Such an occasion was the
examination of the Seminary, June 6th, 1850. There have been
examinations since, but none so marked in their influence for good;
none where the teachers felt so much like calling the name of it
"Ebenezer," and saying, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."
The pupils had improved, during the last weeks of the term, more
than they had ever done in twice the same length of time, both
spiritually and mentally. At the close of the term, their parents
and friends, with some of the leading Nestorians, were invited to
the examination. More than one hundred and sixty spectators, besides
the pupils, were crowded into the large recitation room. This had
been adorned with a profusion of roses, from the vineyard of Mar
Yohanan, arranged in wreaths and bouquets, with festoons of sycamore
leaves, and other devices. The people were delighted,--for, like
other Persians, they are great admirers of flowers,--and many, on
entering, involuntarily exclaimed, "Paradise! Paradise!" In their
various studies, the attainments of the pupils would have reflected
honor on a seminary in our own land; but their knowledge of
Scripture exceeded all besides.
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