" Since writing I have had word from Mesopotamia which certainly affords some matter for encouragement and thankfulness. My correspondent wrote in December last, and his letter only reached me last week. This fact will show you how slow traveling is between here and there in midwinter. He says, “The books which we have distributed have wrought benefit to many, and the truth in them has been received, so that some now call us.... not as a reproach, but because of the thoughts which we express among the evangelical brethren here, such as the impropriety of asking for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, inasmuch as He has been poured out and is here; and that the church began at Pentecost, and other truths. And we express those thoughts not among ourselves only, but also in the presence of the American missionaries, who admit the truth of them, and do not oppose; but seek to explain that what is meant by asking for the Holy Ghost is that He may demonstrate His working in the church; for He has been given, and is in the church, and is in and with believers; and the present period is characterized by His working to convict men of sin and judgment.' He then goes on to express his joy at my return to the East, and the hope that I may be able to visit them, that their joy may be increased. He requests that some more books be sent, and is extremely anxious that I go on with expository helps to the study of the scriptures.
" He gives a postscript which I thought would interest you. He says, ' It is with sorrow I inform you that one of those who have been receiving the truth has recently died in a desert place, distant from here some three or four hours. He died from exposure to rains and cold, and fatigue, and hunger, and fright. He had gone on business with a partner to some distant villages. On their return they were in company with a caravan (for safety), but got separated from it in the storm and darkness, and both perished. When the caravan reached here, they gave the word that those two had got separated from them during the night, but no one could go out in search of them on account of the darkness and storm. Next day their friends started out to search for them, and found the partner dead on the plains; and going further on to the mountains they found the other one lying dead also, near a stream of water, which had been swollen by the rains, and was flowing hard by his feet. His New Testament had been in his pocket, for it was found near by; while the money he had on his person had been taken. His companions in travel informed us that previous to the time of his separation, he had been praying fervently that God would give help and succor. This brother had been hated by many because of his piety; even some of the evangelical brethren disliked him on that account. He had gone above a year ago to Jerusalem, carrying with him a petition from parties here asking the agents of the Church Mission Society there to send them a missionary of the Episcopal Church. On his way returning from Jerusalem he passed through Ramleh, and found some brethren there who entertained him, and advised him to abandon the thought which had taken him to Jerusalem. He had not known of their existence before that time. He happened to be passing along the street near to the house of one of them, and heard the voice of singing, and was led to enter and make inquiry about them. He remained with them three days. After his return home he told me about them. His thoughts about getting an English missionary quite left him: and he lived spiritually. His mother and brother, with whom he dwelt, disliked him because he prayed too much. They are beginning to know his worth now that he has gone from them forever. But I rejoice exceedingly, for without doubt he died in the Lord.'
" Thus I have given you this little account of the death of one who was, no doubt, dear to the Lord. The little details show what daily life in that region is; and also the trials that those who seek to live in godliness will have to bear, wherever they dwell. No doubt his testimony had been given, and the Lord's time had come to release him from further trial and sorrow, and he found that é absent from the body and present with the Lord,' was just as quick a passage in the storm and darkness and desolation of that scene, as other saints have found it when departing from the midst of the peace and comforts of home. ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.'
" I have written under a good deal of pressure, my right arm having been in disuse for nearly a month and a half. A good deal of work has accumulated for it. I was glad to get your letter. May the Lord abundantly bless all who care for the wants of His work and servants. I have given you an account of the last news from Mesopotamia. I know many are interested to hear about the first dawning of the truth in that region. I scarcely feel that the time has yet come for me to make a visit there, although I desire to be ready for the Lord's guidance at His time. In my last I gave you a little account of my visit to Egypt. I have recent letters which speak of much agitation on the part of the Protestant missionaries, who are seeking to crush all before them. I thank God many are standing firm for the truth. The laborers are all busy in different places, and the Lord is evidently with them. They still find wide doors, in direct contrast with the agents of system, who cannot get a hearing from the Copts at all. One other laborer of gift has got free. He is one of the black men I spoke of. He is an evangelist who had been in the employment of the Americans, but for some time had felt that he was muzzled. He has now left them and is going out with Abdulla, the other dear black fellow I told you about. I trust you will remember them in your prayers, as they go from village to village declaring the glad tidings to all.
" The copy of Things New and Old came. You are perfectly welcome to make any use you can of my letters. I am glad to hear of blessing in England and France. It does seem that the Lord is working in many places manifestly: and those who are humble and devoted will carry the work with them. B. F. P March 20th, 1884.
Surely there is much to interest us, and to call forth earnest prayer for the Lord's work in the land of Abraham and Rebecca. C. S.