Here there
had been no such necessity; yet the converts longed for a more
spiritual observance of gospel ordinances.
The mission had hitherto celebrated the Lord's supper by themselves,
and with one or two exceptions, no Nestorian had witnessed its
observance. There had been some thought of admitting them; but
nothing had been done, till, in the spring of 1854, three of the
converts, who had been reading an English treatise on the subject,
asked one of the ladies of the mission to intercede with the
gentlemen to allow them to be present. She informed Mr. Stoddard of
their request, and he encouraged them to go forward. The matter was
laid before the mission, and it was concluded that a few of those
judged most fit for admission to the ordinance should be invited to
partake.
The first communion to which the converts were admitted was
celebrated in September, 1854, in the large room on the lower floor
of the Female Seminary. Eleven Nestorians partook with the
missionaries, and three of them were women, who had graduated there.
After the service, some of the men went up stairs and sat down
without speaking.
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