2nd. Having experienced the blessedness of faith in Jesus Christ myself, it is my conviction, that in proclaiming the Gospel to sinners, it is my duty, not to point to forms and confessions, but to the Son of God alone, who taketh away the sins of the world; nor do I feel called upon to speak of baptism, or the union of Christians, as they are described to us in the Word of God, until I see that those with whom I have to do are seeking the truth and have an interest in Christ.

3rd. I do not consider the Apocrypha to be divinely inspired writings, and can circulate only such copies of the Scriptures where they are omitted. I inclose several Polish tracts on this subject for your kind perusal.

4th. I am quite willing to keep a journal for your inspection. Should it be the will of God that I, his unworthy servant, am to occupy the place offered, I must be permitted first to acquaint the agent of the American and Foreign Bible Society, Mr. J. G. Oncken, of my resignation of the situ ation I now occupy.

A very kind letter soon reached me from this lady, in which she thanks me for my frankness in stating my views, but regretting that difficulties had occurred with regard to my colportage among the Poles at Danzig, that would render it necessary for her to abandon her plan for the present. She, however, requests a new supply of Polish tracts, and I have sent her another thousand copies. 15th and 16th.-Visited families with Brother Berneike, but sold no Bibles.

19th.-Visited thirteen families and sold two Bibles. A man to whom I offered my books said: "Do you suppose I have never been to school that you wish me to buy a school-book? I have done with my Bible long ago." I asked him whether he remembered that David, the king of Israel, had said of the Bible that it was "a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his way ?" "Yes," was the reply. "But you," I continued, "cannot make the Word of God a lamp and a light to your way, for you do not possess it." The man was silent, but his wife, bursting into tears, entreated her husband to purchase a copy, which he at length did, giving it to her with the words, "Take it, you always contrive to get your own way; but mind me, read the book to yourself, I have nothing to do with it." This, I believe, was said rather from pique at having been over-persuaded in my presence than from the heart; for his last words to me when I left were: "You must owe me no ill will, I mean no harm, and I shall be very happy to see you again."

20th-Distributed tracts, and had many opportunities for telling sinners to flee from "the wrath to

come."

21st. Sold one Testament. Some fishermen refused to buy, saying they were not pious people. I told them that the Word of God would teach them how to become pious. It was one of these men that bought the New Testament.

22nd.-Visited families who have been awakened by reading the Bible and tracts; had pleasing con. versations with them, and trust that He who has begun the good work in their hearts will carry it on to perfection. On my return home, I found there three commissaries of police, who had come to have a house-searching, as I was supposed to harbor proscribed pamphlets. Every drawer and corner was therefore ransacked, but the books in question not being found, the men left, without making any farther charge against me.

23rd.-Visited the ships on the Elbing river, and sold seven Bibles. Capt. Warlith, whose wife is a member of our church, was also in the harbor; he received me very kindly, and allowed me to offer my Bibles to his crew, with whom I had a long and interesting conversation. As I left Capt. W's. ship, some men on a neighboring vessel, who had heard part of what I had said, called to me to go on board; this I did, and felt much pleasure in reading and explaining a portion of Scripture to these men, for they received the word gladly, and it will, I trust, take root in their hearts. Quickly an hour passed away in this little circle, and I was about to leave, when the captain of the ship, who had overheard all in the cabin, rushed up the hatchway like a lion, furious, and promising to kill me for trying to make his men crazy. Assisted by the sailors, I, however, eluded his grasp, and once more safely seated in the boat, left him raging and swearing on the deck, and soon gained the shore. 25th.-Accompanied by my wife, I to-day traveled to Forstnan, where there is a great desire for the Word of God. There are several sisters here, who well deserve the appellation "honorable," and with one of these we lodged. These friends are very zealous in distributing tracts and selling Testaments in this place, and have, by so doing, as it were, prepared the way for the preaching of the gospel. On the 26th I held a meeting here, and was surprised at the number and marked attention of my hearers. At the close of the meeting, I found, in conversing with some of them, that they were well acquainted with the Scriptures, which have been introduced into their houses by our sisters. From Forstnan we proceeded, on the 27th, to Neulang, where I addressed about thirty persons, and received many invitations soon to return. When we left our kind host, a former school mate of mine accompanied us a part of the way, while I, at his request, related the history of my conversion.

26th.-A woman to whom I had some time ago given tracts, called to-day to buy a Bible, and to

thank me for the little books which had made her "so unhappy and then so happy." Sold, besides, three Bibles and one Testament.

27th.-Received a summons to appear at the police office, for trying to persuade the people to leave the church and to join our community. The president of police inquired whether I possessed a certificate as a pedlar of Bibles. I replied: "No; because the government does not grant certificates of permission to sell Bibles; but I have, in accordance with an injunction received, united myself with the clergymen in this district who take a part in Bible circulation, and we now act together." My answers were put down.

28th.-Engaged in packing up and sending off bales of Bibles to different parts of Polish Prussia. I have lately received orders from places where, as far as I know, we have no connexions; but this proves that the Lord can find an entrance for his word "without our aid."

29th.-Went from house to house through several streets, and met with various receptions. My best advocates are generally the little children, who, pleased with the gay covers and pretty pictures of the tracts I give them, run to their mother and say, "Here is such a kind man, do let him come in," while my experience makes true the saying: "The way to a mother's heart is through her child," for I am frequently admitted for the children's sake, where otherwise I might be sent away.

30th.-Continued my peregrinations in the city, and was permitted in many a splendid drawingroom and rusty garret to make known the glad tidings of salvation; but everywhere I experienced that the carnal mind is at enmity with God, and that no station is exempt from what are termed "hindrances" to becoming a Christian. The rich lay the blame of their sin on their wealth, and the poor on their poverty; but amongst both. I rejoice to say, I met with some instances where grace had triumphed over innate corruptions and outward hindrances. A lady, who sent for me into the room where she was sitting, entered into conversation with me with regard to my labors, and besides expressing much interest in my work, gave me a donation for the Bible Society; she also took several copies of Bibles, and ordered more, which she intends to give away with clothing for the poor when winter approaches. She appeared to be a true Christian, and desirous of the spread of the gospel. August 1st.-Brother Riedel and I distributed tracts in the Roman Catholic district, Geismerode, where the people are poor and ignorant. A poor woman, who told us that her husband had been recently killed by an accident, was anxious to buy a Testament, and as she had no money Brother R. and I gave her one between us. We called on a man who has long professed to love the Lord, but when we urge him publicly to declare his faith in Christ, he only replies: "The time has not yet come;" by which he means, as I to-day discovered, that the circumstances are not yet favorable. We told him that he must not expect ever to find outward circumstances favorable to a profession of Christianity, for the Saviour himself says: "Whoso will be my disciple let him take up his cross and follow me."

3rd to 9th.-Sold ten Bibles and eleven testaments, and visited friends who have been attacked by the cholera, which in this season is very prevalent here.

21st. Went with Brother Bernieke to Rosengarh, where I disposed of several Bibles; and brother B. held a meeting. We were generally well received.

23rd.-Travelled by rail, and distributed tracts among my fellow-travelers.

26th-Sold thirteen Testaments and one Bible. Applied at the railway-office for permission to sell Bibles at the terminus, but did not obtain it.

29th.-It was my intention to go to Dirschan, but brother L. told me that the road leading there is entirely deserted by travellers who are not obliged to go, as the cholera is raging fearfully at Dirschan. He also told me that there were many inquirers in his native place, Marienberg; I there fore went there, and conversed with these people. On the following day I went, accompanied by brother B., to Dirschan, and we found that the accounts given of the cholera here had not been exaggerated; its presence in the village could be seen and felt everywhere, and a solemn awe took possession of us as we passed through the quiet streets. Our friends here have all suffered from the epidemic, but their lives have been spared, and they were most happy to unite with us in a little service.

31st.-Sold a Bible to a man on the Vistula, who listened to my words with much eagerness; he told me that his wife and children had recently died, but that his comfort was the Word of God. At Kunzendorff, I saw two ladies in deep mourning sitting in a garden; I entered and addressed them, but they would not hear of religion, they said they were melancholy enough without it. Sold three Bibles on the railway; at one of the stations, as I distributed tracts, a number of workmen surrounded me, and begged me to tell them about the Bible, as a gentleman (Brother Berneike) who passed this way some weeks ago had done. As there was time allowed for dinner at this station. I had time to answer all their questions, to recommend the Bible to them as the best of books, and to sell several copies. When I left the train, Brother Berneike joined me, and after we had walked several miles across a barren moor, we entered a little inn to take rest. The landlord told us that in

the neighboring village death had also made fearful ravages, and we took occasion to point him and his family to the solemnity of eternity. The landlord listened attentively, and would gladly have kept us longer, but we were compelled to proceed.

September 1st.-Received a command from the Dansic government to provide myself with a certificate from some Lutheran Home Missionary or Bible Society, empowering me to act as BibleColporteur. I applied to the Superintendent Eggers, who received me kindly, but said it was not in his power to do any thing in the matter. Rev. Mr. Faber advised me to apply to the highest quarters for a permission, he promising to use his influence with the Landrath in my favor.

3rd. Sold two Testaments and one Bible, and collected Missionary contributions, which I for warded to Hamburgh.

7th-Traveled to Mohrungen, in consequence of a summons received, and sent my friend Horn to offer Bibles to the men working at the railway; there is a great desire for the Word of God among them. Friend H. disposed of seventeen Testaments and seven Bibles: and the workmen expressed a strong wish for a Missionary to come and preach the Gospel to them on the Lord's Day.

On the following Sabbath, I went to the place where the greatest number of workmen are employed, hoping to be able to hold a little service with them, but was disappointed, for the inspector of the works would not permit them to break off an hour from their labor, although they promised to be doubly diligent afterwards.

9th. At the request of Rev. Mr. Gehrmann, the clergyman of L, I preached at the Vicarage, and a large number of persons were present, among whom Mrs. Gehrmann, the magistrate of the place, &c. At the close of the service I disposed of several Bibles, and the Baronness Schleunitz ordered some to be sent to her house. I was then hospitably entertained by the clergyman and his jady, who expressed much surprise that I could preach, although I had never been either at high school or university. Mr. G. also showed me his church, a pretty Gothic building; in crossing the threshold of the edifice he knelt down and silently prayed, which, as he is a Protestant, rather surprised me.

11th. The schoolmaster, Grabousky, called upon me to order Bibles, and to converse with me on baptism; my wife, who was present, and who was an old acquaintance of Grabousky, joined the conversation, and never did I hear her so clearly and forcibly avow her faith in Christ, and her delight in the word of God, as on this occasion. How little I expected that in one short day I should be bereft, and a widower! On the following morning my wife awoke with all the symptoms of the fearful disease that has made so many of our hearts and homes desolate;-the same evening she lay stretched before me a corpse. Her loss is much felt by the church here, whom she served like a true Martha; while to me, and all she has left behind her, a bright example of all the virtues of Mary-for she sat at the feet of Jesus and learnt of him.

I must not forget to mention, that when summoned to Mohrungen, I was fined five dollars for preaching there; and the husband of Sister Kleefeld was fined seven dollars for having permitted the meeting to be held at his house. This sum he willingly paid, but I refused to pay my fine, and was remanded to another time. EHLERT.

JOURNAL OF I. ANDRESEN, AT PINNEBERG, BIBLE COLPORTEUR.

July 17th-Offered Bibles at an estate near Pinneberg, but met with an unfavorable reception; I was more successful at a neighboring limekiln, where, besides having interesting conversations with some of the men, I disposed of one Bible and several Testaments. Three persons from Lockstadt came to see me; they had bought a Bible when last I was there, and had now walked a distance of many miles, to have some passages of Scripture explained, and to tell me that they had learned to love the Bible, and were seeking the way of salvation.

14th.-Sold one Bible and one Testament at Hoppewand, distributed tracts. The schoolmaster of this place was formerly much opposed to us, but seems gradually to assume a more friendly position towards us.

15th.-Offered Bibles from cottage to cottage at Blankanese, but the people have no hearts for the the Word of God; they are only intent on gain, and their avarice is well known to the Hamburgers, whose favorite summer resort is Blankanese. Still, though to our imperfect judgment this village long seemed a hopeless field of labor, the Lord has found entrance there, and a little meeting is held weekly by one of the brethren from Hamburg.

16th.-At Bahrenfeld, where, in calling on the schoolmaster, I met the well-known author, Mr. Wienberg. As soon as the latter perceived my errand, he began, in blasphemous terms, to deny every thing godly, and the Cross was to him folly. I, therefore, endeavored simply to declare the truth to him: but he said," perhaps I know the Bible better than you do, my good man, and yet I do not believe it. The schoolmaster, a self righteous man, expected to work out his salvation by good deeds, without regeneration, and I found that the Spirit of God had not entered his heart, but that

Satan used him as an instrument for evil. His Christianity was quite as dangerous as Wienberg's

atheism.

20th.-Went to Halesin and called on the clergyman. He seemed not heartily to enter into the saying, "now is the accepted time," which proved to me that he has not yet experienced the influence of the Holy Spirit on his heart. The organist, Mr. Mein, who was present, spoke not a word; he, too, is blinded by self-righteousness. Woe upon the blind leaders of the blind.* Called upon my former friends, the exciseman and his wife, but our intercourse was not of the most pleasing nature, as they upbraided me for going about the country, disquieting the minds of men; they spoke only of the mercy and goodness of God, and founded the hope of their own salvation and that of others, on them. When I reminded them of the justice of the Almighty, and that he is a “jealous God," they became very angry, and said it was a good thing that they would be judged by God, and not by me. 22nd -Disposed of two Bibles and one Testament at Syldorf; here all is dead and cold, and spiritual life is nowhere to be met with; the clergyman of the place is a Rationalist, and, besides this, a man who does not make the welfare of his parishioners his concern.

23rd.-Travelled by rail to Altona, and visited the surrounding villages. At Ottensen I called on the vicar, Mr. Falquardsen, and in a friendly manner asked him why he writes and preaches so much against the Baptists. He appeared a little surprised at the question, but frankly told me that he believed the Church to be the only arbitrator in matters of religion, but that we had taken upon ourselves to overthrow one of the chief pillars of the Establishment," which, in my estimation," he continued," is arrogance which ought to be exposed and punished." The vicar also wished to prove from John 3, that baptism conveys regeneration; and after some farther arguments on both sides, I asked him to prove to me from Scripture, that baptism after faith is unscriptural. But the clergyman had now quitted Scripture ground, not to return to it; he quoted the church, the fathers, and the good men of the present day in favor of infant sprinkling, and as I could not admit this authority, we soon separated.

24th.-Visited the villages in Pinneberg. As I am now well known here, the persecutions which at first attended my labors have ceased, and I am well received by many. Conversed with a young schoolmaster, who is a true disciple of the Savior, and endeavors to lead his scholars to Jesus Christ. He has introduced our school Bibles into his school, and now took a fresh supply.

26th.-Went to Elmshorn, where, however, the people were so busily engaged in gathering in the harvest, that I met with very few customers. The chief clergyman of Elmshorn had told one of his parishioners to request me to send him twelve of my Bibles; this I accordingly did, and on the fol lowing morning called to receive my payment. The clergyman received me kindly, but soon entered on an argument with me regarding the ordinances; he called all his philosophy to his aid, to draw me off from the Scriptures, but I could not afford to give away my only weapon, and with simple passages of Scripture succeeded in silencing if not convincing my opponent. "I cannot argue with you, he at length said, " you are a layman, but circulate the Scriptures. The Bible is the book for the people." These were his parting words as I left the house.

29th. Went to Onickbar and Elleran. At the latter place I sold two Bibles and two Testaments, and found the people simple and childlike; many of them rejoiced to speak of the Savior, and were diligent readers of the word of God. Called on Mr. Lorenzen, a former colleague of mine, who now owns a large farm at Elleran. I made known to him the glad tidings of salvation, and reminded him of the day which is approaching for us all. As Lorenzer is occasionally intoxicated, and occasions his wife much anxiety and grief, she now requested me to try and convert him; of course I told her this was not in my power, but that I trusted the Lord would bless the words spoken to her husband. I also took occasion to point her to the Savior, and she bought a Testament with a promise to read it.

August 1st.-Went to Hamburg to give in my accounts to brother Onchen.

2nd. At Sichvendi, and offered my Bibles to the fishermen at a place called Greenland; distributed many tracts, and sold two Bibles.

3rd.-Visited the Greenlanders, but as they had not caught many fish lately, they could not afford to buy. I therefore distributed tracts among them, and while making known the way of life verbally, had many attentive listeners. At the limekiln, mentioned before, I met with a good reception; the men were highly delighted with the tracts, which they read during their meal times,

* (Note of the transl) Bro. Andresen was formerly a highly respected schoolmaster in a government school, but put out of office on account of becoming a Baptist. He is an able, active and devoted laborer; perhaps, rather "zealous overmuch" in his warfare against state-church systems and their supporters, but, nevertheless, much respected both by friends and opponents, and he frequently succeeds in obtaining a hearing, where a less fearless man would shrink from the encounter.

and were thus, as one of them himself told me, prevented from indulging in much idle and profane talk. I found a great desire for the word of God to day among these people, and notwithstanding their extreme poverty, (for they live almost entirely on peas and barley,) much contentment and happiness.

7th.-At Elmshorn, and the surrounding villages, where, since the opening of the railroad, and consequent influx of visitors, much dissipation has been introduced. Tea-gardens and dance-houses are seen on all sides, and it is difficult anywhere to find an entrance for the word of God; still I met with several encouraging instances where, in spite of outward temptations and allurements, the spark of divine grace had not been entirely extinguished. I was particularly pleased with a girl at a public house, who, when I showed her a Bible, exclaimed, "My mother's book! Oh how this reminds me of my childhood!" It appeared that she had been religiously educated by a pious mother, but that in the vortex of the world, early impressions had been effaced, and I therefore endeavoured to take advantage of her present emotion, by speaking of the vanity of every thing earthly, and the lasting pleasures which Christianity affords. I left her not without a hope that my words had made an impression on her mind, and praying that the Lord would add a blessing.

11th.-At Hackelshorn I could sell no Bibles, and met with little encouragement of any kind. 14th.-Went to the limekiln, to take a large-sized Bible which had been ordered; had an opportunity of conversing with the owner of the limekiln, who is not opposed to the word of God, says that in his position it is particularly difficult to do all it enjoins, especially with regard to the Sabbath. I, however, referred him to the promise given to those who ask help for the performance of their duty from God, and he seemed really desirous to know and to do the will of God; as the evening was approaching and the dews falling, the gentleman invited me to accompany him home, where we continued our conversation, and I at his request held family worship.

16th-Walked to Barnstedt, where I soon disposed of all my Testaments. Never having been here before, I inquired for believers, and was told there were four betbruder (pray-brethren) in the place. I called on these people, and found them to be simple, hearty Christians, true to their own convictions, but too fearful of the scorn of their neighbors to proclaim the truth to them. This they themselves confessed, and while I could sympathize with the difficulties of their position, I yet decidedly told them that God requires a fearless and open profession of our faith in his dear Son, if indeed we possess this faith.

19th.-At Ternesch, a place lying in spiritual darkness and death. On a threshing floor I sold two Testaments, but could no where meet with a response to the question: "Do you love the Savior?" Outwardly, the inhabitants of this fruitful marsh country are richly blessed, but internally, in their hearts, all is naked and barren, and the good seed finds no entrance. May the Lord take away the heart of stone, and give them a heart of flesh, so that Satan may be obliged to quit the field.

J. ANDRESEN.

IN FRANCE,

There has been an increase of interruptions and vexatious annoyances experienced by our Bible colporteurs. "How long, O Lord!" is the frequent exclamation of these suffering witnesses for God's truth. Lest we should increase their embarrassments, we refrain for the present, from any detail of their endurances. But assuredly they will share in the sympathies and prayers of all who rejoice in the experience of religious freedom. Our esteemed brother and former associate in the Board. Dr. Devan, may be ere long expected among us, to give fuller and more definite information of what our brethren are there enduring for the testimony of Jesus, and to furnish also any hints as to the best and most hopeful method of secking relief, and the enlargement and security of their religious privileges.

In a large German settlement in CANADA WEST, one colporteur has been employed and paid by us to distribute, both by sale. and, where requisite, gratuitously, the Sacred Scriptures. The good effects of this service have been partially manifest already, and, if satisfactory, will be continued. In a similar way, our efficient auxiliary, the N. Y. City Bible Society, have the last year employed seven colporteurs at a time in dispensing the word of life, chiefly among the German