The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-21
From the New York Evangelist.
Christian Progress in Persia
ORooMIAH, Nav 10, 1880:

ORooMIAH, May 10, 1880:
To-day was held our monthly meeting
with the native Evangelistic Board,
Letters and reports were heard from
HISTORIAN laborers over the wide region
westward of Koordistan and eastward
toward the centre of Persia. There are
some points worthy Of special attention
in connection with this time of depression
and famine. t-....s
l. Progress among the HISTORIANS.
The famine is so severe that travelling
is impracticable westward, and will be
till harvest, a few weeks hence. Then
we hope to push an evangelistic cam
palgn into the mountain districts. About
US on the plains of Oroomiah the nominal
Christians, nearly en- m1dSSe, are now I'M
der evangelical influences. The ranks
Of the Papists are broken in many
places. In villages where hitherto few
have been reached, there are now large
congregations and ingatherings. The
aggregate of native contributions we
hope will not fall behind former years.
and the number added to the churches
will be large. 1t is vital question how
to improve these special opportunities,
and to see this general sympathy with
the gospel become real reformation.
2. Open Door among MoSZems. What
is the effect of the famine upon the
Moslems? is, no doubt a question often
asked by those who have given to the
famine fund. Unlike Islam among the
Turks, there are many indications that
the Persian system is breaking up, and
this famine is strong force in the pro-
cess OF disintegration A colporteur
just returned from his winters work to
the eastward, gives some significant facts.
Open lnquirers are found among men of
influence. Very general discomfort, and
sometimes cursing of the Moslem &C.
clesiastics5 is heard Great numbers of
the sectaries joined with him in opposing
Islamism. Three cases of baptism are
reported by HISTORIAN preachers. Hun
dreds about us are in various WAYS
under Christian influences, and thou
sands are awakening from the blind
ness and prejudice of generations to the
fact that Christianity is a living power
OF love and sympathy and help, and
Christ a living Saviour-in contrast
with their dead system and dead pro-
Phet We dare not encourage them in
the temper they are at present to profess
Christianity. We must instruct them
and wait till the giving of Christian aims
is past. Our friends should know that
the door is wide open, and that many
are inclined to Christianity.
3. threatening among the Tens. The
centre OF the movement is Hamadan.
under the care Of the Teheran station.
The pastor there is HISTORIAN. The
Jews foremost in character and wealth
in their community of 5000 souls, are
baptized Christians, and very few re-
main unnoved either for or against the
truth. The opposing Jews and the lead
ing Moslems are in league, and the Chris
tlan Jews are under severe persecution.
The same state of things exists in Seenah
and Kermanshah, where our preachers
are at work. 1t should be known, too
that while Mr.. Abbott, H. B. M. Consul.
general in Tabreez, is using his influence
tor liberty Of conscience among Armen-
ians, the English Embassy at the capital