CHAPTER III.

HILST the events narrated in the preceding chapter were transpiring, Eliezer's friends were using strenuous efforts to procure his release. They made repeated applications to the authorities both at Constantinople and at Odessa, and, as in the case of St. Peter of old,

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Prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him." He was, however, still kept in prison, and a day or two, unillumined by any ray of outward hope, elapsed. Then the missionary's aged motherin-law, who, by her presence and counsels had contributed not a little to strengthen his faith, came to him with the gladsome intelligence that the hopes of the brethren ran high, and that he might soon expect to

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be liberated. Past experience had taught him not to be over-sanguine, but there was comfort in the thought that others were praying and working for his deliverance.

Alas! the bright dream of freedom, in which he had scarcely dared to indulge, was again rudely dispelled. His father-in-law and several Jews visited him in his gloomy apartment, and informed him that only two courses lay open to him-entire renunciation of Christianity, with restoration to all that renders life attractive and worth living for, or else imprisonment for the remainder of his days and the sundering of every earthly tie. Hard indeed was it to choose between such alternatives, but Eliezer did not hesitate. "My Saviour," he replied, "has released me from everlasting bondage, and a few years of suffering and martyrdom here

below will be nothing in comparison with the eternal weight of glory that shall be revealed."' Threats and menaces proved unavailing, and the party left.

Four days later he was conveyed to another prison, an abode of dirt and misery indescri

bable. Here he was surrounded by criminals of every shade and hue, from Jews, who, for lack of passports had been locked up in jail, to murderers and transgressors of the deepest dye. In common with the rest of his fellowprisoners, hunger and weariness were now his lot; little food, and that of the worst quality, was allowed them, and by night the bare and filthy ground, where rats and similar intruders held their nocturnal revels, was their bed.

Evidently anticipating that these hardships would break his spirit, Eliezer's Jewish friends determined once more to try and win him back to his ancient faith, and he was accordingly summoned to meet them at the house of a well-known and highly-esteemed rabbi. Accompanied by two soldiers he repaired thither and found his father-in-law and several other Jews awaiting him. The venerable rabbi greeted him with paternal kindness, hoping by this means to disarm him and bring him a weeping penitent to his feet. In the most affectionate manner he reasoned with him, implored, entreated, and for six

hours patiently and calmly disputed with him. Eliezer listened deferentially, and as quietly answered the old man's arguments. No impression could be made upon him, and he was re-conducted to his wretched temporary abode. The next day he was again brought before the rabbi, who received him with even greater friendliness than before, but, instead of arguing with him as he had done on the previous occasion, he led him into an ante-chamber, and, taking him by the hand, said, "My son, I will not dispute further with you, for I fear God, and am convinced that you are an honest man. I can see that your belief, however erroneous it may be, is founded on the Word of God. Indeed I almost envy you your faith, and trust that you will always prove as devoted an adherent to Christianity as you are at present. It was not without emotion that Eliezer gazed at the hoary-headed man and listened to these words, which seemed involuntarily to have escaped his lips. "Dear rabbi," he exclaimed, "if you thus admire my creed why do you not adopt it?"

The old man shook his head mournfully. "The religious belief, which I have so long professed, is too deeply rooted to be easily eradicated. Besides, I could never adopt Christianity, though at heart I am not opposed to it. God is merciful, and He has said, the just shall live by faith,' and if we each live up to our own convictions and honestly follow them out, He will have mercy upon us in the last day."

"There is only one way by which a sinner can be saved," observed Eliezer in a low tone, but his host, evidently anxious to change the subject, interrupted him by asking him to join him at his frugal mid-day repast. Touched by such kindness from one in whom he had expected to find a bitter opponent, Eliezer gratefully availed himself of the invitation, and was soon seated at the table with the aged rabbi and his family. The time slipped quickly by, and the hour for the prisoner's departure arrived. With many

tears the venerable Israelite and his son bade their guest farewell, and the former, putting into his hand a basket of provisions, said,