That which called forth such opposition from
enemies was surely not inefficient. There must have been a power for
good manifest even to Moslem opposers, that taught them where to
strike so as most effectually to destroy.' But there was a Power
above them that said, "Thus far, and no farther." "The bush burned
with fire, yet it was not consumed."
The evil wrought by Asker Khan was not confined to his own doings.
His hostility, in a position so commanding, emboldened every Shimei
to curse. In Ardishai, two or three unprincipled drunkards, with
their dissolute bishop (Mar Gabriel), saved themselves from
Mohammedan rapacity by taking part against the converts. These last
were made examples of, to deter others from attending preaching or
sending their children to the schools.' One poor widow, with four
children,--a most consistent Christian,--was driven from her house
by her father-in-law, because she allowed her oldest daughter to
attend the village school. As many as thirty families, unable to
endure persecution any longer, fled from the village; and Priest
Abraham himself, after suffering much, was compelled to leave,
though his congregation was from one hundred and fifty to two
hundred every Sabbath.
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