She may have fallen very low, but there was
a power even in her ignorant adherence to Christ, that kept her from
falling to the level of those who renounced him for the Arabian
impostor. This was seen especially in the blessings that came to her
through the institution of Christian marriage, while others groaned
under the debasing influence of a sensual polygamy. The wretchedness
this occasioned is a topic too large and too painful to dwell upon
here. But the wide gulf that separated the two classes was clearly
seen, when on her Sabbath the missionary could speak to the
Nestorian of her Saviour out of her Bible, while the Moslem knows
nothing beyond her kohl and her henna,[1] her dresses and her
follies, and other topics at once belittling, debasing, and
corrupting.
[Footnote 1: Kohl is a black powder used to paint the eyebrows and
eyelashes. Henna is a plant employed to stain the nails, and
sometimes the entire hand and part of the foot, of a dark orange
hue.]
CHAPTER III.
THE SCENE OF THE NARRATIVE.
NESTORIANS.--THEIR COUNTRY.--FRONTISPIECE.--LAKE.--PLAIN.--FORDING
THE SHAHER.--MISSION PREMISES IN OROOMIAH.
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