Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-05-02


the Christians, there are three sacred days
IN week, on each of which it would seem,
there would be a good opportunity for the
missionary to direct his efforts to the respect
i've sects. 49,. ,,~e: ~.
= Another city Of more dignity and i'm
portance, in itself considered, is Aleppo,
and on some accounts is as well situated
for missionary station. 1t has been rec
commended as one, but is not yet occupied
as such. 1t is inland, central place for a
large territory and is the seat of fourishing
manufactures of silk and cotton. And
large caravans frequently resort thither from
bagdad and Bassora, with the products Of
Russia aud India. Hence were a mission
arV stationed here, he might be the instru-
ment of imparting instruction, that should
make many wise unto eternal life even of
those visiting the city for other purposes
and this 10 addition to being stationed in a
city of 25o,oo0 Inhabitants.
Damascus is supposed to contain 1s0, 900
inhabitants, and there are many more cities
and latgetowns whose names we cannot e.
ven mention here, each one containing from
$4,000 to 10000 inhabitants, all aoithout
hope.
In presenting this report, it has been our
aim to consider the work to be done, rather
than to give history of what has been done
hence the missionary operations in this en-
pire have been but slightly aoticed. The
work is begun. A few laborers have entered
this large field. But the harvest is all before
them. They have scarcely begun to thrust
in the sickle. And with population great
er than that of the United States, the ques-
ton again arises, what are those few among
so many?
There are some considerations not so ia
vorable to residence iu Turkey. Many
things would render it merely unpleasant
Others are positive hindrance to the work
of the missionary. We might mention, as
what is merely or principally disagreeable at
Smyrna, the extreme heat of summer; tho
this is greatly tempered by the land and sea
breezes. Also, troublesome insects; and
still more troublesome Instructions Or pop
ular tumults; and, of course, missionary
here, in any place, feels the lack of Christian
society, till by the blessing of God, he can
enjoy il as the fruit of his own labor:
But the main consideration, as affecting
the labor of the missionary on the coast ofthe
Mediterranean is, the prevalence of the
plague. In Constantinople in particular, it
RACES, sweeping away with its "besom of
destruction" almost incredible numbers of
the inhabitants. In 1912, the whole number
of deaths was reckoned at $4,000: and in
ordinary years of the plague, so or sc, 600
deaths occur. From 1888 to 1855, 100000
children and young people died. Heavier
expressions compel multitudes from neigh
boring villages to emigrate thither, otherwise
Constantineple would soon be left depop-
ulated desert. The plague battles all medi-
cal skill. While all ages and conditions of
people, and every variety of constitution are
subject to its attack. Having no hope of re-
covery, when one is attacked, he is abandon
ed at once by all of his friends Fear over
comes all natural ties. tits said that not one
mother in ten thousand would knowingly
stay with her only son, if he were attacked
with the plague. Though there is 90 cure
as general thing, there are some prevent
ives, and possibly at some future time its
prevalence may be removed by not allowing
it to fasten upon its wonted victims. But
while these facts show the disadvantages
u 1der which a missionary must labor, hav.
ing his schools broken up and all intercourse
with the people cut off, &C., they also show
the importance Of his labors to such peo
plea people that die by thousands. The
difficulties in the work of spreading the COS,
pei are great but the gospel can make its
way through them all. Let it be preached
patiently and perseveringl, and il will prove
to be the power of God unto salvation to
multitudes who shall believe.
But a result so glorious cannot be accom-.
plished by irresolute and fitful efforts: il
will follow only in the track of patient and
perseVering trial. 1t will be only after much
setf.denial, and often and earnestly com.
mending these perishing souls to God, by
weeping and prayer, that the missionary car
hope to see many prepared for immortal
bliss. And here the devoted servaLt OF Goo
may forget his tolls. The thought of sing
ing praises in heaven with saints from
heather lands, trophies Of divine grace a
schieved through his instrumentality, mus
inspire the missionary with zeal, and love