EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE that religious liberty is increasingly seen to time enjoys full liberty. She is, indeed, be a great blessing, and that heresies must too dependent on the State; but her membe put down only by moral means. When bers possess privileges which were formerly the Swedish clergyman, the Rev. Mr. denied to them. The laity were often proHammar, inquired of the Danes and Nor- secuted by the magistrates, like the Baptists, wegians, at the meeting of the Scandinavian for holding religious meetings without the Churches, held in Copenhagen in 1857, if permission of the clergy. Thirty years ago, they preferred their present liberty to the when the awakening took place among the former state of things ? the answer was peasants in various parts of the country, unanimously given in the affirmative. peaceable citizens were thrown into prison

It is proper, however, to remark, that and despoiled of their goods. Now they these statements refer only to Denmark can meet at any time and in any place; the Proper—to Jutland and the islands; Schles- pastors generally no longer oppose the meetwig has a constitution of its own, from ings, but rather rejoice at them, provided which religious liberty is excluded. Very they are not the work of sectaries. Un. recently the Baptists here have suffered per- happily many of the lay preachers are secution. Neither have the German Duchies animated by a sectarian spirit, calumniate of Holstein and Lauenburg proclaimed reli- the Church and her ministers, and congious liberty.

demn those by whom their conduct is disThe National Church, also, at the present approved.

HUNGARY. 101T STATE OF THE PROTESTANT CHURCH-HOPEFUL CIRCUMSTANCES-GOOD TO BE DONE

BY RELIGIOUS TRACTS, Pesth, in Hungary, Aug. 11, 1859. and this caused me to express my great Dear Dr. Steane,—The May number of astonishment that the Protestant Church Erangelical Christendom contains a com. could ever have become so degenerate, seeing munication from a brother in Austria, who that persecution and oppression can only refers to a letter in the January number serve to quicken, to purify, and to sanctify which was written by me, upon the spi- the true Church of Christ. ritual state of the Evangelical Church of What, then, does your correspondent this country; and he says, "A dark picture mean to say, or what is the purport of his was drawn of it; indeed, one that seemed letter? Why, instead of showing forth the to me rather too dark, whilst many light “ light spots" and "encouraging signs," spots and encouraging signs were left un- he enumerates a number of black spots and mentioned.” This remark in the intro- discouraging signs, and gives a picture of duction of his letter would lead any one to the whole as dark and melancholy as possuppose that he was about to make up for sible, far exceeding my own description; the want in my letter, and point out those for with each complaint or evil which he " light spots and encouraging signs" to the mentions, he lays the blame entirely and readers of Evangelical Christendom. Yet forcibly to the unbelief and indifference of for this we look in vain in his communica- the Protestant clergy and people, and to tion; nay, he even grants that the want of their opposition, even, and enmity against spiritual life is acknowledged “ by the most any movement towards a better state of unbelieving pastors" of this country, but, things. "on the otherhand,” he continues, "the most And, I am sorry to say, all this is but godly among them account for it by refer- too true; and the Protestants of Austria ring to our poverty, and the oppression we and Hungary, instead of complaining about suffer.” Immediately after, however, he the Government, have every reason to very justly remarks, that we are taught by humble themselves before God on account the Gospel that oppression “should have of their own sins and faithlessness; instead an opposite effect, and lead to a deeper and of striving against the laws and authorities more earnest spirituality."

of the land, let them turn humbly and Well, then, this is the cery sum and sub- submissively to the law and testimony of stance of what I stated, and the exact ex- the Lord, and acknowledge His authority; pression of my own feelings with reference instead of their bitter complaints about the to the spiritual destitution of the Evan- " Reverses” demanded by the Roman Cagelical Churches of Austria and Hungary, tholic clergy from parties contracting mixed

EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

marriages, let them be ashamed of the fact hopes and expectations, nor look for help that, in some places, as many as two-thirds from man, or from anything man-or even of all the marriages among Protestants are the Government-can do for them, but may mixed, and that the parents mostly make they look up to God and call upon Him for very little matter about the Roman or help. And if the Protestants will but Protestant baptism of their children. May humble themselves in the sight of the Lord, this very fact lead them to see what state confessing their sins and their neglect, and the Church is in, and that these so-called depart from their former ways, the Lord Protestants, in reality, neither know nor will certainly have mercy upon them and value the faith they profess. Instead of revive them. finding fault with the restrictions and diffi- And now, as your Austrian correspondent culties in school matters—which, after all, found fault with me for not pointing out are not great-let them rather bewail the the “light spots and encouraging signs sad condition their schools are in, and the that show themselves in this country shameful manner religion is taught (or (although he neglected all the while to do rather not taught) in them, for on this so himself), I must say a word or two more; point, especially, I could disclose some and, as one good turn deserves another, he startling facts-yea, let them bewail their having been so kind as to tell me of my own readiness to send their offspring even fault, I shall now try to make his fault good to Roman Catholic schools. Instead of by mentioning those " light spots” which expecting and waiting for a better state of he may probably have had in his mind, but things to arise from Government measures which he did not bring out. I do not supor privileges, and from re-organisations of pose that among those “light spots" our the Church, or from general synods, let friend would enumerate the somewhat them see that the Government, if, on the better state of morality in certain parishes, one hand, unable to crush and extinguish and the smaller number of illegitimate any spiritual life and movement existing in children, when in other places more than the Churches, is, on the other hand, just as one-half are such; nor do I presume incapable, by any favouror grantof rights, to that the proportion of mixed marriages in infuse or call forth any vital state or action some places being smaller, or that the in the same.

Let them learn from other Church-discipline at Laibach, consisting in Churches in Great Britain and Germany, applying an antidote against the effects of that even under the consistorial form of mixed marriages by means of a ContraChurch-government there may be living and Rererse, are regarded by him as very bright labouring Christianity, whilst the Presby- specks or hopeful appearances, for I trust terian system is by no

sure your correspondent will agree that somsguarantee for orthodoxy and spirituality : thing else and more is required, if it shall nay, in Hungary it may be seen that the be called a really promising feature. But if Presbyteries themselves are the veriest he has had his eye upon the two societies clogs and hindrances to a proper rule and lately formed (under the sanction of Godevelopment of the Church. And if this vernment) in the city of Pesth, viz., for the be the case, and if, in addition, clergymen benefit of Protestant orphans and for Prothemselves scoff and mock in the vilest testant mechanics, I perfectly agree that manner possible (as has been shown by your these are, at least, hopeful organisations, correspondent) against Home Missions and though time only will show whether they similar organisations, which might be the are really conducted in the spirit of the very instrumentalities to arouse and awaken Gospel, and tend to the furtherance of the the Protestant population of the country, same. But of these two societies I could what then, I ask, might be expected, if not make mention in my letter, for the even a general synod were granted by the simple reason that at the time when it was Government? I maintain that this privi- written they did not yet exist. lege would certainly be abused and made But I did mention (which our Austrian the means and occasion for incalculable friend seems to have overlooked) the certainly mischief and confusion. It is only when very hopeful circumstance that, upon the the Church is in some degree what it should whole, the people are very willing to hear and be, or at least earnestly striving for it, that to accept of the truth where it is brought before the Presbyterian form of Church-manage- them, having myself, in the little sphere of ment may truly be a privilege and a bless- my own labours, met with the most gladdening. Therefore, let not the Churches of ing results. I also mentioned that, haring Austria and Hungary indulge in such vain made a small experiment with the circulation

EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE. of religious pamphlets, "the effects were and the German being spoken in this coun. greatly encouraging." And, therefore, in try; secondly, the expenses of postage and consideration of the state of things in this carriage are not inconsiderable ; and, thirdly, country, and under the existing want of some kind of agency seems to be required truly Evangelical preachers, I gave my to carry on the work fully and properly. opinion that the Gospel might here be pro- Now, of course, I have not the means for pagated most effectually through the me- supplying the wants in these several redium of the press, and I called upon the spects ; indeed, I have already gone to the brethren in Great Britain to support this outside of my own abilities. I can only scheme. To my great satisfaction and en- present the subject to the prayerful concouragement, I perceived from the sub- sideration of the readers of Evangelical sequent numbers of Evangelical Christendom Christendom, and if they see the need of that my appeal had not been made in vain, assistance, and feel moved to come forward but that several friends had come forward and lend their aid to this cause, I shall with very handsome contributions; for take it as a token from the Lord that this which, permit me on this occasion and work is to be extended, and I shall be glad through these means to express my warmest to do my utmost in making known the thanks, May the Lord bless both the blessed name of Jesus to perishing multigivers and the gifts, and may they be tudes; and may it be unto them as ointmade instrumental in conveying the saving ment poured forth," and even as a healing knowledge of Christ, and Him crucified, to balm. May God bimself conduct the plan, many a never-dying soul! Let me add and to Him be ascribed all the glory! that, since I sent that letter, I have gone Please, dear Dr. Steane, to insert this on with the work of publishing and circu- letter in your valuable periodical. May lating, and that, whilst so doing, I have the Lord be with you, and with the noble found out more and more how immensely cause of brotherly love in which you are large and promising the field is here for engaged ! such a work; for, in the first place, we Believe me, very truly and respectfully should have tracts printed in three different yours,

A. languages-the Hungarian, the Slavonian,

TURKISH MISSIONS. To the Editor of Evangelical Christendom. at the barracks where the young man is

The Rev. Mr. Morse, of Adrianople, gives placed, that he should be well treated and a very interesting account of a young Turk, remain at his ease. Dr. Dwight also rea cadet in the Pasha's school at Adrianople, marks : “ The work among the Turks is who often visited the missionaries, and looming up, and if not hindered by some brought many young men with him, from untoward event, or by our neglect and slugtime to time, during the winter.

gishness, it will, by and bye, assume very He had professed his belief in the truth large proportions. That the Turkish officials of Christianity, and though for a long time throughout the country have been instructed there was no opposition, excitement and not to persecute Mohammedans who empersecution rose at last, and he was sent braced Christianity, is very evident. The as a culprit to Constantinople. But it ap- Governors of Sivas, Cesarea, and Diarbekir pears that the Colonel, in whose charge he have, to my knowledge, and within a short was sent, was a personal friend, had read time, with cases actually before them, the Scriptures with the young man, and openly and publicly declared that a Mohamwas himself quite inclined to Christianity. medan who became a Christian could not He took letters to the missionaries at Con- / be molested." stantinople, and, on arriving there, called upon them with his prisoner. Other students Rev. Mr. Williams, of Mardin, April 8, have since called to see us, and we have gives the following account of the converexperienced no marks of disrespect; but, on sion and stability of Pilgrim Meekha :the contrary, among the Greeks and Arme- “Our chief progress is seen in the nians, increased confidence and respect. changed position of the most influential of

By the latest accounts received, Dr. the Protestants, Pilgrim Meekha, of whom Dwight, of Constantinople, mentions that I have spoken before. But before giving his orders have been given by the commandant | history further, I ought to make you ac

ASSYRIA.

EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE. quainted with the man. Originally a Ja. | the city was alive with this when I came cobite, he thirty years ago became a Papist, till he was thrown down in the streets. and carried over one hundred houses with The Patriarch is at Mosul, and Meekha made him ; since then they have had no such up with the priests until he could be heard earnest, vigorous partisan as he. The from. The answer came: 'If Pilgrim Virgin Mary had few more sincere devotees Meekha and the other will stand in the than he was six months ago. Thrice he church holding black candles while masses has made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and are said, and then pass round the church last summer, when the Priest Sarkis fled saying to every one, * I have sinned; forgive to Mr. Marsh, and declared himself a Pro- me; what I taught was a lie; only the testant, the Armenian Papal Bishop said to Roman Church is truth,” they may be forthis man: 'It would seem that these given; if not, anathematise them. They heretics would make a permanent lodgment are anathematised. Meekha remained at here. What shall we do?' He replied: his home, pondering over his position, and

: Don't worry about that ; I'll be security hearing the Gospel read, until the expiration that they don't remain here. We are here of a self-appointed period, and then publicly yet, and he is our stoutest champion. and fully declared himself as a Protestant.

“He thus became a Protestant. Before “You was born a Jacobite, became a the priest, who is still with us, and holds Papist, and are now a Protestant; why not firmly to the truth, was forbidden the turn, Moslem?' is frequently asked tauntactive duties of a priest on account of his ingly. He replies: 'I was a Papist because Evangelical views, he had sown much I thought their religion was in the Gospel ; Gospel truth among his disciples; and the day I knew it was not I left them, and secretly, not a few of them were semi-gos- if you will prove the Koran from the Gospel, pelers. Among these was a son-in-law of I will turn Moslem.'

• Then you were Meekha, who, returning from Bagdad in the blind all your life, hey?' 'Yes, I was, fall, and hearing what had occurred in the but I was sincere; and thank God now my summer, began to speak more openly, but eyes are opened. His sincerity and earnestin great fear of his father-in-law. Last ness no one questions. No one pretends December Pilgrim Meekha had a quarrel that he has been bought to Protestantism; with his bishop about a matter of 900 and his wife is as sincere and earnest as himpiastres. Returning to his house exas- self; and while their outside friends were perated at the dishonesty and falsehood of weeping at their great excommunication, his bishop, he sent for his son-in-law Sado, they were rejoicing and thankful that the and said, "What is this new way of which Gospel had come to them. They have five you have got hold? Take the Gospel and daughters; two being married live elsewhere, read to me.' For three days did he keep and under the teachings of the priests, behim reading, until Matthew, Mark, Luke, lieve their father bewitched. But the three John, the Epistles, and the whole was at home, seeing that the Gospel led him on finished. You may judge of his amaze- step by step, go with him and rejoice. It ment when he found that what he had is a wonderful instance of the power of the hitherto believed to be most precious was truth of God. not only without foundation, but was “ Turkish Missions Aid Society, opposed to the whole spirit of God's Word. 7, Adam-street, Strand, London." He sent for the priests, and they came. * Prove

your doctrines from the Bible, and ERRATUM. --- In the number for July last, silence that young man,' said he. They page 241, in an article headed “ Turkish had no arguments but cuffs and cursings; Empire, Population and Religious Stabefore this mere youth their words were tistics,” the number of Jews in European powerless. In vain he asked them to cease Turkey is put down at 70,000. This is a their revilings, and prove their faith. Con- great mistake. In the metropolis alone vinced that they could say nothing, he ceased there are near 70,000 Jews, in the Romania Virgin worship, and declared himself a there are more than 100,000, Salonica Protestant. His wife, sons, and sons-in-law contains a Jewish population no less than urged him, first to collect his debts and 35,000, and Adrianople above 10,000. what was due to him, and then avow the Besides they are to be found in larger or truth, but to all their remonstrances he was smaller numbers in Bosnia, Servia, Bulgaria, deaf; and to-day it went all over Mardin and all the other provinces. The total that Pilgrim Meekha was a 'prote. Scoffs, number of Jews in European Turkey is cerjibes, sneers, were rattled upon him; and tainly more than 250,000 souls. The

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ASIATIC INTELLIGENCE. number given in the above article as living gelisation of Turkey, the number and claims in Asia is also much too low, but I regret of the children of Israel scattered in that my being unable to give you the right empire will be better known and more number from personal observation. I hope fully appreciated. the time is not far distant, when, along I am, Sir, yours in Christ, with the laudable interest in the evan

J. B. GOLDBERG.

Asiatic Intelligence

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INCIDENTS IN MISSIONARY LIFE. We have been favoured, by the kindness the previous day called all his sons to his of the Rev. J. Cox, of Trevandrum, with bedside and addressed them thus: 'I do the Report of the missionaries of the Lon- not think I shall live much longer. I beg don Missionary Society in the Travancore of you to bury me after the heathen custom; District, for the last year, printed at the but, as for you, you need not to continuo Mission Press at Nagercoil. Its contents any longer heathen. All of you must emare full of interesting details, from which brace Christianity and attend the services we take the following :

on Sabbath days, and begin to do so imme"There is a head man of this village diately after my death. So saying, he who for many years was an idolator, and ordered me to fetch this New Testament after which he became a disciple of Muttu- from my uncle. I asked the father what kutti. He abstained from Alesh and ate his intention was in ordering it to be only vegetables. He raised a pagoda and brought. He understood my words, but gained over several heathens to his side, had become unable to speak. He then who respected him as a Swami. While lifted up his hands towards Heaven, and matters were thus, the man was attacked seemed to be fervently engaged in prayer four or five months ago with a deadly to God. I asked him if he was willing to disease. After this he continued a fol hear a chapter read. He signified his wish. lower of Muttukutti for some time, using I read to him from the 5th of Mark, the every means in his power for his re- case of the woman who had a bloody issue, covery, but in vain. He then had who had spent all her property on phyrecourse to the devils which he had sicians, to no purpose. I told him that he forsaken, made all sorts of vows to them, resembled that woman, as he had spent his and held feasts in honour of them. He property in vain in his offerings to the spent much money also on magicians and devils, and exhorted him to repent and besorcerers, but all proved to be in vain. lieve in Christ. I then read to him the Thinking that his disease may soon prove 5th chapter of the 2nd of Corinthians, and fatal to him, and that his mind may be in a spoke about heaven, hell, and judgment, in proper state to receive Christianity, I went the hearing of them all. Who knows that and spoke to him about the folly of he has not obtained mercy at the Lord's heathenism. He acknowledged it readily, hand?" but showed no desire to embrace the The following narrative is from another Gospel. As he did not, however, object to catechist :my visits I saw him frequently and ex- “ Whilst reading to some heathens, a plained the truth to him gradually. The man who was a goldsmith by trade seemed inmates of his house, who used to laugh at much interested in what he heard, and was me, now became serious hearers, as they evidently an intelligent man. He interseemed to be tired of trusting in the devils. rupted me in my discourse, saying, 'I have On the day previous to his death, as I was been making inquiries about Christianity sitting on his bedside speaking to him, one' from various catechists for the last two or of his sons brought out a copy of the New three years. I feel a little pleasure in your Testament. I asked him where he had religion, as I am somewhat acquainted with procured it. He replied, that it belonged its doctrines. I wish to propose one questo his uncle, and that his father wished it tion, not for the sake of dispute, but to to be brought to him. what purpose, ascertain the truth. The existence of only I asked. He replied, that his father on one God is a truth acknowledged by every