188

YOUNG CONVERT OF ABEIH.

has had his faith strengthened through the courageous testimony of such men as Selim Aga, the Mohammedan convert.

A YOUNG CONVERT OF ABEIH, for example, going to Damascus, met on the road a traveller who seemed in much trouble. He did not know Arabic, and some rogues, taking advantage of his ignorance, had tried to rob him. Our young friend feeling for him in his difficulties, addressed him in Turkish. This man, delighted to meet with a person whose appearance was so prepossessing, entered into conversation with him, and as Damascus was the termination of his journey also, he invited our friend to travel with him for the rest of the way. That night they were talking together in their khan, when suddenly the Turk asked our friend what was his religion?

"I am a Christian," answered the young Syrian. "But what sort of a Christian," responded the Turk: "Greek, Maronite, or Armenian?"

"No, nothing of all that: I am a Christian of the gospel; or, if you like it better, a Protestant."

I

"Is it possible?" exclaimed the stranger; "Well, I am also a Christian of the gospel. was a Mohammedan, but I learned the truth from the mouth of Mr. Williams (the name given by the missionaries to Selim Aga), and now I have the happiness of believing in Jesus Christ. My friends in Constantinople are still ignorant of the change

MINSTREL OF WESTERN TURKEY.

189

that has been wrought in me; but, on my return to Damascus, I firmly intend to inform them of it, and openly to embrace the truth.”

Some moments afterwards, the Turk drawing from the folds of his dress a New Testament in his maternal tongue, began to read it with diligence.

ΑΝ ITINERANT MINSTREL OF WESTERN TURKEY was accustomed to enter with zest into the degrading rites and brutish excesses which were so common in connection with weddings and feasts among the old Armenians.

Having to use the Turkish language often in business, he borrowed a copy of " Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul," translated into Armenio-Turkish, that he might gain a better knowledge of the language. By it he was brought to seek salvation through Christ, and to devote himself to His service; and there was reason to believe that some thirty souls found the Lord Jesus through his instrumentality. It was however at much peril that he made known the way of salvation to others.

Soon after his conversion he was stabbed and left for dead by an enemy of the Protestant faith. In 1877 he was arrested and thrown into prison for a debt which he solemnly declared was cancelled, but on the day of his trial he could give no proof of his version of the matter. The Turkish Court

190 ALL HOLD FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST.

however discharged him, saying, "We have known this man for many years, and have never known him to lie or cheat; his testimony is true."

Men of all nations, races, kindreds, and tongues, notwithstanding their earthly trials, are always happy in communion with the Lord Jesus, the God of the Universe. Knowing that their sins are all forgiven through His atoning blood and richest mercy, they hold fellowship with Him, and see His hand in nature, providence, and grace.

One Spirit His! . . . Yes! He,

Who wore the platted thorns with bleeding brow,
Rules universal nature. Not a flower

But shows some touch, in freckle, streak, or stain,
Of his unrivalled pencil. He inspires
Their balmy odours, and imparts their hues,
And bathes their eyes with nectar, and includes,
In grains as countless as the sea-side sands,
The forms with which He sprinkles all the earth.
Happy who walks with Him! whom what He finds
Of flavour or of scent in fruit or flower,
Or what he views of beautiful or grand
In Nature, from the broad majestic oak,

To the green blade that shines beneath the sun,
Prompts with remembrance of a present God:
His presence, who made all so fair, perceived
And loved, makes all still fairer.

Yet all "the gods But "the idols He

"We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but One." I Cor. viii. 4. of the nations are idols." Psalm xcvi. 5. shall utterly abolish." Isa. ii. 18. He promises, "From all your idols will I cleanse you." Ezek. xxxvi. 25. For, "what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?" 2 Cor. vi. 16. "Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols?" Hosea xiv. 8. And now 66 They themselves show us how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come." I Thess. i. 9, 10.

Marvellous transformations.—The Tailing Buddhist.—Tries Karen traditions, Hindooism, Mohammedanism, and Romanism.— They do not give him peace.—Flies to the True Refuge, and is saved.-A Buddhist Priest of Burmah.-People call him a God !”—Never at rest.—Balancing big sins.—The idol's hand falls.-Welcomes the name of Jesus.—Chinese fortune-teller.— A Burmese slave.-The Karen Apostle.-His vigorous faith.— Wild Kemmees of Arracan.-A Pariah chief.—Worshippers oj Kalee.-Venkiah's dream.-Hears about Jesus.-Becomes a Christian.—Arunasalem's conversion.—Curious pleadings.— Schwartz.-Telugu Brahmins.-Konai Das, the weaver.-Denounces heathenism.—His wife alarmed.—Six cases.—“. Does Jesus Christ live here? Ask Him to save me?"-Khyen slave women.-Nathan Thataki the Fijian.—An Amaci Kaffir. -Surrenders himself.—“ The Burning Fire Stick.”—A tough heart.—Red Indian's cry.—Powwows or conjurers.—Waubon, the Red Indian Chief.—Our Nation laughs for joy.—Parsees and Calcutta natives in London. pp. 191-236