The Bible in Persia.
IN February, Colporteur Sallomi Isa and an assistant were on the Euphrates. They tell us: “Immediately on our arrival at Hit a soldier came to take away our books, saying that orders had been received to seize all Scriptures brought to the town, and put the colporteurs under arrest. I pointed out that the books bore the seal of the Council of Public Instruction in Baghdad, and therefore could not be confiscated. At this juncture the governor, with a number of attendants, appeared on the scene, and after looking at the books, said that according to instructions he must send us back with our books. I remonstrated with him, and on this a certain Sayyid, a member of the Governor’s Council, mediated for us, and the matter ended in our being permitted to resume our journey, on condition that we left that place. We went on to Ana, where we sold sixty copies of the Scriptures, A Jewish teacher gave us the use of his house, where we met with Jews and Muslims. A certain Jewish physician was there who showed us great kindness, and spoke much to all who came, on the accomplishment of all the prophecies in Jesus Christ.”
In February also, Colporteur Anton Elia was working among the towns and villages west of Baghdad. “At a small town a Turkish official bought a Turkish Bible. That night the town constable, with a soldier, came to my lodgings and said that I must leave the town on the following day, otherwise I should be sent to Baghdad under arrest. When they had left me the above-named Turkish official came to my room and told me that I was not to go, that he himself might want to buy some more books from me, and that there were others who wanted them too. He also said that if I started without his permission he would send soldiers to bring me back. Five Muhammadans, who were present, told him that as a Muslim he ought not to read any other book than the Duran. To which he replied, ‘Why not? I am a Christian, and let me therefore read the Bible! On the following day I went to see my friend, and got his permission to resume my journey.”
In April, Colporteur Anton Elia and an assistant started on a journey down the Euphrates. “At one of my stopping places the governor sent for me. On going to him he ordered me to bring my books. When I had brought the Scriptures to him he said, ‘These are noxious books and ought to be confiscated, and you should be placed under official arrest.’ I begged him not to deal so harshly with us. At last he relented, but only on condition that we returned to Baghdad at once, which we did with sorrowful hearts at not being able to accomplish all we had intended to do.” The Bible Society Reporter.