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'^f dKin ninof AiH^iit^ii' itt^tiiut^, *^.>,,(,,„ K // r(> GS, T T HARUTUNE OR LIGHTS AND SHADOWS IN THE ORIENT. KY H. S. JENANYAN, Founder of St. PaxW. Instilute, Tarsus, Cilma; also Fou,uler anU PHnHpai of Ania Minor Apostolic Institute, Iconiinn. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. TORONTO: WILLIAM BRIGGS, 29-33 Richmond Street West Montreal : C. W. COATES. 1898 Halifax : S. F. HUKS'IIS. I Kntkrki) ao(;ordiiitf to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year one thouHand eight hundred and ninety-eijfht, hy William Brio(}h, at the Department of Agriculture. DEDICATED TO asia muxov Hpostolic institute (OF ICONWM AND TARSUS), WHICH, IN ITS BIRTH, EXISTENCE AND GROWTH, HAS COST THE AUTHOR AND HIS DEVOTED WIFE MUCH ANXIETY, HARDSHIP AND LABOR, WHILE THE RESULTS ACCOMPLISHED HAVE GIVEN THEM GREAT JOY, PLEASURE AND UNBOUNDED HOPE. t . I. I ! .' b^s PRE! ACE The title of this volume indicates its scope and spirit. Harutune, as the central figure, is led by Divine provi- dence from a babe in swaddling clothes to a responsible and important position. The present home, social and religious life of the Orient is pictured by many facts enter- taining and instructive, and in many cases very touching. Over one hundred native proverbs and poems — many of them very beautiful — are interwoven throughout. The field of the events of this volume being for the most part Armenia and Asia Minor, the cradle-land of Christ- ianity, it naturally deals with subjects suggestive and profit- able to Bible students — many Scripture narratives having been symbolized through present manners and customs of the people. The whole book is adapted to interest every class ; the illustrations — many of which are from original native drawings or rare prints — in themselves being a panorama well worth study to obtain better knowledge of the Orient. Certain chapters are written specially for the benefit of the youth, thus making the volume suited to the home, Sunday School libraries and young people's societies : con- sequently any young man or woman interested in missions PREFACE. cannot help but be inspired and encouraged for life- long usefulness, seeing how God could save and use even Harutune, the cobl)ler's son, for His honor and glory. The closing chapters are brief and vivid accounts of the late events, when many thousands of An nian Chris- tians as heroes and heroines suffered divers persecutions while holding fast their faith in Christ, even unto death. The martyrdom of several persons is related in particular. This book is dedicated to Asia ISIinor Apostolic Insti- tute, which exists to give relief to widows and orphans of devastated regions, and the proceeds from its sale will be devoted for the work of the Institute. It is earnestly hoped that this volume, written with many prayers, will carry its mission for good wherever it goes ; and by each and every reader recommending it to their friends, such a sale shall be had as will materially aid in establishing the Institute on a permanent basis for perpetual service to the land and people and to our God. H. S. Jenanyan. '>, » .-% i • ' CONTENTS, CHAPTER I. GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE. I'AUE Grandfather nuiued after one of the Magi — Poor, yet honest — Kescued from being hung — Eastern cotton beater — Water-carrier — Spoon -seller — H animal, expressman — {>ran»lfather a ruler in the home- His sickness and the doctors — Dowry for his daughters — How a maiden is selected for Stephen, his son — Stephen's first call on his future bride — The engagement — The wedding — The privilege of the bride — The l)aby boy Harutune — A glance at the family circle 13 CHAPTER II. THE CHILD AND THE CHURCH. A baptismal ceremony in St. Stephen's Church — The Arnie- ijianChurch and its clergy— An interview with a Catholicos — 1 he national gieeting of the present head of the Ainie- nian Church — The life of clergy a life of struggle — Their sermons — "Miracle" defined — An exaggerating priest — How far the clergy are responsible for their ignorance — The future of the Armenian Church 2i CHAPTER III. HUSBAND AND WIFE. The Macedonian cry re-echoed — Response given Ity the Nineteenth Century Missionary Movement — A missionary preaching in Marash — Stephen among the hearers— The amusements of the young people iu the East — Native love songs— Juhar, the bride of Stephen — Her good inflii- ence over her husband — Stephen's temptations — Happy change in the little family — Its celebration by a feast — The meals, and how they are servetl — W'ine jar broken into pieces — The young parents' anxiety for the conver- sion of their chikl, Harutune 36 i' IV CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. STRANGE SIGHTS IN SCHOOL. PAOB Scarcity of schools —The first school-day of Harutune — The invention of the Armenian alphabet — Severe way of punishment in these old schools — Tiny ones put to sleep in a corner of \hn school — The talks of teacher on be- haviour — Eastern proverbs — Educational progress of late years 47 CHAPTER V. THE BOY AT HOME. Harutune mother's little helper — How a cent was used— The boy's early signs of promise— His favorite stories — The moon in the water — How a donkey is changed to a man — Children trifling with Nasreddin Hojah — Harutune en- gaged to a girl while yet both babes — Later by Haru- tune's refusal marriage avoided — A crisis in Harutune's school-life — His mother gives all she has for her son's education— Harutur.e's loving service to his mother dur- ing her long-continued illness - The death of the mother. 56 CHAPTER VI. BY THE WAYSIDE. Harutune's first steps in a useful life — His early preaching — Starts to learn a trade — As a V)oj preacher in a mountain town — Crisis in the first ministry — Prayers answered — New converts persecuted— Harutune in the presence of a feudal chief — Eastern farming — Harutune and shep- herd boys 64 CHAPTER VI r. THE MAIDEN. Eastern maidens— Beauty is overshadowed— Their various experiences— The curse of poverty — The priest objects to thegirl'seducation — / Iwtrothed girl hindered from school- ing — Maidens ki''..iapped— Palsied Khatoiui— She attends Harutune's preaching— The palsied maiden a teacher — a heroine and a saint 74 CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIII. LOST 8IGHT OF. kei FAOB 47 56 Harutune and his companions beaten for their preaching of the Gospel — He takes refuge in the city of Tarsus — A revival— Reaping and threshing scenes in the plains of Cilicia— Harutune before the Governor-General — Good- will averts evil consetjuences 83 CHAPTER IX. NEW WORLD— NEW EXPERIENCES. Harutune's first sight of New York City — The first house he enters — A (iod-sent friend — How Harutune met Mr, Moody — Dr. Crosby's favor woti — A willing contribution by Harutune — A student in Union Theological Seminary — Teased by some students — His impressions on social liberty among the youth — At a large reception — A Sunday School class — His happy impressions of Toronto, Canada — His mai riage to an American young lady of New York City 9a CHAPTER X. i4 :l AN AMERICAN PHILANTHROPIST. Harutune joins a Fifth Avenue cliurch in New York — His first Bible teacher in the Sunday School — Seeks an en- trance to a Vanderbilt palace — A touching plea made to the late Col. Elliott F. Shephard— He is won to help the establishing a Christian institution at Tarsus— Hir gener- ous contributions and bequest — Departed, yet si)eaketh. CHAPTER XI. 105 i A CITY AND ITS MONUMENT Along cherished hope of Harutune realized— A memorable day — The work accomplished in four years — Harutune returns to Tarsus— A hearty welcome— Tarsus, the historic city—St. Paul's Institute opened— The first students — Institute crowned with marked success — An endowment of one hundred thousand dollars— Harutune resigns in order to establish a similar institution in Iconium— A copy of his resignation 113 VI CONTENTS. CHAPTER XII. AMON(J THE MOUNTAINS. FAOB Harutune and his family on their mountain journey — A village wedding —Village life — ^'^ineyards of the East — The Watchmen — Vine-press— Shar, the ancient Comana, visited — Journeying on springless waggons— The regions of ancient Lystra and Derbe — A famous Hittite monu- ment — A hospital in the sand —A little light in a (ireek town — What Kimia, a village woman, could do 129 . - CHAPTER XIII. STRANGE LODGINGS. Harutune and his companions retained by a robber chief — A missionary with false teeth — A hospitable Armenian priest and his church — Lodgings in Mamason shrine — How the night-watches passed — Ninirood fights with God and is defeated— Among the cave-dwellings— A night spent under a hay-cart — A day in the tent of a robber chief — The hymn of a little child secures safety— The wolf and the lamb feed together 144 CHAPTER XIV. A GREAT PEOPLE. Essential power of Moslems — Different nationalities repre- sented—The largest university in the woi'ld- Ottoman rulers — The Empire and the population — ( onstantinople — Janissaries— Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid the Second — The ; mode of his receiving foreign ministers - A State dinner at the palace — Betrothal and marriage among the higher class of Turks — How divorce is secured — The character- istics of various Mohammedan tribes — The late events of bloodshed 158 ,:*r^ ,,., , CHAPTER XV. THE HOLY MAN AND THE RELIGION. Hazret'i-Mevlana, "the holy man" — A conversation between Harutune and Aziz — Wliirling Dervishes at the head mosque — The form of their worship— Clirist and Moham- , . med — Why the Koran must not be translated into other CONTENTS. Vll I'AOB languages — Mohammedan creed and prayer — Four essen- tial duties of every Moslem — Intense solemnity in their devotional seivices — .Sermons of Moslem priests : On tongue, on drink, on forgiveness, on heaven 171 CHAPTER XVI. SCATTERED ENDEAVORERS. prayer-meeting of boys — Selections from native poets — Consecration of the boys to the Lord's work — Harutune leads his brotlier to Clirist — Tarsus Christian Endeavorers —What the Juniors did "In His Name"— The Y.M.C.A. in Tarsus —A society of women — A visit from Rev. Dr. Clark, the founder of the Endeavor movement— A woman's heroic faitli — A letter from Christian Endeavorers in Turkish prison 185 CHAPTER XV^II. A SUNDAY SCHOOL IN MANY TON(JUES. Ibreesim, a blind woman teacher — The name of Jesus the keynote of Harutune's success — Harutune a Sunday School teacher when fourteen years old — A soul-wiimer — God s saving power to the uttermost — Harutune estab- lishes a Sunday School in Tarsus — Chiklren from poor homes — The (iospel taught in many tongues — Tlie first visit of Santa Claus to Tarsus Sunday School — Many curious gifts — Children's mites in tiie JSunchiy School — Baby Paul of Tarsus, a little scholar and missionary — A new work in the old city of leonium — How a persecuted scholar won his father to Christ 198 CHAPTER XVIIT. OPEN WINDOWS. Do Foreign Missions pay ? — A positive answer from facts and figures -The native agencies — A cobbler's son, how (lod used him— Revival in Tarsus — Revival in Sivas — The work of the Spirit in Cappadocia — Awakenings in Cilician cities, Marash and Adana — Powerful work at Aintab, Syria — (iospel preached in Iconium amidst many diffi- culties—An Armenian tax gatherer— Some personal testi- monies— Varteni Haji, a good mother in Israel — Her prayer for five hundred converts answered 212 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIX. LET IT BE FOR A MEMORIAL. hundred dollars and its and its history — A great of priests reproducing howling dervish subdues TAOK funeral service in Tarsus — One mission— The city of Iconium Mohammeddn centre - Claim Koran from memory — How a " self" — Longing of a dervish to die on the way to Mecca — Harutune preaches near the traditional shrine of St. Paul — Sultan Khan, a rare Seljukian remnant — Cholera and Moslem fatalism — (i reeks in the Turkish empire— An ancient subterranean cave — A bronze tablet and a little light — A memorial Institute— A shining light 223 CHAPTER XX. A MARTYR RACE. What makes a nation great ? —Armenians — Their home, the cradle-land of mankind — How chastity is preserved in the family — Leo VI. the last Armenian king— The Yankees of the Orient— First Christian nation in the world — The traditional lettei- of King Abgarus to Christ — The Sav- iour's alleged reply — The King Dirtadis and (iregory the lUumiQator — The King an IW ILLUSTRATIONS. PAOR The Angel of Hope Frontispiece. EASTER^f Trades — Water-Cakriek, Cottox-Beater, Spoon- Seller, Hammal (Expressman) - - - - - 16 Grandfather's Home 22 St. Stephen's Church, Marash - . - - - - - 26 Catholicos, the Head of the Armenian Chdrch - - 31 A Tournament by Natives of Asia Minor - - - 39' Stephen and His Wife Juhar ------ 42 The School Harutune First Attended - -; • : 49 Four Types of Pedlars of the East 52 Harutune at Home (in four scenes) ----- 68 Harutune Preaching Under the Trek - - - - 66 An Armenian Maiden 75 Khatoun, the Palsied Maiden 81 Harutune, when Preaching in Adana - - - - 85 The Governor-General of Adana, with his Staff - - 89 Some Turkish Officers Early in the Century - - 91 The Late Rev. Howard Crosby, D.D,, LL.D. of N. Y. - 96 The Late W. H. Howland, Ex-Mayor of Toronto, Can. 101 Harutune and his American Wife - . . . . 103 The Late Col. Elliott F. Shephard, of New York - 110 A Camel Caravan Passing Through an Old Roman Gate 118 The Court of an Ancient Christian Church, Tarsus - 121 First Students of St. Paul's Institute, Tarsus - - 123 Students of St. Paul's Institute, in 1893 - - - 126 Children Travelling in Moffahs . . . - . 130 Female Types of Oriental Nationalities - - - 133 Some Types of Moslems— Turk, Circassian, Arab, Koord 138 Lodging Under a Hay-Cart 151 Under the Tent of a Robber Chief .... J64 Grace, an Armenian Child ...... 156 The Sultan Osman on his Throne 161 The Procession of Sultan Mahmoud II. to the Mosque 163 An Aristocratic Turkish Father and Children - - 168 Xll ILLUSTRATIONS. Thk Holy Man of I(!onium with his Associates The Rkuoious Ckremoniks of Whirling Dkrvishes Sfnior Christian Endkavorers, Tarsus - Junior Christian Endeavorers, Tarsus - Youso Men's Chbistian Association, Tarsus - Young Women's Christian Association, Tarsus Primary and Intermediate Scholars of Tarsus S. S. John hi. 16 in Twelve Langdaoes - . . - Baby Paul of Tarsus A Missionary Party on Donkeys .... A Good Mother in Israel The Mosque of Sultan Aladdin, Iconium An Ancient Seljukian Gate Panorama of Iconium, Asia Minor .... Panorama of Tarsus, Asia Minor .... Armenian Military Uniform tomarza, an historical armenian monastery An Armenian Deacon and his Family Stephanos, Martyred Rector of an English Church The English Church at Marash .... Samuel, a Martyred Youth The Master of Police, Guards and Executioners of Olden Time in Constantinople .... A Desolate Armenian Widow An Old Monastery, where 2,000 Armenians were Killed A Mourner A Red Cross Agent on his Mission of Relief Oorfa Orphans in School and Workshop Map of Armenia, Asia Minor and Syria - Harutune with his Family Asia Minor Apostolic Institute, 1892 Asia Minor Apostolic Institute, 1897 - - - SivAs Orphanage of A. M. A. Institute - Orphans in Tarsus Schools of the Institute - Female Department of the Institute in Tarsus A Group of Armenian Widows Orphans as they Appeared When Taken into Orphanage Marash Orphanage After a Year .... St. Stephen's Church Orphanage, Marash Branch - A Friend of the Friendless I'AOB 173 176 190 191 194 195 202 206 209 217 222 226 230 232 232 237 243 246 251 252 256 258 263 265 270 275 278 284 286 288 289 291 292 293 297 298 299 300 303 HARUTUNE OR LIGHTS AND SHADOWS IN THE ORIENT. CHAPTER 1. GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE. " A hundred men make an encampment, but one woman makes a home." chii7''^^^"' ''^ ^^^ ^^^ '' ^^^ '"'' ' "'*" ^^"'""^ ^^^ ^'""'*^ ^" ^^« Grandfather Mklkon derived his name from the traditiomil name of one of the three kings or wise men who visited the infant Jesus with gifts. He lived in in a city of Marash. in Armenia, where at that time there were no manufactories, and where even now none is to be found. Consequently, as everything had to be done by hand, there were not very many rich people. All stood on a common level, with ordinary employments. Oriental peasants often ask, " If I am a master and thou art a master, who shall drive the asses ? " Grandfather Melkon was only a poor travelling cobbler, and life for him was a hard struggle ; but he won great favor and confidence among the villagers by his integrity. Not being able to read or write 14 If A RU TUNE. he kept all liis accounts in liis memory, to be settled at the time of the harvest or of the grape-crop, the peasants readily accepting his statements. But affairs did not always go smoothly. Once a conflict occurred between villages. Melkon was cap- tured, and charged with being a spy. He was tied to a tree, to be hanged after sunset. Soon the Gov- ernor of the place was surprised to see a village chief, well armed, with loins girded, coming rapidly toward him. Another chief, and still a third one, in like manner followed. After a solemn silence the per- plexed Governor asked : " What is the matter '. You seem greatly excited." Each one took out in turn a piece of rope from his bosom, pointed to a certain tree near by, and said : " You have captured our favorite Kara Goez, the black-eyed, and we hear you will hang him. He is the bag of our salt. Here is the rope, here the tree ; hang us first and then you may hang him." The Governor saw danger in offending such chiefs, and calling the captive, said : " As you are the favor- ite of the villagers, you shall also be my favorite. You may freely travel in any part of this district in peace." Thus the native proverb was well proven : " Three things are discovered only in the following way : a hero in war, a friend in necessity, and a wise ruler in anger." . > . The village life was always very simple. People, both men and women, w^th equal responsibility, were occupi'^d with their flocks, farms and vineyards. Some of the courageous ones came to the city to earn more money. , GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE. 1.5 There, for instance, stands n villager on a city street, inviting the passers-by to examine his wooden spoons (kashuk) and his ladles (chomcha), which were made by the family in long winter days, and are now ready for sale among the city folks. Notice that young man, a long bow with string attached in one hand and a club in the other. Going from house to house he calls out, " Pambook Atarum ! " — I }»eat cotton. As the bunches of cotton are brought out to him, by means of the club and bow-string he renders the cotton soft and fluffy, thus preparing it for spinning and for bedding purposes. In return for his work he is rewarded with cotton, and after two or three months' labor carries to his village a large amount of it to supply the women and the weavers of white cloth. Another villager is engaged carrying and selling water on the city streets in the hot, dreary summer days. The water is in a clean sheep- skin tied on his back, and as he marches along he calls out : " Bouz Gibee soo ! Tazeh poonar sooyou I " — Ice-cold water ! Fresh spring water ! If the water-carrier be a Christian man, and meets priests, pastors, or any clerical representatives while on their hard and wearisome journey in their noble mission, he freely refreshes them with a " cup of cold water in the name of a disciple." Occasionally some wealthy person, touched with the need of the labor- ing people, will pay the carrier the full value of the water he has with him, and send him to supply these tliirsty sufferers. Then we soon hear him crj^ing out, " Hayden ! Zebeel Oollah ! "—Hurry up ! free gift of WATER-OABRIER. COTTON-BEATER. ,i:i SPOON -SELLER. HAMMAL — EXPRESSMAN. EASTERN TRADES. GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE. n God ! Iinincdiately a larg(^ crowd of destitute ones (iurround him and receive the water " without money and without price." , , * . We must not overlook the strons' villasre " Ham- inal," bending under a heavy load of perhaps from tliree hundred to five hundred pounds. There being no express or freight companies, the loads are often carried by donkeys, camels or horses ; but for valuable and even for breakable goods Hammal is the safest conveyance. He works hard, and you cannot but pity him as he goes up and down the country, the perspiration rolling down his face in streams. Once in awhile he m:^y rest on a high stone or broken wall by the wayside ; then continuing his journey he reaches his destination. Is he not an illustration of the great Burden-Bearer, of whom it is said, " Cast thy burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Compared with many such hard toilers, grand- father Melkon was considered fortunate in his manner of earning a living as a cobbler. He might work part of the time in the villages and spend most of the winter at home, and grandmother being a good woman, tho' ignorant, their whole pleasure consisted in simple home life, with plain living and devotion to their faith. Their house was two stories high, the basement being used for storage and also as a shelter for the donkey and cattle. The upper part had a large piazza and one room, with mud floor, but without a window ; this room had to serve for work, cooking, eating, sitting and sleeping. Grandfather liked to rule in his home, and 18 HA RU TUNE. while he was in the house all went well ; wife, sons, daughters, brides and grandchildren each feared, loved and served him. He did not want any of his sons, even after they were married, to leave the home, rather enjoying the ever-increasing family over which he reigned as patriarch — for in many Oriental homes twenty to thir fcy live under one roof. This family was very healthy, seldom affected by sickness ; in fact, in all that country the worst dis- eases which prevail in many civilized lands were never seen or heard of. In ca&3 of sickness no doctor was called, for in that whole city of forty thousand popu- lation there was none to be considered a doctor. Certain ordinary men and women claimed to know something about fever, etc., but these were commonly called butchers or executioners. Once, as the result of a long journey on foot, grand- father was taken ill with fever and hi«j family asked him to have one of these so-called doctors sent for. He positively declined, telling a story about a king who, being sick, called for doctors one by one. When brought into his presence the king asked the first one, " In your practice did anyone die ? " " Ah, no sire ! " was the answer. Immediately he was dis- missed. The same question wt^s put to the second one, who replied, " By accident ten persons died." That did not satisfy the king, who questioned the third. He trembled, not understanding the motive of his sovereign, but truthfully replied that under his practice scores died. The king said, " You have had a good experience ; you shall attend me." In telling this story grandfather said, " Those so- GRANDFATHERS HOUSE. 19 called doctors practised butchery on the poor and fed on the rich. Deliver me from such. Let me alone. If I must die, no remedy can be found ; but if God wills I shall live, I shall live." Earnest prayers were offered on his behalf and he was spared to his dear ones nearly fourscore years. As the head of a large family he had many cares, especially the marrying of two daughters, which cost him much perplexity and expense. But he was never over-anxious for the future, cheerfully bearing each day's burden as it came, remembering, as those in the East say, " The grief of the morrow is not to be eaten to-day." According to the customs of the times there must be given with each of his daughters, " Jeheez " — that is, a dowry — comprising several suits of clothing, house ornaments, embroidery, copper dishes for cooking and for table use, bedding, and certain articles of jewellery, such as necklaces, earrings, forehead chains and bracelets. As he did not wish them to be married v/ithout these respectable outfits, he worked hard and made many sacrifices that he might fulfil his parental duty to his children while yet he was living. When Stephen, his son, was eighteen years old, it was time to select a maiden. This right naturally belonged to the parents. They anxiously looked around in the church, talked over the matter at weddings, and called at private houses. They did not search for one wealthy, or simply beautiful, but the vital points were to find a girl from a good respectable family, of unblemished character, and with capacity for making a home. ■ rr m HARUTUNE. The choice finally fell upon Juhar (gem), a beauti- ful girl of fourteen and a gardener's daughter. Stephen was allowed, with some friends, to call upon this family. He had never seen the girl, but while she served the coffee, standing modestly with tray in hand, he had ample opportunity to observe and approve of the choice made for him. With graceful bow the maiden passed out, and Stephen, with full satisfaction, was ready to be engaged. The following Sunday the young couple, with many friends, were brought to the church, and solemnly and religiously the engagement ceremony was per- formed. This did not mean that they could hence- forth see each other frequently, or correspond ; on the contrary, the maiden had to use a head-covering so that when by chance she met Stephen anywhere her face could be quickly covered as a sign of modesty. Stephen did not even dare to pass the home of Juhar. His only opportunity of seeing her was in the churchyard on Sundays, when he could watch her covered figure pass by. After many visitations from friends, and frequent exchange of presents, in due season the happy wed- ding took place. For days grandfather's house was filled with guests. In accordance with Oriental hos- pitality daily suppers were given. Musicians rendered voluntary service for their friend Stephen. A large crowd escorted the bride and groom to the church, and after the ceremony all returned to the groom's house for further merriment and celebration. Juhar was like a bright star in the family circle. GRANDFATHERS HOUSE. 21 tit (1- 18 >8- }d w •s le. As a bride it was her dutj'" and privilege to be first to rise, waiting with basin and towels for the daily ablutions of the entire family ; then to prepare break- fast, and, when evening came, to wash the feet of guests, serve supper, and be the last one to retire. This she did daily without murmuring. If she felt like complaining, she could not, for it was the custom that brides should not talk to any one for two or three years excepting their husband, and then in such low tones that no one else could hear. This may seem hard, but it trained Juliar to be a peaceful, patient wife and mother. An Easter Sunday brought great joy and gladness to this home, when a little boy came. The poor mother had to stay in a dark room forty days, not being allowed to go out except before sunrise or after sunset, to avoid the popular fear of a curse coming upon the little one. As usual, baby was put in swaddling clothes, with hands and feet all wrapped in a large covering — nothing to be seen but his face peeping out from the cap. While no enthusiasm could have been shown for the coming of a girl, grandfather, grandmother and parents received many hearty congratulations from relatives, friends and neighbors, who flocked in with gifts of sweetmeats for the mother, clothing, gold and silver pieces for the babe, the latter being sewed on to his cap as a beg nning to his ba.ik account. Will you spend a M » GRA NDFA THER'S HO USE. 23 to enjoy a smoke. The young mother sits spinning near by, occasionally touching the wooden cradle where her babe is sleeping, and silently watching for her husband's return from his shop. At last he comes, with something in his hand which he dares not hand Juhar ; his mother must have it and share with each member of the family. Should he have any delicacy for his bride it must be kept till after dark and then quietly eaten by the two. It is supper time. Unexpected guests come in from village or city, who are naturally asked to the even- ing meal. A cloth is spread on the floor ; bread, rolled thin as a wafer, is folded and put before everybody. The male guests sit first while Juhar and the mother serve. First comes a copper tray of " boolgoor pilav " — cracked wheat boiled in meat broth — another dish of " dolma " iitli, hope, charity and baptism." After pouring holy oil upon water in tiie marble basin, the child was taken and innnersed thrice by the priest. Again the godfather was asked : " What is your further desire for this chikW" He answered : " Cleans- ing of sins and righteousness with Vjaptism— freedom from Satan and subjection to God." Then Merooii — holy oil, emblem of the Spirit — was put on the hands that they might do His will ; the eyes, to see God's glory and look to Jesus ; the forehead, to stand for testimony ; the cars and nose, to sanctify the hearing and smelling ; the mouth, to speak the truth : the i 1 I 26 HARUTUNE. shoulders, to carry the cross of Christ ; and last, the feet, to walk in paths of godliness. Each was touched by the priest, with appropriate prayer, and it was be- lieved that by this baptism and anointing the child was regenerated, and thus received into the member- ship of the Armenian Church — a church which has stood for Christ from the earliest centuries, and which in all probability received the Gospel direct from Christ and the apostles. His name has ever been adored there, His words firmly honored and His cross faithfully borne. None was happier than grandfather Melkon when Harutune was thus baptized into the Church. With all his ignorance, and notwithstanding the distance of his home from St. Stephen's Church of over a mile, he never failed to attend service there every morning and evening. No summer heat or winter cold pre- vented this devotion, and when out of the city struggling for a living, with each morning and even- ing his face was turned toward the church while offering his earnest prayers. When Harutune was four years old he was often led by his grandfather's hand to St. Stephen's, and there remaining with him down in a corner tried to imitate the forms of worship, in kneeling, bowing down, and standing. Among the educated during this service appropriate petitions to God are made, but the ignorant are contented with the repetition of the Lord's Prayer and certain Psalms of David. This church was a large structure. On its eastern side it had three altars, decorated with finely wrought ^ THE CHILD AND THE CHURCH. 27 gold embroidered altar cloths, on which were gold and silver candlesticks, a carefully preserved communion set, crosses, silver covered Bible or Psalms, and beau- tiful ancient paintings on the walls on every side. In the dark centuries some erroneous forms crept in, and the Holy See in various times and manners tried to bring the Armenian Church under their con- trol ; but the Armenians would not yield or accept the supremacy of the Pope, even under trial and per- secution. The administration of their Church is essentially Episcopal. Their spiritual heads are called " Catholicos." These are three in number. The one in Echmiadzin, Russia, is most powerful ; another one is in Aghtamar, an island on Lake Van ; and the third is at Sis, near Tarsus. There are also two patriarchs or political heads, residing in Constantinople and Jerusa- lem. The other officers of the Church are bishops, vartabeds, priests and deacons. The priests can marry, and the deacons can do so if they do not intend to become vartabeds or bishops— who are not allowed that privilege. The latter are mostly either teachers or superiors in the monasteries, or else are in charge of certain dioceses. Often their lot is cast in hard places. In after years Harutune had the privilege of meet- ing the late Kefsizian, Catholicos of Sis Diocese, in his historical seat, and also at Tarsus. Among many things he said : " My son, forget not that you are the child of the Armenian Church, and when you go to England or America, with an opportunity to speak, tell our sister churches that we Armenians are I M pit 28 HARUTUNE. not heathen or barbarian — our church is of the apos- tolic type of Christianity. In the middle ages, and in times of adversity, she was much disturbed by cer- tain erroneous teachings, and we are aware that these errors in our present church ought to be reformed and bettered in this enlightened age, and are aim- ing and working to that end. Give them our Chris- tian greetings. Let them pray for us, and realize our true and sad conditions. Our church has the mater- ial and elements in it to make itself a power in the world. Let them help us diid uphold us to that end." He was a man of four-score years, venerable, intelli- gent and active. He had done, seen and endured much for the cause of the church. The following is what may be termed the national greeting of the present Catholicos, who from a poor peasant boy rose to be a priest, bishop, patriarch and now the head of the whole Armenian Church : " Mugunlitch, Servant of Je.^us Christ, and, by the inscrutable will of God, Chief Bishop and Catholicos of all the Armenians : Supreme Patriarch of the national pre-eminent Throne of the Apostolic Mother Church of Ararat, in Holy Catholic Etchmiadzin : "Salutations to thee, Apostolic Church of Armenia, born in Christ by the good tidings of Thaddeus and Bartholomew and Gregory, nurtured and developed in godly faith : " Salutations to thee, Mother Mount Zion of God — Jerusalem ; in thee appeared the Light of the World, the Incarnate Saviour, the Only-Begotten, who came down from the Father, He who laid the foundations THE CHILD AND THE CHURCH. 29 of the Church of Ararat of Holy Etchniiadzin, built in Light : " Salutations to you, Catholicoses and Patriarchs, who are brothers with me in equal yoke to conduct and to bear the services of the Church of Christ. Know ye how great is our responsibility in the pre- sence of the great Chief Sheplierd ? For every one of us is to give an account for his fold : " Salutations to you, Preachers of the Church, ye who teach and deliver the message of the Gospel. Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people, for great is their grief, and their sins are forgiven them, saith God : " Salutations to you, Priests of the Most High God, who dispense the Holy Sacrament of the Church, and are educators and guardians of the Holy Family. Know ye how great is your office ?" To the Armenian clergy of to-day life's noble mis- sion has become a constant struggle. From within and without, on every side, danger threatens. Perse- cution and even death follow their footsteps. With- out any salary or comfortable homes, their living is mostly dependent upon meagre incomes from certain churches. While going from place to place they will wait either to be invited in or to have some faithful woman send them a prepared meal. They are not apostles, but live a life quite similar in hardships, poverty, persecution and sacrifice. They do not en- dure these things for the sake of remuneration or for honor from man, though highly honored in the circle in which they are known. Their life and death may have no earthly record among the heroes and 30 HARUTUNE. martyrs, nevertheless many of them out of subniission and full consecration, with unbounded love for Christ, and hoping for tlu; life to come and the joy set before them, are like their divine Master "counting not the shame, enduring the cross." As for the masses, owing to sad circumstances they are ignorant and unable to tell much of the teachings of the Bible, or explain about Christ and His attributes. Ask them not how much they know or say, but let their faith be tested. Yea, it has been often tried by famine, fire and sword, and they have ever been found willing to die for Christ. Christians everywhere have most fervently prayed for the missionaries in Aimenia, who have been well protected by the Turkish Government and officials, out of policy and diplomacy, but how much have they thought of and prayed for the people, the clergy and the church ? — true heroes who are daily passing through tire and blood ! The present head of the church, under the great burden of seventy years and much painful responsi- bility, in tenderly closing his salutation to the Armenian Church, on December 15th, 1893, wrote : " But what is the help of man ? that the com- passionate Samaritan might pass by you ! Pray for me, my spir tual co-workers, for I know that most heavy is the cross that the Church of Armenia has laid upon my shoulders. " And thou, church and people of Armenia, who have chosen me to be your shepherd, I depend as a refuge upon your prayers, and I believe that the catholicos, the hkad of the Armenian church, etchmiadzin, Russia. w — 32 HARUTUNE. Lord will hear your supplications and keep me for the beloved church. I shall live for you, and you for Christ. Anrn," While this noble messa^^e and salutation from the head of the church is inspiring, one cannot overlook the fact that in many places, through lack of liberty and through ignorance, the church, clergy and people have become dark, lax and heretical, and the shep- herds unable to feed the flocks properly. They were men of the laboring classes, who, though able to read the ancient Armenian language in which the Bible was written, were unfitted to understand it for them- selves or to explain it to their congregations. Their whole work was to perform the ritualistic service of the church, which they faithmlly did every morning and evening, while on special occasions only they ventured to preach to the people. At times they originated some very good ideas. Once, a priest, in expounding the theme of God's good- ness and wisdom, said, " How well it is that hawks are not large birds, for, if so, besides capturing chickens and small birds, they might carry off our children. And if such fruits as water melons ind S(|uashes grew on trees how unfortunate it would be, for we could not rest safely under the shade of the trees." Again, " How grateful we should be that God has not given wings to the ox, the hor{;e or the camel, for, while flying, they might have lighted upon our dwellings and broken them in." While such sermons were not unprofitable, more often through lack of knowledge the teachers gave expression to their own erroneous imaginations. THE CHILD AND THE CHURCH. 33 Once it is related of a priest that \vhile preaching he referred to Christ performing many miracles, Where- ever he went this same statement was repeated, " Christ performed many miracles." The people became weary hearing the word " miracle," without knowing its meaning. At last a man in his audience asked, " Holy Father, please tell us some of those marvvillous miracles which Christ performed." The priest hesitated for a moment, and th(m with perfect assurance said, " At one time Christ made five men eat five thousand loaves of bread." " Didn't they burst out ? " was the anxious inquiry. " That part of it is the miracle," said the priest. lb is said of another priest that he was in the habit of exaggerating in his sermons. One day he was speaking of " sons of God " to whom giants were born. He said, " Those sons were great, very great. The}'^ could stand up in the deepest of the ocean with the waters not coming up to their loins, and in their hands catch fish from the bottom of the ocean, then raise them up to the sun, roast them and eat them." Such a state of things was indeed very sad, and has been the cause of mocking, laughter and rebuke, but we must think of the times and circumstances. Happily there has come much enlightenment, and both religious and educational progress have followed. In any case it is better to pity rather than reproach, to help rather than rebuke. Let the churches of any Christian, civilized people be closed, or, through persecution, their native lan- guage forgotten and themselves unable to understand the services of the church even in their sacred mother 3 HARUTUNE. tongue; and, with the educational centres abandoned, how many Imndred years would that nation continue to be Christian, civilized, educated and prosperous i One or two centuries would suffice to break the candlestick, to mar the glory, and cause the national grandeur and honor to be humiliated ! The Armenian Church for fifteen centuries has undergone the above experience in its bitterest reality, and is it strange that the people have become poor, ignorant, corrupt and forgetful ? Often were the bishops and priests in the battle- field with their flocks fighting the enemy of the church. Often were they in chains, in imprison- ments, in hostage, with the pagan, Mohammedan and so-called Christian courts; often were they carried away into captivity and massacred by their captors. How could they give more attention than they did give to the education and enlightenment of their people, and to the purity of their church ? Even to-day the best intellect of the Armenian clergy, the lovers of the reform and purity of the church and people, are either in exile or bondage. Thus " the gold became dim, the most fine gold changed, the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street." When they fought for existence, when they struggled for a Christian name and died for the faith, who reached forth to help them ? Who saved them ? From every hill their bitter cries are echoed. The valleys liave been crimsoned by their life-blood, and on the sites of their churches and homes the only siims of their existence are their bones and their THE CHILD AND THE CHURCH. 35 graves. Who has been their friend but Clirist, whom they loved and adored, for whom tliey struggled, for whom they died. Christ is loving, is forbearing, is patient, but He is also just. He will not forget the service and sacrifice rendered in His name, neither will the selfish and indifferent go unpunished. The time is coming and will surely come when all the churches and nations shall be brought into judgment. The Armenian Church may then attain her ancient glory and with white-robed clergy and people, martyrs and saints, as an adored bride coming out from tribulation, enter into the glory of her true and only head — Christ. * " Why art thou troubled, Church of God ? Why dost thou sigh with pain ? From whom do all thy sufferings come ? Of whom dost thou complain ? " Is there no cure for wounds, no friend To lend a pitying ear ? Why art thou troubled, Church of God ? Weep not. See Jesus near. " Sorrow and hardship are for all, Though differing forms they wear. The path He gave us teems with thorns, The feet must suffer there. " Rememl)ering this, wilt thou not drink Thy cup of tears and care ? 'Tis proffered by thy Saviour's hand, His love is mingled there." *From a collection of Armenian poems rendered into English verse by Miss Alice Stone Blackwell, of Boston, Mass., and pub- lishef^I in book-form. Several other poems throughout this volume are printed by her kind permission. CHAPTER III. HUSBAND AND WIB'E. !jj| *' How fallen this country I Once the Eastern Queen, Whose sceptre swayed beyond Euphrates' flood, The Light of Asia ! Drear is now the scene On which her palaces and temples stood. Where too the champions of the holy rood, The saints and martyrs, whom the church upreared, Where Jew and Gentile met in brotherhood I Strange that where Paul and Peter pre.-vched the Word, No font should now be found, no Sabbath bell be heard." The nations which were once civilized, Christian- ized and progressive, through whose labor and in- fluence Europe has been enlightened and evangelized, have undergone terrible persecutions, in which tens of thousands were put to death for their faith, and the survivors subjected to hardships and deprivation. They have left as an heritage a corrupted Christianity, ignorance, poverty, and never-ending suffering a ad sorrow. Consequently the churches and the people ** who, as to the time, had to be the teachers of many nations, became in need of some one to come and teach them the very first oracles of the Word of God." So the Macedonian call from the West to the East was re-echoed. The bitter Eastern cry for help was HUSBAND AND WIFE. 37 heard, and Occidental Christians, daughters of the early Asiatic churches, responded by the nineteenth century missionary effort. Look for a moment how the sons and daughters of European and American Christians are scattered in Armenia, Asia Minor and Palestine, teaching and preaching the same Gospel their ancestors received from this same Orient. With all the diffiimlties their success has been great, and " the poor again have had the Gospel preached to them." Let us dwell for a moment in that interior citj^ Marash. An American missionary was preaching to a small group of hearers, when there entered a band of young men to listen to the service. On coming out one of them mocked and blasphemed. A Christian wonjan gently spoke : " My brother, you had one soul and sold it to the devil ; if God demands it, what will you give Him ? " These words were as bread cast upon the water., to be found after many years. Stephen, the son of grandfather Melkon, was one of that number. Though in his early years trained in a pious home, he was worldly-minded, and as he grew to manhood took great pleasure in strong drink and gay times. In those days the young men took no delight in mental attainments, nor in going to clubs, theatres, concerts, reading-rooms, etc., as there were none ; neither were they allowed the company of the gentler sex. By themselves they must originate some enter- tainment, and the chief of these amusements were occasional visits to gardens and springs, where they ir II ij 38 HARUTUNE. would eat and drink, and sing native love song.s ; then share in athletic games, including the tournament, and in extreme merriment dance amongst them- selves. Those who knew not how to dance said : " The floor is uneven." Stephen was a great wrestler, and attracted large crowds every Sunday to a park near the spring of the city. To his fame in this art may be added that of his talent for singing, so that no prominent wedding was complete without Steplien and his friends. The following native love song, taken from " i\ rmenian Poems," will serve to illustrate the Oriental expres- sion and ideas so often exhibited in the far Armenian land : *THOU AND I. I would I were the lake, so blue and calm, And thou, fair maiden, with reluctant pride, Would'st see thy picture, delicate and faint. Thy sacred image, in my depths abide. I would T were the foi'est, dark and vast. And that thou there might'st come to muse alone, And, ere I knew it, I might overhear What thy lips murmur in an undertone. Or would that thou might'st sit beneath a tree, Singing a pure, sweet song ; and leaf and bough, With admiration trembling, would descend And form a coronal to wreathe thy brow. I would 1 were the face of the blue sky, That so from heaven I might send down on thee A multitude of stars, as 'twere my teais ; Ah, do not tread upon them scornfully ! * From the " Armenian Poems." >^ o n :a '■4 > w H a -4 > CD O > O a. 40 HARUTUNE. Would I the writer were, and fchou the theme ! Would thou affection wert, and I the heart ! I the boucjuet, and thou its silken string ; When thou art loosed, the flowers will fall apart. Oh, would I were a lover of sweet song, And thou my lyre, angel for whom 1 pine ! And that thy chords beneath my unskilled hands Might vibrate till thy heart responds to mine ! Stephen, once so fond of pleasure and vanity, had become much subdued and changed by his youthful marriage with Juhar, the sweet maiden of fifteen. She, with her charming black eyes and fine counten- ance, her abundant «lark hair in twenty or thirty braids falling over and adorning her features, and her graceful manner, drew all the affection and attention of her young husband. Orientals say, " A wife is half of a man's self," but Juhar proved to be more than half. Her very look breathed innocence and purity. It penetrated and calmed any uncontrolled spirit which may yet have been striving in Stephen's heart. " As the rock not moved by a lever of iron will be opened by the root of a green tree," he could well say of his wife in his native song : *" I sigh not while thou art my soul ; fair one thou art to me A golden cup with water filled of inmiortality. I sit me down, that over me may fall thy shadow sweet ; Thou art a gold-embroidered tent to shield me from the heat. Thy teeth are pearls and diamonds, the gates of dulcet times ; Thine eyes are gold-enamelled cups adorned with precious stones. * From the " Armenian Poems." HUSBAND AND WIFE. 41 Thou art a rare and priceless gem, most wonderful to see, A ruby rich of Mount Bedakhsh, my love, thou art to me. " A young vine in the garden fresh thou art t«i me, my fair. Enshrined greenness, and set round with ntses everywhere; I, like the love-lorn nightingale, would hover over thee, A landscape of delight and love, my queen, thou art to me. " For a time Stephen was very hostile to evangelical Christianity, even ill-treating his devoted wife because she once went with some relatives to hear a mission- ary sermon, but her sweet patience won the day, and her husband became greatly attracted by the foreign messengers of the Gospel. Once while working in his shop he saw two Amer- ican missionaries hurriedly passing. It was a terribly stormy day in winter, and he learned that they went a long way to visit a poor sick man. Such an example of Christian love and zeal made a deep impression, giving a new idea of the missionaries and their work, and drawing him still more to attend their preaching. Thus, having a taste of better things, he wavered between the world and the church for years. There were two stumbling blocks in his way. One, his habit of drinking; the other, the reproachful reputation a " Protestant" then bore. Often he would ask his Protestant friends to bring a paper from the missionaries saying, " You come to our church and we will let you drink." He made his own wine, and filling a large jar would say : " When this wine is all gone I will drink no more and join the chui-ch." But a new supply was always at hand. i> _5> s m K C < s u HUSBAND AND WIFE. 48 i s S & 1-5 £ c •< C a. As for the second refison, l)eiiig a prominent man in society, lie did not like to be called a " Protestant." Often such were persecuted, sometimes very severely. A pre^icher coming- from a neit unfortunate. You may see them in plain dress, modestly hiding their sweet faces with a head covering ; or, a vnong the rich, attircl in bright red or blue gorgeous Oriental silk, over which is a fine gold -embroidered velvet jacket, their long, dark hair in many small braids hanging on back and shoulders. Besides the ornaments of rings, earrings, bracelets and necklace, wrought in gold, silver and precious stones, you ma}^ also notice rows of gold trinkets lianging on the breast, and in many cases on the fore- head and across their braide(i hair. But with all this beauty a dark gloom overshadows them— t!ie lack of liberty and opportunity for social, educational and religious development. For this very reason an Eastern mother, while she loves her baby girl, cannot help but be anxious as to her future. In case of poverty, toe, the difficulty is far greater. THE MAIDEN. 75 There is no way of training for life's usefulness, or of earning a liveliliood. Eitlier she must prove a con- stant burdtu to a struggling family, or under peculiar pressure be almost forced to enter into a married life which may prove a bitter bondage. Often you will find these maidens condoling with AN ARMENIAN MAIDEN. each otfier. Here are several cases — listen as each tells her experience : Baydzar (Shining One) is the first to speak: "I hear there i: a new school opened in the city, and I wanted to go, but have no shoes, dress or clothing tit to wear ; at last my parents made for me a new tistan (plain skirt), and borrowing mother's slippers for the day I went to school. When washday came I had to stay home, and when it was cold, stay in I '/ukti;ti4h4ii':;-;:(k.'<:fta^ S&.KI 70 HARUTUNE. n bed while my dress was washed and dried. At noon I had nothing to eat ; while others ate their lunches that was the time for me to borrow their books and study my lessons. All this I did not mind, but, woe to U3, one driy soldiers came, demanding tax from my father. He had no money. Our copper dishes and bedding they took away, and that not being enough my father was put in prison, my mother and the other children were in great distress and sorrow, so I had to stay at home." These things she told with bitter tears. Then Azniv (Noble), with glittering eyes, spoke : " Thank God, we are not poor. But my parents said it will not do for a girl fourteen years old to go to school. One day I saw a BiV)le-woman visiting the neighbors and giving lessons to a young bride. I asked my parents for that privilege ; they asked the priest, who angrily refused, and said : * Keep your daughter away from the influence of those Protestant missionaries.' There seemed no possibility of consent, and one day while mother was busy I watched and went to meet the Bible-woman and begged her to teach me in a certain corner. So J stole away for a few lessons, but in some way my mother found out. So, the other day, whi)e I was taking my lesson, I heard mither calling in an angry voice, and looking up at the sound, my teacher and I were drenched with the dirty water she poured upon us ; and, ' though we tied from the rain, we were found under the water- spout.' Oh, dear ! there seems no possible way to continue my lessons.' i \ THE MAIDEN. 77 Here spoke the little Aghavnie (Dove) : " My case is entirely different. I had occasionally lieard from the time I was born that I was engaged to a little boy in a friendly family. When these people saw me they seemed very pleasant and loving, and have occasionally given me presents, which I accepted, thinking nothing of them. Now I was ten years old and was going to the school just opened in our neigh- borhood, when a message came to my parents, saying : ' As Aghavnie is engaged to our son we do not want her to go to school.' I wept and pleaded with my parents, but they told me, ' Our child, we want you to go to school, but if we permit, the long-standing engagement must be broken. If you should go to school four or five years what will you do then ? You cannot be a teacher or bring us and yourself any help by studying ; what good will it do ? When you are of age your lot may fall to a bad place ; this family who want you are respectable, the boy seems good and promising. Perhaps it is just as well to have you give up school and keep up our relation with that family. Some day you will be a good, happy bride.' " This did not satisfy Aghavnie ; she sadly quoted the favorite saying : " If yon buy cheap meat you will smell v/hat you hive saved when it boils." The tale of Makrouhi (Pure One) was more thrill- ing. She was a daughter of a rich family, always well dressed and given every opportunity for education. One day, in company with other girls, whih^ returning from school, they were attacked by a band of ruffians, stripped of their gold and silver ornaments, their I 78 HARUTUNE. earrings snatched away, leaving their ears torn and bleeding, and, worse than p.il, two of the girls were carried away to some harems, never to be recovered. Anotlier was married by force to a wicked man of different faith and nationality. '' The forehead pure, the sacred veil Of the Armenian maid, Shall rude hands toucl), and liell's liot l)reath Her innocence invade '. They do it as me.i eru.sh a flower. By no compunction stirred ; They cajjture an Armenian girl As they would catch a bird." And Makrouhi was carried away to share a similar fate with her companions. A day and night were spent in great agony; she could not eat or sleep, mourning for her sad condition. At night she stole to the house-top. Eagerly watching the passers-by on the street, she recognized a Christian, and gently pleaded to be rescued. When assured of aid, she threw herself down into the out-stretched arms of her deliverer ; thus was she saved for life, faith and purity. While each girl was telling her peculiar and pathetic experience, Khatoun, a crippled girl, fifteen years old, crept toward them and said : " You all have been un- fortunate, but what of me ? " Pointing to a poor hut, she continued : J' In this place I was born and brought up ; my fath t is dead ; my mother poor, so that by spinning or weaving she hardly earns bread enough ■* .' *,':-r. »* THE MAIDEN. 79 for us. For five years I have been thus helpless from paralysis — no hope of medical help or recovery, but much fear of getting worse, and often in hunger and sufferinor." All this time Harutune was sitting in the opposite corner, apparently reading a book, but quietly listen- ing to what was being said. His heart was much touched, and he was willing to do anything in his power to bring a little comfort to those sad hearts. He knew some of these girls, and especially poor Khatoun. In after years, seeing how the Lord saved and used this palsied woman for a life of cheerfulness and service, he was much encouraged. His words may be quoted : " One Sunday I was preaching in a Marash church. To my great surprise I saw four young men carrying a rough wooden bed, with a woman lying on it. They placed it near the pulpit. She had a bright, sweet face, and eagerly listened to the preaching. After service I went to her and was glad to learn she was palsied Khatoun whom I knew several years before. While holding evangelistic services in another church, Khatoun was carried there on her bed, two miles distant from lier home. After the noon meeting she w*ould stay in church all alone waiting for even- ing service. During tlio singing her voice rose loud and clear, easily distinguished by its sweetness and fervor. With my wife I visited her at home — a poor, low hut. Khatoun's bed was brought near th ; door; there she lav brij^ht and cheerful, her inother close by. 80 H A RUT UN E. " How are you, sister ? " 1 asked. " I am very well," was tlie cheerful reply. '* We are very sorry you are so helpless." " I am not," she replied. " I have been palsied over fifteen years ; for the last ten years I have not been able to turn in bed, always lying on my back. At lirst I murmured at my misfortune, but now I am happy and thankful to CJod. On this bed I have found Jesus. I learned to read while thus stricken, and throuirh the Gospel found the way of salvation." As to this affliction and distress, slowly she pointed to a motto over her bed, reading, '" Soon all these will pass away, and rest come." Around her bed were several poor children. " Who are these ? " I enquired. She said : " They are my scholars. Their parents being poor and living so far from school I ottered to teach them to read. Though I cannot move they come one by one, holding their books near my eyes while I explain. These are not all ; I have taught some }'oung men who were led to the way of salvation, < ud out of gratitude they carry me on my bed to any church I desire. The four yoiuig men you saw taking me into the church were of that number." So we learned that " Good (jualities, tliough hidden, become unveiled, and shine throughout the world, as the flower of jasmine, although dried up, sends a sweet fragrance everywhere." We were eager to know liow Khatoun was sup- ported. Her mother brouglit a basket, showing some small holders, hunp mats and tidies neatly worked by 7, > H C ,' (? y;^/ /!S« Photographic Sciences Corporation S ,v \ \ ^\^ 9) 23 WEST MAIN STREFT WEBSTER, NY 14580 (716) 872-4503 86 HARUTUNE. '1:1 Christian parents to the services, where scores took part in confession, submission and consecration. Lisp- ing prayers of children moved and niingled with the earnest petitions of older ones. Wliai a si^.ijht to see Father Daniel, in the exceptional old age of 1 10 years, with his friend eighty years old, both backsliders, so broken down and in tears they could not stand on their trembling knees, but their voices and sobbing- were heard over the crowd. They both entered into the Kingdom as little children. There sat a strong, intelligent man, an infidel, who had come with the expressed desire to disturb the meeting. Deeply touched, he rose. "Pray, brother," was the request from the leader. Humbled and trem- bling he said : " How can I pray ? I was an infidel ; will God hear my prayer ? " From many parts of the church, in various languages, was heard at once : " Pray, the Lord will hear." He did pray. He and many in like contrite spirit found the Lord. These sights were strange to the people, and the feeling was well expressed by a deacon who said : " What is this place — is it heaven ? But there are no tears in heaven, and here we all weep. Certainly this must be the gate to heaven, the Jordan of tears on the way to the Canaan of salvation." It was indeed the very gate of heaven through which scores entered into life eternal. While in Adana, which is the centre of a great agricultural region, Harutune became well ac(j[uainted with farming life. Though some European implements have lately ill;; LOST SIGHT OF. 87 been introduced, in most of the fields the work is done as in Bible times. There is a family — sons, daughters, brides, and even children, at work. The older ones, men and women alike, are reaping with native sickles. The little ones and the delicate are following them, gleaning. Once in a while the father drops a handful purposely to oncourage the weary children. When tlie reaping is done, the bundles are gathered on a smooth floor for threshinir. The in- strument used is a heavy board, two yards in length and a yard wide, one side of which is entirely covered with flint stones, one edge of each piercing the board, the other sharp edge out. This side is turned over the grain and drawn round and round by an ox or a horse. To increase the weight of the board so as to help cut the chafl', children are often piled upon it, in merriment and singing. The harvest time is ahvays a joyful season. None of the animals are nuizzled, for It is still the custom to give the scriptural liberty to the ox that treadeth out tlie corn. After a day or two of such labor, you see a pile of grain and chatF together which must be winnowed. By means of a fork or fan, the trodden straw is tossed up into the air and the chafl" separated from the grain by the wind. Until the Government officers come to measure the wheat and take a tithe, the grain cannot be removed from the field. Meanwhile the owner returns every night and sleeps on his threshing-floor to guard the crop. In their convenient time the officers appear, .n( J Hi ■ i - A I J i r -: mnm 8S HARUTUNE : ! take out their sluiiv, and the })rie«ts or reh^ioiis tejicher will be reineinbered in ijood nioasniv. Th< ii, too, all debts will be paid out of the croj). Happy is he who owns a farm, and alter all these demands are met, still has a larijje (piantity of wheat for the yeai-'s supply of his family. But woe to him who owns nothino-, but has simply entered int(; })nrtnership with a selfish landlord. He toils hard, and when harvest time comes, after all the claims are me\ the landloi'd has the chief share, and he, with but little left, is scarcely able to pay his debts and has no su})port for liis family. How like liis is the case of the sinner who serves in partnershi]) with the prince of this world, and at the end will have to say, " The harvest is past, the sum- mer is ended, and I am not saved." After many months of ha})py and blessed service in Adana a sudden chan '■•'wr".-' 00 HARUTUNE. the Governor that tliere was no just cause of com- plaint against him. He was simply a preacher of the Gospel, yet he was ready to obey the verdict of banishment, believiiiii" that wherever he was sent the Almit^hty God would have some work for him to do. A silence fell upon the room, and the Turkish Gov- ernor in gentle tones and with fatherly look, said : " My son, fear not ; by this brief interview I have learned the whole situation ; you may remain in this city as a faithful preacher of the truth which you believe in, and a loyal subject to the Government which I represent, and I will give you the needed protection and help." The Governor then continued, in response to the preacher's plea for his adversaries, <|UOting some sayings of Persian and Turkish poets : "The jmtphet suid : ' Fail' is the dwelUng place of those who have bridled anger, and forgiven their adversaries. Return good ft)r evil." " Let us he like trees that yield their fruit to those who throw stones at them." " Oppose kindness to perverseness. The sharp sword will not cut soft silk. By using sweet words and gentleness you may lead an elephant with a hair." " A friend is one who, ranked among his foes, By him he loves, and stoned and heat with blows, Will still remain as friendly as before,. And to his friendship only adds the more. " Learn from yon Orient shell to love thy foe And store with pearls the hand that brings thee woe; Flee, like yon rock, from base vindictive pride, Imblaze with gems the wrist that tears thy side. c O c H 92 HA IW TUNE. " M.'irk wliere yon tree rewards the fitony .showdr With fruit nectureous, or the bahny flower. All Nature calls aloud, ' Shall men d(» less Than heal the sniiter and the railer bless ?" Following this event, Abedin Pasha, the Governor, ref(uested the preacher to call upon him from time to time and converse on religious and social subjects. He was a man of dignified bearing, as his position required; of scholarly attainments, acquainted with several languages, a wise ruler, a kind friend. " Only the foolish ask, ' Is this one of us, or an out- side person ? To the noble the whole world is family.'" It was not long ere Harutune decided to leave that country in order to better prepare himself for life's mission. In accordance with Oriental custom hun- dreds of people came out on the road in tears and prayers to bid him " God-speed." He had a passport from the Government, and in addition the Governor-General gave him a letter of commendation. Thus, while the quickening spirit carried on its mar- vellous work in that Cilician capital, Harutune was lost sight of, entering on a New World — America. ill I CHAPTER IX. NEW WORLD NEW EXPERIENCES. " When you are a stranger in a strange land the Lord will remember what your mother has done for strangers and raise up mother, sisters and friends for you," said Juhar to Harutune as he remonstrated with her for doing the washing, mending and baking for some village theological students, when she was weak and had a large family to care for. Harutune then knew nothing of America, nor did his mother ; but circumstances were now changed, and with the idea of making full preparation for life's usefulness he left for the New World, taking his place among the steerage passengers, and reaching New York July 21st, 1884. As he remarked later, when speaking of his miserable vo^^age and sea-sickness, "At the be- ginning of the voyage I felt all things were passing away — later, wished all things had passed away — at last all things did pass away, and yet I lived." The noises of the great city of New York — its elevated trains, rushing cable cars and hurrying crowds — (juite bewildered the poor friendless young man, and made him think there must be some upris- ing in the city ; but he soon learned this was the 'W^ 04 HARUTUNE. every-day condition. Through a Christian sailor lie was directed to the Bowery Mission for lodgings. To one who had seen nothing but good in the Americans, as represented by the missionaries, and who came to the United States with the idea that it was a paradise below, the strange, innnodest signs and sights on tlie streets were very shocking. As he said to a friend, " If I had known what Bowery meant I would not have ventured to lodge there, however cheap it might have been." He derived much pleasure and benefit from the daily meetings in the mission, and was led to see the minister, its president. Rev. A. G. Ruliffson, who was also superintendent of Bethany Institute, and whose home was the first entered by the stranger. A young lady in the parlor asked, " Do you want to see my father ? " Going upstairs she was heard to exclaim : ' Another foreigner has come to take your time." Harutune said to himself: " Is this the kind of treatment meted out to me by the first young lady that I meet in America, the daughter of a minister ?" Soon he was to be found in the afternoon prayer- meeting at the Y. M. C. A. Hall. After the service a gentleman approached him saying : " You seem a stranger ; where are you from ? " Hearing the names Adana and Tarsus, he said : " I read in the London papers of a revival in that region, and of a young preacher whose labors were blessed ; do you know anything about that w^ork ? " The stranger showed some letters which he bore from the missionaries and native churches, and the inijuirer, the late Mr. William NEW WORLD— NEW EXPERIENCES. 95 F. Lee, with great interest, offered his kind service as a friend to this friendless one, a stranger in a strange hind. Harutune having, while in Armenia, read of the Evangelist Moody, was very eager to see and hear him, which was easily made possible through Mr. Lee, who was an intimate friend of Mr. Moody, and then the treasurer of his Northfield school. Accordingly he went to Fifth Avenue Hotel one Saturday evening, with the expectation of meeting Mr. Moody on his arrival from England. Just think of it — a total stranger, this poor youth could speak very little English and knew still less of the man- ners and custouiS of this country ; but he was deter- mined to learn all he could. Not finding the evan- gelist, he went the following evening to a meeting in Cooper Union, and in the midst of the service some gentlemen entered the room and mounted the plat- form. He heard the whisper, " There is Mr. Moody." He was glad to see him, but greatly disappointed at not fully understanding the rapid speech of the evan- gelist. Harutune stayed for the inquiry meeting. Soon his turn came. Mr. Moody asked him, " Have you found Christ ? " The answer was, " Christ found me." Seemingly much pleased, Mr. Moody made further inquiries of the young man, saw the letter from Mr. Lee, and evinced a very friendly interest in him. The young man had also a letter to the late Rev. Howard Crosby, D.D. On calling lie found him talking with two other gentlemen in the parlor, and i .•■ THE LATE REV. HOWARD CROSBY, U.D., LL.D., OF NEW YORK, PRESIDENT OF ST. PAUL's INSTITUTE. ■:l'S I3fc NEIV WORLD— NEW EXPERIENCES, 97 overheard him say to them : " You Armenians, why don't you stay where you belong ? I helped some of your people and was disappointed In them ; you ought not to come to this country." He said to himself, " Well, Dr. Crosby, keep your patience; here is another Armenian for you." The other guests leaving, Dr. Crosby came and said, " What is your name ? " On being told, he said with peculiar tone and look, " Oh, another Armenian." The letter was handed him, which he quiet'y read, then said : "Are you the young man Mr. Lee speaks about?" His attitude was entirely changed. "I now know something about you and will help you," he remarked. With all his greatness and busy life he proved a true adviser, a friend, a brother, to Harutune, and his memory will always be dear. Soon our young friend organized a meeting for his Armenian countrymen in Bowery Mission, and it was also arranged that he should enter Union Theological Seminary. Thus the way opened for success. Though resolved to pay his way, yet he thankfully received the proffered scholarship, with the consciousness that it was the Lord's money from the Lord's people. Besides preaching all winter to the Armenians he did individual work — every Sabbath visited certain missions and taught in the Sunday School, went to tenement houses and tried to gather in poor and needy children, and after a year he managed to de- iray his expenses by giving missionary lectures or preaching occasionally. Often he spent sad and l^i! \ ,M if: r ITT- 98 HARUTUNE. % I anxious days, sometimes not liaving more than ten or fifteen cents, yet faith was his best treasury and the Lord did not fail liim. To quote his own words : " One Sabbath I heard Dr. Crosby preach a missionary sermon, and d ^cided to give a quarter at the collection. Later, nnich impressed, realizing I was the fruit of foreign mis- sions and had received many blessings from them, I made up my mind to give a dollar ; but looking in my pocket-book I foimd that all I had was a quarter and a two-dollar bill, the latter being kept for my week's board in a restaurant where I lived on two meals a day. Trusting the Lord would provide for my wants, I put the two dollars on the collection plate. The very next day, on going to Mr, Lee's house (he was an elder in Dr. Crosby's church) on an errand, he said, " I think I owe you five dollars on the things you let me have." I answered, " No, Mr, Lee, that is all settled ; you do not owe me any- thing." " However, I feel very strongly that I owe you, and you must take the money," meanwhile press- ing the bill into my hand. I was mucli overcome by his great kindness, and told him how it was I had no money for that week, and that it was the Lord who put it into his heart. After such experience, can I doubt or spare anything from the Lord ? " While in the Theological Seminary, Harutune was often grieved to be called a Turk by some of the students. He explained to them that though he came from Turkey he was not a Turk. That land originally belonged to the Armenians and to the Christian nations, but was conquered by the Turks, NEW WORLD— NEW EXPERIENCES. 99 under whose government it still remained though the Armenians had no social or religious intercourse with the Turks. This information did not silence one of the students, who still continued to call him " Turk. " Harutune thought that as " the passage of a single rat is nothing, but it soon becomes a thorough- fare," he must aim to stop this practice. He began to call the student " Indian," to which, of course, he objected, but was told, " If my being born in Turkey makes me a Turk, your being a native of Indian territory makes you an Indian, and it is well you were not born in a stable or you would have been a donkey." " Out of many arrows one hit the mark." Some students thought him a convert from heathen- ism, and asked, " Did you kill any people when you were yet savage ? Did you bring with you any idols or images you used to worship ? " Harutune was utterly surprised at these questions, an/, N.Y. After listening attentively Colonel Shephard said : " I have seen Tarsus and hope you will be successful, and when you solicit some promises or money I will put my name down for an amount." This promise did not satisfy the caller, who told him, " I did not come to ask you for money, but for your name as one of the proposed Board of Trustees." He said, " I am very busy with many kinds of work, and prefer not undertaking new responsibilities." Showing him some letters from those who had promised aid, and pleading with him that they also were very busy men, he soon found out that his strange guest was not easily satisfied, and his kind heart seemed touched by the object presented. Finally, he said, " I will think about it, make some inquiries, and then give you my answer." This gave hope. Weeks passed in great anxiety and earnest prayer to God. Colonel Shephard was seen twice, but was not ready to give the final answer. Sabbath morning, December 19th, Harutune was in Sunday School. Colonel Shephard entered, and with a peculiar smile and firm voice, taking the hand of the anxious pleader, said, " I will help you in your m l^,ii r .' ( i ■ ( If 'i : ■' • 'i 1 ii . 1 ! i M i i ^4»*;« -^^ THE LATE COL. ELLIOTT F. SHEPIIAIID, OF NEW YORK. AN AMERICAN PHILANTHROPir^T. Ill Cilician hcIiooI work, an H O a o 5 S3 <^ H 3- O >* J!; O H r o H O c • a s 122 HARUTUNE. the city. Tliis Armenian church was built on the site of the ancient church of St. Paul, which may have been established by the Apostle. It is an accepted fact that in this city " Diodorus preached and wrote his books ; it was from here that the famous Theodore went to become Archbishop of Canterbury, and the virtual founder of Oxford and Cambridw Universities." " In Cydnus' clejir but chilly wave His weary limbs were wont to lave Great Philip's greater son. By Egyi)t's Quee", on Cydnus' tide, Tlie Roman, proof 'gainst all beside, By Beauty's smile was won. But now, I ween, in Christian lays Hath Cydnus earned a holier praise, "Where Tarsus, girt with greenest trees, Her image fair reflected sees In that fast-flowing stream ; In childhood's hour was wont to stray, Pouring upon the classic lay, Or lost in heavenly dream, He who should carry far and wide The banner of the Crucified." None were so happy as Harutune at finding that, ten years after its inception, St. Paul's Institute was really opened in Tarsus, November 22nd, 1888, with seventeen students. These represented far more than that number. The fatherless little Solomon, eleven years old, came from Aintab, Northern Syria. His father was a minister, his mother met life's struggle ce H a, H G O n as H o > a r H H 00 O W 124 HARUTUNE. nobly, and for years, as a faithful teacher, .supported the family. The boy gave his heart to Christ during a revival, and the mother committed him to the care of Harutune, the Tarsus evangelist. The joy of orphan Elijah was indescribable ; his home was fifteen days' journey away, and there was no one to care for him. George came from Choek- Merzimen. Harutune well remembered this place, where in earlier years he had gone as a preacher and was beaten almost to death and driven away. Fatherless Hagopos came from ancient Antioch and orphan Rupen from Adana. Rupen's mother had been brought to Jesus in a revival, and the boy was left as a sacred charge to the native missionary by his dying mother. There was one from Smyrna, three from Marash, while Karikin came from Sis, the last capital of the Armenian kingdom. Three were received from Tarsus ; Ezekiel and Samuel came from Yerebakan, where Harutune had first gone as a preacher when nineteen years old. Samuel has since sealed his faith with his life- blood. No doubt it would have been the cause of great y^y to the Tarsus Apostle could he have seen this group, the nucleus from which in years to come many should be prepared for Gospel work. Rev. Alex. McLachlan, of Canada, Missionary Asso- ciate, also the Secretary-Treasurer of the Institute, with h's good wife, were active and efficient in learning the language and teaching English in the school. Six years passed, each proving more successful than ^Wii A CITY AND ITS MONUMENT. 125 the previouH. The divine helping hand was especially manifested amid many difficulties from within and without. God gave favor with the Government and the peoi)le. In these years ninety-four youths, from thirty-five different places in seven provinces, were Vn'ought under Christian influence and education in the Institute home — three-fourths of whom were converted to Christ, and forty-two received into the churches on confession of faith. The missionary tours broadened and deepened the work, and the descendants of tlie early Greek, Syrian and Armenian Christians were thus again refreshed by the water of life. In due time the school standard was raised to a collegiate course, and in 1893, the last year Harutune was in charge, twenty-six graduated from the pre- paratory, and eight from the collegiate departments. Three of the latter have since graduated from Union, Auburn and Princeton Theological Seminaries in the United States, two being already ordained into the ministry ; one has graduated from a medical college in Baltimore with a special course at Johns Hopkins University, and is now actively engaged by the city churches in medical, educational and religious w^ork among the destitute Armenians in Hoboken, N.J. Two are in universities for higher education, and one was martyred in the late massacre ; his spirit now rests with Christ whom he loved. So .superintendent and teacher could well say, " Much have I learned from my masters, more from my colleagues, most from my disciples." T i '^, G !z: H I— ( a, "a >^ D H « » O a; ■< 33 C5 :?; D Q H H (^ so < a, Oi O '/'. Q H 73 A CITY AND ITS MONUMENT. 127 M 5 If, H H r, a; a, "a & H < a O < >- a: < •A a O & Q H D H -«1 (» © H >'. U Q H ■/I Hariitune served tlie cause of St. Paul's Institute as its founder and bead nearly seven years. The work established, the school standard elevated, the first class graduated, and the Institute financially endowed with Jj? 100,000, gave every hope for future usefulness. Seeint; the vast need and the vital im- portance of various institutions for both sexes in difierent parts of the country ; also believing the only way to develop the natives was to place them on a self-supporting basis, and finding himself limited in his efibrts for the extension of such work while in connection with St. Paul's Institute, Harutune re- signed, to go forward, sparing neither labor nor energy for the development of the new project ; while the former, under the presidency of Rev. T. D. Christie, D.D., is continuing its important work. In order to trace the aim and the future hope of Harutune, a copy of his resignation is here given : New York, May 23rd, 1894. To the President of the Board of Tnideet, and the Advisory Board of Managers of St. Paul's Institute. Dear Sirs, — Many of you will remember several years ago when in this country my pleading with you to take prominent j)art in an enter{)rise then forming, to be called 8t. Paul's Institute, and your kindly consenting and meeting t<»getlier, January Hist, 1887, for organization. Then my heart's desire was fulfilled in answer to many prayers. Your readiness to give an American A.ssijciate at my i-eciuest on finding and j»ro- posing Rev. A. McLrfichlan was an additional encouragement f(jr my future career in the blessed work. Amid many mistakes and imperfections the unworthy eft'orts in teaching aiid preach- ing liave been cr«jwned with success. So, while many Institute •M. J -J ^" " Hi 128 HARUTUNE. W' \ ' I students have been trained and brought to the knowledge of Christ, hundreds of sinners have joined the fold of the Good Sheplierd in many parts of Asia Minor : in all this I am most grateful for the aid and support you and departed members have rendered me and my native land. Still, 1 do not con- sider my ultimate aim in life has been reached, nor can I be satisfied till my country takes more rapid steps toward the evangelization ; 2 -5 I snow, on the left a deep ravine ; in some places the roads were so washed out that life depended upon the instinct of the animal, and at times each horse was surrounded by the muleteers, one holding the head, another helping to push from behind, while yet another helped to steady the passenger. Every heart was in awe, and many a silent prayer was lifted for the safety of the dear ones, as one misstep would have meant permanent injury or instant death. Now the missionary party came in sight of a village yet a few miles distant. The villagers were beginning to come out on horseback to meet them. Songs of joy and the tiring of pistols were heard on every side. Nearing the town, the procession increased and the streets were crowded with people curious to see the new arrivals. Reapers with sickles in hand, gleaners with their children rushed forward, throwing stalks of wheat in front of the guests. The whole town was on the main street, a hearty welcome was given, and the party were taken to the house of the head man. The little church was much cheered. For over a year they had had no communion. Children were to be baptized, and a long expected wedding was to be celebrated, all of which had been neglected for lack of an ordained minister. Sabbath was a great day for the whole village. The church was filled to its utmost capacity; even the Gregorian priest with his congregation came to hear the preacher and witness the celebration of the sacraments. m 132 HARUTUNE. ill The following Monday the wedding began. Great preparations were made. Women gathered in the houses of botli parties, some helping in sewing the wedding garment, others trying to finish the embroidery of the bed set, while still others baked bread and prepared for the feast. In the afternoon the groom's mother and friends went to the bride's house, carrying her bridal apparel and henna red-dye, which was put on the bride's hands while they all stood and sang. Tuesday was the important day : all gathered in the groom's house to take the bride to church for the ceremony. Great commotion, salutation and chatting M^as on every side, and of the passing of sherbet there seemed to be no end. Now the bride was getting ready. Her hair was combed, four strands being left each side of the face, as a bridal sign. She was dressed in purple silk ; broad silver bracelets and thumb rings were put on, three veils placed on her head, and she was mounted on a horse, leading the way while all followed on foot. After a sermon and the marriage ceremony in the church, a larger crowd, with singing and shouting, the bride again on horseback and the groom walking, they come to his house. Not having any light social pieces they used hymns ; often, among others, they might be heard singing, " Jesus, I my cross have taken," — that tune being a favorite. We came to the house. The bride's people would not let her dismount until a good present was promised her. They argued much, until at last the wish was granted : a cow, or part of vineyard, a donkey, a kid, or all, will w . ^M ■« i FEMALE REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES IN MOUNTAIN VILLAr.ES OF THE ORIENT. 134 HARUTUNE. be given. She is helped down, and when she sets her foot on tlie ground a goat or himb is sacrificed. Then coming up to the porch she passes through under the hand of her future grandmother, kisses the hand of the father in token of respect and obedi- ence, and they, kissing her on the forehead, receive her into the family. A pomegranate is given her before entering the house, which she throws against the swinging door to force it open. Should it break, it is considered " good luck." In many cases it is pre- viously cracked to break easily. For at least two days the groom will have no chance to say even a few words to his bride, and then she must reply in such low tones that no one can hear her voice. She is heavily veiled, and sometimes for from three to seven years she talks to none save her husband. Commenting on this habit, a remark was made by a native : " Many men would be very glad if their wives had such a training as not to talk so much !" Mountain village life is quite different from that of the sea-coast places. Generally the people are blessed with many children, as they believe that the house which is not occupied by children is like a ceme- tery. In many cases the house is a very large room, serving for workshop as well as for the family life. Villagers know three or four trades : weaving, black- smithing, carpentering, shoemaking, besides farming and cultivating vineyards. Their cattle are cared for by the shepherds. Early in the morning and even- ing the women or girls, with pails in hand, go to the fold and milk their own cattle. Village diet is very Iti AMONG THE MOUNTAINS. 135 simple and wholesome, and consists mostly of wheat prepared in different ways, milk and cream, and per- haps once in two weeks they may be able to have a piece of meat. Generally they are very healthy, and happily in no need of a physician, for they have none. In many of the villages vineyards are seen on every side, where grow almond, fig and mulberry trees. In some cases vines are trained over tlie trees, so the owner may sit under his own vine and fig- tree. Vines are pruned regularly each year, leaving only two or three branches to bear fruit, and those cut off are put on the hedges to dry, being afterwards burned up. As it draws near the fruit season the watchmen are called to their duty. Some of them build a tower for themselves, while others put up a rude hut on a rock, in order, throughout that region, to protect the crops and terrify the thieves by their oversight. They aim to guard the vineyards day and night, but never like the Keeper of Israel, " who doth neither slumber nor sleep." Grape crops prove necessary provision for the people, and not during the fruit season only, for by drying them into raisins and preparing from them various kinds of sweetmeats and syrups they have an abundant supply for the winter. Come and watch them in their wine-press. Men, women and children are all busy gathering the grapes in baskets and bringing them to this spot. They are placed in a large vat, having openings on one side. As the men tramp the fruit the juice flows through these openings into vessels placed near by. This -.4J 1 1 136 HARUTUNE, ^Isr: juice is then boiled down to keep for further use. Under the hot sun this is a tr3ang employment, when you see those whe tread the grapes attacked and stung by swarms of bees, while their garments are colored crimson, symbolic of Him who was red in His apparel, and who trod the wine-press alone. I'he missionary party now took another route. This time they were not favored with good muleteers, but with some who proved a constant trouble every step of the way. But more than that, this road was dangerous, full of murderous robbers. To pass safely through, a band of Koordish guards was hired, other- wise they might have been the very ones to rob the travellers. When the Circassian regions w^ere reached the guards were changed to Circassians. And at last the party found themselves in another mountain-town, Shar. In this place once stood the ancient Comana. The ruins give some idea of the magnitude and grandeur of that heathen city. There stand the remains of an old temple, facing the east^ dedicated to the goddess Ma, the Greek Enyo. Her service was conducted with great magnificence and splendor. 1 he city of Comana, which was a mere dependence on the temple, was governed by the chief priest, who was always a member of the royal family, and took rank next to the king. Even in Strabo's time it was in a most flourishing condition, and upwards of 0,000 priests were in the temple service at one time. Besides the huge pillars and massive walls, the mosaic on the floors, now partly covered with earth, is unsurpassed in design and colors. ''1/ If \ ; ! i. AMONG THE MOUNTAINS. 137 The ruins of the temple of Apollo show a small building, but the art and architecture are exquisite. Its main entrance still stands, consisting of four large stones, seven yards high, four yards wide — a solid block of stone at top, bottom and each side. How they ever handled and placed them in position in those olden times is a problem. Upon the stones are fine carv- ings with gilt polish. Among these ruins valuable gems are often found, and the new visitors also found there a priceless gem, a little Christian church, whose pulpit was an altar stone from one of the heathen temples. Every day service was held in a crowded house — many turning from death unto life eternal. Here a sudden attack of pneumonia upon the missionary brought heavy gloom to all. The nearest physician was fully five days distant ; the case seemed hopeless. But simple village remedies, and especially the united, fervent prayers of the righteous, availed nmch and a miraculous recovery was given. Since those days that beautiful, healthy mountain village has been destroyed and many of the people killed by Circassian neighbors, yet the memory of that visit will ever remain. Another year brought a new method of travel — a springle.ss waggon — the best that could be found. Beds, bedding, necessary clothing, food and cooking utensils, were packed into •the waggon as snugly as possible and well roped in order to stand jolting over rough roads, crossing mountains and streams. On top of all pillows or cushions were spread to make soft i. TCRK. CT' SIAX. AKAB. KOORI). TYPES OF MOSLEMS. AMONG THE MOUNTAINS. 139 seats. An early start, ridinj^ five or six hours, and then came a halt in a t(jwn for lunch. If it proved a Greek or Armenian town soon the news was spread, and people came to invite the missionary to a church or school, where a brief talk was given, as also in the place where they stayed for the night. It was very interesting in the little Turkish town near Lystra, now called Illistra ; not finding any Christian dwelling, the party was sheltered for noon rest in the porch of a Moslem mostjue. While look- ing around for any ruins of the ancient city, a large white stone was seen built in the wall of the mosque, on which was a beautiful carving — an anchor resting upon a cross — a speaking emblem of the people who once lived and heard the Gospel there from Paul, and who accepted the cross to be the anchor of their souls. Not very far from this region Cara-Dagh (" Black Mountain," or the place of 1,001 churches, as it is calle '") was visited. This is near a town bearing the name uf Derbe — most likely the site of the ancient Derbe where Paul preached, and whence Timothy came. About twenty-five years ago seven hundred churches were counted in this place, but our travellers found only a mass of ruins of altars, crosses, baptis- mal fonts, inscriptions, etc. Probably during the persecution of a few hundred years since, many thousand Christians found shelter in this place, pro- tected as it is by high mountains, and each building served for home as well as for church. Following a beautiful stream the party found .tself at the fountain-head, surrounded by huge mountains :p|l!J 1! •'•S^^^SI^ 140 HARUTUNE. m\ upon every side, the water gushing forth from the ground in springs covering a distance of perliaps half a mile. On the face of a high rock, just in front, stand out boldly two carved Hittite figures of gigantic propor- tions ; the larger one about ten feet high, the head crowned, heavy bracelets on the arm, branches and clusters of grapes falling down and forming the girdle ; in one hand a large cluster of grapes, and in the other a large sheaf of wheat, on his feet heavy boots reaching to the knees. The smaller figure with priestly robes touching the ground, an appropriate cap, a large rosary around the neck, liracelets on arms, hands clasped and brought toward the face, thumbs lifted apparently in supplication to the larger figure as the God of tliat water which brings fertility to the vast plain. Here appropriate hymns were sung to the God of all gods and source of every blessing. In these mountains superstition and ignorance prevail, and the Gospel message comes to the people as " fresh water to a thirsty soul." One day crossing a bridge the travellers were greatly surprised to see on either side of the river's bank scores of people buried in the hot sand, only their heads to be seen, and these sheltered by a branch or anything io give a little shade. They stopped to see what it might be. Lo ! a hospital in the sand. This was a special day for some " healing saint," and it is said that sometimes two hundred or three hundred people with every kind of sickness are brought here. AMONG THE MOUNTAINS, 141 Their friends dig a hole in the aand, bury them for hours, then take them to the monastery near by for pra^'^er and sacrifice. Many are beHeved to have thus been healed. They were not passed by without a few words directing tliem to the Great Physician. Cheer- ing sights and signs were seen among these mountains to gladden the heart and give hope for the future of that darkened land. In a little Greek town wliere not much was heard of the Gospel total ignorance prevailed. A poor Greek carpenter was seen, who once found a few leaflets of torn Scripture which came to him wrapped around some nails. He read them carefully, and for two years longed for a full copy of the book. He at last had it. The Word gave light and life, and in that community he is now living for Christ. Another light was shining in Bor, near ancient Tayana, of Cappadocia. The town liad about 15,000 population, where there was no evangelistic work, as many hundreds of towns and villages are deprived of that privilege. Kimia, meaning " treasure," lived tliere. She had received a couple of years' training in a missionary school far distant, and was now married to a poor yet good man from Bor. The lack of Gospel privileges, and the condition of the children in that town, wore upon her, and with the hope of doing her part she invited the neighboring children to come to a school opened in her home of only one room on the ground floor, where the family also lived. Soon the number increased, and unfortunately her husband 1- i I I 142 HARUTUNE. »ll| 'III became totally blind. The question of a livintj;' became vital, but Kimia did not give up her school, nor did she keep it for remuneration. Each child brought one " metallic" cent every month, and some could not give even that. The poverty in that country cannot be fully realized. Kimia kept the school, cared for her little baby and the cooking, washing and mending of the family, and also tried to do some outside sewing as a little per- sonal help. Thus she continued for months : her loving service and sacrifice were known to many. The missionaries of Cesarea finally heard of it, and gave her a monthly salary of fifty piasters, or two dollars and a half. When the new visitors arrived Kimia had a school of forty children. She taught all the lessons herself. While engaged in necessary house work her blind husband kept order and taught them singing. You can well realize how happy she and her faithful husband were in that day when a service was held in the school. In the presence of many outsiders their child was baptized, and a generous collection was given to them to procure glass for the windows and some mats for the bare floor for the coming winter's bitter cold. Sucli missions are the bright stars in gloomy pathways among the mountains of desolate Armenia and Asia Minor. For several years such journeys as this were made by Harutune, often accompanied by wife and children. Tedious and uncomfortable travelling had to be ■I I AA/OA'G THE MOUNTAINS. 143 endured, with lack of proper* diet, dangers from bad roads, thieves and murderers, days of anxiety and sleepless nights. But amidst all the hardships the truth was declared on the hills, in the valleys, among the ruins, by the wayside, in homes and in the clifls of the rocks. Many thousands heard the Gospel — Armenians, Greeks, even Moslems and Koords — and hundreds found the Lord, whose presence was shelter, defence and blessing among these mountain places. " Their single aim the purpose to fultil Of truth, from day to day, Simply obedient to its guiding will, They held their pilgrim way. "Scattering sweet words and (piiet deeds of good i Along their way like flowers, Or pleading, as Christ's freenien only could, With people and with powers. " Sure stands the promise, ever to the meek A heritage is given ; Nor lose they earth who, single-hearted, seek The righteousness of heaven." CHAPTER XIII. STRANGE LODGINGS. On one of these journeys, when half the caravan had crossed the river, a horseman and his companions suddenly stood before them, commanding them to halt. " Go back," said he, " you will be my guests to-night." This sounded like a kind invitation, but the caravan leader took it very seriously. He well knew that the horseman was the famous robber chief of that region, and to be his guest, thus to go to his home, meant to be robbed of every- thing. Some desired to push ahead, saying, " What can these few horsemen do to us?" They knew not that the whole region was full of these Koord- ish robbers, and that the sound of a bugle or the firing of a pistol would be sufficient to at once have the caravan surrounded by these people. Reluctantly and anxiously the caravan turned to follow the chief, and recrossed the river. The horses appeared to be sinking in the rapid flowing river ; every eye was on the " moff'ah ' horse which carried the precious chil- dren ; they floated, however, while the w^ater rose and dashed around them. The children cried in friijht but, thanks to God, they were carried safely to the STRANGE LODGINGS. 145 farther slippery bank. Led by the robber chief, the caravan dismounted on a hillside near his tent. It is related that once a missionary, while caught and being carried away by a robber band, showed a " miracle " to them and escaped. He asked their per- mission to wash his hands and face in a little brook and was permitted. While doing so he took out his set of false teeth and began washing them. These robbers were horror-stricken to see teeth thus taken out. " What ! can you take out your teeth like that ? How will you put them back?" The foreigner showed how it was done, and said, " Don't you know in the olden times men of God performed many wondrous miracles, and this is one of the miracles of the modern time." They were really frightened to think they were trying to rob a man of God who could perform such miracles, and begged him to go on his way in peace and safety. While the above-mentioned caravan halted the party was in great anxiety and of course not able to show such miraculous signs. A large amount of money and some of the most valuable merchandise in the caravan was presented, to the chief's satisfaction. The night was spent there, for the most part in talking with these mountain ruffians, sleepless, yet safe. The next lodging place was an Armenian town. No hotel or place of any comfort could be found, so they went right to the church, sending news to the priest, who hurriedly came, helped to sweep the guest- room and tried to do his best to make the visitora 10 146 HARUlUNE. comfortable. The priest insisted that they should be the guests of the town. Every noon and evening meals were brought from certain houses. Not only loyal hospitality, but hearty appreciation was shown. Harutune was invited to preach in the church to large crowds at different times. Here also there was not much rest at night — not from fear or danger in lodgings, but the people crowded about far into the night to talk on religious matters. They were l)oth hungry and thirsty for the truth which was so freely served them. The lodgings in Mamason shrine will never be forgotten. It was on the way to Iconium ; an even- ing had to be spent there, and being a special day for the saint's memory, all the rooms in the khan con- nected with the shrine were taken. So as an especial honor a corner under the very dome of the shrine was given the missionaries for the night. This shrine is in memory of a saint who lived two hundred years ago. It is cut from the i-ocks below the ground, and it is the place of visitation, not only for Armenians and Greeks, but also for Moslems. In the main room there is an altar to the east for Chris- tian worshippers, and a shrine toward the south for the Moslems. The sacred bones of the saint, in separ- ate pieces, are covered with silver, and it is also said that some bones of the Empress Helena repose here. All these are carefully kept in a large ancient coffin which can be opened by any devoted admirer. Many sick, palsied, blind, feeble-minded, and especially married women iiot blessed with chiMren, STRANGE LODGINGS. 147 1 , are brought here for fasting and supplication tliat they may be healed or have their heart's desire granted. The new arrivals could hardly be numbered among the above, unless they be reckoned among the feeble- minded, for certainly it was not the place for rest after a long day's journey. The whole night through the door was being flung open as worshippers came in, opened the casket, selected any bones desired, kissed them, then knelt before the chosen shrine in pitiful prayer and weeping. Besides these, many insignifi- cant-looking yet lively guests crowded closely, a part of the vermin host who gladly welcome any new visitor. And the long night gave ample opportunity to examine these vermin as to their size, shape and biting ability. Certainly fleas, which are so common in that country, are very shiny, nice-looking little insects ; mos({uitoes are musical, active and penetrat- ing, their wings, feet and mouths very artistic. The trouble with these creatures is not their looks, but their manner of gaining a living. Like many saloon- keepers, they are very nice-looking, polite and gener- ous ; but the fact that they survive by the blood of many victims makes the case detestable. This ex- perience with the mosquitoes makes probable a tale told by one of the learned men on this journey. It is related that when the Patriarch Abraham be- lieved God, Nimrood, a heathen king, persecuted him greatly, and told him he could conquer the God of Abraham. God told Abraham to tell Nimrood to get ready with all his army and forces for a battle on a certain plain, and He would fight against him. llllM 148 HARUTUNE. Preparations were made, a great host gatliered, and for many days the army of God did not appear, Abra- ham felt disheartened, and God told him that the same night He would send His army. Toward sunset, the whole air above Nimrood's army was filled with poisonous mosquitoes. They attacked the soldiers, and no arras or shooting could destroy them. Many were bitten and died. One insect entered the nostril of the king, reaching the brain. His agony was so great that his head had to be clubbed so that he could not feel the constant irritation. Thus he died, and thus God showed Himself the God of Abraham, vic- torious over all enemies. In the shrine of Mamason all discomfort was cheerfully endured, with a hope that the morning- might afford an opportunity for a little Gospel talk to the crowds there assembled. This was granted, though the Greek bishop who arrived during the sermon was so angry he would not stay to speak to the preacher. Nevertheless, in this miserable place of dead and dying the living Christ was preached. The interesting and impressive sights of the visit to Georemeh, near Cesarea, must long abide in memory. This is a valley of cone-shaped hills with much reddish soft rock. All these hills are cut for cave dwellings, two or three stories high, some being underground. This has been another place of refuge for persecuted Christians, who have found shelter here for four centuries. Each hill stands as a castle of fortification to repulse the attack of the enemy. It is estimated there are 2,000 dwellings m STRANGE LODGINGS. 149 and 300 churches in this valley. Through a nar- row rocky hole you enter, at which entrance a huge millstone rests at one side. For a score or more rooms in one hill this is the only entrance, and it is so arranged that in time of danger the millstone may be easily rolled in front of the opening. Had these hills tongues what would they not tell ? Yet much was learned in the day spent there. There are large rooms, with a long table of rock in the centre, capable of seating from fifty to one hundred people. These may have been for the dining-room or a school, or perhaps both. Some of the churches were exqui- sitely decorated with Scripture texts and illustrations from the Bible. On one pillar there was printed a prophecy from the Old Testament, and on an oppo- site one its fulfilment in the New. The Book of Revelation was well explained and illustrated on the walla. Remains are still seen in the rooms used for graves. Here most appropriately a sermon was preached to the visitors gathered from far and wide, on the text : " They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins ; being destitute, afflicted, tormented ; they wandered in deserts and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth, ... Of whom the world was not worthy. " A new experience on a new road then came. It took fourteen days from Tarsus to Sivas in Armenia, each day having a new story of its own. A dirty Circas- sian village was reached where the night must be spent. It could never be thought of to enter any house, and the news of a small khan was welcomed. Oh, what a khan ! 150 HARUTUNE. It was filled with the filth of ages, and was the place where horses were kept. " There is a room for you," they said. Yes, it was a room ! Its door was opened not outside — but into the stable, so arranged as to get the benefit of heat from the cattle in winter. Just a moment stepping inside was enough. Harutune came and said to his wife, 'We cannot go in ; we cannot breathe in there ! " Looking around he saw a hay cart in a field. The cart, loaded with hay, was propped up with wooden forks ; and under this they decided to lodge. A calico curtain was hung up for privacy, and father, mother and the child snugly crept into their travelling beds. ». . The father well realized the danger of the situation, not only for robbery, but that anyone coming at night and pulling out the forks would instantly smother them ; so he said nothing, but (juietly watched while the others rested. There were some visitors during the night, but a gentle cough warned them off, and later on he found that the mother, too, was not sleeping, but anxiously wakeful. Each watched over the other and the precious sleeping child, feeling themselves as lambs among wolves, and praying for safety, while the bright stars and the moon beamed kindly till the glorious sun appeared, leading them to another day's journey on horseback, which proved to be the most dangerous of all. About this time, in that region, the famous robber chief Chollo cast terror on every side. The repeated efforts on the part of the Government to capture him mi • r. H ft >■ *^ o > a ^itl 152 HAIWTUXE. proved unsuccessful. And that robber band had been seen in the vicinity within a few days I But tlie travellers were in sucli a place that danger seemed before and behind. There is a famous saying of Mohammed that, " You tie your camel, then trust him with God," so with all prayer and trust every precaution was taken to avoid danger. It was learned that the head man of all these regions was Kara Agha, the famous Koordish chief, whose name had weight even with the great robber Chollo. The journey was directed to his head- (|uarters. A horseman was sent just ahead of the caravan with instruction that should anyone inquire who the party were and wh:rj they were going, he was to answer judiciously and ^^tate that they were to be the guests of Kara Agha tliat night. This surprised and quieted many inquirers who thought that if a party was to be entertained by Kara Agha they must be very important people, and not to be interfered with. Then suddenly, at the foot of a hill, a large crowd was seen. Fortunately it proved to be a religious procession of the Mohammedans. A Moslem priest from Mecca had brought the holy mantle of the prophet Mohammed, which he rarried from place to place, exhibiting it and ssincf the people, enthusiastic crowds folio m, The holy mantle was put u ered by fine silk cloth. No one dai jucli . which was placed on a wooden fr me, cniried by four persons. Next came the high priest vith face veiled 5 TRA AGE L ODGINGS. 153 in white, escorted by eight distinguinhed priests dressed in green robes. After them marched about eighty village priests with white turbans, hundreds of the people following. They all went to the ceme- tery, where they prayed for the dead, then came to the mos(iue, where supplications were made for all followers of the prophet, while the high priest prayed, and the people chanted a loud " Amen." The missionary party was somewhat in fear of what might happen under this religious enthusiasm, but learning that this high priest an-.'*^ the Sultan ; then a third salaam is made and the person stops, crossing his hands on his breast. It is intended to show that the servant has no concealed weapon in his hand. These officials never address the Sultsin. Every time he looks toward them they repeat the bow, the salaam. After much ceremony they are asked what their business is. They tell their story, bow lowly and bow out. A State dinner at the Palace is thus described : " The carriage arrives at the palace. We are met at the vestibule by a grand pasha in uniform and decoration. In a few minutes the master of ceremonies leads the way to the upper salon. He is followed by the Ministers and the rest of the company. Each one is presented in turn to the Sultan, who cordially shakes hands with us all. On his motioning to the ladies they are seated on the divan. He then calls up the three princes ; his son, who is seventeen years old, and two nephews. These youths wear military suits, spurs and swords. li I H 166 HARUTUNE. They areench presented in turn. Then the Sultan accoajpanies his guests to the door of the grand sahm, while he does not go to the table, with a parting salutation, remarking that he will continue the reception after dinner. The table is a picture. It is wide and long, with a gorgeous display of flowers, fruits, light and crystal shades. Our little ministerial family are placed among the princes. They do not drink wine. The Sultan's band plays rare music from the adjoining room while the dinner goes on. The service, in silver at first and then in gold, winds uj) with the finest crysttil for finger bowls. Dainty little gold shells hold the ices. Ten servants in gold-trinnned uniforms and fez caps serve the table. The dinner is not tedious or long. After rising from the table we march down the line of pashas, aides and servants, all of whom bow accord- ing to the Oriental method. Then passing through a- corridor, we enter a pcjlished green and black tiled cofl"ee room. How rare and beautiful are the Turkish carpets and divan;-; here I How temjiting for an after-dinner nap ! How excpiisite the chairs and malachite tables ! "After being seated, one of the pashas surprised my wife by approaching her with a box. ' I have something to show you, madam,' he says. "'Yes, it is lovely outside; what is in it?' "He opens it, remarking, 'Shall I put it on you?' " 'What do you mean?' she inquires. " ' I have the pleasure of decorating you, at the Sultan's wish, with the Grand Order of the Chefekat. ' " It proves to be a star in brown, gold and green enamel, with diamond brilliants. It has five points and twenty-six diamonds on each point. Surely no woman of good training would refuse such a gift. We all enter a grand salon ; here the Sultan receives us again. His Majesty sits in an arm-chair at the head of the table, dressed, as usual, in a dax'k blue frock-coat, suit, sword, and fez cap. He chats with each and all on appropriate sub- jects, every sentence being received by the interpreter with a profound bow. ^ A GREAT PEOPLE. 167 III! " Tea is tlien served in gold cups and saucers. The Sultan then rises, takes little Tewfik, his nephew, by the hand and leads him to the piano, sjiying apologetically : ' The boy will give us some music, although he has only leanied by ear.' "The quiet little prince i»lays a spirited march and other pieces, after that he leaves the piano and stands meek in his ])lace till the Sultan indicates a place for him to sit. "The Sultan now arises. It is eticjuette at the palace to remain until the Sultan gives the signal to leave. This he generally does by glancing at his watch, saying : ' I fear you you will be late,* or, 'Perhaps I am detaining you.' " The gorget)Us picture in the palace is in many ways a model in etiy the bridegroom. Should the lady possess any property or belong- ings, the husband cannot assume any right over it. It is easy for a Turk to divorce his wife, he has only to say to her three times, perhaps in a moment of anger: ' Cover thy face, thy neekyah is in thy hands,' and she ceases to be his wife, must at once leave his abode, carrying with her, luckily for her, bag and baggage. The privilege of divcjrce, religiously permitted to a man, is entirely beyond the reach of a woman. Islams can legally , a' ' religiously take as many as four wives, although it is not often practised."' Wliilo these facts are given as a glimpse of life in high circles of the Moslems, we cannot overlook the poor, illiterate and ill-trained masses and peasantry : the uncontrollable, cruel, barbaric Koords ; tlie tierce and mo'cileas Arabs; the Circassians, refugees from Rusf.ia and the Caucasian regions, wlio, with all their politeness and fine appearance, live by preying on the weak. To kill a man for the siike of his little money or possession to them is easy. These and many other different tribes, while they often prove a calamity and great disturbance to the peace of the •ill I 170 HARUTUNE. n ! , I !■;■ t : Sii people, country and the government, yet by loyalty to the Moslem faith, obedience and full submission to superiors, and being religiously bound to protect and support every follower of Mohanmied against all Kafeers, " infidels " — and to that end sparing not energy, possession and life — they stand a powerful body and a great people. One cannot overlook the fact that in late years they have written pages of history with their swords dipped in Armenian blood. It was not simply to punish some rebellious and agitating elements, but was a wholesale, cold-blooded murder of many inno- cents. It was done boldly, openly and the evil-doers were not punished. The blame is on Moslem as well as on Christian nations. With such an uprising un- checked, had it not been for the better and merciful element of Islam among some officials and people, every city of the empire would have been visited, and the name Armenian would have been no more. May the Divine Spirit convince them of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, and all the crimes of the past being wiped away, may the}'^ become indeed a great people for good towanls ( Jod and humanity. i CHAPTER XV. THE HOLY MAN AND THE RELIGION. " The knowledi^e wisest men have shared Of Thy great power and Thee, Ls less, when with Thyself compared, Than one drop in a sea." Before the Ottomans came to the Turkish throne the Seljukian dynasty ruled the land, and in the latter part of the tliirteenth century, when Sultan Aladdin was at his capital, Iconium (modern Konia), there lived Hazret-i-Mevlana, '• the Holy Man," and it is related that when the king saw not only the high and holy standing, but the great influence and power of this man upon the community neai- and far, he gladly offered him his aceptre, saying : " As long as you are here I am not worthy to be the head of this people." Then, or a little later, Hazret-i-Mevlana, not caring to have the political leadership, girded the sword on a favorite, a promising youth named Othman or Osman. Through him, up to this time, the sover- eignty has been kept in that family, and the people called Ottoman or Osmanli. The kingly family, realiz- ing the favor and privilege thus rendered to tiiem, the descendants of Hazret-i-Mevlana, the Holy Priesthood, I'i' 172 HARUTUNE. are privileged to gird the sword on every Sultan vrho ascends the Turkish throne. This holy family is called Moola-Heontkor, and the oldest living mem- ber is its head, and he is known by the name Aziz, "holy,"' as th'' Pope of sacred Dervishhood, having his seat in Konia. Harutune well remembers tlie opportunity rendered him of meeting this noted man when in Konia. Call- ing with his wife at the headquarters of the Aziz, led by a guard, ho was received into his presence. As they stood before him, awaiting an invitation to be seated, he looked greatly surprised that they did not ki.ss his hands as did all others. But he pleasantly motioned them to divans, and after (Jriental saluta- tions, learning that the lady was an American, he asked her: "Which do vou like best, America or this country :* " The reply was : " I like America because it was my home, and Turkey because it is my husband's country and tiie place of our work." He smiled pleasantly, then turning to Harutune said, among other things : " Do you Protestants wor- ship the \'irgin Mary, pictures of saints, and other ics ( He was pleased witli the answer, " Nay," as the Mohannnedans consider such things heathenish. Harutune was then asked to kindly explain the ti'ue meaning of their forms of worship. This sect are the whirling Dervishes, and their chief worship is done with much pomp and ceremony in the head moscpie, which is enriched, n! O V. > a- V. O O > H B 1 i 1 "! ' 174 HARUTUNE. fine buildiiit,' and anti(iuo enibelli.shnient, but by the decorated tombs and shrines of Hazret-i-Me\- lana and otlier holy heads, about forty in number. Among them are sliown two tombs whicli are said to be those of Christian bishops who, accepting the faitli and entering that sect, sanctified themselves. The worship takes place Friday afternoon, and as an especial honor the missionary party were admitted into the very room of the service, this honor costing them two hours' humble sitting on their knees. There the holy man, leading sevciul near associates, enters, each taking his place, the holy man standing at the head on a pure white goatskin called " Poast," The younger priests, a score or more, enter in order, bow- ing to the holy man, and in case of his absence to the " Poast," then encircling the beautifully polished floor, which is open on the other side to the depart- jnentof shrines and tombs. Perfect silence and great solenniity impose themselves. The holy man quietly bows to the head shrine of Hazret-i-Mevlana, then bows to the next to him, and this is called receiving and givi ig the holy peace or salutation. Each follow- ing this example returns to his ])lace standing, then a few selected nmsicians in one corner sing in a soft, melodious tone the religious songs. This giving inspir- ation to younger priests, they one by one, laying aside their long mantles, enter into the circle ; one hand stretched out and upward, the other downward, they gracefully begin to whirl ; in fifteen to twenty minutes the whole floor is filled with these whirling priests. Thev turn on one foot, and when tired take the other. i K K O 70 C n PS 1 o 1 it; 1 , Tt; •^ 'y^ *^ 9 1 i: P3 K i 1 176 HARUTUNE. Among them are a few guards to keep them in orderly rows and to aid anv wlio are exhausted or faint. (Jne who looks at the pictures of this ceiemony naturally will have the conception of some form of dancing, but the reality is far different. Nothing light, nothing noisy, everything in perfect silence, solemn and graceful, the only sound heard is the voice of a few musicians and one or two singers. This continues about forty minutes, when, at a sudden call, all stand still just where they may happen to be, and listen to a song in a low tone on heavenly visions. Then the holy man, giving the parting benediction, each bows to him and goes out. The holy man explained the true meaning of ail these forms. It is separation from the world and being absorbed in the Divine presence and losing themselves. They have a belief that Hazret-i-Mev- lana while in this turning attitude received com- munication from God. He also quoted David dancing before the Lord, and they take that as a religious rite similar to theirs. These Dervishes have another form of worship which takes place Monday night. They all kneel around a room, the high priest before the altar. A large string of beads, about forty or fifty yards in length, is spread out in a circle and each takes hold, the leader offering certain prayers; then tlie other priests, while slipping the beads through their hands to the next one, commence calling: "Allah, Allah" (God) louder and louder, their heads moving to and fro This they repeat hundreds of times, and often fall THE HOL Y MAN AM) THE RELICIOX. 177 exliausted. To this the interpretation is given that the large circle of beads shows union of the believers ; each taking liold and repeating the name of God — " Allah " — signifies emptying themselves of human lust and desires, and being lifted up in thouglit and feeling toward God. " All nations and languages repeat the name of God. Even infancy lisps it, yet cannot His praise be duly expressed by mortal ; soar thou beyond all limit, to the roof of the universe ; thou shalt behold one tile of His dwelling — one tile, no more." The holy man, after patient explanation of the above, asked : " Why do you not believe in Mo- hammf^d ? ' The natural answer was giv^ii, " All prophecy was fulfilled in Christ, and the teaching of Mohammed in many ways is so different and so contradictory to the teachings of Christ and other prophets, that we cannot receive him as a Saviour." He difl not seem ott'ended, but said : " You ought to recognize that Mohannned is the Messiah spoken of by the prophets. He, and not Christ, showed the true attributes of the Messiah, as a mighty hero, conqueror, deliverer." The heroism of Mohammed was accepted, and it was further explained that the words " mighty, con- queror, and deliverer," must be taken in their spiritual meanings, and the crucified Christ without force or sword to gain the love and control the hearts and minds of millions, in itself shows the mighty power and the fact of deliverance from sin. 13 to 'ill! 178 HARUTUNE. 1 I, :ll i' ;' I, ''fj. ''/ ' Again Aziz asked : " Do you believe that Chrifst really was crucitied ? We are tautrht that Christ was taken by his enemies to be executed, but that He miraculously escaped, and some other person remained in their hands who looked like Christ, and whom they crucified." In answer it was said that Christ really died on the cross — not that He was unable to escape, but it was an atoninoj necessity. The venerable host, in pleasant mood, said : " You believe as it is written in your book, and we believe as it is written in our book, the holy Koran, which contains the vital truths of the law of Moses, the Psalms of David, and the teachings of Christ, four holy books which we accept in one." The question was asked, " If the Koran contains all that, why is it not allowed to be translated in all languages instead of being found only in its original Arabic I " The ready answer was : " While the holy Koran contains the truths from other holy books, it differs from them in its revelations, which are mysteries : only the believers and those familiar with its original language can read and interpret its meaning. Other- wise there would be danger of misinterpretation." Although this interview was unusual and Aziz and his priestly guests were much interested, fearing to weary him and thankful for the privilege, the callers said good-bye ; the holy nmn bade them God-speed. Then Harutune's wife was permitted to enter the harem, where the cordiality and hospitality were most •sxacaasi^ THE HOLY MAN AND THE RELIGION. 179 charming and greatly appreciated. The hidies of the liareni told her : " If you come again to Konia we will be glad to give an apartment and make you and your family our guests," Moslems, as they are different in nationality, have also differences in their teachings, as with Christian denominations, but they do not speak about these, nor do you ever hear any controversy among them. They keep their unity in the vital doctrines of their religion. The key-note of their creed is " La ilahe illallah, Mohammed er-rousoul Oollah " (There is no other God but one God and Mohammed is His prophet.) The following is a portion of a Mohammedan prayer : " O God, Mo.st High, there is no God but God. O God, hear him who praises thee. O God, praises wait for thee. O God, bestow thy salutation of peace upon Mohammed, as thou didst u[)on Ibrahim and the race of Ibrahim, and bless Mohammed and the race of Mohammed. Praise, grai.'deur and exaltation are in thee and to thee." There are four essential duties for every Moslem — ablution with prayer, giving alms to the poor, fasting and going to Mecca. Each faithful one ought to pray five times a day — at dawn, at noon, in the afternoon at three, at six in the evening and at eight at night. Before each prayer ablution, washing of hands, feet, mouth and face is imperative. While doing this certain prayers are offered to God that He will for- give all sins committed by these several members, and the form of worship consists of kneeling upon a rug, or mantle, rising, kneeling again, bowing down, and IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I ■iiS \ 5 Ilia IIIIM IM 1^ M 2.2 1.8 1.25 ,4 —rr — ll ; 1.6 ^ 6" ► VI c» / Photographic Sciences Corporation V 4 ,V N> % V 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^ II :l II 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 ' ■i, ! 180 HARUTUNE. each time whispering certain prayers, then clasping the hands over the face, passing them down and off as if driving the devil. Then they go to their busiR:jss. Moslem mosques are always open for prayer, and they are generally located onor near a spring or brook '^f pure water for ablutions. Five times daily calls to prayer are made from the high tower of the minarets, but every hour of the day you will find worshippers. Their largest gathering is at noon on Friday, their holy day. Then hundreds, even thou- sands, come from surrounding villages. Women do not participate in the worship. They may go up to the gallery and look and listen from there, while the tloor of the mos(iue is jammed with men, numbering from 500 to 10,000, according to the size of the building and its locality. The high priest is before the shrine, a singer on a raised platform. After the singing, perhaps some reading and notices, the formal special worship begins. High priest bows, all bow ; he kneels, all kneel ; standing, all stand ; whatever prayer he utters, all utter th.e same with one accord. They are gathered together of every type and condition, but the solemnity of the devotion is never disturbed. Every move and utterance is rendered in perfect harmony and unity, not a sound — even a slight cough is checked. In this gathering lits the force of Moslem activity and destination. The voice, the command, the will of the priest is taken as of God, by it they are moved, enthused, and before this fervor and fury not many can stand. Often in prayer tlve whole mass, as the sound of a THE HOLY MAN AND THE RELIGION. 181 miVhty wind, utter " Amen." The official prayer of Islam which is used throughout Turkey and daily repeated in Cairo " Azhar " University by 10,000 Mohammedan students from all lands, is here given as translated from Arabic : " I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the rejeem (the accursed). In the name of Allah the Compas- sionate, the Merciful ! O Lord of all creatures ! O Allah ! Destroy the infidels and polytheists. Thine enemies, the enemies of the religion ! O Allah ! Make their children orphans, and defile their abodes, and cause their feet to slip; and give them and their families and their households, and their women, and their children, and their relatives by marriage, and their brothers, and their friends, and their posses- sions, and their race, and their wealth and their lands, as booty to the Moslems, O Lord of all creatures ! " All who do not accept Mohammed are included among " the infidels " referred to in the prayer. Occasionally, and especially Friday afternoons, ser- mons are given either in the form of translation of the Koraii, or exhortation on certain topics. For example, here is an exhortation on "the Tongue." The priest says : " The tongue kills more than the sword." ' The tongue has no bones, yet it crushes." ■' The blow from a knife may be easily cured ; not so a blow from the tongue." " A long tongue makes life short." " The tongue is the hardest controllable member of the body ; for that very reason the Creator enclosed U| 1 I ill! i iu 1 182 HARUTUNE. it in two walls, the wall of teeth, and the wall of lips. When you are in anger and your lips quiver to speak, control the tongue with your teeth. The reason that old people talk a great deal is because one of these walls is broken. The tongue that blasphemes, lies, slanders and curses, will in the day of judgment be seventy yards long, surrounding the body of its owner, the edge burning with hellish flame, and with perpetual torture." Another sermon on " Drink " closed with this illus- tration : " When the Patriarch Noah planted the first vineyard, Satan killed four animals as a sacrifice : a lamb, a lion, monkey and pig — that is, when a man takes the first drink of the accursed wine he is like a lamb. Let him take a few more, he will be as a lion. Give him a few more, and he will change to a monkey nature and lose his balance, dignity, honor and influence ; give him a few more, he becomes filthy and wallows in his tilth like a pig. Those who drink wine can never be forgiven, but for whiskey, God may forgive or not." A talk on " Forgiveness." " You must forgive all your enemies and settle every account in this world ; don't die indebted to anyone," the priest said, "be- cause otherwise you may be a true believer, but you will suffer a great deal, until the account is settled with your enemy, in the day of judgment. The sun has two faces — one face which gives light to the world, the other is turned toward heaven, more brilliant and burning. In the day of judgment all the dead will rise, the true believers whose every account is settled, THE HOL Y MAN AND THE RELIGION. 183 and who have made reparation on earth, tliey at once will be taken in chariots with angels to heaven. Those who are believers, but have certain sins not yet punished, will be sent to hell for hundreds of years until they receive their full punishment and then be taken to heaven. But those who are believers, who ^lave not settled their accounts on earth with the un- believers, have to wait until judgment is given '^n their enemies and all accounts settled. At that day the burning side of the sun will turn toward those who are in judgment, which will last 150,000 years. So before the turn comes to your enemy to be judged you mast wait under that scorching sun perhaps thousands of years. Therefore you had better forgive speedily and avoid this consequence " Here is a sermon on " Heaven." " In the angelic world' there are four archangels favored by God in a pt dliar and special way — Michael, the guardian a' a protector under the Jewish dispensation ; Gabriel, the divine messenger for holy truths, by whom the Koran was given to Mohannned at difi'erent times ; Azrael, the Angel of Death, who separates the soul from the body : and Isratil, who at the resurrection will waken the dead with his trumpet. Many Chris, tians on their death-bed will accept Mohannned and thus be saved, so while they are buried in Christian graves angels will remove their bodies to the Moslem graves, and many Moslems who are not true believers and followers of the prophet, though buried in Moslem graves, are yet ' intidels,' and will be re- moved by angels to the graves of infidels. 184 HARUTUNE. 1 " Heaven is seven stories high, each story a depart- ment for certain pleasures, and tlie spirit of ' the faitliful ' is free to go anywhere and enjoy according to their lioliness : they will have ' liouris ' (angelic females), it may be thousands. There will be no want in heaven, every desire to eat, drink and enjoy will be fully gratified." When the speaker was lifted up by the lofty ideas of heavenly things, he reached the climax by saying : " Then Almighty God will appear before the saints and ask them, ' What more do you wish to make your joy perfect V Then all the angels and saints in one accord will exclaim, ' Thy glory, O God, Thy glory,' Then the whole heaven will be filled wnth greater light and glory, and all other joys will be swallowed up in the joy of His presence." As the Persian poet said, " By reason of my surpassing love toward God, I forget entirely Mohammed." Thus we see in part the truth, superstition and revelation of Moslem faith as main factors of all their movements in history. If Christians were as loyal to the Word and their calling as Moslems are to theirs, ere this ther«^ should have been made many changes in the history and political geography of the world. A prominent Moslem, after reading the life of St. Paul in the Epistles, well said, " If this man had lived one hundred years, with his force of character, zeal and sacrifice, the whole world should have become Christian." p CHAPTER XYI. SCATTERED ENDEAVORERS. 'w It was a rainy Monday night, yet the society of little boys did not omit their weekly prayer-meeting, gathered in one corner of the church, sitting on the floor. They were mostly from families of the poor. All day they had worked very hard, and came in their working clothes, tired, but looking happy as if they expected to find rest at this meeting. Very few ol Lhem could read, and of course they knew nothing of singing by note. Hampaitsoom, a coppersmith's boy, and his companion, Hagop, led the singing, and all heartily joined. Mugerditch, blind in one eye, a great favorite witli all, opened the service. Georgie was the youngest, full of fun and laughter, but soon his attention was gained and he listened quietly. Mardiros, a peddler's son, for a long time had a hard struggle before taking part in the meetings, and then decided that as he had not been ashamed to lie, curse, swear, or talk foolishly before the people, he need not now be ashamed to talk or pray in the meetings ; so was generally the first. Every member tried to take a part : those not able to give testimony read some Scripture passages. 18() HARUTUNE. iS Siinoii was better educated, and occasionally ([uoted from native poets selections suitable to the topic. At this meetinsf he read some selections about God : -iffili :i: HI I 1 11* "The height and the depth of the world have their centre in Thee, () my God I I do not know Thee, what Thou art, but I know that Tliou art what Thou ahjne canst be I " " If 1 make the seven oceans ink, if 1 make the trees my pen, if I make the eartli my paper, the glory of God cannot be written. " "Tlie heavens and the earth, says God, do not contain Me, but in the heax't of the faithful am I contained in My fuhiess." " In the eye of a gnat sleeps an elephant. In a kernel of corn already lie many thousands of Irirvests. In yon dew-droj) as an exile, the Euphrates is banished. In that unistard-seed thy heart thrones the Lord, who inhabiteth innnensity. " "() heart I weak follower of the weak, That thou shouldst traverse hind and sea. In this far place that God to seek Who long ago had come to thee I " 1'hen another boy stood ; he had ahva^'s thought much of himself, and from childhood had been a favorite. He joined the membership of the church at nine and a half years old, now he was fifteen and was full of vanity, though he was a Christian. He spoke a few words, then the chairman, turning to hii .1, said : " Do you believe that you are a sinner ? " "Yes!" • "Do you believe that Jesus came to die for sinners?" " I do." The thii'd and last question : SCA TTERED ENDEA VORERS. 187 m " Do you believe that Jesus died to save you V* " Yes !" he said, deeply impressed. He was think- iiifi^, "Jesus, the Son of God, the very God himself, to come and die for me — for me, an ignorant Armenian child, son of a poor cobbler." He bowed down in deep emotion, was much humili- ated at the feet of Jesus ; tlie other thirteen boys also were deeply impressed and they, too, bowed in tears, pleading for forgiveness. Then the leader asked : " If you believe that Christ Jesus came and died to save each one of you, what will you give Him to-night ?" The tear- washed hands and trembling voices were raised on every side. " I will give myself !" was the chorus. Our cobbler's child, Havutune, was the first one referred to, and by this baptism he was consecrated to the Lord's work. The effect of the holy fire in this little group was felt in the churches in all that city of Marash among the mountains of Armenia, and through the testimonies and zealous labors of these youthful witnesses many were drawn to Christ. This " band of fourteen," as they were called, talked with one of the missionaries, who recommended that each take a certain soul to pray for and work for its salvation. Harutune did not believe in neglecting his own household, so chose his brother Garabed. He realized that the Lord could convert, his part only was to help liis brother feel the need of a change of heart. The brother was twelve years old, attended Sunday School, li; liii' M f 188 HARUTUNE. \\\\\ sang, prayed, yet the older brother knew that it was only nominal Christianity. Thej'^ lived in a house where there was only one room for the whole family and no opportunity for a private talk, which Haru- tune thought vital. They would, therefore, wait till the family retired, or often went up to the flat roof of the house, and under the clear Eastern sky talked and prayed together. One evening they were both in the church — not near each other — and Harutune was nmch surprised and pleased to see that the shy and backward brother stood for prayer and remained in the in([uiry meeting to talk with the missionary. On the way home Harutune anxiously asked, " How are you to-day, brother V' Garabed answered, " Thank God, I am well and liappy. To-day mother and the children went to a wedding; I was all alone in the house ; took the Bible to read, by chance the tenth chapter of John's Gospel was opened, I felt as I never did before, that I was a sheep heedless of the voice of the Shepherd, and it seemed to me that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was calling ine ; there I knelt down in tears offering myself to Him. Before I was through the prayer, it seemed as if Satan was near me whispering, ' You are only a boy ; you cannot yet follow the Lord.' That very whisper showed me my helplessness, and more fully I decided to give myself to Jesus." Soon they reached home, and the sacred spot, the house-top, was again found, where both offered the sacrifices of joyful hearts. Thus the Lord encouraged SCA TTERED ENDEA VORERS. 189 Hai'utune to be a soul-winner, beo;inninff at his own liome with the dear ones. The proverb says, " The entire world shall be populous with that action of thine which saves one soul from despair." The time went on and Harutune becanx' a missionary in Tarsus, helpino- to organize the young people's socie- ties with their modern names, of " Christian Endea- vorers," Senior and Junior. In that country the mingling of sexes in one society is not believed in or practised, but that did not affect their loyalty in keeping the pledge. They were always eager to attend the services and do their part, and he was often in their meetings to help and be helped. They had taken with their Christian Endeavor pledge the King's Daughters' motto, " In His Name," and in the monthly meeting each had to give a report of work done. One day the leader of the Juniors asked each one what they had done " in His name." Ardashes said : " My classmate did not know his arithmetic and I helped him." Garabed noticed that a student had no lunch, and for days he shared his with the poor child. John smilingly said : " One of the boys had no ink and paper, and I gave him some of mine." Little James had gathered some flowers on the hill near by and taken them to a sick woman in the neighborhood, and was permitted to read her the Gospel. Moses hesitated, but at last said : " I was walking in the street, when a dirty-looking blind Turk begged someone to help him cross the market-place. I heard, ! Vr * 1:1 ! :;i 03 O OQ X < H a: as o > a a < H yj 3 S3 O bi 03 ^ < «r OS C6 O > «< U Q a < H M aj B o o i k' ffT|B?«WF M ' I 192 HARUTUNE. thought to help, but did not. Then thinking that if Jesus was there He would have helped, I went back and helped the man in His name." The meeting was closed with two favorite hynms, the Armenian of which is given here : " Nearer, my God, to Thee " : All mode ullam ov-Der, All mode kazee ; ' Tay-yev jam pas uUah > - Tarrn tsavalee. Michd aghotem beedee All mode ullam kazee '!' All mode kazee. ■ ■...'.■. ' . " My faith looks up to Thee :" \ Havadks kez gmi-i-ee, ■ Ov karrn kogh-ko-fcayeu, ' Pergitch Eemin. Tsaynees mudick array, Im meghk lis Der Kali vay Ullam yes highsui-hey-dey Mee-ayn koogin. Some of these very Tarsus Endeavorers are now teachers and preachers and helping many blind to see and the lame to walk. The Y. M. C A., which was formerly organized in Tarsus, greatly adopted the ways and methods of the C. F. societies. A woman's branch was also started ; mothers as well as young girls were in this society. Let us go once and see how they are gathered together and what they do. It is in a house ; !ii ' • 1 1 SCATTERED ENDEAVORERS. 193 mothers have to bring their children, as they have no servants; some members take charge of these little ones outside while the mothers and others enjoy and profit by the meeting. The leader gives a short Bible reading, then the committees visiting the sick or strangers in the khans, and helping the poor in extreme cases, give their reports. The sewing committee in one corner do their mend- ing, cutting and sewing, while the few appointed teachers give lessons to those of their number who are anxious to learn to read the Bible or write. A f ter an hour some new hymns are taught and a few fer- vent prayers offered, new appointments for work are made, and all happily and gladly return to their homes. Out of poverty { nd daily necessities they make the sacrifice of a certain amount each week, by aid of which one of their number, Miriam, gives all her time to visiting houses, teaching about thirty -five unfortu- nate, uneducated young brides and maidens in their homes. The visit of the Rev. and Mrs. Francis E. Clark (Dr. Clark was the founder of the Christian En- deavor movement), in 1893, was much appreciated, and Tarsus Christian Endeavorers gave them a hearty welcome. A few services held together proved a means of blessing to visitors and the people. Time brought sad changes, so that names such as Christian Endeavor or Y. M. C. A. and their gather- ings were looked upon with political suspicion : these and oth^^r reasons have scattered all these Endeavorers hundreds of miles apart. 18 • ' ' - i« M m, m I It; 'A O o EC GC >^ V3 o O "^ ii CO < o o <5 CO ^33 a o c 'f HM 1$ . ,;H iC: 196 HARUTUNE. Nevertheless they are true Endeavorers and will ever testify for Jesus. Two of them for a year and a half suffered in prison. A change of faith would have given liberty but they would not yield, and the other prisoners felt the influence of their sweet Christian spirit and endurance. From the w^oman's branch a godly woman, after seeing her father and brother killed, still held firm in the faith, and with her two children was thrown into the fire and burned alive. While these words are being writ en the sad news of torture and suffering comes from two others of their number who languish in gloomy dungeons in the agony of living death, yet are true to the Lord. The following is one of the many letters written by them in prison : " Providence withered our buds before they came to bloom. The times of our youth we are spending in the corners of dun- geons. This stroke, without any cause, has crushed our present and future hope. Since five months we are among the worst criminals and brutes, and we are told that we may be fully con- demned to stay in this condition from three to ten years. Alas, as Joseph of old, we became objects of envy and slander, and we are daily in agony before the ugly face of our misfortunes. May the God of Joseph and our own God be merciful unto us. VVe are passing our days and hours in submission to His will. We can hope for nothing but kind words of sympathy and com- fort from friends and their supplication in our behalf. That we need as a tender touch to our wounded heart, and like a soft napkin to wipe our many tears. In hunger, misery and torture we are as prey in the hands of evil-doers and blasphemers ; we are at the gate of hell— in hell itself I Alas I I wish we were like the dove, to fly away to the ark of safety. SCATTERED ENDEA VORERS. 197 "In fear, trembling and tears are these lines written, lest they be noticed and our torture increased. " Again we beseech you, pray for us." These Endoavorers, though sacldeiie CO t> •< H (^ O w en ■< >-] o CQ H H < » as H »5 * A SUNDAY SCHOOL IN MANY TONGUES. 203 Wf^ It was very sad to see these poor boys without any fez (cap), just bareheaded, with a loose cotton garment hanging down, tied with a girdle, and the girls wrap- ping a piece of old muslin or calico over their heads, with worn, plain calico dresses. It was wretched enough for many to come with old worn-out shoes and wooden sandals and no socks, while others lacked even these and came barefooted through the nnid. An old cloth was at the door for such to wipe their feet upon. Shoes and sandals were left at the door for cleanliness as well as from custom. There was no attraction in the Sabbath School room, which was without floor covering; with no library, maps or pic- tures, nor even a stove to make the room comfortable for such a season. But they came regularly, and in , time the number increased to over 200, divided into seventeen classes. They loved to sing and learn of Jesus and the Bible. Every inch of the house, hall and living rooms was filled ; even in the little kitchen a class was taught. In this Sabbath School there were many nationali- ties — Armenian, Greek, Fellaheen, Syrian, and some- times Turk. Here a class was taught in Arabic. The Greek teacher had boys in that language for a season — most of the classes in Turkish. Armenian was taught to a large class, while a Canadian missionary, not knowing the native language, had to teach the advanced Institute students in English. It was interesting to see and hear in this Sabbath School the name of Jesus taught in many tongues. Yea, it proved a blessing. Under that roof scores were ms' 204 HARUTUNE. brought to Christ, and out of that school many became teacher's and some ministers of the Gospel. Santa Chius first visited the Tarsus Sunday School at this time. With happy hearts some small gift was planned for each member. Notice was given to all the scholars on Sunday. The glad day amved. All gathered in the church with the preacher, trustees and school counnittee, and marched to the house at S p.m., none knowing what would be seen or done. When the door opened and all entered the large hall in the centre of the house, pen cannot describe the amazement and delight of old and young. The hall was lighted with candles. In the centre, on a mound of oranges which covered its foot, stood a beautiful orange tree, with its golden balls. Besides, this natural fruit of various other kinds ornamented the tree ; lighted candles, fezes, pink, blue or green ribbons, towels, combs, mirrors, shoes, slippers, socks, handkerchiefs, red or white material for clothing, calico for dresses, books, Bible pictures, moltoes and pretty cards all grew side by side. After the first excitement all were quiet. The superintendent read about the birth of Christ, and oflfered a simple prayer, and all joined heartily in the doxology. They were told there was something on the tree for each one. All were more interested in hearing this, and class by class joined hands and walked around the tree to see for themselves. What joy and pleasure it gave to see their bright eager faces. Some little ones feared to approach the tree, not knowing what to think of the new and strange sight. A SUNDA V SCHOOL IN MANY TONGUES. 205- Each article had been marked, and as the name was called the owner stepped forward smilingly to claim his own. The presents, much needed, yet quite unexpected, filled them with gladness. While one of the Samuels was happy with his " Pilgrim's Progress," the other Samuel rejoiced in a new " antarey " (native dress), as he had not even a change. Little Dikran, of Smyrna — how nice and warm he looked in his new coat! Here is John, an orphan, who ctime six days' journey to attend the school, having only one antarey. It was badly worn and torn on the long mountainous journey, and looked so shabby when he reached Adana that the preacher loaned him one to wear here. How glad he was to receive the new garment so greatly needed. Fatherless Hagopos (James), from ancient Antioch,. before coming had sold his bed for food, and was now made very happy with the present of a new one. Simon of Tarsus was pleased with his new fez ; while great was the joy of orphan Reuben, of Adana, when putting on his new coat, the first he had ever owned. Poor Ezekiel worked very hard getting^ on his new shoes, to replace the old, worn-out, sandal- like native ones, but was proud and happy when it- was accomplished, and said with a choked voice, "This is the first pair of new shoes I ever had." Levon, Rebecca and Garabed gladly received their hymn books, all being good singers, and Senacharib was much pleased with his Bible. Abel, Jacob, Kevork, Melchizedek and others received the first handkerchiefs they had ever owned. Gulizar, Esther^ iliN it m iiri'^ i, mi I 03 D H 'A Ed O Oi 99 H « Cd !S H »5 S O A SUN DA V SCHOOL IN MANY TONGUES. 207 93 < o a, « a O H c» O oT < C5 > H »5 X O 1-9 Tictoria, Mary and other girls were delighted with pretty hair ribbons and picture books. One of the poorest, about six years old, with fair hair and blue eyes, was so delighted with her blue hair ribbon that she could not sit down, but held it lovingly in her hand, tried it on the other girls, saying, " Oh, look, look ! " Diki-an, Giragos, Abraham and others were glad- dened by fezes. Three of them, from seven to four- teen years old, had never owned a fez, going bare- headed. Can you imagine their delight then ? Several little girls had smiling faces and dancing eyes on receiving calico for dresses, which were greatl}'^ needed, judging from their worn, much-patched garments of different colors. Many more were made happy with books, pictures, etc. Those who received shoes, where so many needed them, were considered very fortunate, while socks were most welcome to others in covering their cold bare feet. Towels were given tc ooveral very poor ones, who modestly said : " There is no towel in our house. Please give us one." Besides the distribution of " Turkish delight " (candy) to all, each one had an orange to carry home. They were told that through the kindness of Hon. S. H. Blake and his friends in Toronto, Canada, they received this happy time and these nice presents. Some teachers, in behalf of the school, expressed earnest thanks, which all the scholars seconded by a rising vote. A hymn was sung and all quietly went away, hurrying home to tell their parents of the wonders and happiness they had found, in their first experience of Christmas joys i i 1 ii 1 f 208 HARUTUNE. The collection was not omitted in the Tarsus Sabbath School, although the scholars were very poor. How interesting it was to see almost every one eagerly putting in their mongurs (a copper piece, value one-fifth of a cent). This must not be considered small, as most of these children would have been very happy and fortunate if they had a metallic (one cent) of their own in a week. On their part it was a great sacririce, this one mongur, saved from other necessary school expenses, such as pen, ink and paper. The superintendent well remembers one day that a little girl came after the lesson and said, " We did not have any money to bring to-day. My mamma gave this Qgg if you will accept it," and its price was soon added to the collection. A boy, very poor, yet bright,, was sad at not having any money to give. While the basket was passing he gently asked, " Lower it, please," and bending low over it he said : " 1 have no money to give, but give myself to Jesus." This brought tears from many who noticed it, as they knew the boy meant what he said. A little baby was a member of this Sabbath School, because his father (Harutune) and mother lived in the house which was occupied by the school, and he being born in Tarsus was appropriatel}'^ called " Paul."^ Though only four months old he had a language of his own. The word " ugha " and a baby smile was the sign of his appreciation of the hymns, but it is interesting to know how the Lord used this baby scholar as a " little missionary." His parents going to Iconium (Konia), baby had to go too. It took i 'I:li^ A SUNDA V SCHOOL IN MANY TONGUES. 209 seven days for the journey. There was no church nor any evangelical work in that large city of 60,000 people. There are hundreds of towns and villages in this country where even the name of a Sabbath School is not known. It was a problem how to open the work. A house was rented. Baby Paul in his long white dress, held by his Ameri- can mother, was at the window look- ing into the street. While there was no newspaper, and notices were not al- lowed to be placed in the streets, baby did most of the in- viting. In that place babies are swad- dled, which means that the hands, feet and body are tight- ly wrapped so that nothing but the tiny face is seen. Paul had the American way of dressing. When the children saw the babe at the window, they just crowded the street, and he seemed really motioning to them by his outLtretched liands, large black eyes, and his " ugha " talk. His mother said, " Come in, children, and see the baby." Twenty or thirty U BABY PAUL, OK TARSUS. 210 HARUTUNE. i 1 I ! flocked in, and the child so fair, with long, white dress, made a deep impression. Baby's mother could then talk in the native tongue only very brokenly, and it tickled the children much to see a grown woman not able to speak their language, for tney never had seen an American lady missionary. They were told that there would be service every evenin to the knowledge of Christ and salvation in the last fifteen years. Under God he helped to establish two Christian institutions. One already is endowed with $100,000 for a permanent work, and the other, which he now solely represents, is silently yet surely spread- ing its influence and gathering hundreds of unfor- tunates, to train them for future usefulness in Armenia, and Asia Minor — the land of sorrow and woe. Harutune is one of the least of many fruits of mis- sions. See how the Lord took many other children of weavers, sextons and common laborers, and through missions made them able instructors and faithful ministers of the Word. They are great, indeed, not by what they were but by that which they have done. " God will not ask a man of what race he is ; He will ask what he has done." They are indebted to mis- sions ; missions are indebted to them, and both to God,, the source of every blessing. They were taught, they became teachers, they were led, now they are leaders ; they were won, now they themselves are soul-winners. As pastors of churches, instructors in schools and col- leges, they are the force and hope of the future. If missions have done nothing else but help raise such men, they have done well, and all expense is well repaid. But far more has been done that cannot be esti- mated by figures. They sowed in tears, and now are reaping in joy and gladness. The revivals which have occurred in the past ten or fifteen years in connection with the evangelical labors of Harutune have proved the crowning results. OPEN WINDOWS. 215 The following quotations from secular and religious papers refer to his work as native missionary or evangelist : From The New York Evangelist : ' ' The earnest prayers of Christians in the Tarsus Church prepared the way for special services, where the native mission- ary preached daily. Meetings were crowded with from three hundred to four hundre,^. people. Over sixty men, women and children gave true signs of conversion ; two foremost men in the Catholic Church came out with their families. Two Greeks are under great persecution ; one is the father of four grown daugh- ters ; his people say no one will marry these girls if he leaves the Greek Church. It is a severe test for him. In one of the women's meetings while many offered earnest prayers for salva- tion, a Moslem woman sat eagerly listening. Soon she was on her feet, went to the corner, turned her face to the south, drew her large white covering closer and offered a Mohammedan prayer. At a children's meeting, after a simple talk about how to come to Christ, twenty-two, from ten to fourteen years old, were on their feet for decision and prayer. Three successive evenings prayer-meetings were held for young converts. Many could not restrain tears of joy while hearing the touching con- fessions and earnest petitions. Some being unaccustomed to our method of prayer did not know whether their eyes should be closed or open, so tried both ways. Over thirty took part in each meeting ; all felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is His work, and all rejoice." From The New York Mail and Express: "Three weeks' daily services were held in the Protestant chapel in Sivas, which holds about 600. Every night the in- creasing congregation made the place uncomfortable. One Sabbath morning while the church was filled to overflowing, with hundreds pushing up the steps and crowding in the yard, a ^h h1 V 216 HARUTUNE. second preaching service followed the close of the first for those who were waiting outside. The church was again tilled. Surely four-tifths of these people were new-comers. There was so much interest in the iiupiiry meetings that many people stayed. In this season oi spiritual baptism and prayer-meetings, sec- tarianism, sex and degree wei'e forgotten, and all unitedly poured out their hearts for divine blessing, at times from forty to sixty men and women taking part. Such seasons gladdened the hearts of missionaries, pastor and native workers." From ^iav in the Ead, London : " The spirit of God has been working in Cappadocia (Cesarea and vicinity). Here is glad tidings. All friends of missions in Turkey will rejoice with us. We have worked here thirty-six years. The Giver of every good and perfect gift has granted us constant and very great blessings. But they were like the gentle dew. We have long felt that the field was prepared for a mighty rain — now it has come. It is now thirty days since the native evangelist began work here, and he has held thirty-five services. Despite the unfavorable season, short nights, much sickness, and many people out in their vineyards, still he has had from the first very large audiences. The average attendance on Sunday at the preaching service has been about 900 (week- day nights being from 400 to 700). No doubt many at hrst came from curiosity, still it was evident that a deep impression was being made. Meetings were held for men and for women. Very many prayers were oftered, and nearly all pledged themselves to labor for the conversion of individual souls. Two of the most interesting gatherings have been inquiry meetings, from 130 to 200 attending. Many expressed desire to begin a new life, and gave account of their personal experience. The interest has ■widened and deepened steadily. How much fruit will be gathered into the garner of the Lord we do not know. It now seems that if the harvesters are wise a very abundant harvest may be gathered. Pray for us. Send us the means if you can to enable us to help in preparing some of these new converts to be pillars in the temple of our God." to -O > > ■a a > G '^, W > ■o tt TO ill % t l| ■■ it 1 218 HARUTUNE. 'II! ill From The New York Evangelist : "InMfirash special preaching began in the First Church, There was a great awakening among young peoijle. Week days from 300 to 600, and on Sabbath from 1,000 to 1,200 came to hear the simple Gospel preaching. Earnest prayers and touching confessir-ns moved the older members. At the end of three weeks there were sixty earnest infjuirers ; some testimony meetings with them proved most blessed and interesting. At this time the evngelist had to leave Marash, but the work was carried on by the mi^ ionnry and native preacher ; 106 came forward for examination, 83 o* 'vhom were received into the Church ; many of these had b^en wicked, troublesome young men, but are now proving a great blessing to the Church. ' ' The five weeks spent in Adana were busy, successful and delightful ones. The Lord did His work quietly, and put to confusion many dtjubters, by nearly 200 earnest inquirers. Daily meetings were attended by from 400 tr 700 ; on the Sab- bath by over 1,000. Villagers coming here for work have been converted ; many sorrowing ones are comforted, and drunkards reclaimed. In one of the women's meetings tears of joy would come on hearing the interesting testimonies of about forty — some spoke of the wonderful change in drunken, cruel husbands. Mothers told joyfully of converted sons and daughters, while many others jjraised the Lord for personal salvation. The students in the Girls' Seminary were baptized by the Holy Spirit in a wonderful manner. School duties ceased in a measure that time might be given to- meetings, conversation and prayer, and it is believed, with few exceptions, the whole thirty-five were on the Lord's side. The joy and gratitude of the missionaries and teachers cannot be expressed for this work of grace, in answer to their earnest ])rayers and labors. Thus far ninety new con- verts have come forward for Church admission, and we hope many more will soon be gathered into the fold. Christ will guide and keep His own." OPEN WINDOWS. 219 From the London Christian : " A powerful work of grace occurred this summer at Aintab, under the preaching of a native evangelist. The first day a mere handful, perhaps one hundred and fifty, were present. Everyone was asked to come and bring one more to the next meeting. Accordingly about four hundred came. The num- bers increased rapidly. Special meetings for men, women and children were arranged. The fifth day a wonderful sight was seen. The Third Church, large yard, flat roofs of neighboring houses, the windows, even the top of the walls were covered with women — the service was for them only. There were hun- dreds of babies to be seen, for the mother always takes baby when she goes out. Two thousand were counted as present besides all the babies ; most of them were new-comers who per- haps never before entered a Protestant church. At the Union services of the three churches from 2,600 to 3,000 attended. Think of the opportunity thus given for Gospel work. Services continued daily with inquiry meeting at the close. Many of the worst characters in the city were brought t o K H Z^7- //" />'i: /"6V A' A MEMORIAL. 227 every year scores of 3'oimg priests who ai'c scattered throughout the Empire. These schools are low buildings ; iu each from ten to thirty students reside with one or two teacliers ; each student has his own room where he cooks, lives and studies. Their lessons consist chiefly of memorizing the Koran and other religious books in the Arabic and Persian languages, and recitin": the same to their teachers. One of these noted teachers said, " If the whole Koran should be lost, here in Konia we have hundreds of priests who, by repeating every word of it from memory, can re- produce the book," and he asked the Christian inquirer if Christian ministers could do the same with their holy book. In this region the self-sacrificing principles of the Dervishes reach their climax. Outside of Konia we find a Dervish living: in a cave below the "round who has made u vow not to speak with anyone for seven years, thus ' to keep close communion with God." Another howling Dervish desiring to overcome self, once entered a gimbling room asking alms. The ruffians rebuked him and sent him out. At the door he murmured, " Shall I go back ? " Self answers from within, " No, you had better not go any more. ' " Ha ! ' he says, " old self, you are not yet subdued. I will go again." He returned. Then the ruffians blasphemed, beat him severely, an■■ -I ^^ of the former visit, when the little child, now gone, WHS in company : " Tell me, gentle tmveller, thou Who liHst wandered far and wide, Seen the sweetest rose.s blow And the brightest rivers glide, — Say, of all thine eyes have seen, Which the fairest land has l)een ? Lady, shall I tell thee where Nature seems most blest and fair. Far above all climes beside \ 'Tis where those we love abide : And that little spot is best Which the loved one's foot hath pressed." Cholera is a frequent visitor in those eastern cities, and sadly the turn came to Konia. But even this did not shake the faith and submission of the Moslems in Fate, neither did they care much for physicians. To specific recommendations of the Government to avoid eating certain fruits and vegetables they gave no heed. They are fatalists, taking things as they come, as being ordained of God. So each day for a few weeks from 50 to 200 perished. The officers and educated Moslems and Christian people sought medi- cal aid, but that was scarce. In the East reliable doctors are very few. In Iconium among 60,000 population there were only three doctors, and one of these ran away when the scourge came. The new missionary teacher, Melkon, stayed by the people, rendered all possible service in visitation, medicine, comfoi"t, etc., even caring for some friendless ! if 232 HARUTUNE. sick ones. A.s " actions speak louder than words," so the good work for the people made many friends among them. All was as good seed being sown. Greeks are one of the prominent peoples in the Turkish Empire, numbering about two million, mostly in Asia Minor. They are noble, industrious, and intelligent. Their church government and liturgy is very much like the Armenian ; their difference is mostly in nationality. The oithodox Greek Church has no connection with the Pope or Romish Church. The great trouble is ignorance and lack of evangelical enlightenment. The Iconium region is the strong- hold of this good people, as a great open door, and not much has yet been done for them by modern missions. It has become the ultimate purpose of Harutune to do what he can to that end. He well remembers how, with his family, he was hospitably entertained in a prominent Greek family. Their peculiar Greek language, attracting attention, seemed neither ancient nor modern. The explanation was given : " It has come down for many centuries and is much corrupted, owing to persecution and lack of education." The remark was made that their present house was built upon the ancient cave dwellings, where their ancestors used to live in times of early persecution. The dark places were visited, down about thirty-five feet below the ground. Several rooms opened into each other, passing through very narrow ways. Could people live there ? But they had done so. Many were born there — died there ! 'i'he last three rooms, with heavy soot hanging from T fll ii ■■I "M THE MAIN CENTRES OF ASIA Mil ICONIUM, ASIA TAUSl'H, AH I A ; ! OF AST A MTNOU APOSTOLIC INSTITUTE. I II K'ONIUM, ASIA MINOR. — ye«A^- ■m^ ^ICH «#o*^*«*«? ^-f-ii^* TAUSrs, AKtA MINOR. ^ii II !* m LET IT BE FOR A MEMORIAL. 233 thf* walls and the ceiling of rock, verified the story that when scores gathered there and were discovered by enemies, a lai-ge stone rolled in front of the narrow passage prevented the blood-thirsty pursuers reaching their victims with the sword. They then made a large tire near the opening, and the people within were sufibcated from smoke. Their bones were there in a large pile to add to the horror and solemnity of the darkness. Farther on the visitors could see a little lamp burning. This was the altar where daily prayers were once offered to Christ. There stood an old bronze tablet carved with scenes of Christ's life and crucifixion. The little lamp of olive oil was before this tablet. The host was asked, " What is this light for ? " Tearfully he replied : " It is for a memorial of our dear ancestors, of their life, struggle and death. We always keep this light burning." Let that light from the olive oil lamp be for a memorial of the events of centuries past. There is now another light burning. It is the light of a Christian institution, " Asia Minor Apostolic Institute." Up in the city of Iconium, in the capital of the Province, in the heart of historical, apostolic Asia Minor, a light, however dim, is shining in a small circle which widens to embrace three million people, where nothing of its kind can be found, and its beams are reaching farther. New events are before us. In these late years thousands and tens of thousands of clergy and people high and low, the sons and daughters of the martyr church, have fallen, and they are daily remembered m .i \ '■■Tm 234 HARUrUNE. through the 40,000 widows, 50,000 orphans and 70,000 fatherless children left behind. They are desti- tute, and their cry is heart-rending ! Let Asia Minor Apostolic Institute with its several branches in differ- ent parts of that destitute land, with 470 scholars in ten schools and over 500 orphan and fatherless boys and girls protected and cared for under its wings, be for ever a memorial ! It has been commenced and is carried on with God's favor and through Christian sympathy and co-operation, and let it continue to stand as a college or university for evan- gelical, educational, industrial and benevolent pur- poses amongst Greeks, Armenians and all ; a memorial to the departed of their faith and patience, heroism and martyrdom ; a memorial in the name of our dear ones and the beloved church. CHAPTER XX. A MARTYR RACE. m ''No I think not I could ever be False to my Saviour's honor'd name, For aught that thou canst offer me — A little life — a little fame ! 'Twere weak indeed to lose for them A never-fading diadem." The greatness of a nation does not altogether depend upon its civilization, culture, wealth or num- bers. A nation may be ancient, renowned and strong, yet the factors which made her so may not be alto- gether honorable. The martyr race to which Harutune belonged, small in number, unfortunate, weak and often conquered, is to-day greater than the conquerors who rose in power like the Roman Empire and others, for they are gone. Where is the glory of Corinth ? The wisdom of Athens ? They are tales of the past. But this martyr race has shown the elements of true wisdom, honor and greatness, in its intense loyalty to the crucified Lord. The victory by death is greater than the victory of the living. Armenians, with a civilization ex-Lxiding over four thousand years, with the part they took in M f. 236 HARUTUNE. making the early history of the world, stand to-day as an interesting race. They derive their name from Armenag, the son of Haik, the grandson of Japhet, thus tracing their history back to Noah, and blending tradition with the Bible record in whicli they are called " The people of Ararat." Armenia Major is situated in the region of Mount Ararat, between Asia Minor and the Caspian Sea, and it is one of the most fertile and beautiful of countries, abounding with lofty mountains, pure rivers and fruitful gardens. According to some historians Para- dise was located here, and the good Book says : " In this country, on Mount Ararat, Noah's ark first rested." It is natural to believe that Noah's descendants were first settled in this region, which thus became the cradle land of all nations after the Flood. Its people now have no political importance, but they have preserved their nationality amid great diffi- culties till the present time, through a high ideal of family purity and avoiding intermarriage with other nations. According to an ancient tradition " the Armenian Prince Ara, the son of the great Aram, called ' Ara the beautiful,' was urged by the licentious queen, Semiramis of Babylon, to become her husband. He chose to go into war and lose his life in unequal combat with the might of Babylon, rather than dese- crate the sanctity of the Armenian family. Although the Queen had given orders to her generals that they should capture ' Ara the beautiful ' alive, he went into the thick of the fifjht and was slain. And in k, H ARMENIAN MILITARY UNIFORM IN THE DAYS OF THKIR NATIONAL GOVERNMENT BEFORE AND AFTER CHRIST. "r I i ; 1 238 HA RU TUNE. his memory, perhaps with a pang of tardy repentance, this heathen queen, Semiramis, built the city of Van, with its impregnable citadel rising by the beautiful Armenian lake, as an everlasting testimony that even in the days of idolatry, according to the traditions of Ai menia, the chastity of man and woman was to be held at par, even by her princes." Armenians kept their kingdom for many centuries under different dynasties before and after Christ, but had much intermingling as conquerors or conquered with the kingdoms of ancient Assyria, Chaldea, Persia and the Roman Empire. They suffered much from Medes, Persians, Saracens, Koords and Turks. Driven from their northern home, the last capital was Sis, a city in Cilicia near Tarsus, about one hundred miles from the Mediterranean Sea. In the final successful attack of the invader, Leo VI., the last Armenian king, fled to Paris and died there on the 19th of November, 1393 A.D. Leo VI., King of Armenia, was of small stature but of intelligent expression and well-formed features. His body was carried to the tomb clothed in royal robes of white, according to the custom of Armenia, with an open crown upon his head and a golden sceptre in his hand. He lay in state upon an open bier liung with white, and surrounded by the officers of his household clothed, all of them, in white robes. He was buried by the high altar of the Church of the Celestine, in Paris. Armenia Major and Armenia Minor cover an area of 400,000 square miles, and the people are mingled ,1 H I m^ A MARTYR RACE. 239 with Turkish and Koordish neighbors. Armenians number about 4,000,000 altogether— 2.500,000 in the Ottoman Empire and the rest in Persia and Russia. During the past few years some thirty thousand liave emigrated to Europe and America, about two- thirds coming to the United States. Armenians belong to the Indo-European race, are very industrious as farmers, artisans, merchants, bankers, lawyers, doctors, as well as gifted clergymen, and have proved their mental capacity and ability. Many writers agree that this people are superior to other Eastern nations. The Honorable S. S. Cox, for several years United States Minister to Constanti- nople, writes of t hem : "The Armenians are the Yankees of the Orient, with much additional cuteness. It is a mooted question as to which race is paramount for smartness. I will not attempt to debate that question. Certainly the Franks or Levantines, the Greeks nor Jews are not the one. It is certain that wherever the Arme- nian is, whether as Prime Minister of Egypt, or Secretary of the Treasury in America — I mean Governor Thomas Corwin, of Ohio, of Armenian- Hungarian descent — the shrewdness of this race gives them grace, humor, eloquence and genius. They have never been intimidated by threats, and therefore they are successful." Armenians have the honor of being the first Chris- tian nation in the world. Tradition says that in the iim3 of Christ the Armenian king, Abgarus, being ill and hearing of Je.sus and His mighty works, wrote a letter and received an answer from the Lord, con- cerning which an eminent writer has said that : •***lpi 1 240 HARUTUNE. i Til ! i! i i i "The legend of the correspondence between Abgurus of Edessa and Jesus Christ is familiar, and Eusebius, the father of ecclesiastical history, born in Cesarea about 270, declared that he had found in the archives of Edessa and translated the letter of Abgarus to Jesus, and the reply by our Lord." The traditional letter of King Abgarus to Christ was as follows : "I have heard of Thee, and the cures wrought by Thee without herbs or medicines. It is reported Thou restoreth sight to the blind, maketh the deaf hear, cleanseth the leprous, raiseth the dead and healeth those that are tormented with dis- eases of long continuance. Having heard this of Thee, I was fully persuaded to believe one of these two things : either that Thou art the very God and camest down from Heaven to do such miracles, or else Thou art the Son of God and performest them. Wherefore T have sent these lines entreating Thee to come hither and cure my disease. Besides having heard that the Jews murmured against and contrived to do Thee mischief, I invite Thee to come to my city, which is a little one indeed, but beautiful and sufficient to entertain us both." This is the Saviour's alleged reply : "Blessed art thou, Abgarus, for believing in whom thou hast not seen ; for it is written of me that they which have seen me should believe on me, that they which have not seen me may believe and be saved. But concei-ning the matter thou writest about, these are to acquaint thee that all things for which I am sent hither must be fulfilled, and then I shall be taken up and returned to Him that sent me ; but after my ascension I will send thee one of my disciples who Bhall cure thee of thy distemper and give life to thee and them that are with thee." How much truth there may be in this tradition cannot be told, but it is an accepted fact that St. A MARTYR RACE. 241 Thaddeus, one of the apostles, carried the Gospel to Armenia. There are evidences that Armenian churches were established in the first and second centuries. In the third century the Lord raised up a man, " Gregory, the Illuminator," to finish the work begun by the apostles and to bring the whole nation to Christ. It is related that King Dirtadis of that time, as Pharaoh of old, labored to check the spread of Christianity, and put Gregory under severe torture twelve dif- ferent times, twelve different ways, any one of which would have been certain death to any ordinary mortal. The Patron Saint suffered, endured, sur- vived, and yet refused to worship the idols of the King, who thought this endurance a miracle, and himself being visited by a terrible scourge as a proof of divine wrath, he was humiliated, repented, and immediately placed himself and his subjects under the teachings of Gregory. The people were converted in great numbers. Gregory was appointed Bishop of Armenia in the year 302, in Cesarea. Thus the whole nation. King and people, surrendered to Christ, even before the edict of Constantine, and became the first Christian nation in the world. The son of Gregory, Arestaches, was ordained Catholicos, the head of the Armenian Church. He went with his king to the First (Ecumenical Synod in Nicea, where he took a leading part. While there King Dirtades and he were entertained with special honor by the Emperor Constantine the Great. The Armenian language belongs to the Iranian group, their alphabet containing thirty-six letters. 16 242 HARUTUNE. m •\i The most flourishintjj period of their literature wan from the fourth to the fourteenth century. It was wholly Christian and pre-eminently theological. The translation of the Bible from the Septuagint version into Armenian was effected by Bishop Mesrob and his scholars in 411 A.D. It is considered a fine model of ancient classic style. While Europe was in darkness and ignorance, patriarchal civilization and apo.stolic Christianity thus prevailed in Armenia, and had much to do with the evangelization of the Anglo-Saxon race. The Occident was representc^d in that man of Mace- donia pleading with Paul of Tarsus, Asia Minor, to " come over and help us." He heard thp call and entered Europe with his saving message. .^ fter the Apostles passed away, Christian light shone forth only in a small circle in Rome, Athens and vicinit\ , and the masses in Europe dwelt in heathendom. It was through the bishops, monks and teachers of the Oriental churches that they finally became Christian- ized, and the Armenians had a great share in that mission. So Europe of to-day owes much to the martyr race. Time and circumstances, invasions, battles and per- secutions brought sad changes. The leader is fallen. The light of Asia is darkened, and the teachers of the Word " have become in need of son *»nf' come and teach the very first oracles of t^ God." For over fifteen centuries they ha\f ndergo .e severe persecution ; in many parts their nati' lal o 3" o . H 3 9- 3. > 5 3. a CD g w > o > H M H O ■a > ■X N J" V! > a 1 mM ^^i» " t 244 HA RU TUNE. language is forgotten. Villages and towns are forced to deny the faith of their ancestors ! One of the worst of these early persecutions was in the reign of the Persian king, Savior. By his orders ten thousand were put to death. Men, w^omen and young girls suffered most horrible tortures, but all these measures could not suppress their passionate attachment to their Christian faith. Many of them voluntarily submitted to a royal edict issued ordering everyone who acknowledged the Christian religion to forthwith be put to death. The Armenian devotees, of their own accord, came before the authorities to declare their faith in Christ, fearing that by remain- ing silent it would be reckoned as denying Him. At last the Emperor Constantine the Great was apprised of their sufferings, and wrote a strong letter on the subject to Savor, who ceased his tyrannical oppression. Again, Yasgerd II., the King ot Persia, sent a royal decree in 450 A.D., demanding all peoples and tongues throughout his dominion to abandon their heresies, worship the sun, and bring offerings to him and call him God. The synod of Armenian bishops unitedly det^^rmined to defend their religion at any cost, and in w iting to the king they refuted the charges made against Christianity, showed the absurdity of Zoro- astrianism, and closed the epistle as follows : " From this belief no one can move us, neither angels nor men, neither fire, sword, water, nor any other tortures ; all our possessions are before thee ; dispose of them as thou wilt, and if thou only lea vest A MARTYR RACE. 245 us to our belief, we will here below choose no other Lord in thy place, and in heaven have no other God but Jesus Christ, for there is no other God save only Him. But shouldst thou require something beyond this great testimony, behold our resolution ; our bodies are in thy hands — do with them according to thy pleasure ; tortures are thine, and patience ours ; thou hast the sword, we the neck ; we are nothing better than our forefathers, who, for the sake of their faith, resigned their goods, possessions and life. We are in- diasolubly bound to our God, from whom nothing can detach us, neither now, nor hereafter, nor forever, and ever." This declaration of their faith they were called upon to answer on the battle-field. A large multitude composed of clergy and laity, among whom were many women, gathered for self-defence, as the heathen army marched on them. The commander-in-chief thus addressed his followers, the Armenian Christians : " I have been in many battles, and you also with me ; we have sometimes bravely vanquished the foe ; sometimes they vanquished us ; but on all these occasions we fought at the command of a mortal king and only for worldly distinction. Behold, we have all many wounds and scars upon our persons, and great must have been our bravery to have won these marks of honor. But useless and empty I deem these exploits whereby we have received these marks, for they pass away. If, however, ye have done such valiant deeds in obedience to a mortal ruler, how much more will you do them for our immortal King, who is the Lord of life and death. ..•j6;sas(;iBBns o > CO :^ < H O o < A oi < O n A MARTYR RACE. 247 w o « O o 02 OS P3 < o < 5? K < -«: Cm O U H " Now, therefore, I entreat you, my brave com- panionr, and more so, as you — albeit in bravery, worth and inherited honors greater than I — have of your own free will and out of your love, elected me your leader and chief ; I entreat that my words may be favorably received by the high and the low. Fear not the numbers of the heathen ; withdraw not your necks from the terrific sword of a mortal man, in order that the Lord may give the victory into our hands, that we may annihilate their power and lift on high the standard of truth." Under this inspiration they fought as true soldiers of the cross, and died the martyr's death by the hands of these fire-worshipping Persians, thus pre- ferring a Christian grave to a heathen home. Under many rulers have they suflfered. Not far from Cesarea in Cappadocia on every side we find hills and valleys full of thousands of underground inns, halls and cave dwellings, where the survivors of the persecutions fled to find refuge. Come for a little while, and through these narrow halls go down perhaps fifty feet or more below the ground. Many rooms are there opening into each other, all dark, chilly and damp. By the dim light of the candle in your hands, examine the surroundings. There you will see upon the rough rocks the testimony and the emblem of Christian faith, as shown by coarse paintings drawn by the trembling hands of persecuted Christians. Christ is there pictured in His birth, miracles, crucifixion and ascension ; the cross is carved upon the altar. So these places have been tlieir ./«' 248 HARUTUNE. -li ..\V'.<. I I home, church, school and grave. Here they suffered privation, sickness, fear and death. In some of these rooms are the remains of their bones and ashes, and even there you will find the inscriptions " Asleep in Jesus," " Gone to heavenly rest," " To die in Christ !" Thus we still hear to-day the tender voice of the martyr race echoing from the depths of the earth. Is there any other race which has been so long and cruelly persecuted, yet endured and stood so firm in the faith ? Nations have forgotten them. The world has always given them bitter cups. In the last few years the cup has filled to the brim and overflowed ! * ' * ' ' The centuries of bloodshed Are past, those cruel years ; But there is still one country Whose mountains drip with tears, Whose river-banks are blood-stained, • Whose mourning loads the breeze- A land of dreary ruins, Ashes and cypress-trees. " No more for the Armenian A twinkling star appears ; His spirit's flowers have faded Beneath a rain of tears. Ceased are the sounds of harmless mirth, The dances hand in hand ; Only the weapon of the Koord Shines freely through the land. *' The bride's soft eyes are tearful, Behinc? • 3r tresses' flow, Lest the Koord's shout should interrupt Tiove's whisper, sv.'eet and low. * From "Armenian Poems." Mia A MARTYR RACE. Red blood succeeds love's rosy flush, Skin shall the bridegroom be, And by the dastard Koords the bride Be led to slavery. " The peasant sows, but never reaps ; He hungers evermore. ■ He eats his bread in bitterness, And tastes of anguish sore. Lo I tears and blood together Drop from his pallid face ; And these are our own brothers, Of our own blood and race. 249 II » I. I I CHAPTER XXI. UNDER THE SHADDW OF THE CROSS. " Aiichf»r your hope on the Cross. Have faith, The light will shine, since you to it are true." CoNSTANTlNE the Great, the Byzantine Emperor, as- he was going forth to battle, is said to have seen a. cross in the sky with this inscription : " By this sign tliou shalt conquer." Under the influence of that sign and motto, in the year 312, he became a convert to- Christianity. Ever after he adopted a cross as his standard. In 328 he founded the city where Byzan- tium formerly stood, and called it by his own name,, " Constantinopolis." Thus the city became the east- ern capital of the Roman Empire. The Constantinople of to-day is still the capital of a great people, where the government and religion unite and operate as a great force, and the head of that people is the Emperor of the Ottomans. The Turks do not believe in Jesus as a Saviour, neither do they adore Jiis cross. But there were people and churches who had seen the sign of the cross even before the time of Constantine. While subject to the Moslem power, they yet love and adore the Crucified,, live and die under tlie shadow of His cross. The cross for them is not seen on thrones 'or crowns, nor UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. 251 of floating on their national flags. It is in their churches ; in their homes ; in their hearts. No need to multiply words, nor to repeat much that has been said. Let facts testify. Lf t those who in these latter days have passed away as martyrs, speak. For those who live and die under the shadow of the cross will ever speak. Here is a Eector of the English Church, a noble, intelligent man, for many years a personal friend of Harutune. In the days of fire and blood he was hid- den with some of his church officers in an underground place. They were hunted down and brought into the yard, while he was placed on one side, each of his faithful friends was killed. Then he was brought to the deep-dyed spot where the mutilated bodies of his dear ones lay. It was said to him : " We know you to be a good man, a great man. Become a Moslem and you shall live." In trembling voice, teai-s of HTKI'iiANOH, RKX'TDK OK TIIK CHrRCII OK KNCILANI), MAKAKII ; MARn'HKD DrRISO TUB LATK MAMMACKE. I I Um I n i ! j 1 11 1 ?' 3 S GQ e o 73 IS & B O el be V bo c o o •3 c cn 5 I— >» •J 2 e A be & 3 .2 0) hi S 2 f.) 41 H ^■^^ .^^^ m h I . ■V-^ 83 < < H a p a 5 s o s o so c o •3 B ej •J 2 w •= K § it B ■a 2 S 01 PJ UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. 2o3 agony falling clown his cheeks and grey beard, he said : " Ask nie not to deny my Lord. Let me die with my dear ones." Thrice the offer was repeated, but the Christian hero had nothing more to say than plead to the end : " Ask me not to deny my Saviour." His wish was granted. He died for Him. We go to another city where a home was visited by the messengers of death. Here a father and two sons, helpless and trembling, fall at their feet. " Christ is not the Saviour, give up that faith, accept Mohammed," they said. The father, fearing his sons may yield to the temptation, offers himself in their stead, but this was not accepted. The youthful lives were cut down. A last opportunity to the old man was given. " I cannot deny Jesus who died for me on the cross," he exclaimed in great sorrow and agony. The swords fell on his defenceless head, making two deep cuts in the form of a cross. " This is your cross," they said, and quickly his life expired. A father with his twelve-year-old daughter were alone in their home. The mothei was visiting a friend, knowing nothing of coming danger. A fierce- looking man suddenly burst into the room where the little girl was sitting. In a kind voice he said : " My child, your father is dead because he would not accept the religion of Islam. Now I shall have to make you a Mohammedan, and if you will agree to it I will take you to my house and you shall have everything you want, just like my daughter. Will you become a Mohammedan ? " The little girl replied, " I believe in Jesus. He is fitt 1 §m i •5 'i t If '' ^ i . ■ i : 254 HARUTUNE. IMPi If my Saviour. I love Him. I cannot do as you wish, even if you kill me." Then the ruffian fell upon the poor child with his sword and slashed and stabbed her in twelve different places. A kind neighbor took the body and brought it to the motlier who had been hidden elsewhere, and said to her, " I have brought the body of your little daughter and I am very sorry for what has happened to her." The mother, horror-stricken, took the body and found that there was still life in it. The child was restored, with hope of full recovery, for a living testimony to the Saviour whom she loved. The poor old man, sick in bed, thought he would be surely spared from the scourge of death visiting the city. But he was too well known through his devoted life and bold conversation regarding the truth. They came to him demanding him either to accept Moham- medanism or die. He remained firm. They gave him half an hour to change his mind. The time was spent in prayer for strength as in the valley of Geth- semane. He received the grace of endurance, and stood for Christ to the end. They killed him there in bed and also his son. Pastor Garabet is well remembered by Harutune. During a revival in his church how active and faithful he was ! His renewed consecration, firm faith and testimony for Christ moved and inspired many impenitents to love the Lord. That season passed ; death reigned on every side. This godly man was still cheering and visiting some disheartened brethren when he was found. They promised to make him a UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. 255 great man should he become a Moslem. Surrounded by the blood-thirsty mob he firmly stood, and raising his hands said, '' I preached Jesus twenty years and now cannot deny Him," While in this attitude he became the victim of bullets an 5 *. H S J?; a >j o fa o CO « o H D O 5^ Q ?; <1 CO Q e: o D C5 o o Cm O H CO » ■^.' o > u s Q O b O I '^ 2 » Q <1 Q >J O Oh fa O b: u H w a J UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. 2.")9 rich in Christian grace. The Moslems coming to him said : " Paul, we do not want to kill you. Will you take Mohammed in the place of your Jesus ? Then we will wind a white turban around your head and go to the Mosque, "^ou will be safe and prosperous." Paul asked five minutes to think. There in the dark corner of his shop he knelt down pleading with the Lord. " Oh, Lord, they are waiting — I cannot deny Thee ; help me to die for Thee. After I am gone, remember my wife and children." He came out like a hero. " For some years I have lived a Christian, I am readjT' to die a Christian," he said. He v^as killed with torture. His home was visited ; everything plundered. The poor bereaved wife pleaded in vain for mercy and to leave some food, clothing and bedding for the small children. They said, " If you become a Moslem we will take care of you ; if not, we shall take everything, and you and your children may starve." Before leaving they even snatched off the little quilt cov^ering the Sny baby. The mother, on seeing the three-months' old babe left in the cold that freezing December day, jumped up and clasped one edge of the quilt, pitifully pleading : " In God's name leave this to cover my baby." " Will you be a Moslem ? " " No," she said in fear and trembling. Then in maddened fury they shot her in the head. " This is your share," iihey said. Clasping the (juilt in her arms she fell dead, leaving three more orphans to swell the vast number. It was a great crisis for another poor trembling wife and mother. On one side the bloody body of k 260 HARUTUNR. lill !!l iii her dear liusband ; around her the terrified children crying, " Oh, mother, don't let these men kill us." The murderers said, " You are a beautiful woman — if you will accept the Moslem faith and come with us we will not harm any of you." " For the sake of these, my children, I will go with j^ou," she said. They went In the darkness of the night the heart- broken woman had no rest. Longing for soothing peace to her disturbed soul she pled with Christ •' " Oh, Jesus, like Peter I denied Thee in the time of fear. I cannot live without Thee. If I must die, help me to die for Thee." The women in the harem noticed that she was praying to Jesus, and told their husband that " the woman is not a Moslem, she still prays to her Jesus." Morning came. The man, with some neighbors well armed, took the woman and children to the Christian church. The Bible with the cross upon it was put upon the floor, defiled and trampled upon. Turning to the woman, they said, " If you are a true Moslem defile this book and trample upon the cross, or we will kill your children." In fear, yet firmly, she said, " I cannot trample upon the cross." They took the youngest child and killed him. The second child, a bright little girl of seven years, cried with the mother, who was still steadfast, not to trample on the cross. That giri also was killed. The mother faint- ing in agony, falling upon the boy, her first-born child eleven years old, yet whispered, " I cannot trample upon the cross — kill me, but spare my son." They both were slain and their life-blood bathed the UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. 261 Book an.l the cross, and their spirits ascended to join the multitude of 100,000 martyred Armenians who lived and died under the shadow of the cross and now are amon. In terror, about 150 of us gathered in a stable for sixteen hours. Cold and hungry we stayed there, fearing every minute they would find and kill us. Early next morning, bareheaded and barefooted I ran to father's house. Oh, what a sight ! Poor father ani brothers, all killed ! Our lamentation is great, })ut that of others is still greatei'. The Christian section of the city is all destroyed. An old, honored pastor, leading priests, teachers, doctors and most influential men were cruelly butchered, and thousands are in need of a piece of bread. Now myself, two little children, jjoor mother and her three children, are sheltered in one room, nothing to eat, no covering I This morning from the neighborhood about one hundred newly widowed young brides went to the Moslem Mosque and pleaded for the return of stmie of our things. They gave only one old quilt and a small measure of cracked wheat. When night comes mother, inyself and the five children lie on the cold floor and cuddle under that one quilt. There are thousands in our condition or even worse. How long, O God I Let all the civilized world hear — they seem indifterent. Has the sword of Moslem more power and influence than the Cross of Christ •\ " This letter is washed with many teara. The children now u m : AMID SACKCLOTH AND ASHES. 2C7 cry in hunger. VVe used to be rich, helping others, now in need of a morsel of bread. No friends left from whom we might beg. We eagerly wait for your comforting letter." From prison a prominent priest wrote to Harutune : "Mv Reverend and Esteemed Friend, — I have no doubt you have already heard what a great calamity iias fallen on our city. Churches and homes destroyed and men slaughtered as sheep, and upon our women and children most horrible deeds have been conunitted. In this letter I Avill show how great atrocities, torture and murder have been done by the officers. I have seen them with mine eyes, I have endured and am enduring these tortures myself. "One Sunday last December many police and soldiers attack- ing our church, took me to the Government building and at night I was taken to the police department — a crowded room, with soldiers and ofHcers, daggers, revolvers and clubs in their hands. Rushing forward they attacked me, and soon the blood was pouring from my mouth, nose and many wounds. Seeing I did not yield they tied my thumbs together with tine wire and passed my feet through the opening, and then whipped me with telegraph wire. Under this scourge I heard their blasphemy : ' You intidel dog, even God cannot take you from our hands ; we will kill you.' There was no mercy to my blood-covered body or my eyes flowing with tears. Unconscious, I was carried out. A.fter a few days I was biken again to court, my hands and feet tied with ropes, my eyes covei-ed. They cut some veins in my right arm from which the blood poured fourth. They poured upon me kerosene oil to put me on tire and burn. After much pleading for mercy in the name of God they decided to hang me instead of burning me. There l)y my feet I hung two or three hours, the blood coming from my mouth, nose and veins. I prayed to die and wcmdered why I did not. "The torture which has been given me and my assc^ciates, no history has been pictured anything like it. Many died under the scourge ; others were strangled in the stiibles ; a great many i I* ..^y^^. 268 HARUTUNE. Iji l» piiii' ii fik were beheaded in the open field ; nnd nuiny had their bodies burned with red-hot irons. (Denials of the name of Jesus and taking Mohannned in His place would save any one of them, but none could or would d(» that.) N(»w for nine months I am in this jtrison under all kinds of torture and sufferings, twenty or thirty of us in one dark, filthy nnul-floor cell, no room t(j lie down and not permitted to leave the cell day or night, in HU)inner's heat and winter's cold, all of us covered with vermin, no sleep, always in tears, daily we suffer the agony of death. "() God, wliy was I not cut off with my associate ]>riests ? But it is Thy will and I must endure. But what of my home and family? Everything jdundered, nothing for the supi)ort oi nine members — wife and children — who are destitute. I can- not help them I Do you wonder if I feel as though insane '. I would have been if it had not been for some aid sent by you and other friends to help my needed family and render comfort to me. Again I thank you that you have remembered us. Pray for Armenians." "Not all the year the vines their clustei's keep : Now fruitful are, now leafy tears do weep. Sunlike, the pure are shadowed by a cloud ; As sparks on water are the envious crowd : Those, by degrees, their former radiance shed ; These are extinguished in a wat'ry bed. Fear not the dark, my friend, howe'er profound : Perchance therein life's water may be found. Let not despair, though dark, thy soul dismay, For night is pregnant with the glorious day." A little boy wrote as follows to his father in America : 'BK™ mm wm "Dear Father, — The Koords have killed all my uncles. While mother and us children were running away for safety, my brother was saying Heesoos, Heesoos (Jesus). They took AMID SACKCLOTH AND ASHES, 269 li|| hold of him aiul snid, ' Keep still, little dog. Who is Heesoos ? ' and killed him. Mother and we are carried away to a Mcwlem home and can never go back. Now my name is (^sman. Sister Eli»il)eth is taken hy another man and her name is now ' Fatima. ' ( )ur cousin Mariam is sold to a Chief for a donkey. Many pretty brides and girls are sold for a donkey, cow, horse or gun. Our crying is bitter, and God has no mercy or pity for us." This is what was written by Maiden Lncine : " We suffered in patience when our corn, butter and honey were seized, and we were left poor and hungry ; we bowed our heads in sorrowful resignation when our kith and kin were cut down by the Koords and Turks. Are we also to be silent and submissive now that our race is being poisoned at its source ? Now that child -mothers and baby-daughters are being defiled and brutalized by savages I Say, Christian sisters, is there in truth no remedy ? We ask for no revenge, for no privileges ; but need I be more explicit to Christian matrons, wives and sisters ? Although we are Armenians, we too are Christians. I was brought up in a Protestant school as you were. I drew my sustenance from the Bible as you did. I was taught to think of ])urity and virtue as you do. But what am I now ? For the love of God, whom we worship in common, help us, Christian sisters, before it is too late, and take the thanks of the mothers, wives, sisters and daughters of my people, and with them the gratitude of one for whom, in spite of her youth, death would come as a happy release. " , " • . The following were the lamentations of Rachel, a native pastor's wife, who with her husband are now superintendents of one of the orphanages under the charge of Harutune : "Our condition is wretched — no words can tell. We are wanderers, broken-hearted, comfortless and friendless. A st 'f w Photographic Sciences Corporation # ■O^ rtV s V \ \ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y MS80 (716) 872-4503 "'•,< r^ It- A % V '% I £p w, Q>- ^ ^ I I. >^' I'i ift ; i.f , tt 1 •n . < w - ^ -S O >. 21 AMID SACKCLOTH AND ASHES. 271 a u o has broken over the mountain of our hope, and for us peace and rest have veiled their faces. Much we have endured, but our suflferings have not ended. Dishonor, torture, persecution and injustice is still our daily lot. In this city two churches are burned, several others plundered and 90 per cent, of all Armenian houses are stripped of everything. . " " Shall we mourn and weep for the past, for our present con- dition, or for future calamities threatening, and none to help us ? We weep — who will dry our tears ? Have fallen — who will lift us up ? We are left hungry, naked. Our Moslem friends have no pity. Who will pity us ? No ray of hope shines from anywhere. My seven children are pale and sick, while I from want and anxiety have no strength left. Now typhoid fever, small-pox and measles are prevailing. My husband, though feeble, works hard in visitation, giving comfort and holding Sunday services. "The time of the massacre I thought the heaven was turned to brass and the earth to iron. Our men were slaughtered as sheep, and the whole city was filled with cries and horror for those being killed by torture, fire and the sword. O God, when wilt Thou rise up for vengeance ? O Thou Creator, is this life eternity, that Thou art waiting so long ? How can I describe the sight of those bereaved widows and orphans gathered round the pulpits in the churches, weeping out their souls in ag(my to God. In the city over seven thousand .\rmenians, many of them widows and orphans, are in need of daily bread, and fc. this number adding two thousand refugees from the surrounding villages makes ten thousand in most destitute circumstances. ''The relief you sent us through various channels we have distributed for bread and clothing to the bereaved and destitute. This aid is like drops in the Iwundless ocean of need. Please read this letter in the churches. Let them remember a mourning woman as myself and our people. Ask them, ' Is there no balm in Gilead ? Is there no physician there ? ' that we are left so distressed, sore-stricken i Who will wipe our tears i Who will come for rescue ? " 272 HARUTUNE. iiili I! f|« " My God : can such things be ? Hast Thou not said that whatsoe'er is done Unto Thy weakest and Thy humblest one Is even done to Thee ? " "In that sad victim, then, Child of thy pitying love, I see thee stand- Once more the jest-word of a mocking band. Bound, sold, and sconrged again." " A Christian up for sale ! Wet with her blood your whips, o'ertask her frame, Make her life loathsome with your wrong and shame. Her patience shall not fail." " Hoarse, horr-ble and strong. Rises to Heaven that agonizing cry, Filling the arches of the hollow sky, How long, O God, how h)ng ? " CHAPTER XXIII. ANGELS OF MP]ROY. It was a dark, dreary niglit when a horseman was passing through a de<.p, solitary valley in Armenia. From a distance a faint sound was heard. The man followed the voices, nearer and nearer. " Ch, it is the voice of children : they are crying," he said. A few days previous .he town near by had been attacked all the men killed, the homes destroyed, women and chddren driven away, and this horseman, knowing the fact, was not much surprised to find some rem"^ nants of the sad event. He was at the entrance of a cave from which the voices came. Tying his horse to a tree, he took away the stones piled before the opening, let in the light, and found eight children from four to twelve years old, much frightened at his arrival. Speaking tenderly, and taking some of the little ones in his arms, he (juiated them They felt he was a good man, a friend, and told their tale. They spoke of how their homes were burned their fathers killed before their eyes, and the mothers,' some killed and others carried away by force while they ran away for safety. For three days they had been in this cave. It was winter, the mountains were covered with snow. The children were hungiy, and ■*•■ 274 HARUTUNE. had nothinjr to eat. They were poorly clad and had no covering. Not daring to go out of the cave for fear some of the bad men might find them, when the older ones saw the little ones fainting, almost dying, their agony was beyond control. In tears and distress they poured forth the bitter cry which was heard by this good man. He brought his bag, gave them all the food he had, and spent the night there, sharing his scanty coverings with them. When morning came, speaking some comforting words of Jesus and His loving care, he dispelled the children's fear, then tied two of them on his horse, took two of them in his arms, and the older ones walk- ing, they started. Many miles were thus travelled till they reached a city of safety, and the children were there sheltered and relieved by this angel of mercy — an agent of a relief association. For the past four years the bitter cries of desolate Armenia, of the bereaved widows and orphans have been heard from the mountain tops, lonely hills, deep ravines, woods, ruined homes, crowded stables, caves, prisons, inns, and street corners, and their echoes have reached the four corners of the earth- They were left homeless, friendless, hopeless. Who would be to them as " Angels of Mercy "? " We will !" said the foreign missionaries, who kept their posts at the time of danger. " Come home," ' wns the demand from the home land ; friends, relatives, even the Governments urged this. The ship was ready, waiting at the shore ; tumult and carnage prevailed in the land. Selfish diplomats called them " foolish," » a o CO > O sn S! H O cs I—I !» o O » s r w 27G HARUTUNE. III! yet they stood firm at the approach of death, even when tire and sword came near their dwellings. They sheltered as many as they could and ministered per- sonally to the sick and dying, by food, medicine and raiment, while sounding the bugle-cry in behalf of these sutierei\s to the people across the ocean, l^p to this time they have helped to save many thousands. A noble Jesuit priest in a mountain town should be specially mentioned. He opened the door of his mon- astery, welcomed all villagers of every name and creed, and himself standing at the door answered the pursuers : ' Smite me first, then you will reach to the others!" All were thus safely rescued. Amid many foreign representatives, besides the missionaries, Sir Philip Currie, the English Ambassa- dor at Constantinople, should be singled out with special appreciation. While all his wise suggestions and zealous labors as a diplomat failed in good results, through no fault of his, he came forward as a friend to the sufferers, and through his personal leadership and influence moved the tender hearts of Great Britain to pity and charity, and did all he possibly could. " We will!" said the native helpers of the surviving Armenians. Already deprived of friends and relatives, while themselves in need, they helped and served the needy. Priests, pastors and people, amid danger and sacrifice, at the very gate of hell, stood faithful to their holy calling to ease pain, heal the wounded and comfort the sorrowing. Societies and many representatives in the United ANGELS OF MERCY. ^11 '«, 10 lid to tld States, the Dominion of Canada, England and Ger- many said, " We will." The Ai'inenian Relief Asso- ciation temporarily rendered early and needed help. The Armenian National Relief Committee has done, and is doing, a great service in relief work throughout those vast destitute regions, establishing and support- ing many orphanages with their industrial depart- ments. The Red Cross Society came to the front with generous aid. While their leader. Miss Barton, ad- ministered the campaign from Constantinople, the faithful and fearless agents entered the field and dispensed the most needed help. Who cp.,n forget the prompt and encouraging mission of that wide-spread weekly, Tlie ChriMlan Hen ( Id, the friend of all good works ? That and many other religious and secular papers most worthily and gladly offered invaluable service, not only through contribu- tions collected, but by keeping vividly before the public the imperative demand for relief. And last but not least is the aid given by the Asia Minor Apostolic Institute, with Harutune at its head, an enterprise in its infancy -yet among the first to advocate and share in some relief work among the orphan and fatherless children. All these and similar agencies in America, England and Germany have administered, and some are con- tinuing to administer, relief to the widows, orphans and destitute. But what could they have done had it not been for the hearty co-operation and support of Christian II ill! h: ONE OF THE OBPHANAOE8 OF ARMENIAN NATIONAL RELIEF COMMITTEE, OORFA ; ALSO SOME OF THEM AT WORK IN THE INDUSTRIAL DEPARTMENT. ^v^ UOKFA ; AM/D SACKCLOTH AND ASHES. 279 cliurcljes, Hocieties, Sabbath Schools and individuals, who have been willinj^ and generous in their givinj^ ? Amid many pressing demands and responsibilities they did not forget the perisliing remnants of the Mother Church of Ararat; they held up the trembling hands, cheering and encouraging the missionaries and native distributors. Clergy, officers and people, with genuine sympathy, mourned with those who mourned, and did not give rest to themselves until they had done their part. Widows gave their mite, the poor sent their self- denying gifts, even small children from their little banks or from spending money gave a share or their all, to help rescue and save the fallen, the friendless and the dying. Thus under God many proved " Angels of Mercy." A poor Armenian barber prov ■ ^mtially escaped from the sword — his i.ouse, however, being plundered and his children having nothing to eat. Early in the morning, with prayer and a 'leavy heart he left for his shop, to try and earn a few pennies to bring bread to his starving family. Reaching the door, to his great surprise he saw two children asleep in that sheltered corner. He touched the eldest child, a boy of nine, who awoke frightened, yet noticing the gentle face of the man, said : " Did Jesus send you ? " " What do you niean, my child ? " " Yesterday some bad men came and killed our father and took mother away. We cried after mother, ' Oh, take us with you,' and she cried for us, but they said, ' We don't care for those little dogs ; we will take you as you are 280 HARUTUNE. nice looking.' They dragged mother by her hair — oh, how she cried. We followed her, crying, too. At the last corner when she went out of sight, she called out to us, ' My dear children, Jesus will send some one for you. Pray to Him.' " Then the boy continued his sad story : " All day myself and little sister walked, hungry, cold and crying — none spoke to us or lietped us. Late at night, in this little corner we fell down and slept. You are the first one that spoke to us. Did Jesus send you ? " The barber was deeply touched, and though poor himself, believing that these children were sent to him, said, " Yes, my child, Jesus sent me — I will take you to my home." Then gently clasping the little girl in his arms, the boy following, he went home, telling his wife : " Trouble not. Jesus has sent these children and He will surely send daily bread for them as well as our own." Life for them with these two extra children was a constant struggle and anxiety, until he happened to see a leaflet containing four pictures, and after that the burden became lighter, and his spirit was cheered. The first picture represented many destitute women and children. They were almost naked, starving skeletons. Around them stood a group of people of a different faith, well clad, with life's necessities in their hands, motioning and saying to the destitute, " Come to us ; we will feed and clothe you, we will take care of you." The children seemed eager, and pulling their mothers said, " Oh, let us go," even stretching forth their hands for bread. The mothers ANGELS or MERCY. 281 tried to clieck tlie little ones. *' We caniKn go to them, we cannot receive their gifts. If we do so that means giving up Jesus and the faith, because they will never take and help us unless we deny Him. Let us still patiently wait and pray." Picture the second showed the same group of desti- tute ones, but the other party had disappeired, and around them were churches with crosses on their steeples. Many groups were here and there. A minister and his officers appeared in consultation, and underneath was written : " Let us save some of them — we can." Little groups of societies seemed much stirred and enthused. " We, too, will do what we can," was their motto. And little children were standing near: " We will share our food and clothing with them," was printed. Individuals, poor, trembling and clad in deep mourning, were there, with hands raised toward the destitute, and beneath was the writing : " I will give a helping hand." Up in the sky bands of angels were dimly seen as floating clouds. Picture the third. The scene was greatly changed. The starving were fed, the naked clothed, and weeping ones were comforted. Those who helped and those who were helped were happily together in different groups, and angels were floating in the air, bringing crowns and putting them on those who had done their part in the name of the Lord. The crowns had shin- ing stars on them, one, two or many. The fourth picture. A last scene appeared ; Christ, the King, was sitting on His glorious throne. The last judgment had been given. To the left a large iip ill ilii III i i , t BLH. 282 HARUrUNE. crowd was entering into thick darkness — a faint writing was seen : " Depart from me ! I was an hun- gered and ye gave me no meat, naked and ye clothed me not, sick and in prison and ye visited me not." On the right was a large multitude in white raiment, rescued and rescuer together, while the King's hand was raised above them and the writing in bright gold was read : " Come, ye blessed of my father — inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these . . . ye have done it unto me." They all appeared soaring above to bright firmaments, and a still larger throng appearing to meet them. Thus, those who have come up out of great tribulation, martyrs, saints and the hosts of believers who loved His appearing, with the Angels Oi Mercy and Angels of Light, entered into glory — glory everlasting I " A noble army — men and boys, The matron and the maid, ' Around the Saviour's throne rejoice, In ro])es of light aiTayed. ' They climbed the steep ascent of heaven, Through peril, toil and pain ; O God, to us may grace be given To follow in their train !" . APPENDIX. GLIMPSES OF ASIA MINOR APOSTOLIC INSTITUTE. AN EDUCATIONAL, INDUSTRIAL, EVAXUELICAL AND BENEVOLENT ENTERPRISE TOWARD PERMANENT RELIEF OF WIDOWS AND ORPHANS OF THE LATE ARMENIAN MARTYRS. MAIN CENTRES IN ICONIUM, TARSUS, AND MARASH. THE REV. HARUTUNE S. JENANYAN, Princfpal. American Headquarterv : 1301 Divinity Place. W. I'iiiladklpiiia, Pa. AetiiKj Treasurer in United Statex . Gkoroe S. Hickok, Ksg.. Cashier, the National Park Bank, New York City. Acting Treasurer in Canada Elias Uooeks, Ksq., 20 Kin« Street West, Toronlo, Canada. i 8 8 CO IS = APPENDIX. A8IA MINOR APOSTOLIC INSTITUTE. EDUCATIONAL. Thk Institute started its work as a day school in Iconiuni. modern Konia, January, 1892. Its influence spreading anment are received. Many of the members have proved means of blessing in the various churches they have attended, whether Protestant, Gregorian or orthodox Greek ; and through these mediums to help the long-suffering Oriental chui'ches to revive from within, and prove living witnesses for Christ and the truth, is the ultimate aim of the Institute. While friends of the work rejoice to see lives changed for the better, disheart- ened ones led to the source of comfort and blessing, and many bitter tears wiped away with the hope of eternal salvation, there is every reason to believe that greater blessings are in store for that land through the instrumentality of tjiis and similar institutions. BENEVOLENT. Since the late massacres in Armenia and part of Asia Minor, the pressing demand has been to relieve wid< >ws and orphans of the martyrs, who may be numbered by tens of thousiinds. So the Institute, estiiblishing a permanent relief work through its treasury, has sent help to eleven different cities, giving aid to nearly 5,000 widows and their little ones. Through the industrial work of the women, many of the above are now self- supporting, and others are partly helped to that end. Besides aiding hundreds of orphans with their widowed mothers at home and many in the schools, there have been established four Orphanages for both sexes — two in Marash, and one each in Tarsus and Sivas ; so including those in the day schools, several hundreds of boys and girls of different grades — fatherless, motherless, or destitute ones — are under supervision and support. God permitting and providing, and Christian philan- thropy co-operating, what a great service it will mean to the country and the cause of Christ to thus aid, educate, and pre- pare these to help themselves and others. \ H 3- n 5 •^ o 3* re in O -0 £ > a. -^ i > O o I % 8 P s. o a • o w 294 APPENDIX. ENDORSERS. % w The following and ninny other clergymen of wide experience and great success personally endorsing and signing the Perma- nent Relief Mission of Asia Minor Apostolic Institute, sjiy : " Rev. H. S. Jenanyan, an Armenian missionary, the founder of St. Paul's Institute, Tarsus, and also founder and principal of Asia Minor Apostolic Institute, is now providentially in this country. "The late massacres in the places of his ministry — the martyrdom of co-workers and many Christians — have naturally increased his responsibility and energy in the fields of his labor, and for a time his whole purpv^ae is to give permanent shelter and relief to the most destitute widows and orphans whose husbands and parents have been martyred. His scheme of having these cared for in some homes, and the widows enabled during a period to be placed in a positiim for self-support through some service and handiwork, while the orphan or fatherless may be placed in good institutions for sustenance and training, is wisely conceived, and is a most practical method for saving those who have no means of earning a livelihood. While other relief channels may be exhausted by decreasing contributions, this method may prove permanent. Mr. Jenanyan's wide and successful experience in that country, his knowledge of the people and their present condition, his exceed- ing carefulness in not personally taking contributions, but having funds sent to the acting Treasurer, while holding him- self responsible to report to donors and advisors of his mission, f»ivG us every assurance that his motives are unselfish and for the good of his people and country. "We therefore bespeak for this brother and the cause the hearty sympathy and support of those who may find this the i (' h APPENDIX. 295 opportunity of a lifetime to render perishing Armenian widows And orphanH succor and salvation. " Yours in the bond of Christ," J i' Binhop E. G. Andrews, D.D., LL.D. Rev. Robert RushcII Booth, D.I)., LL.D. Rev. David J. Burrell, D.D • Rev. W. H. P. Faunce, D.D. - Rev. David H. Greer, D.D. - The late Rev. John Hall, D.D., LL.D. Rev. A. B. Leonard, D.D. Rev. R. S. MacArthur, D.D., LL.D. Rev. C. H. Parkhiirst, D.D. - Rev. J. Lewis Parks, D.D. - Rev. Josiah Strong, D.D. , LL.D Rev. B. B. Tyler, D.D. - Rev. S. H. Virgin, D.D., LL.D. Rev. E. Winchester Donald, D.D. • Rev. George C. Lorimer, D.D. Rt. Rev. William Lawrence, D.D., LL.D. Rev. Albert H. Plumb, D.D., LL.D. Rev. George D. Baker, D.D. - Rev. S. W. Dana, D.D Bishop C. D. Foss, D.D., LL.D. Rev. A. G. Mortimer, D.D. - Rev. Joseph A. Seise, D.D., LL.D. - Rev. Kerr Boyce Tapper, D.D., LL.D. Rt. Rev. O. W. Whitaker, D.D., LL.D. The late Rt. Rev. N. S. Rulison, D.D., LL Rev. M. Valentine, D.D., LL.D. Rev. W. F. Heil, D.D. - - . Rev. R. S. Storrs, D.D., LL.D. Rev. Cyrus Hamlin, D.D., LL.D Rev. G. T. Purves, D.D., LL.D. Rt. Rev. John Scarborough, D.D., LL.D. Bishop John P. Newman, D.D., LL.D. Bishop E. B. Kephart, D.D. • Bishop N. Castle, D.D. • D. New York City. New York City. New York City. Now York City. New York City. New York City. New York City. New York City. New York City. New York City. New York City. New York City. New York City. Boston, Mass. Boston, Mass. Boston, Mass. Boston, Mass. Philadelphia, Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. S. Bethlehem, Pa. Gettysburg, Pa. Reading, Pa. Brooklyn, N.Y. Lexington, Mass. Princeton, N.J. Trenton, N.J. Saratoga, N.Y. Baltimore, Md. Elkhart, Ind. 296 APPENDIX. ■ The preceding endorsement is also signed by the following leading clergymen of the Evangelical Churches in Toronto, Canada, where Rev. H. S. Jenanyan made a brief visit in order to interest the people of the Dominion : Rev. A. H. Baldwin, M.A., - Ven. Archdeacon Boddy, M. A., Rev. Septimus Jones, M.A., Rev. Principal Sheraton, D.D,, LL.D., - Rt. Rev. Edward Sullivan, D.D., - Rev. S. S. Bates, B.A., Rev. C. A. Eaton, M.A., Rev. B. D. Thomas, D.D., - Rev. W. VV. Weeks, . - . . Rev. H. P. Welton, D.D., - Rev. Thomas B. Hyde, - - - - Rev. Morgan Wood, . - . . Rev. Charles A. Wookey, Rev. R. P. Bowles, M.A., B.D., - Rev. William Briggs, D.D., - Rev. Chancellor Burwash, S.T.D., LL.D. Rev. A. Carman, D.D., - Rev. S. D. Chown, D.D., Rev. W. H. Hincks, LL.B., - Rev. A. Sutherland, D.D., Rev. Principal Caven, D.D., LL.D., Rev. Alexander Gilray, D.D., Rev. William Patterson, . . - Rev. J. A. Turnl)ull, LL.B., - Rev. W. G. Wallace, B.D., - Toronto, Ont. u ! . ^i V o w o > O O 3= as o n H a O a o » H a > < t» W P3 w e^ w •< K o to H K M as H H C H en O K a: OQ o a: CO -< a > a a < a 0. EU «<; >" u s H < ■< s Si O < H H H o C5 «1 -'J » o ^^ .UP i".' !?; M n W < o « o M t> B3 35 w H t» H tn 5-5 O < 'A < o APPENDIX. 301 DEFINITE WORK ACCOMPLISHED. K Four thousand five hundred destitute widows with their little ones helped since 1896, many of whom now are self-supporting through industrial departments ; others still being aided to that end. Three hundred and fifty orphan or fatherless children shelt- ered and relieved, many being educated to help themselves and others in coming years. Three hundred and forty boys and girls are in day and board- ing-schools receiving training and education. One Bible woman in Tarsus has thirty-five women and maidens whom she visits daily, teaching them to read the Bible, also rendering valuable missionary services to many families, in comforting them and leading them to a better life. The Evangelical Church in Azizia, whose support was discon- tinued by their Missions owing to lack of funds, applied to the Institute at a crisis, and the needed amount was sent, thus saving a good congregation and school from abandonment and cheering a disheartened pastor. Fourteen promising youths and maidens are partly relieved and helped for their education in colleges in the United States and Canada, thus preparing themselves for efticient work in connection with the Institute. Families and many individuals, in all to sixty-four most needy and destitute refugees, a helping hand was given on reaching this country. Through the encouragement and aid of the Institute the religious services have been carried on among the Armenian refugees in Cairo, Egypt, Boston, Mass. , and Philadelphia, Pa. ^^^ ill 1 302 APPENDIX. The preceding brief report, will suffice to show that God's special favor has been upon Asia Minor Apostolic Institute from the beginning up to this time. The work in all its departments as to methods, economy and rapid progress, stiuids ahead t)f any missionary enterprise of its kind in the whole country. The Principal, Rev. H. S. Jenanyan, and his family are now in America, giving all their time and energy toward the estab- lishment and furtherance of the work. Their stiiy is temporary. With the hearty and speedy co-operation and support of Chris- tians in this country, they hope to return and personally super- intend the Institute in its various branches, aided by a corps of able workers who are now under preparation. • if! I ■r-. WHAT MONEY CAN DO. $5, Auxiliary Member, — Provides lodging, bedding and clothing for a widow or orphan one year. $10, Patron. — Feeds a destitute person one year. $25, Benefactor. — Supports an advanced maiden or youth in a school one year. $50, Sustaining Member. — Shelters and sustains a widowed mother and her three children one year. $100, Life Member.— For the permanent establishment of Asia Minor Apostolic Institute in its different branches. $500. — Endows a scholarship for an orphan youth or maiden. $1,000. — Secures a home to shelter 50 orphan boys or girls. $5,000. — Endows a professor's chair in the educational work. $10,000. — Institutes for young women to shelter and train them as Bible readers, nurses, and for practical work, accommo- dating about 200. $10, (XX). — Hospital work for women and children. $30,000. — Institutions for orphan boys at two centres, with farms and industrial branches, each accommodating 200. Will it be too much to call for $100,000 to fully meet the demands of Asia Minor Apostolic Institute in all its depart- ments ? One thousand churches or generous individuals, each giving or raising $J00 life memberships will thus help erect lasting memorials for Christian benevolence. In case of » church contributing $100 its pastor becomes a life member. Donors provimng for the destitute can name such for. their dear ones, while toward the establishment certain branches or departments may be named according to THEIR WISHES. LaRGE AMOUNTS CAN BE PAID QUARTERLY in a YEAK, or DURING FOUR YEARS. A FRIEND OF THK FRIENDLESS, " It is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." " Defend the poor and fatherless— Deliver the poor and needy— Rid them out of the hands of the wicitetl." " Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." I I 304 APPENDIX. LIFE MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTE. John H. Washburn, Esq., New York. The late Rev. John Hall, D.I)., New York. Rev. Joseph R. Kerr, I) D., New York. Rev. J. .J. Woolley, D.D., Pawtueket, R.I. Mrs. John Thaeher, Pawtueket, R.I. Rev. W. W. HoUoway, D.D., Dover, N.J. Mrs. Mar^faret V. Shephard, New York. Rev. E. N. Packard, D.D.,.Svra,. Rev. W. W. Patton, D.D., Wayne, Pa. Miss F. E. Bennett, Ogontz, Pa. Miss A. A. Brownell, Morristown, N.J. Rev. J. S. Dickson, Philadelphia, Pa. Rev. S. W. Dana, D.D., Philadelphia, Pa. Rev. W. R. Ijaird, West Chester, Pa. Rev. William Boyd, Lansdowne, Pa. Rev. D. H. King, Vineland, N.J. Rev. Chas. E. Hoyt, Mansfield, Pa. Rev. E. C. Armstrong, Williamsport, Pa. Mrs. A. H. Stevens, Vineland, N.J. The late Rev. W. T. Chase, D.D., Phil., Pa, Rev. T. B. Angell, D.D., Harrisburg, Pa. Rev. W. W. Casselberry, Ha