At Teschen, which town Stephen Schultz, missionary to the Jews,
visited several times, he entered the store of a Jewish merchant
to buy some articles. He conversed with one of the Jewish clerks
on the necessity of an atonement for sin, when the Jew asserted
that every man can atone for his own sins. Schultz made him
agree to the statement that we are all become altogether as an
unclean thing, and then asked him:
“How, then, can we pay our debts to God or atone for our sins?”
“We must pray, fast, give alms, etc., for altho we dare not
now offer any sacrifices, yet if we read over the institution
and rites of sacrifices, it will be accepted.” Schultz,
without paying any attention to this absurd statement at this
time, asked: “How much do I owe for these articles I bought?”
“Fifty-seven cents.” “Please write it down upon the counter,
lest I forget it.” The Jew did so, and Schultz read ten times:
“Fifty-seven cents,” and then walked toward the door as if he
would depart. The clerk called him back, saying: “You have not
paid me.” “What! Have not yet paid? Have I not read over ten
times just what you wrote?” “Yes, but that will not pay your
debt.” “And will you then deal so treacherously with God, and
think to pay your debts to Him by repeating some prayers?”
(Text.)--_Missionary Review of the World._
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