It was gratifying to find him still cherishing the friendly feelings with which he welcomed me; but it remains to be seen how valuable his friendship may yet prove. Changes have occurred which have modified his power, and hereafter the traveller through his heretofore lawless country will have less to fear. It is now placed under Turkish jurisdiction. The chief has bartered his independence for an appointment from the Pasha of Erzeroom; and he was returning, an officer of the Porte, to govern his spirited clans, whom he had found too restless to control by his single arm. He also foresaw that the extension of European influence, and the consequent changes occurring in the East, might at no distant day wrest his independence and his country from him. He therefore deemed it wise to make such voluntary overtures as would enable him to retain his station as the immediate head of the Hakary tribes. On my way from Van to Erzeroom, I met with a pleasing instance of the value of foreign protection to the traveller in these countries. While I was sleeping under the tent of a petty Koordish chief, a horse belonging to my party was stolen in the night. I told the chief that he must see that it was returned, or I should make complaint to the English consul. The horse was soon restored. On my arrival at Erzeroom I had the pleasure to be surrounded by a circle of Christian friends. Two of my fellow-countrymen were among the number; but in this distant land, where I have experienced the kindest offices of friendship from intelligent and philanthropic gentlemen of the English nation, I can scarcely recognise any national distinction. The welcome I received from my English friends was most cordial and gratifying. Among them were the British consul James Brant, Esq., Dr. Riach, a tried friend of our mission, and Colonel Sheil, her Britannic majesty's charge d'affaires at the court of Persia. Through the politeness of the latter, I was favoured with letters to his excellency Lord Ponsonby, the British ambassador at the Ottoman Porte; and, while I was at Constantinople, I received from his lordship the warmest assurances of a disposition to afford all necessary countenance and protection to our labours among the Mountain Nestorians, in whose condition and prospects he manifested a lively interest. From our American minister, Commodore Porter, I had already experienced many favours. From Constantinople I proceeded in one of the numerous steamers which converge at the metropolis to the city of Smyrna, where I embarked in a small merchantman, and, after a passage of seventy days, arrived safely at Boston, October 3, 1840. CHAPTER I. The Revolt of the Ten Tribes.-Their Idolatry.-Captivity.Are lost sight of in History.-Not yet found.-Their separate Existence highly probable. Difficulties of the Subject. - Its interesting Nature, and great Importance. In no period of their history were God's chosen people so highly favoured as in the long and peaceful reign of Solomon, who excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. But his unparalleled prosperity was more than he could bear. He was led into idolatry, "and the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared unto him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he kept not that which the Lord commanded. Therefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding, in thy days I will not do it, for David thy father's sake, but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit, I will not rend away all the kingdom, but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jeru |