d. At Casaba, Droneyo, the native scholar, had, after many
years' teaching, been made conscious of the sin of idol-worship, and had
given his solemn promise to relinquish it as soon as he could propitiate
two favorite gods bequeathed to him by his great uncle. The furnace of
"Satanic cruelty" had been broken down at Dahomey. Brother Smash had,
after several years' labor, and much expense--after having broken down
his health, and the health of many others--penetrated the dark regions
of Arabia, and there found the very seat of Satanic power. It was firmly
pegged to Paganism and Mahomedan darkness! This news the world was
expected to hail with consternation. Not one word is lisped about that
terrible devil holding his court of beggary and crime in the Points. He
had all his furnaces in full blast there; his victims were legion! No
Brother Spyke is found to venture in and drag him down. The region of
the Seven Churches offers inducements more congenial. Bound about them
all is shady groves, gentle breezes, and rural habitations; in the
Points the very air is thick with pestilence!

A pause follows the reading. The wise man in the spectacles--his voice
soft and persuasive, and his aspect meekness itself--would like to know
if any one present be inclined to offer a remark. General satisfaction
prevails. Brother Sharp moves, and Brother Phills seconds, that the
report be accepted. The report is accepted without a dissenting voice. A
second paper is handed him by Sister Slocum, whose countenance is seen
to flash bright with smiles. Then there follows the proclaiming of the
fact of funds, to the amount of three thousand six hundred dollars,
having been subscribed, and now ready to be appropriated to getting
Brother Syngleton Spyke off to Antioch. A din of satisfaction follows;
every face is radiant with joy. Sister Swiggs twitches her head, begins
to finger her pocket, and finally readjusts her spectacles. Having
worked her countenance into a good staring condition, she sets her eyes
fixedly upon Brother Spyke, who rises, saying he has a few words to
offer.

The object of his mission to Antioch, so important at this moment, he
would not have misunderstood. Turks, Greeks, Jews, Arabs, Armenians, and
Kurds, and Yesedees--yes, brethren, Yesedees! inhabit this part of
Assyria, which opens up an extensive field of missionary labor, even
yet. Much had been done by the ancient Greeks for the people who roamed
in these Eastern wilds--