Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1886-04-08
MAR YOSIP.

Death of the Native Persian Missionary.
In the weekly prayer-mecting held In
room 4S Mccormick Block, Chicago, on
March 9th, Mrs. S. j. Rhea, who is well
known in this community made the fol.
lowing statement in regard to Mar Yosip
"a dozen years ago, several churches
in Tennessee presbytery united in the
support of HISTORIAN preacher in our
Persian mission find in my portfolio
to-day little sketch written from them
at that time, as follows: Mar Yosip, or
Bishop Joseph, as his name would be in
English, is a HISTORIAN of the province of
Botan, in the Koordish mountains. He
was consccrated from birth, in sort Of
Nazaritc fashion, to the Office of bishop
in the ancient HISTORIAN church. Those
who desire this Office of bishop have Ger
tain privileges or privations indicating
their superior rank and holiness. They
never eat any grease, and never marry!
I'm one Of his arduous tours Mr.. Rhea
met this poung man, won his friendship,
and gained considerable influence over
him. He was converted, and afterward
desiring more light and knowledge, came
down to our mission school on Mt. SER,
where Mr.. Rhca was teacher. 1t was
doubtless great trial TO the bishop 5
pride, Of which he nad large share to
take an equal place among the boys and
young men and be treated like common
mortal, but his good sense, piety and love
of learning prevailed, and | never knew
of his making any trouble. After com.
pleting the course he remained year or
two in the seminary as an under teacher.
During this time he obtained complete
victory over the superstitons and shack
les of his youth, and ate grease like any
body, and at length married an OrOomiah
girl, Hannah of Geog Tapa, Christian
graduate of our female seminary! Then
they moved to Mar Yosip's distant home
in the little village of Hassan, to IRA
diatc with gospel light darkness that
might be felt presume the wife was
great scandal, and that many obstacles
and difficulties beset their path at first.
There is nothing Mcdes and Pcrsians so
dislike and oppose as change The most
significant and untranslatablc word in
their language is audet (custom), which
they give as law and reason for every
thing, and they would in some cases
rather break their nccks than their
'audets' But Mar Yosip had broken au-
Diet, and had become the husband of one
wife and so remains to this day, having
faithful children, not accused of riot or
unruly.' His labors have been greatly
blessed during the years; the Lord has
/ poured out his Holy Spirit, and the will
/ derness has blossomed as rose. All
blessed Tennessee churches that have
preached the gospel by such a proxy!
But sad news has come to-day. ] will
translate from the Zareera dc Baura: Mal
Yosip has rested from his labors. Ills
| life upon his death bed was the same rs
in health, sealing his faithful work. He
said; Grieye not for me, have finished
my course and kept the faith, quickly |
shall pass into the presence of Christ.
The day before his death he said: Two
men have come for me and the King call,
me The next morning he said: 4 have
seen u group Of shining ones before the
gate of the city singing hallcluiah to the
Lamb; want TO 60 and sing with them.
In this condition he called for his church
and gave them parting messages and
solemn counsels that they should stand
firm in their faith through all the changes
and temptations of life. He then turned
himself in bed saying, Amen, come Lord
Jesus, and could speak no more. Be.
hold the fruits of the gospel and the
work of foreign missions"