A Residence of eight years in Persia, among the Nestorian Christians; with notices of the Muhammedans

Front matter

SHAH. KING OF PERSIA. TJiose leantect men imtstbe held, rn honor, p. 397. Thayer&Co'Luh Bosto-n. A RESIDENCE OF EIGHT YEARS IN PERSIA, AMONG THE NESTORIAN CHRISTIANS; WITH notices of THE MUHAMMEDANS. BY REV. JUSTIN PERKINS. OTftl) a Ptaji anS plates. ANDOVER: PUBLISHED BY ALLEN, MORRILL & WARDWELL. NEW YORK 1 M. W. DODD. BOSTON: TAPPAN AND DENNET ; CROCKER AND BREWSTER. NEWHAVEN: A. H. MALTBY. PHILADELPHIA : PERKINS AND PURVES. CINCINNATI: G. L. WEED. 1843. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1843, by ALLEN, MORRILL AND WARDWELL, in the Clerk's Office ofthe District Court of Massachusetts. andover : Allen, Morrill & Wardwell, Printers. TO A MOTHER, WHO, IN WIDOWHOOD, AGE, INFIRMITY AND DEPENDENCE, GAVE HER SON TO THE MISSIONARY WORK, THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED BY THAT SON.

Preface

. It never appeared to me a reality, that I might again tread the soil of my native country, greet kindred and acquaintances and worship with them in the great congregation, until we had embarked at Smyrna, on our return to the United States. While the prospect could not be otherwise than grateful, it was not wholly unattended with embarrassment. How should the missionary, so long immured in the deep darkness of benighted Persia, and accustomed to the use of strange languages, meet again the noon-day light of a christian land, and attempt to address the churches in his native tongue, so many years unused by him for such a purpose ? Recollecting that primitive missionaries, whose footsteps I had imperfectly endeavored to follow, when, in one case, brought back by Providence to the place from whence they had been recommended to the work which they fulfilled, " rehearsed all that God had done with them and how hte had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles," I, too, hastily glanced, in reminiscence, over my missionary course ; but my retrospect, instead of a few months, like theirs, embraced a period of between eight and nine years.

And on referring to my notes to select a few incidents, I found the mass, which had been gradually accumulating on my hands, during my residence in Persia, so large and miscellaneous, that it was no easy matter to make such a selection. Thus engaged, the idea occurred to me, of copying out portions of those notes for future use ; and the rather, as I had no particular employment laid out for the voyage. The result is this volume, which is made up of a simple record of facts VI

PREFACE.

. and observations, given, to a considerable extent, as they were ori ginally recorded, amid the scenes whence they were drawn. I copied about one-fourth of the volume, on our homeward pas sage. My circumstances, after reaching this country, could hard ly have been more unfavorable for prosecuting the task, remaining, as I did, but a day or two in a place, with two exceptions of a week, during the first nine months, and being called upon, almost constantly, to attend public meetings, in company with the Nestorian bishop who came with me. I have sometimes written an hour at a public house, while waiting for a stage-coach ; at other times, in the cabin of a steamer, among scores of passengers ; and have often revised my manuscript, while travelling in rail-road cars. As the labor, however, has been mostly that of filling out notes previously on hand, I have, of course, felt the inconvenience of these circumstances, less than if my matter had been wholly unprepared.

While my work in Persia has been principally among the Nesto rians, who, together with our mission to them, are the prominent subjects of this volume, my intercourse with the Muhammedans of that country, has been habitually familiar ; and notices of that class are introduced almost as extensively as of the native Christians. And though my object and labors have been strictly missionary, my observations have been general, and such also to a considerable extent, are the contents of this volume. It would have been easy to fill it, from so rich a field as Persia, with matter suited to the taste of the mere scholar. Indeed, the Ameri can or Englishman, in that country, meets, in the Persian language, so many familiar acquaintances, that he can hardly avoid dwelling on its resemblance to his own, a prototype of which it so clearly is, — or more immediately of the German ; and he is little less delighted with the similarity of their construction than the coincidence of common words.

It would also have been easy to prepare the volume for the use of the civil historian : or, make it a collection of general statistics. But I have intended rather to combine miscellany and incident with accurate, missionary and general information, in the hope of thus rendering the work more ac ceptable to different classes of readers, and more useful to the cause which it primarily seeks to promote. From that vast and varied

PREFACE.

. VII forest, in which I hare so long lived and ranged, I have desired to cull a few leaves, of all the different colors, descriptions and sizes, and so group them together, that the reader may see them in some measure as the author saw them, and be furnished with a correct miniature of that forest ; while I would keep him constantly reminded, however, ofthe great object that carried me thither, and inform ed respecting the prosperity and progress of that object. Some brief portions ofthe Journal, have appeared in the form of extracts, in the Missionary Herald ; but not enough, it is believed, to impair the interest of their perusal, as here introduced in a con nected, modified and fuller form. The narrative style is mostly adopted for reasons that will appear in the perusal. The fact that no American was ever a resident in that ancient and celebrated country before me, and the position which the Nestorian church now occupies in the sympathies of Christendom, and its relation to the prospective extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, are circum stances which will, perhaps, tend to impart a somewhat special in terest to this volume.

Every writer on Eastern countries feels the difficulty of being accurate, where there is so little intellectual discipline and still less moral principle. This volume is, however, so much the result of personal observation, as to be little affected by those diffi culties, except that a growing conviction, that the statements of orientals are not in general to be trusted, has made me the more careful to become personally acquainted with the facts, in all cases. Mar Yohannan, moreover, having been with me, in this country, dunnomy preparation of the matter for the press, I have referred to him, on any points respecting which I had doubt. I do not, af ter all, claim for the work entire freedom from errors. The accompanying map is constructed, to a considerable extent, from personal observations ; but much assistance has been derived from the map of Smith and Dwight and from that of Mr. South gate.

For its successful execution, I am indebted to Mrs. Alonzo Gray of Andover. A difficulty is often felt by readers, in using maps of detached interior regions, with only the aid of degrees of latitude and longitude, in the absence of prominent and familiar ob jects, to fix the relative situation. To meet this difficulty, I have placed the corners of the map upon the well known waters of the

PREFACE.

. Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas, and the Persian Gulf; points that naturally embrace the countries in which I have travel led and the scenes of our missionary operations. — The colored plates were originally drawn by a Persian artist, under my supervision. They will impart a very good idea of the varieties of cos tume and the general appearance of the respective classes. The portrait of the Shah of Persia is copied from one engraved in En gland, and that of Mar Yohannan, from one taken in this country. — The eastern view of Mt. Ararat was sketched by Mrs. Perkins, and the western, by myself. — The device, on the back of the vol ume, is the emblem of the Trinity, as mentioned on page 384, and the name, trinity (Tlitayootha,) in the Nestorian character of the Syriac language. — A table of contents is prefixed, and a glossary of foreign words is added at the close of the volume. — A list of the engravings, and tables of marks of accent and pronunciation, the measures of distance and the names and value of Persian coin, are supplied, after the table of contents. — The meaning of foreign words and phrases is given in the text, where they occur in the first in stance, and in some cases, repeatedly. — The marks of accent and pronunciation of foreign words are generally supplied, though not in all cases, throughout the volume ; and if there be any doubt, where they are omitted, such words will be found properly marked, as well as defined, by reference to the glossary.

I am happy to acknowledge my obligation to the Rev. R. Ander son, D. D., one of the respected secretaries of the A. B. C. F. M., and to my esteemed friend and former instructor, the Rev. Prof. N. W. Fiske, of Amherst College, for valuable advice, in relation to the preparation of this work. But if it shall prove acceptable to the reader, it will be especially owing to the unwearied aid of another esteemed college teacher and friend, the Rev. Prof. B. B. Edwards, of the Theological Seminary at Andover, who has kindly taken the trouble to revise my copy and assist me in correcting the proofs, and whose familiar acquaintance with oriental countries and sub jects, and experience as an author and an editor, are of course a sufficient warrant, that no work of the kind could pass under his supervision, without material benefit. The preparation of the volume, with all the circumstances of in convenience attending it, has been to me, a pleasant task, — living

PREFACE.

. IX over, as it has led me to do, several of my past years, fraught with reminiscences at once painfully interesting • and delightful. And carrying it through the press has been particularly agreeable, on this favored hill of Zion, amid the hallowed recollections of theo logical study and endeared companions of by-gone years, and often greeted by the familiar countenances of venerated instructors. Nor should I omit to mention my intercourse with the gentlemanly and obliging publishers, as a circumstance that has contributed not a little to render my task agreeable. How they have performed their part of the work, it will bear testimony for itself. The volume is submitted to the public with diffidence, but with the prayer and hope, that it may subserve the interests of that cause which has given it existence, and to which the life of the author is devoted.

My task being finished, I now turn my thoughts, and hope soon again to turn my face, toward the distant clime and peo ple of my adoption. Andover, Jan. 1843. B CONTENTS.

Chapter I

General Sketch of the Nestorian Christians. The Nestorians, a small remnant, — not destitute of interest. — Formerly numerous. — Missionary zeal. — Lineal origin. — Conversion to Christianity. — Origin as a christian sect. — Location. — The Koordish mountains. — Oroomiah. — The wild character of the inhabitants ofthe mountains. — Probable number of the Nestorians. — Language. — Literature. — General character. — Religious character. — Ecclesiastical organization. — Hopes of their reformation. — Papal efforts to proselyte them. — Importance of their receiving efficient aid from Piotestant Christians. — Their prospective influence in the spread of the gospel and the conversion ofthe world, . . Page 1

Chapter II

Origin and Commencement of the Mission to the Nestorians. Report of Messrs. Smith and Dwight. — Appointment to the field. — Missionary Instructions. — The Board a Society for observation. — Location of the mission. — First objects of attention. — The Scriptures the standard. — Need of wisdom from above. — The Muhammedans and the Papists. — The church will awake. — Severe sickness.. — Embarkation, .... 25

Chapter III

Voyage to Malta. Disagreeable circumstances of a voyage. — Its advantages to missionaries. — Circumstances of our embarkation. — Journal at sea. — Sea-sickness of the ladies. — Equinoctial storm. — My rapid recovery. — The porpoises. — Commotion in the cabin. — The Sabbath. — Sunset. — Moon-light at sea. — Americans unfit for cabin-boys. — Economizing time. — The black-fish. — The land bird. — The turtle.— The dolphins .-Exercise. — Phosphoretic gems. — Monthly concert. — A fair wind. — Reading Abercrombie. — Teaching the ladies Greek. — The pilot-fish. — View of the Western Islands. — Reproof of the cabin-boy for swearing. — Profaneness of seamen. — Superstition and ignorance of the cabin-boy and cook. — Mother Carey's chickens. — First sight of the Old World — Shores of Gibraltar Straits. — Pillars of Hercules.— Lands of darkness. — Feeling of increased security .-Recent disaster. — Excursion in the boat. — Sunrise at sea.— Island of Galata.— Site of ancient Carthage. — Island of Zembla — Island of Pan talaria. — Arrival at Malta. — The pilot. — The tow-boats. — Quarantine. — Pratique. — La Valetta. — Cleanliness ofthe city.~ Cheapness of living.— Splendid churches.— Number of beggars and priests. — Strength ofthe capital.— Troops. — Influence ofthe government.— Missionaries ofthe London and Church Missionary Societies. — Preparation of the Nestorian spelling-book, ........ CONTENTS.

Chapter IV

Voyage from Malta to Constantinople. Passage in a Greek vessel. — Meeting an acquaintance. — Regulations on board. — Animals on board. — Cargo. — Southern extremity of Greece. — Timidity of Greek seamen. — A conversation with the captain. — Greek estimation of American character. — Infidelity among the Greeks. — Went on shore. — The cabin-boy's spelling-book.-Double Cape Malea.— Notice of the islands.— Arrival at Syra.— Description ofthe place.— Meeting with missionary friends. — Services at the Greek church. — The schools. — A Greek baptism.— Atheneum and Lyceum. — The upper town. — A severe storm. — Voyage continued. — Islands ravaged by the Turks. — The Dardanelles. — Muhammedan summons to prayers. — The Marmora. — Worship of saints. — Arrival at Constantinople. — First impressions ofthe city. — Going on shore, . . 52

Chapter V

Constantinople, and Voyage thence to Trebizond. The interior appearance of Constantinople. — Object of our temporary stay there.— Armenian reformer. — New Year's day. — Commodore Porter. — The annual concert.-Hohannes and Senacherim. -Bazars. — Hyppodrome. — The Sultan. — Armenian funeral. — Lyceum. — A conflagration. — The Bosphorus. Another conflagration. — Turkish firemen. — Small value attached to life. — An American wedding. — Attendance ofthe Sultan at the mosk. — Boats.— Turkish schools in the barracks. — Chaldcedon.— Scutari. — The great cemetery. — Excursion. — BUyuk Dereli. — Giant's mountain. — The Muhammedan Joshua. — Intelligence from Persia. — Letters from Sir John Campbell and Mr. Haas. — Death of the Prince Royal. — Leaving Constantinople. — Beating up the Bosphorus. — The vessel run aground. — Capt. Grey. — Dangers of the Black Sea. — Expedients ofthe natives to procure a fair wind. —Mutual hostilities ofthe Muhammedan sects. — Reverence for the Koran.

Turkish and Persian ideas ofthe New World. — Pilgrimages.— Muhammedan devotions.— Metamorphosis ofthe interpreter. — View of Trebizond from the sea. — Arrival. — Increased communication with Constantinople, . 70

Chapter VI

Trebizond, and Journey thence to Erzroom. European residents. — Situation. — Population. — Climate. — The French consul. — Rudeness of the people. — The Armenian priests. — Sabbath. — Armenian school. — New Testaments. — Shorter route. — Travelling accoutrements. — Arrangement of the loads. — Their size. — Mrs. Perkins's saddle. — The three different routes.— Leaving the city.— Rural scenery.— Valley-lords. Scripture illustrations. — Riding in the night. — Lodging under a tent. — Javislik — Provisions. — Ascending a mountain. — Kara-kapan. — Sublime scenery.— Lofty table-land. — Madden.— Kroom. — The Kroomlee.— Hamlets in the glen. — Apprehension from the Laz. — Steep descent. — Armoot. — Tekeh. — Its minaret. — The caravan system. — The Sabbath. — Primitive habits and occupations of the people. — Their degradation. — Duplicity of the muleteer. — Roads. — Flowers. — Turkish taste. — Prejudice against the Russians, and regard for Americans. — Cowardice of Armenians. — Agriculture. — Utensils. — Dread of the troops. — Enter Armenia. — Stages shorter in summer than in winter. — Baiboot. — Attentions from the Pasha. — Vallev ofthe Jorokh. — Mining village.— Soda-spring. — Plain of Erzroom.— Sabbath. — Arrival at Erzroom, CONTENTS. XIII

Chapter VII

Erzroom, and Journey thence to Erivan. Retrospect. — Antiquity of Erzroom. — Ruins. — Commerce. — Russian Invasion. — Persian agent. — Arrival of the English party from Persia. — Koordish disturbances. — Embarrassed circumstances.— The Pasha's carriage. — Changes of customs and costumes required in Persia. — Troops. — Expedition against the Koords. — Face of the country between Erzroom and Persia. — Armenian villages. — Journey resumed. — Thunder storm. — Hassan-kUlaah. — Conference with the Pasha. — Change of route. — Lost son restored. — A forest. — Kars. — Fertility of its plain. — Wedding-day. — Crossing the boundary. — Gumry. — Quarantine. — Embarrassments there and at the custom-house. — Boorish conduct of the custom-house officers. — Detention of effects. — Journey resumed. — Arrival at Erivan. — Mt. Ararat, . Ill

Chapter VIII

Journey from Erivan to Tabreez. Town of Eriv&n. — Plain. — Valley of the Arras. — Armenian priest. — English credit. — Evening view of Ararat. — St. Gregory's prison. — Separation from our tent. — Takvoor's cowardice. — Great heat. — Nakchevan. — River Arras. Detention. — Embarrassed situation. — Liberation. — Russian inhospitality. — Letter from the English ambassador. — Takt-rawan. — Narrow escape — Morend. — Dr. Riach. — Recollections of Martyn. — Arrival at Tabreez. — Mrs. Perkins's distressing sickness. — Kindness of English friends. — Female fortitude, . . . 129

Chapter IX

Tabreez, Persia. — Boundaries. — Provinces. — Names. — Physical features. — Mines. — Forests.— Azerbijan. — Tabreez. — Meaning of the name. — Situation. — Elevation and climate. — Population. — Remnants of antiquity. — Commerce. — Manufactures. — Armory. — Personal appearance of the Persians, their character. — Civilization in Tabreez. — Advantages as a missionary station. — The different classes. — The houses in Persia.— Luxury. — Travelling in Georgia. — Bribes. — Character of the officers in that country. — The heir-apparent. — His character and prospects. — Exhibition of throwing bombs. — Appearance of the heir-apparent. — Reports of the Nestorians becoming Catholics. — Distribution of the Scriptures among Papists. — Mr. Haas's letter to the Patriarch, ......... 143

Chapter X

Journey to Oroomiah. Object ofthe journey. — Preparations. — Companions. — Ali Shah. — Mirage. — Funeral. — Lodgings. — Ideas of America. — Persian politeness. — Trade. — Abraham's contract. — Presents. — Lake. — Deezeh-khaleel. — Kuza-khandh. Massacre of Armenians.— Islands of the lake. — Kara-tapa. — Salmas. — Khosrovi. — Georgian prince.— Civility ofthe Catholic bishop — Crossing the mountains by night. — A young Nestorian adventurer.— Sleepiness, remedy for it. — Gaval.'in. — Reception. — The Patriarch Elias. — The bishop's offer to go to Tabreez. — Decision of the question by lot. — Plain of Oroomiah. — City of Oroomiah. — Arrival. — Lodgings. — Church. — Mar Gabriel. Visit to the Patriarch Elias. — Gratifying reception, . . CONTENTS.

Chapter XI

Visit at Oroomiah and Return to Tabreez, A visit from Mar Elias. — His reputed learning. — The governor. — The Moollahs. — Present from the governor. — Evening devotions. — Gardens. — Beautiful scenery. — Priest Abraham. — Pious talk. — A little boy. — Ardishai. — Another visit with the Patriarch. — Dash-oghGl. — Sheitan-abad. — Dole. — Suldjoz. — Neghadeh. — Persian prince Votive pledges. — The Koords. — Koordish tribes and dialects. — Missionary efforts for them. — Soda-springs. — Village on fire. — Prairie on fire. — Russian officer murdered. — Chilleek. — Yoolgjnlee. — Presents from the field. — Maragha. — Tomb of Hoolakoo Khan. — Apprehensions of the people. — Koordish horseman. — Marble quarries. — Deh-khorgan. — Arrival at Tabreez. — The bishop and priest at our table. — At our devotions, ........ 182

Chapter XII

Residence at Tabreez. Death of the king. — A usurper. — Disorders. — Solitary situation. — Presents from Oroomiah. — The young king's approach to the capital. — Surrender of rivals. — Coronation. — Means by which he secured tlle throne. — Aid of the English ambassador. — General Lindsley. — The bishop's interpretation of parables. — The press in Persia. — Letter of the bishop and priest. — Festival of Noo-rose. — Last rival conquered. — Bishop and priest visit their friends. — Corpses carried to Kerbula. — Persian prince. — Italian play-actors. — Fire-works. — Celebration o£_Moharrem. — Return ofthe bishop and priest. — Preservation of tears. — Syriac teachers. — Nestorian ideas of the firmanent. — Mr. Haas's Muhammedan school, 200

Chapter XIII

Arrival of Associates. Journey to Erzroom. — Koords. — Meeting associates. — Plague and cholera.— Desirableness of a mission at Erzroom. — New English ambassador. — English protection. — Russian policy towards Protestant missions. — German mission at Shoosha. — Colony at Carrass. — Converts of the Greek church. — Ignorance of Russian peasants. — New Ukase. — Turkish language.— Nestorian priest teaching English. — Preparation for removal to Oroomiah. — Intemperance in Persia. — Means of intoxication. — Prevalence among all classes. — its effects. — Difficulties in the way of its removal, . 212

Chapter XIV

Removal to Oroomiah. Leaving Tabreez. — Annoyance at our lodgings. — Arrival at Gavalan. — Welcome from the Nestorians.— Ride in the rain.— Arrival at Oroomiah. — Attention from the governor.— The bishop and priest.— Presentation ofa boy. — Persian compliments. — Visit to the governor.— A Nestorian wedding. Wine in Persia.— Wedding fees.— Extract from the marriage service.— Visit to Mar Gabriel— His rudeness.— A priest from the mountains.— Need of more laborers. — Need of a Press, ..... 227

Chapter XV

State of the Field. Religious character and condition of the people.— Spiritually dead. Tena- •cious of forms.— Immoralities.— Apologies for it.— Education.— School- CONTENTS. XV room. — Dedication. — Commencement of the seminary. — Mar Joseph. — Sabbath service. — Fasts. — An unreasonable mother. — Priest Yohannan. — Evening prayer-meetings. — Scripture interpretation. — Commencement of translating the Bible. — Abstinence from wine.. — Apprehension of danger. — Muhammedans of Oroomiah.— Lootee.— Efforts of English gentlemen to pro mote our security. — Letters from Dr. Riach and Sir John Campbell, 246

Chapter XVI

Journal : March — July, 1836. Visit from the German missionaries. — Priest Zadoc. — Communion service. — Letter to the Patriarch. — Duplicity of Persian character. — Saudoc, a second Hajee Baba. — Examination of the seminary.— Visit to Geog-tapa. — Muhammedan wedding. — Persian ease of manners. — Entertainment. — Pilav. — Recreations. — Summer palace. — Bastinadoing. — Mar Gabriel. — The flamingo. — Mar Joseph. — Visit from Mr. Merrick.— Beautiful scenery. — Mounds ofthe fire-worshippers. — Traditions of St. Thomas. — Burning of a Jew. — Letter from the Patriarch. — Mohammed's teacher. — Seizure ofa Nestorian girl. — Jesuit efforts. — Ride to Barandooz.— Taxes — .Sources of revenue. — Oppressive nobility, ......... 262

Chapter XVII

Journal : August — December, 1836. Public celebration. — Royal bride. — Female decorations. — Education. — Hatred ofthe Nestorians towards the Muhammedans. — Mock-lamentation. — Sickness. — Unhealthy climate. — Favor from government. — Prince's firman. — Seclusion of females. — Visit to villages. — Attack by the Lootee. — Punishment inflicted on the assailant by the governor. — Increased security in consequence. — Wedding of the governor's son. — Polygamy. — Muhammedan marriages. — Electrical machine. — Muhammedan devotions. — Science in Persia. — Metaphysics. — Alchemy. — Freemasonry. — Seven heavens. — Dunka. — Class in Hebrew. — Oppression of the Jews. — Expectation ofthe Messiah. — Hostility between the Nestorians and the Jews, . . 282

Chapter XVIII

Journal: January — June, 1837. School ofthe Persian prince. — A clerical party. — Malek Mansoor Meerza. — A Papal emissary. — Discussions. — Appeal to a Moollah. — Result of the discussions. — A bishop's turban stolen. — Priest Zadoc. — His vanity to be thought learned. — Visit from a Hajee. — Journey to Erzroom. — Mar Yohannan's decision to go with me. — Oolah. — Aged priest. — Khoy. — Caravanserai. — Koordish churn. — Mt. Ararat, ascent impracticable. — Genoese fortifications. — Mar Yohannan's colloquial powers. — Yezideez. — Armenian Papists. — White birches. — Arrival at Erzroom.— Meeting associates. — Return to Ordomiah. — Meeting the German missionaries. — Reasons for their leaving Persia. — Kind of laborers needed. — Call for indirect labor among the Muhammedans, 300

Chapter XIX

Journal : July — December, 1837. Fourth of July. — Visit from Dr. Riach. — Declamation in the Seminary. — Visit from Mr. Southgate. — The "milky way." — Primitive customs, among the Nestorians. — Illustrations of the Bible. — Grape harvest. — Women laboring in the field. — Excursion to Ardishdi. — Earthen ware factory. — Bathing CONTENTS. XVI in the lake.— Royal orders.— Note from the Prince.— Letter of Mar Yohan nan to the Syrian Christians —Statistics.— Excitement.— Visit from the Prince.— His schools.— Friendly intercourse.— Dining with the Prince.— Peter Parley's Geography. — Nestorian ideas of his wisdom. — Nestorian literature, ... 316

Chapter XX

Journal : January — September, 1838. Influence of Scripture tracts. — Donation to the Tract Society. — Pecuniary aid from English gentlemen. — Preaching to the Nestorians. — Revival of missionary efforts. — Nestorian Chronology. — Ornaments worn by Nestorian females. — Apprehension of the Nestorians that we should send their children to the New World. — Female school. — Interesting traits of character. Spiritual death. — An ordination. — The royal campaign against Herat. — Antiquities. — Withdrawal ofthe English from Persia. — A sudden death. — Muhammedan mourning andiuneral. — Baptism of missionary children. — Trying circumstances ofthe children of missionaries. — Objects of deep interest and of hope. — They should be the subjects of fervent prayer among the churches, ........... 330

Chapter XXI

Journal : October — December, 1838. Political uncertainties. — Want of pecuniary means. — Papal emissaries. — Rev. Wm. Glen. — Catholic deacon. — Receiving a hundred fold —Deacon Joshua. — Chaldean vagrants in England. — Mar Joseph's excursion into Georgia. — Encouraging contrast. — Conservative policy to be pursued by the missionaries to the Eastern churches. — Zeal for forms. — Intercourse of Episcopalians with Mar Yohannan. — Article from the Churchman. — Mar Yohannan's reply. — Christian fellowship. — Harmony among missionary societies and their missionaries, ......... 346

Chapter XXII

Journal : January — June, 1839. Death of Mrs. Grant. — Letter to the ambassador. — Letter from him. — Russian protection. — Changes at Tabreez. — Armenian reformation. — Orders from the king. — Concern of Mar Joseph. — Mar Elias reading the epistles. — Health-retreat at Gavalan. — Interruption. — Abuse of Mar Yohannan. — Imprisonment of his father. — Extortion. — Mar Sergis. — Cure of lunatics. — A Koordish Pasha. — Visit from him. — Persian prince and nobles. — European costume. — Sign ofthe Trinity. — John's question book, 368

Chapter XXIII

Journal : August — December, 1839. Death ofa child. — Lines by Mr. Merrick. — A Persian Meerza preaching the gospel. — Prince-governor's rigor. — A mob. — Packet robbed. — The medical profession in Persia. — Governor's summer hamlet. — Priest Dunka preaching in the mountains. — Tract on Papacy. — Visit to ArdishAi. — Salt on the shore of the lake. — Mineral springs. — Importance of scientific knowledge to missionaries. — Rescue of Mar Gabriel from the Papists. — Letter from Malek Ktisem Meerza. — Order from the king. — Addressing superiors. — Letter to the prince. — Providential protection. — Indications of piety.— Prohibition of wine-drinking, , 3g5 CONTENTS. XVII

Chapter XXIV

Journal : January — March, 1840. Note from Herat. — Visit from an English gentleman. — English influence in Afghanistan. — Muhammedan school. — Death of priest Dunka's brother. — Funeral. — Death of children in the mission. — Death of Wm. Riach. — Sympathy of the natives. — Mortality of native children. — Longevity in Persia less than in America. — Death of priest Dunka's wife. — Nestorian burial. — Service at the grave. — Extempore prayer. — Religious feeling. —Letters from priests Abraham and Dunka, received in America. — Mar Sleeva, his ignorance. — Narrations of an adventurer.— Priest Dunka's education. — The Stork. — The Nestorian creed. — Proposition to translate the Liturgy, 402

Chapter XXV

Journal : March — September, 1840. Arrival of a new governor. — Visit. — Allusion to females. — Royal firman. — Persian style. — Office of Meerzas. — Manuscripts. — Sychophancy. — Communication of intelligence. — Conclusion ofthe war with Russia. — Concealment of unwelcome news. — Emblems. — Policy. — Visit from a Jewish physician. — Irrigation. — Mills. — Fruit. — Preparation of the soil. — Apricot. — Plum. — Peach. — Grapes. — Melons.— Cherries.— Apples.— Pears.— Quinces. — Wheat. — Barley. — Rice. — Tobacco. — Cucumbers. — Antepast. — Jewish rabbi. — A work-yard. — Seeakhoosh. — Blessing at the table. — Preaching. — Rain. — Monasticism. — Hebrew. — Wine-drinking, . . . 413

Chapter XXVI

Journal: September — December, 1840. Earthquakes. — Koordish mountains. — Winds. — Sameil. — Preaching to the mountaineers. — Excursion. — Muhammedan schools and colleges. — Judiciary. — Hunting. — Use of hawks —The net. — Papal emissaries. — Secular Papists. — Character of Papacy in the East. — Death of Williams. — Family devotions in the native language. — Arrival of the press. — Church of St. Mary. — Chief rabbi. — Commencement of preaching at Ardishai. — Edition of the Psalms. — References. — A Meerza, learning to print, . . 435