PERSECUTION IN PERSIA

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 26, 1892

PERSECUTION IN PERSIA.

REV. DR. SHEDD, of Oroomiah, Persia, writes as follows:—

The most stirring event we have had lately is the arrest of Mirza Abraham, a convert from Islam. He was arrested for preaching and confessing Christ. Brought before the authorities, he was terribly beaten, and every indignity heaped upon him. He confessed his Saviour in the midst of all, repeated verses from the Scriptures as they tormented him, told them that they could kill him and shoot him from the cannon's mouth, but they could not take from him his hope in Christ. For three weeks he was in prison here, rejoicing in the Lord, and testifying to his fellow prisoners of the salvation of Christ. He is now in prison at Tabriz, and we know not whether he will be sent to the shah, or put to death, or released.

It is feared that the Mollahs, who are supported by Russia, have so much greater influence that toleration has little chance. The shah himself cannot stand before the demands of the Mollahs, and British prestige has greatly suffered in the last few months. Let there be earnest prayer for Persia, that God may overrule this persecution, and prepare the way for the kingdom of Christ.