News· From Haran-5 by Z. G. Baharian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 14, 1905

News· From Haran—5

By Z. G. Baharian

Z. G. BAHARIAN

MARCH 30 our fifth trial came off. The clerk was given a letter to be read. It was a circular letter for the Southern Watchman, sent from Nashville, Tenn., to Brother Alexan Buzugherian. The president inquired of Brother Buzugherian who was this man—Southern Watchman. He explained that this was not a person, but a journal, published in America, to disseminate the gospel truths in the Southern States. The names of the editor and manager were written in the letter. He was then asked if he had any acquaintance with these men, to which he answered, “No.” Then he was asked, “How did it happen that they sent this letter to you?” He answered that the names and addresses of all our workers are printed in a journal, and as he was a worker, his address was on the list, and the manager of the Southern Publishing Association had sent this circular letter, though he did not know him personally.

The president inquired, “What is the meaning of this paragraph: ‘This is a medium for the Southern field. Hundreds of copies can be sent to the North’?” Brother Buzugherian opened his Bible, and explained well that the seed is the word of God, and the field is the world; and the Southern field is the Southern States of the United States; this journal is prepared especially for these Southern States, but the Northern States may also be benefited with it; there is nothing political in this paragraph. It seemed dark to them, because they were not acquainted with such terms. I also arose and gave further explanation about this journal.

A letter was read which had been written by Brother J. H. Krum from Beirut, to Brother Buzugherian at Adana. In this Brother Krum had written about a political trouble in Beirut which took place about three years ago, when from thirty to forty persons were killed, and an American war-ship was sent to protect American citizens. The mention of this event was charged against us as mingling in politics. Brother Buzugherian did not know anything about that event, so could give no explanation. I arose to explain, but was not permitted to do so. This was an injustice. They would have it remain unexplained, that they might prove their accusation. In this act they showed their determination to convict us.

Another letter was read by the clerk, written by a brother from Mersine to Brother Arak Ouzounian in Adana. It was a letter of comfort, Brother Ouzounian having contracted consumption. The letter had been given by him to Brother Buzugherian, and so was among his papers when arrested. In this there was a dark sentence, speaking about Jesus: “He clothed himself with blood-stained garments in Eden because of the tree fruitful.” I saw that the clerk read Edinch (Adrianople) for Eden. At once I proposed its correction. Adrianople being in Macedonia, they tried to mingle our case with that of Bulgarians. We protested against it. After the correction, Brother Buzugherian was requested to give an explanation of it. He explained it from the third chapter of Genesis, telling how Adam and Eve became disobedient, eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; then Jesus took upon himself the sin of man, to die for all the human race, to save them from sin. The president could not bear the thought that Jesus is Saviour of all humanity. We were glad that this truth was told them for their salvation.

Then the clerk read another letter, written by Brother Buzugherian from Adana to a brother in Kozolouk near Tarsus, advising as to the education of the brother’s children. He closed his letter with a salutation, and as a postscript he had written him to send charcoal for his tithe. The president was so anxious to accuse and convict us that he asked Brother Buzugherian: “What relation have the Bible verses about child education to salutation and charcoal? You say you preach the gospel in your letters, but you write other things.” This question was very queer, indeed, but it was explained quietly. The president felt ashamed because he had asked such senseless questions. We saw that a determined effort to judge others blinds even the wise men of the world.

A few other letters were read, but there was nothing political in them. All were about religion. The time had expired, and our trial was deferred another day.

Aintab, Turkey.