THE CONVERTED JEW.

[The following incident actually took place in Great-Britain a few years since. The re-publication of the statement at the present time, when efforts are beginning to be made to promote Christianity among the Jews, will not be deemed unseasonable.]

The instant we arose from the table, as before observed, there crossed the court-yard of the inn, opposite to the room where we were sitting, a Jew (as he appeared to be) with a basket of pens. My friend seeing him, hastily ran to the door to inquire of him, whether he knew a man of the name of Abraham Levi, one of their people. Yes,' (he said) I know him very well; but he is not one of my people.' 'How is that? (replied my friend) are you not a Jew? No,' (the poor man said) I thank the Lord Lam not. I was once indeed; but I trust, I am now a lover of the Lord Jesus.'-The effcet wrought upon my mind by this short conversation was like that of electricity. Pray my friend, do us the favour' (continued my companion) to walk into this room. We are both lovers and humble followers, like yourself, if you are so, of the Lord Jesus; and we shall much rejoice, if you will communicate to us the pleasing information how this change was wrought.' That I will most readily,' (replied the man ;) for if it will afford you pleasure to hear, much more will it delight me to relate, a change to which I owe such unspeakable mercies.

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Without going over the whole of my history from my childhood,' (he said) which has very little interesting in it, and is unconnected with the circumstances of my conversion, it will be sufficient to begin at that part which alone is worth your hearing. It is about two years since, that I first began to feel my mind much exercised with considerations on the deplorable state of our people. I discovered, from reading the Scriptures, the ancient love of God to our nation. In our history, as a people, I saw the many wonderful and distinguishing mercies, with which, from age to age, the Lord had blessed us. I remarked also, how, for the disobedience and ingratitude of our peoole, the Lord had punished us.~ -But what struck me most forcibly was that prophecy of scripture, That the sceptre should not depart from Judah, nor a law-giver from between his feet, until the SHILOH should come. Whereas I saw very plainly, that our nation was without a sceptre, without a government, without temple. I remarked moreover that our people were a light, and vain, and worldly-minded people, who took it not to heart. And if the Lord had punished our fathers for their sins, ours deserved his displeasure more. Added to all these considerations, which very powerfully operated upon my mind, I saw a great mass of people living around me who professed themselves to be followers of the true God; and who asserted, in confirmation of their faith, that SHILOH was come, and to him was the gathering of the people. Distressed and perplexed in my mind, by reason of these various considerations, I knew not what to do, and could hardly find power or inclination to prosecute my daily labour.

'It happened one day, while walking over the bridge of the city, that, my mind being more than usually affected, I could not refrain from pouring out my heart in prayer to God. I paused as I stood on the bridge, and lifting up my eyes towards heaven, I cried out, O God of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who hast declared thyself as keeping mercy for thousands; look down upon me, a poor Jew, vouchsafe to teach me what I must do. Thou knowest my desire is to serve thee, if I knew the way. Thou art justly displeased with our nation and with our people; for we have broken thy commandments. But, O Lord, direct me.

It was with words somewhat like these,' (continued the poor man) that prayed; in which I wept much. At length I walked on, and passing by

a place of worship, where I saw many assembled, I found my heart inclined to go in. Who knows, I thought with myself, but the Lord may have directed me hither. I went in, and near the door finding a seat unoccupied I entered into it, and sat down. The minister was discoursing on the mercies of God, in sending his Son to be the Saviour of the world.-If this Saviour was my Saviour, I thought, how happy should I be ! I felt myself considerably affected, and frequently turned my face to the wall and wept. And many times, during the continuance of the service, so much was my heart interested by what I heard, that I wept aloud, and could not refrain. 'I had disturbed some of the congregation, it appeared, by my behaviour; so that, as soon as the service was finished, two or three of the men came towards me with much anger, asking me what I meant by coming there to interrupt their worship with my drunkenness. But when they discovered the real state of the case, and I had told the whole desires of my mind, they almost devoured me with kindness. This served very much also, under God, to convince me, that their religion must be the true religion, which produced such effects.

'Not to fatigue you with my relation, it will be sufficient to observe, that from that hour my mind began to discover hope. And as the kind people, into whose congregation I had thus entered, undertook to instruct me in the principles of the Christian faith, I soon learnt, under God, the fulfilment of the Jewish scriptures in the Christian. And now I find cause every day, more and more, to bless the Lord for what he hath done for my soul.

⚫ One little event more' (he added) I will, if you please, relate, which happened soon after my going into this church. My business of selling my pens obliged me to go to another city, about twelve miles distant from the one where I dwelt; and calling at å pastry-cook's shop, who occasionally dealt with me, a circumstance occurred which became highly serviceable to me in my new path of life.-There sat in the shop a venerable gentleman, dressed in black; the mistress of the house stood behind the counter, and I was just within the door. A poor beggar, looking miserably ill, came in for a tart.' "Ah! John," (cried the old gentleman) "what, you have left the infirmary. Is your disorder declared to be incurable ?" "Yes, sir," (replied the poor man) "they say they can do nothing more for me." ... Well, John," (answered the old gentleman) "there is one Physician more which I would have you try; and he never fails to cure. And he doth it also without money and without price." The poor man's countenance seemed to brighten at this; and he said," "Who is he?" "It is the Lord Jesus Christ," (said the gentleman) "Pray go to him, John; and if he be pleased to heal your body it will be a blessed recovery for you indeed; and if not, he can and will heal your soul." The poor man did not relish the advice; for he went away looking angrily. As for me I cried out, (for I could not refrain) "May the Lord bless you, Sir, for what you have said in your recommendations of my Master and Saviour! he is indeed all you have described him, for he hath cured both my body and soul." Astonished at what I said, the gentleman cxpressed his surprise in observing, "I thought you were a Jew!" I was, Sir, (I answered) once; but by grace I am now a Christian." He caught me by the hand, and entreated me to go with him to his house, where I related to him as I have to you, the means under God of my conversion. And when I had finished my story, at his request, we dropped on our knees in prayer. And oh! sirs, the fervour and earnestness with which he prayed, and the thanksgivings which he expressed for the Lord's mercy to my soul, never shall I forget. The recollection, even at this distance, continues to warm my heart.'

When the poor man had finished his narrative, my friend and I looked at each other, then at him, and then upward.-One sentiment, I am persuaded,

pervaded both our hearts; and this was the language, Great and marvel! lous are thy works, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! Just and true are thy ways, Thou KING of Saints!

My companion offered him money, at which he seemed hurt. I am sorry (he said) that you should think so unfavorably of me.' Well, but,' (answered my friend) 'we have detained you from your employment, and it is but just; as you have so highly contributed to our pleasure, we ought not to make it detrimental to your interest.' I should be very sorry' (replied the poor man) if my diligence would not make up for those occasional interruptions, which are so sweet and refreshing in my own heart, while giving satisfaction to others.-No, Sir, I thank you for your intentions; but I cannot accept of your offer. Besides, I need it not; I have enough and to spare. God supplies all my wants, and enables me sometimes to help the wants of others.'

·

The poor man took his leave, after mutual wishes and prayers for our spiritual welfare. And the night being now advanced, after reading the scriptures, and prayer, we departed each to his chamber.

Recorder

Ar a meeting of THE CONNECTICUT ASYLUM for the education and instruction of the Deaf and Dumb persons, held at the State House in Hartford the 24th June, 1816, certain articles were adopted for the regulation and government of the Society, according to which, the Society is located at Hartford; the annual payment of 5 dollars constitutes a member of the Society for a year, 50 dollars a member for life, 100 dollars a Director for life, and 200 dollars a Vice-President for life; the concerns of the Society to be managed by eight Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, Secretary, and ten Directors annually elected, in conjunction with the Directors for life. The annual meeting of the Society to be on the 2d Thursday of May.

The following persons were chosen officers of the Society for the year ending at the annual meeting in May next.

His excellency John Cotton Smith. Esq. President; John Caldwell, Esq. Dr. M. F. Cogswell, Nathaniel Terry, Esq. Daniel Wadsworth, Esq. Rev. Dr. Dwight, Charles Sigourney, Esq. David Porter, Esq. Joseph Battel, Esq. Vice-Presidents; Joseph Rogers, T. S. Williams, Esq. Samuel Tudor, Jun. William Watson, John Butler, Jared Scarborough, Esq. Joseph Trumbull, Esq. Henry Hudson, Daniel Buck, James B. Hosmer, Annual Directors. At a previous meeting, Ward Woodbridge was chosen Treasurer; Wm. W. Elsworth, Esq. Secretary.

A new and interesting charity presents its claims to the benevolent. Its object is to open the sources of intellectual and religious improvement to a very unfortunate class of our countrymen, the Deaf and Dumb. Its views have nothing of a local kind. Its Constitution invites, to the direction of its concerns, individuals of any of the States. It has chosen for the place of its establishment, a central spot, in a healthy and economical part of our country; and nothing now is wanting but public patronage to raise it to that degree of permanent and extensive usefulness which the importance of the object to which it is devoted, demands. Very considerable funds will be necessary for the support and education of the children of the indigent. It is peculiarly over these unfortunate, who are without resources of their own, and who cannot be maintained and instructed by their im-.

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mediate relations and friends, that the proposed asylum was always cast the mantle of its protection. It seeks to restore as in her society with habits of practical usefulness, with the capac intellectual enjoyment, and above all, in the possession hope of immortality through Jesus Christ. It expects soon commence under very favourable auspices. Its principal instructor has visited the institutions of a similar kind in London, Edinburgh, and Paris. His assistant, who is himself deaf and dumb, is one of the most distinguished pupils of the celebrated Abbe Sicard, and has for 8 years been an instructor in the royal institution for this class of unfortunate persons in Paris. In Europe, experience has taught the necessity of giving to such establishments considerable magnitude and resources. It is in such alone, that this singular department of education can be carried to its greatest degree ef excellence; that the pupils can be supported and instructed at the least expense; that they can feel that excitement which is found to be the result of assembling them together in considerable numbers; and that instructors can be trained for other institutions when they are found necessary. Such establishments now flourish in almost every European State. Princes are their patrons, and public munificence has raised them to eminent and extensive usefulness. The first, and infant institution of this kind in America, now pleads in the name of those whom it seeks to relieve. Its object, it fondly trusts, will unite the wishes and secure the aid of ail who who feel for the honour of their country, for the cause of humanity, and for the diffusion among all minds of that religion, whose founder exhibited, not only the most endearing trait of his character, but one of the most striking proofs of his Messiahship, in opening the ear of the Deaf, and in causing the tongue of the Dumb to sing for joy.

JUVENILE DEPARTMENT.

FROM THE RELIGIOUS REMEMBRANCER.

A Letter from Mrs. D—to a Committee of the Evangelical Society, giving an account of the religious exercises and death of her Daughter, Mary D-.

DEAR SIRS,--Through your solicitations I feel myself in duty bound to give you some account of the exercises of my dear child. I take pleasure in so doing; yet feel it a mournful task, as it is near myself, for fear some should doubt it. But in the fear of God I will endeavour to write some of the most peculiar parts of her exercises.

Oh! where shall I begin? I must begin where God began with her. Stil I must be permitted to say, she was a sweet tempered child from her birth. She was beloved and admired by all who knew her, as is the beautiful rose that blooms in the morning and withers in the evening. She resembled the rose, for she was beautiful; but if that was the only beauty she possessed, it would be of no account. I trust she bore, in some measure, the image of her Saviour and like Mary of old, she chose that good part which should

not be taken from her.

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pervaded both urned of five years old, it pleased the Lord to lay his afflicting

lous are her. She was taken with a sore complaint in her back, that barThou skill of her physician. It was thought necessary to call in another Mycian; and it was determined that a seton should be tried. It was ac(he dingly, which caused her most excruciating pain, which she bore with Sacommon patience. It was kept running for one year and then was healed, which deprived her of the use of her limbs, and rendered her as helpless as a babe, and also deprived her of her schooling. When she left her school, she could only spell in two syllables.

My other children being in the habit of learning Catechism, made her anxious to learn to read. She begged me to get her a catechism. I told her that, as she could not read, it would be useless. Her reply was, "I can spell, and I can learn to read." I got one for her. She applied her mind to commit it to memory, which she did in a very short time, to the astonishment of all who knew the circumstance; and when she had committed the whole to memory, she was a very good reader, which was a very great comfort to her.

She was now about seven years of age. When she lost the use of her limbs, her patience was uncommon. She often told me, that if it would please the Lord to restore her to her walking again in two years, she would be perfectly happy. Not a murmuring word was heard from her lips.

Near the expiration of two years, it pleased the Lord to lay her on a bed of sickness. She appeared to be much alarmed, and with a distressed countenance, exclaimed, "Mother, do you think I will die?" My reply was, that I hoped not. I asked her if she felt so bad? She said, "I feel very bad, but I feel myself a great sinner; how can the Good Man admit me into his presence?" thinking herself unworthy to take his precious hame into her lips. I pointed her to the blood of Christ that cleanseth from all sin. "The Pilgrim's Progress in verse having been put into her hands sometime before, she undertook to commit it to memory; when she came to that part where it says,

"Behold by his path a cross he view'd,

Here Christian stopt a while, and pensive stood,
Gazed on his blessed Lord's accursed tree,

And then exclaimed, That Saviour died for me.—
No sooner had he spoke, when strange to tell,

That moment, from his back, the burden fell."

She made particular inquiry what was the meaning of the cross that Christian viewed, and the burden that fell from his back. I explained it to her, and she derived comfort from the explanation.

In a few days after, I asked her if she was more comfortable than she was? She said, "I am now willing to die: but Oh! mother, tell papa to pray for my brothers and sisters, that you all may meet me in heaven, where we shall never part." Her brother and sister then coming into the room, she said, "Oh brother! be good;" and to her sister, "Ŏ Harriet, I want you and every body else to meet me in heaven;" and like the servant of God of old, her language was, "Come all you that fear God, and I will tell you what he hath done for my soul." She said, "I want to see Dr. Staughton and my dear grandmother; oh pray let me see them, and my aunt once more." Accordingly I sent for them. The doctor came, and she conversed with him freely. He asked her if she was willing to die? She replied, 46 yes, Sir, I am." How long have you felt yourself willing to die? She mentioned the day, which I found to be the same on which I had conversed with her concerning the cross of Christ. The whole of the conversation I do not remember, but she gave the doctor so much satisfaction, that he an nounced from the pulpit, that he had met with an instance in the last week of a child eight years old, which he thought to be a subject of divine grace,"