th of September, Mr. Wright, who, from the time he arrived here, had been constantly employed in taking care of the sick, was himself attacked with a chill and fever. By the timely use of medicine, it pleased the Lord to raise him again, in a few days, to comfortable health. These light afflictions were designed by our heavenly Father to prepare us for one more severe, and which we were soon to experience. Yes, my dear Sir, the Lord has laid his hand heavily upon us all, and upon me in particular. My dear wife is no longer a partner in our labors, our sorrows, and our joys. In an unexpected hour, I have been bereaved of a most kind and affectionate companion; my little children of a tender mother; and the mission of a devoted and useful member. Mrs. Kingsbury, from her first arrival on mission ground till within five days of her death, enjoyed uncommonly good health. During the past summer, in addition to the ordinary labors of the mission, she was much occupied in attending the sick. The Monday preceding her death, she was more than usually occupied in domestic labors, until late in the evening. On Tuesday and Wednesday she was slightly indisposed, which she considered the effect of a cold taken on Monday evening. On Thursday she was better; spent part of the afternoon in sewing; and observed she was almost well. The disease at first assumed many of the appearances of the common fever of the country; but at last proved to be an inflam mation of the bowe's, and was very rapid in its progress, terminating life on the ensuing Sabbath morning. She was in the perfect possession of her reason to the last moment; and, for the last six or eight hours, was sensible she had not long to live. On account of great distress and difficulty of respiration, she could converse but little. In view of the solemn and unexpected event of death, which appeared to be rapidly approaching, her mind was tranquil and resigned. She lamented her unfaithfulness: but expressed a humble hope of her acceptance with God, through the merits of the Savior. I asked her if she regretted the sacrifices she had made, in leaving her father's house and the circle of her dear friends, that she might labor for Christ among the heathen. "O no;" she replied with emphasis, "I only regret that I have done no more." When able to converse, she exhorted us to be faithful to the cause, in which we were engaged, and to prepare to follow her. A short time before her death, she took an affectionate leave of all the family, as they in succession came to her bed side. Her children were peculiarly dear to her; and the idea of leaving them, at their tender age, in this land of strangers, was extremely painful. But she remembered, that God had promised to be their father and their friend. Though she had been in great distress for near forty hours before her death, yet her last moments were without a struggle or a groan. On the 15th inst. a pleasant Sabbath morning, about half past seven o'clock, she was sweetly released from all the sorrows and sufferings of this mortal life, and I trust entered on that Sabbath of || rest, which remaineth for the people of God. Language is too feeble to express my own feelings on this occasion. I would bow with submission to the divine will. The sovereignty of God is most strikingly displayed in this event. No dispensation of Providence, since our arrival in this land, has fallen so heavily upon us. No one has called louder for deep humility, and selfexamination to know wherefore it is, that the Lord is dealing thus with us. My loss none can estimate, but those who have experienced a similar affliction. My prayer is, that this afflicting dispensation may be made a blessing not only to myself, but to the mission, and to this perishing people, If this bereavement should be made the means of uniting us more firmly in holy love, of making us more diligent and useful in our labors, of exciting us to greater zeal and fidelity for the salvation of sinners, Mrs. Kingsbury's death may do more than she could have accomplished by a long and laborious life. I have only time to add, that we hope the Committee will not be discouraged by these repeated and sore afflictions. We more than ever feel the need of additional helpers to strengthen the things which remain, and to occupy different places in this wide field, which is already white to the harvest. From different and distant parts we hear the daily call, Come over and help us. We now have the pecuniary means, but not the persons, necesWe are pecusary to carry on the work. liarly tried on this subject. We know not what encouragement to give, or what arrangements to make. With the leave of Providence, I shall set out in a few days with Mr. Jewell, if he is able to travel, for the six towns, to do something towards making preparation for a school in that district. But the feeble health of him and his wife will render it necessary that they have help soon. At the close of his letter Mr. Kingsbury says, "If we had a few good assistants to go into different parts of the nation, and teach a few children in each place, and give some instruction to the people, we think it would greatly subserve the cause." In a previous letter, Mr. Kingsbury enumer. ates the following additional helpers, as peculiarly needed at the present time; viz. at Elliot, a blacksmith, a teacher to assist Mr. Wood in school and to labor with the boys, a carpenter, a shoemaker, a cook, that is, a strong man to labor in and about the kitchen; at Mayhew, a good evangelist, and one or two persons to labor with the boys when out of |