Nestorians.

JOURNAL OF DOCT. WRIGHT AT OOROO

MIAH.

Commemoration of Imaum Houssayn.

February 23d, 1841. This is the first day of the Mussulman month, Moharram,|| the first ten days of which are spent, by all good Mussulmans of the Sheeah faith, in lamenting the unhappy fortune of the imaum Houssayn. According to our meerza, "All Mussulmans assemble in their mosques during these days to listen to the preaching of the moolahs. All men are clad in black, and all spirits, men, and angels weep and mourn for poor Houssayn, whose misfortunes were greater than those of any man, who ever lived."

25. At an early hour this morning, having first learned that my presence would not be unacceptable, I went to the house of the beglerbeg, the former governor of this province and a very devout Mussulman, to witness the daily services of the Moharram, which are performed there as well as in the mosques. Although the sun had but just risen, a large congregation had assembled, and were seated on carpets, spread in the yard and in the adjoining rooms. An elevated platform was standing in the midst of the crowd for the convenience of those who took the lead in the services. A company of moolahs opened the performances by singing in oriental style. Two boys then, who had been trained by the moolahs, mounted the platform and recited with great effort a piece, containing many touching strains relating to Houssayn. Another youth followed them, when three moolahs, one after the other, entered the pulpit, and related the

VOL. XXXVIII.

incidents in the last days of the life of the beloved imaum. Their discourses consisted principally of simple narrative, drawn from the life of the unfortunate man. The speakers often manifested the deepest emotion, rising from their seats and throwing all their energies into their address. The crowd often cried aloud sobbing like children.

March 4. With Mr. Breath I attended a representation of the closing scene of imaum Houssayn's life. Before the exhibition began, several moolahs addressed the assembled multitude. One of the principal moolahs took the opportunity to call upon the people to contribute to the support of the ecclesiastical order. As an inducement for them to give, the moolah assured them that he would offer up prayer in their behalf. One young man, whose brother was absent on a distant journey, pledged two tomans (five dollars,) if the moolah would make prayer for his safe return. Whenever a pledge was sent in, the moolah would at once invoke a thousand blessings upon the donor and assure him of a place in paradise.

During these preparatory performances, many little boys were passing to and fro among the multitude, with a bag of water suspended on their shoulders, from which they presented a draught in a small cup to whomsoever wished, being assured, as I was told, that in return water would be given to them in paradise, and also to their mothers and friends. One is reminded by this custom of our Savior's words, "He that giveth a cup of cold water to a disciple, in the name of a disciple, shall not lose his reward."

-After a while the trumpet sounded, and the representation began. The origin of the tragedy is briefly this. There 6

two miles from the former. The attendance at both places was good, and the priest's heart seemed greatly interested in the work of making known the unsearchable riches of Christ. He preached with earnestness and apparent affection. As the priest understands a good deal of our language, I addressed the congregations through him as interpreter. They listened with apparent interest, increased perhaps somewhat by the novelty of hearing a new language.

July 6. The time of harvest has commenced in this province. The plain of Ooroomiah yields a most abundant supply of wheat, barley, and other kinds of grain. As we were returning yesterday from attending Mr. and Mrs. Perkins a short distance on their way to America, we saw a multitude of reapers in the fields, and women gleaning after them, reminding us of the Scripture, where it is said of Ruth, "She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers." Ruth ii: 3.

7. Yesterday two Koords, known to fame as men of the basest sort, were found guilty of theft and were taken prisoners. To-day the prince-governor ordered them to be divided in halves, and the parts to be hung up at four of the city gates. The order was immediately executed; and, as we rode out of the city this evening, the melancholy spectacle was presented at the gate where we usually go into the country, and where most of the Koords from the mountains enter the city.

To-day while with the prince, six very respectable looking Mussulmans were brought before him, under the charge of riotous conduct in a mosque, and of insulting a moollah. After a few minutes spent in making inquiries about them, the feradges were ordered to bastinado them in the presence of the prince. Several large bundles of sticks were brought, such as it would be thought cruel to beat oxen with in America, and the men, one by one, were roughly thrown upon the stone pavement in the yard, their feet closely bound to a stick, held horizontally a little raised from the ground by two men, and then three or four other men plied the sticks with great violence. The heavy blows falling upon the naked feet of the poor fellows, they gave vent to their sufferings in heart-piercing cries. When they had been thoroughly beaten, the prince ordered them to be released; but they could scarcely stand on their feet, and were supported as they went from the pre

sence of the prince by such as had sympathy for them.

LETTERS FROM THE MISSIONARIES AT OOROOMIAH.

Ordination of Mr. Stocking.

A general letter, under date of June 19th, 1841, gives an account of the services at the ordination of Mr. Stocking, who had previously labored as superintendent of schools and catechist. The scene must have been a novel one to the Nestorians, and the fact that they cheerfully permitted it to take place in one of their churches, and manifested so much interest in it, affords additional evidence of how little sectarian or ecclesiastical jealousy prevails among the priesthood or the people.

The ordination services were performed in the Nestorian church (St. Mary's) in this city, to the use of which we were welcomed by the Nestorian bishops. The occasion was rendered peculiarly interesting by the presence and serious attention of a crowded Nestorian audience, who, at the close, advanced individually and kissed Mr. Stocking's hand, as a recognition of the validity of his consecration; while the venerable mar Elias kissed his head, as a token that he also welcomed him as one worthy and duly authorized to break the bread of life to his people.

We were led to advise Mr. Stocking to receive ordination, particularly on account of the call for preaching the gospel among the people of this province-a call too loud for the two senior clerical members of the mission, (the only ones, besides Mr. Stocking, who are yet able to use the Nestorian language,) and, in fact, too loud for us all adequately to answer. So numerous are the doors thrown open, and so strong is the importunity of both ecclesiastics and people that we should enter their churches every Sabbath and proclaim to them the gospel, that Mr. Stocking had for several months been constrained to do this in an informal manner. It appeared pretty clear, therefore, that our brother was called of the Lord "to take part in this ministry."

It may naturally occur to you that Mr. Stocking's receiving ordination may withdraw his attention and efforts from the important department to which he was designated by the Committee, the care of our schools. He, however, has no wish to relinquish that difficult and arduous branch of our operations; but

State of the Mission-Change and Progress at Constantinople.

Mr. Perkins, on his way to the United States, with Mrs. P., with the hope that the health of the latter may be restored by the voyage and change of climate, writes from Constantinople 14th September

The brethren at Ooroomiah were in pretty good health, for our bad climate, when we left them, July 5th; and the religious interest among the Nestorians continued to be very encouraging, though they were naturally distracted in a measure by the increasing cares of the

season.

Just as I left Ooroomiah, I received

information that the Armenians at Ispahan and Tabreez were making a determined and powerful resistance to the papal emissaries who have commenced operations among them-a resistance which will be likely to check the inroads of those agents of the "man of sin," in Persia, if it does nothing more.

A letter recently received from our excellent friend, Dr. Riach, who is now hourly expected here, on his way to England, states that, when at Tehran, be mentioned us to the king, and told him of some of our past trials from papal influence at Ooroomiah; and the king gave him a firman, addressed to malek Kasem Meerza, the prince-governor, which will be likely to prevent the Nestorians in the employ of our mission being annoyed and oppressed, at the instigation of papists, as has been done in some instances heretofore. Thus has this good man to the last testified his interest in us and our missionary work.

At Trebizond, I met Sir John McNeill and his suite, on their way to Persia. Of his own accord, the ambassador tendered to me the renewal of his efficient protection to our mission. The return of the English embassy to Persia is matter of grateful acknowledgment to God. We have been mercifully preserved from danger and interruption in its absence, but know not how long such would have continued to be the case. Its influence in protecting and aiding us in our work is greater than can well be described.

You can scarcely conceive how we are struck with the evidences of the progress of light, in these regions, since we went on to Persia. There is no doubt that the direction from which we now came has its influence in giving vividness to our impressions. We are like persons emerging from a dungeon, after being enveloped in its darkness for seven years. Still, the actual advancement of light here is astonishing. When we went on, we were three days, in a fine English vessel, in beating up the Bosphorus, a distance of less than thirty miles. Now, in a less period, we came in a splendid Austrian steamer all the way from Trebizond. And the harbor here is now almost literally alive with steamers flying swifter than on the wings when we were here, seven years ago last of the wind, in various directions. And winter, we saw no wheeled vehicle, save the grotesque ox-wagons, loaded with the harems of Turkish nobles. Now we

hear horse carriages rattling over the pavements in all directions, with the briskness of carriages in an American city.

But it is the progress of evangelical light, in this place, since we went on to Persia, that presents the most to call forth our admiration. I cannot go into detail, nor need I do this, as the brethren here doubtless keep you fully informed of their labors and encouragements. I may say, in general, however, that there is a revival of pure religion, gradually advancing among the Armenians of this city and vicinity, which is raising up here and there a powerful witness for the truth. The number of such has already become very considerable; and the work promises to ripen rapidly into a general reformation, which will change the character of this church and nation; a reformation that will tell widely and powerfully on the world's conversion.

LETTERS FROM DOCT. GRANT.

Third Visit to the Mountain Nestorians. Doct.

Grant having been again enabled, through the protecting providence of God, to reach the Independent Nestorians of the Koordish Mountains, writes on the 10th of July—

I have only time to inform you that through the continued abounding mercy of God, I have once more in safety reached the abode of the Nestorian patriarch in the mountains of Central Koordistan, where I have met the same hospitable reception which was extended to me, in both of my previous visits; all the patriarch's previous professions of interest in our cause are repeated, with an appearance of entire sincerity. I have had the most free conference with him, in the presence of three of his brothers, upon the subject of our labors and a permanent residence in his country; and the appearance of a hearty co-operation on his part is certainly encouraging, as much so as it has ever been, or as I could expect. He says he has long been waiting my return, and now the whole country is before me to choose a residence for myself and my associates, that he himself will accompany me to Jelu, one of the nearest tribes, and his brother, the priest Zadok, shall accompany me to all parts of his country that I may wish to visit. For this favor shewn to our work from such a source, it becomes us to be sincerely grateful to Him who has the hearts of all in his hands: whilst, at the same time, we should not trust too much in any unsanctified human patronage or favor. "It is better to trust in the Lord" is a motto which the missionary should ever wear near to his heart, and in him alone is our hope for the success of his own glorious cause among this interesting remnant of his ancient church. But so long as he is pleased to favor us through human agency, we will praise him for it; or if he withhold it to call our attention more directly to himself, in this also should he have our devout acknowledgements. In the very nature of this field we must expect trials and difficulties, and the churches should be prepared to hear of then, and instead of being disheartened, flee to the throne of all grace for that promised aid which will not be withheld. I feel most anxious that in the very beginning of our work here special prayer should be unceasingly offered in our behalf. Assuredly God has mercy in store for this people, and it will be bestowed in answer to prayer.

I reached here yesterday by way of Erzeroom and Van, and shall proceed at once on a tour through Jelu, Bass, and Tehoma, tribes which I did not visit on my former tour, and then await in Tiyary the return of a messenger which I am about to despatch to Mosul, to learn whether my associates have reached that place or not. Though I have somewhat

modified my plans, as far as my route was concerned, for reasons stated in my letters from Constantinople, I still hope to get fairly settled here before winter. There are some difficulties between the Nestorians of Tiyary and the Turks on the Mosul frontier, in which the latter have gained some advantage; but from all I can yet learn I do not apprehend it will interpose any serious difficulty to our free egress and ingress in that quarter. There are also some petty feuds between sections of the Nestorians and the Koords; and though not in a very disturbed state, they are in an attitude for change. Changes and even commotions we must expect; but though, like the tempest, they may carry with them an aspect of terror, like the tempest, they may leave the atmosphere in a purer and more serene condition.

On the 30th of July, Doct. Grant writes again from Asheta

I wrote you on the 10th instant and set out that day with the patriarch and his brother, priest Zadok, and spent five days with the patriarch in the districts of Diss and Jelu, and then proceeded with his brother through Bass, Tehoma, and a part of Tiyary, to this place, of which mention is made in the account of my first visit. My tour was altogether an interesting and, I think I may safely say, an encouraging one, though it gave me an impression of the difficulty and magnitude of our work, such as I had rarely realized before.

I became more deeply impressed with the pre-eminent importance of supplying this whole region with living preachers of the gospel, who shall establish themselves in different sections, whence they can make short tours and bring the whole population under the immediate influence of the gospel. The next generation may be supplied mostly with native preachers, but we must first give the light from abroad; and the present supply of missionaries is entirely inadequate to the work to be done. To effect this object a considerable number of missionaries are indispensably necessary. Different parts of the mountains are so detached and difficult of access, that no one station, it is obvious, can supply the whole; and yet in every important district I have visited, the people have affectionately urged their own claims to immediate attention, and earnestly requested me to settle among them. There may be much of selfishness in this, but it is nevertheless interesting and encouraging,