church on the Sabbath! We were pained to learn that there were Nestorian masons here from the mountain district of Bass, impelled by the fear of losing their business, also violating the Sabbath by working with the papists on their church. The Nestorian mountaineers do not usually violate the Sabbath by labor. The priest acknowledged to Deacon Jeremiah, that he had received orders from the papal Patriarch at Mosul to look out for us as deceivers, when we should pass this way.

During a conversation between Mr. Perkins and Deacon Isaac at Aradeen, the latter

suggest

ed a plan for introducing the light of the gospel into the mountains, which is perhaps the best that can be adopted. "If Mar Shimon's heart is not softened, open a good school in Amadiah and another in Gavar. These places are secure against his power, at the same time that they are eligible in themselves, as being not only accessible to the inhabitants in the immediate vicinity, but the resort of great numbers of Nestorians on their way to and from the mountain districts. Locate teachers and preachers there, and the work will be done."

Just at evening, beyond our expectation, the villagers gathered around our tents again in large numbers, and listened to us, in spite of priestly prohibition and watchfulness, while we preached to them Christ and him crucified, few contradicting, and many appearing to receive the word with gladness, to the no small joy of our helpers, who had so often attempted to smite on the hard rocks during the day, and been baffled. The masons of Bass who were at work on the church, also left their labor, and came and listened to the word of God. They attempted to offer many apologies for that the Priest compelled them to do it, having labored on the Sabbath, saying contrary to their wishes. These masons assembled also in the evening for a meeting, and listened attentively to the Word preached, though they avowed their full

adherence to Mar Shimon.

On the northern side of the mountain which overlooks Aradeen, lies the district of Bewer, containing seventeen Nestorian villages, all of which have hitherto escaped the snares of Romanism. It was here that Zenal Bey, so conspicuous in the Tiyary massacre, once had his home. After the terrible havoc which he made among the Nestorians in 1843, in conjunction with Bader Khan Bey, he occupied the mission premises at Asheta as a fort. Now he is at work in the penitentiary at Constantinople!

Amadiah.

On the following day, Messrs. Perkins and Stocking, with their traveling companions, proceeded to Amadiah, their course being “a little south of east."

28. On reaching Amadiah, we found the situation of the town just what it had appeared to be, when we caught our first view of it, on entering the great valley. It is a truncated cone, somewhat higher than the almost countless ridges of the valley, and thus commanding a grand We crossed a small view of them. river by an arched stone bridge, near the base, and then wound our way by a zigIts sides are Zag course up the cone. strown with isolated rocks, and at the top rim of solid rock, from forty to seventy it is strongly guarded by a perpendicular feet high, frowning defiance on every side. This cone, capped with the town, is situated on the north side of the valley, and separated from the mountain range only by the deep ravine of the small river.

The circular plain of the town is about three-fourths of a mile in diameter. The northern half is covered with

buildings and ruins; and the rest is an open grassy plat, mostly occupied with grave yards; there being a fort on the southern brink of the cliff. Many ruins and sacked by the famous Muhammed are visible, the place having been taken Pasha of Ravandooz; and more recently it has been beseiged and subdued by the Turks. Though naturally very strong, it is easily commanded by artillery.

hundred families, where there were forThere are in Amadiah only about two merly fifteen hundred. Sixty of the two hundred are Jews, who speak the Syriac stationed here to guard the town, and aid language; and only twenty are Nestorians. A company of Turkish soldiers is in governing the district.

Messrs. Perkins and Stocking, with the native brethren, lodged at the house of the Nestorian

Priest, (to whom they had a letter from Mr. Rassam,) "a pleasant, intelligent man, about fifty years old."

Mar Shimon-Romanism.

Priest Mando informs us, that yesterday two letters were brought to him by a vagrant female mendicant from Tiyary, bearing Mar Shimon's seal, the purport of which was, that his brother Isaac had quareled with him, and run away; and if he should come into the mountains, in

matter.

company with the missionaries, the peo- | possible, and went back to their native ple must not regard their words, and that cliffs. On their way they invested Amahe (Mar Shimon) would be in the moun- diah several days, to the great annoytains, after twenty days, to attend to the ance of its inhabitants, though they made no strong effort to take the town. In those days of their wild power, they might doubtless have swept their way clean to the walls of Mosul. How changed and fallen are they now! Dark, however, as may be the prospect of missionary success at present among that people, with Mar Shimon at their head, it is still doubtless far more favorable than it was in those days of their pride and reckless ferocity. They are now a subdued people, which is an important step to their being morally tamed, enlightened and evangelized.

Notwithstanding these letters from the Patriarch, Priest Mando assembled the Nestorian families of Amadiah, on a roof in the evening, and a company of Tekhomians, who are here at work, for a religious meeting. They all composed a respectable congregation, who listened very attentively to the words of eternal life. Mar Yohannan read the third chapter of John, and spoke from it some time. He was followed by Deacon Tamo, Mr. Stocking and Deacon Jeremiah; and the Bishop then closed the meeting with prayer. It was refreshing to us to hold such a meeting in this wild country, for the benefit of those who received the word so gladly.

The Governor of Amadiah received our

friends with politeness, and tendered his aid. Of this they were glad to avail themselves in procuring muleteers.

Syriac Manuscripts.

Just here is now the battle field between the Nestorians and papists. The latter have gradually advanced, and secured almost all the ground among the 29. Priest Mando has quite a collecNestorians from Mosul and Elkoosh up to tion of Syriac manuscripts. We were Amadiah, and are very earnestly endeav-anxious to purchase a portion of the oring to take the whole, that they may Old Testament, to aid us in preparing a the more securely carry the war into the copy of the Old Testament for the press; Nestorian districts of central Koordistan. but he declared that he would sooner Within five or six years past, the large part with his head than with the book; villages of Aradeen and Inish, within a and no importunity on the part of our few miles of Amadiah, have fallen a helpers could induce him to change his prey to them; and a mountaineer of the decision. He was told that we only district of Bass, who was many years wished it to aid us to print correct copies, ago decoyed to Elkoosh, and sent thence after which we would return it, and sevto Rome, and there educated as a Jesuit, eral printed copies of the Bible with it. is now here on his way to his mountain But "No," he said; "just so Mr. Badger home, to commence operations among promised us, and took off our books; his kindred. Alas! With such a spir-and that is the last that we have seen or itual watchman as Mar Shimon, how heard of them." And as to our printed easy a prey may the Nestorians of all these regions fall to the papacy.

Priest Mando described the tactics by which the Romanists were endeavoring to extend their conquests into the heart of Koordistan. The onset is always made with money.

Past Incursions of the Nestorians.

Nine years ago, the year after Doct. Grant first went into the mountains, Mar Shimon, hired by the Koords of this province, led down the people of Tiyary to Amadiah, and took one cannon and some small arms from the Turks, near the fortified village of Davadiah; but as they were mere hirelings, and hated the Koords more than they did the Turks, they returned the spoil, took as much of their pledged reward from the Koords as

books, he added, "Our people would not hear us read from one of them. They our fathers; they are an innovation, and would say, 'These are not the books of will lead us astray.""

Religious Services.

Another meeting was held in the evening, the Nestorians of Amadiah, and the laborers from Tekhona having assembled on "the house-top."

All listened with deep interest to an excellent sermon from Deacon Isaac, from 1 John, i. 7. The sermon was rich in thought, simple in style, and admirably adapted to the audience and the circumstances. He took occasion to show the fallacy of all papal assumptions of power to pardon sin, &c., while he urged, with great earnestness, that the blood of

Christ alone can cleanse us, defiled, per- that he might read it daily to them. To ishing and needy, as we all are, from test the strength of his desire for it, we the stains, the guilt, and the punishment asked him how much he would give for of our sins. It was most grateful to lis-one, "Just as much as you say." "Yes,

come to the New Testament. His joy was very great at this announcement. He left us, pouring blessings upon us; and we soon heard him reading the words of life to his companions in the yard.

ten to such a sermon, amid these physi-"Will you give a week's work?" cal and spiritual desolations, in the still- gladly, if you will wait till the end of ness of the moonlight evening. There the week to receive it; I have nothing were two or three Romanists present, now." We told him that he was welwho occasionally interposed a word, when they saw the throne of their Pope battered under the heavy blows of prooftexts; but their voices were soon hushed by the hearty "Amen" that often murmured through the assembly, as one precious truth after another was unfolded, all pointing to Christ as the only Savior. Such opportunities of hearing the Word were never before enjoyed by these poor people.

miah made an excursion to Bebadee, and was received by the Priest, as also by another individual, with great kindness. The inhabitants of the place came together three times to hear the message of salvation from his lips.

A large congregation assembled again this evening, larger than on either of the previous evenings, and listened attentively to an excellent sermon from Deacon Tamo, from the words, "Testifying " "repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ." The audience seemed more interested than ever in this meeting.

Mar Yeshoo.

The next day, after many trials of patience, our brethren set out once more on their homeward journey. They proceeded in a north-west direction till they came to Bayar, a village of

ten families. This is in the district of Bewer. Here their course changed to the north-east. Having passed a small village of Jews, who speak the Syriac, they arrived at Dura, "a fine Nestorian village of fifteen houses," in which is an ancient church, remarkably well built, called Mar Guergis. On inquiring for the Bishop, an uncle of the wife of Deacon Isaac, they found that he was residing at another church, one mile distant, whither they went.

Being unable to make the necessary arrangements for proceeding on their journey, Messrs. Perkins and Stocking visited the church of Mar Abdeeshoo. This is in a village of the same name, not far from Amadiah. It consists of three arched chapels, separated by walls of great thickness and strength, through which wide doors are cut. Priest Mando says that the date of this edifice is set down in one of his ancient books as 360 years before Mohammed! Mr. Perkins thinks it the oldest church which he has seen. There was once a monastery in the vil-to posts and beat us, if we should come lage. Mar Yohannan remained for the purpose of preaching in the evening. "All the people attended, both small and great; and they listened to the gospel with gladness till a late hour."

A Testament desired.

30. At evening one of the Tekhoma laborers came to us, and stated that he was a reader, and that his ancestors were readers before him; and he requested of us a New Testament. The other laborers came also, and urged the request of their companion, by saying that they wished him to have a New Testament,

31. We were kindly received by the aged Bishop, Mar Yeeshoo, who is about seventy years old, and has held his office fifty-six years. He soon stated to us that Mar Shimon had sent messengers to Tiyary, directing the people to bind us

among them; and that he believed they would do it. He treated us very kindly, however, on the score of his relationship, as he said, to Deacon Isaac. He is a pleasant, humorous old man, but seemed very ignorant, bigoted and conceited.

The stigma of being "English," fastened on Deacon Isaac by Mar Shimon's reports, he detested. He importuned the Deacon to remain with him, proposing to accompany him to Mar Shimon, and endeavor to effect a reconciliation; a proposition which the former would not, of course, entertain.

He asked Deacon Tamo, sarcastically,

whether he had really found a ladder to heaven. Deacon Tamo mildly answered, "Yes, Bishop. The blood of Jesus Christ is such a ladder.” “No, no, no," the old man scornfully replied, and then inquired, "Where are you from?" "From Gavar," answered Deacon Tamo; and then he affected to despise a man of Gavar, who would attempt to enlighten him. Deacon Tamo, nothing damped, still tried, in the kindest and most respectful manner, to draw the Bishop into religious conversation, as we and all the male members of his family sat on the roof by moonlight; but all to no purpose. Wisdom was with him! He was far above being taught, especially by young men. And under the eye and influence of such a Bishop, it was, of course, useless to attempt to preach to others about

him.

Journey to Lezan.

Proceeding to Lezan on the following day, by a north-easterly course, the party soon entered the district of Tiyary. Having passed two Koordish villages, they came to Zernee, a small Nestorian village.

confessing that when he prayed, he thought much more of the pipe in his mouth than of the great Being whom he addressed. When the passage which requires the forgiveness of our enemies, was shown to him, he said that he could never forgive the Koords.

Several men from a neighboring village on the banks of the Zab, hearing of our arrival at Zernee, hastened to visit us. They had been at Oroomiah, and there made our acquaintance, and now greeted us as long-tried friends. Their village occupies a narrow entrance to the interior of Tiyary, under the cliffs, on the shore of the Zab, which the Ravandooz Pasha once attempted to force; but he was resisted by half a dozen Tiyary people, with dirk in hand, in so desperate a manner, that he retreated, his army of several thousands fleeing before those few individuals, panic-struck at the sight of such terrible

men.

Ascending a steep and rugged mountain, they had a distant view of the River Zab, and of one half of Tiyary. "There was sublimity all around us," says Mr. Perkins; "but it was the sublimity of rugged, dreary desolation" length they reached the end of their day's jour ney.

Lezan.

At

June 1. The villagers welcomed us, and treated us with all the hospitality which their poverty permitted. The men were sowing small fields of rice near the village; and there were patches of wheat around us, and grassy plats, and a Lezan is on the top and sides of a low few small vineyards. Every thing ap-river (that runs down the rough valley broken ridge, at the junction of a small peared most wild and rural.

from Asheta) with the Zab. The village is nearly a mile long, and thirty or forty rods wide; the houses being scattered sparsely over this area, either separately

or in small clusters.

I was not in ecstasy, though my gratification was very peculiar, when my eyes at last rested on the cliffs of Tiyary, which I had so long desired to see, and I was among that unfortunate people now sitting amid their ruins. "We shall We were now in the very heart of now see few more Koords," said Deacon Tiyary, the metropolis of the district, and Isaac, "till we advance beyond the mountains of Jeloo."

thus had the best opportunity to judge of the country. We should have felt a The Koords had probably been much mournful satisfaction in visiting Asheta, provoked, from time immemorial, to do and surveying the ruins of the mission what they did to Tiyary. The guide premises there; but two days' ride, over whom we took with us to-day from a very rough road, would have been reDura, when asked whether his village quired to go and return to Lezan; and had ever been sacked, replied quickly, in the excited state of the people, and of "Yes, five or six times by the Tiyary the Turkish authorities of this district, it people; and not our village only, but all seemed hardly expedient to linger for the villages of Bewer, both Nestorian that purpose.

and Koordish."

My previous impressions of the sublime rocky cliffs of Tiyary were now fully The inhabitants of Zernee prepared a sump-realized, and of its dreary sterility, many tuous dinner for our friends, under the direction times exceeded. There never can have of the aged Priest. An excellent opportunity been a large population in this district; was afforded for religious conversation with the and there never will be, unless it be a villagers, as also with their spiritual guide. The population that can subsist on naked latter was found to be very ignorant, artlessly rocks. Deacon Isaac thinks that there

can never have been more than ten thou- | above terrace, with narrow grassy borders besand souls in it; and there are not now, tween those of the same level, and the lower side probably, half that number. of each range being built up, sometimes ten or twenty feet, with stone walls. The borders of the terraces were skirted with trees, many of them very large, with immense numbers of grape vines climbing to their tops." But even in this part of the valley, at least one half of the houses