and I have endeavoured to preserve my mind from prejudice, and to guard against every source of error. I trust, therefore, that the facts here recorded, so far as they are derived from personal observation, will be deemed worthy of confidence. The public must decide whether the conclusions to which I have arrived are warranted by the data. I have only to remark, that these facts forced themselves upon my attention, and were not sought for to confirm a previously-formed theory. If the facts and arguments embodied in this work should convince the candid reader, as I trust they will, that the Nestorian Christians are indeed the representatives and lineal descendants of the Ten Tribes, his attention will naturally revert to the prophecies which relate, either wholly or in part, to the house of Israel; and he will return to their perusal with increased interest, perhaps with clearer light. It is to be hoped, also, that he will excuse the author, if, under such circumstances, he has allowed his mind to range somewhat widely over the field of prophecy, and has appeared to encroach upon the peculiar province of the biblical critic. Whatever may be thought of these speculations, it should be remembered that they in no way affect the facts we have adduced in relation to the main question, to the examination of which this work is chiefly devoted. The small map which accompanies this work does not pretend to minute accuracy, but will be found to be more correct than any which has preceded it. It has been mostly compiled from one in the Journal of the Royal Geographical Society of Great Britain for 1840, with the exception of that part of the country which had not been explored prior to my visit, concerning which very little was known. In conclusion I would remark, that if my humble efforts prove the means of increasing the interest which has begun to be awakened in behalf of the Nestorian Christians, I shall return with renewed zeal to my arduous labours, cheered with the anticipation that a brighter day is about to dawn upon the remnant of Israel which is left from Assyria, and, through them, the Gentile world. upon vii Nestorian Mission-Importance of a Physician-Embarkation— Smyrna Constantinople-Black Sea-Trebizonde-Tabreez- Ooroomiah-Character of the Nestorians-Notice of the Mission Practicability of visiting the Mountain Nestorians-Journey to Con- PAGE Arrival at Dûree-Intercourse with the Nestorian Bishop-View Mountain Bridges-Defiles-Medical Practice-Roads-Arrival at the Patriarch's-Kind Reception-Character of the Patriarch- Departure from the Patriarch's-Journey through the Mountains- Visit to a Koordish Chief-Scenes in the Castle-Arrival at Hospitality of the People-Return by way of Van-Night in the Valley - Visit to Koordish Villages - Pastoral Life -- Death of 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 Na- |