nt remuneration. I have
just had a quantity of rice cleaned, for doing which, previously to
the plague I gave a piastre and a half, and now I have given six
piastres.

We have an Armenian bishop coming here in the room of the priests who
are dead. I know not what his plan of operation will be; but the Lord
is on our side.

I had a visit yesterday from the Abbe Troche, who has the
superintendence of the Catholic mission here; he was very pleasant;
but nothing particular passed, as many others were present. My
conversations with the Roman Catholic merchant I have before
mentioned, are still very open and free. Oh! may the Lord water and
bless them.

_Oct. 17._--Several of the elder boys, who had fled from the plague
with their parents, have been with me since their return. My heart
feels deeply interested about them; yet I see not plainly my way. I
certainly never felt teaching in a school to be my proper work, and
now much less than ever; yet they need instruction and desire it, and
I think they are attached to me. May the Lord give me a wise and
understanding heart, that I may rightly see the service he requires of
me. I much wish for the counsel of my dear brethren at Aleppo; and
perhaps the Lord may soon send some of them to me.

_Oct. 18._--I have heard to-day we are to have no other Roman Catholic
bishop in the room of him who is dead; nor any French Consul, but only
an agent; this may take off many restraints; for the late bishop had
given out we were worse than either the Mohammedans or Jews, and this
had made a great impression on his flock; for he was a very liberal
man, and therefore influential among them. However, I very much
question if things will now be kept under the same restraint; so that
should the Lord lead me to open the school again, I should not be
surprised if many Roman Catholics came; for they all acknowledge that
our boys learned more in three months than theirs in two years. The
new Pasha is likewise exceedingly desirous of cultivating the closest
friendship with our Resident, who has most kindly offered me any aid
he can possibly lend me; and besides all this, the letters I have this
day received from England and Ireland, shew me that my very dear
friends have been making provision for my school; so that altogether,
it seems to me the Lord's will I should try again; and in due time,
when I am fit for other service, he may raise up help that will take
this out of my hands. I desire to be