had to proceed to a considerable distance, to reach a bridge on which they could cross with safety. The ascent from the river is an extremely steep acclivity, and not a little fatiguing. On gaining the monastery, we found several of the clerical monks (ispoμóvaxo) seated at the door, and appearing to exercise a duty like that of sentinels. They received me with great kindness and hospitality, conducted me around every thing which was deemed curious and interesting, and welcomed me to the best cheer their monastery afforded. But what excited my greatest interest in this remarkable place, and the reason why I give this lengthened detail, to my great surprise, and delight, the very monks of Megaspelaion invited me to preach in their church on the ensuing morning. The proposal was, of course, readily embraced and accordingly, the next morning, I found myself in the pulpit of the Church of Megaspelaion, with about a hundred monks before me, and a large number of laymen; and in the very place where is deposited the picture which is regarded with so much reverence.

It was on the Sunday after Easter that I preached in this church; and I found it suitable to address my audience on a subject connected with the recollections of the season. Easter, amongst

the Greeks, is by far the most joyful festival in the year. After the abstinence and rigours of a fifty-days' fast, every thing assumes an air of gaiety. All persons meeting each other, even in the public streets, kiss one another. The more common modes of salutation are partially suspended: and the universal salutation is this, Χριστὸς ἀνέστη, Christ is risen." The instantaneous reply follows, 'Antes avéσrn, "He is risen indeed." Not only, therefore, did the festival season, but doubly so the universal reference to Christ's Resurrection, render appropriate the selection of the text from which I addressed my auditors:—If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right-hand of God.

The opportunities of public preaching thus afforded me in Greece are a sufficient demonstration what were the general feelings of the Greeks at the time I visited them. I do not undertake to assert that similar access to their pulpits would at all times be conceded. It might be otherwise at present: nor even at that time did I deem it wise to use the liberty to its full extent. But the certain inference, which may be derived from these facts, is this, that when the Greeks were uncontrolled by any superior power

either civil or ecclesiastical, when they were left to act as their own feelings dictated, they certainly did permit an English Missionary to preach on these and several other occasions; and thus clearly displayed the liberality of their minds to Englishmen and Protestants, and their willingness to hear, from their lips, truths the most important which can be brought to the notice

of man.

CHAP. XIII.

ENLIGHTENED GREEKS.

Importance of inquiring for cases of individual conversion Events in the house of a picture-maker-Conversion of a Greek at Constantinople - Conviction of the truth of Christianity, in the case of two Members of the Greek Senate, and of the Prior of a Monastery - Singular expression of a Greek Ecclesiastic- Story of a Native of Zagora — Importance of a conciliatory mode of address-Narrative of a painful disappointment.

PERSONS of true Religion can never be satisfied with remarks on the general progress of religious knowledge. Much as they may be delighted at sight of an extensive and powerful series of means in vigorous operation, they recollect, that these are but means; and they inquire, with earnestness, whether causes have, as yet, had their anticipated effects. Have individuals been really enlightened, and saved?—such is the nature of their demands; and the investigation is highly just and necessary. That will probably continue a heathen land, where the Missionary is not seriously intent on such researches and unhappy, and useless, is that

Missionary, who delights only in an enumeration, however splendid, of the multitude of copies of the Scriptures distributed; of the quantity, however vast, of letter-press which has been poured over the scene of his operations; or even in the frequency and momentary effect of his sermons and conversation. If permanent results do not follow, the language is too applicable:-I have laboured in vain: I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain. It is impossible for me to assert that I have seen many persons in the Levant brought into that state of religious decision which gives full confidence in their spiritual conversion; but I can positively say, that I have seen many abandon superstition and infidelity; I have seen many embrace correct views of the Christian Religion; and of some, I have ventured to hope that they really had experienced a total renovation of disposition and cha

racter.

There is an obvious impropriety in bringing living characters before the public; and therefore I feel myself obliged to give a very inadequate idea of the subject. Some hints must

suffice.

In the Island of

I spent a month in the

house of a picture-maker. The opposition which